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 (Ret) Thomas Kolessar - Class of 1974 , CS-33

Deceased on August 27, 2003 - Informed on November 8, 2010

No further information is available.

Col (Ret) Thomas Koss - Class of 1965 , CS-08

Deceased on December 8, 1996

Lt Col (Ret) Thomas Kullgren - Class of 1964 , CS-08

Deceased on August 25, 2023

Maj Gen (Ret) Thomas LaPlante - Class of 1961 , CS-03

Deceased on July 30, 2002

Col (Ret) Thomas Leib - Class of 1966 , CS-14

Deceased on November 4, 2011 - Informed on November 4, 2011

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A Funeral service will be held on 10 Nov 2011 at 1300 Hrs at the USAFA Cemetery.

Mr. Chrys Lemon - Class of 1980 , CS-25

Deceased on August 27, 2022 - Informed on September 6, 2022

Obituary: https://www.moneyandking.com/obituaries/Chrys-Dee-Lemon?obId=25833186#/obituaryInfo Memorial Service: 9 Oct 2022 at 1400 hours at National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Cir NW, Washington, DC 20005 Memorial Donations: Dona Ana Village Association (DAVA) https://mailchi.mp/eaba095143c0/donaanavillage

Mr. Thomas Maas - Class of 1985 , CS-15

Deceased on March 3, 2000

Maj (Ret) Thomas Mathews III - Class of 1978 , CS-25

Deceased on February 4, 2014 - Informed on May 2, 2014

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A celebration of life was held on 22 Feb 2014 in Charlottesville, VA. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Charlottesville, VA. The family has suggested that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association; 1160 Pepsi Pl, Ste 306; Charlottesville, VA 22901 (434) 973-6122, Ext 113 www.alz.org/cwva/in_my_community_donate.asp

Mr. Thomas Maxwell - Class of 1965 , CS-17

Deceased on December 30, 1997

Lt Col (Ret) Thomas McAtee - Class of 1962 , CS-11

Deceased on January 24, 2025 - Informed on February 12, 2025

Visitation: 1600 until 1800 hours on 30 January 2025, at Bucktrout of Williamsburg, 4124 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. Funeral Mass: 1500 hours on 31 January 2025, at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. To view the livestream go to www.bedeva.org and select "Watch Livestream Mass". A reception will immediately follow in the James River Grand Ballroom at The Kingsmill Resort,1010 Kingsmill Rd, Williamsburg, VA Burial service: 1230 hours on 4 February 2025, at the USAFA Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO. Memorial donations: In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program, https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/williamsburg-aviation-scholarship-program-wasp-/12369/ Obituary: https://www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net/obituaries/Thomas-Tuck-Pearson-Mcatee?obId=34822835

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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