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
Air Force Gradcast: Beyond the sidelines — a special presentation featuring Coach Troy Calhoun ’89
Falcon football Head Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 joins Air Force Gradcast host Vince Greco P’17 and discusses Calhoun’s days as a freshman letterman to leading cadets on and off the field.
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Air Force Gradcast: Cadets of Summer, Reunions and Tailgates, Grads in the News and More
What do the White House, Amazon, Boeing, Cornell University and Tesla have in common? Find out in the September edition of Air Force Gradcast.
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Air Force Gradcast: USAFA Mission Brief and Grad Q&A with Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind '91
In this special edition of Air Force Gradcast, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91, USAFA’s 22nd superintendent, shares an inside look into cadet development and answers graduate questions.
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Air Force Gradcast: August 2025
What do a Truman Scholar, three NFL players, and a peanut butter–banana–mayo sandwich have in common? They all made the cut in this edition of Air Force Gradcast! Hosts Vince Greco P’17 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 talk Acceptance Day, Long Blue Line weekend, legendary Coach Fisher DeBerry and so much more.
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Air Force Gradcast: July 2025
The Class of 2029 arrives and brings a record-breaking crowd; the Academy releases new security info for non-military ID holders; USAFA athletes are exhibiting excellence on a national level; and we share an informational, motivational and emotional conversation with Rick Wright ’74, AOG North Texas chapter president.
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Air Force Gradcast: Distinguished Service Award Recipients
In this special edition, we spotlight the most recent recipients of the Air Force Academy’s Distinguished Service Award.
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Air Force Gradcast: June 2025
Hear about the Class of 2025 graduation, Athletics Hall of Fame nominees, a big fundraising win, and the Class of 1976 50th reunion project.
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Air Force Gradcast: May 2025
Hear about Distinguished Service Award recipients, graduation day for cadets and the prep school, a winning season for women’s basketball and a big day of giving.
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Air Force Gradcast: April 2025
Hear about a big win for a USAFA graduate wrestler, four shining stars for Hotel Polaris, a meet-and-greet with a Super Bowl winner and other events across the country.
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Air Force Gradcast: March 2025
Hear about Association of Graduates biennial board elections, the new NextGen Advisory Council, a new member of the Association & Foundation team and base access changes.
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Air Force Gradcast: February 2025
Hear about Association of Graduates board elections, USAFA winter sports in full swing and other news and events.
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Air Force Gradcast: January 2025
Hear about the retirement of USAFA’s dean of the faculty, the Artemis Moon Tree and closing out a successful donor campaign.
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