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
The New Air Force Gradcast: Connecting the USAFA community
We congratulate the most recent U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive a Silver Star, highlight outstanding cadet athletes and scholars, discuss Association of Graduates giving societies, and so much more!
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Long Blue Leadership: Rebecca Gray ’94
When Rebecca Gray ’94 arrived at her first duty station, she thought she was ready to lead — until a senior master sergeant told her to get a coffee cup and took her away from the safety of her desk. “You’ve got to know who people are, so that you know how to relate to them,” he told her. That simple moment became the foundation of her entire leadership journey.
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U.S. Air Force Academy’s Holly & Ivy Holiday Concert
Mark your calendar and save the date for this free event! The U.S. Air Force Academy Band presents its annual “Holly & Ivy” concert on Dec. 3, 4 and 9.
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Focus on Leadership: Tanji Johnson Bridgeman ’97
In the premiere episode of Focus on Leadership, she joins host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 to share how resilience, self-care and feedback transform challenges into growth — and why caring for yourself is key to leading with presence and impact. Tune in now to learn practical ways to strengthen yourself and those you lead.
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Heritage Minute: The Holaday Athletic Center
Unpredictable weather is no match for the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Holaday Athletic Center — the 92,000-square-foot indoor training facility that’s served USAFA for more than a decade.
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Reunited, and it feels so good: ’63 grad takes to the skies with his first love
Col. (Ret.) Hank Hoffman ’63 recounts rediscovering his “first love,” the A-37 fighter jet, more than 45 years after leaving active duty. Following a distinguished flying career spanning combat, instruction and testing, he reflects on returning to the skies at age 84 and the enduring camaraderie of fellow pilots.
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Welcome to the New and Enhanced Air Force Gradcast!
The new and improved Air Force Gradcast is here! Hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius '00 and Vince Greco P’17 debut features like Chapter Check-ins and the new Sabre Society Spotlight, keeping U.S. Air Force Academy grads connected and informed.
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Long Blue Leadership: Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott ’85
The path to progressing as a leader isn’t always linear. Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott ’85 shows how a childhood dream can evolve into a lifetime of impact — from commanding in uniform to leading innovation in health care and national defense. Hear more on Long Blue Leadership.
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Heritage Minute Special: USAFA’s Cultural Resources, Part 2 of 2 - Erwin Roemer, Former Cultural Resources Manager
The second part of the This Heritage Minute Special dives into partnership, preservation and a unique perspective of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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Air Force Gradcast: Beyond the sidelines — a special presentation featuring Coach Troy Calhoun ’89
Falcon football Head Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 joins Air Force Gradcast host Vince Greco P’17 and discusses Calhoun’s days as a freshman letterman to leading cadets on and off the field.
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Long Blue Leadership: Dave "Big D" Harden ’95
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, hear how adversity, gratitude and courage forged a leader others would follow anywhere. From his harrowing experience during the 9/11 attacks to overcoming childhood adversity and pioneering innovation in the Air Force, Dave Harden shares practical lessons on gratitude, resilience and the importance of running toward challenges rather than away from them.
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Heritage Minute Special: USAFA’s Cultural Resources, Part 1 of 2 - Erwin Roemer, Former Cultural Resources Manager
Native Americans have a long and proud history of military service. In fact, they are among the most represented ethnic groups in the U.S. armed forces. In this Heritage Minute Special podcast, Erwin Roemer shares how that tradition continues at USAFA today.
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