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: USAFA's Jacks Valley
For graduates and cadets who trained here as basics, Jacks Valley will always occupy a special place in our memories.
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News: Spirit of '76 Echelon
On May 23, 2025, the Class of 1976 conducted a ceremonial groundbreaking for its 50th reunion class gift. The class is raising at least $4 million to build the Spirit of ‘76 Echelon: A Tribute to the Long Blue Line along the Heritage Trail north of Doolittle and Wecker Halls.
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Long Blue Leadership: Chad Hennings ’88
From A-10 combat missions to three Super Bowl championships, Chad Hennings has led in the air, on the field and now through character-based leadership.
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Heritage Minute Special: USAFA's Modern Day Architect (1 of 3)
In part one of this three-part series, Heritage Minute Special host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 gets his conversation started with Duane Boyle, recently retired USAFA architect.
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Long Blue Leadership: Emma Przybyslawski ’10
Emma Przybyslawski ’10 discusses her path from the front lines of combat zones to the founder’s chair at Strike Solutions.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA's Battle Ramp
In August 1958, when the U.S. Air Force Academy completed its move from Lowry Air Force Base in Denver to its permanent location, cadets first accessed the cadet area by marching up what is now known as the "Bring Me Men" ramp.
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Air Force Gradcast: May 2025
Hear about Distinguished Service Award recipients, graduation day for cadets and the prep school, a winning season for women’s basketball and a big day of giving.
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Long Blue Leadership: 2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24
2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24 gained national attention in 2025 by winning the NCAA heavyweight championship, defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in a dramatic upset.
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Heritage Minute Special: The discovery of a legend
During his cadet days, Col. (Ret.) Jim Moschgat ’77 made a remarkable discovery: One of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s janitors had earned a Medal of Honor.
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Air Force Gradcast: April 2025
Hear about a big win for a USAFA graduate wrestler, four shining stars for Hotel Polaris, a meet-and-greet with a Super Bowl winner and other events across the country.
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News: AOG announces Leadership Achievement Award recipients
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates has announced the recipients of the 2024 Leadership Achievement Award: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dondi Costin, Class of 1986, and Col. (Ret.) Carolyn Benyshek, Class of 1987, to be honored on July 25, 2025.
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News: USAFA Distinguished Graduates Announced
The U.S. Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates proudly announce Gen. William J. “Bill” Begert, Class of 1968, and Jerome “Jerry” Bruni, Class of 1970, as members of the newest Class of Distinguished Graduates to be honored on July 25, 2025.
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