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
Long Blue Leadership: Scott Kirby ’89
Scott Kirby ’89 grew one of the world’s largest airlines by doing something many leaders struggle with: changing his mind. From anticipating the impact of COVID before most experts to making bold bets when others pulled back, Kirby shares why adaptability, curiosity and a willingness to challenge assumptions are essential leadership traits.
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Long Blue Leadership Now: A New Space Age
Long Blue Leadership Now welcomes NASA Deputy Administrator Col. (Ret.) Matt Anderson ’97, who shares the vision behind the proposed United States Space Academy and its potential role in preparing astronauts, engineers, scientists, operators and innovators for the challenges ahead. From the moon to Mars and beyond, Deputy Administrator Anderson shares how America can build the talent pipeline needed to lead in space for decades to come.
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Long Blue Leadership: In Case You Missed It
In this special Long Blue Leadership: In Case You Missed It edition, we return to eight conversations from 2026 and pull some of their most practical lessons: Slow down when pressure says rush, honor your word, separate the person from the performance, ask better questions, protect what matters, adapt to the moment, be the steady hand and notice when someone needs you to act.
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Long Blue Leadership: Mitch Torrel ’14
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Mitch Torrel ’14 discusses the power of mentorship, constructive feedback, humility and creating an environment where everyone can contribute. His leadership lessons are just as relevant in the boardroom as they are on the battlefield.
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Long Blue Leadership: Matthew Ayers ’99
Matthew Ayers ’99 believes leadership isn't about having all the answers. It’s about listening, learning and serving with joy. Hear how experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, on a U.N. peacekeeping mission and leading Dream Centers of Colorado Springs transformed his understanding of leadership.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kimberly Ford ’90
Leadership isn't about changing who you are; it's about becoming the fullest expression of who you were meant to be. What does quiet leadership look like? From military deployments to the flight deck at Alaska Airlines, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kimberly Ford ’90 explains how preparation, trust and listening can be just as powerful as command.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. Joseph "Paveway" Bledsoe ’11
What builds trust when you don't have a title or position of authority? According to Lt. Col. Joe Bledsoe ’11, it's honesty, integrity, humility presence and action. Tune in as he shares practical leadership lessons learned from the Academy, combat aviation and years of mentoring others.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. (Ret). Jannell MacAulay ’98, Ph.D.
A devastating injury nearly ended her dreams of becoming a pilot. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jannell MacAulay ’98, Ph.D., instead, says the accident was merely the first chapter in a career defined by perseverance, service and leadership. Listen to her inspiring story on Long Blue Leadership.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mark Clifford ’97
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, U.S. Air Force Academy boxing coach Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mark Clifford ’97 shares how the sport shaped his approach to leadership, service and mentoring the next generation of cadets. A strong conversation on resilience and growth.
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Long Blue Leadership: Col. (Ret.) Erin Staine-Pyne ’98
Leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about accountability, especially when things don’t go as planned. From lessons learned as a cadet to leading her teams through complex challenges, Col. (Ret.) Erin Staine-Pyne ’98 reflects on how transparency, empathy and trust define strong leadership in uncertain moments.
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Long Blue Leadership: Mark Michalek ’99
Sometimes leadership is modeled in small ways — like leaving work at 4 p.m. and meaning it. Not because the job’s done — but because you’re showing your team that life outside of work matters too. In this Long Blue Leadership podcast, Mark Michalek ’99, human capital director for the FBI, shares leadership tips for more resilient teams.
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Long Blue Leadership: Jessica Whitney ’10
A simple but powerful leadership lesson: Show up — whether in loss, transition or everyday life. Jessica Whitney ’10 reminds us that we often know what to do — the difference is actually doing it. Small acts of showing up can mean everything.
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