February 27, 2020

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. David L. Goldfein '83, publicly announced a change to the third verse of the Air Force Song. As the third verse is our Air Force Alma Mater, the Chief has specifically asked that this upcoming Checkpoints article be shared with the graduate community. USAFA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria '85 also sent a video to cadets and cadet candidates explaining the rationale behind the wording change.




NEW ZoomieLink Feature: Simple Sign-Up
We are excited to announce we have modified our sign-up process for ZoomieLink. This new feature shortens the sign-up time to under four minutes for faster access to your online grad and alumni network. In addition to this modification, grads are still able to import their LinkedIn profile or resume to quickly populate their profile. Join the network and begin discussions, explore interest groups and find Zoomies in your area by using our grad map!

CASE Recognizes AOG Communications Department
The Communications Department for the USAFA Association of Graduates was recognized as one of the region's best after winning a total of 21 awards from the District 6 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) organization at its January convention in Kansas City. In all, the Communications Department has received 100 awards for quality over the past seven years.

Olympic Anniversary
The AOG's own Executive Vice President Steve Simon '77 recently returned to Lake Placid, NY, where he had been a torch bearer carrying the Olympic flame 40 years ago. He and a group of former torch runners helped light the cauldron during 40th anniversary opening ceremony.

2020-21 Graduate Dependent Scholarship Deadline
Applications are being accepted for the 2020-21 school year. College and high school applicants will be scored separately, so please make sure that you fill out the correct form. All files must be submitted electronically to gds@aogusafa.org by March 2, 2020. For more information, visit our website.

Parents of the Class of 2020
Your Association of Graduates aspires to be the primary link between the United States Air Force Academy and our families, graduates and friends. We believe this Academy that your son or daughter is attending is the premier institution for developing leaders of character. We believe our role as your Association of Graduates is to support Academy programs not fully financed by appropriated funds will greatly assist in fulfilling its mission. We believe connecting your son or daughter with those who have gone before them will only intensify the power of their success. We believe in the men and women (past, present and future) who have answered the call to serve our nation. Do you believe? Connect them with their Association of Graduates TODAY!




USAFA Founders Day — Registration Open!
Please join the Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria '85, and the President of the Association of Graduates, Mr. Marty Marcolongo '88, for the Annual Founders Day Banquet and presentation of the Distinguished Graduate Awards on Friday, Apr. 3, 2020. Register now!




AOG Service Spotlight
Every month, we will highlight inspiring members of the Air Force Academy family performing outstanding service in their community. This month's AOG Service Spotlight is Maj. (Ret.) Rick Wright '74. He leads an AOG chapter that is very engaged in its community and doing great work to help homeless veterans in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Learn more and watch the video!

Service Before Self — Every Minute Matters
The Association of Graduates challenges you to make a more meaningful impact in your community in 2020 by participating in the Service Before Self Challenge. Sixty-five years ago, the United States Air Force Academy inprocessed its first class at the Academy. We challenge you and the Air Force Academy family to donate at least 65 minutes of your time to serving your community. Each month has a recommended theme of service with simple ways to give back to your community. February's theme of service is Random Acts of Kindness! Even if you choose a different cause or activity, every minute matters.

Log your minutes online and donate them to your favorite squadron. Each month, the squadron with the most logged minutes will be recognized as "Top Squadron" and receive $100 toward that squadron's improvement fund. To learn more and log your minutes, visit: usafa.org/ServiceBeforeSelf.




Join us in Jacksonville, Florida, March 26-27th, for the Service Academy Career Conference!
For more than 25 years, SACC has connected countless service academy alumni transitioning to new careers with companies throughout the country. Top industry employers and Fortune 100 companies will be in attendance looking for every level of candidate from entry- to senior-level positions. Meet and network with recruiters, many of whom are fellow service academy alumni or have a military background. SACC - Register now!

Don't forget to also check out the AOG's new Career Center! Find all the tools and resources you need for your career transition.

USC Viterbi School of Engineering — #1 Ranked Online Graduate Computer Science Program for Veterans (2020)
Interested in pursuing a graduate degree in engineering or computer science online? The University of Southern California, Viterbi School of Engineering's online DEN@Viterbi delivery method enables active duty military personnel and veterans to complete a Master's degree completely online from any location in the world. USC Viterbi is ranked the #1 Online Graduate Computer Science Program for Veterans and a Top Ranked Online Graduate Engineering Program for Veterans (across 40+ programs offered) by the U.S. News & World Report (2020 edition). An unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon awards as well as scholarships and funding are available for eligible active duty military and veteran candidates. Learn more now!




Falcon Frenzy Item of the Month
LAST CHANCE for this month's FALCON FRENZY item — our Thermos Insulated Cup Holder! Keep your beverage hot three times longer than a paper cup with this stylish cup holder. Simply take your paper cup, insert into the holder and enjoy. This item will be at its lowest price for the entire month of February, while supplies last. Click here to get yours now!

New Item of the Month
This month's new item is our AF Fan Foam! It's a great way to showcase your Academy pride, and easily displays on the wall with openings on the back. Suitable for all ages. We have a limited quantity, so get yours now while supplies last! Check back in the next edition of 7258' for the March new item of the month. It's a must have!

Huge Savings
LAST CHANCE FOR HUGE SAVINGS! Use code CLOSEOUT20 at checkout to save an additional 10% off our entire store! This code will expire at the end of February. Shop our closeout section for can't-miss savings on winter, fan and class gear!

Falcon Fan Gear Giveaway of the Month
Follow us on social media or watch this newsletter for a new giveaway every month! In February, we're giving away a cozy Air Force plush blanket. Enter to win now!




2020 Air Force Football Schedule Announced
Air Force's 2020 football schedule was announced today by the Mountain West Conference as part of the conference's full schedule release.

NCLS Coverage Online
Thousands of cadets and graduates, staff members, community members, military personnel and visiting university students took part in the 27th annual National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS) last week at the United States Air Force Academy. Learn more and watch some of the videos live-streamed from the event on social media.




Reading This Ad? So Are Your Customers!
Call Jeff MacLean today at 719-247-8767 or email him at jeff.maclean@aogusafa.org to find out how you can reach more than 58,000 people on every Air Force base worldwide, as often as every two weeks, for as little as $100 a month!

COS Airport
Spend your spring having fun and not in line at the airport! The Colorado Springs Airport is a local, hometown airport that offers short lines, on-site car rental, easy pick up and drop off, and a convenient location close to the city. Just 24 miles from the United States Air Force Academy, COS serves 10 nonstop destinations that can connect travelers to more than 300 destinations on four airlines: American, Delta, Frontier and United. Visit FlyCOS.com for more information.

Military OneSource: Support for Airmen and Their Families
Military OneSource is free, 24/7 support for all things MilLife. This Department of Defense program can connect you and your dependents to info, answers and support like tax services, financial counseling, spouse job opportunities, relocation resources, confidential support and more. See all the ways we can help at MilitaryOneSource.mil. Our mission is you.

We Salute Your Service
Piedmont Airlines values your military service and pilot training. Enjoy the benefits you've earned by letting them help you make the transition to a rewarding civilian career. They'll help you complete the training that puts you in an airline flight deck and custom design your program — with no obligation — to put you on the fastest career path to American Airlines. Click here for more information or check in with a recruiter: Laura.A.Bailey@aa.com

The Bremont USAFA Graduate Watch
The Bremont USAFA Graduate Watch is exclusively for USAFA graduates. Each design features the Academy Crest, Prop and Wings, and "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
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-Ethical, professional and always looking out for your best interest
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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.