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: Dave "Big D" Harden ’95
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, hear how adversity, gratitude and courage forged a leader others would follow anywhere. From his harrowing experience during the 9/11 attacks to overcoming childhood adversity and pioneering innovation in the Air Force, Dave Harden shares practical lessons on gratitude, resilience and the importance of running toward challenges rather than away from them.
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Long Blue Leadership: Col. (Ret.) Michael Black ’85
What does leadership look like at the highest levels of service? In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black ’85 discusses his journey from pilot to leading the White House communications team. He reflects on what it means to be a calm, steady presence in high-pressure environments — and how small daily practices can shape a lifetime of leadership.
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Long Blue Leadership: Capt. Garrett "Kap" Kauppila '19
As a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet, now-Capt. Garrett “Kap” Kauppila ’19 experienced a life-changing moment involving his older brother. That trial taught him success doesn’t involve rank — it’s about being present, showing gratitude and supporting others.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. Steven "Meathead" Mount '08
People matter more than position, and leadership starts with taking care of others. Doing that right means a million acts. Those are lessons Lt. Col. Steven “Meathead” Mount ’08 shares with listeners in the Season 4 premier of Long Blue Leadership.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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