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
News: USAFA Board of Visitors Convenes Oct. 23, 2024
The U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors met on Oct. 23. The meeting was open to the public and accessible by way of Microsoft Teams.
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Long Blue Leadership: Brian Campbell '08
Brian Campbell, Assistant Vice President for Athletics Development at the University of Miami, shares his journey from growing up in Columbus, Ohio, to becoming a leader in athletics fundraising, his experiences as a cadet at the Air Force Academy, the challenges he faced, and the resilience he developed.
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Heritage Minute Special: How the Wings of Blue got its start
The Wings of Blue started in the spring of 1962 when a group of daring cadets — later dubbed the "bootleg jumpers" — made their first parachute jumps.
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Air Force Gradcast: October 2024
Hear about reunion and tailgating season, a message from the Academy’s new superintendent in Checkpoints and new podcast releases.
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Long Blue Leadership: Jason Kim '99
While a cadet at the Air Force Academy, Jason Kim ’99 experienced the “pedestal effect” and learned the importance of curiosity, compassion, trust and mutual respect.
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News: Academy Ranks High in 2025 U.S. News and World Report Rankings
U.S. News & World Report has ranked the U.S. Air Force Academy, a military service academy, one of the nation’s best undergraduate educational institutions in its annual “Best Colleges” report.
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Long Blue Leadership: 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh '23
A conversation with 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh ’23, the first active duty military member to be crowned Miss America 2024, about her background, leadership experiences, transition to Harvard Kennedy School, and key lessons on empathetic leadership and following one's passions.
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Sabre Society Podcast: Academic Success Center
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dave Meier ’96, the director of the Quantitative Reasoning Center, and Dr. Chris Gras, assistant professor of reading and professional communication, talk about the donor-supported Academic Success Center.
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Air Force Gradcast: September 2024
Hear about expanded roles in the Association & Foundation, increasing engagement with grads and reunion season.
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Long Blue Leadership: Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks '96
Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks ’96 discusses the absolute importance of standards and integrity in leadership, and how a new, more rigorous approach at the Academy will build that in to cadets making them Day-1 leaders.
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Checkpoints: Kucera Legacy Center ushers in new era
After years of planning and fundraising, the Air Force Academy welcomed members of the Long Blue Line, families of cadets and other Academy supporters to usher in a new era of fan comfort and experiences.
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News: O’Neil joins Air Force Academy Foundation board
Kevin O’Neil 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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