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
Academy to welcome new Dean of the Faculty
The Department of the Air Force has named Col. James M. "Fangs" Valpiani ’04 as the institution’s next Dean of the Faculty. This selection reinforces the Academy’s standing as a nationally-recognized leader in higher education and its mission to forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force as they fight and win the nation’s wars.
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Focus on Leadership: Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership
Dr. Heather Wilson ’82, former secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. (Ret.) David Goldfein ’83, former chief of staff of the Air Force, highlight the human side of leadership — honoring family, listening actively and using humility and humor to build strong teams. Their new book, Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership, challenges leaders to serve first and lead with character.
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January 2026 Air Force Gradcast: Connecting the USAFA Community
Learn about cadets advancing space mission capabilities, hear alumni leadership and chapter updates and gain insight into career resources designed for every stage of your journey.
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Heritage Minute Special: The Long Blue Line — a way of life
This episode of Heritage Minute Special highlights Col. (Ret.) Carolyn Benyshek’s ’87 role as the U.S. Air Force Academy’s director of admissions.
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Checkpoints: Game changer
The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Madera Cyber Innovation Center, dedicated in April 2025, is now fully operational as the home of the Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences and Air Force CyberWorx. Cadets report that the new facility has significantly enhanced their cyber warfare team’s capabilities. Supported by the Class of 1968, the team won the 2025 NSA Cybersecurity Exercise — its fourth victory in six years.
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Checkpoints: Laser-focused
The U.S. Senate confirmed Matthew Lohmeier ’06 as the 29th undersecretary of the Air Force on July 24, giving him a key role in shaping the service’s strategic direction amid rapid global change. He helps oversee a $200 billion budget supporting nearly 700,000 personnel, with a focus on welfare, readiness and modernization. Lohmeier has emphasized his commitment to ensuring airmen and guardians have the tools and support needed to meet emerging threats.
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Checkpoints: Taking flight
U.S. Air Force Academy graduates are increasingly influencing the high-stakes world of taking companies public, bringing integrity and mission-driven leadership from Silicon Valley to Wall Street. Their backgrounds in high-pressure operations translate seamlessly into managing the complexity and risk of IPOs as founders, bankers and early-stage investors. Skills forged in the cockpit and on the Terrazzo now guide companies through one of capitalism’s most critical transitions.
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Long Blue Leadership: Congressman August Pfluger ’00
Leadership demands grit, clarity and conviction. On Long Blue Leadership, Congressman August Pfluger ’00 reflects on these qualities through his experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, in the cockpit and as part of the U.S. House of Representatives. His story challenges every leader to ask where courage is calling them to go next.
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Checkpoints: Guardians at the gateway
Rockets launching over Vandenberg Space Force Base now serve as real-time inspiration and training for new guardians, reflecting the installation’s evolution from a Cold War missile site into a modern spaceport. U.S. Air Force Academy graduates are shaping this transformation as they prepare operators for a domain that has become contested and central to national defense.
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Checkpoints: Space is no longer a sanctuary
Russia and China are rapidly weaponizing space, forcing the U.S. Space Force to defend an increasingly dangerous warfighting domain. Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, warns that attacks on satellites — vital to communications, navigation and modern life — could leave the nation blind and defenseless. Leading nearly 15,000 guardians, he urges a new mission focused on protecting the fragile space infrastructure that underpins everyday technology.
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News: Board of Visitors convenes for December meeting
The U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors held its second and final meeting of 2025 on Dec. 8. The board is charged with reviewing USAFA curriculum, military training, athletics and admissions. Board Chairman Rep. August Pfluger ’00 led off the meeting saying the board remains focused on ensuring the Academy produces “disciplined, innovative and service-minded” officers for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
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News: Hollidays support Academy through Hotel Polaris sponsorship
Col. (Ret.) Christine Holliday ’91 has always been a leader. In addition to Leader being her maiden name, she experienced many leadership opportunities throughout her time as an Air Force Academy cadet, active duty officer and reservist.
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