January 16, 2020

Service Before Self — Every Minute Matters
Continuing the "More Than Just a Game" initiative, the Association of Graduates challenges the Air Force Academy family to have a more meaningful impact in their communities 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. As we ring in the New Year, we challenge the Air Force Academy family (grads, cadets, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends of the Academy, etc.) to donate at least 65 minutes of their time to serving their community. The challenge started earlier this month and ends on July 11, 2020, the 65th anniversary of the first class inprocessing at the Academy.

Your community involvement will even help pay for improvements at your Academy. 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.

Each month will have a recommended theme of service with simple ways to give back to your community. This month's the theme is MLK Day, a national day of service. Even if you choose a different cause or activity, every minute matters. To learn more visit: usafa.org/ServiceBeforeSelf



2020-21 Graduate Dependent Scholarships
Applications are now 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.

New Year — New Traditions
Make joining your Association of Graduates a New Year's resolution you don't ignore! Join today and show your support of the AOG mission. 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.




USAFA Graduates: Are You Looking for a New Career for the New Year?
Join us in Jacksonville, FL on March 26th-27th for the Service Academy Career Conference. A job fair exclusively for service academy alumni, top industry employers and Fortune 500 companies will be in attendance looking for every level of candidate from entry to senior level. Register today!

USAFA Graduates — Your Fellow Alums Need You!!
The AOG has partnered with Veterati and Northrop Grumman to create a graduate-to-graduate career mentorship program. Please sign up today to help those looking for assistance in their next career step after the military. Sign up as a mentor here: veterati.com/aog/

USC Viterbi — #1 Ranked Online Graduate Computer Science Program for Veterans (2020)
Want to make 2020 the year you advance your education and career? 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!




Jabara Airmanship Award Dinner
The Association of Graduates requests the pleasure of your company at the Col. James Jabara Airmanship Award Dinner on Feb. 7 to honor Col. Nick Hague '98 and Maj. Caitlin Reilly '07. Each year the United States Air Force Academy and the Association of Graduates present the award to Academy graduates whose airmanship contributions are of great significance and set them apart from their contemporaries.

Class of 2020 100th Night: Legacy Class of 1970
You are cordially invited to celebrate 100th Night Dining In with the graduating Class of 2020 on February 13, 2020, at 1830 hours. Don't miss out on this special event! For full details, register here!




Falcon Frenzy Item of the Month
Our Classic Crew is this month's hot item! This Classic Crew, with Air Force Falcons™ and an interlocking AF™ embroidered on the chest, allows you to stay comfortable and stylish year round. This item will be at its lowest price for the entire month of January — but only while supplies last. Click here to check it out!

New Item of the Month
This month's new item is our Air Force Frosted Drinking Glass! This item is a must have with hand-drawn artwork and organic ink, plus it's dishwasher safe! This item is sold individually, but can be purchased in multiple quantities. While supplies last. Click here to purchase!

Clearance Item of the Month
With the start of the new year, we are excited to announce our Winter Gear Blowout! Shop here for slashed prices on our men's, women's and youth apparel. Other items such as winter hats, mugs and our BBQ apron set have also been reduced in price!

Falcon Fan Gear Giveaway of the Month
Follow us on social media or watch this newsletter for a new giveaway every month in the new year! In January, we're giving away Air Force Academy ASCAPE wall art. The 20"x20" particle board display features the Cadet Chapel with a mountain backdrop and the Thunderbirds soaring above. It is easy to hang to show your Academy pride. Enter to win now!




USAFA Grad Playoff Matchup
Last weekend on social media we shared a photo of former Air Force Falcon football players who are now on NFL teams that recently faced off in the playoffs. Ben Garland '10 and his 49ers beat Austin Cutting '19's Vikings to advance in the NFC playoffs.

From Golf Courses to Commissaries: More Details About Access to New Military Benefits for 4.1 Million Extra People
For the 4.1 million people who are newly eligible for shopping privileges on military installations, defense officials have provided some more details on access to the new shopping and recreation benefits open to them as of Jan. 1. Officials have outlined a temporary solution for veterans who have a service-connected disability, but their income is too high to qualify for a Veteran Health Identification Card, or VHIC.

ZoomieLink Alumni Network
Start making connections on ZoomieLink, our NEW online community exclusive to USAFA grads and alumni! Recently launched, this enhanced network features discussion topics, interest groups and a grad map to find Zoomies near you!

Bass Military Scholarship Program
In recognition of the patriotism, scholarship and leadership qualities and capabilities of veterans, Vanderbilt University launched the Bass Military Scholars Program in 2018 to provide financial aid to an annual cohort of highly talented veterans pursuing graduate and professional degrees across five Vanderbilt schools. Application window is Aug. 1, 2019, to Feb. 10, 2020. Learn more.




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 be reaching more than 58,000 people on every Air Force base worldwide, as often as every two weeks, for as little as $100 a month!

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
-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.