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: A future defined
Thanks to nearly 20,000 graduates, families and friends of the Air Force Academy, the future of the institution and of its cadets who become leaders is even brighter and more focused on preparing for uncertainties.
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Checkpoints: Rapid pace of change needed
In February of 2024, Checkpoints sat down with Gen. David Allvin '86, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, for a question-and-answer session.
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Checkpoints: Faculty Spotlight: Capt. Eugene DeNezza
In April 2021, Capt. Eugene DeNezza joined the Prep School’s math department and hit the ground running. Beyond his role as an instructor, Capt. DeNezza applied his relentless work ethic to countless endeavors as a project officer, innovator, mentor and leader.
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Checkpoints: Semper Supra
At USAFA, Col. Marc Sands serves as U.S. Space Force Space Delta 13 Detachment 1 commander. Reflecting on his career, he talked to Checkpoints about his transition to the Space Force, his return to his alma mater to prepare future leaders to be ready on Day 1, and his impression of today’s Academy.
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Checkpoints: The F-15 Eagle's 50 years of air dominance
The F-15 Eagle has an unblemished air-to-air combat record, with its pilots shooting down more than 100 enemy aircraft without a single loss. Now celebrating 50 years of service — the first F-15, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, was delivered in November 1974.
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Checkpoints: Rising Star
The air was filled with anticipation on Nov. 14, 2024, as over 500 people gathered outside the U.S. Air Force Academy’s North Gate to celebrate the long-awaited opening of Hotel Polaris.
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Checkpoints: Fostering connection and service
Jerry '70 and Pam Bruni had created an endowment benefiting the classes celebrating their 10th, 20th, 25th or 30th reunions.
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News: Reyna joins Air Force Academy Foundation board
Vince Reyna ’90 has joined the board of directors of the Air Force Academy Foundation. The board is the governing body of the Air Force Academy Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the Academy through philanthropy.
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Checkpoints: Kucera Legacy Center ushers in new era
After years of planning and fundraising, the Air Force Academy welcomed members of the Long Blue Line, families of cadets and other Academy supporters to usher in a new era of fan comfort and experiences.
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Checkpoints: We are one USAFA
Participation and engagement defined the third annual 1Day1USAFA day of giving on May 8, 2024. More than 3,100 donors, including over 2,000 graduates, demonstrated their support for the U.S. Air Force Academy by donating $3 million across 196 funds.
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Checkpoints: Celebrating philanthropic vision
Hugh Williamson ’64 first heard of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s planned TrueNorth Commons development during an Air Force Academy Foundation board meeting break several years ago. He and fellow board director and developer Dan Schnepf ’83 talked about Schnepf’s hopes for the future of the Academy’s North Gate.
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Checkpoints: Rapid Pace of Change Needed, a conversation with CSAF Gen. David Allvin '86
A conversation with Gen. David Allvin ’86, the sixth USAFA graduate to serve as Air Force chief of staff. He is responsible for ensuring 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian personnel have the needed training and equipment to accomplish their missions.
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