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
News: USAFA Distinguished Graduates announced
The United States Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates are proud to announce Mr. Terrence “Terry” O’Donnell, Class of 1966, and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John D. Hopper Jr., Class of 1969, as 2024 Class of Distinguished Graduates.
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Checkpoints: Rapid Pace of Change Needed, a conversation with CSAF Gen. David Allvin '86
A conversation with Gen. David Allvin ’86, the sixth USAFA graduate to serve as Air Force chief of staff. He is responsible for ensuring 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian personnel have the needed training and equipment to accomplish their missions.
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Checkpoints: Galactic Guides, a conversation with Masucci '85 & Latimer '87
Virgin Galactic pilots Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mike Masucci '85 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kelly Latimer '87 are transporting paying customers to space. Checkpoints catches up with them ahead of their first mission together.
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Heritage Minute: The Carlton House - Part 1
In this episode of Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77 we explore the history of the Carlton House, it’s architecture, and it’s story in Pine Valley before it became the residence of the Air Force Academy’s Superintendent.
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Long Blue Leadership: NCLS 2024 Special Coverage
The Long Blue Leadership team was in attendance at the 2024 National Character and Leadership Symposium and interviewed several NCLS speakers.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA's 70th Birthday
It’s the Air Force Academy’s 70th year bringing up great leaders who go on to serve the nation in uniform!
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Heritage Minute: Hall of Exemplars
Let's explore the history of the Hall of Exemplars on this episode of Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77! This display pays tribute to those individuals chosen by Air Force Academy classes as their official role models.
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Long Blue Leadership: Karl Falk '98
Does being bold make a good leader or does a good leader have to be bold? Karl Falk '98, is leader who knows bold both ways.
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Heritage Minute: McDermott Library
In this episode of Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77 we explore the McDermott Library and its evolution throughout USAFA's history.
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Heritage Minute: Clark Special Collections
Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77 is back! In this first episode of Season 6 we explore the story of Lt. Gen. Albert P. Clark, the 6th Superintendent of USAFA, and tour the Clark Special Collections facility located on the sixth floor of the McDermott Library.
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Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91
Gen. Pringle discusses her experiences as a cadet, including unique firsts. And she highlights the challenges she faced in her career and the lessons she learned.
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Heritage Minute Podcast Introduction
One key mission of the Association of Graduates is to highlight some of those things that make the Academy the special place that it is.
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