Gone But Not Forgotten

Honoring fallen comrades is an important part of the AOG mission and we ask to be notified as soon as possible of the death of any graduate, Air Training Officer or cadet so that we can take appropriate actions. The AOG has learned of the following deaths within the past 90 days.

For best results, try searching by Last Name (e.g. Smith), Class Year (e.g. 1959), or Cadet Squadron (e.g. CS-01). More complex searches may not return desired results.

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Lt Col Richard Allain , Jr. - Class of 1970 , CS-02

Deceased on October 19, 1987

Lt Col (Ret) James Bachmann - Class of 1970 , CS-28

Deceased on February 3, 2008 - Informed on June 12, 2010

Please contact the Associtation of Graduates for condolence information. Services were held on 23 Feb 2008 at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mt Healthy OH. Memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House, 1401 Rockville Pike Ste 600, Rockville MD 20852

Lt Col (Ret) Carl Bang , Jr. - Class of 1970 , CS-10

Deceased on May 25, 2007 - Informed on May 29, 2007

Condolences: Mrs Barbara Bang C/O Association of Graduates Memorial Services: May 31, 2007, 10:00 a.m., Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 4925 N Carefree Cir, Colorado Springs CO. Graveside services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the USAFA.

Col (Ret) Harold Bennett , Jr. - Class of 1970 , CS-17

Deceased on December 29, 2005

Lt Col (Ret) Keith Bennett - Class of 1970 , CS-10

Deceased on November 15, 2018

2d Lt Kenneth Berg - Class of 1970 , CS-09

Deceased on June 10, 1970

Capt Steven Berta - Class of 1970 , CS-39

Deceased on July 9, 1974

Mr. Paul Bickle - Class of 1970 , CS-03

Deceased on March 15, 1998

1st Lt Michael Blassie - Class of 1970 , CS-27

Deceased on May 11, 1972

Col (Ret) Richard Bonnell , Sr. - Class of 1970 , CS-28

Deceased on April 20, 2007 - Informed on April 27, 2007

Condolences: Mrs Carole Bonnell, C/O Association of Graduates Memorial Services: April 26, 2007, 6:00 p.m., in the Peace Room at the First Baptist Church, 1401 Pat Booker Rd, Universal City TX.

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Next of Kin

For Next of Kin support resources please visit: https://www.usafanextofkin.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten annual publication

The Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation has introduced a new benefit to better memorialize USAFA graduates and support their families.

Gone But Not Forgotten, which appeared in Checkpoints magazine for decades, has transitioned to a dedicated, annual publication. The inaugural edition of Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten published in March 2025.

A: As the Academy’s graduate population ages, Checkpoints has become increasingly insufficient in accommodating the growing number of submitted memorial articles.
A: The new Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten publication honors the Long Blue Line by sharing the personal stories of graduates, cadets, Air Training Officers and AOG Honorary Members. It reflects our mission to support the Academy, serve graduates and preserve the heritage of the institution and Long Blue Line.
A: We considered several cost-effective, impactful options and consulted with our peers at the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. West Point’s TAPS publication provided an excellent model for this new publication.
A: One complimentary copy is provided to a loved one of the deceased memorialized in the publication. Additional printed copies are available for a nominal fee of $25 each. The digital version is available at no cost to all AOG members.
A: AOG members can access the digital issue at usafa.org. If you are not a member but wish to join and access this benefit and others, membership is available at no cost to all USAFA graduates here.
A: Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten is available for $25 here or by calling 719-472-0300. The fee supports providing one complimentary copy to families of those memorialized.
A: See below:
A: Past memorial articles printed in Checkpoints are available as a commemorative keepsake for $15 each. These keepsakes include the photo that ran with the tribute and are printed on sturdy paper, suitable for framing. Articles come enclosed in a blue linen folder and can be ordered here or by calling 719-472-0300. Commemorative keepsake orders will ship or be available for pickup within two weeks of the order date.
A: See below:
A: A major benefit of transitioning to an annual publication is that 2025 memorial articles may run up to 800 words — double the current limit. In the 2026 Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten memorial publication — which will include deaths in 2025 — each article will be presented on its own full page.
A: Email a recent favorite photo of the deceased. The photo (head and shoulders, color preferred) should be emailed as a high-resolution .jpg. Low-resolution image submissions may be declined in favor of a cadet yearbook photo.
A: Submit a memorial article and photo through a form at usafanextofkin.org or email deceasednotifications@usafa.org.
A: One of the major benefits of transitioning to a dedicated, annual publication is that memorial articles can now be up to 800 words. In the 2026 Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten memorial publication — which will include deaths in 2025 — each article will be presented on its own full page.
A: Memorial articles for deaths in 2025 should be emailed when ready to ensure the Association and Foundation can post the tribute on usafa.org/heritage/gbnf.
A: The last issue memorial articles appeared in Checkpoints was in December 2024, but death notices will continue to be published in Checkpoints.
A: Death notices will be printed in each issue of Checkpoints.
A: See below:
A: Memorial articles for deaths in 2025 will be printed around March 2026.
A: Call 719-472-0300 or email Terri Davis, next-of-kin support specialist, at deceasednotifications@usafa.org.

Gone But Not Forgotten