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
2026 All Graduate Survey
The Association of Graduates, the official alumni association for the U.S. Air Force Academy, is launching a survey of all USAFA graduates on March 2.
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Heritage Minute: Wecker Hall — Home at Last
From borrowed office space to a state-of-the-art headquarters — the Air Force Academy Foundation has a new home.
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A Warrior's Legacy
The Academy reflects on the remarkable legacy of 1st Lt. Mike Blassie ’70, whose life of service and sacrifice continues to inspire the cadet wing. A new honor — the Mike Blassie Warrior Award — now recognizes men’s soccer players who exemplify the resilience, character, and warrior ethos he embodied. The first recipients were selected by their teammates, carrying forward Blassie’s enduring impact on the USAFA community.
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Lasting Lessons: A Long Blue Leadership Retrospective
In our Season 4 retrospective, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Wyatt Hornsby, the Association & Foundation’s senior vice president of marketing and communications, revisit the clips that stuck with them.
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Heritage Minute Special: Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck ’12 - Honoring Air Power's Roots
In this Heritage Minute Special, Maj. Julian Gluck ’12 reflects on the enduring legacy of Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz — the U.S. Air Force’s first chief of staff — and the Civil Air Patrol.
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USAFA Board of Visitors convenes for winter meeting
The U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors met Feb. 5 in Washington, D.C. The board is charged with reviewing USAFA curriculum, military training, athletics and admissions.
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News: Academy boxing gym to be named after former head coach Eddie Weichers
Air Force Athletics announced today that the boxing gym will be named after longtime and historic former head coach Eddie Weichers. A dedication celebration for Air Force boxing alumni will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, at 3:30 p.m., prior to the Wing Open Championships, where Coach Weichers will be recognized.
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February 2026 Air Force Gradcast: Connecting the USAFA Community
The latest Gradcast episode highlights key initiatives shaping the future of the U.S. Air Force Academy community — from academic leadership and board governance to leadership development, alumni engagement and historic milestones.
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Heritage Minute: Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold Sculpture
The statue honoring Gen. Henry “Hap” Arnold has been a defining landmark at the U.S. Air Force Academy since its dedication on Nov. 5, 1993.
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Academy to welcome new Dean of the Faculty
The Department of the Air Force has named Col. James M. "Fangs" Valpiani ’04 as the institution’s next Dean of the Faculty. This selection reinforces the Academy’s standing as a nationally-recognized leader in higher education and its mission to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force as they fight and win the nation’s wars.
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Focus on Leadership: Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership
Dr. Heather Wilson ’82, former secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. (Ret.) David Goldfein ’83, former chief of staff of the Air Force, highlight the human side of leadership — honoring family, listening actively and using humility and humor to build strong teams. Their new book, Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership, challenges leaders to serve first and lead with character.
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January 2026 Air Force Gradcast: Connecting the USAFA Community
Learn about cadets advancing space mission capabilities, hear alumni leadership and chapter updates and gain insight into career resources designed for every stage of your journey.
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