The Association of Graduates is offering a new benefit to better memorialize USAFA graduates and support their families.

As we have shared with members in the March 2024, June 2024, Sept. 2024 and Dec. 2024 issues of Checkpoints, Gone But Not Forgotten, which has appeared in the magazine for decades, is transitioning to a dedicated, annual publication available to all AOG members. The inaugural edition of Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten will publish around March 2025.

Here’s A Toast will be available digitally — at no cost — to all AOG members. There will also be a printed copy option. For those members who wish to have a printed copy and support the cost of providing a complimentary book to families of those memorialized, they can pre-order one for a nominal fee of $25 here or by calling 719-472-0300. Deadline to pre-order is Jan. 29.

As the Academy’s graduate population ages, Checkpoints has become increasingly stretched within its typical 144 pages in accommodating the increasing number of submitted memorial articles, while also fitting the ever-growing “Class News” section. The increasing number of submitted memorial articles, reflecting an aging Long Blue Line, is a hard reality calling for a new approach that not only maintains the benefit but also enhances it. The new Here’s A Toast publication, similar to West Point’s TAPS, will honor the Long Blue Line by sharing the personal stories of graduates and preserving their legacy. It reflects our mission to support the Academy, serve graduates and preserve the heritage of the institution and Long Blue Line.

The inaugural Here’s A Toast will include memorial articles published in Checkpoints in 2024 and any additional 2024 memorial articles submitted by Jan. 29. Memorial articles will be around 400 words. In year two, the memorial articles will expand to up to 800 words.

Each memorial article is also available as a commemorative keepsake. These articles are printed on parchment-like paper, suitable for framing, and come enclosed in a folder. Pre-orders can be placed here or by calling the same number. The keepsakes are $15 each.

For more information about memorial articles and how to submit one, please visit usafanextofking.org or contact Next-of-Kin Support Specialist Terri Davis at deceasednotifications@usafa.org.