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
Maj. Gen. Paul Moga ’95 nominated to lead U.S. Air Force Academy
The president of the United States has nominated Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga ’95, commander, Third Air Force, to serve as the 23rd superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy and promotion to the rank of lieutenant general. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he will succeed Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind ’91, who has led the institution since August 2024.
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Heritage Minute: An enduring legacy
In 2026, we commemorate a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of the admission of female cadets at the United States Air Force Academy under Public Law 94-106.
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Newest class of USAFA Young Alumni Excellence Award honorees announced
The Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy proudly announces Maj. (Ret.) Andrew Van Timmeren, Class of 2010; Lt. Col. Jeffrey Allen, Class of 2011; Lt. Col. Carmilya Jones, Class of 2011; and Mr. Sam Eckholm, Class of 2018, as recipients of the 2025 Young Alumni Excellence Award.
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Newest class of USAFA Leadership Achievement Award honorees announced
The Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy proudly announces Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kimberly Ford, Class of 1990; Col. (Ret.) Shane Hamilton, Class of 1992; and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Nora Rule, Class of 2002, as recipients of the 2025 Leadership Achievement Award.
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Long Blue Leadership: Mark Michalek ’99
Sometimes leadership is modeled in small ways — like leaving work at 4 p.m. and meaning it. Not because the job’s done — but because you’re showing your team that life outside of work matters too. In this Long Blue Leadership podcast, Mark Michalek ’99, human capital director for the FBI, shares leadership tips for more resilient teams.
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Heritage Minute Podcast: 50 Years with Women at USAFA
This April in Colorado Springs, more than 600 members of the Long Blue Line will come together to mark 50 years of women at the U.S. Air Force Academy. For five decades, thousands of women have helped define the mission and legacy of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Today, leaders like Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tanya Hurwitz ’95 are bringing those stories full circle — connecting past impact with future generations.
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Three USAFA grads selected as Olmsted scholars
The Olmsted Foundation has named three graduates of the United States Air Force Academy to its prestigious Olmsted Scholar Class of 2027. Selected during the foundation’s spring board meeting March 18 in Washington, D.C., Maj. Sean Bapty ’16, Maj. Miranda Bapty ’16 and Capt. Elena Britt ’18 are among 16 officers chosen across the Department of War for the competitive international study program.
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Long Blue Leadership: Jessica Whitney ’10
A simple but powerful leadership lesson: Show up — whether in loss, transition or everyday life. Jessica Whitney ’10 reminds us that we often know what to do — the difference is actually doing it. Small acts of showing up can mean everything.
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Newest class of U.S. Air Force Academy Distinguished Graduate honorees announced
The U.S. Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates proudly announce Mr. Worth W. “Bill” Boisture, Class of 1967; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Susan J. Helms, Class of 1980; and Gen. (Ret.) Tod D. Wolters, Class of 1982, as members of the newest Class of Distinguished Graduates.
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April 2026 Air Force Gradcast
This episode of Air Force Gradcast features updates on the Hosmer Visitor Center; Academy leadership news; announcements of this year's Distinguished Graduates; a progress report on the Fisher DeBerry Football Excellence Endowment; and Founders Day to Chapter Check-ins. Don’t miss these stories, and much more, in this edition of Air Force Gradcast!
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Academy to welcome new commandant of cadets
In preparation for a change of command ceremony next month, Col. Brandon Tellez '01 has been assigned as the Academy’s 32nd commandant of cadets, succeeding Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks '96, who will retire this summer after a distinguished Air Force career.
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Checkpoints: Cleared for takeoff
The long-anticipated Hosmer Visitor Center — an integral part of the TrueNorth Commons development, which includes Hotel Polaris — is scheduled to open outside the Academy’s North Gate in May. It has one mission: Tell the story of the 47-month odyssey from a basic cadet’s first uncertain steps to a life of service that extends far beyond graduation.
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