September 14, 2018

Checkpoints Online
In the September 2018 issue of Checkpoints you'll find features on a USAFA grad's involvement in the Thai cave rescue mission, Academy impact on NASA as it turns 60 and members from the Class of 1970 running to raise money to fight cancer. Check out Checkpoints Online to find bonus articles and feature videos beyond the printed magazine.

AOG Launches New Heritage Minute Series!
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. As a result, the AOG is launching a series of "Heritage Minute" videos that will be available weekly Tuesday mornings on our website, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram TV. Subscribe to our channel and follow us on social media so you don't miss out! Each episode of the "Heritage Minute" will feature a historic site or display found somewhere on the Academy campus. Watch our first episode that was filmed appropriately at the 9/11 Memorial on the Terrazzo.

Distinguished Graduate Award Nominations Sought
It's time once again to submit nominations for the Distinguished Graduate Award! The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation, our school, and/or their communities. This unique honor is bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates, and recognizes graduates whose accomplishments are inspirational and elevate the reputation and standing of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Learn more and submit your nomination before Oct. 31, 2018.

Falcon Atlantic Tailgate
The Drum and Bugle Corps, Cheerleaders, and Falconers came out to entertain the sellout crowd of graduates, family and friends. Despite the loss, the Falcon faithful had a great time at the Florida Atlantic Tailgate. Check out Facebook for pictures and video shared from the event! Next stop is the Falcon Nest at Army. We hope to see you there!

Parents and Families — Thank You!
Thank you to all who stopped by the AOG table at the Information Fair in the Arnold Hall Ballroom on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018. It was great to meet you and have the opportunity to thank you in person for your membership and for supporting our programs! With the summer completed and our WebGuy coverage going back to its academic year routine, we want to remind you of the bigger picture of why being a part of the Association of Graduates is more than WebGuy. Please read our blog to learn more about the mission of the AOG and the benefits of being a part of our family! For questions regarding membership, please contact Megan Bollman, membership manager.

Reunion Classes — Congratulations Class of 1993 for the Highest Membership Rate!
Membership to your Association of Graduates allows your alumni association to provide: support for our USAFA graduates, parents and Academy friends; services and assistance to current cadets; connection to the Long Blue Line; a solid professional network to support you through all stages of your career; and more. In return you will receive membership benefits such as: discounted event registration for you and your guest(s) — this includes reunion registration; a subscription to Checkpoints quarterly alumni magazine; 15% off merchandise at shop.usafa.org; and more. Life and Annual Memberships are available. Please see our website for pricing. We look forward to seeing you at your reunion this year!




Air Force Falcon Nest at Army
Join the AOG, the USAFA Endowment and Air Force Athletics as Air Force fans gather at the Air Force-Army football game on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018! Registration is now open!

Jabara Dinner — Registration Open
On Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, we will be honoring the 2018 James Jabara Award for Airmanship recipient Maj. Marc P. Catalano '06 at Doolittle Hall. Register today! Learn more about the James Jabara Award for Airmanship.

Celebration of Service
We are connected to an institution that builds leaders of character committed to a lifetime of service. Join us for Celebration of Service Oct. 4-6, 2018, for an opportunity to assess how we are measuring up to that commitment.

Legacy Class of 1971 — Exemplar Dinner for the Class of 2021
Please join the Class of 2021 at the Exemplar Dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018. The guest speaker will be Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David A. Deptula. Registration ends Sept. 25, don't delay!

Join the Ruck
Celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Air Force Rugby back at the Academy this fall. Learn more and register now to join in the fun!




The AOG Office
Become an AOG member at usafa.org/Membership today and make us do more push ups! If cadets can do them after every score, so can we! Watch the social media spot we ran after the Falcons won the first football game of the season.

Tag Us Online
When you're posting a photo or message on social media that you'd like us and others to find + share online, tag @AirForceGrads or use the #USAFA hashtag. If you're sharing something for your class like reunion photos, use your class hashtag. That's USAFA + class year (ex. #USAFA1988). We'd love to share your Academy-related photos and spotlight some of the best here ahead.




Support Those Who Support Us!
You just proved that this works! If you have a business that can help our Air Force Academy community, consider advertising it here! Perhaps it's a restaurant, hotel, auto service or carpet cleaning service. Whether your business reaches the world or just our locals, I would like to speak with you about becoming a proud True Blue Business partner! Please contact Jeff MacLean at jeff.maclean@aogusafa.org or 719-247-8767 today to discuss how we can partner together!

Colorado Springs Airport - Pancake Breakfast Fly-In
The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and FAASTeam are partnering for a Pancake Breakfast and Aviation Safety Seminar Fly-In at Colorado jetCenter.
• Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018
• Pancake Breakfast: 7:00 a.m.
• COS Pilot Briefing: 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Colorado jetCenter: 1575 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. View the official event flyer here. For more information, contact Phil Fleming at pfcos@gmail.com.

Wendy's
When you put something in the freezer, it's for later. That's why Wendy's makes your hamburger with fresh beef — never frozen. Wendy's believes that a great hamburger starts with cooking fresh beef, not thawing like some other guys. Stop in for a Dave's Single today at 13481 Bass Pro Dr. near the North Gate or 8080 Academy Blvd N. near the South Gate!

Amanda's Cantina
Amanda's Cantina is now serving brunch! The buffet is only $16.95 and features an omelette bar, breakfast burritos, chicken/beef tacos, chorizo hash browns & more. Come watch football on the heated, enclosed patio as you sip on $10 bottomless mimosas & Bloody Marys. The brunch buffet is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. See you soon at 8050 N. Academy Blvd!

The Villa
HOSTING A PARTY OR EVENT? The Villa in Palmer Lake is ready to host any of your event needs. They can accommodate small, medium and large events. Both food and drink menus can be personalized for any occasion. From birthdays, holiday office parties and sports teams to rehearsal dinners and weddings, The Villa in Palmer Lake can take care of you! Email events@thevilla105.com for more information!

The Bremont USAFA Graduate Watch
The Bremont USAFA Graduate Watch is exclusively for USAFA graduates. Each design features the Academy Crest, Prop and Wings, "The Long Blue Line." To learn more about this watch, go to: https://www.bremont.com/military-orders/usafa-graduate

Looking to Move to, From, or Within Colorado? Contact Roger Hill, the Realtor You Can Trust!
-USAFA Grad, Class of 1970
-More than 26 years of experience as a Licensed Realtor — Your Castle Real Estate
-Ethical, professional and always looking out for your best interest
-Specializing in the Front Range: Denver, Castle Rock, Monument, Colorado Springs
Contact Roger Hill at 303-956-5955 or Roger.Hill1970@gmail.com.

AFA Creations
Rick Broome is one of the most notable aviation and space artists in the world today. His work captures the spirit and wonder of flight from commercial to military aircraft, and from the dawn of aviation to the most advanced aircraft today.