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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Mr. Thomas Shumway - Class of 1969 , CS-32

Deceased on June 19, 2018 - Informed on June 21, 2018

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. Mr. Shumway will be cremated and services will be held at a later date for the family.

Mr. Thomas Skilling - Class of 1961 , CS-03

Deceased on August 29, 2022 - Informed on September 6, 2022

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A service will be held on 17 Sep 2022 at 1400 hours at the Vanderbilt Country Club, 8250 Danbury Blvd, Naples, FL 34120, (239) 348-2662. Burial will be in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rigwa Rd, Seville, OH 44273 on 14 Oct 2022 at 1415 hours. His family Has suggested that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to AVOW Hospice, 1095 Whipporwill Ln, Naples FL 34105-5028, (239) 649-3683, Avowcares.org

Col (Ret) Ernest Skinner - Class of 1969 , CS-08

Deceased on October 16, 2015 - Informed on October 19, 2015

Please contact the Associaiton of Graduates for condolence information. A funeral service will be held on 21 Oct 2015 at 1030 hours at the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church; 5150 N Valley View Rd; Tucson, AZ 85718.

Dr. Thomas Soisson - Class of 1977 , CS-03

Deceased on January 11, 1993

Mr. Thomas Spear - Class of 1970 , CS-23

Deceased on December 19, 2017 - Informed on January 8, 2018

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A graveside service will be held on 29 June 2018 at the USAFA Cemetery.

Lt Col (Ret) Thomas Stack - Class of 1959 , CS-06

Deceased on December 6, 2024 - Informed on December 16, 2024

Funeral service: Lt. Col (Ret.) Stack and Mrs. Stack will be buried at 1400 hours on 16 July 2025 at the USAFA Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO. Memorial donations: In lieu of flowers donations can be made to your favorite animal rescue organization. Obituary: https://www.coxrichmondhillfh.com/obituary/thomas-stack

Mr. Thomas Steipp - Class of 1971 , CS-06

Deceased on February 16, 2025 - Informed on April 1, 2025

Celebration of Life: 1500 hours on 3 May 2025 at Venture Christian Church, 16845 Hicks Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95032. A reception will follow Obituary: https://www.darlingfischer.com/obituaries/Thomas-Walter-Steipp?obId=37714843

Mr. Thomas Stilwell - Class of 1973 , CS-36

Deceased on December 23, 2015 - Informed on August 2, 2019

Services were held at the time of his passing. No further information is available.

Mr. Thomas Summers - Class of 1975 , CS-26

Deceased on October 8, 1992

Col (Ret) Thomas Sutton - Class of 1961 , CS-14

Deceased on February 21, 2022 - Informed on March 17, 2022

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A funeral service was held on 26 Feb 2022 in Provo, UT. His obituary can be found at https://memorials.walkersanderson.com/thomas-sutton/4864431/index.php?_ga=2.154735864.1739950306.1647532541-1040879954.1647532541

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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