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: Lt. Col. Steven "Meathead" Mount '08
People matter more than position, and leadership starts with taking care of others. Doing that right means a million acts. Those are lessons Lt. Col. Steven “Meathead” Mount ’08 shares with listeners in the Season 4 premier of Long Blue Leadership.
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Long Blue Line Podcast Network Special Presentation: Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11
From cadet to astronaut, Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 shares how the U.S. Air Force Academy prepared her for life aboard the International Space Station, the lessons she learned in the space program about leadership, and how viewing Earth from 250 miles up reshapes one's call to serve.
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Leadership Elevated: A Long Blue Leadership Retrospective
Season 3 of the Long Blue Leadership podcast is a wrap! From established national leaders to rising stars, this season features bold and inspiring stories from U.S. Air Force Academy grads.
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Long Blue Leadership: Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman '95
Long Blue Line podcast host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 sat with Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman ’95, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s vice superintendent, for a deep dive into leadership, humanity and building a world-class service academy. This episode is packed with wisdom for aspiring, emerging, and seasoned leaders alike.
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Long Blue Leadership: Dr. John Torres '82
Dr. John Torres '82 shares his inspiring journey from being the first in his family to attend college to becoming NBC's senior medical correspondent.
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Long Blue Leadership: Jemal Singleton ’99
We explore the evolution and elevation of leadership with a leader who knows what it means to build champions in every sense of the word.
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Long Blue Leadership: Chad Hennings ’88
From A-10 combat missions to three Super Bowl championships, Chad Hennings has led in the air, on the field and now through character-based leadership.
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Long Blue Leadership: Emma Przybyslawski ’10
Emma Przybyslawski ’10 discusses her path from the front lines of combat zones to the founder’s chair at Strike Solutions.
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Long Blue Leadership: 2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24
2nd Lt. Wyatt Hendrickson ’24 gained national attention in 2025 by winning the NCAA heavyweight championship, defeating Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson in a dramatic upset.
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Long Blue Leadership: Jake DeRuyter ’15
Jake DeRuyter '15 shares a compelling leadership journey marked by unexpected challenges and resilient adaptation.
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Long Blue Leadership: Christian Evans ’08
Christian Evans '08 shares his journey from a jovial cadet to a dedicated leader focused on uplifting others.
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Long Blue Leadership: Sullenberger Award for Courage
Hear from Sullenberger Award for Courage recipients “Atomic,” “Batman,” “Guns,” and “Royal”, who were honored during the 2025 National Character and Leadership Symposium.
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