June 5, 2020

On June 5, 1963, Charles Bush '63, Isaac Payne '63 and Roger Sims '63 became the first three African-American graduates of the Air Force Academy, helping break down racial barriers at our nation's service academies. Yet racial issues throughout the country persist, and the Air Force community is talking about it.

This week, Superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria '85 wrote, "As an institution of higher learning, dialogue on societal issues must be a priority at this Academy, and I can think of no other time in my nearly four decades in uniform where that dialogue is as important as it is right now." Read full letter.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein '83 and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright also hosted a dialogue on race in a Facebook Town Hall this week.




Calling All Grads — Connect with One Another and Cadets
Try out ZoomieLink to connect with fellow graduates and cadets alike!

Help USAFA Family Businesses
Many Academy graduate-owned and USAFA family-owned businesses are struggling right now due to the global pandemic. Here's how you can help. We've put together a growing list of businesses that could use a helping hand from the Academy family community.




AOG Service Spotlight
This month's AOG Service Spotlight shines on Kevin Divers '98 and his son Zach, a Class of 2021 cadet who returned home from the Academy during this pandemic. They have been manning the Tennessee state COVID-19 hotline and putting their shared sense of service before self into action to help others.




New Episode — Heritage Minute
The latest episode of Heritage Minute with AOG Executive Vice President Steve Simon '77 explores the history behind the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy.

Class of 2020 Graduates and Parents — Checkpoints Online
In the last issue of 7258', we announced a change to our quarterly Checkpoints (alumni magazine) mailing effective June 1, 2020. As a reminder, Checkpoints will only be available electronically, unless new graduates opt to receive a physical copy of the magazine. Class of 2020 parents who are AOG members will now be converted to electronic access for Checkpoints. Click here for complete details.

Class of 2020 — Check Out Firstie Departure
Welcome to your Firstie Departure! No matter the destination, this exclusive virtual event was created to support Firsties on their next journey. By exploring the links on this website, you will gain critical information, learn more about life after the Academy and connect with grads willing to share their insider tips.

Class of 2024 Parent Husky Club Members — Upgrade to Keep Your Membership
Your Association of Graduates thanks you for your membership and for your support of our programs! Your WebGuy account that comes with your membership to Husky Club was deactivated on May 31. To reinstate your membership along with your access to our WebGuy program, please visit our website to review all the details of our Family Plan membership at usafa.org/appointee; however, do not enroll in Family Plan online as this will cause problems with your existing WebGuy account. Please call the membership department directly at 719-472-0300, ext. 108, to upgrade to Family Plan and keep your WebGuy access active so you can enjoy all the coverage starting on Inprocessing Day. It's not too early to upgrade your membership. Upgrade now and your membership will be paid in full in time for your cadet's USAFA graduation.

Welcome USAFA Class of 2024, Parents and Families
Don't miss all the action provided by our awesome WebGuy team! WebGuy is a 4-year program designed to provide a window into cadet life. For the family of a new cadet who is entering basic training, WebGuy becomes your new best friend and a great connection to your son or daughter as they take the first steps in their journey at the United States Air Force Academy. WebGuy photographers will keep you connected to the Academy life through blogs and pictures starting on Inprocessing Day all the way up until graduation week! Sign up today so you are ready to catch all the action! Please note: Your Family Plan membership can be paid in full instead of paid monthly — a savings of over $200!

Welcome Prep School Parents and Families
Want to catch an amazing glimpse into life at the Prep School? Watch as WebGuy tells the cadet candidate story and be on the lookout for your son or daughter as they experience this new chapter in their life. JOIN TODAY and have one less thing to worry about leading up to Inprocessing Day! Enroll in our Family Plan Membership before June 30 and you will receive a FREE AF Prep drawstring bag with your purchase. HURRY! This free gift is only available while supplies last! We look forward to serving you and yours for decades to come! (Items included in promotional gift pack are not sold in our AOG Gift Shop. Not available for purchase. One gift per Family Plan Membership purchased for a new Class of 2021/2025 family.)




Virtual Service Academy Career Conference — June 9-12th
Join us online next week for the virtual Service Academy Career Conference (SACC), a job fair exclusively for Academy grads! Top industry employers and Fortune 100 companies will be in attendance looking for every level of candidate. For 25 years, SACC has connected countless service academy alumni transitioning to new careers with companies throughout the country. Even during this pandemic, we will continue our mission to serve you during your career transition. Learn more and register!

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!




AOG Gift Shop
The AOG Gift Shop in Doolittle Hall is now OPEN! Come check out the Gift Shop and tour the memorials in Doolittle Hall. We are open M-F 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We ask you respect and practice social distancing while in the building and face coverings are required within 6 feet of other people.

Falcon Frenzy Item of the Month
Great for displaying your Academy pride or gifting to a loved one, our lightweight AF Fan Foam will be at its lowest price for the entire month of June. We have a limited quantity available, so get yours now!

Under Armour Gear In Stock
Brand name Under Armour gear is now available through the AOG Gift Shop! Shop online or stop in to Doolittle Hall and check out our gear. As the weather warms up, this gear is great for outdoor activities and showing off your USAFA pride. Get yours now!

2020 Ornament In Stock
Our new 2020 ornament has arrived and is available for purchase! Don't wait until the holidays to get yours. View this one-of-a-kind ornament here to add to or start your collection!

Welcoming the Class of 2024
As we approach Inprocessing Day for the USAFA Class of 2024, we will be stocking a variety of related merchandise. Check out the online gift shop for Inprocessing, family, USAFA fan gear and huge savings on closeout items!




Reading This Ad? So Are Your Customers!
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Wings Over the Rockies Summer Camps
This summer, Wings over the Rockies is offering Air and Space Camp for your 8- to 13-year-olds where they will be immersed in a week-long-themed aerospace experience. Take a trip to Mars, fly drones, learn about deep space travel and a WHOLE lot more! Learn more!

Colorado Springs Airport
The Colorado Springs Airport provides essential transportation services to our community and will remain open to serve those who need to travel. If community members are traveling for essential business, to care for family members, to return home or to pick up/drop off someone at the airport, just know that we are here for you.

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

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-USAFA Grad, Class of 1970
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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.