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
Heritage Minute Special: Eyewitness to Operation Homecoming
Maj. (Ret.) Penny Grossman served 21 years on active duty as a U.S. Air Force nurse. In 1973, she was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines during Operation Homecoming, when nearly 600 American prisoners of war were released.
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News: Air Force Academy Foundation announces four new board directors
Four U.S. Air Force Academy graduates have joined the Air Force Academy Foundation board of directors. 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: The Air Garden - Part 3
In this last part in this series featuring the history of the USAFA Air Garden, Steve Simon ’77 brings us the stories behind the displays featured in the newly restored space.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell '98
As a child, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell ’98, dreamt that one day she would defy gravity, taking her rightful place in the sky among the stars.
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Heritage Minute: The Air Garden - Part 2
In the next part in this series featuring the history of the USAFA Air Garden, Steve Simon ’77 walks us though the restoration efforts that took place in two phases over nearly 30 years.
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Sabre Society Podcast: Col. Brian Neff
Col. Brian Neff discusses how donor support enhances academic departments and programs.
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Heritage Minute: The Air Garden - Part 1
In this episode of Heritage Minute, Steve Simon ’77 brings you the history of the Air Garden. From it’s design inspirations and features, to the challenges that lead to the filling of the space with dirt and grass…
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Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12
A conversation with Maj. Julian “Cosmo” Gluck '12, a flyer with the heart of a pilot, the soul of a golden age aviator, and an insatiable yearning to learn. Why? In part to support developing leaders of tomorrow.
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Heritage Minute: The Dorris Mural "Order Sabers"
Discover the inspiration behind “Order Sabers” A mural painted by then cadet, now Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joe Dorris ’74. The mural illustrates life as a cadet in the early 1970s and features depictions of the cadet journey from Basic to Officer.
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Heritage Minute Special: Mystery, history and stories
Col. (Ret.) Jack Anthony ’78 is the U.S. Air Force Academy’s recognized authority on its “pre-history,” which has earned him the handle “USAFA Before USAFA History Guy.”
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Heritage Minute: The Carlton House - Part 2
In part 2 of this edition of Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77 we follow the journey of the Carlton House complex through its varied eras — serving as a country club, high school and finally home of the Air Force Academy’s superintendent.
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Long Blue Leadership: Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born '83
To influence for good, character paired with strong leadership skills is paramount. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born '83 brings the two together in episode 8 of Long Blue Leadership.
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