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
Checkpoints: A New Day
The years of preparation and months of intense activity led to one momentous day — June 28, 1976, when 157 female cadets took their place at the base of the battle ramp alongside their 1,436 male classmates as members of the U. S. Air Force Academy Class of 1980. What followed was the most unique and closely observed year since the Academy opened its doors at Denver’s Lowry Air Force Base in 1955 to greet the Class of 1959.
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Checkpoints: National Security Matters
Some of Colorado’s foremost space researchers gathered in an unassuming conference room at the University of Colorado Boulder in early April to share their expertise with potential academic, industry and military partners. They highlighted their work in hypersonics, space situational awareness, space technologies for the International Space Station and more.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. Joseph "Paveway" Bledsoe ’11
What builds trust when you don't have a title or position of authority? According to Lt. Col. Joe Bledsoe ’11, it's honesty, integrity, humility presence and action. Tune in as he shares practical leadership lessons learned from the Academy, combat aviation and years of mentoring others.
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Checkpoints: Red Hawk Revolution
The U.S. Air Force has relied on the T-38 Talon for six decades. That’s changing as grads at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph get the nascent T-7A program off the ground and share how the system will change pilot training.
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Checkpoints: Regeneration Row
At the U.S. Air Force’s vast Arizona Boneyard, retired warplanes become spare parts, resurrected aircraft and living history. One recent USAFA graduate helps return these grounded jets to the fight.
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Checkpoints: Hemisphere on Alert
From jungle airfields to hemisphere-wide operations, USAFA graduates helped lead a 150-aircraft mission, rebuild Caribbean bases and counter growing global threats.
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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.
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June 2026 Air Force Gradcast
This month, hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P’17 discuss the opening of the new Hosmer Visitor Center, graduation for the Class of 2026, Appointee & Family Welcome Day, the latest issue of Checkpoints and much more.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. (Ret). Jannell MacAulay ’98, Ph.D.
A devastating injury nearly ended her dreams of becoming a pilot. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jannell MacAulay ’98, Ph.D., instead, says the accident was merely the first chapter in a career defined by perseverance, service and leadership. Listen to her inspiring story on Long Blue Leadership.
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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.
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Col. (Ret.) Chris Bennett ’93 named interim EVP for alumni relations
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation today announced that Col. (Ret.) Chris Bennett ’93 has been named interim executive vice president for alumni relations, effective May 30.
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Long Blue Leadership: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mark Clifford ’97
In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, U.S. Air Force Academy boxing coach Lt. Col. (Ret.) Mark Clifford ’97 shares how the sport shaped his approach to leadership, service and mentoring the next generation of cadets. A strong conversation on resilience and growth.
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