Twin Cities Area USAFA AOG

West Metro – Service Academy Breakfast
2023-07-07 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Chicago) | Marriot West St. Louis Park, 9960 Wayzata Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN, 55426, United States
West Metro – Service Academy Network Breakfast

Jul 7 @ 7:00 am – 8:00 am

Here is a great way to network with service academy grads from all the academies.
Convenient locations on both the east and west sides of the Twin Cities. The west side breakfast occurs the first Friday of every month.
If you do not plan attend, there is no need to respond. If you are planning on attending, a
RSVP it is always appreciated to know whom is going to try to make it.
We will meet in Kip’s Authentic Irish Pub (952-367-5070) in the Marriott West St Louis Park.
“Take Seats” for the breakfast will be at 0700 hours with the goal to be finished with the
formal portion by 0745 hours. This will be followed by informal networking and friendship
building. Come early! And enjoy more fellowship!
Also, tell a classmate, company-mate or fellow service academy grad about it!
A few changes for this Covid World we live in…
All – Inclusive Buffet Breakfast – $17.00.
• Each individual will pay $17.00 for their own breakfast
• Gratuity will be in included in the $17.00 price.
• Juice and Coffee is included
Any questions, please contact Michael Farley at 651-681-0777 or michael@ffpartners.com.

MN Parents Club night out - Cracked Barrel Winery
2023-07-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Cracked Barrel Winery, 570 Coulee Trl, Hudson, WI, 54016
Parent’s Night Out! The parents club would like to invite AOG members to join them for their July 13 get together. See link to sign up.

Thursday, July 13, 5-7pm – Cracked Barrel Winery, 570 Coulee Trail, Hudson, WI​
Please RSVP Sign up here

East Metro – Service Academy Breakfast
2023-07-14 07:00 - 08:00, 2023-09-08 07:00 - 08:00 | Machine Shed Restaurant, 8515 Hudson Boulevard (I-94 & Inwood Ave - Hwy 13 exit 250), Lake Elmo, MN, 55042, United States
You are cordially invited to the East Metro Academy Breakfast the second Friday of every
month (rain or shine) at 7:00 am. The location is: The Machine Shed Restaurant in Lake Elmo. We’ll place orders at approximately 7:05 AM and then begin the formal/introduction segment of the gathering.
Afterwards, everyone is welcome to stay as long as they like and continue to visit and/or
network. Any questions, please contact Michael Farley at 651-681-0777 or michael@ffpartners.com.

Parents Club summer picnic
2023-07-29 16:00 - 19:00 | Lake Ann Park, 1456 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN, United States
The Parents Club would like to invite the TCA AOG to attend their annual summer picnic. See details / RSVP at the Parents Club of MN page link. Bring a side dish, and please RSVP by July 22.
Parents Club calendar page

Saturday, July 29, 2023, 4-7pm – Lake Ann Park, 1456 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN

West Metro – Service Academy Breakfast
2023-09-01 07:00 - 08:00 | Marriot West St. Louis Park, 9960 Wayzata Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN, 55426, United States
West Metro – Service Academy Network Breakfast

Sep 1 @ 7:00 am – 8:00 am

Here is a great way to network with service academy grads from all the academies.
Convenient locations on both the east and west sides of the Twin Cities. The west side breakfast occurs the first Friday of every month.
If you do not plan attend, there is no need to respond. If you are planning on attending, a
RSVP it is always appreciated to know whom is going to try to make it.
We will meet in Kip’s Authentic Irish Pub (952-367-5070) in the Marriott West St Louis Park.
“Take Seats” for the breakfast will be at 0700 hours with the goal to be finished with the
formal portion by 0745 hours. This will be followed by informal networking and friendship
building. Come early! And enjoy more fellowship!
Also, tell a classmate, company-mate or fellow service academy grad about it!
A few changes for this Covid World we live in…
All – Inclusive Buffet Breakfast – $17.00.
• Each individual will pay $17.00 for their own breakfast
• Gratuity will be in included in the $17.00 price.
• Juice and Coffee is included
Any questions, please contact Michael Farley at 651-681-0777 or michael@ffpartners.com.

Fourth annual Military Appreciation Family Day at the Farm
2023-09-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Sutton Ridge Farm, 1500 West 200th ST, Jordan, MN, 55352, United States
Fourth annual Military Appreciation Family Day at the Farm Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (gates open at 9:30 a.m.) 1500 West 200th Street, Jordan
Every Third Saturday is excited to announce their partnership with Sutton Ridge Farm at the fourth annual “Military Appreciation Family Day at the Farm”. New this year: A Service Flag presentation ceremony and a Parachute jump by Navy Seals from the Patriot Parachute Team This one-day event is set aside to thank and honor our military veterans who continue to sacrifice past their days of active service. Military members (active duty, reservists/National Guard, retired) and their families are invited to come, as well as the general public.
Get more info and register at www.everythirdsaturday.org/familyday
Want to be a sponsor for this event? Contact Jennifer at Profarm@frontiernet.net.
Service Flag Tradition
Calling all immediate family members of active-duty service members in the Armed Forces of the United States (including Reservists and National Guard) and Gold star family members.
During this event you will have an opportunity to accept an American Service Flag on behalf of your active -duty military service member.
Here’s what you need to do:

Email Jennifer at Profarm@frontiernet.net to request a form
Fill it out and email it back to her. Save it as a .pdf file
Deadline for application: August 1, 2023 (Do it now, so you don’t forget)
Family members must be present to receive the Service Flag during the presentation ceremony to be held on September 9, 2023 at the Sutton Ridge Farm Military Appreciation Family Day at the Farm event.

Service Flags are provided by a private donor at no cost for military families. Find out more at www.serviceflagtradition.com

St Croix Cruise cancelled
2023-09-17 12:00 - 15:00 | St. Croix Boat & Packet Co., 525 Main ST S, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
River Cruise cancelled
Hello all. We did not get enough attendees to sign up to make the River Cruise happen. If you signed up we are working with CVENT to process refunds. Sorry we couldn’t make it work, but stay tuned for future events.
Click here to register

Veteran's Day and Couples Dinner
2023-11-14 06:00 - 20:30 | Mancini’s Char House, 531 7th St W, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Sign up here. Hope to see you there!

Fall Couples Dinner / Veterans Day
For the past several years we have been celebrating our service in the Air Force at Mancini’s Char House in St. Paul. Mancini’s was voted Minnesota’s best supper club and Pat Mancini is big supporter of service men and women. He will provide us a special treat this fall. We can have our choice of a grilled steak, chicken, or walleye, accompanied with baked potato or green beans and appetizers too. The family steakhouse is noted for their mouth watering sirloin steak but also for its friendly atmosphere, cheerful servers and comfortable environment. We hope you will join us as we renew friendships and celebrate the past year..
· Where: 531 7th St. W., St. Paul, MN
· When: Tuesday, 14 November 2023
· Socialize: 6:00 P.M.
· Dinner: 6:30 P.M.
· Cost: $27 per person. Dinner portion cash only, collected at dinner.
The waitstaff will take your personal orders for beverages at the table. We have enjoyed getting together in this supper club environment. We have been able to hug that friend you haven’t seen since last year, meet a new grad and their family and toast the Air Force too. Come, join us at this great St. Paul get together. Be proud of your service and our country.

Restart of Quarterly luncheon series
2023-12-07 11:30 - 13:00 | Richfield-Fred Babcock VFW, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S,, Richfield, MN
The TCA AOG is pleased to announce the revitalization of the Quarterly Luncheon Lecture Series. Several years ago we had some of our graduates speak about their interesting experiences both in and out of the service. For example, Curt Brown discussed some of his flights in the Space Shuttles. COVID shelved these programs but, thanks to the current Board of Directors, we are starting them up again. On December 7th, known to most Americans as Pearl Harbor Day, will be our next program.
On December 7th, Army Captain Jim Johns, author of Reassessing Pearl Harbor, will talk about Pearl Harbor and his perspectives on what happened back then. He personally has studied and led many discussions about Pearl Harbor and WWII. He will answer questions about scapegoats, heroes and the attack itself at Pearl Harbor. Jim Johns is a member of the Board of Directors of the Harold Deutsch World War II Roundtable and has studied the battles in the Pacific and the Philippines.

WHERE: Fred Babcock VFW Post 5555, United States, Minnesota
TIME: 1130 – 1300
Seating is limited to the first 25 who register for the event. There will be no charge for the program but lunch meals are available at reasonable costs. We hope you and your guest will join us as we revisit together the events of the start of WWII. If you are planning to attend please email Rick at RickKnoll@msn.com and let him know you will be attending and if you think you will order lunch. We are trying to get a rough head count.

Annual Scotch Tasting
2024-01-27 14:00 - 17:00 | Flower’s residence Hastings, 12880 Lock Blvd, Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Click to sign up
or copy and paste following link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BAFA923A0FAC34-47227543-tcaaog
Sign-up open, thanks Curt. No online payment option, please bring Cash or Check to Terry Flowers, limited to 20 attendees.
Yes it’s still on! As of Jan 14th we have been having problems getting our CVENT signups through national AOG, instead see sign-up genius link above to sign up
Find Your Sipping Point!
Come join us as we taste specially selected single malt whiskies on Saturday, 27 January, at the home of Terry and Margaret Flower. We will also have a MIA / POW table set so we will never forget what they gave.
WHEN: Saturday, 27 January 2024 at 2:00pm
COST: $30 for a Single Attendee $50 for Two Attendees
WHERE: Home of Terry and Margaret Flower 12880 Lock Blvd Hastings, 55033
We will taste, sip, savor and absorb the moments of five highly prized single malt scotch whiskies. Margaret, known for her culinary expertise, will prepare food pairings, including Haggis, especially selected to balance our appreciation of the subtle nuances of each whisky. We celebrate the birthday of Rabbie Burns, Scotland’s poet laureate, toasting the lads and lasses at the table, and reciting his excellent poetry. Seating is limited to 20 tasters, so register early!

Questions? Call Terry at 651-261-8873.

Speakers Series Doolittle Raid
2024-04-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Richfield-Fred Babcock VFW, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S,, Richfield, MN
Join us for the second TCA AOG Speaker Series event where Jim Johns will share his research about the Doolittle Raid on Japan in April 1942, only four months after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor.
This event will be at the Fred Babcock VFW in Richfield, MN on 18 April 2024 at 11:00am. Please RSVP using the SignUp Genius link provided. Attendance is free!

Click here to sign up

Heritage Dinner 18 May
2024-05-18 17:00 - 20:00 | MN
Join us from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday 18 May for a celebratory night to recognize the United States Air
Force Academy’s Founders Day, soon-to-be graduates from the Class of 2024, and the incoming Class
of 2028 appointees.
It is an honor to have (Ret.) Gen. Kevin P. “Chilli” Chilton, a 1976 USAFA graduate and a former
Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, as the evening’s featured speaker. It’s sure to be a special
night you won’t want to miss.

As part of evening festivities, a silent auction will be offered to support fundraising efforts. (Some
incredible auction items will be up for bidding!) In light of this, we kindly ask that you attend with cash
or check for an easy payment process. Credit cards will not be turned away, however we would
appreciate the efficiency of a cash or check payment
If you would like to donate, please reach out to the USAFA Parents Club of MN
https://www.mnpc.afaparents.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/USAFAParentsClubofMN/permalink/6908729615897752/
The cost of the event is $60 per individual. The Twin Cites Area Association of Graduates (TCA AOG) is
providing a special event price of $40 per individual for USAFA grads from the Classes of 2014-2023
as an incentive to attend this wonderful event! The location will be at the Sather Hangar #15129 at
10100 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie (volunteers at the gate will have directions).
This event is sponsored by the Minnesota Parents Club and the Twin Cites Area chapter of the
Association of Graduates. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating a great evening!
Registration deadline is May 8, 2024 using the following link: https://cvent.me/mNEeR1
Click Here to Sign-up

Annual Parents Club of MN picnic
2024-07-27 16:00 - 19:00 | Lake Susan Park, 903 Lake Drive, Chanhassen, MN, United States
You’re invited to join the USAFA Parents’ Club of MN at the annual summer picnic on Saturday, July 27th. The event will be from 4-7:00 PM at beautiful Lake Susan Park located at 903 Lake Drive, Chanhassen, MN.
This will be a great opportunity to meet families from current and former USAFA classes as well as hear from 2028 families about how basic training is going. The picnic will be hosted by the parents of the 2027 graduating class. Food and refreshments will be provided.

2024 picnic flier USAFA

Quarterly Speaker Series
2024-09-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Richfield-Fred Babcock VFW, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S,, Richfield, MN
Come join us for our next Quarterly Speaker – Jon Gruen
Jon Gruen is the CEO and Executive Chairman of Fortem Technologies, a deep tech company that provides Artificial Intelligence enabled airspace awareness and counter drone solutions to defense, law enforcement, and commercial customers. Previously, Jon was a corporate business development and strategy lead for Lockheed Martin where he won over $10B in program value. After which, he co-founded a defense innovation management and operations firm which scaled start-up companies to over $1.5B in combined revenue in just three years. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Mr. Gruen was a Navy SEAL Officer where he served in increasing leadership positions in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). He is currently a Navy Reserve Captain and has commanded Unmanned Air Systems and Technology Innovation Units. Jon received his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy and received his Master of Business Administration from the Haas School of Business, University of California – Berkeley.
Sign up at the sign-up genius
Click here to Sign-up
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4BACAB2CA2FB6-49898765-tcaaog

Bourbon Tasting 19 October Cancelled
2024-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Flower’s residence Hastings, 12880 Lock Blvd, Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
Sorry all, we have to cancel our Bourbon Tasting sue to lack of participation.

AF-Army viewing party
2024-11-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Richfield-Fred Babcock VFW, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S,, Richfield, MN
Come join Grads and Parents from USAFA and West Point November 2 at the Richfield VFW, 11:00 kickoff!

Quarterly Speaker Series - Star of Bethlehem
2024-12-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Richfield-Fred Babcock VFW, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S,, Richfield, MN
Hello all, come join us for our quarterly speaker series by Terry Flower on the science, history and scripture of the Star of Bethlehem. Free, and lunch is available to purchase from the VFW.Please use the sign-up genius just to give us a rough head count to expect.
Click here to sign-up
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4BACAB2CA2FB6-52672575-tcaaog

Scotch Tasting
2025-01-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Flower’s residence Hastings, 12880 Lock Blvd, Hastings, MN, 55033, United States
TCA AOG – Scotch Tasting
This event is scheduled for Saturday, 25.January.2025 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Seating is limited to 20 tasters so register now. Questions? Call Terry at 651-261-8873.
It’s that time of year again, when the Twin Cities AOG Chapter celebrates the birthday of Robert Burns by tasting fine single malt Scotch whiskies. We will meet on Saturday, January 25th, at the home of Terry and Margaret Flower to taste five single malt beverages, sampling their qualities and sharing together the qualities that make them special.
We will taste savor the flavors, the aromas, and pair them with well known Scottish foods prepared by culinary expertise of Margaret. These likely include Haggis, Cock-a-leekie soup and Margaret’s surprise dessert. We’ll share some appropriate toasts, read selections of Burns’ best poems and enjoy good company of grads and their guests. The cost is $35 per person, which includes tastes of five carefully selected single malt Scotch whiskies, special Scottish food pairings, and good company of grads and guests. To entice younger grads to join in, the Chapter will subsidize the cost by reducing it to $20.
This will be an intimate, fun-filled event. We ask women attending to wear a hat. Out of five carefully selected single malt spirits, the remainder of one will be awarded to the woman wearing the voted upon best hat. The other four bottles with their remaining contents, will go home with the attendee whose name is drawn from a hat. We must limit the number of attendees to twenty so there is a good probability of taking home a companion bottle of a superb single malt whisky.
Date: 01/25/2025 (Sat.)
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm CST
Location: 12880 Lock Blvd, Hastings, MN 55033
SIGN UP HERE

alternate sign-up link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4BACAB2CA2FB6-54177579-tcaaog

Quarterly Speaker Series 11 June
2025-06-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Richfield-Fred Babcock VFW, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S,, Richfield, MN
Due to scheduling issues we are cancelling our June speaker event. Look for updates for future speakers via e-mail and the website.

Fall St Croix Dinner Cruise - Saturday 28 September
2025-09-28 15:30 - 18:30 | Stillwater River Boats, 525 South Main Street, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Saturday, 28 September 2024 @ boarding 3:30 PM – return 6:30 pm
Come join us for a great meal and river cruise. Boarding at 3:30, $30.00 for an Italian meal and cruise.

Click here for Sign-Up

St Croix Boat & Packet, 525 Main St S, Stillwater, MN 55082

Air Force-Navy viewing party
2025-10-04 11:00 - 14:00 | The Loop – The West End St Louis Park, 5331 W 16th Street The Shops at West End , MN 55416, St. Louis Park, MN, United States
Grads,
What a great opportunity to cheer on our Falcons and share some spirited camaraderie with our Navy counterparts. Think of it as a family reunion… with just a little friendly rivalry thrown in. (And of course, we’ll be ready to offer our Navy friends some consolation when the scoreboard tilts in our favor!)
Event Details:
Where: The Loop West End
5331 W 16th Street
The Shops at West End
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025. Kickoff at 11:00 AM (Central)
We don’t have a private room reserved, but there will be plenty of tables for us to gather, and the TVs will be tuned to the game.
No RSVP needed—just come, bring your spirit, and enjoy!
Looking forward to seeing you there,
Curt Brown ’78
President
TCA-AOG

Quarterly Speaker
2025-10-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Richfield-Fred Babcock VFW, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S,, Richfield, MN
Brig Gen (ret.) Dan Gabrielli will talk about Operation ALLIES WELCOME.
In 2021, Gabrielli was assigned as Commander of Task Force Holloman (487th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander). He was responsible for resettling 7200 Afghan refugees during a 6 month deployment at Holloman AFB, NM. He also served as the MN ANG 133 Airlift Wing Commander as well leadership roles for the MN Guard at the State level.
Lunch available to order, presentation will begin around 11:30.

Veterans Day Dinner at Mancini's
2025-11-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Mancini’s Char House, 531 7th St W, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
Grads,
Veterans Day Dinner Celebration
We are excited to announce that we will host our Veterans Day Dinner at Mancini’s Char House. in St Paul on Wednesday, 12 November. As in past years, we join together to celebrate all those who served this great country, especially graduates of the US Air Force Academy. We invite you, your spouse and other family members, friends too. The dinner will, as in the past, cost merely $30 per person. It includes your choice of the fabulous Char House Steak, the Walleye or Chicken Dinner, including appetizers.
To make this work at this price we’ve agreed to a cash only venue so please bring cash. Our Staff will bring some cash if needed and there is an ATM machine in the lobby. We are holding off until 12 November in case you, like some grads, have special events on the 11th. Mancini’s was voted number one Supper Club in Minnesota. Additionally, Mancini’s is known for supporting deployed and active duty military.
Plan now to attend this dinner. We will plan to toast our grads – active duty, separated and retired, at 6:30. (That’s 1830 if you haven’t transitioned to civilian time yet.) If you have any questions, call Terry Flower at (651) 261-8873 or Curt Brown at (651) 295-5834. Please register by Monday, 10 November, so we can turn our count in. Register using the sign up link below.
Free Parking, payment at dinner check-in

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4BACAB2CA2FB6-59526201-tcaaog
WHEN: 6:30 PM 12 November 2025
WHERE: Mancini’s Char House
531 7th Street West
St. Paul, MN 55102

Star of Bethlehem Quarterly Speaker Series
2025-12-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Richfield-Fred Babcock VFW, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S,, Richfield, MN
The AOG Luncheon Lecture Program is pleased to announce that on December 10th at the VFW Post 5555 in Richfield, Terry Flower, Class of 1964, will tell us about the Star of Bethlehem. Terry started talking about the Star of Bethlehem, a seasonal presentation that he started roughly fifty years ago and has annually presented it with updates from his research. He combines science, history, scripture and wraps these up with knowledge from early Christians. This engaging talk takes us on a journey of understanding more about Christmas and what we know about it. Come and share a lunch from the VFW gastronomical kitchens at a modest cost. No charge for attending. Come around 1100 and share Christmas greetings with your fellow grads.

Please use Sign-up genius to give us a rough headcount, Thanks!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4BACAB2CA2FB6-60097397-tcaaog

2026 Heritage Banquet & Dinner
2026-05-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Flying Cloud Hangar, Flying Cloud Airport - Hangar #10100, Eden Prairie, MN, 55347, United States
The Annual Heritage Banquet & Dinner
The Significance of the Heritage Banquet & Dinner
The annual Heritage (aka Founders’ Day) Banquet & Dinner stands is an annual celebration and remembrance of the founding of the United States Air Force in 1947 (USAF), and the establishment of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower. The day serves as a beacon of tradition drawing together alumni, current cadets, new appointees and parents. The evening is where the past, present and the future converge, sharing memories, achievements and aspirations.
A Gathering of the Minds
This event provides a rare opportunity for graduates to reconnect, share their journeys, and inspire the next generation. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of pride and nostalgia as stories of old are recounted, and new ones are born.
Honoring the Past
The dinner is a recognized tradition paying homage to the USAF and USAFA‘s rich histories. It is a moment to reflect on the achievements of those who have come before and to acknowledge the contributions that have helped shape the present. Presentation speakers have included: USAFA Superintendent, USAFA Commandant, United States Space Force (USSF) Commander, Commanding General of Air Material Command, and other distinguished USAF officers that have critical mission milestones and pivotal moments to define the journey of both the USAF and USAFA.
Welcoming the Future
We begin with the introduction of the new appointees who are welcomed into the fold with warmth and enthusiasm. These individuals represent the future with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Their presence is a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence and progress.
The Experience
The Venue and Ambiance
The venue is chosen with great care reflecting the grandeur and importance befitting such a prestigious event. From historic halls to modern hotel events centers, each setting is meticulously prepared to provide an unforgettable experience. This year, the Twin Cities Area Association of Graduates (TCA AOG) and the USAFA Minnesota Parents Club will be celebrating the event at the immaculately prepared hanger at Flying Cloud airport, as we have done in the past 4 years. The transformation of a hangar to an elegant setting is done with finesse: the tables are adorned with fine linens, there are exquisite center pieces, and the flickering candlelight adds to the grandeur of the evening.
The Culinary Delights
No dinner would be complete without a superb dining experience, and the Heritage Banquet & Dinner does not disappoint. Guests are treated to a culinary menu crafted to delight the senses.
Building Connections
The Heritage Banquet & Dinner is more than just a social event; it is a networking opportunity. Graduates, Cadets and new appointees alike have the chance to connect with leaders from all fields of life that can lead to collaborations and career advancements.
Sharing Knowledge
Conversations during dinner often delve into meaningful discussions with everyone having an opportunity to share their insights, experiences and ask questions. All this interaction fosters an exchange of knowledge that builds a sense of community, mutual growth, and is enriching everyone who attends.
Mentorship
A beautiful part of the Heritage Banquet & Dinner is the opportunity for mentorship. Experienced alumni often take new appointees under their wing, offering guidance and support as they navigate their careers.
The Impact
Fostering Alumni Engagement
The Heritage Banquet & Dinner plays a significant role in fostering alumni engagement. By bringing together graduates of all generations, it strengthens the bond between the institution and the alumni network. This connection is vital for the continued success and growth of the institution.
Encouraging Philanthropy
The event also encourages philanthropy, and we do so with the opportunity to participate in the silent auction presented by our unheralded USAFA Minnesota Parents Club and the TCA AOG. Proceeds from the silent auction provide funding for scholarships and other initiatives that support the institution’s mission.
Inspiring Future Generations
Perhaps the most lasting impact of the evening is the inspiration it provides to future generations. Seeing accomplishments of those who have walked the same halls and shared the same dreams can be a powerful motivator for current cadets and new appointees. It reminds them of what is possible and encourages them to pursue their goals with passion and determination.
Conclusion
The annual Heritage Banquet & Dinner is more than just an event; it is a celebration of legacy, achievement and potential. It bridges the past with the future, honoring the contributions of alumni while welcoming the new graduates and new appointees into the fold. Through its rich traditions and meaningful connections, it fosters a sense of community and pride that endures long after the evening has ended. In every toast, every handshake, and every shared story, the spirit of the United States Air Force, the United States Space Force, and the United States Air Force Academy live on through the alumni that bind them, inspiring all who attend to carry its legacy forward.
SO, ATTENTION IN THE AREA, ATTENTION IN AREA
Mark your calendars, for May 16th, 2026 at 1700, we shall all gather in the Guider Hangar at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie, MN to continue the legacy of The Long Blue Line. Come and enjoy this spectacular event!
Register Here: https://cvent.me/XYaYee

West Metro – Service Academy Alumni Breakfast
2026-07-03 07:00 - 08:00 | Marriot West St. Louis Park, 9960 Wayzata Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN, 55426, United States
June 5th is the next opportunity to network with Service Academy grads in Minnesota. This West Metro – Service Academy Alumni Breakfast occurs the 1st Friday of every month.
If you are planning on attending, an RSVP is appreciated to roughly know how many are going to be there for space reservations. Thank you!
Location: Kip’s Authentic Irish Pub (952-367-5070) in the Marriott West St Louis Park.
“Take Seats” for the breakfast will be at 0700 hours with the goal to be finished with the formal portion by 0745 hours. The official portion will be followed by informal networking and friendship building. Come early and enjoy more fellowship!
Also, please tell a classmate, company-mate and/or fellow service academy grad about this event! Overall coordination is done by the West Point Society of Minnesota.
Questions? Please contact Doug Baden, USMA ‘88, dabaden@gmail.com

East Metro - Service Academy Alumni Breakfast
2026-07-10 07:00 - 08:00 | Woodbury Cafe, 803 Bielenberg Drive, Woodbury, MN, 55125, United States
You are cordially invited to network at the East Metro – Service Academy Alumni Breakfast which takes place on the 2nd Friday of every month (rain or shine) at 0700. The location is “The Woodbury Cafe” in Woodbury. Orders are placed at approximately 0705 followed by the formal/introduction segment of the gathering. Afterwards, everyone is welcome to stay and continue to visit and/or network. Overall coordination is done by the West Point Society of Minnesota.
Questions? Please contact Doug Baden, USMA ‘88, dabaden@gmail.com

TCA-AOG Social Gathering
2026-07-18 16:00 - 19:00 | Lake Ann Park, 1456 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN, United States
There is no July 2026 meeting at the VFW. Our Social gathering will be at the USAFA Parents Club Picnic at Lake Anne on Saturday, July 18th, 4-7pm. The RSVP link will be posted soon.
The next “regular” meeting will be Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
All monthly Board Meetings are open to all Alumni & guests, and Tuesday, August 18th is the next gathering for all Minnesota USAFA graduates at the Richfield VFW. What a great opportunity to come and meet fellow graduates during the 30 minute Social Hour which commences at 1700 hours. You can order a delicious bite to eat in addition to a delicious beverage to enjoy. The official meeting commences with the pledge of allegiance at 1730 hours, and business typically concludes by 1830 hours. We hope to see you there, GO FALCONS!

Quarterly Speaker Series: July 2026
2026-07-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Richfield-Fred Babcock VFW, 6715 Lake Shore Dr S,, Richfield, MN
What: The story of Les Schrenk, Minnesota’s own WWII hero (as told by Mike Johnson)
When: Wednesday, 22 July 2026. 1100 social/lunch; 1130 speaker presentation.
Where: Fred Babcock VFW Post 5555, Richfield, MN.
We planned to have the notable WWII / 8th AF Veteran and POW, Les Schrenk, speak on March 11th. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 102 on March 3rd, 2026. Although he is gone, we are welcoming his longtime friend and travel buddy, Mike Johnson, to share the amazing story of Les Schrenk. Mark your calendars for an inspiring presentation about Schrenk’s remarkable veteran’s story of bailing out of his aircraft, being captured by the Germans, and surviving in a POW camp.
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Come at 11:00 and order lunch, or just come for the speaker which will start at 11:30. There is no cost to attend.
