AF Academy Reopens to Public
The Air Force Academy reopened to the public Aug. 2, nearly 17 months after closing to all but official business to safeguard its community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Newly Named Space Force Bases to Continue Partnership with AF Academy
Cadets commissioning into the Space Force after graduation from the Air Force Academy could find themselves at three new Space Force bases in Colorado Springs.

Distinguished Graduate Award Banquet Live Stream
If you are attending the Distinguished Graduate Award Banquet in person, parking will take place at the Visitor Center and attendees will be bussed to Arnold Hall from there. Please remember all visitors must comply with the Academy's current mask mandate, which requires everyone to wear a mask while indoors regardless of vaccination status.

If you are not able to join us in person on Aug. 6, then please dial in virtually to celebrate and recognize the 2019 and 2020 recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award.

Ring Melt Helps Cement Bond with Long Blue Line
The fourth annual "Forged in Blue" ceremony was conducted on Aug. 4 in Doolittle Hall, with about 50 members of the Class of 2023 in attendance to witness the melting of 13 donated rings from their Legacy Class — the Class of 1973.

Join Us in Washington D.C. for Air Force vs. Navy Football Weekend
The Air Force Academy Foundation and the Association of Graduates are hosting various events surrounding the Air Force vs. Navy football game on Sept. 11 in the Washington, D.C., area. Events are open to the public and include a Topgolf outing, Air Force Academy "Defining Moments" showcase and the "Defining our Future" campaign launch dinner celebration. Register to reserve your spot today.

Upstart Men's Lacrosse Club Launches Crowdfunding Project
The Air Force Academy men's lacrosse club, established in 2021, is in the early stages of providing an additional opportunity for cadets to develop into leaders of character. As the club creates the foundation for future successes, it needs funding to provide a competitive and rewarding environment. A donation to men's club lacrosse supports an activity that will help develop players' warrior ethos and allow the team to showcase their talent outside of Colorado.

Give a Gift of a Charitable Gift Annuity
Tired of living at the mercy of the fluctuating stock and real estate markets? A charitable gift annuity is a gift made to the Air Force Academy Foundation that can provide you with a secure source of fixed payments for life. It's as simple as transferring cash or property to the Air Force Academy Foundation, and in exchange, we promise to pay fixed payments to you for life. You will receive a charitable income tax deduction for the gift portion of the annuity.

Submit Your Photo for the 2022 Air Force Academy Fund Calendar
The Air Force Academy Foundation is now accepting photo submissions for the 2022 Air Force Academy Fund calendar. Join the fun and submit your favorite captured moments of Air Force Academy life. Your photo may be featured in the 2022 Air Force Academy fund calendar. When you support the Air Force Academy Fund at supportusafa.org, you'll receive a free 2022 calendar! Entries close Sept. 24.

Remembering the First Jabara Award Recipient
We are saddened to learn that Col. (Ret.) Don Stevens '60 has passed away. He served with absolute distinction in the Vietnam War and earned the Air Force Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Silver Star for his heroism. Stevens was the first ever recipient of the Col. James Jabara Award for Airmanship.

A Year After Doctors Said He Wouldn't Be Allowed to Commission, Grad Joins the Space Force
A year before Tanner Johnson '21 was due to graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy, he was lying in a hospital bed and doctors were telling his family he had two hours to live. Johnson pulled through the worst of the health crisis and began to deal with his new reality.

Air Force Team Scales Denali, Highest Peak in North America
The sun was shining on Air Force Lt. Col Rob Marshall '01, Maj. Marshal Klitzke '05, Wesley Morgan '06 and their mountaineering teammates when they got down on their hands and feet and cranked out 20 push-ups on the snow-capped peak of Denali, the highest point in North America.

New WV Air Guard Commander 'Looking Forward' to New Challenges
The new commander of the West Virginia Air National Guard moves into the position with lots of experience both on the ground and in the air. Brig. Gen. David Cochran '89, a deputy Air Guard commander, assumed the new role during a July 28 ceremony at the Charleston-based 130th Airlift Wing.

55th Mission Support Group Welcomes New Commander
Col. Jasin Cooley '96 took command of a group that provides engineering, security, force support, transportation, contracting and deployment readiness among other things to the more than 57,000 active duty, dependent and retiree personnel at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

New Commander Takes Reins of 1SBCT
The "Raider Brigade" welcomed its new commander, Col. Andrew Steadman '00, to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a change of command ceremony on July 9 at Founders Field in Fort Carson, Colorado.

Technology Propels Military Strategy at AF Academy
The lab is designed to simulate electronic warfare; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and contains 24 flight simulators for 10 fighter and bomber aircraft, and six remotely piloted aircraft rooms.

Cadet Research Goes Expeditionary
This summer, two cadets completed their Cadet Summer Research Program with Texas A&M University's Construction Science Department and had their eyes opened to the future of expeditionary engineering.

Air Force Picked Third in MW Mountain Division
Air Force football was picked to finish third in the Mountain West Mountain Division in the preseason poll released by the conference at the annual media day in Las Vegas. The football season is less than a month away!

• Register for the Commanders' Classic and Navy tailgates!

7258' — Your Association at Work
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