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: Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks '96
Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks ’96 discusses the absolute importance of standards and integrity in leadership, and how a new, more rigorous approach at the Academy will build that in to cadets making them Day-1 leaders.
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Checkpoints: Kucera Legacy Center ushers in new era
After years of planning and fundraising, the Air Force Academy welcomed members of the Long Blue Line, families of cadets and other Academy supporters to usher in a new era of fan comfort and experiences.
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News: O’Neil joins Air Force Academy Foundation board
Kevin O’Neil has joined the board of directors of the Air Force Academy Foundation. The board is the governing body of the Air Force Academy Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the Academy through philanthropy.
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Heritage Minute Special: "Honor Bound: A Portrait in Courage"
Host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77 welcome Jim Nance ’71 and Maj. Joe Flescher ’14, to the studio. Nance created the 2,000-pound "Honor Bound - A Portrait in Courage" plaque now mounted on the east exterior wall of USAFA's Southeast Asia Pavilion. Flescher served as his model.
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Shaping Leaders, Shaping Lives
Lt. Col. Steven Mount ’08 embodies resilience, leadership and a commitment to service. He came to the U.S. Air Force Academy to pursue his love of flying and his aspiration to serve his country after witnessing 9/11 as a high school student. Today, as a Sabre Society member, he has made a leadership-level commitment to support the Academy and shape future leaders, just as USAFA shaped him.
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Long Blue Leadership: Coach Troy Calhoun '89
Perhaps best known for his accomplishments on the field, at its core, Coach Troy Calhoun's work is about building athletes in to leaders of character.
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Long Blue Leadership: Sam Eckholm '18
A conversation with Sam Eckholm ’18 about his unique path and work to inspire the next generation of military leaders through social media and content creation.
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Heritage Minute Special: Things you might not know about Jimmy Doolittle
In this Heritage Minute Special, Col. (Ret.) John Abbatiello, PhD., author and historian, talks with host, Steve Simon ’77 about his work deep researching and studying the life and times of WWII pilot, Jim Doolittle.
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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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News: Chapel Construction Update
Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation staff toured the Cadet Chapel construction site July 24 for an up-close look at an update of the massive project’s progress.
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News: USAFA Board of Visitors Meets
The U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors met on July 17 at the Falcon Club. The meeting was open to the public and accessible by way of a Zoom link.
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News: East-side building at Falcon Stadium named Kucera Legacy Center
The new east-side building at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium will be named the Kucera Legacy Center in honor of Jack '78 and Vianne Kucera.
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