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
April 2026 Air Force Gradcast
This episode of Air Force Gradcast features updates on the Hosmer Visitor Center; Academy leadership news; announcements of this year's Distinguished Graduates; a progress report on the Fisher DeBerry Football Excellence Endowment; and Founders Day to Chapter Check-ins. Don’t miss these stories, and much more, in this edition of Air Force Gradcast!
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Academy to welcome new commandant of cadets
In preparation for a change of command ceremony next month, Col. Brandon Tellez '01 has been assigned as the Academy’s 32nd commandant of cadets, succeeding Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks '96, who will retire this summer after a distinguished Air Force career.
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Checkpoints: Cleared for takeoff
The long-anticipated Hosmer Visitor Center — an integral part of the TrueNorth Commons development, which includes Hotel Polaris — is scheduled to open outside the Academy’s North Gate in May. It has one mission: Tell the story of the 47-month odyssey from a basic cadet’s first uncertain steps to a life of service that extends far beyond graduation.
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Long Blue Leadership: Joel "Thor" Neeb ’99
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Joel “Thor” Neeb ’99 explains this simple framework. “Yes” builds experience. “No” protects focus and time.
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Checkpoints: Mission — Restore
The Association of Graduates board of directors toured the Cadet Chapel restoration Feb. 18. USAFA and Department of War leadership is accelerating efforts to reopen the landmark thanks to streamlined contracting, year-round construction and major structural fixes underway.
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Checkpoints: Vapor's Trail
From Thunderbirds overhead to orbit, Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 charts a relentless, service-driven ascent skyward.
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Checkpoints: Algorithms at Altitude
Five U.S. Air Force Academy graduates — among many — now work at the leading edge of artificial intelligence, applying military training to technology that’s reshaping how organizations operate. While all are in different environments, their philosophies remain consistent.
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Checkpoints: USAFA grad honored with Silver Star
Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks ’07 is the most recent airman and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to earn one of the profession of arms’ rarest commendations. Col. Parks shares the story of his Wild Weasel squadron and their successful mission in March 2025.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11 reflects on mentorship, teamwork and building the next generation of warriors and astronauts. From combat missions in the F-22 Raptor to more than five months aboard the International Space Station, Col. Ayers has seen it all.
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Checkpoints: 50 years of service
U.S. Air Force Academy officials had been preparing for years to seamlessly admit female cadets for when the school would eventually become co-educational. That time arrived in October 1975, when President Gerald Ford signed the bill opening the nation’s service academies to women.
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Heritage Minute Special: Homestead Roots
In this Heritage Minute Special, Col. (Ret.) Jack Anthony ’78 shares how property research led to a connection with Col. David McAlroy ’03 — a direct descendant of those early settlers.
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Matching gift challenge gives donors chance to double their impact in supporting Falcon football team
A $500,000 matching challenge from an anonymous donor will help accelerate and broaden support for the Fisher DeBerry Football Excellence Endowment for the Air Force Academy’s football program.
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