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
Kick off Fall with Gradcast!
In the latest Air Force Gradcast, hear about the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new academic structure, the return of football and reunion season, and the upcoming Fisher DeBerry statue dedication. Also, hear from former Falcon baseball coach Maj. (Ret.) Mike Kazlausky ’91 about a lifetime spent developing USAFA cadets and athletes.
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Air Force Gradcast: New leadership, Same Long Blue Line
In this Gradcast, we discuss the confirmation of Lt. Gen. Paul "Max" Moga ’95 as the United States Air Force Academy's 23rd superintendent, the creation of the Academic Wing and its four schools, the dedications of the Distinguished Graduate Award Memorial and Yost Plaza and the long-awaited unveiling of the giant 11-foot class ring replica outside of Wecker Hall.
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July 2026 Air Force Gradcast
The latest Air Force Gradcast takes you inside everything happening at the Association & Foundation and the Academy—including major July events, alumni recognition, graduate success stories, chapter highlights, donor impact and new ways graduates are helping their fellow Falcons.
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June 2026 Air Force Gradcast
This month, hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P’17 discuss the opening of the new Hosmer Visitor Center, graduation for the Class of 2026, Appointee & Family Welcome Day, the latest issue of Checkpoints and much more.
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May 2026 Air Force Gradcast
The May edition of Air Force Gradcast spotlights big happenings — from commemorating 50 years of female cadets to welcoming a new commandant and wrapping up a very successful 1Day1USAFA, check out this snapshot of what’s happening across the Long Blue Line.
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April 2026 Air Force Gradcast
This episode of Air Force Gradcast features updates on the Hosmer Visitor Center; Academy leadership news; announcements of this year's Distinguished Graduates; a progress report on the Fisher DeBerry Football Excellence Endowment; and Founders Day to Chapter Check-ins. Don’t miss these stories, and much more, in this edition of Air Force Gradcast!
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March 2026 Air Force Gradcast: Engaging the Long Blue Line community
This episode of Air Force Gradcast features Academy leadership news; information about the open all-grad survey; March Checkpoints highlights; Cadet of the Year recognition; a chapter spotlight; and in-depth conversations with USAFA boxing and hockey coaches about legacy and leadership.
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February 2026 Air Force Gradcast: Connecting the USAFA Community
The latest Gradcast episode highlights key initiatives shaping the future of the U.S. Air Force Academy community — from academic leadership and board governance to leadership development, alumni engagement and historic milestones.
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January 2026 Air Force Gradcast: Connecting the USAFA Community
Learn about cadets advancing space mission capabilities, hear alumni leadership and chapter updates and gain insight into career resources designed for every stage of your journey.
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The New Air Force Gradcast: Connecting the USAFA community
We congratulate the most recent U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to receive a Silver Star, highlight outstanding cadet athletes and scholars, discuss Association of Graduates giving societies, and so much more!
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Welcome to the New and Enhanced Air Force Gradcast!
The new and improved Air Force Gradcast is here! Hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius '00 and Vince Greco P’17 debut features like Chapter Check-ins and the new Sabre Society Spotlight, keeping U.S. Air Force Academy grads connected and informed.
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Air Force Gradcast: Beyond the sidelines — a special presentation featuring Coach Troy Calhoun ’89
Falcon football Head Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 joins Air Force Gradcast host Vince Greco P’17 and discusses Calhoun’s days as a freshman letterman to leading cadets on and off the field.
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Air Force Gradcast: Cadets of Summer, Reunions and Tailgates, Grads in the News and More
What do the White House, Amazon, Boeing, Cornell University and Tesla have in common? Find out in the September edition of Air Force Gradcast.
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Air Force Gradcast: USAFA Mission Brief and Grad Q&A with Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind '91
In this special edition of Air Force Gradcast, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91, USAFA’s 22nd superintendent, shares an inside look into cadet development and answers graduate questions.
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Air Force Gradcast: August 2025
What do a Truman Scholar, three NFL players, and a peanut butter–banana–mayo sandwich have in common? They all made the cut in this edition of Air Force Gradcast! Hosts Vince Greco P’17 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 talk Acceptance Day, Long Blue Line weekend, legendary Coach Fisher DeBerry and so much more.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Air Force Gradcast: September 2024
Hear about expanded roles in the Association & Foundation, increasing engagement with grads and reunion season.
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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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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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