Contact Us
719-472-0300 Engage@usafa.org
Banner image

Honoring those
who came before us

Gone But
Not Forgotten

"Here's a toast to the host of those who love the vastness of the sky, To a friend we send a message of the brave who serve on high. We drink to those who gave their all of old, then down we roar to score the rainbow's pot of gold. A toast to the host of those we boast, the U.S. Air Force!"

We stand beside you, honoring the legacy of your loved one

We mourn the loss of every graduate. The Association & Foundation's Next of Kin office offers support to the families of deceased graduates, air training officers and cadets in a variety of meaningful ways.

To assist with support during this difficult time, we invite families to reach out to our next-of-kin support specialist for support and guidance.

Connect with our support specialist
Submit a death notice & memorial tribute

Submit a death notice

Notify the Association & Foundation

Use the submission button below to notify the Association & Foundation of a graduate, cadet, air training officer or AOG honorary member death. You can also contact Terri Davis, your next-of-kin support specialist, who will help guide you through the next of kin process.

Upon notification and confirmation, the Association & Foundation will:

  • Notify the class by email
  • Update the Gone But Not Forgotten section of the website
  • Send flowers or a memorial donation on behalf of the class
  • Send a condolence letter from the Association & Foundation CEO to the next of kin
  • Update the Association & Foundation records and database
  • Offer the next of kin the opportunity to submit a memorial article to be published in the Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten annual publication.
  • Invite the next of kin to the next annual memorial ceremony at the Air Force Academy.
Submit Death Notice

Memorial article & tribute

That are shared with our community

The Association & Foundation is committed to honoring the memory of your loved one by preserving their life story through thoughtfully written memorial articles. As an expression of sympathy, a condolence letter and a red, white and blue floral arrangement will be sent, accompanied by a card bearing the message, “With Deepest Sympathies, USAFA Class of XXXX,” coordinated with each respective class. Floral arrangements are not sent if notification is received after a funeral service has occurred. In cases where the family requests memorial donations in lieu of flowers, that preference is respected, and the funds that would have been allocated for the arrangement are instead contributed to a designated charity on behalf of the class.

A memorial article should adhere to an 800-word maximum to be included in the next issue of Here's A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten, and be submitted in a Word document format (DOCX). Please include a high-resolution, shoulders-up, color photo (JPG).

Submit a Memorial Article/Tribute

Graduate Memorial
Article Repository

Be the author of your own memorial

You have the opportunity to be the author of your own memorial and submit a Memorial Article that we keep at no cost to you.

  • Submit a 800-word maximum article along with a high-resolution color photo (shoulders up).
  • As a member of the Association & Foundation your memorial article will be stored at no cost to you.
  • Revisions may be submitted at any time and will replace any original submission
  • At the time of death, the memorial article will automatically be submitted for publication in the annual Here's A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten.
Submit a Memorial Article
Services & local resources

Services

What is the procedure for arranging a funeral at USAFA?

The next of kin or funeral home selected by the family may call the mortuary affairs office at 719-333-3323 to schedule a service.

Who is eligible to be interred at the USAFA cemetery?

Eligibility information can be found here.

What costs are involved when arranging a funeral service at USAFA?

Normally, there are no costs associated with the services provided by the USAFA staff when services are held at the chapel and/or gravesite.

​Can I reserve a gravesite?

Gravesites can not be reserved before a need arises. When a death occurs, family can request a specific location at the cemetery for interment.

Who are the The Academy Ladies and Gentlemen?

The Academy Ladies and Gentlemen group, loosely modeled after the Arlington Ladies, is a volunteer group of women and men that serves the families of the deceased by extending kindness and compassion at the services they attend. It is the ALAG’s distinguished honor to represent military families, from all branches of service, at the deceased’s final tribute. An ALAG representative provides the family with a personalized condolence card and offers words of gratitude on behalf of all military families for their loved one's service and sacrifice, while also acknowledging the support and sacrifices of the deceased member’s family. Through the ALAG’s dedication and kindness, they have made a tremendous impact on family members of the deceased laid to rest at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery.

Local Resources

Where should I stay?

Lodging is available on campus at Hotel Polaris. To access Association of Graduates and Foundation discount rates click here. Discounted rates are available to AOG members.

What catering and reception venues are available?

Blue and Silver Club (Falcon Stadium)

  • 719-333-1151

The East Club presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center

  • Jodi Marihugh
    • 785-341-8134
    • JMarihugh@Levyrestaurants.com
  • An event flyer is available here.

The Blue & Silver Club presented by USAA

  • Jodi Marihugh
    • 785-341-8134
    • JMarihugh@Levyrestaurants.com
  • An event flyer is available here.

Eisenhower Golf Club

Falcon Club

  • 719-333-8188
  • The website can be found here
  • For more details on what Falcon Club Catering has to offer please click here.

Are there florists available?

Dandelion Chapel Hills is located on the Academy. You are invited to reach out at 719-598-8822.

USAFA Memorial Ceremony

USAFA Memorial Ceremony

Gone But Not Forgotten

Each August, the Air Force Academy conducts a memorial ceremony on the Terrazzo in remembrance of the lives and legacies of our fallen graduates, air training officers and cadets. Families of the deceased are invited to a special reception hosted by the Academy’s senior staff. The Association & Foundation is honored to coordinate the ceremony, which includes a beautifully crafted keepsake memorial brochure.

Surviving spouse resources

Surviving spouse
resources

Benefits & Discounts

The surviving spouse of a graduate member of the Association of Graduates will receive amended benefits:

  • Continued Life Membership in the USAFA Association of Graduates
  • Invitation to reunions and other events
  • Legacy Parent benefits if son/daughter is currently at USAFA or USAFA Prep School
  • Membership discount at Doolittle Outfitters
  • Online copy of Checkpoints
  • If the graduate was receiving the printed Checkpoints, the surviving spouse will continue to receive the printed magazine (unless they opt out).
  • Invitation to a surviving spouse private group within the Long Blue Line Portal
  • Membership discount at Hotel Polaris (subject to availability)

This membership does not include voting rights.

Here's a Toast

Gone But Not Forgotten

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Academy Foundation now offers a new benefit to better memorialize USAFA graduates and support their families.

Gone But Not Forgotten, which has for decades appeared in Checkpoints magazine, has transitioned to a dedicated, annual publication for all Association of Graduates members. Here’s A Toast: Gone But Not Forgotten is available digitally at no cost to members. Individuals may also wish to purchase a printed copy. The $25 fee supports providing one complimentary copy to families of those memorialized. Order here or by calling 719-472-0300.

In addition, past memorial articles are available as a commemorative keepsake. These keepsakes include the photo that appeared with the tribute and are printed on sturdy paper, suitable for framing. Articles come enclosed in a blue linen folder. Order here or by calling 719-472-0300.

Order Now

In memoriam

Explore the records of deceased fellow classmates, air training officers and cadets.

Gone But Not Forgotten Death Notices

Gone But Not Forgotten

719.472.0300 Engage@usafa.org