September 2026 Checkpoints
In this issue:
- The 23rd superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lt. Gen. Paul “Max” Moga ’95, assumes command.
- Celebrate a lifetime of service with Checkpoints’ Distinguished Graduate Award, Leadership Achievement Award and Young Alumni Excellence Award honoree profiles.
- A quarter century has passed since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. Read about the grads who have fought in the Global War on Terrorism and how their time at USAFA prepared them.
- Learn about the Institute for Future Conflict’s new economic warfare fellow.
- Take a deep dive into the results from the Association & Foundation’s recent all-graduate survey.
- Check out photo essays of the Class of 2030 and significant ribbon cuttings from around the Academy.
- The Academy is honoring legendary coach Fisher DeBerry with a bronze statue at Falcon Stadium and endowment in his name.
- Association & Foundation CEO Mark Hille ’97 writes about the commitment to service before self that binds all USAFA grads.
- AOG board chair Cathy Almand ’90 reflects on the USAFA people and events who recently impacted her and reinforced her pride in the institution.
- Learn about those who designed USAFA’s interiors — and so much more!
Newsroom and stories
Long Blue Leadership: Col. (Ret.) Erin Staine-Pyne ’98
Leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about accountability, especially when things don’t go as planned. From lessons learned as a cadet to leading her teams through complex challenges, Col. (Ret.) Erin Staine-Pyne ’98 reflects on how transparency, empathy and trust define strong leadership in uncertain moments.
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Long Blue Leadership: Mark Michalek ’99
Sometimes leadership is modeled in small ways — like leaving work at 4 p.m. and meaning it. Not because the job’s done — but because you’re showing your team that life outside of work matters too. In this Long Blue Leadership podcast, Mark Michalek ’99, human capital director for the FBI, shares leadership tips for more resilient teams.
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Long Blue Leadership: Jessica Whitney ’10
A simple but powerful leadership lesson: Show up — whether in loss, transition or everyday life. Jessica Whitney ’10 reminds us that we often know what to do — the difference is actually doing it. Small acts of showing up can mean everything.
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Long Blue Leadership: Joel "Thor" Neeb ’99
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Joel “Thor” Neeb ’99 explains this simple framework. “Yes” builds experience. “No” protects focus and time.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11 reflects on mentorship, teamwork and building the next generation of warriors and astronauts. From combat missions in the F-22 Raptor to more than five months aboard the International Space Station, Col. Ayers has seen it all.
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Courage to Lead: NCLS marks 33 years at USAFA
What does courage look like under fire? In captivity? In command? In service? This edition of Long Blue Leadership was recorded on location at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s 33rd National Character and Leadership Symposium. We've explored these questions with our guests and captured the conversations for you.
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Lasting Lessons: A Long Blue Leadership Retrospective
In our Season 4 retrospective, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Wyatt Hornsby, the Association & Foundation’s senior vice president of marketing and communications, revisit the clips that stuck with them.
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Focus on Leadership: Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership
Dr. Heather Wilson ’82, former secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. (Ret.) David Goldfein ’83, former chief of staff of the Air Force, highlight the human side of leadership — honoring family, listening actively and using humility and humor to build strong teams. Their new book, Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership, challenges leaders to serve first and lead with character.
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Long Blue Leadership: Congressman August Pfluger ’00
Leadership demands grit, clarity and conviction. On Long Blue Leadership, Congressman August Pfluger ’00 reflects on these qualities through his experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, in the cockpit and as part of the U.S. House of Representatives. His story challenges every leader to ask where courage is calling them to go next.
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Long Blue Leadership: Rebecca Gray ’94
When Rebecca Gray ’94 arrived at her first duty station, she thought she was ready to lead — until a senior master sergeant told her to get a coffee cup and took her away from the safety of her desk. “You’ve got to know who people are, so that you know how to relate to them,” he told her. That simple moment became the foundation of her entire leadership journey.
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Focus on Leadership: Tanji Johnson Bridgeman ’97
In the premiere episode of Focus on Leadership, she joins host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 to share how resilience, self-care and feedback transform challenges into growth — and why caring for yourself is key to leading with presence and impact. Tune in now to learn practical ways to strengthen yourself and those you lead.
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Long Blue Leadership: Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott ’85
The path to progressing as a leader isn’t always linear. Col. (Ret.) Mike Ott ’85 shows how a childhood dream can evolve into a lifetime of impact — from commanding in uniform to leading innovation in health care and national defense. Hear more on Long Blue Leadership.
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