INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: PETERSON SFB TEEN NAMED 2026 COLORADO STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR (Photo)Peterson Space Force Base - 05/06/26 2:19 PM
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Local media are invited to interview 17-year-old Jasmine L. Toney, the newly named 2026 Colorado State Youth of the Year representing Peterson Space Force Base. Jasmine’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of military children, overcoming severe personal trauma to become a leading voice and advocate for military-connected youth. She will represent Colorado at the Regional competition in Dallas, Texas, this month.
Toney is a dynamic youth leader whose life is defined by profound purpose and resilience. At age 14, she survived a devastating house fire in the middle of a Colorado winter. Alongside navigating her parents' separation, her father's medical retirement due to Multiple Sclerosis, and her own severe sports injury, Jasmine utilized the Peterson Space Force Base Youth Center as her "home away from home" for 13 years. The center provided the stability and mentorship necessary to overcome these setbacks.
Today, Toney is a powerhouse of advocacy with an extensive list of accomplishments to include but not limited to interning at the Colorado State Capitol House of Representatives, advocating for equitable policy to being the Founder and President of her high school’s Black Student Union and Blue Crew.
Media outlets interested in speaking with Toney should reach out to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil to generate this request.
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US Air Force Academy - 05/06/26 3:52 PM
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The President of the United States has nominated Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Commander, Third Air Force, to serve as the 23rd Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy and promotion to the rank of lieutenant general. If confirmed by the Senate, he will succeed Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, who has led the institution since August 2024.
A 1995 Academy graduate and former Commandant of Cadets, Maj. Gen. Moga currently directs subordinate commands, facilitates coordination and operations between U.S. Air Force Europe – Air Forces Africa, U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, Defense agencies and other field activities. If confirmed, he will return to the Academy to direct the 47-month development program that commissions officers into the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, bringing extensive operational and leadership experience to the role.
A command pilot with more than 2,600 flight hours, primarily in the F-15C, F-22, and F-35A, he has commanded at the squadron, wing, and numbered Air Force levels. His career also includes significant joint and staff experience with assignments at U.S. European Command and U.S. Northern Command, and he notably served as the first-ever F-22 Demonstration Team Commander.
“I am profoundly honored by the President’s nomination to serve as Superintendent,” Maj. Gen. Moga said. “The Academy has a solemn responsibility to develop leaders who possess a warfighter mentality and are motivated to serve. They must be prepared to lead, fight and win in defense of our nation. I look forward to working with Air Force and Space Force leaders, as well as the entire USAFA community, to build upon what Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind accomplished during his tenure.”
Forging the Next Generation of Warrior-Leaders
Appointed with a specific mandate to restore the warrior ethos and return to standards, Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind, a 1991 graduate of the Academy, spent the last two years reorienting the institution to its foundational warfighting purpose. The entire Academy team embraced this call to harmonize the institution’s military, academic, and athletic mission sets and renew emphasis on standards and accountability.
To ensure graduates are prepared for modern conflict, military training was fundamentally restructured to prioritize warfighter readiness and lethality. This was operationalized through a four-class leadership system that instills progressive leadership and is tested under realistic, high-pressure conditions during training events like the Spring Culminating Exercise.
This purposeful transformation to align the cadet experience with the demands of future conflict sharpens the Academy’s focus on preparing the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders, increasing the readiness and lethality of the future force.
An Enduring Mission
“The Secretary of War mandate to forge mission-ready leaders ready on Day One is our absolute priority,” Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind said. “If confirmed, I am confident that Maj. Gen. Moga will sustain USAFA’s momentum forward, ensuring our graduates are fully prepared, militarily, academically, and athletically, for the complex combat environments of tomorrow.”
He stressed that, for the time being, his focus remains squarely on the Academy’s mission.
“I remain fully committed to leading the Academy and advancing its core priorities of forging warfighters to win, inspiring leaders of character and quality, and motivating critical thinkers to adapt,” he said. “Having seen firsthand the character and commitment of our next generation of warrior leaders, I will leave here confident that our nation’s future is secure.”
Click here to see the article on our website: Maj. Gen. Moga nominated to lead U.S. Air Force Academy following Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind
Attached Media Files: Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Third Air Force commander, conducts pre-flight checks in an F-35A Lightning II aircraft during his final flight at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 1, 2026. Moga has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours in six different fighter aircraft during his career. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sierra Casteel) , Then Brig. Gen. Paul D. Moga, then the U.S. Air Force Academy commandant of cadets, low-crawls through the assault course in Jacks Valley at the Academy, Colo. Moga, now a major general and commander of Third Air Force, completed the obstacle and assault courses alongside cadets as part of his effort to model hands-on leadership and instill a warfighter mentality across the Cadet Wing. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation) , Then Lt. Col. Paul D. Moga, an F-22 Raptor pilot, raises the canopy of an F-22 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 5, 2012. Moga, now a major general and commander of Third Air Force, represents the warfighter mindset built through rigorous pilot training, constant preparation and a career-long commitment to mastering increasingly complex missions. (U.S. Air Force Photo by David Bedard) , Maj Gen Paul D. Moga, Commander, Commandant of Cadets, administers the Oath of Office to the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023 during their Graduation Ceremony at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 1, 2023. Nine-hundred-twenty-one cadets crossed the stage to become the Air Force/Space Force’s newest second lieutenants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin R. Pacheco)
Colorado Springs SD 11 - 05/04/26 11:52 AM
COLORADO SPRINGS DISTRICT 11 CELEBRATES STUDENT WINNERS OF THE WEARED11 SCHOOL SPIRIT CONTEST
A joyful District 11 celebration honoring student creativity and school spirit
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Colorado Springs School District 11 invites media to join a warm and uplifting celebration honoring the student winners of the WeAreD11 School Spirit Student Contest.
This district-wide competition invited students from every D11 school to submit creative videos showcasing what makes their school experience special, from performing on stage and competing in sports, to leading clubs, creating art, their diverse learning opportunities, and expressing what they love about their community. Students formed teams of three to four, collaborated with peers, and put their creativity and school pride on full display. Every submission was reviewed by school principals before being published on WeAreD11.org, where the broader community could engage with, share, and champion their students.
At the celebration event, District 11 will recognize winning teams and honor the winners with the prizes, celebrating those that helped bring this contest to life and create a conversation across the District on what it is to be part of D11. This is an opportunity to see District 11 not through policy or budgets, but through the faces of students who are proud of their schools and their stories. Cameras and coverage are warmly welcomed.
What: WeAreD11 Student Contest Winner Announcement Celebration
Who: District 11 leadership, the winning schools' principal, and winning student teams.
When: Tuesday, May 6, 2026 5:30 PM
Where: Administration Building 1115 N. El Paso Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
New Summit Charter Academy - 05/04/26 8:34 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 4th 2026
Students at New Summit Charter Academy Raise Over $1,000 for Local Nonprofit Through Philanthropy Project
Colorado Springs, CO — Students in the Talented and Gifted (TAG) program at New Summit Charter Academy are turning lessons into action, raising more than $1,000 for a local nonprofit, Safe Place for Pets.
As part of a four-week philanthropy unit, 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-grade TAG students explored the meaning of giving back and learned how individuals—even children —can make a meaningful impact in their communities. The unit was supported by Project Heart, a foundation of OtterCares, which helps students bring philanthropic ideas to life.
Through their “Lucky Egg” fundraiser, students raised $596.25. After successfully applying for and receiving approval for a matching grant of up to $500 from OtterCares, the total donation reached $1,096.25.
“This project helped students see that their ideas and efforts can create real change,” said Mrs. Downs. “They weren’t just learning about philanthropy—they were actively practicing it.”
A representative from Safe Place for Pets will visit New Summit Charter Academy to accept the donation and meet with students. The check presentation is scheduled for:
Friday, May 8th at 2:15 p.m.
Location: Atrium, New Summit Charter Academy
In addition to fundraising, students have been documenting their philanthropy journey through photos and videos, highlighting the collaborative and creative spirit of the TAG program. These materials will be used to share the story of student-driven impact with the broader community.
Safe Place for Pets, a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit, supports pet owners facing end-of-life challenges by helping ensure their pets are cared for and, when necessary, rehomed.
Media are invited to attend the check presentation and speak with students and staff about the project.
Media Contact:
Nikki Reichert
Marketing and Communications
New Summit Charter Academy
719-749-4012
nikki.reichert@newsummitcharter.org
Step Springs - 05/01/26 7:42 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colorado Springs, CO — May 1, 2026 — Just six months after opening its doors, Step Springs is already transforming lives in Colorado Springs. The peer‑driven residential recovery program for men is helping residents move from addiction‑driven homelessness to sobriety, stability, and full‑time employment.
What Step Springs makes possible:
- From 34 felonies to employed and recently promoted to a manager position.
- From living in a car for two years to six months sober and employed.
- From panhandler outside a convenience store to full time employee at that store.
Step’s program builds real transformation through sobriety, work, accountability, and community. Before Step Springs opened, men were living in shelters, encampments, cars, and coming out of jail homeless – all while trying to navigate addiction alone. Step Springs offers a different path: a safe, structured environment led by men in long‑term recovery who have walked the same road.
Step Springs has:
- Served 127 men
- More than 75% have secured full-time, tax-paying jobs in under 45 days
- 39 men have progressed to Phases II, III, & IV of the program by hitting key recovery goals & stability milestones
The organization is on track to serve 160 men in its first year and 800 men within its first five years, reflecting both the scale of community need and the strength of Step’s proven model.
“Before Step Springs, my car was the only place I had left,” one resident shared. “I wasn’t choosing to live that way. I just didn’t see a way out.”
Residents like him are not alone. Many arrive after months or years in tents, vehicles, shelters, or temporary spaces. Step Springs provides the structure, accountability, and community needed to rebuild. Through daily routines, employment support, and peer coaching, men move from survival to stability to long‑term independence.
Because Step Springs is supported through private donations and takes no government funding, there is no cost to enter the program, removing financial barriers for any man ready and willing to pursue sobriety and stability.
Robert is one of the many success stories. He walked through the doors on opening day and celebrated six months sober this week.
About Step Springs
Step Springs is a 50-bed men’s residential peer recovery program built on the core principles of sobriety, work, accountability, and community. Modeled after Step Denver’s unique method and proven solution, Step Springs provides robust addiction recovery, life skills, and employment support to help men with nowhere else to turn rebuild their lives.