AIR FORCE GRADCAST
Air Force Academy Association and Foundation news and updates, special features and more for USAFA graduates.
November 2026 Gradcast - Happening Now Across the Long Blue Line
VIDEO HERE
What's happening across the Long Blue Line?
This month's Air Force Gradcast features U.S. Air Force Academy news and graduate updates, including affinity group initiatives, chapter events nationwide, graduate school and career resources, Giving Tuesday plans, leadership conversations and stories highlighting service, mentorship and lifelong connection to the Academy community.
Gradcast Special Feature - Coach Fisher DeBerry - Celebrating a Legend
For 23 seasons, Fisher DeBerry led Air Force football, becoming the winningest head coach in Academy history. His accomplishments on the field earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. But his greatest legacy can be found in the lives of the cadets, players and countless others he influenced along the way.
In this edition of the Air Force Gradcast Special Feature, host Vince Greco sits down with Coach DeBerry on the day the Air Force Academy dedicated a statue in his honor outside Falcon Stadium. Their conversation goes beyond football to explore the lessons...
October 2026 Gradcast - Connect with the Long Blue Line
The October Air Force GradCast covers a lot of ground. In this month’s episode:
USAFA earns recognition among the nation’s top public schools.
Coach Fisher DeBerry returns home as the Academy honors its winningest football coach with a statue outside Falcon Stadium.
Cadets take on the 350-mile Memorial to Memorial Ride alongside senior military leaders and wounded warriors, turning four days on a bicycle into an extraordinary leadership experience.
NextGen continues connecting graduates through career conversations, webinars and networking events.
The Boise AOG chapter demonstrates the di...
Kick Off Fall with Gradcast!
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.
David Harris ’17 - Leading the NextGen Webinar Series
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.
Chapter Check-In for August 2026 - Umar Rafi ’90 - Northern California Chapter
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 t...
Donor Impact Spotlight - August 2026 - Front Range Consortium - Col. (Ret.) Paul Huffman ’86
From the Front Range to the Front Lines
What can philanthropy make possible when universities, national security leaders and industry work together?
In this edition of Donor Impact Spotlight on Air Force Gradcast, Col. (Ret.) Paul Huffman ’86 joins host Vince Greco P’17 to share the early impact of the Front Range Consortium, a multi-university partnership made possible through support from The Anschutz Foundation. With the motto “From the Front Range to the Front Lines,” the FRC is bringing together expertise across Colorado’s Front Range to advance national security research, strengthen STEM and policy education...
August 2026 Gradcast - New leadership, Same Long Blue Line
The Air Force Academy is entering a new chapter.
In this month's Air Force Gradcast, we discuss the confirmation of Lt. Gen. Paul Moga ’95 as the U.S. Air Force Academy's 23rd superintendent, the dedication of the Distinguished Graduate Award Memorial and Yost Plaza, the unveiling of the class ring replica outside of Wecker Hall, and so much more.
- 00:22:07 Chapter Check-In and Northern CA chapter president, Umar Rafi '90
- 00:35:45 Donor Impact Spotlight and Paul Huffman '86, Director, Front Range Consortium
- 00:49:00 - NextGen Connect and NextGen Advis...
July 2026 Gradcast - Uniting the USAFA Community
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
June 2026 Gradcast - New Gateway, New Graduates
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
May 2026 Air Force Gradcast
The May Air Force Gradcast is filled with big news and insightful conversations. From marking 50 years of female cadets to welcoming a new commandant and recapping 1Day1USAFA — get an inside look at what’s happening across the Long Blue Line.
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
April 2026 Gradcast - New Leadership, Lasting Connections and a Busy Season Ahead
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.
March 2026 Gradcast - Engaging the Long Blue Line Community
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.
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Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
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February 2026 Gradcast - Keeping the Long Blue Line Connected
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 Imp...
January 2026 Gradcast - Connecting the USAFA Community
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 PARTNERS
AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation of
the U.S. Air Forc...
The NEW Gradcast - Connecting the USAFA Community
In this episode of Air Force Gradcast, hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Vince Greco P’17 and Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius ’00 congratulate the most recent U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to earn a Silver Star; they discuss exceptional cadet athletes and scholars; and you’ll hear about the various Association of Graduates giving societies. And don’t miss out on construction updates, the Chapter Check-in with South Carolina’s Mike Rose ’69, a chat with Chris Bennett ’93, the Association & Foundation’s newest senior director of alumni services, and more!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
AT THE...
Welcome to the New and Enhanced Air Force Gradcast!
Air Force Gradcast hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius '00 and Vince Greco P’17 discuss the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial groundbreaking, introduce the new Chapter Check-ins and welcome special guest Karl Falk ’98, CEO of Botdoc. Karl reflects on leadership, teamwork and the enduring legacy of Air Force athletics — from the Bolt Brotherhood and Coach Fisher DeBerry’s impact to new opportunities to support the DeBerry endowment and statue project.
CLICK HERE TO
GIVE $70 AND GET GREAT SOCKS!
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Beyond the Sidelines - a Gradcast Special Presentation Featuring Coach Troy Calhoun '89
Falcon football Head Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 joins Air Force Gradcast host Vince Greco P’17 and discusses Calhoun’s days as a freshman letterman to leading cadets on and off the field. Hear how playing football for the Falcons was just the beginning of his U.S. Air Force Academy journey.
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 S...
Cadets of Summer, Reunions and Tailgates, Grads in the News and More!
The Cadets of summer, tailgates, reunions, grads in the news and more — September’s Air Force Gradcast is packed! Join hosts Vince Greco P’17 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 as they highlight the incredible summer research cadets did, hear how graduates are stepping into major national roles, and don’t miss updates on the Next of Kin program, new career transition resources and where to find us this fall — from the Navy game to networking events!
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Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91 - USAFA Mission Brief and Grad Q&A
In this special edition of Air Force Gradcast, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ’91, USAFA’s 22nd superintendent, shares an inside look into cadet development and answers graduate questions. Hosted by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, this episode dives into the Academy’s mission and how it is preparing our nation’s future warfighters.
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 Spri...
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
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.
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Air Forc...
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
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in par...
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.
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
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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!
...
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.
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...
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
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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!
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EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS
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A New Brand, the New Visitor's Center, Call for Award Nominations and Much More
In this edition of Air Force Gradcast, hosts Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and Vince Greco P ’17, have the latest for you on a new brand for the AOG and Foundation; progress on the new visitor’s center; a call for award nominations; how you can stay connected, new podcast releases and much more! Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!
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EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS
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The Hotel Polaris Grand Opening and More Good News, Notes and Updates for USAFA Grads!
In this edition of Air Force Gradcast, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and her guest, Air Force Academy Foundation's Vince Greco, announce a long-awaited grand opening, wrap up reunion season, talk tailgating by boat, share their travel plans to meet with grads, home games at Falcon stadium, how you can make a difference, stay connected, new podcast releases and much more! Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!
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E...
Reunion and Tailgate Season, a Message from the New Supt. and More!
It's reunion and tailgating season; a message from the Academy’s new superintendent in Checkpoints; new podcast releases and much more! ----more----
In this edition, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 discusses reunion and tailgating season; a message from the Academy’s new superintendent in Checkpoints; new podcast releases and much more! Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!
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EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS
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Projects, Promotions, a Topping Out and More!
The Academy’s Kucera Legacy Center is open! The AOG and Foundation is look for an Executive Vice President of Devlopment. It's reunion season and much more! Episode 5 of Air Force Gradcast is here!
Episode 5 of the Air Force Gradcast is available now! In this edition, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and fellow Association and Foundation teammates Kelly Banet and Michele Bergeman discuss expanded roles, increasing engagement with grads, reunion season and much more. Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!
QUESTION...
Marching Back, the Academy's New Supt., Distinguished Graduates and More!
Marching back with the Class of 2028; the Academy’s new superintendent; leadership awards; upcoming events; and much more! Episode 4 of Air Force Gradcast is here!
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Episode 4 of the Air Force Gradcast is available now! In this edition, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and fellow Association and Foundation teammates Maj. (Ret.) Michael Barnes, Kelly Banet and Jennifer Cooper discuss the Academy’s new superintendent; AOG leadership awards; the 200 grads who marched back from Jacks Valley with the Class of 2028; and much more. Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favori...
In-Processing 2024, The Web Guy, Long Blue Line Weekend and More!
Academy Grads, Episode 3 of your Air Force Gradcast is here with AOG and Foundation news, updates, impact, people, special features and events!----more----
Episode 3 of Air Force Gradcast features a stellar cast of AOG and Foundation Gradcasters! Listen for news, updates, events, announcements and more! Gradcast drops the first Friday of every month and is available on all your favorite podcast apps. Support the Gradcast team's work to keep grads informed, connected and engaged! Listen and share Gradcast with your network of Academy grads, family and friends!
QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS? TALK TO YOUR GR...
Congratulations Class of '24, Lt. Gen. Clark, and 1Day1 Impact
Academy Grads, Episode 2 of your Air Force Gradcast is here with AOG and Foundation news, updates, impact, people, special features and events!----more----
Host, Naviere Walkewicz ’99, congratulates the class of 2024 and retiring Lt. Gen. Richard Clark. The AOG and Foundation's Kelly Banet updates on 1Day1USAFA impact and our construction projects. You’ll meet Senior Director of Alumni Relations, Maj. (Ret.) Michael Barnes, USAF, and Naviere will give you ways to keep connected with your alma mater! Listen now! Association of Graduates member news, updates, events, featured people and more! Gradcast drops every first Friday of the month...
1Day1USAFA, Distinguished Graduates of 2024 and More - Air Force Gradcast
Your Air Force Gradcast is here! Association of Graduates member news, updates, events, special people and more!----more----
In this edition, Gradcast host, Naviere Walkwicz ‘99, and her guests, announce our next distinguished graduates, invite you to join with them on 1Day1USAFA to support cadets and the Academy, tell you about a networking event you won’t want to miss and give you everything you need to keep connected with your alma mater!
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation
...
Introducing the Air Force Gradcast with Naviere Walkewicz '99
Meet Naviere Walkewicz, class of ’99, senior vice president of alumni relations for the Association and Foundation and your host for the Air Force Gradcast.
The U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation is introducing a new way to better tell our story: the Air Force Gradcast – providing you with the latest news, updates and special features — just for Academy grads!
The Gradcast drops every first Friday of the month and is available on all your favorite podcast apps.
Thank you for listening!
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