Our next AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 meeting is this Wednesday, November 4, and we ask that you join us. We have an exceptional guest speaker, a special presentation to Civil Air Patrol, updates on our CyberPatriot teams, and several important Chapter matters to discuss.
Our Guest Speaker: Steve Garfein
“Lethal Autonomy: Frank Kendall’s Vision for the Future Air Force and Space Force”
How will Artificial Intelligence and autonomous weapons change the way America fights its future wars? And what happens when machines can make battlefield decisions faster than humans?
Our guest speaker, Steve Garfein, Chairman and Founder of RPM Systems Corporation and a member of the Board of Directors of the World Affairs Council of the Desert, will explore these questions through the vision of former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, who served from 2021 to 2025.
Drawing on Kendall’s book, Lethal Autonomy: The Future of Warfare Whether We Like It or Not, Steve will examine how AI, autonomous aircraft, advanced weapons, and space-based systems are changing military operations.
His presentation will address the growing military challenge from China, the development of uncrewed aircraft operating alongside piloted fighters, the increasing importance of space, and the difficult questions of human responsibility when machines make decisions in combat.
It is a timely subject with significant implications for the future of our Air Force and Space Force.
A Special Presentation to Palm Springs Civil Air Patrol
We will be presenting three Dell notebook computers to Palm Springs Civil Air Patrol.
These computers will support CAP cadets in their education, training, leadership development, and other squadron activities.
We are pleased to make this contribution and look forward to recognizing our Civil Air Patrol partners at the meeting.
CyberPatriot: 2,609 Teams Competing Nationwide
CyberPatriot 19 is underway, with 2,609 teams participating in this year’s national competition.
Our Chapter is supporting two teams from La Quinta High School Air Force JROTC and one from Palm Springs Civil Air Patrol. Iain Parsons and I recently attended the CyberPatriot competition at La Quinta High School, and we will share some observations from that experience.
We also hope to have an update on the possibility of supporting two additional teams from Coachella Valley High School.
CyberPatriot remains one of our most important programs, providing young people with opportunities to develop technical skills, teamwork, and an understanding of cybersecurity.
Chapter Updates and What’s Ahead
We will review our recent Young Eagles and Old Bold Pilots activities, the Mission Grant Program, community partnerships, and other ongoing Chapter initiatives.
November also opens nominations for Chapter officers, with elections scheduled for our Annual Meeting on December 2. We particularly welcome members interested in volunteering for the position of Chapter Secretary.
We will also introduce Rick Bryant, our new Chapter Secretary/Treasurer, and Michelle Martin, who is now providing professional bookkeeping services.
There is a great deal happening in our Chapter, and these meetings are an opportunity for everyone to stay informed, participate, and help shape our future.
Meeting Information
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
ROC’s Firehouse Grille
36891 Cook Street, at the corner of Gerald Ford Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Everyone is welcome, including guests and those interested in learning more about AFA. There is no charge to attend. Simply pay for your own lunch and beverage.
Can’t Attend in Person? Join Us on Google Meet!
We encourage everyone to attend in person, but if you cannot make it to ROC’s Firehouse Grille, please join us remotely.
Google Meet Video Link:
https://meet.google.com/ake-vjgx-vda
Join by Telephone:
(413) 351-4266
PIN: 483 207 635#
Additional Dial-In Numbers:
https://tel.meet/ake-vjgx-vda?pin=5799834573812
The Google Meet connection is scheduled from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Pacific Time, although our meeting is expected to conclude at approximately 1:00 PM.
With more than 350,000 AFA members nationally and 527 members in our Palm Springs Chapter, we have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference locally.
I hope you can join us Wednesday, either in person or online.
Ian L. Sitren
President
Air & Space Forces Association
Palm Springs Chapter 134
Ian@AFAPalmSprings.org
213-712-1929 Cellphone & Text
https://AFAPalmSprings.org