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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Capt Kenneth Hossler - Class of 1975 , CS-29

Deceased on September 29, 1981

Mr. Robert Howard - Class of 1975

Deceased on October 11, 1971 - Informed on October 11, 1971

1st Lt Walter Johnson , Jr. - Class of 1975 , CS-16

Deceased on July 14, 1977

2d Lt Philip Jones - Class of 1975 , CS-36

Deceased on December 14, 1976

Lt Col (Ret) Joseph Kahiapo , Jr. - Class of 1975 , CS-38

Deceased on August 10, 2021 - Informed on August 16, 2021

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. Funeral services were held for the family.

Lt Col (Ret) Thomas Kemp - Class of 1975 , CS-35

Deceased on April 28, 2024 - Informed on August 19, 2024

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. Service detail: 1400 hours 31 May 2024 at Haven of Rest Memorial Park, 8503 WA-16, Gig Harbor, WA 98332. Memorial donations: In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Tom's name to to the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center where you can designate your contribution to pancreatic cancer; https://secure.fredhutch.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=adf_agiv&experience=aug25&s_src=aug25&s_subsrc=aegeh25082&utm_campaign=aug25&fh_element=hptoputilnav&creator=da&team=philanthropy Obituary: https://www.havenrest.com/obituary/Thomas-Kemp

Mr. Phillip Kendall - Class of 1975 , CS-37

Deceased on February 12, 2017 - Informed on March 13, 2017

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A funeral service will be held on 17 Mar 2017 at 1100 hours at the Oakview Baptist Church; 1004 S Story Rd; Irving, TX 75060. Burial will follow in Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. His family has suggested that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Vision 20/20 Fund; Oakview Baptist Church at the address above or to a charity of your choice.

Maj Gen (Ret) Robert Knauff - Class of 1975 , CS-28

Deceased on May 3, 2014 - Informed on May 6, 2014

Visitation has been scheduled for 18 May 2014 from 1300-1500 hrs at the Tait Funeral Home; 233 Fenner Rd; Cazenovia, NY 13035 (315) 655-4615 www.taitfuneralhome.com. The funeral service will be held on 19 May 2014 at St. James Church; 6 Green St; Cazenovia, NY 13035. Burial will take place in Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery; 200 Duell Rd; Schuylerville, NY 12871-1721. It is suggested that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to the following charities: Central New York SPCA; 5878 Molloy Rd; Syracuse, NY 13211 www.cnyspca.org (315) 454-4479 Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum; PO Box 229; Rhinebeck, NY 12572 www.oldrhinebeck.com (845) 752-3200 Central New York Salvation Army; 677 S. Salina St; Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 475-1688

Maj (Ret) Jack Kummerfeld - Class of 1975 , CS-07

Deceased on October 19, 2004

Mr. William Linn - Class of 1975 , CS-02

Deceased on March 2, 1991

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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