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
By Design: Other Experts
Duane Boyle, an honorary Association of Graduates member who served as U.S. Air Force Academy architect for decades until his December 2024 retirement, says the use of architectural industry leaders Skidmore, Owings and Merrill of Chicago and the New York industrial design firm Walter Dorwin Teague Associates were only two examples of how Air Force officials sought out the best subject matter experts at every step in the planning and designing of the Academy.
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Checkpoints: Exemplifying Excellence - The Distinguished Graduate Award
Each year, the United States Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates together select and honor those whose achievements exemplify the enduring values of the Long Blue Line: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. The Distinguished Graduate Award, first presented in 2001, is the Academy’s highest alumni honor, recognizing graduates whose lifetime achievements and extraordinary service have brought distinction to the nation, their communities and the Academy.
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Checkpoints: Exemplifying Excellence - Young Alumni Excellence Award
Each year, the United States Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates together select and honor those whose achievements exemplify the enduring values of the Long Blue Line: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. The Young Alumni Excellence Award recognizes graduates within 15 years of graduation whose professional accomplishments, innovation and commitment to service distinguish them as rising leaders in their fields and communities.
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Checkpoints: Exemplifying Excellence - Leadership Achievement Award
Each year, the United States Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates together select and honor those whose achievements exemplify the enduring values of the Long Blue Line: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. Now in its third year, the Leadership Achievement Award celebrates graduates 16 to 39 years postgraduation who have reached significant milestones in their military, public service or civilian careers. These recipients embody exceptional leadership and demonstrate meaningful impact while remaining steadfast to the values learned at the Academy.
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Heritage Minute: Mitchell Hall
At the center of the Terrazzo sits Mitchell Hall, where generations of cadets have gathered for meals, camaraderie and tradition.
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Kick off Fall with Gradcast!
In the latest Air Force Gradcast, hear about the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new academic structure, the return of football and reunion season, and the upcoming Fisher DeBerry statue dedication. Also, hear from former Falcon baseball coach Maj. (Ret.) Mike Kazlausky ’91 about a lifetime spent developing USAFA cadets and athletes.
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Graduates Make Voices Heard in 2026 Survey
What does the U.S. Air Force Academy mean to its graduates today, and what do they expect from the organization that serves them? Results from the 2026 graduate survey offer a fresh look at that relationship. The survey explored the factors strengthening or weakening pride and connection, the services and priorities that graduates most value and what graduates want from their alumni association.
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Checkpoints: Change of Command
The U.S. Air Force Academy marked a historic transition of leadership Aug. 7 as Lt. Gen. Paul “Max” Moga ’95 assumed command as the institution’s 23rd superintendent and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Tony Bauernfeind ’91 concluded an Air Force career spanning 35 years.
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Executive Order Establishing U.S. Space Academy
The president of the United States issued an executive order Aug. 28 establishing the United States Space Academy. The executive order creates the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy and directs the commission “to evaluate the option of establishing the Space Academy within NASA, including actions necessary to implement such a structure.”
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Long Blue Leadership: In Case You Missed It
In this special Long Blue Leadership: In Case You Missed It edition, we return to eight conversations from 2026 and pull some of their most practical lessons: Slow down when pressure says rush, honor your word, separate the person from the performance, ask better questions, protect what matters, adapt to the moment, be the steady hand and notice when someone needs you to act.
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Heritage Minute Podcast: Launching Space Force
In this edition of the Heritage Minute Podcast, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Nina Armagno ’88 shares her firsthand perspective on the rise of military space, the creation of the U.S. Space Force and why space remains critical to national security.
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Air Force Gradcast: New leadership, Same Long Blue Line
In this Gradcast, we discuss the confirmation of Lt. Gen. Paul "Max" Moga ’95 as the United States Air Force Academy's 23rd superintendent, the creation of the Academic Wing and its four schools, the dedications of the Distinguished Graduate Award Memorial and Yost Plaza and the long-awaited unveiling of the giant 11-foot class ring replica outside of Wecker Hall.
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