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
Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell '98
As a child, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell ’98, dreamt that one day she would defy gravity, taking her rightful place in the sky among the stars.
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Heritage Minute: The Air Garden - Part 2
In the next part in this series featuring the history of the USAFA Air Garden, Steve Simon ’77 walks us though the restoration efforts that took place in two phases over nearly 30 years.
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Sabre Society Podcast: Col. Brian Neff
Col. Brian Neff discusses how donor support enhances academic departments and programs.
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Heritage Minute: The Air Garden - Part 1
In this episode of Heritage Minute, Steve Simon ’77 brings you the history of the Air Garden. From it’s design inspirations and features, to the challenges that lead to the filling of the space with dirt and grass…
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Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12
A conversation with Maj. Julian “Cosmo” Gluck '12, a flyer with the heart of a pilot, the soul of a golden age aviator, and an insatiable yearning to learn. Why? In part to support developing leaders of tomorrow.
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Heritage Minute: The Dorris Mural "Order Sabers"
Discover the inspiration behind “Order Sabers” A mural painted by then cadet, now Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joe Dorris ’74. The mural illustrates life as a cadet in the early 1970s and features depictions of the cadet journey from Basic to Officer.
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Heritage Minute Special: Mystery, history and stories
Col. (Ret.) Jack Anthony ’78 is the U.S. Air Force Academy’s recognized authority on its “pre-history,” which has earned him the handle “USAFA Before USAFA History Guy.”
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Heritage Minute: The Carlton House - Part 2
In part 2 of this edition of Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77 we follow the journey of the Carlton House complex through its varied eras — serving as a country club, high school and finally home of the Air Force Academy’s superintendent.
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Long Blue Leadership: Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born '83
To influence for good, character paired with strong leadership skills is paramount. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born '83 brings the two together in episode 8 of Long Blue Leadership.
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News: USAFA Distinguished Graduates announced
The United States Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates are proud to announce Mr. Terrence “Terry” O’Donnell, Class of 1966, and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John D. Hopper Jr., Class of 1969, as 2024 Class of Distinguished Graduates.
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Checkpoints: Rapid Pace of Change Needed, a conversation with CSAF Gen. David Allvin '86
A conversation with Gen. David Allvin ’86, the sixth USAFA graduate to serve as Air Force chief of staff. He is responsible for ensuring 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian personnel have the needed training and equipment to accomplish their missions.
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Checkpoints: Galactic Guides, a conversation with Masucci '85 & Latimer '87
Virgin Galactic pilots Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mike Masucci '85 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kelly Latimer '87 are transporting paying customers to space. Checkpoints catches up with them ahead of their first mission together.
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