News: AOG board appoints two new directors

On March 4, the Association of Graduates announced its certified 2025 election results. In addition, the board of directors appointed Gen. (Ret.) David D. Thompson ’85 and Maj. Jennifer N. Walters ’11 to the board.

GBNF

News: AOG announces Leadership Achievement Award recipients

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates has announced the recipients of the 2024 Leadership Achievement Award: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dondi Costin, Class of 1986, and Col. (Ret.) Carolyn Benyshek, Class of 1987, to be honored on July 25, 2025.

Checkpoints: A future defined

Thanks to nearly 20,000 graduates, families and friends of the Air Force Academy, the future of the institution and of its cadets who become leaders is even brighter and more focused on preparing for uncertainties.

Young Alumni Ambassadors

Character and leadership development

Privacy Policy

News: Reyna joins Air Force Academy Foundation board

Vince Reyna ’90 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.

Air Force Academy Fund

Checkpoints: The F-15 Eagle's 50 years of air dominance

The F-15 Eagle has an unblemished air-to-air combat record, with its pilots shooting down more than 100 enemy aircraft without a single loss. Now celebrating 50 years of service — the first F-15, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, was delivered in November 1974.

Checkpoints: Embedded: The inception of enlisted leaders in cadet squadrons

Thirty years ago, enlisted leaders were imbedded in cadet squadrons, enhancing leadership development and how elisted personne and officers worked together.

Checkpoints: From the Tilton Hilton to Bell CEO

Checkpoints sat down with Lisa Atherton '96, president and CEO of Bell Textron, an 8,500-employee aerospace company manufacturing and delivering helicopters and vertical lift aircraft to military and commercial customers around the world, to talk about her USAFA journey and leadership philosophy.

Checkpoints: Eagles Peak: Jemal Singleton ’99 soars in rarified air — and has the Super Bowl ring to prove it

In April 2025, the Checkpoints team traveled to Philadelphia to visit with Singleton for this feature story and a Long Blue Leadership podcast interview. Singleton also took time from his busy schedule to meet with graduates for a Long Blue Line Social in the City of Brotherly Love.

Checkpoints: Rapid pace of change needed

In February of 2024, Checkpoints sat down with Gen. David Allvin '86, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, for a question-and-answer session.

Checkpoints: Celebrating philanthropic vision

Hugh Williamson ’64 first heard of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s planned TrueNorth Commons development during an Air Force Academy Foundation board meeting break several years ago. He and fellow board director and developer Dan Schnepf ’83 talked about Schnepf’s hopes for the future of the Academy’s North Gate.

Air Force Gradcast: December 2024

Hear about a new brand for the AOG and Foundation, progress on the new visitor center, a call for award nominations and how you can stay connected.

Air Force Gradcast: September 2024

Hear about expanded roles in the Association & Foundation, increasing engagement with grads and reunion season.

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.

Air Force Gradcast: November 2024

Hear about a long-awaited grand opening, tailgating by boat, travel plans to meet with grads and home games at Falcon stadium.

Air Force Gradcast: January 2025

Hear about the retirement of USAFA’s dean of the faculty, the Artemis Moon Tree and closing out a successful donor campaign.

Air Force Gradcast: March 2025

Hear about Association of Graduates biennial board elections, the new NextGen Advisory Council, a new member of the Association & Foundation team and base access changes.

Air Force Gradcast: April 2025

Hear about a big win for a USAFA graduate wrestler, four shining stars for Hotel Polaris, a meet-and-greet with a Super Bowl winner and other events across the country.

Air Force Gradcast: May 2025

Hear about Distinguished Service Award recipients, graduation day for cadets and the prep school, a winning season for women’s basketball and a big day of giving.

Air Force Gradcast: August 2024

Hear about the Academy’s new superintendent, AOG leadership awards and the 200 grads who marched back from Jacks Valley with the Class of 2028.

Air Force Gradcast: June 2025

Hear about the Class of 2025 graduation, Athletics Hall of Fame nominees, a big fundraising win, and the Class of 1976 50th reunion project.

Air Force Gradcast: Distinguished Service Award Recipients

In this special edition, we spotlight the most recent recipients of the Air Force Academy’s Distinguished Service Award.

Checkpoints: Focused on the future

Donor support has always been an important part of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s history. Since its founding in 2007, the Air Force Academy Foundation has focused on cultivating increasing support from donors to help define the future of the Academy, its cadets and its programs – and making sure those gifts are carefully stewarded.

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.

Checkpoints: Semper Supra

At USAFA, Col. Marc Sands serves as U.S. Space Force Space Delta 13 Detachment 1 commander. Reflecting on his career, he talked to Checkpoints about his transition to the Space Force, his return to his alma mater to prepare future leaders to be ready on Day 1, and his impression of today’s Academy.

News: Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation name new EVP of alumni relations

The Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation have announced that Col. Michael “Baja” Cornelius, USAFA Class of 2000, has been named executive vice president of alumni relations. In his new role, Col. Cornelius will oversee alumni relations and work closely with the AOG board of directors. He will report to the CEO and serve as a corporate officer for the AOG.

Checkpoints: Defining athletic excellence

Athletic excellence has been a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force Academy since its inception. Intercollegiate sports foster teamwork, leadership and perseverance in each generation of cadets, equipping them on the “fields of friendly strife” for service to the nation as Air Force and Space Force officers.

News: Two graduates join Air Force Academy Foundation board

BJ Jones ’85 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Gen. (Ret.) Terrence O’Shaughnessy ’86 of Boulder City, Nevada, have joined the Air Force Academy Foundation board of directors.

News: Spirit of '76 Echelon

On May 23, 2025, the Class of 1976 conducted a ceremonial groundbreaking for its 50th reunion class gift. The class is raising at least $4 million to build the Spirit of ‘76 Echelon: A Tribute to the Long Blue Line along the Heritage Trail north of Doolittle and Wecker Halls.

Checkpoints: Combatives courses and clubs prepare cadets for life’s uncertainties

Combatives at the U.S. Air Force Academy is made up of a variety of functional martial arts systems such as freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and even some Filipino and Thai disciplines.

Checkpoints: Defining the visitor and heritage experience

From the TrueNorth Commons development to class projects, these capital improvements and peer-to-peer initiatives honor the past while building toward an even stronger future.

Checkpoints: Defining the cadet experience

Over their 47 months at the U.S. Air Force Academy, cadets interact with donor-supported programs and initiatives almost daily. Academic research, upgraded technology, lab equipment, cadet clubs, symposia and guest speakers all are supported with gift funds.

Checkpoints: Defining the warfighter

Throughout the Defining Our Future campaign’s seven years, donors contributed more than $330 million in support of the U.S. Air Force Academy and graduate services. This support helps secure the Academy’s focus on developing warfighters equipped to lead on Day 1.

Checkpoints: Foundation board chair Q&A

For the March 2025 issue of Checkpoints magazine, Kelly Banet, executive vice president for development, conducted a Q&A with the two U.S. Air Force Academy graduates who served as chair of the Air Force Academy Foundation board of directors during the seven-year Defining Our Future comprehensive campaign.

Checkpoints: Faculty Spotlight: Capt. Eugene DeNezza

In April 2021, Capt. Eugene DeNezza joined the Prep School’s math department and hit the ground running. Beyond his role as an instructor, Capt. DeNezza applied his relentless work ethic to countless endeavors as a project officer, innovator, mentor and leader.

Checkpoints: Rising Star

The air was filled with anticipation on Nov. 14, 2024, as over 500 people gathered outside the U.S. Air Force Academy’s North Gate to celebrate the long-awaited opening of Hotel Polaris.

Checkpoints: Fostering connection and service

Jerry '70 and Pam Bruni had created an endowment benefiting the classes celebrating their 10th, 20th, 25th or 30th reunions.

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.

Checkpoints: We are one USAFA

Participation and engagement defined the third annual 1Day1USAFA day of giving on May 8, 2024. More than 3,100 donors, including over 2,000 graduates, demonstrated their support for the U.S. Air Force Academy by donating $3 million across 196 funds.

News: Fly, fight and win

For nearly two decades, cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy have traveled to Connecticut to learn from some of the top minds in engineering at Pratt & Whitney.

News: Building bonds and giving back

Since its establishment on May 18, 2011, the Twin Cities Area Chapter of the Association of Graduates has grown into a vibrant and generous community. The chapter began with 24 graduates coming together to draft bylaws and elect officers. It has since grown, reaching more than 600 graduates in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

News: 2025 Association of Graduates election results certified

The Association of Graduates board of directors secretary has certified the results of the 2025 AOG election and approved their release to members. Under the AOG bylaws, an election concludes upon certification by the board secretary.

Checkpoints: Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten

The Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation now offers a new benefit to better memorialize USAFA graduates and support their families.

Sabre Society Podcast: USAFA grad making a global impact

Rod Little '92, president and CEO of Edgewell Personal Care, discusses his leadership journey and his ongoing engagement with the Academy.

Sabre Society Podcast: TrueNorth Commons

Dan Schnepf ’83 discusses the impact of the TrueNorth Commons development at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

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.

Sabre Society Podcast: Col. Brian Neff

Col. Brian Neff discusses how donor support enhances academic departments and programs.

Shaping Leaders, Shaping Lives

Lt. Col. Steven Mount ’08 embodies resilience, leadership and a commitment to service. He came to the U.S. Air Force Academy to pursue his love of flying and his aspiration to serve his country after witnessing 9/11 as a high school student. Today, as a Sabre Society member, he has made a leadership-level commitment to support the Academy and shape future leaders, just as USAFA shaped him.

Long Blue Leadership: Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell '97

A-10 Warthog pilot and combat veteran, Col. (Ret.) Kim “KC” Campbell ’97, recounts an incident over Baghdad leading her to make a decision that changed her life then and informs how she leads to this day.

Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Nathan Dial '10

Third-generation warrior, RC-135 pilot, and thought leader, Maj. Nathan Dial ’10, describes his connection to USAFA, his bond with the cadets and how the leadership lessons he learned fuel his drive to serve and support the Long Blue Line.

Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradford J. Shwedo '87

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradford J. Shwedo ’87, uniquely suited to his calling, explains how he leverages lessons from the past to equip present-day warriors to dominate future warfare.

Long Blue Leadership: Alison '15 and Paul '16 Yang

What are the top five characteristics great leaders share? Academy graduates, Alison ’15 and Paul ’16 Yang, discuss that answer — and more!

Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91

Gen. Pringle discusses her experiences as a cadet, including unique firsts. And she highlights the challenges she faced in her career and the lessons she learned.

Long Blue Leadership: Karl Falk '98

Does being bold make a good leader or does a good leader have to be bold? Karl Falk '98, is leader who knows bold both ways.

Long Blue Leadership: NCLS 2024 Special Coverage

The Long Blue Leadership team was in attendance at the 2024 National Character and Leadership Symposium and interviewed several NCLS speakers.

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.

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.

News: Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation boards name Hille CEO and Gould executive vice chair

The boards of the nonprofit Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation announced Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould, USAFA Class of 1976, as executive vice chair, and Mark Hille, USAFA Class of 1997, as CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Checkpoints: Moving the Needle

Like Marvel superheroes banding together to repel a common foe, United States Air Force Academy faculty members, permanent party personnel and the expanding staff of the Institute for Future Conflict are assembling an impressive team of subject-matter experts to help avert global disaster.

Heritage Projects

News: Member Notification

As required by Colorado state law, the Association of Graduates has provided a list of AOG graduate member names and physical mailing addresses to two requesting parties.

News: USAFA Board of Visitors Meets

The U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors met on July 17 at the Falcon Club. The meeting was open to the public and accessible by way of a Zoom link.

News: Chapel Construction Update

Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation staff toured the Cadet Chapel construction site July 24 for an up-close look at an update of the massive project’s progress.

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.

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.

Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Richard Clark '86

A conversation between brothers in arms who have known each other since the early 1980s - one an athlete, the other his coach at the time.

Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Austin McKinney '10

USAFA Class of 2010 valedictorian, Maj. Austin McKinney, discusses how the trust he earned and integrity he learned as a cadet led him to the U.S. Department of State where he helps build relationships between U.S. and global leaders.

Long Blue Leadership: Unscripted Lives

We reflect on the leadership lessons shared by accomplished graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy over the first two seasons of the podcast.

Long Blue Leadership: Dr. Heather Wilson ’82

Dr. Heather Wilson '82 was the first Academy graduate to serve as secretary of the Air Force. She discusses her unexpected journey to the role, emphasizing the importance of integrity, service and leadership.

Long Blue Leadership: NCLS 2025 Special Coverage

In this special episode of Long Blue Leadership, we present our Long Blue Line Podcast Network coverage of the 2025 National Character and Leadership Symposium.

Long Blue Leadership: Sullenberger Award for Courage

Hear from Sullenberger Award for Courage recipients “Atomic,” “Batman,” “Guns,” and “Royal”, who were honored during the 2025 National Character and Leadership Symposium.

Long Blue Leadership: Christian Evans ’08

Christian Evans '08 shares his journey from a jovial cadet to a dedicated leader focused on uplifting others.

Long Blue Leadership: Jake DeRuyter ’15

Jake DeRuyter '15 shares a compelling leadership journey marked by unexpected challenges and resilient adaptation.

Long Blue Leadership: Emma Przybyslawski ’10

Emma Przybyslawski ’10 discusses her path from the front lines of combat zones to the founder’s chair at Strike Solutions.

Long Blue Leadership: Chad Hennings ’88

From A-10 combat missions to three Super Bowl championships, Chad Hennings has led in the air, on the field and now through character-based leadership.

Long Blue Leadership: Jemal Singleton ’99

We explore the evolution and elevation of leadership with a leader who knows what it means to build champions in every sense of the word.

Long Blue Leadership: Dr. John Torres '82

Dr. John Torres '82 shares his inspiring journey from being the first in his family to attend college to becoming NBC's senior medical correspondent.

Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman '95

Long Blue Line podcast host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 sat with Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s vice superintendent, for a deep dive into leadership, humanity and building a world-class service academy. This episode is packed with wisdom for aspiring, emerging, and seasoned leaders alike.

Leadership Elevated: A Long Blue Leadership Retrospective

Season 3 of the Long Blue Leadership podcast is a wrap! From established national leaders to rising stars, this season features bold and inspiring stories from U.S. Air Force Academy grads.

Long Blue Leadership: Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre '96

Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre '96 opens up about how her leadership journey was transformed by a mis-step she once made that led her to introspection and clarity.

Long Blue Leadership: 2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24

2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24 gained national attention in 2025 by winning the NCAA heavyweight championship, defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in a dramatic upset.

Long Blue Leadership: Sam Eckholm '18

A conversation with Sam Eckholm ’18 about his unique path and work to inspire the next generation of military leaders through social media and content creation.

Long Blue Leadership: Coach Troy Calhoun '89

Perhaps best known for his accomplishments on the field, at its core, Coach Troy Calhoun's work is about building athletes in to leaders of character.

News: Class Advisory Senate Elects New Officers

In early November 2024, the Class Advisory Senate (CAS) held its election for the new officers that will serve a two-year term.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Long Blue Leadership: The Honorable Dr. Ravi I. Chaudhary '93

Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy Installations and Environment, is a leader who has taught his team to, "Eat no for breakfast." He lives by a value he learned from his mother at an early age: "If you do your full duty, the rest will take care of itself."

Long Blue Leadership: Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96

Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski ’96 shares her insights on leadership, resilience, resurgence, perseverance, advocacy, and how she continues to serve her country, even after her military career.

Long Blue Leadership: C1C Andrew Cormier

In this episode of the Long Blue Leadership Podcast, Cadet First Class Andrew Cormier opens up about his inspiring journey from growing up in Massachusetts to becoming a squadron commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Checkpoints: Four graduates reimagining patient care through innovation and education

The Air Force Academy’s influence extends far beyond the cockpit and into health care innovation, as four graduates — among many — demonstrate daily in applying their military precision to pioneering medical advances across diverse specialties.

Additional funding programs

Checkpoints: Forged in fire: Largest-ever Culminating Exercise puts Ready Airman Training skills to the test

Over a span of four late-winter days, the U.S. Air Force Academy transformed from a world-class military and educational institution into an Indo-Pacific island rife with escalating geopolitical tensions in what was the largest Culiminating Exercise to date.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: 70 years of service. One legendary story.

Listen in to learn about a significant event that occurred 70 years ago.