USAFA BoV Chairman Pfluger Holds Fall Meeting in Colorado Springs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors, led the Board's fall meeting at the Academy in Colorado Springs this month. The meeting focused on the Academy's leadership priorities, infrastructure improvements, and cadet well-being.

Chairman Pfluger opened the meeting by reviewing the recommendations in the Board's Semiannual Report. Members then heard from the Academy's new Superintendent, Lieutenant General Paul Moga; Commandant, Brigadier General Brandon Tellez, and Provost, Brigadier General James Valpiani, about their priorities and discussed ways the Board can support their efforts. Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier met with the Board during the Board's Administrative Session. Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Richard Anderson and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment Michael Borders also participated in the meeting.

A portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing USAFA's infrastructure. The Board heard from Assistant Secretary Borders on the urgency of funding infrastructure projects at the Academy. Department of the Air Force personnel also highlighted the importance of the USAFA Board of Visitors-led provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

During their visit, the Board engaged with the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates Board of Directors, the Air Force Academy Foundation Board of Directors, and the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation Board of Directors. The Board also identified a new focus area regarding cadet nutrition. Members plan to review cadet nutrition and Mitchell Hall funding more thoroughly.

Members of the Board experienced life at the Academy firsthand. They participated in an orientation experience at the airfield, attended classes, toured the dormitories, and had lunch with cadets in Mitchell Hall. They also visited the Academy's new Visitor Center. These activities gave Members numerous opportunities to interact with cadets and USAFA staff.

"As Chairman of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, I was proud to lead a productive meeting in Colorado Springs. We focused on modernizing the Academy's infrastructure so cadets have the facilities they deserve, and we're committed to working with the Department of the Air Force leadership to make that happen. I also appreciated the chance to meet with cadets and staff, whose dedication and professionalism give me great confidence in the future of our Air Force. The Board is also taking a close look at cadet nutrition, because the men and women who will defend our nation should be properly fueled to perform at their best. The Academy shapes the leaders our nation will rely on, and it's our duty to make sure it remains the best in the world," said USAFA Board of Visitors Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).

Additional photos from USAFA's Board of Visitors Meeting can be found at the link HERE.

Background on the USAFA Board of Visitors:

Established under Title 10 U.S. Code § 9455, the USAFA Board of Visitors inquires into morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical plant, fiscal affairs, and academic methods at the Academy, providing independent oversight and semiannual recommendations to the Department of War and Academy leadership.

Congressman Pfluger, a 2000 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, served as a congressionally appointed member of the Board of Visitors for several years before being elected Chairman in 2025. He is focused on ensuring the Academy is properly equipped to develop mission-ready warfighters for years to come. He served over 20 years in uniform, deployed, and flew combat missions over the Middle East. He retired earlier this year, reaching the rank of Colonel.