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
Heritage Minute Special: USAFA's Modern Day Architect (3 of 3)
In Part 3 of this three-part Heritage Minute Special, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 talks with longtime USAFA architect Duane Boyle about his impactful career. They share stories of Boyle’s projects and their experiences working together dating back to the 1980s.
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News: Board of Visitors convenes for Aug. 7 meeting
The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors opened its Aug. 7 meeting at the Falcon Club. Dr. Raquel Rimpola, the board’s designated federal officer, indicated to members that their role is to advise the secretary of defense and secretary of the Air Force on Academy matters — from curriculum and morale to facilities and fiscal policy.
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Long Blue Line Podcast Network Special Presentation: Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11
From cadet to astronaut, Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 shares how the U.S. Air Force Academy prepared her for life aboard the International Space Station, the lessons she learned in the space program about leadership, and how viewing Earth from 250 miles up reshapes one's call to serve.
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Air Force Gradcast: August 2025
What do a Truman Scholar, three NFL players, and a peanut butter–banana–mayo sandwich have in common? They all made the cut in this edition of Air Force Gradcast! Hosts Vince Greco P’17 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 talk Acceptance Day, Long Blue Line weekend, legendary Coach Fisher DeBerry and so much more.
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News: Football endowment fund honors Fisher DeBerry
The Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation and the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation announced the establishment of the Fisher DeBerry Football Excellence Endowment for the Falcon football program in honor of former head coach Fisher DeBerry.
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Heritage Minute: Stillman Field
Some of the most significant cadet milestones take place on Stillman Field. From acceptance into the Cadet Wing to graduation parades (and even graduations), Stillman Field is steeped in history and heritage.
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News: USAFA graduate sworn in as 29th undersecretary of the Air Force
Matthew Lohmeier '06 is the 29th undersecretary of the Air Force. As the second-highest ranking civilian official, he is responsible for organizing, training and equipping the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
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Heritage Minute Special: 70 years of service. One legendary story.
Listen in to learn about a significant event that occurred 70 years ago.
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Leadership Elevated: A Long Blue Leadership Retrospective
Season 3 of the Long Blue Leadership podcast is a wrap! From established national leaders to rising stars, this season features bold and inspiring stories from U.S. Air Force Academy grads.
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Air Force Gradcast: July 2025
The Class of 2029 arrives and brings a record-breaking crowd; the Academy releases new security info for non-military ID holders; USAFA athletes are exhibiting excellence on a national level; and we share an informational, motivational and emotional conversation with Rick Wright ’74, AOG North Texas chapter president.
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Heritage Minute: Contrails
Contrails is more than a handbook — it's a rite of passage at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman '95
Long Blue Line podcast host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 sat with Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s vice superintendent, for a deep dive into leadership, humanity and building a world-class service academy. This episode is packed with wisdom for aspiring, emerging, and seasoned leaders alike.
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