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June 12, 2020
 
Top Cover
 

Action Beyond the Conversation
The Way of Life Alumni Group is presenting a virtual town hall on June 19, 2020, to bring together the USAFA community for a frank conversation about societal change.

  Action Beyond the Conversation
 

Senate Confirms Brown to be 22nd Air Force Chief of Staff on Unanimous Vote
The U.S. Senate confirmed Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. to be the 22nd Air Force chief of staff, clearing the way for the decorated pilot and experienced commander to become the first African American in history to lead a branch of the U.S. military as its highest-ranking officer. He takes over for retiring Gen. David L. Goldfein '83 on Aug. 6.

  Brown
 

Air Force Scrubs 'Male-Only References' from its Official Song
The U.S. Air Force has updated all of the verses in its official song to be gender-neutral.

  Song
 

Air Force Academy Band Celebrates Veteran's 100th Birthday
Reaching 100 years old is a special occasion for anybody, but for one veteran of the U.S. Air Force, his birthday was extra special.

  Birthday
 

Checkpoints Online
The June issue of Checkpoints features Academy senior leaders weighing in on the challenging spring semester at USAFA, which ultimately led to the early graduation of the Class of 2020, the cancellation of sporting events, the release of the lower three classes and the advent of online classes for the entire Cadet Wing.

  Checkpoints
 

Distinguished Graduate Videos
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association of Graduates and the United States Air Force Academy were not able to hold the annual Founders Day Banquet on April 3. As a result, the graduate community was not able to fully recognize this year's five distinguished graduate honorees — Col. (Ret.) Leslie Denend '63, Mr. Fletcher "Flash" Wiley '65, Gen. (Ret.) Norton "Norty" Schwartz '73, Gen. (Ret.) Edward Rice Jr. '78 and Mr. John "Jack" Kucera '78. Starting today, and over the next five weeks, the AOG will post videos highlighting the life stories of these five newest DGs. The AOG plans to further recognize these honorees at the 2021 Founders Day celebration. But in the meantime, be inspired by the stories these notable USAFA graduates share!

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

  7258
 
 
Air Force Academy Foundation
     

Donor Advised Fund
The coronavirus pandemic has touched off an explosion of grant making from donor-advised funds (DAF). The Air Force Academy Foundation outlines more DAF information on its gift planning website, including a downloadable PDF.

  DAF
 

Cadet Awards
Air Force Athletics recently announced its top six cadet awards along with most valuable players in each sport. Of the 40 awards announced, 19 are sponsored by donors. Whether through annual gifts or endowed funds, these sponsorships help pay for the eagle statues. View the full list of cadet awards.

  Cadet Awards
 
Grads in the News
 

Van Ovost Nominated to be Next Head of AMC
Lt. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost '88 has been nominated to receive her fourth star and be the next head of Air Mobility Command.

  Von Ovost
 

Grad Plays Key Part in Historic SpaceX, NASA Launch
Capt. Dexter Walker '16 was the surveillance control officer for last weekend's SpaceX and NASA launch to the International Space Station.

  Walker
 

Air Force Reservist and Nurse
Capt. Erin Rost '14 is serving as an Academy admissions liaison officer while simultaneously leading her local community in the fight against COVID-19 as a medical-surgical nurse.

  Rost
 

Self Becomes One of the First Lieutenants to Certify in Air Force's Newest Fighter
Former Falcon Josh Self '17 is still using the lessons he learned playing Air Force football. He graduates this week from Basic Course qualification and is now combat ready for the F-35, the Air Force's newest fighter jet.

  Self
 

Colonel Tom 'Sling' Bladen Named 104th Fighter Wing Commander
Col. Tom 'Sling' Bladen '97 assumed command of the 104th Fighter Wing on June 8, 2020. Bladen was previously the 104FW vice commander. He always knew he wanted to serve his country and be involved in aviation because of his strong relationship with his two grandfathers and the legacy of his uncle.

  Bladen
 
Terrazzo
 

'We Are Not Going to be Silent': Senior Officers at Academy Speak Out Against Racism
Senior officers at the Air Force Academy took part in an online conference June 4 to denounce bigotry and intolerance in the wake of the international protest movement surrounding racial injustice in the U.S.

  Silveria
 

Update: AF Academy Extends Public Health Emergency, Continues to Reopen
The Air Force Academy prolonged its public health emergency until Aug. 18.

  USAFA
 

Academy Announces New Data Science Major
To better prepare future officers in the Air and Space forces, the Academy has created a data science major, approved by the Academy Board, June 4. The Academy also will introduce data science principles into various academic disciplines.

  Data
 

Getting a 'Space Sense': Academy Adds Space Warfighting Class for Cadets
Cadets at the Air Force Academy will see a new minor added to their academic schedules: space warfighting.

  Space Warfighting
 

'Why Limit Yourself?': Cadet Combines Majors to Make Shakespeare More Accessible
Cadet 2nd Class Brynn Sulte, a computer science and English major, created a database to help other students at the Air Force Academy analyze more than 150 sonnets written by the English playwright and poet.

  Shakespeare
 
From the Bleachers
 

Athletic Director's Message to Falcon Nation
Safety remains our primary concern and all cadets will be tested upon arrival.

  Pine
 
 
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