Cadet Chapel to Close for Restoration Project Sept. 4
The iconic Cadet Chapel at the United States Air Force Academy will close for more than three years beginning Sept. 4 for necessary repairs. Visitors now have less than two weeks to visit this registered National Historic Landmark, also ranked Colorado's No. 1 man-made attraction, before the preservation and restoration process begins.

Nance Selected to Sculpt National Desert Storm Memorial
James Nance '71 has been selected by the board of directors for the National Desert Storm War Memorial to create a monumental bronze figure group for the new National Desert Storm Desert Shield War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Forged In Blue II
The second annual Forged in Blue ring melt was conducted Aug. 7 at Doolittle Hall. After the gold was melted down and the ingot cooled, members from the Class of 1971 attended the Commitment Dinner for the Class of 2021.

Texas Twins Conquer Initial Training
This summer was a big milestone for the young women as each began a rigorous phase of military training at separate service academies.

Distinguished Graduate Award Nomination Period Open
We are accepting nominations for the 2019 Distinguished Graduate Award. All nomination packages are due to the AOG no later than Oct. 1, 2019.

7258' — Your Association at Work
Read the latest issue of the AOG's newsletter.

Class of '63 Sponsors Cadet Book Club
The Cadet Wing Character Staff has created the first-ever Wing book club with the Class of '63 supplying its first book, Angela Duckworth's "Grit," for all participants. The cadets will be assisted by staff from the Center for Character and Leadership Development.

Focusing on Cyber Warfare
The Air Force Academy is vigorously preparing cadets to be forward-thinking cyber warriors through its existing programs and the creation of the new U.S. Air Force Center for Cyber Innovation. A special web page provides more information about the cyber center and ways you can get involved in bringing it to life.

Increase Your Impact of Giving Back to the Academy
Alumni participation in fundraising efforts can provide more than a margin of excellence for Air Force Academy cadets and programs, also affecting rankings and funding decisions from corporations and foundations. Graduates can support the Academy through the Air Force Academy Fund or one of many other program options.

Serving Despite Setbacks
Chris Taravella '73 had to fight to gain entrance to the Air Force Academy. But determination and hard work helped him overcome the initial rejection to become a successful Air Force officer, serving as a judge advocate in the Air Force and Reserve for 21 years. He has found rewarding ways to give back to the Academy through the Endowment.

Academy Graduates Selected for Thunderbirds 2020 Demonstration Season
Capt. Zane Taylor '10 and Capt. Katherine Moorkamp '13 were officially selected to join the United States Air Force Thunderbirds for the 2020 demonstration season.

Gerhart Scholar Honored
The Gen. John K. Gerhart Fellowship is a two-year study program funded by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates for the benefit of USAF Academy graduates. This year's recipient is 2nd Lt. Trey Tollefson '19.

Block Named Executive Director of Athletics
Jen Block '92 has been named executive director of athletics. Block will begin her duties, which include serving as the senior government official in athletics, immediately.

Meet the First Active Duty Female to Win Mrs. Colorado
Capt. Rachael Preslar '15 is the first active duty female to win Mrs. Colorado. She currently serves as the 460th Operations Group executive officer and is competing this weekend for Mrs. America!

• The AOG is her official sponsor so follow us for updates.

Spacewalkers Complete Installation of Second Commercial Docking Port
During the six-hour and 32-minute spacewalk, NASA astronauts Nick Hague '98 and Andrew Morgan (from Air Force and Army respectively) successfully installed the second of two international docking adapters (IDAs).

Meet the OG Commander
Col. Matthew Cantore '98, 21st Operations Group commander, recently took time out his schedule to share a little about himself, his family and his priorities as a leader.

Grads Promoted to Associate Head Coaches
Air Force hockey coach Frank Serratore announced the promotion of assistant coaches Andy Berg '03 and Joe Doyle '89 to associate head coaches.

Air Force Academy Awarded Accreditation Until 2028-2029
The final report found the university met all of the criteria for accreditation and federal compliance requirements.

Drop and Give Me 50 (At Least)
Squadron bragging rights were on the line during the Cadet Wing Pushup Competition.

Falcons Receive their Rings
The Air Force Academy rifle team received their championship rings this week at a banquet. The rings were designed to reflect the team's 2019 Patriot Rifle Conference and NCAA Air Rifle championship titles.

• Women's Rugby team presented their National Championship Trophy

Men's and Women's Swimming Complete Europe Trip
Hear from coaches and cadet-athletes as they take you through their team trip to Europe this past summer.

Ready for Football? Tailgate with Us!
Air Force football kicks off the new season on Aug. 31, 2019. Join the AOG, USAFA Endowment and ARDI as we gather Air Force fans from around the country at our away game tailgates this season!