Here's the latest Air Force Academy and grad news!

AOG and Air Force Academy Foundation

FEBRUARY 17, 2023

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ZoomiEnews

TOP COVER

Stakeholder Membership Update

In case you missed it, check out our annual stakeholder membership update. Learn about how your Association is transforming to better serve you, support USAFA and preserve our Academy’s heritage.

Watch video

GRADS IN THE NEWS

Susan Helms '80

Beginning Feb. 21, the Space Foundation — in partnership with the Air Force Academy STEM Outreach Program — will bring space to Earth with a series of virtual education sessions. Former NASA astronaut and retired USAF Lt. Gen. Susan Helms '80 will answer questions for students and tell stories from her time in space.

Learn more
  • Maj. Gen. Roy D. Bridges '65 to be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
  • John Martinson '70 named to Philanthropy 50, a comprehensive report on America’s most generous donors. His generous support of the Academy includes a $10 million investment in academic excellence recognized in the naming of the Martinson Honors Program.
  • Col. Kurt Bruggeman '01 assumes role of Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex commander.
  • Capt. Kenneth Kirkpatrick '02 paves way to new success for Black youth with United Airlines.
  • Get Inspired by these trailblazing women in the U.S. Space Force, including Lt. Col. Anna Gunn-Golkin '05.
  • Every year, the Center for a New American Security selects a group of young emerging national security leaders. This year's Next Gen Class of 2023 includes Dan O'Sullivan '09, Jennifer Walters '11 and Julian Gluck '12.
  • Anna Wallace '13 is dancing with the stars and teaming up with a former NFL player to end homelessness.
  • Special Agent Helen Landwehr '20 shares her experiences during the Jean Bartik Computing Symposium at USAFA.

AROUND THE TERRAZZO

Sirri Akaya

Cadet 1st Class Sirri Akaya earns leadership award and scholarship to attend medical school.

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  • Vietnam veterans speak to cadets on golden anniversary of first release of American prisoners from the Vietnam War.
  • CCLD director says National Character and Leadership Symposium offers professional development opportunities.
  • NCLS offers community opportunity to “reimagine leadership; inspire teamwork.”
  • Wings of Blue supports Polaris Dawn crew.

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS

Honorary Member

Yesterday we held a ceremony at Doolittle Hall for our newest honorary member, Col. (Ret.) Dale O. Condit. A longtime USAFA instructor, Col. Condit co-founded the Council of Sabers. Honorary membership in the AOG is a special and limited honor.

Watch ceremony
  • 2023 USAFA Register of Graduates now available digitally to members. Check your personal entry for accuracy and update your graduate record so people can connect with you.
  • Member benefit alert! The AOG board of directors is pleased to once again offer Graduate Dependent Scholarships. These scholarships are annual awards of not less than $500 to directly support postsecondary education for the children of AOG graduate members.
  • ELECTION UPDATE: Final date to vote in 2023 AOG board of directors election is March 6. The class from each decade with the highest percentage of voters will receive a $500 donation to its class fund. See where your class stands and make sure to vote! If you have any questions or didn't receive your ballot, see the Election Update for more information.

DONOR IMPACT

Topping Ceremony

The Air Force Academy recently conducted a topping ceremony for the donor-supported Madera Cyber Innovation Center. The ceremony celebrates the last steel beam being set in place to complete the skeleton of the building. The state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to welcome staff, faculty and cadets in the summer of 2024.

See photos
  • EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: We’re looking for a dynamic and creative professional to serve as the Director of Class Giving. This is a great opportunity to help grow philanthropic support of our Academy’s mission through engagement of USAFA classes.
  • Help the USAFA Competitive Lifting Team get the additional practice equipment and competition gear and clothing it needs. The Falcon Funder campaign is halfway to the funding goal.

EVENTS

March Back

Save the date and plan to join us for the ultimate Long Blue Line Weekend celebration!

It's happening July 28-29 and features the popular Jacks Valley Grad March Back event.

See upcoming events
  • Save the date! Jabara Airmanship Award Banquet on Friday, April 7.
  • Member Benefit Alert! Are you transitioning to the civilian workforce? Considering a career change? Pursuing a graduate degree? Join us in Jacksonville, Florida, next week for the first Service Academy Career Conference (SACC) of 2023. Career transition services for USAFA graduates are among the many benefits of AOG membership!

FROM THE BLEACHERS

Lacrosse
  • Falcon Lacrosse knocks off #17 Denver Pioneers in their home opener.
  • Air Force Men's Gymnastics rises to the top against Army and Cal.

CONNECTIONS

  • The Hoover Institution Veteran Fellowship Program is accepting applications for the next cohort until March 27, 2023.
  • Maj. Gen. (Ret.) John L. Barry '73 is the President & CEO of Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. They are hosting a Spreading Wings Gala on Thursday, March 9.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

True Blue Business
Wings Over the Rockies
USAA
USAA
COS Airport

Colorado Springs Airport is Colorado's small airport which means we offer small lines, small walks to gates, and small waits, but big options on flights.

Roger Hill

When buying or selling real estate, you need a broker you can trust. Contact Roger Hill '70, a graduate with 44 years of experience, to be your ethical agent (email Roger.Hill1970@gmail.com).

Bremont

The Bremont USAFA Graduate Watch is exclusively for USAFA graduates. Each design features the Academy Crest, Prop and Wings, and "The Long Blue Line."

The Lodge at Flying Horse
Residence Inn
The Avenue
Wingate by Wyndham
Whiskey Baron
COS Airport
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Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation
(719) 472-0300 | usafa.org | engage@usafa.org