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
USA Rugby Partners with Air Force Academy for Leadership Training
Representing the United States requires more than athletic excellence — it demands character, discipline and a deep respect for the nation’s colors. To instill these values, Scott Lawrence, USA Rugby Eagles men’s head coach, opened the 2026 Nations Cup training camp June 23 by inviting leadership from the U.S. Air Force Academy rugby team to address the players in Denver, Colorado, ahead of their July 4 test match against Portugal.
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Long Blue Leadership: Mitch Torrel ’14
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Mitch Torrel ’14 discusses the power of mentorship, constructive feedback, humility and creating an environment where everyone can contribute. His leadership lessons are just as relevant in the boardroom as they are on the battlefield.
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Heritage Minute: Falcon Mews
The falcon mews is home to some of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s most recognizable ambassadors. Each year, falcons and their cadet handlers make approximately 150 appearances, introducing communities across multiple states to the Academy, its mission and its enduring traditions.
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Col. (Ret.) Chris Bennett ’93 Named EVP for Alumni Relations
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation today announced that Col. (Ret.) Chris Bennett, a 1993 Air Force Academy graduate and the parent of a 2024 graduate, has been named executive vice president for alumni relations.
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New Equipment and Connectivity Enhance Field Research for Cadets
Donor-funded upgrades to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s unmanned aerial systems trailer will streamline operations for cadets and other researchers.
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Clubs on the Move
Several Air Force Academy teams traveled to competitions this year thanks to donors.
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Honoring Coaching Legends
Supporters of Air Force Falcons athletic teams can help sustain their favorite programs through the Air Force Academy Association & Foundation.
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Distinguished Graduate Award Memorial Ribbon Cutting
U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation officials conducted a ribbon cutting for a new memorial honoring recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award Thursday, July 23.
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USAFA Board of Visitors Convenes for Its Summer 2026 Meeting
The U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors met virtually July 20. The meeting focused on Academy leadership transitions, infrastructure needs, discipline policies, artificial intelligence, athletics and the ongoing restoration of the Cadet Chapel.
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Long Blue Leadership: Matthew Ayers ’99
Matthew Ayers ’99 believes leadership isn't about having all the answers. It’s about listening, learning and serving with joy. Hear how experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, on a U.N. peacekeeping mission and leading Dream Centers of Colorado Springs transformed his understanding of leadership.
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Checkpoints: Inside the New U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center
The new Hosmer Visitor Center at the U.S. Air Force Academy opened to the public on May 16, 2026. The Checkpoints team covered the center's ribbon-cutting ceremony and captured video of the first visitors to go through seven galleries before the public grand opening.
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Heritage Minute Podcast: The Air Force in Transition
In this episode of the Heritage Minute Podcast, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tony Monetti ’87 reflects on a decade that reshaped the U.S. Air Force and transformed the way America projects airpower around the world.
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