News & media

In this issue:

• The Hosmer Visitor Center is set to open in May. Get an inside look.
• Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks ’07 has been honored with the Silver Star and the Sullenberger Award for Courage. Read about one extraordinary night of combat in the skies over the Middle East.
• Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11, F-22 pilot and NASA astronaut, shares what it’s like slipping the surly bonds of Earth.
• There’s nothing artificial about the intelligence of these five USAFA grads working in AI.
• Checkpoints recognizes 50 years of women at U.S. service academies.
• Discover the treasures hiding within the walls of USAFA’s Special Collections.
• Learn how three grads are creating opportunities for Colorado Springs students.
• Check out what’s happening (and why) with the NextGen Advisory Council.
• Find photo essays of the National Character and Leadership Symposium, USAFA academics in action and the AOG board of directors’ tour of the Cadet Chapel.
• Association & Foundation CEO Mark Hille ’97 reflects on the importance of human bonds and time well-spent with graduates in D.C. and at a special warfare conference in Denver.
• AOG board chair Cathy Almand ’90 plugs the 2026 all-graduate survey and why your input matters.