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: Stillman Field
Some of the most significant cadet milestones take place on Stillman Field. From acceptance into the Cadet Wing to graduation parades (and even graduations), Stillman Field is steeped in history and heritage.
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Heritage Minute Special: 70 years of service. One legendary story.
Listen in to learn about a significant event that occurred 70 years ago.
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Heritage Minute: Contrails
Contrails is more than a handbook — it's a rite of passage at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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Heritage Minute Special: USAFA's Modern Day Architect (2 of 3)
In Part 2 of this 3-part series, Heritage Minute Special host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77, continues his conversation with Duane Boyle, recently retired USAFA architect.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA's Jacks Valley
For graduates and cadets who trained here as basics, Jacks Valley will always occupy a special place in our memories.
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Heritage Minute Special: USAFA's Modern Day Architect (1 of 3)
In part one of this three-part series, Heritage Minute Special host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 gets his conversation started with Duane Boyle, recently retired USAFA architect.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA's Battle Ramp
In August 1958, when the U.S. Air Force Academy completed its move from Lowry Air Force Base in Denver to its permanent location, cadets first accessed the cadet area by marching up what is now known as the "Bring Me Men" ramp.
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Heritage Minute Special: The discovery of a legend
During his cadet days, Col. (Ret.) Jim Moschgat ’77 made a remarkable discovery: One of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s janitors had earned a Medal of Honor.
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Heritage Minute Special: The history-making Class of 1969
Col. (Ret.) Darrel Whitcomb ’69 recently led a class reunion, briefing attendees on his classmates' roles during the Vietnam War.
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Heritage Minute Special: the USAFA Founders Day story
April 1, 1954, is the day President Dwight D. Eisenhower shook hands with then-Secretary of the Air Force Harold E. Talbott. The president had just signed legislation authorizing the establishment of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA'S exceptional collector
Meredith Harlow, U.S. Air Force Academy curator of artifacts, discusses her background and the work she does preserving USAFA’s history and heritage.
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Heritage Minute Special: USAFA's command historian
The Air Force Academy’s Command Historian Dr. Brian Laslie talks about his love of history and how that led him to the Academy.
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