AIR FORCE GRADCAST

AIR FORCE GRADCAST

By U.S. Air Force Academy Association and FoundationBusinessNewsNon-Profit
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AIR FORCE GRADCAST episodes

  • Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers ’11 - A Falcon's Flight to the Stars

    Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers ’11 joins us from orbit! From cadet to astronaut, she shares how the U.S. Air Force Academy prepared her for life aboard the International Space Station, the lessons space learned in the space program about leadership and how viewing Earth from 250 miles up re-shapes one's call to serve.

     

     

     

    The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

     

    17 min
  • Truman Scholars, USAFA Players in the NFL, an Unusual Sandwich, and More!

    Truman Scholars, USAFA players in the NFL, and a peanut butter–banana–mayo sandwich. They all made the cut in this edition of Air Force Gradcast! Hosts Vince Greco P’17 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 talk Acceptance Day, Long Blue Line Weekend, legendary Coach Fisher DeBerry and so much more.

     

    Naviere Walkewicz in her North Dakota studio and Vince Greco on hand in the Wecker Hall studio.

     

     

    SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

    AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!

     


    Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
    the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
    in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

    VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE

    FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT

     

     

    The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

     

     

    21 min
  • I-Day, a New Day for the Association & Foundation, Talking with the North TX AOG, and More!

    Your July Air Force Gradcast is here! In this episode, the Class of 2029 arrives and brings a record-breaking crowd; the Academy releases new security info for non-military ID holders; USAFA athletes are exhibiting excellence on a national level, and we share an informational, motivational and emotional conversation with Rick Wright ’74, AOG North Texas chapter president.




    SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

    AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!

     


    Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
    the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
    in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

    VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE

    FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT

     

     

    The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

     

     

    41 min
  • A Gradcast Special Presentation - Distinguished Service Award Recipients

    In this special feature of the Air Force Gradcast, we spotlight the most recent recipients of the Academy’s Distinguished Service Award—exceptional graduates whose lives and careers reflect the highest ideals of service, leadership, and integrity. ----more----

    Through thoughtful conversation, they share what shaped their paths, how they continue to serve, and why the Long Blue Line remains such a vital force in their lives. It’s a compelling listen for anyone who wants to reconnect with the spirit of the Academy and be inspired by those who’ve carried its values far and wide.

     

     

    SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

    AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!

     


    Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
    the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
    in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

    VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE

    FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT

     

     

    The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

     

     

     

     

    24 min
  • 2025's Tossing of the Hats, Drumroll Please, Class of ’76 Echelon Project, and Much More

    Your June Air Force Gradcast is here! Join hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17, along with special guest Steve Lincoln, the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation's senior development writer and editor. They discuss the Class of 2025 graduation, Athletics Hall of Fame nominees, a big fundraising win, the Class of 1976 50th reunion project and much more!

     

     

    SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

    AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!

     


    Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
    the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
    in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

    VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE

    FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT

     

     

    The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

     

    24 min
  • Graduation Day, Honoring Distinguished Service, a Day of Giving and More

    In this edition of Air Force Gradcast hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 and their special guests, Mr. John Martinson and Mr. Randy Helms, Distinguished Service Award wrecipients as they discuss how the Academy honors distinguished service. In news, updates, and events, graduation day for cadets and the prep school; a winning season for women’s basketball; a BIG day of giving and so much more! Gradcast drops the first Friday of every month and is available on any of your favorite podcast apps. Tune in Friday and share with your USAFA community!

     

     

     

     

    SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

    AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!

     


    Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
    the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
    in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

    VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE

    FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT

     

     

    The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

     

     

     

    33 min
  • A USAFA Wrestler Wins Big, Hotel Polaris Scores 4 Stars, Events and More

    Your April Air Force Gradcast is here! Join hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 share the latest on a big win for a USAFA wrestler, 4 shining stars for Hotel Polaris, a meet & greet with a Super Bowl winner, events across the country and much more! 

     

    SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

    AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!

     

     


    Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
    the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation
    in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport.

    VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE

    FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT

     

     

    The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

     

     

    25 min
  • The new Next Gen. Advisory, Base Access Changes, Elections, Reunions, and More

    Your March Air Force Gradcast is here! Join hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 to get the latest on Association of Graduates biennial board elections, the new Next Gen. Advisory Council, an important new member of the Association and Foundation Team, base access changes, and much more! Gradcast drops the first Friday of every month and is available on any of your favorite podcast apps! Tune in this Friday and share with the members of your USAFA grad community!

     

    MEET MICHAEL "BAJA" CORNELIUS ’00

    Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius, USAFA Class of 2000, serves as executive vice president of alumni relations. In this role, Col. Cornelius will lead alumni relations, engagement, customer service, membership and merchandise operations. He will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase and sustain graduate and parent engagement and serve a growing base of constituencies, including more than 55,000 living USAFA graduates. His portfolio will include reunions, chapter and affinity groups, career services, heritage programs, parent and graduate membership, and the WebGuy program.

    Col. Cornelius previously served as commander of the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School from June 2022 to June 2024. He is a 1996 graduate of the Prep School.

     

     

    SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

    AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!

     

     


    Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
    the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation
    in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport.

    VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE

    FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT

     

     

    The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

     

     

     

    24 min
  • AOG Board Elections, USAFA Winter Sports, Events, Updates and More!

    Stay connected with your grad community! Your February Air Force Gradcast is here! Hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 have the latest on Association of Graduates Board elections, USAFA winter sports in full swing, new, events, announcements and more!

     

    QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!

     

    EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS

    Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact [email protected].

     

    VOTE NOW IN YOUR ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES BOARD ELECTIONS!


    The 2025 Association of Graduates Election will be conducted from February 3, 2025 at 12pm MT through March 3, 2025 at 12pm MT. The election is for five elected positions on the AOG board of directors and two member-proposed changes to the AOG’s governing documents.

    The Board of Directors’ Nominating Committee has identified desired attributes for the five board positions open in the 2025 election:

    • MISSION: Commitment to our mission “We are dedicated to serving graduates, preserving the heritage of the Academy and Long Blue Line, and supporting USAFA in its mission to develop leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force.”
    • BOARD EXPERIENCE: Previous experience on a board, such as a nonprofit, for-profit, and/or military selection and promotion board.
    • SKILLS/EXPERTISE: Specific expertise is also valued. Areas may include, but are certainly not limited to, accounting, finance, legal (e.g., staff judge advocate), executive leadership and marketing.
    • CONNECTION: Strong connections with our Academy, our Association and Foundation and other supporting nonprofits are also valued.
    • AWARDS & RECOGNITION: Military or civilian awards and recognitions also make for a strong candidate.

      • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

      The election starts on February 3. Please allow up to 2 business days to receive your ballot sign-in information. You can reach out to [email protected] if you did not receive your ballot.

      Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

       

       

      LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL

       - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account!

      The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.

       

      GIVE NOW

       - If you missed GIVING TUESDAY and still want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE

      The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government.

      Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.

       

      OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
      Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits.

      OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE

       

      Have questions?

      Email us at: [email protected]

      Call us at: (719) 472-0300

       

      CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE


      Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception: to tell the Academy and graduate stories.

       - CHECKPOINTS ONLINE

       

      YOUR AOG ONLINE

      - ALL YOUR AOG RESOURCES, EVENTS AND INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE

       

      With our Gratitude!

       

       

       

      SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

      AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!

       

       


      Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
      the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation
      in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport.

      VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE

      FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT

       

       

      The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

       

       

      28 min
    • Retirements, The Artemis Tree, Closing out 2024, a Successful Campaign, and More!

      Stay connected with your grad community! Your 2025 New Year’s Air Force Gradcast is here! Hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 share the latest on USAFA’s Dean of Faculty’s retirement, the Artemis Moon Tree, closing out a successful donor campaign, a day in the life of co-host, Vince Greco and much more!

       

      QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!

       

      EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS

      Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact [email protected].

       

      THE ARTEMIS MOON TREE IS NOW ON DISPLAY!



       - Image credit USAFA - Copy excerpted from DVIDSHUB.NET
      Personnel from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Space Detachment 1, along with fifth-grade students from Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning, gather beside the Academy's first Artemis Moon Tree following its plaque unveiling ceremony at the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Nov. 15, 2024. Notable attendees include U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Linell A. Letendre, Dean of the Faculty (third from left); Maj. Lucia White, Academy instructor (second from right); and Col. Marc Sands, Commander of Space Detachment 1 (far right), whose collaborative efforts were instrumental in bringing the Moon Tree to the Academy.

      THE FULL STORY IS HERE |  EXPERIENCE USAFA'S PLANETARIUM

       

      LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL

       - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account!

      The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.

       

      GIVE NOW

       - If you missed GIVING TUESDAY and still want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE

      The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government.

      Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.

       

      OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
      Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits.

      OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE

       

      Have questions?

      Email us at: [email protected]

      Call us at: (719) 472-0300

       

      CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE


      Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception: to tell the Academy and graduate stories.

       - CHECKPOINTS ONLINE

       

      YOUR AOG ONLINE

      - ALL YOUR AOG RESOURCES, EVENTS AND INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE

       

      With our Gratitude!

       

       

       

      SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

      AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!

       

       


      Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
      the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation
      in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport.

      VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE

      FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT

       

       

      The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

       

       

      31 min

    About AIR FORCE GRADCAST

    From the publisher's feed

    with Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 
    Association & Foundation news and updates for Grads and the Long Blue Line community!