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: Clark Special Collections
Heritage Minute with Steve Simon '77 is back! In this first episode of Season 6 we explore the story of Lt. Gen. Albert P. Clark, the 6th Superintendent of USAFA, and tour the Clark Special Collections facility located on the sixth floor of the McDermott Library.
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Heritage Minute Podcast Introduction
One key mission of the Association of Graduates is to highlight some of those things that make the Academy the special place that it is.
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Heritage Minute: Eagle Peak
Make the trek up Eagle Peak with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77 in this Heritage Minute!
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Heritage Minute: USAFA Chapel cocoon
In this Heritage Minute with Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steve Simon '77, we take you inside the massive 180-foot tall enclosure surrounding the U.S. Air Force Academy's Cadet Chapel.
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Heritage Minute: Air Force Academy Liaison Office in Washington, D.C.
Did you know that not every U.S. Air Force Academy employee works on the Colorado Springs campus? Some are assigned to the Air Force Academy Liaison Office in Washington, D.C.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA Cemetery (4 of 4)
Burial eligibility at the USAFA Cemetery is governed by USAFA Instruction 34-501, published on Nov. 13, 2018.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA Cemetery (3 of 4)
The USAFA Cemetery serves not only as the final resting place for many distinguished individuals but also as the site of several notable structures that honor their service and legacy.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA Cemetery (2 of 4)
The USAFA Cemetery has become a revered final resting place for many of the Air Force's most distinguished leaders and heroes.
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Heritage Minute: USAFA Cemetery (1 of 4)
Tucked among pine trees just east of the Cadet Area, the 100-acre USAFA cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 2,000 individuals. It stands as a place of honor and reflection, with a history that reaches back to the Academy’s earliest days at its permanent location.
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Heritage Minute: Historic Ice Lake
Just west of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s service and supply area lies Ice Lake — a quiet spot with a surprisingly industrious past.
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Heritage Minute: Pioneer Cabin
Nestled in the wooded stretch of the Douglass Valley stands the oldest structure on the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds, and one of the oldest buildings in the entire Pikes Peak region.
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Heritage Minute: The Gallery of Great Airmen
The “Gallery of Great Airmen” is an artistic gem located in the Exemplar area of Fairchild Hall.
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