September 2026 Checkpoints
In this issue:
- The 23rd superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lt. Gen. Paul “Max” Moga ’95, assumes command.
- Celebrate a lifetime of service with Checkpoints’ Distinguished Graduate Award, Leadership Achievement Award and Young Alumni Excellence Award honoree profiles.
- A quarter century has passed since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. Read about the grads who have fought in the Global War on Terrorism and how their time at USAFA prepared them.
- Learn about the Institute for Future Conflict’s new economic warfare fellow.
- Take a deep dive into the results from the Association & Foundation’s recent all-graduate survey.
- Check out photo essays of the Class of 2030 and significant ribbon cuttings from around the Academy.
- The Academy is honoring legendary coach Fisher DeBerry with a bronze statue at Falcon Stadium and endowment in his name.
- Association & Foundation CEO Mark Hille ’97 writes about the commitment to service before self that binds all USAFA grads.
- AOG board chair Cathy Almand ’90 reflects on the USAFA people and events who recently impacted her and reinforced her pride in the institution.
- Learn about those who designed USAFA’s interiors — and so much more!
Newsroom and stories
Checkpoints: National Security Matters
Some of Colorado’s foremost space researchers gathered in an unassuming conference room at the University of Colorado Boulder in early April to share their expertise with potential academic, industry and military partners. They highlighted their work in hypersonics, space situational awareness, space technologies for the International Space Station and more.
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Checkpoints: Red Hawk Revolution
The U.S. Air Force has relied on the T-38 Talon for six decades. That’s changing as grads at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph get the nascent T-7A program off the ground and share how the system will change pilot training.
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Checkpoints: Regeneration Row
At the U.S. Air Force’s vast Arizona Boneyard, retired warplanes become spare parts, resurrected aircraft and living history. One recent USAFA graduate helps return these grounded jets to the fight.
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Checkpoints: Hemisphere on Alert
From jungle airfields to hemisphere-wide operations, USAFA graduates helped lead a 150-aircraft mission, rebuild Caribbean bases and counter growing global threats.
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Checkpoints: Cleared for takeoff
The long-anticipated Hosmer Visitor Center — an integral part of the TrueNorth Commons development, which includes Hotel Polaris — is scheduled to open outside the Academy’s North Gate in May. It has one mission: Tell the story of the 47-month odyssey from a basic cadet’s first uncertain steps to a life of service that extends far beyond graduation.
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Checkpoints: Mission — Restore
The Association of Graduates board of directors toured the Cadet Chapel restoration Feb. 18. USAFA and Department of War leadership is accelerating efforts to reopen the landmark thanks to streamlined contracting, year-round construction and major structural fixes underway.
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Checkpoints: Vapor's Trail
From Thunderbirds overhead to orbit, Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 charts a relentless, service-driven ascent skyward.
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Checkpoints: Algorithms at Altitude
Five U.S. Air Force Academy graduates — among many — now work at the leading edge of artificial intelligence, applying military training to technology that’s reshaping how organizations operate. While all are in different environments, their philosophies remain consistent.
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Checkpoints: USAFA grad honored with Silver Star
Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks ’07 is the most recent airman and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to earn one of the profession of arms’ rarest commendations. Col. Parks shares the story of his Wild Weasel squadron and their successful mission in March 2025.
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Checkpoints: 50 years of service
U.S. Air Force Academy officials had been preparing for years to seamlessly admit female cadets for when the school would eventually become co-educational. That time arrived in October 1975, when President Gerald Ford signed the bill opening the nation’s service academies to women.
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Checkpoints: Game changer
The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Madera Cyber Innovation Center, dedicated in April 2025, is now fully operational as the home of the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences and Air Force CyberWorx. Cadets report that the new facility has significantly enhanced their cyber warfare team’s capabilities. Supported by the Class of 1968, the team won the 2025 NSA Cybersecurity Exercise — its fourth victory in six years.
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Checkpoints: Laser-focused
The U.S. Senate confirmed Matthew Lohmeier ’06 as the 29th undersecretary of the Air Force on July 24, giving him a key role in shaping the service’s strategic direction amid rapid global change. He helps oversee a $200 billion budget supporting nearly 700,000 personnel, with a focus on welfare, readiness and modernization. Lohmeier has emphasized his commitment to ensuring airmen and guardians have the tools and support needed to meet emerging threats.
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