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
Checkpoints: Semper Supra
At USAFA, Col. Marc Sands serves as U.S. Space Force Space Delta 13 Detachment 1 commander. Reflecting on his career, he talked to Checkpoints about his transition to the Space Force, his return to his alma mater to prepare future leaders to be ready on Day 1, and his impression of today’s Academy.
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Checkpoints: The F-15 Eagle's 50 years of air dominance
The F-15 Eagle has an unblemished air-to-air combat record, with its pilots shooting down more than 100 enemy aircraft without a single loss. Now celebrating 50 years of service — the first F-15, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, was delivered in November 1974.
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Checkpoints: Rising Star
The air was filled with anticipation on Nov. 14, 2024, as over 500 people gathered outside the U.S. Air Force Academy’s North Gate to celebrate the long-awaited opening of Hotel Polaris.
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Checkpoints: Fostering connection and service
Jerry '70 and Pam Bruni had created an endowment benefiting the classes celebrating their 10th, 20th, 25th or 30th reunions.
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News: Reyna joins Air Force Academy Foundation board
Vince Reyna ’90 has joined the board of directors of the Air Force Academy Foundation. The board is the governing body of the Air Force Academy Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the Academy through philanthropy.
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Heritage Minute Special: 30 years of the Sabre Society
The Sabre Society came into existence 30 years ago when the Air Force Academy joined with the Association of Graduates in 1995 to sign a memorandum of understanding.
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Long Blue Leadership: Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96
Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski ’96 shares her insights on leadership, resilience, resurgence, perseverance, advocacy, and how she continues to serve her country, even after her military career.
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Long Blue Leadership: C1C Andrew Cormier
In this episode of the Long Blue Leadership Podcast, Cadet First Class Andrew Cormier opens up about his inspiring journey from growing up in Massachusetts to becoming a squadron commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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News: Class Advisory Senate Elects New Officers
In early November 2024, the Class Advisory Senate (CAS) held its election for the new officers that will serve a two-year term.
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Heritage Minute Special: A Legacy of Leadership and Scholarship
Gen. (Ret.) Steve Lorenz graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1973 and went on to participate in some of the most impactful moments in our nation’s history.
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Air Force Gradcast: November 2024
Hear about a long-awaited grand opening, tailgating by boat, travel plans to meet with grads and home games at Falcon stadium.
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Long Blue Leadership: The Honorable Dr. Ravi I. Chaudhary '93
Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy Installations and Environment, is a leader who has taught his team to, "Eat no for breakfast." He lives by a value he learned from his mother at an early age: "If you do your full duty, the rest will take care of itself."
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