News & media

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.

Air Force Gradcast: July 2025

The Class of 2029 arrives and brings a record-breaking crowd; the Academy releases new security info for non-military ID holders; USAFA athletes are exhibiting excellence on a national level; and we share an informational, motivational and emotional conversation with Rick Wright ’74, AOG North Texas chapter president.

Heritage Minute: Contrails

Contrails is more than a handbook — it's a rite of passage at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

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.

Checkpoints: Augmenting an Academy education

Dr. Paul Kaminski ’64 enjoyed a U.S. Air Force career full of technological firsts that made the United States safer and demonstrated its technological prowess.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: USAFA's Modern Day Architect (2 of 3)

In Part 2 of this 3-part series, Heritage Minute Special host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77, continues his conversation with Duane Boyle, recently retired USAFA architect.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: USAFA's Modern Day Architect (1 of 3)

In part one of this three-part series, Heritage Minute Special host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 gets his conversation started with Duane Boyle, recently retired USAFA architect.

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.

Heritage Minute: USAFA's Battle Ramp

In August 1958, when the U.S. Air Force Academy completed its move from Lowry Air Force Base in Denver to its permanent location, cadets first accessed the cadet area by marching up what is now known as the "Bring Me Men" ramp.

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.

Heritage Minute: USAFA Cemetery (4 of 4)

Burial eligibility at the USAFA Cemetery is governed by USAFA Instruction 34-501, published on Nov. 13, 2018.

Heritage Minute: USAFA Cemetery (3 of 4)

The USAFA Cemetery serves not only as the final resting place for many distinguished individuals but also as the site of several notable structures that honor their service and legacy.

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.

Heritage Minute: USAFA Cemetery (2 of 4)

The USAFA Cemetery has become a revered final resting place for many of the Air Force's most distinguished leaders and heroes.

Heritage Minute Special: The discovery of a legend

During his cadet days, Col. (Ret.) Jim Moschgat ’77 made a remarkable discovery: One of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s janitors had earned a Medal of Honor.

Heritage Minute: USAFA Cemetery (1 of 4)

Tucked among pine trees just east of the Cadet Area, the 100-acre USAFA cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 2,000 individuals. It stands as a place of honor and reflection, with a history that reaches back to the Academy’s earliest days at its permanent location.

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.

News: USAFA announces Young Alumni Excellence Award winners

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates has announced the 2024 Young Alumni Excellence Award recipients, to be honored on July 25, 2025.

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.

News: USAFA Distinguished Graduates Announced

The U.S. Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates proudly announce Gen. William J. “Bill” Begert, Class of 1968, and Jerome “Jerry” Bruni, Class of 1970, as members of the newest Class of Distinguished Graduates to be honored on July 25, 2025.

Long Blue Leadership: Jake DeRuyter ’15

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

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.

Heritage Minute Special: The history-making Class of 1969

Col. (Ret.) Darrel Whitcomb ’69 recently led a class reunion, briefing attendees on his classmates' roles during the Vietnam War.

Heritage Minute Special: the USAFA Founders Day story

April 1, 1954, is the day President Dwight D. Eisenhower shook hands with then-Secretary of the Air Force Harold E. Talbott. The president had just signed legislation authorizing the establishment of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

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.

Long Blue Leadership: Christian Evans ’08

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

Heritage Minute: Historic Ice Lake

Just west of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s service and supply area lies Ice Lake — a quiet spot with a surprisingly industrious past.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: A lifetime chronicling and preserving history

Maj. (Ret.) Don Rightmyer ’73 has spent a lifetime chronicling and preserving history, a passion he shares with Heritage Minute Special host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77.

Heritage Minute: USAFA'S exceptional collector

Meredith Harlow, U.S. Air Force Academy curator of artifacts, discusses her background and the work she does preserving USAFA’s history and heritage.

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.

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.

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.

Heritage Minute: Pioneer Cabin

Nestled in the wooded stretch of the Douglass Valley stands the oldest structure on the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds, and one of the oldest buildings in the entire Pikes Peak region.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

Heritage Minute: USAFA's Jacks Valley

For graduates and cadets who trained here as basics, Jacks Valley will always occupy a special place in our memories.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: USAFA's command historian

The Air Force Academy’s Command Historian Dr. Brian Laslie talks about his love of history and how that led him to the Academy.

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.

Heritage Minute: A Gallery of Great Airmen

The “Gallery of Great Airmen” is an artistic gem located in the Exemplar area of Fairchild Hall.

Air Force Gradcast: February 2025

Hear about Association of Graduates board elections, USAFA winter sports in full swing and other news and events.

Heritage Minute: The Bell of Neuville Tolls a Story

A church bell near the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Community Center predates the Academy by more than 140 years.

Heritage Minute Special: The most decorated hockey player in Academy history

Former Air Force Academy hockey player Chuck Delich '77 is a living legend who continues to contribute to the game to this day.

Heritage Minute: USAFA's first home

On July 11, 1955, 306 basic cadets arrived at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, to begin their journey at the United States Air Force Academy.

Heritage Minute Special: From cadet to senator and president

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77 talks with AOG Class Advisory Senate President Col. (Ret.) Randy Helms '79.

Sabre Society Podcast: TrueNorth Commons

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

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.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: What's coming in 2025

Listen in to find out plans for Heritage Minute coverage in 2025.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: Cadet sabers now made in the USA

The production of USAFA’s cadet sabers has moved from Germany to Colorado Springs. Heritage Minute Special host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 explains the change.

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.

Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field '79

In Episode 10 of Long Blue Leadership, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burt Field ’79, now president and CEO of the Air & Space Forces Association, discusses his leadership philosophy, and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, family, and the five core values by which he lives.

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.

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: 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.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: 30 years of the Sabre Society

The Sabre Society came into existence 30 years ago when the Air Force Academy joined with the Association of Graduates in 1995 to sign a memorandum of understanding.

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.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: A Legacy of Leadership and Scholarship

Gen. (Ret.) Steve Lorenz graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1973 and went on to participate in some of the most impactful moments in our nation’s history.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: How the Wings of Blue got its start

The Wings of Blue started in the spring of 1962 when a group of daring cadets — later dubbed the "bootleg jumpers" — made their first parachute jumps.

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.

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.

News: Academy Ranks High in 2025 U.S. News and World Report Rankings

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the U.S. Air Force Academy, a military service academy, one of the nation’s best undergraduate educational institutions in its annual “Best Colleges” report.

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.

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.

Air Force Gradcast: September 2024

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

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.

Checkpoints: Kucera Legacy Center ushers in new era

After years of planning and fundraising, the Air Force Academy welcomed members of the Long Blue Line, families of cadets and other Academy supporters to usher in a new era of fan comfort and experiences.

Heritage Minute Special: "Honor Bound: A Portrait in Courage"

Host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77 welcome Jim Nance ’71 and Maj. Joe Flescher ’14, to the studio. Nance created the 2,000-pound "Honor Bound - A Portrait in Courage" plaque now mounted on the east exterior wall of USAFA's Southeast Asia Pavilion. Flescher served as his model.

Heritage Minute: The Belk Falcon Statue

A falcon statue honors Air Force Academy graduates 'for their selfless service to our nation.'

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: 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.

Heritage Minute: The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy

In the early days — the 1950s, ’60s and early ’70s — Army and Navy were hesitant to face the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, citing concerns about the altitude.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: Things you might not know about Jimmy Doolittle

Col. (Ret.) John Abbatiello, Ph.D., author and historian, talks with host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 about his research involving World War II pilot James Doolittle.

Heritage Minute: Game Day 1962 - Falcon Stadium Events

Since opening in 1962, the Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium has hosted countless significant events. Fittingly, the first was a football game.

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.

Heritage Minute: USAFA Chapel — Buddhism and Other Faiths

The Cadet Chapel and surrounding areas offer worship spaces that accommodate nearly every cadet’s spiritual needs, including a Buddhist Chapel.

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.

Heritage Minute: USAFA's Jewish Chapel

The Jewish Chapel shares the downstairs area of the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel with the Catholic and Buddhist worship spaces.

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.

Heritage Minute Special: Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Bob Vasquez

Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Bob Vasquez has a deep history serving the Long Blue Line, including at the Air Force Academy.

Heritage Minute: USAFA's Protestant Chapel

The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel stands alone as the only chapel at a service academy that accommodates all faith groups under one roof.

Heritage Minute: USAFA's Catholic Chapel

The Catholic Chapel, designed to resemble a grotto, occupies the bulk of the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel’s lower level.

Heritage Minute: USAFA's iconic Cadet Chapel

The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel rises 150 feet into the thin Colorado air, its 17 gleaming spires echoing the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, jet formations in flight and sabres held high in salute.

Heritage Minute: USAFA's F-4D Phantom II

Heritage Minute: The POW memorial

The Association of Graduates’ Heritage Trail features the POW Memorial Sculpture, a solemn tribute to 33 U.S. Air Force Academy graduates who endured captivity as prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

Heritage Minute: The Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion

The most prominent and commanding structure along the Heritage Trail is the Southeast Asia Memorial Pavilion. A gift from the Class of 1970, it was dedicated on Oct. 1, 2010, during its 40-year reunion.

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.

Heritage Minute: The Pegasus Statue

Outside Doolittle Hall at the Air Force Academy stands a striking sculpture of Pegasus, the legendary winged horse.

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.

Heritage Minute: Distinguished Graduate Pedestals

A vital part of the Association of Graduates’ commitment to preserving our heritage is recognizing and honoring the Academy’s most exceptional alumni.