Join Us for Army Spirit Week
On Nov. 7th Air Force plays Army. A victory would bring the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy back to USAFA, where it belongs. For all Falcons fans, we've put together a webpage and spirit guide to make the most of Army week (Nov. 1-7). The guide is packed full of engagement opportunities for fans of all ages!

New Position Helps Academy Prepare for All Things Space
Col. Jeffrey Greenwood, Air Force Academy Space Force liaison, explains his role is to focus on all things "space" and to help stand up a new Space Force detachment at USAFA.

Flying Team Builds Character Through Dynamic Competition
The Air Force Academy Precision Flying Team exists to create officers and pilots of character through flying training and competition at the national level.

Air Force Cadets Host Make-A-Wish Walk
Air Force Academy Cadets met at the Santa Fe Trail, outside the north gate of the Air Force Academy, to hike for the Colorado Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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

New Rugby Scoreboard
A new scoreboard graces the rugby pitch at the U.S. Air Force Academy thanks to Kevin and Kathleen Lavery, P '20, who provided funding for the addition through the Men's Rugby Operational Fund at the Air Force Academy Foundation.

Planetarium and STEM Center Wins Preservation Award
The Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs honored the Air Force Academy and its recently renovated Planetarium and STEM Center with an award of excellence in the Civil/Civic Restoration category as part of its 19th Annual Preservation Awards last week. The restoration was made possible, in part, with donor support. Watch the virtual announcement of the award.

IRAs and Qualified Charitable Distributions in 2020
Donors age 70 1/2 and above can use an IRA to donate to support the Air Force Academy. The 2020 CARES Act suspended required minimum distributions (RMD) for this year, but you can still make a qualified charitable deduction (QCD), up to $100,000, that may represent retained earnings and gains. For more information, email Dale Zschoche, director of gift planning, or download a PDF about IRAs.

Falcon Foundation Leadership Shifts from Kelley to Lorenz
After 10 years as president of the Falcon Foundation, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jay Kelley '64 has passed the baton to newly elected President Gen. (Ret.) Steve Lorenz '73.

Hill Airman Makes USAF History in the F-35A
Lt. Col. Jared "Vic" Santos '00, 388th Fighter Wing special projects manager, recently became the first USAF airman to accrue 1,000 flying hours in the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet

Distinguished Service Award Goes to AOG Board Member
A former volunteer faculty member will receive the school's Distinguished Service Award. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Garry Dudley, a 1968 Academy graduate, is scheduled to receive the award at a later date.

Meet 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's All-Female Unit
Air Force Academy grad members of an all-female maintenance unit at Barksdale Air Force Base work alongside their fellow airmen aware of the differences they have but say it's that diversity that makes them stronger as a squadron.

Lincoln Medical Partners Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Marion Swall '01's military career was impressive and included a stint as an orthopedic surgeon working on some of the most difficult cases during war time in Afghanistan. Dr. Swall was also chief of Orthopedic Surgery with the 81st Surgical Operations Squadron at Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi.

High School Honors '59 Graduate
At their recent 65th class reunion, classmates from McCook High School presented Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dick Trail '59 with an honorary award for his noteworthy accomplishments. Throughout his career as a United States Air Force officer, Trail demonstrated outstanding leadership in various capacities as a pilot and commander of air refueling squadrons. He and his crew were also recognized for meritorious service receiving the prestigious MacKay Trophy for the "Most Meritorious Military Flight of the Year in 1967."

Former Presidential Advisor McMaster Speaks to Cadets at Academy Assembly
Former national security advisor H.R. McMaster encouraged Air Force Academy cadets to set an example for bipartisanship during his keynote speech at the Academy Assembly.

A Clear Barrier to COVID-19: Academy Installs Plexiglass Shields Across Campus
Plexiglass barriers have been installed in classrooms across the Air Force Academy to help shield cadets and faculty from the coronavirus. In all, 800 Plexiglass shields have been mounted in classrooms and common areas across the campus since July.

'A Team Effort': Academy's History Office Takes Home Top Awards
The Air Force Academy's History Office earned two high-level awards earlier this month: the Excellence in History Program Award and the Air Force Heritage Award.

Academy Hosts 12th Annual SoTL Forum
The annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Forum uses a systematic research approach to understanding teaching and learning to improve student academic outcomes.

Air Force to Open Season at 'America's Race'
The Air Force cross country team will kick off its season Wednesday, Nov. 11, when it travels to West Point, N.Y., to face its counterparts from Army West Point and Navy in the first-ever triangular meet between the three service academies.