Air Force Gradcast hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius ’00 and Vince Greco P’17 discuss the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial groundbreaking, introduce the new Chapter Check-ins and welcome special guest Karl Falk ’98, CEO of Botdoc. Falk reflects on leadership, teamwork and the enduring legacy of Air Force athletics — from the Bolt Brotherhood and Coach Fisher DeBerry’s impact to new opportunities to support the DeBerry endowment and statue project.

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. Hear how playing football for the Falcons was just the beginning of his U.S. Air Force Academy journey.

This month’s Air Force Gradcast is packed with useful news and info: cadets interning at top organizations, grads leading at the highest levels — and how your support makes it possible. We’ve also got news on the Career Services Program, a full fall events lineup and so much more. Wherever you are, Air Force Gradcast connects the Long Blue Line.

An inside look at what’s happening at the U.S. Air Force Academy. In this special edition of Air Force Gradcast. Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91, USAFA’s 22nd superintendent, shares updates on cadet development and answers alumni questions. Hosted by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, this episode dives into the Academy’s mission and how it is preparing our nation’s future warfighters.

Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 joins us from orbit! From cadet to astronaut, she shares how the U.S. Air Force Academy prepared her for life aboard the International Space Station, the lessons space learned in the space program about leadership and how viewing Earth from 250 miles up re-shapes one’s call to serve.

Truman Scholars, USAFA players in the NFL, and a peanut butter–banana–mayo sandwich. 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.

Your July Air Force Gradcast is here! In this episode, 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.

In this special feature of the Air Force Gradcast, we spotlight the most recent recipients of the Academy’s Distinguished Service Award—exceptional graduates whose lives and careers reflect the highest ideals of service, leadership, and integrity.

Your June Air Force Gradcast is here! Join hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17, along with special guest Steve Lincoln, the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation's senior development writer and editor. They discuss the Class of 2025 graduation, Athletics Hall of Fame nominees, a big fundraising win, the Class of 1976 50th reunion project and much more!     SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!   Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT     The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport  

In this edition of Air Force Gradcast hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 and their special guests, Mr. John Martinson and Mr. Randy Helms, Distinguished Service Award wrecipients as they discuss how the Academy honors distinguished service. In news, updates, and events, graduation day for cadets and the prep school; a winning season for women’s basketball; a BIG day of giving and so much more! Gradcast drops the first Friday of every month and is available on any of your favorite podcast apps. Tune in Friday and share with your USAFA community!

Your April Air Force Gradcast is here! Join hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 share the latest on a big win for a USAFA wrestler, 4 shining stars for Hotel Polaris, a meet & greet with a Super Bowl winner, events across the country and much more!    SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!     Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport. VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT     The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport    

Stay connected with your grad community through your March Air Force Gradcast! Hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 share the latest on Association of Graduates biennial board elections, USAFA winter sports, news, events, announcements and more!

Stay connected with your grad community! Your February Air Force Gradcast is here! Hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 have the latest on Association of Graduates Board elections, USAFA winter sports in full swing, new, events, announcements and more!

Stay connected with your grad community! Your 2025 New Year’s Air Force Gradcast is here! Hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 share the latest on USAFA’s Dean of Faculty’s retirement, the Artemus Moon Tree, closing out a successful donor campaign, a day in the life of co-host, Vince Greco and much more!

In this edition of Air Force Gradcast, hosts Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and Vince Greco P ’17, have the latest for you on a new brand for the AOG and Foundation; progress on the new visitor’s center; a call for award nominations; how you can stay connected, new podcast releases and much more! Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!   QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!  - GRADCAST@USAFA.ORG   EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact events@usafa.org.   THE STUNNING HOTEL POLARIS:  NOW OPEN! - Image credit Hotel Polaris FOLLOW HOTEL POLARIS ON FACEBOOK  |  EXPERIENCE HOTEL POLARIS   LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL  - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account! The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.   GIVE NOW  - If you missed GIVING TUESDAY and still want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government. Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.   OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits. OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE   Have questions? Email us at: gradmembership@aogusafa.org Call us at: (719) 472-0300   CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception: to tell the Academy and graduate stories.  - CHECKPOINTS ONLINE   YOUR AOG ONLINE - ALL YOUR AOG RESOURCES, EVENTS AND INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE   With our Gratitude!       SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!     Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport. VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT     The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport    

In this edition of Air Force Gradcast, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and her guest, Air Force Academy Foundation’s Vince Greco, announce a long-awaited grand opening, wrap up reunion season, talk tailgating by boat, share their travel plans to meet with grads, home games at Falcon stadium, how you can make a difference, stay connected, new podcast releases and much more! Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!

In this edition, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 discusses reunion and tailgating season; a message from the Academy’s new superintendent in Checkpoints; new podcast releases and much more! Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!

The Academy’s Kucera Legacy Center is open!  The AOG and Foundation is look for an Executive Vice President of Devlopment.  It's reunion season and much more! Episode 5 of Air Force Gradcast is here!   Episode 5 of the Air Force Gradcast is available now! In this edition, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and fellow Association and Foundation teammates Kelly Banet and Michele Bergeman discuss expanded roles, increasing engagement with grads, reunion season and much more. Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!   QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!  - GRADCAST@USAFA.ORG   EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact events@usafa.org.   LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL  - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account! The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.   GIVE NOW  - If you missed 1Day1 USAFA and want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government. Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.     OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits. OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE   Have questions? Email us at: gradmembership@aogusafa.org Call us at: (719) 472-0300   CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception: to tell the Academy and graduate stories.  - CHECKPOINTS ONLINE   YOUR AOG ONLINE - ALL YOUR AOG RESOURCES, EVENTS AND INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE   With our Gratitude!       Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport. VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT     The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport          

Marching back with the Class of 2028; the Academy’s new superintendent; leadership awards; upcoming events; and much more! Episode 4 of Air Force Gradcast is here! ----more---- Episode 4 of the Air Force Gradcast is available now! In this edition, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and fellow Association and Foundation teammates Maj. (Ret.) Michael Barnes, Kelly Banet and Jennifer Cooper discuss the Academy’s new superintendent; AOG leadership awards; the 200 grads who marched back from Jacks Valley with the Class of 2028; and much more. Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!   QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!  - GRADCAST@USAFA.ORG   LINKS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS LONG BLUE LINE WEEKEND, DINNER, MARCHBACK, CONFERENCE AND MORE Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact events@usafa.org.   LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL  - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account! The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.   GIVE NOW  - If you missed 1Day1 USAFA and want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government. Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.   PHOTO ALBUMS FROM EVENTS WE MENTIONED   CLASS OF 2028 and Graduate March Back is a milestone reached by cadet basics who have successfully complete basic training.  A new tradition started in 2019 makes it possible for Academy Graduates to march the entire 5-plus miles with them. Cadet and Graduate March Back 2024   Academy grads sit with cadet basics for their first meal after completion of basic training.  Following that, a USAFA Senior Leadership Panel. Cadet Meal and Leadership Panel   Long Blue Line Awards Dinner Falcon Club and Awards Ceremony   USAFA Long Blue Line Leadership Conference: Conference Pics   OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits. OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE   Have questions? Email us at: gradmembership@aogusafa.org Call us at: (719) 472-0300   CAREER SERVICES Your AOG is ready with transition and employment assistance! We strive to deliver services and resources to help you throughout your career transition while maximizing your military service. Whether you’re continuing your journey in the USAF, furthering your education, or preparing for a transition into the civilian sector, we can help. The Long Blue Line Portal is now where our resume services, employment and education resources, and networking opportunities will live. Please sign in or create an account to access tools such as tailored guides, webinars, a job board and business directory, and much more! Follow the link below for more information and to talk with Maj. (Ret.) Michael Barnes, Senior Director of Alumni Relations.  - CONNECT WITH MAJ. (RET.) MICHAEL BARNES  - LEARN MORE ABOUT CAREER SERVICES   CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of i

Academy Grads, Episode 3 of your Air Force Gradcast is here with AOG and Foundation news, updates, impact, people, special features and events!----more---- Episode 3 of Air Force Gradcast features a stellar cast of AOG and Foundation Gradcasters! Listen for news, updates, events, announcements and more! Gradcast drops the first Friday of every month and is available on all your favorite podcast apps. Support the Gradcast team's work to keep grads informed, connected and engaged! Listen and share Gradcast with your network of Academy grads, family and friends!   QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!  - GRADCAST@USAFA.ORG   LINKS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS LONG BLUE LINE WEEKEND, DINNER, MARCHBACK, CONFERENCE AND MORE Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact events@usafa.org.   LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL  - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account! The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.   GIVE NOW  - If you missed 1Day1 USAFA and want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government. Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.   HAVE YOU SEEN OUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS? A fun fact:  if you measured all of the original external caulking used on the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, it would stretch more than 30 miles. The Academy added caulking soon after the Chapel’s construction as a cost-effective attempt to stop water leaks. This interesting fact and many others were shared during a media tour of Academy infrastructure projects — with AOG and Foundation assistance, about half a billion dollars’ worth.   - TAKE THE TOUR HERE  - THE INSIDER'S-ONLY LOOK   OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits. OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE   Have questions? Email us at: gradmembership@aogusafa.org Call us at: (719) 472-0300   CAREER SERVICES Your AOG is ready with transition and employment assistance! We strive to deliver services and resources to help you throughout your career transition while maximizing your military service. Whether you’re continuing your journey in the USAF, furthering your education, or preparing for a transition into the civilian sector, we can help. The Long Blue Line Portal is now where our resume services, employment and education resources, and networking opportunities will live. Please sign in or create an account to access tools such as tailored guides, webinars, a job board and business directory, and much more! Follow the link below for more information and to talk with Maj. (Ret.) Michael Barnes, Senior Director of Alumni Relations.  - CONNECT WITH MAJ. (RET.) MICHAEL BARNES  - LEARN MORE ABOUT CAREER SERVICES   CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception: to tell the Academy and graduate stories.  - CHECKPOINTS ONLINE   YOUR AOG ONLINE - ALL YOUR AOG RESOURCES, EVENTS AND INFORMATION IN ON