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
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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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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Heritage Minute Special: USAFA’s Cultural Resources, Part 1 of 2 - Erwin Roemer, Former Cultural Resources Manager
Native Americans have a long and proud history of military service. In fact, they are among the most represented ethnic groups in the U.S. armed forces. In this Heritage Minute Special podcast, Erwin Roemer shares how that tradition continues at USAFA today.
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News: Association of Graduates Board Update
Several hundred Air Force Academy graduates, parents and family members have contacted the Association of Graduates since Wednesday to share their perspectives on two motions included among many in the agenda for today’s Association of Graduates Board of Directors meeting.
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A Prep School shoulder board origin story
In September 1974, the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School sought to replace the cheap plastic shoulder boards worn by cadet candidates with a more professional design. Leadership invited the Class of 1975 to help. The final product has remained in use for over a half century.
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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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Heritage Minute: USAFA's Mall of Heroes
As cadets march past the Mall of Heroes at the base of the Core Values Ramp, tradition demands a solemn salute. These statues embody courage, sacrifice and duty and act as a reminder of the legacy the U.S. Air Force Academy’s future officers are expected to uphold.
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News: Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Groundbreaking
Supporters of the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial at the United States Air Force Academy gathered Saturday, Sept. 27, to break ground on a long-awaited project honoring these American heroes.
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Checkpoints: Mr. Jerome "Jerry" Bruni ’70, Distinguished Graduate Award Recipient
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation celebrates this year’s Distinguished Graduate Award winners who were recognized in late July during Long Blue Line Weekend.
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Checkpoints: Gen. (Ret.) William J. “Bill” Begert ’68, Distinguished Graduate Award Recipient
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation celebrates this year’s Distinguished Graduate Award winners who were recognized in late July during Long Blue Line Weekend.
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Checkpoints: Leadership Achievement Award Recipients
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation celebrates this year’s Leadership Achievement Award winners who were recognized in late July during Long Blue Line Weekend.
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Checkpoints: Young Alumni Excellence Award Recipients
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation celebrates this year’s Young Alumni Excellence Award winners who were recognized in late July during Long Blue Line Weekend.
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