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
20/20 vision: Ensuring others experience an incentive flight like I did
Poor eyesight ended Lt. Col. (Ret.) Chuck "Dutch" Holland’s pilot dreams, but an unforgettable incentive flight in 1997 inspired his mission: ensuring cadets with similar limitations still experience flight. He now champions flight opportunities for future Space Force leaders.
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News: U.S. Air Force Academy ranks among nation's finest in U.S. News & World Report 2026 "Best Colleges" report
The U.S. Air Force Academy continues its ascent as a premier undergraduate institution, achieving significant gains in the latest U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" rankings, released Sept. 23. USAFA ranked #2 among Public Schools, #5 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #7 among Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.
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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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Checkpoints: Matt Lohmeier '06
On July 24, the United States Senate confirmed former lieutenant colonel Matthew Lohmeier as the 29th Undersecretary of the United States Air Force. A 2006 USAFA graduate, Lohmeier brings service experience spanning aviation, space operations, strategic planning and senior leadership. His appointment places him in a top civilian leadership role at a time when the Air Force and Space Force are evolving to meet modern defense challenges.
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Checkpoints: Future Planning
John ’63 and Sandy Fox’s $10 million gift to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Institute for Future Conflict ensures cadets are prepared to confront the world’s most urgent security threats on Day 1. Their support brings vital expertise while expanding other programs that develop future warfighters.
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Checkpoints: Game Changers
Five Air Force Academy graduates are changing the game — on playing fields, in boardrooms and beyond. From executive coaching to tech startups and elite sports medicine, they blend military precision with passion, redefining leadership in today’s sports world.
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News: Improving communications in Mitchell Hall
In the fall of 2024, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91, the Air Force Academy superintendent, prioritized the modernization of the Mitchell Hall A/V system so that all cadets could hear announcements, see images on screens around the hall and feel a part of the Cadet Wing.
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News: New plaques honor Vietnam-era aircraft, crews
With donor support, the U. S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation added two new plaques this summer to the Southeast Asia Pavilion unit wall honoring Vietnam-era aircraft and their Air Force Academy crew members: the C-141 Starlifter and B-57 Canberra.
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News: Remembering Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ervin Rokke '62
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation mourns the loss of Lt. Gen. Ervin J. Rokke ’62, who passed away on Sept. 5, 2025. Gen. Rokke stood out in every way — from his commanding height to his extraordinary intellect.
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News: Honing critical thinking skills through writing
Could the U.S. have deterred the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022? That was the question Air Force Academy cadets and students from five other Colorado colleges and universities were challenged with in the second annual writing contest for the Academy’s Institute for Future Conflict.
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News: Statement about the murder of Charlie Kirk, USAFA Board of Visitors member
We are shocked and deeply saddened by the murder of Mr. Charlie Kirk, a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. BOV Chairman, Congressman August Pfluger ‘00, shared the following about Mr. Kirk. Mr. Kirk was a passionate champion for our Academy, its timeless mission and the extraordinary Cadets who have dedicated their lives to service before self. Our prayers and condolences are with Mr. Kirk’s family and loved ones as they mourn his loss.
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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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