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
Heritage Minute: Fairchild Hall
Fairchild Hall connects the U.S. Air Force Academy’s history with the future of learning and conflict. The massive six-story building houses more than 250 classrooms, roughly four dozen laboratories and 13 lecture halls, along with faculty offices, academic departments and the commandant of cadets. It’s also home to newer capabilities such as the Multi-Domain Laboratory and Institute for Future Conflict. The building was dedicated May 31, 1959, in honor of Gen. Muir S. Fairchild, whose work helped lay the foundation for the Academy’s educational philosophy and academic program.
View
Heritage Minute Podcast: At the Speed of Information
The process of sharing information has quickly evolved, and Air Force Public Affairs has not been immune to change. Fax machines and weekly base newspapers have been replaced with 24-hour news cycles and the digital age. Col. (Ret.) Johnny Whitaker ’73 witnessed the evolution of Air Force communications firsthand. Hear his stories, lessons and leadership insights on the latest Heritage Minute Podcast.
View
Heritage Minute: Mitchell Hall
At the center of the Terrazzo sits Mitchell Hall, where generations of cadets have gathered for meals, camaraderie and tradition.
View
Heritage Minute Podcast: Launching Space Force
In this edition of the Heritage Minute Podcast, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Nina Armagno ’88 shares her firsthand perspective on the rise of military space, the creation of the U.S. Space Force and why space remains critical to national security.
View
Heritage Minute: Falcon Mews
The falcon mews is home to some of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s most recognizable ambassadors. Each year, falcons and their cadet handlers make approximately 150 appearances, introducing communities across multiple states to the Academy, its mission and its enduring traditions.
View
Heritage Minute Podcast: The Air Force in Transition
In this episode of the Heritage Minute Podcast, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tony Monetti ’87 reflects on a decade that reshaped the U.S. Air Force and transformed the way America projects airpower around the world.
View
Heritage Minute: HH-3E Jolly Green Giant
There’s only one helicopter on static display at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and it carries an extraordinary legacy. The HH-3E Jolly Green Giant stands just inside the Academy’s North Gate. Several Academy graduates flew the iconic rescue helicopter, including a Medal of Honor recipient.
View
Heritage Minute Podcast: From Cold War to the Classroom
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tom Mabry ’80 shares with Heritage Minute host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 his story of missing out on a pilot slot to eventually navigating KC-135 missions during the Cold War. Col. Mabry then spent decades shaping cadets in the classroom.
View
Heritage Minute: Air Combat War Memorial
Near the U.S. Air Force Academy’s North Gate sits the Air Warrior Combat Memorial. The memorial honors a century of aerial warfare and the airmen who flew, fought and supported combat operations. Dedicated in 2021, the memorial features, among other displays, a bronze F-4 Phantom, a statue of former commandant of cadets and legendary fighter pilot Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, and plaques depicting the history of air combat.
View
Heritage Minute Podcast: USAFA'S Storytellers
From U.S. Air Force Academy media relations to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Dean Miller reflects on a consistent mission: Serve the public, tell the story and step up in moments that matter. In this Heritage Minute Podcast, Miller reflects on what he carried forward from the Academy — integrity, service and excellence — and how those values show up in every role.
View
Heritage Minute: An enduring legacy
In 2026, we commemorate a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of the admission of female cadets at the United States Air Force Academy under Public Law 94-106.
View
Heritage Minute Podcast: 50 Years with Women at USAFA
This April in Colorado Springs, more than 600 members of the Long Blue Line will come together to mark 50 years of women at the U.S. Air Force Academy. For five decades, thousands of women have helped define the mission and legacy of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Today, leaders like Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tanya Hurwitz ’95 are bringing those stories full circle — connecting past impact with future generations.
View