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
Checkpoints: Moving the Needle
Like Marvel superheroes banding together to repel a common foe, United States Air Force Academy faculty members, permanent party personnel and the expanding staff of the Institute for Future Conflict are assembling an impressive team of subject-matter experts to help avert global disaster.
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Long Blue Leadership: Alison '15 and Paul '16 Yang
What are the top five characteristics great leaders share? Academy graduates, Alison ’15 and Paul ’16 Yang, discuss that answer — and more!
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradford J. Shwedo '87
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradford J. Shwedo ’87, uniquely suited to his calling, explains how he leverages lessons from the past to equip present-day warriors to dominate future warfare.
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Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Nathan Dial '10
Third-generation warrior, RC-135 pilot, and thought leader, Maj. Nathan Dial ’10, describes his connection to USAFA, his bond with the cadets and how the leadership lessons he learned fuel his drive to serve and support the Long Blue Line.
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Long Blue Leadership: Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell '97
A-10 Warthog pilot and combat veteran, Col. (Ret.) Kim “KC” Campbell ’97, recounts an incident over Baghdad leading her to make a decision that changed her life then and informs how she leads to this day.
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Air Force Gradcast: December 2024
Hear about a new brand for the AOG and Foundation, progress on the new visitor center, a call for award nominations and how you can stay connected.
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News: New office space for supporting foundations
Bill and Mary Linn Wecker of Jackson, Wyoming, are the lead donors for a new 25,800-square-foot headquarters building for the Air Force Academy Foundation to be named Wecker Hall.
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News: Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation boards name Hille CEO and Gould executive vice chair
The boards of the nonprofit Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation announced Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould, USAFA Class of 1976, as executive vice chair, and Mark Hille, USAFA Class of 1997, as CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
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Grad Survey Results 2022
We aspire to create an association of ALL Air Force Academy graduates — an association that has influence and impact, supports USAFA’s enduring mission of developing leaders of character and provides a lifetime of service to the Long Blue Line.
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Heritage Minute: Eagle Peak
Make the trek up Eagle Peak with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77 in this Heritage Minute!
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Heritage Minute: USAFA Chapel cocoon
In this Heritage Minute with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77, we take you inside the massive 180-foot tall enclosure surrounding the U.S. Air Force Academy's Cadet Chapel.
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Heritage Minute: Air Force Academy Liaison Office in Washington, D.C.
Did you know that not every U.S. Air Force Academy employee works on the Colorado Springs campus? Some are assigned to the Air Force Academy Liaison Office in Washington, D.C.
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