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 Special: A lifetime chronicling and preserving history
Maj. (Ret.) Don Rightmyer ’73 has spent a lifetime chronicling and preserving history, a passion he shares with Heritage Minute Special host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77.
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Heritage Minute Special: The most decorated hockey player in Academy history
Former Air Force Academy hockey player Chuck Delich '77 is a living legend who continues to contribute to the game to this day.
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Heritage Minute Special: From cadet to senator and president
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77 talks with AOG Class Advisory Senate President Col. (Ret.) Randy Helms '79.
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Heritage Minute Special: What's coming in 2025
Listen in to find out plans for Heritage Minute coverage in 2025.
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Heritage Minute Special: Cadet sabers now made in the USA
The production of USAFA’s cadet sabers has moved from Germany to Colorado Springs. Heritage Minute Special host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon ’77 explains the change.
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Heritage Minute Special: 30 years of the Sabre Society
The Sabre Society came into existence 30 years ago when the Air Force Academy joined with the Association of Graduates in 1995 to sign a memorandum of understanding.
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Heritage Minute Special: A Legacy of Leadership and Scholarship
Gen. (Ret.) Steve Lorenz graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1973 and went on to participate in some of the most impactful moments in our nation’s history.
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Heritage Minute Special: How the Wings of Blue got its start
The Wings of Blue started in the spring of 1962 when a group of daring cadets — later dubbed the "bootleg jumpers" — made their first parachute jumps.
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Heritage Minute Special: "Honor Bound: A Portrait in Courage"
Host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77 welcome Jim Nance ’71 and Maj. Joe Flescher ’14, to the studio. Nance created the 2,000-pound "Honor Bound - A Portrait in Courage" plaque now mounted on the east exterior wall of USAFA's Southeast Asia Pavilion. Flescher served as his model.
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Heritage Minute Special: Things you might not know about Jimmy Doolittle
In this Heritage Minute Special, Col. (Ret.) John Abbatiello, PhD., author and historian, talks with host, Steve Simon ’77 about his work deep researching and studying the life and times of WWII pilot, Jim Doolittle.
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Heritage Minute Special: Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Bob Vasquez
Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Bob Vasquez has a deep history serving the Long Blue Line, including at the Air Force Academy.
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Heritage Minute Special: 45 Years Serving the Long Blue Line
In the waning days of his 45-year career serving and supporting the Long Blue Line, Maj. (Ret.) Tom Kroboth was inducted as an honorary member of the Association of Graduates.
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