Class of 2020 Graduation on Saturday
Due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus, graduation for the Class of 2020 will take place on Saturday, April 18. The ceremony will be live-streamed at the link above beginning at 11 a.m. MT and available for on-demand viewing after the event. Follow us on social media for graduation coverage.

VP Pence to Deliver In-Person Remarks at USAFA Graduation
Vice President Mike Pence will deliver an in-person address at the U.S. Air Force Academy's graduation, the White House announced.

AF Academy Open to Mission Essential Personnel Only April 18
The U.S. Air Force Academy will close to everyone but mission essential graduation staff from 6 a.m.-1 p.m. MT Saturday, April 18, to support the Class of 2020 graduation ceremony. The ceremony, organized by the graduating class, is scheduled to occur at 11 a.m. MT on the terrazzo.

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

Gift Planning Made Easy
The Air Force Academy Foundation has updated its gift planning website, making it easier to explore the ins and outs of estate planning, to read about the 2020 Polaris Legacy Challenge and the new CARES Act, or to request a free estate planning guide.

All Academy Challenge Postponed
Because of the challenges created by COVID-19, the 2020 All Academy Challenge scheduled for May has been postponed to a later date to be determined. We'll be back later this year to continue our friendly rivalry with Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine to celebrate our service academy pride.

Support the Academy Through the Air Force Academy Fund
The coronavirus has affected the entire nation and impacted the operations of the Air Force Academy. As the pandemic passes, the Academy will need to regroup quickly to restore normal cadet training and move forward. A gift to the Air Force Academy Fund provides the superintendent with the flexibility to meet emerging needs as they arise.

The Latest Leading Edge Newsletter is Online
The Air Force Academy Foundation's Leading Edge newsletter for spring 2020 is available online. From developing drone technology to supporting moot court competitions to elevating character and leadership development, see how private philanthropy is making a difference across the Academy.

Grads Answering the COVID-19 Call
This month's AOG Service Spotlight highlights the many members of the USAFA family who are stepping up during these uncertain times. Learn more about the inspiring stories of grads feeding hospital staffs, coming out of retirement to treat the sick, and helping make hand sanitizer and masks.

• Help USAFA family-owned businesses struggling right now due to the global pandemic.

San Diego Defense Contractor to Make Thousands of Masks
Cubic Corp. seamstresses sew laser detection devices onto straps that soldiers wear when they train for combat. Instead, many of those seamstresses are now using those same hands to make protective masks to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Chief executive Brad Feldmann '83 says the masks are not medical grade, but will help stop someone who is infected with the virus from spreading it.

Powers Named Acting Deputy Secretary of the VA
Col. (Ret.) Pamela Powers '89, chief of staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs, has been assigned to take on the duties of deputy secretary. In a release, the VA said President Donald Trump had directed that Powers, a retired Air Force colonel and Air Force Academy graduate, would have the role of VA deputy secretary while continuing as chief of staff.

Tucson-based Air National Guard Unit Getting New Commander
Col. Jeffrey Butler '88 is an Air Force Academy graduate who served for 10 years with the U.S. Air Force before joining the 162nd in 1998. He recently served as the wing's vice commander.

Dean Phillips Named Assistant Director of the FBI'S IT Infrastructure Division
Director Christopher Wray has named Dean Phillips '88 as the assistant director of the IT Infrastructure Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He most recently served as the special agent in charge of the Denver Field Office. He served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years, investigating criminal and counterintelligence matters. He also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and retired as a colonel in 2018.

'We've Got This': Cadet Wing Commander Thanks Parents, Grads
In short, we ask you to stand behind us as the Class of 2020. Our target is finally in sight, and we will be home soon.

Combating COVID-19: Academy Tailors Make Masks for Cadets, Staff
Tailors are making the 10-inch-by-6-inch cotton masks at the cadet tailor shop in Sijan Hall. The Academy purchased the cloth "similar to surgical material" from a business in Colorado Springs.

Athletic Director's Message to Falcon Nation
Despite working remotely, the athletic department has been quite busy these last few weeks.

Grad Week Feature: Two Minnesota Natives Create Academy's First Women's Hockey Team
Women's hockey didn't exist at the Academy in 2016. The Minnesota natives changed that.

Grad Week Feature: Senior Fencer Finds Home on Academy Fencing Team
Cadet 1st Class Leanne Singleton-Comfort was ranked 10th nationally and looking to qualify for the 2020 Olympics when COVID-19 began to spread globally. Competitions were cancelled for the rest of the season and the Olympics were delayed. Meanwhile, the Class of 2020 fast-tracked their educational requirements to meet a new graduation date. Singleton-Comfort has met that challenge head-on, leaning on the traits that made her successful in fencing to adjust to the accelerated pace of study.