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) Craig Scott - Class of 1975 , CS-06

Deceased on April 12, 2021 - Informed on May 19, 2021

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. No fueral service have been scheduled. His family has suggested the memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Friends of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge; PO Box 294; Cheney, WA 99004; www.fotnwr.org

Dr. Mark Shope - Class of 1975 , CS-34

Deceased on October 9, 2012 - Informed on October 11, 2012

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. A funeral service will be held on 24 Oct 2012 at 1000 hrs at the Cadet Protestant Chapel with graveside service immediately following at the USAFA Cemetery.

1st Lt James Simonitsch - Class of 1975 , CS-26

Deceased on May 4, 1978

Capt Michael Simpson - Class of 1975 , CS-23

Deceased on January 21, 1981

CW4 (Ret) John Sims - Class of 1975 , CS-21

Deceased on December 13, 2020 - Informed on April 21, 2021

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. His obituary can be found at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/martinsburg-wv/john-sims-9953094. No further information is available.

Lt Col (Ret) Scott Smith - Class of 1975 , CS-30

Deceased on September 16, 2022 - Informed on October 18, 2022

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. No funeral services are scheduled. His obituary can be found in the Weirton Daily Times: https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/obituaries/2022/09/scott-smith/ Memorial donations are suggested in llieu of flowers to Trail Life, Legacy Gift, 10162 Augusta Rd, Belton, SC 29627, (321) 247-7761, traillife.com

Lt Col (Ret) Christopher Soto - Class of 1975 , CS-23

Deceased on October 16, 2024 - Informed on October 30, 2024

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. Service detail: 1000 hours on 4 November 2024 at First Baptist Church of Woodbridge, 13600 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA 22193. Memorial donations: In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Obituary: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/33562542/christopher-c-soto

Mr. Theodore Stallone - Class of 1975 , CS-11

Deceased on August 5, 2023 - Informed on October 11, 2023

Please contact the Association of Graduates for condolence information. Funeral: 13 Oct 2023 1300 hours at the Memorial Pavilion at the USAFA Cemetery. Inurnment to follow. No obituary is available at this time.

Lt Col John Steward - Class of 1975 , CS-07

Deceased on December 17, 1993

Mr. David Stinson , Jr. - Class of 1975 , CS-25

Deceased on January 27, 2025 - Informed on March 11, 2025

Service details are not available at this time.

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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