June 2025 Checkpoints
In this issue:
- Spring Culminating Exercise tested the Cadet Wing, from its physical fitness to its critical thinking skills… and beyond.
- Dr. Paul Kaminski ’64 is investing in the next generation and equipping cadets with AI skills.
- Bell CEO Lisa Atherton ’96 opens up about adapting through adversity, being present and facing challenges.
- Super Bowl-winning coach Jemal Singleton ’99 shares how the Academy prepared him to lead.
- 30 years ago, enlisted mentors embedded in cadet squadrons, transforming how future officers develop as leaders.
- Four Academy grads are reshaping modern medicine with military precision.
- Meet the newest AOG board directors.
- Celebrate graduation with the Class of 2025 — and more!
Newsroom and stories
Long Blue Line Podcast Network Special Presentation: Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11
From cadet to astronaut, Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 shares how the U.S. Air Force Academy prepared her for life aboard the International Space Station, the lessons she learned in the space program about leadership, and how viewing Earth from 250 miles up reshapes one's call to serve.
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News: Football endowment fund honors Fisher DeBerry
The Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation and the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation announced the establishment of the Fisher DeBerry Football Excellence Endowment for the Falcon football program in honor of former head coach Fisher DeBerry.
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Heritage Minute: Stillman Field
Some of the most significant cadet milestones take place on Stillman Field. From acceptance into the Cadet Wing to graduation parades (and even graduations), Stillman Field is steeped in history and heritage.
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News: USAFA graduate sworn in as 29th undersecretary of the Air Force
Matthew Lohmeier '06 is the 29th undersecretary of the Air Force. As the second-highest ranking civilian official, he is responsible for organizing, training and equipping the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
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Heritage Minute Special: 70 years of service. One legendary story.
Listen in to learn about a significant event that occurred 70 years ago.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: Contrails
Contrails is more than a handbook — it's a rite of passage at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Long Blue Leadership: Jake DeRuyter ’15
Jake DeRuyter '15 shares a compelling leadership journey marked by unexpected challenges and resilient adaptation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Long Blue Leadership: Christian Evans ’08
Christian Evans '08 shares his journey from a jovial cadet to a dedicated leader focused on uplifting others.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: A Gallery of Great Airmen
The “Gallery of Great Airmen” is an artistic gem located in the Exemplar area of Fairchild Hall.
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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.
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Air Force Gradcast: February 2025
Hear about Association of Graduates board elections, USAFA winter sports in full swing and other news and events.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sabre Society Podcast: TrueNorth Commons
Dan Schnepf ’83 discusses the impact of the TrueNorth Commons development at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute Special: What's coming in 2025
Listen in to find out plans for Heritage Minute coverage in 2025.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA's Defunct Ski Tow
In the early 1960s, some enterprising residents of Douglass Valley tried to build a neighborhood ski area in the west end of the valley.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: Falcon Stadium's Rich Heritage Explained
Almost all of the Air Force Academy football games are televised, drawing large national audiences.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: The Town of Husted - Anchoring USAFA's Past
Before there was an Air Force Academy, the 18,500 acres that now host USAFA had a few settlements, most notably the small community called Husted.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: An Ancient Diary In Stone: USAFA's Cathedral Rock
Best known for the “Run to the Rock,” a key rite-of-passage milestone in Doolie-year training, Cathedral Rock, has an interesting history.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: The F-100 Super Sabre
One of the Academy’s best, and mostly unknown, historical artifacts is located on the campus of the Air Force Academy Preparatory School. The North American F-100 Super Sabre aircraft on static display here has an amazing history.
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Heritage Minute: Blodgett Peak's 1943 C-49-J Crash Site
The Academy is home to a large number of impressive static display aircraft. In addition to those in populated areas, there is one aircraft well off the beaten path, just to the west of the Academy, that predates the others by decades.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: KAFA 97.7 FM: USAFA'S Radio Station
Lots of colleges and universities have radio stations, but there is only one KAFA!
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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.
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Heritage Minute: The Biggest Permanent Mural in the World
The Air Force Academy houses one of the largest permanently hung murals in the world.
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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.
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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."
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Heritage Minute: The Home of Falcons Hockey
One of the three sporting venues in the Cadet Field House is the 2,600-seat Cadet Ice Rink.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA'S Clune Arena - Home Falcon Basketball
Covering nearly five acres of terrain and encompassing three distinct sporting areas, the Cadet Field House plays host to a number of events, not all athletic in nature. The largest of the three venues, in terms of seating capacity, is Clune Arena.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: The Cavernous Cadet Field House
The Air Force Academy’s cavernous Cadet Field House contains facilities for intercollegiate basketball, hockey, and track & field, among other sports and events. Sometimes IT'S mistakenly called Clune Arena.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: Remembering the T-38 Talon
Just to the west of the Academy airfield is the Thunderbird Overlook. It contains two interesting static display aircraft: the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt and the Northrop T-38 Talon.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: Behemoth B-52: 1 - MIG: 0
Can you believe this behemoth shot down a MiG? Well, it did!
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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.
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Heritage Minute: A-10 Warthog - The Chopper Popper
The Thunderbird Overlook near the south end of the Academy is home to two static display aircraft: the Northrop T-38 Talon and the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt (aka the Warthog).
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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.
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Heritage Minute: On Silver Wings - The Tuskegee Airmen
A bronze statue in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen is on display outside Harmon Hall on the Academy’s Honor Court.
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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.
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Air Force Gradcast: September 2024
Hear about expanded roles in the Association & Foundation, increasing engagement with grads and reunion season.
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Heritage Minute: The Harmon Memorial
Just to the west of the Cadet Chapel, concealed by a stand of pine trees, is a bronze statue honoring Lieutenant General Hubert Harmon, the first superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy.
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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.
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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.
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News: O’Neil joins Air Force Academy Foundation board
Kevin O’Neil 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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: The Capt. Lance P. Sijan Memorial Statue
The United States Air Force Academy has one graduate Medal of Honor recipient. His name is Lance Peter Sijan, Class of 1965.
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Heritage Minute: The Belk Falcon Statue
Just outside of Falcon Stadium, on the east side, soars the largest falcon statue in the United States.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: Game Day 1962 - Falcon Stadium Events
The Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium has played host to countless significant events since its opening in 1962. The first event was, appropriately, a football game.
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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.
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Heritage Minute Special: Things you might not know about Jimmy Doolittle
In this Heritage Minute Special, Col. (Ret.) John Abbatiello, PhD., author and historian, talks with host, Steve Simon ’77 about his work deep researching and studying the life and times of WWII pilot, Jim Doolittle.
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Heritage Minute: Falcon Stadium - Home of the Fighting Falcons
Falcon Stadium, home of the Air Force Fighting Falcons, has a rich history. Plans for the facility date back to 1955, the year the first cadets reported to the Academy’s temporary home at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA's Catholic Chapel
Occupying the bulk of the Cadet Chapel’s lower level is the Catholic Chapel. Called Our Lady of the Skies, the space was designed to give the impression of being a grotto.
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News: East-side building at Falcon Stadium named Kucera Legacy Center
The new east-side building at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium will be named the Kucera Legacy Center in honor of Jack '78 and Vianne Kucera.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: The Pegasus Statue
Outside Doolittle Hall at the Air Force Academy stands a striking sculpture of Pegasus, the legendary winged horse.
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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.
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Heritage Minute Special: 45 Years Serving the Long Blue Line
In the waning days of his 45-year career serving and supporting the Long Blue Line, Maj. (Ret.) Tom Kroboth was inducted as an honorary member of the Association of Graduates.
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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.
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News: IFC Influence Stretches Beyond Academy Boundaries
To stay abreast of emerging global threats, fellows and senior leaders at the Air Force Academy’s Institute for Future Conflict aren’t merely observing from an academic ivory tower. They’re actively gathering intelligence from various sources and traveling abroad to research what’s truly happening in conflict hot spots.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: Class of 1959 Challenge Bridge
A key feature of the Heritage Trail at Doolittle Hall is the Challenge Bridge. The bridge was commissioned by the Academy’s first graduating class, the Class of ’59, and their surrogate upperclassmen, the Air Training Officers.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: The Heritage Trail
One of the three missions of the Association of Graduates is to promote the heritage of the Academy and the accomplishments of its graduates. One very visible representation of this undertaking is the Heritage Trail, located adjacent to Doolittle Hall, the AOG’s headquarters building.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: How Doolittle Hall Got its Name
In this episode, a walk-through of the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation headquarters named for Gen. James "Jimmy" Doolittle.
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Heritage Minute Special: Eyewitness to Operation Homecoming
Maj. (Ret.) Penny Grossman served 21 years on active duty as a U.S. Air Force nurse. In 1973, she was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines during Operation Homecoming, when nearly 600 American prisoners of war were released.
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Heritage Minute: Honoring the Greatest of the Greats
The primary goal of the United States Air Force Academy is to educate, train, and inspire men and women to become leaders of character for the nation. One great way to do this is by exposing cadets to individuals who embody the selflessness, grit, and other characteristics we work to instill in them.
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News: Air Force Academy Foundation announces four new board directors
Four U.S. Air Force Academy graduates have joined the Air Force Academy Foundation board of directors. The board is the governing body of the Air Force Academy Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the Academy through philanthropy.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: We ARE Meant to Fly!
Dive into the story behind the Col. Richard Gimbel Aeronautical Library, located at the top floor of USAFA's McDermott Library!
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Sabre Society Podcast: Col. Brian Neff
Col. Brian Neff discusses how donor support enhances academic departments and programs.
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Heritage Minute: First in Flight! - The Wright Brothers Display
One of the most interesting areas in the McDermott Library is the stunning circular staircase pinnacled by a replica of the Wright Brothers' airplane.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: A Collection that Inspired The Great Escape
Displayed along the spiral staircase of USAFA’s McDermott Library is an impressive collection of rifles used by U.S. troops throughout the ages.
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Heritage Minute Special: Mystery, history and stories
Col. (Ret.) Jack Anthony ’78 is the U.S. Air Force Academy’s recognized authority on its “pre-history,” which has earned him the handle “USAFA Before USAFA History Guy.”
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Heritage Minute: The USAFA Graduate War Memorial
Situated at the north end of the Air Garden on the Academy Cadet area’s Terrazzo, just under the flagpole proudly displaying the American flag, is the Academy’s Graduate War Memorial.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: F-15A & F-16A
A pair of fighter jets on display at the Academy played key roles in our national defense! Steve Simon ’77 has their story.
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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.
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Heritage Minute: Flashing Back to the F-105D Thunderchief
In this episode of the Heritage Minute podcast, host Steve Simon '77, flashes back to May 1968 when the F-105D Thunderchief static display on the USAFA Terrazzo was dedicated.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA's 70th Birthday
It’s the Air Force Academy’s 70th year bringing up great leaders who go on to serve the nation in uniform!
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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.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA's F-4D Phantom II
The most historically significant static display is the McDonnell-Douglas F-4D Phantom II located on the southeast corner near Mitchell Hall and the Air Garden.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA's 9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial was dedicated on September 9, 2011, as part of the Class of 1976's 35th reunion class giving project. The memorial incorporates an actual girder from the World Trade Center.
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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.
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Heritage Minute Podcast Introduction
One key mission of the Association of Graduates is to highlight some of those things that make the Academy the special place that it is.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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News: New office space for supporting foundations
Bill and Mary Linn Wecker of Jackson, Wyoming, are the lead donors for a new 25,800-square-foot headquarters building for the Air Force Academy Foundation to be named Wecker Hall.
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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.
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Grad Survey Results 2022
We aspire to create an association of ALL Air Force Academy graduates — an association that has influence and impact, supports USAFA’s enduring mission of developing leaders of character and provides a lifetime of service to the Long Blue Line.
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