Gone But Not Forgotten

Honoring fallen comrades is an important part of the AOG mission and we ask to be notified as soon as possible of the death of any graduate, Air Training Officer or cadet so that we can take appropriate actions. The AOG has learned of the following deaths within the past 90 days.

For best results, try searching by Last Name (e.g. Smith), Class Year (e.g. 1959), or Cadet Squadron (e.g. CS-01). More complex searches may not return desired results.

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Maj (Ret) John Helinski - Class of 1963 , CS-21

Deceased on July 5, 2023 - Informed on September 21, 2023

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. Funeral Mass: 118 Aug 2023 at 1300 hours at the USAFA Community Chapel followed by an interment at the USAFA Cemetery. Memorial Donations: Boy Scouts of America Pathway to the Rockies Council online at <https://pathwaytotherockies.harnessgiving.org/donate/?selected-method=monthly&amount=50&campaign_id=0> or to the Air Force Academy Foundation at <https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1885/21/interior-2col.aspx?sid=1885&gid=2&pgid=418&cid=1063>

Capt Clarence Hemmel - Class of 1963 , CS-14

Deceased on October 21, 1967

Col (Ret) William Hentges - Class of 1963 , CS-11

Deceased on April 20, 2017 - Informed on May 10, 2017

Please contact the Association of Graduatesfor condolence information. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on 27 Apr 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; 1206 East McCarty St; Jefferson, MO 65101 Burial with Military Honors was held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. The family has suggested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Our Lady of Confidence Carmelite Monastery Building Fund; 11 West Back St; Savannah, GA 31419 (912) 925-8505 http://carmelofsavannah.com/campaign

Lt Col (Ret) Roderick Himelberger - Class of 1963 , CS-07

Deceased on August 1, 2005

Maj (Ret) John Hockemeier - Class of 1963 , CS-13

Deceased on June 26, 2016 - Informed on July 1, 2016

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. Services are pending at this time.

Lt Col (Ret) Rae Hodges - Class of 1963 , CS-13

Deceased on September 23, 2018 - Informed on September 28, 2018

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A funeral service will be held on 13 Oct 2018 at 1300 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church; 110 6th Ave E; Polson, MT 59860; (406) 883-5524. Burial will follow at 1500 in Ronan Cemetery, Ronan MT. There will be a reception at Leon Hall; 984 Leon Rd; Charlo, MT 59824.

Mr. John Hoffman - Class of 1963 , CS-13

Deceased on June 13, 1977

1st Lt Robert Hofmann - Class of 1963 , CS-19

Deceased on April 1, 1965

1stLt George Holland III - Class of 1963 , CS-02

Deceased on February 23, 1966

Lt Col (Ret) Henry Horton - Class of 1963 , CS-11

Deceased on January 21, 2004

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Next of Kin

For Next of Kin support resources please visit: https://www.usafanextofkin.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten annual publication

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

Gone But Not Forgotten, which appeared in Checkpoints magazine for decades, has transitioned to a dedicated, annual publication. The inaugural edition of Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten published in March 2025.

A: As the Academy’s graduate population ages, Checkpoints has become increasingly insufficient in accommodating the growing number of submitted memorial articles.
A: The new Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten publication honors the Long Blue Line by sharing the personal stories of graduates, cadets, Air Training Officers and AOG Honorary Members. It reflects our mission to support the Academy, serve graduates and preserve the heritage of the institution and Long Blue Line.
A: We considered several cost-effective, impactful options and consulted with our peers at the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. West Point’s TAPS publication provided an excellent model for this new publication.
A: One complimentary copy is provided to a loved one of the deceased memorialized in the publication. Additional printed copies are available for a nominal fee of $25 each. The digital version is available at no cost to all AOG members.
A: AOG members can access the digital issue at usafa.org. If you are not a member but wish to join and access this benefit and others, membership is available at no cost to all USAFA graduates here.
A: Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten is available for $25 here or by calling 719-472-0300. The fee supports providing one complimentary copy to families of those memorialized.
A: See below:
A: Past memorial articles printed in Checkpoints are available as a commemorative keepsake for $15 each. These keepsakes include the photo that ran with the tribute and are printed on sturdy paper, suitable for framing. Articles come enclosed in a blue linen folder and can be ordered here or by calling 719-472-0300. Commemorative keepsake orders will ship or be available for pickup within two weeks of the order date.
A: See below:
A: A major benefit of transitioning to an annual publication is that 2025 memorial articles may run up to 800 words — double the current limit. In the 2026 Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten memorial publication — which will include deaths in 2025 — each article will be presented on its own full page.
A: Email a recent favorite photo of the deceased. The photo (head and shoulders, color preferred) should be emailed as a high-resolution .jpg. Low-resolution image submissions may be declined in favor of a cadet yearbook photo.
A: Submit a memorial article and photo through a form at usafanextofkin.org or email deceasednotifications@usafa.org.
A: One of the major benefits of transitioning to a dedicated, annual publication is that memorial articles can now be up to 800 words. In the 2026 Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten memorial publication — which will include deaths in 2025 — each article will be presented on its own full page.
A: Memorial articles for deaths in 2025 should be emailed when ready to ensure the Association and Foundation can post the tribute on usafa.org/heritage/gbnf.
A: The last issue memorial articles appeared in Checkpoints was in December 2024, but death notices will continue to be published in Checkpoints.
A: Death notices will be printed in each issue of Checkpoints.
A: See below:
A: Memorial articles for deaths in 2025 will be printed around March 2026.
A: Call 719-472-0300 or email Terri Davis, next-of-kin support specialist, at deceasednotifications@usafa.org.

Gone But Not Forgotten