AIR FORCE GRADCAST

U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Monthly

with Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Vince Greco P ’17 and Chris Bennett ’93, P ’24  Association & Foundation news and updates for Grads and the Long Blue Line community!

  1. 6d ago

    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.

    David Harris ’17 - Leading the NextGen Webinar Series

  2. 6d ago

    Chapter Check-In for August 2026 - Umar Rafi ’90 - Northern California Chapter

    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

  3. 6d ago

    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 and prepare the next generation of the defense workforce. For the second consecutive year, the FRC’s National Security Scholars Program is giving  two students/cadets from each participating school access to national security experts, visits to NORTHCOM and SPACECOM, and firsthand exposure to Congress, the Pentagon and the State Department. Seed funding is also supporting Air Force Academy faculty research in areas including scramjet propulsion and critical infrastructure modeling. These are early examples of what becomes possible when philanthropy provides the resources to connect ideas, institutions and people around a shared mission.  To learn more about the Front Range Consortium and opportunities to support its continued growth and impact, contact: Col. (Ret.) Paul Huffman ’86  Director, Front Range Consortium paul.huffman@usafa.org    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

    Donor Impact Spotlight - August 2026 - Front Range Consortium - Col. (Ret.) Paul Huffman ’86

  4. Aug 13

    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 Advisory Council member, David Harris '17

    August 2026 Gradcast - New leadership, Same Long Blue Line

  5. Jul 10

    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

    July 2026 Gradcast - Uniting the USAFA Community

  6. Jun 12

    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

    June 2026 Gradcast - New Gateway, New Graduates

  7. May 22

    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

    May 2026 Air Force Gradcast

  8. Apr 13

    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.

    April 2026 Gradcast - New Leadership, Lasting Connections and a Busy Season Ahead
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About

with Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Vince Greco P ’17 and Chris Bennett ’93, P ’24  Association & Foundation news and updates for Grads and the Long Blue Line community!

Information

  • Creator
    U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026-2027 | U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation | All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    AIR FORCE GRADCAST

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