2026

In the latest Air Force Gradcast, hear about the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new academic structure, the return of football and reunion season, and the upcoming Fisher DeBerry statue dedication. Also, hear from former Falcon baseball coach Maj. (Ret.) Mike Kazlausky ’91 about a lifetime spent developing USAFA cadets and athletes.
Plus, the NextGen community is growing — with career webinars, an entrepreneur group and more opportunities for grads to learn from and support one another.
Listen to the latest Gradcast and share it with a fellow grad today.

NextGen Connect host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 is joined by David Harris ’17,  the NextGen Advisory Council member behind their webinar series. David talks about how he's working within the council and what the group has accomplished over the past six-seven months. The needle is moving and NextGen is working hard to meet USAFA grads where they live or serve.

The Long Blue Line Is Never Far Away
What happens when you reconnect with the Air Force Academy nearly three decades after graduation?
In this edition of Chapter Check-In on Air Force Gradcast, Chris Bennett ’93 talks with Umar Rafi ’90, president of the Association of Graduates Northern California Chapter. One of the first two Pakistani cadets selected to attend USAFA, Rafi went on to serve as a pilot in the Pakistan Air Force before building a career in computer science. Years later, returning to the Academy for his 30th reunion rekindled friendships that felt as though no time had passed—and inspired a renewed commitment to give back to the Academy community.
Today, Rafi helps graduates throughout Northern California stay connected through chapter events, Academy visits, football gatherings and partnerships with the local parents' group, while also supporting prospective and incoming cadets. His message to fellow graduates is simple: stay connected, get involved and, when the opportunity comes, give back.Whether that means joining a chapter, volunteering or stepping forward to lead one, Rafi's story is a reminder that belonging to the Long Blue Line doesn't end at graduation.
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is a production of the Long Blue Line Podcast Network and presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation 
 
 

There's a lot happening across the Long Blue Line - and we've got it all in one place. This month's Air Force Gradcast highlights the Distinguished Graduate Award Memorial, the Class of 2030, graduate networking, donor impact, upcoming events and the stories that continue to unite the USAFA community. Stay connected to your Long Blue Line family!
 
The Air Force Gradcast is a production of the Long Blue Line Podcast Network and presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation 
 

In this edition of Gradcast, updates on Academy milestones, graduate engagement and upcoming events, including:
Appointee & Family Welcome Day
NextGen Advisory Council initiatives
Chapter activities from New Hampshire
New heritage and memorial projects across campus
And much more!
Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
 
 

The U.S. Air Force Academy experience is evolving. Opening next month, the Hosmer Visitor Center brings the cadet journey to life. This year’s Distinguished Graduate and award recipients reflect excellence across generations. The Coach Fisher DeBerry endowment continues to gain support, building for Falcon football’s future. From Founders Day to Chapter Check-ins, the Long Blue Line stays connected. 
 
 
 
 

Stay informed and engaged with the U.S. Air Force Academy community.
This episode of Air Force Gradcast features Academy leadership news; information about the open all-grad survey; March Checkpoints highlights; Cadet of the Year recognition; a chapter spotlight; and in-depth conversations with USAFA boxing and hockey coaches about legacy and leadership.
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin 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
 
 

In this episode of Gradcast, hosts Navieve Walkewicz ’99, Vince Greco P ’17 and Chris Bennet ’93 welcome the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new dean of the faculty, share highlights from the Association of Graduates board, preview the upcoming National Character and Leadership Symposium and celebrate USAFA’s newest Holaday Scholar. We also look ahead to the historic recognition of 50 Years of women at the service academies, introduce a new NextGen webinar series and share news about the return of the iconic A-Jacket.
00:20:00 - Chapter Checkin featuring Blue Chile Chapter President, Mark Neice 
00:29:40 - Donor Impact Spotlight featuring Director of CCLD, Col. Matt Horner ’02
00:48:35 - Special Feature with Director of Planned Giving, Tad Vannaman ’94
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin 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
 
 
 

This year’s first episode of Air Force Gradcast covers everything from cadet achievements and FalconSAT’s hands-on satellite missions to Cadet Chapel restoration updates, alumni engagement opportunities nationwide, and Career Services resources helping graduates navigate life after active duty. Hear from hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P’17, as well as cadets, Career Services Manager Jay Drake and more!
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin 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