September 24, 2020

Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria '85 relinquished command of the United States Air Force Academy to incoming Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark '86 in a socially distanced ceremony at Falcon Stadium Wednesday morning, Sept. 23. Read more and view photos of the event.




Next of Kin Memorial Ceremony
As with many things, the Next of Kin Memorial Ceremony has changed this year. The ceremony will take place on the Terrazzo on Sept. 25. The Air Force Academy will post a recording of the event. In the meantime, please join us in honoring all the Air Force Academy graduates, cadets and ATOs who have passed away in the last year. At 12:00 p.m. MT on Sept. 25 we will post a complementary video to the Memorial Ceremony remembering them. Contact Marcella Mills with any questions.

ZoomiePresent: Grads in STEM
Join us for this interactive panel on Sept. 30th where the panelists will take you through their real-life personal journeys in STEM and how they leveraged their scientific backgrounds to advance their careers. The panelists will discuss tips on how they identified their preferred STEM-related careers as well as how they navigated difficult obstacles to land the roles of their choice.

Air Force Football Fans, It's That Time of Year
Even though we can't be together for tailgates, that doesn't mean you aren't watching the game! Let us know where you'll be watching or hosting your group for the first leg of the battle for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. Looking for a place to watch with other fans? Check out usafa.org/WatchParty to see if there's a group near you! We encourage all fans to be safe and follow local and state COVID-19 guidelines.

Welcome Call with Col. Jones
Join the Association of Graduates and the Air Force Academy Foundation as we host a welcome call with the new USAFA Vice Superintendent Col. Otis Jones '95 on Oct. 13, 2020.

2020 Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS)
The 2020 OWLS and Career Workshop will be hosted virtually in partnership with the USC Marshall School of Business, Master of Business for Veterans (MBV) program Nov. 4th-6th. All military officer, veteran, senior enlisted women and degreed military spouses are encouraged to attend. Register today!




Serve on Your AOG Board — Oct. 1st Deadline Quickly Approaching!
Your Association of Graduates will be filling five open positions on its Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving on the AOG Board, please go to www.usafa.org/election/candidate for more information and to submit your nomination packet by Oct. 1, 2020. Director terms will begin in May 2021.

Distinguished Graduate Award Nominations — One Week Left!
The Distinguished Graduate Award is presented annually. Nomination packages are due to the AOG no later than Oct. 1 each year. Learn more.

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2020 Young Alumni Excellence Award
Each spring, the Association of Graduates has the pleasure of honoring graduates who attended the United States Air Force Academy within the last 15 years with our Young Alumni Excellence Award. The award is presented on the basis of the recipient's outstanding professional achievement and contributions to community, whether in military or civilian life. Visit usafa.org/YoungAlumniAwards to submit a nomination.

Are You Interested in Joining an Affinity Group?
Our alumni relations team invites you to fill out the affinity group interest form. You may not know, but there are currently 10 active affinity groups associated with the AOG and more on the way. We encourage you to fill out the form and let us know if you would like to connect with one of these amazing groups.

Bonus Videos: Checkpoints Online
Check out new bonus videos added to the content of Checkpoints Online. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Emily Tate '83 uses quilting skills to honor veterans and Mike Thirtle '90 is the President & CEO of a nonprofit that cares for and supports those with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country.

We Believe. Do You?
We believe your Academy is the premier institution for developing leaders of character. We believe our role in supporting Academy programs will greatly assist the Academy in fulfilling its mission. We believe connecting new leaders with those who have gone before them will strengthen the United States Air Force. We believe in the men and women (past, present and future) who have answered the call to serve our nation. Do you believe?




AOG Service Spotlight
Gen. (Ret.) Edward Rice Jr. '78 is one of our most recent distinguished graduate honorees and this month's service spotlight feature. After an accomplished military career, the retired four-star general continued his service in his community. He's been heavily involved in nonprofit work with several organizations — most notably with the United Way of San Antonio. He also serves as chairman for the USAFA Board of Visitors.




Getting Ready for a Virtual Interview?
Orion's webinar is a must watch. Specially created for USAFA grads, this webinar will provide insightful tips on how to ace a virtual interview. Virtual Interview Tips presented by Orion Talent.

USC Viterbi School of Engineering — #1 Ranked Online Graduate Computer Science Program for Veterans (2020)
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). 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 today!

Launch your career with Northrop Grumman
With a strong foundation in defense and resources to better translate your military experience, Northrop Grumman is the right place to apply your service and start Defining Possible. Enjoy a collaborative culture, flexible schedule and competitive compensation. Connect with us today.




Check Out ZoomieLink
Try out ZoomieLink to connect with fellow graduates and cadets alike!

Navy Game Uniforms
This week we shared that the Athletic Department released the 5th installment of the Air Power Legacy Series Uniforms — this year, honoring the Red Tails.

Veteran Return Trips to Thailand
If you served in Thailand and are interested in learning more about a return trip to Thailand for veterans through The Greatest Generations Foundation, please contact JC John Miller '69.




New Same Day Shipping
The AOG Gift Shop is now offering same day shipping orders placed before 10:00 a.m. MST. Shop our variety of fan gear and apparel here and take advantage of this special offer!

Go Air Force, Sink Navy!
Show your Falcon Pride for Air Force vs Navy game on October 3rd! Shop our wide selection of hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts — everything you need for game day!




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 Academy graduates, friends and family through our True Blue Business Program, starting at just $100 a month!

Wings Over The Rockies
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is pleased to announce the opening of two new exhibitions — "WWII and You", and the newly cast three figure "Lest We Forget: The Mission" reproduction. Visit us online at wingsmuseum.org to pre-purchase your tickets and plan your visit! Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum sits inside a WWII-era hanger, built in 1939, that sits in the heart of the historic Lowry neighborhood — located at 7711 E. Academy Blvd.

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.

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.