NCLS 2026: Courage to lead in the profession of arms

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets, staff, coaches, faculty and command teams attend the annual National Character and Leadership Symposium in Arnold Hall Feb. 20, 2025. NCLS 2026, scheduled for Feb. 20-21, will focus on the theme of courage to lead in the profession of arms. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ray Bahner)

By Harry Lundy
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The upcoming National Character and Leadership Symposium will feature a speaker lineup focused on the theme Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms. The 33rd symposium will also connect attendees with military leaders to motivate and equip them to live honorably, lift others and elevate their performance.

Save the date: Feb. 20-21, 2026

The two-day symposium will take place Feb. 20-21, 2026, in Arnold Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Speakers will share the essential role of courage in leadership, emphasizing that true character is revealed when individuals confront uncertainty, fear or adversity with commitment and resolve.

“I look forward to NCLS as a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue,” said Cadet 1st Class Jaime Snyder, a Systems Engineering major and NCLS cadet director. “The speakers will inspire new generations by sharing their experiences and how they relate to the theme of courage to lead in the profession of arms.”

Defining Courage to Lead in the Profession of Arms

Col. Matthew Horner, director of the Center for Character and Leadership Development, describes this year’s theme as a servicemember’s unwavering commitment to support and defend the Constitution, choosing the harder right over the easier wrong, no matter the cost.

“This year’s speakers are exemplars of courageous military service who have led in high-stakes environments, made hard calls and bore extraordinary personal sacrifices in service to our nation,” Horner said. “Cadets will leave with a clearer understanding that military leadership is based on strong moral character and a commitment to the values of the profession of arms.”

Attendees will hear from courageous leaders, and cadets will leave with a deeper understanding of how courage applies to their future service.

“Ultimately, we hope that the conversations that begin during the symposium will continue in classrooms, squadrons and athletic fields across the Academy,” Horner said.

Among this year’s featured presenters are Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers, Col. Gail Colvin, retired SMSgt Israel Del Toro, and retired Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier.

Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers, an accomplished pilot and astronaut, will speak at the National Character and Leadership Symposium Feb. 20–21, 2026, at the U.S. Air Force Academy. NCLS 2026 will focus on the courage to lead in the profession of arms. (Courtesy photo/ NASA)

Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers

Ayers, Class of 2011, has served as an instructor pilot for the T-38A Talon and F-22 Raptor. She was selected by NASA to join the 2021 astronaut candidate class and began training in January 2022.

She piloted NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission, spending 146 days aboard the International Space Station as a flight engineer during expeditions 72 and 73 and completed a 5-hour, 44-minute spacewalk.

Retired Col. Gail Colvin, former chief of staff at the U.S. Air Force Academy, will speak at NCLS 2026 Feb. 20-21. This year’s symposium focuses on the courage to lead in the profession of arms. (Photo provided by U.S. Air Force Academy)

Retired Col. Gail Colvin

Colvin, Class of 1980, served as the chief of staff at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she led a 550-person staff supporting the Academy’s commissioning and academic missions as well as the installation’s 10,000-personnel workforce.

She held command positions ranging from the squadron and group levels to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Throughout her 30-year military career, Colvin has gained experience in a wide variety of disciplines, including joint military doctrine, research and development and weapon systems acquisition.

Colvin continues her lifelong service to the community by identifying and connecting veterans with resources.

Retired Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro will share his experience overcoming life-altering injuries sustained while serving in Afghanistan. at NCLS 2026 Feb. 20-21. This year’s symposium focuses on the courage to lead in the profession of arms. (U.S. Air Force file photo)

Retired Senior Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro

Del Toro was injured while serving in Afghanistan as a tactical air control party member. He suffered severe burns over more than 80% of his body and was given a 15% chance of survival. He overcame the odds and became the first 100% disabled airman to reenlist.

Del Toro uses the lessons he learned from his recovery and military service to share a message of resilience and the strength to overcome any obstacle, on and off the battlefield.

Col. Justin Elliott will speak at NCLS 2026 Feb. 20-21. This year’s symposium focuses on the courage to lead in the profession of arms. (Courtesy photo)

Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott

Elliott commanded the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, leading 150 air shows across 70 U.S. and international cities. He flew his F-16 in close formation at speeds exceeding 600 mph while inspiring audiences with precision flying. Elliott used his experience to mentor pilots and showcase the Air Force’s capabilities worldwide.

Retired Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier will speak at NCLS 2026 Feb. 20-21. This year’s symposium focuses on the courage to lead in the profession of arms. (Courtesy photo)

Retired Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier

Mechenbier, Class of 1964, flew F-4Cs during the Vietnam War. He was shot down on his 113th combat mission and held as a prisoner of war for nearly six years.

A command pilot, Mechenbier accumulated more than 3,600 flying hours during more than 40 years of service and later served as a television host for major air shows across the United States.

He continues his lifetime of service through work with military veterans and a consultant to defense companies.

Retired Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville will speak at NCLS 2026 Feb. 20-21. This year’s symposium focuses on the courage to lead in the profession of arms. (Courtesy photo)

Retired Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville

Sasseville, Class of 1985, was among the pilots scrambled on Sept. 11, 2001, to defend Washington, D.C. He prepared to intercept United Airlines Flight 93, willing to ram the plane if necessary to prevent it from hitting its target. He later served as vice chief of the National Guard Bureau and held multiple commands, including Continental U.S. NORAD Region.

U.S. Air Force Academy cadets attend a National Character and Leadership Symposium presentation in Arnold Hall Feb. 21, 2025. This year, NCLS will offer a speaker lineup focused on the courage to lead in the profession of arms, Feb. 20-21. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley)

Cadets anticipate NCLS 2026 presenters

A native of Colorado Springs, Co., Snyder, will attend his eighth NCLS next month and says he has found each symposium to be unique and insightful. He is especially looking forward to hearing from retired Maj Gen Mechenbier.

“Maj Gen Mechenbier’s courage to push through great adversity during his captivity is amazing,” Snyder said. “I believe we can learn a lot from his attributes of endurance and fortitude to face such difficult challenges. I hope cadets can apply these lessons as future lieutenants in the Air Force and Space Force.”

NCLS fosters open discussions about leadership, character and service. Attendees hear first-hand accounts of courage in action and lessons applicable to leading through future challenges. This prepares them to lead from day one.

Registration for NCLS 2026 is open through Feb. 6. The event is open to cadets, faculty, staff and community members. Register for NCLS 2026. See photos of last year’s NCLS at Flickr. Last year’s video playlist is available on YouTube.