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: A lifetime chronicling and preserving history
Maj. (Ret.) Don Rightmyer ’73 has spent a lifetime chronicling and preserving history, a passion he shares with Heritage Minute Special host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77.
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Air Force Gradcast: February 2025
Hear about Association of Graduates board elections, USAFA winter sports in full swing and other news and events.
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Heritage Minute Special: The most decorated hockey player in Academy history
Former Air Force Academy hockey player Chuck Delich '77 is a living legend who continues to contribute to the game to this day.
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Heritage Minute Special: From cadet to senator and president
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77 talks with AOG Class Advisory Senate President Col. (Ret.) Randy Helms '79.
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Sabre Society Podcast: TrueNorth Commons
Dan Schnepf ’83 discusses the impact of the TrueNorth Commons development at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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Long Blue Leadership: Unscripted Lives
We reflect on the leadership lessons shared by accomplished graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy over the first two seasons of the podcast.
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Checkpoints: Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten
The Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation now offers a new benefit to better memorialize USAFA graduates and support their families.
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Heritage Minute Special: What's coming in 2025
Listen in to find out plans for Heritage Minute coverage in 2025.
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Air Force Gradcast: January 2025
Hear about the retirement of USAFA’s dean of the faculty, the Artemis Moon Tree and closing out a successful donor campaign.
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Heritage Minute Special: Cadet sabers now made in the USA
The production of USAFA’s cadet sabers has moved from Germany to Colorado Springs. Heritage Minute Special host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 explains the change.
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News: Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation name new EVP of alumni relations
The Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation have announced that Col. Michael “Baja” Cornelius, USAFA Class of 2000, has been named executive vice president of alumni relations. In his new role, Col. Cornelius will oversee alumni relations and work closely with the AOG board of directors. He will report to the CEO and serve as a corporate officer for the AOG.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field '79
In Episode 10 of Long Blue Leadership, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field ’79, now president and CEO of the Air & Space Forces Association, discusses his leadership philosophy, and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, family, and the five core values by which he lives.
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