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: 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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News: AOG announces Leadership Achievement Award recipients
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates has announced the recipients of the 2024 Leadership Achievement Award: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dondi Costin, Class of 1986, and Col. (Ret.) Carolyn Benyshek, Class of 1987, to be honored on July 25, 2025.
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News: USAFA Distinguished Graduates Announced
The U.S. Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates proudly announce Gen. William J. “Bill” Begert, Class of 1968, and Jerome “Jerry” Bruni, Class of 1970, as members of the newest Class of Distinguished Graduates to be honored on July 25, 2025.
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News: USAFA announces Young Alumni Excellence Award winners
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates has announced the 2024 Young Alumni Excellence Award recipients, to be honored on July 25, 2025.
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Long Blue Leadership: Jake DeRuyter ’15
Jake DeRuyter '15 shares a compelling leadership journey marked by unexpected challenges and resilient adaptation.
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Checkpoints: Combatives courses and clubs prepare cadets for life’s uncertainties
Combatives at the U.S. Air Force Academy is made up of a variety of functional martial arts systems such as freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and even some Filipino and Thai disciplines.
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Heritage Minute Special: The history-making Class of 1969
Col. (Ret.) Darrel Whitcomb ’69 recently led a class reunion, briefing attendees on his classmates' roles during the Vietnam War.
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Heritage Minute Special: the USAFA Founders Day story
April 1, 1954, is the day President Dwight D. Eisenhower shook hands with then-Secretary of the Air Force Harold E. Talbott. The president had just signed legislation authorizing the establishment of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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News: AOG board appoints two new directors
On March 4, the Association of Graduates announced its certified 2025 election results. In addition, the board of directors appointed Gen. (Ret.) David D. Thompson ’85 and Maj. Jennifer N. Walters ’11 to the board.
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Long Blue Leadership: Christian Evans ’08
Christian Evans '08 shares his journey from a jovial cadet to a dedicated leader focused on uplifting others.
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Long Blue Leadership: Sullenberger Award for Courage
Hear from Sullenberger Award for Courage recipients “Atomic,” “Batman,” “Guns,” and “Royal”, who were honored during the 2025 National Character and Leadership Symposium.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA'S exceptional collector
Meredith Harlow, U.S. Air Force Academy curator of artifacts, discusses her background and the work she does preserving USAFA’s history and heritage.
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