A New Way to Join the Air & Space Forces Association Free!

June 25, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

The Air & Space Forces Association has introduced something completely new.

For the first time, AFA now offers a free Mission Membership. This new membership makes it easier than ever for anyone with an interest in our Air Force, Space Force, aerospace, aviation, STEM education, or national security to become part of the AFA community. Again, membership is open to everyone.

Mission Membership provides access to AFA news, educational programs, webinars, research, national events, and local Chapter activities. Whether you have served in the military, work in aerospace, are a student, educator, or simply support the mission of the Air & Space Forces Association, there is now a place for you in AFA at absolutely no cost.

This is also a tremendous opportunity for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Every new member strengthens our Chapter and helps us expand our educational programs, CyberPatriot, community outreach, aerospace education, and partnerships throughout the Coachella Valley. The more members we have, the more we can accomplish.

If you are already an AFA member, thank you for your continued support.

If you know someone who has ever thought about joining AFA, now is the perfect time. Invite your family, friends, neighbors, fellow veterans, active duty military, educators, students, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in aerospace and our nation’s defense.

Joining is easy.

Simply visit:

Join AFA

When completing your registration, please be sure to select Palm Springs Chapter 134. That simple step helps strengthen our local Chapter and ensures you receive information about our activities, meetings, educational programs, and special events.

It costs nothing.

It only takes a few minutes.

We look forward to welcoming many new members to AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Thank You!

AFA Palm Springs Returns to Regular Chapter Communications and CyberPatriot Updates

June 22, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

One thing became very clear after many conversations at our Air Commandos lunches.

Our Chapter has been doing a lot of good things.

The problem wasn’t the lack of activity. It was the lack of communication.

Many of us simply didn’t know what was happening.

That changes now.

One of the best examples is our Cyber Education program under the leadership of Jim McFarlin. It has developed into one of the most exciting and successful parts of our Chapter, yet many members know very little about it. Over the coming weeks Jim will be introducing everyone to the program with regular updates explaining what it is, who is involved, what is happening, and where it is headed.

The next major event is the AFA CyberPatriot Summer Cyber Camp at College of the Desert, July 13 through 17. It introduces high school students to cybersecurity, operating systems, networking, cryptography, incident response, online safety, and much more. It is exactly the kind of program that helps prepare the next generation for careers protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure.

Our Chapter is a major part of making this camp happen, and it deserves our support.

So…find a clean pair of pants and maybe a shirt without chili stains. More information will be coming very soon.

As part of improving communication, I have once again assumed responsibility for the Chapter’s website, Facebook page, and online communications. As many of you know, I turned those responsibilities over to the Chapter in December 2025. Since then, our online presence has been largely inactive.

That changes today.

You can expect regular updates, timely information about Chapter activities, stories about our members and programs, upcoming events, photographs, and the kinds of things that keep us informed about what is happening throughout our organization.

There is a tremendous amount of positive momentum within AFA Palm Springs. Our job now is simply to make sure everyone knows about it.

More to come…

AFA Annual Holiday Luncheon at The Springs, December 18

December 29, 2025December 30, 2025 / tonydm / Leave a comment

Bill Bramer receives AFA Lifetime Achievement Award presented by PSAM Vice Chairman Fred Bell

Palm Springs AFA Celebrates 2025

This years Annual AFA Holiday Luncheon celebrated former Chapter President Bill Bramer’s Lifetime of Service to Community & Country with a Certificate of Appreciation presented by Community Partner Fred Bell of the Palm Springs Air Museum (PSAM).

Cissie and Bill Bramer at last year’s AFA Holiday Luncheon @ the Springs Country Club

Jayme & Bella Fakehany, Cissie & Bill’s daughter & granddaughter

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

CyberPatriot Camp Heroes _{CSU San Bernardion PDC Dr. Thomas Chapman & Jose Ramirez II}

Also recognized for their support of AFA activities within the Coachella Valley serving Veterans Programs and the CyberPatriot nationwide competition in attendance were several Community Partners including: The General George Patton Museum, Palm Springs Air Museum (PSAM), Salvation Army; City of Indio and La Quinta, State & Federal Representatives, La Quinta High School Network Academy, Air Force JROTC, CSU San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus; AFA chapter members, family and friends were in attendance.

Community Partners:
General George Patton Museum Robert & Margit Chiriaco,
AFA Membership & Community Partner VP Rick Johnson

GUEST SPEAKER

CA District 36 Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez wowed the attendees with his description of his inaugural year representing assembly District 36, which covers four counties from Indio to Murrieta to Mexicali to Yuma to Lake Havasu. As a former Marine (rather, forever Marine), and only veteran assembly person Jeff gave anecdotal stories of why the Coachella Valley is so well represented with his civic minded approach and motivation to take on challenges, when others say it can’t be done. Oorah!

CA District 36 Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez and former Indio Mayor Glenn Miller

2026 AFA OFFICERS SWORN IN BY HONORED GUEST & FORMER CHAPTER PRESIDENT BILL BRAMER

Attendees also witnessed the induction of newly elected 2026 AFA Chapter 134 President Bill Young, Vice President Joseph Veca, Treasurer James Smith and Secretary Tony Della-Moretta.

**Treasurer:** James Smith, **Secretary:** Tony Della-Moretta, **President:** Bill Young, **VP:** Joseph Veca

Follow the AFA Palm Springs Chapter 2026 activities via this website and Facebook at the following links:

https://AFAPalmSprings.org

https://facebook.com/AFAPalmSprings

Major Gary “Playboy-19” Lucas Shares His Story

December 11, 2025 / / Leave a comment

Another full house gathered yesterday for our Air Commandos Lunch to hear from Major Gary Lucas, known by his Vietnam call sign “Playboy-19.” The “Playboys” were an Army helicopter squadron that flew Cobra gunships in Vietnam, and Gary’s presentation brought that history into the room with clarity, honesty, and a perspective only someone who lived it can provide.

Gary spoke about his years in the U.S. Army, his rise through the ranks, and his decorated combat service in Vietnam. He described missions in the Cobra, the reality of flying armed combat, and the day he was shot down and rescued—events that shaped not only his career but his understanding of the men he served with.

But perhaps the most striking part of the afternoon came when Gary talked about the weight of those memories. He noted how difficult it can be to speak about that time with people who were not there and who cannot fully understand what those experiences were like. That honesty resonated deeply throughout the room.

Gary also reminded us of something too often overlooked: the many service members who should have received medals or recognition but never did—lost paperwork, timing, or simple lack of follow-up. His point was clear and important: valor does not always come with documentation, and many acts of courage went unrecorded.

Our Air Commandos Lunch has always been a place where stories, service, and history are passed forward firsthand. Yesterday’s presentation reinforced exactly why these gatherings matter and why these voices need to be heard.

A sincere thank-you to Gary for sharing his experiences, and to everyone who joined us for another meaningful afternoon.

If you were unable to attend, we hope to see you at the next Air Commandos Lunch. Thanks!

Air Commandos Lunch Tomorrow; Special Guest Major Gary Lucas

December 9, 2025 / / Leave a comment

AFA Palm Springs – Air Commandos Lunch
Special Guest Speaker: Major Gary Lucas, U.S. Army (Ret.)

The Air Commandos Lunch takes place Wednesday, December 10, 2025, and we are honored to welcome a guest speaker with a most distinguished military career: Major Gary Lucas, U.S. Army (Ret.).

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: ROC’s Firehouse Grill
Address: 36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211

There is no charge to attend. Guests simply pay for their own lunch and beverage.

Major Lucas served 21 years on active duty, from 1960 to 1981, and built a career defined by courage, leadership, and technical excellence. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Professional Aeronautics and Business Management, his professional education was matched by extensive combat experience.

During his first Vietnam tour in 1966, Gary rose through the enlisted ranks to E-6. After returning to the United States, he completed Warrant Officer Flight Training, earning his pilot wings and promotion to W-1. On his second Vietnam tour in 1968, he was promoted to W-2 and later received a rare battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant, recognizing leadership under fire.

As a Cobra helicopter gunship pilot, Major Lucas flew in 675 combat engagements. His decorations include the Air Medal with 26 Oak-Leaf Clusters, three Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement in combat, the Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for extraordinary heroism, awarded by the Government of South Vietnam.

Following his military service, Gary continued contributing to aviation as a post-maintenance test pilot, worked in Top Secret aviation research and development, and later applied his expertise to threat analysis and advanced security and surveillance systems.

This luncheon offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives from a pilot whose service reflects some of the most demanding missions and technological transitions in modern military aviation.

We hope you’ll join us. Thanks!

December 7, 2025December 7, 2025 / / 1 Comment

From the Air Force Global Strike Command by Airman 1st Class Bryan Crane, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs – December 6, 2012

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. — “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan,”- Franklin Roosevelt.

President Roosevelt uttered these well-remembered words the day after the Pearl Harbor attacks.

Seventy-one years later, we still remember the fallen victims of that day.

The Pearl Harbor attack, at the time, was the largest enemy assault on United States territory. By the end of the day, more than 2,000 individuals had lost their lives.

Today, we thank those that gave their lives that day, those who defended our home and who would continue the fight throughout World War II.

At 7:55 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, a Japanese force of 183 airplanes attacked U.S. military and naval facilities on Oahu without warning.

For 30 minutes, dive bombers, level bombers and torpedo planes struck airfields and naval vessels. Not only did the attack hit the fleet at Pearl Harbor, but also air bases at Ford Island and Kaneohe Bay, the Marine airfield at Ewa and the Army Air Corps fields at Bellows, Wheeler and Hickam.

After a 15-minute lull, another wave of 170 planes launched a second attack at 8:40 a.m. Japanese aircraft destroyed 151 U.S. planes on the ground and sank or damaged all eight U.S. battleships anchored in Pearl Harbor.

However, not all American assets were damaged in the attack.

“The Japanese success was overwhelming, but it was not complete. They failed to damage any American aircraft carriers, which by a stroke of luck, had been absent from the harbor,” according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.

The next day, the U.S. declared war on Japan and entered World War II, changing the trajectory of the war, and of history.

This flag was flown on the U.S.S. St. Louis at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the day of the Japanese attack. It was later flown on the U.S.S. Iowa in Tokyo Bay at the time of the Japanese surrender in 1945. – National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Chocolate Goes To War

November 30, 2025 / / Leave a comment

November 29th is National Chocolates Day, a fitting moment to look back at a small but memorable item carried by American soldiers during World War II. Chocolate was more than a comfort food. It became part of the U.S. military’s effort to provide compact, high-calorie energy in the field.

Beginning in 1937, the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps partnered with Hershey to create a chocolate bar that would work in combat conditions. The result was the D Ration bar, followed by the improved Tropical Bar shown here. These bars were formulated to be dense, heat-resistant, and durable enough for Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific. They were designed for emergency use, not for taste.

By the end of the war, Hershey had produced more than three billion chocolate rations. Soldiers found them in K-rations and carried them in packs and pockets. For many who served, these small, rugged bars became a familiar part of daily life and a reminder of home.

On National Chocolates Day, it is worth noting how something as ordinary as a chocolate bar played a role in sustaining troops far from home and demonstrated how American industry adapted to the needs of a global conflict.

Crashed: Elizabeth Witte’s Story of Recovery and Resilience

November 23, 2025 / / Leave a comment

A few of our AFA Palm Springs members were on the ramp at the Palm Springs Air Museum the day Elizabeth Witte’s Cessna went down. It was a moment not to be forgotten. Elizabeth survived, but the injuries she sustained began a long road to recovery.

She worked her way forward step by step, eventually returning to her ongoing career in aviation. That journey led her to write her story in “Crashed – A True Story of Impact, Survival and Triumph”, a book that reflects her resilience and the strength that brought her through this most challenging period of her life.

Elizabeth joined us at our most recent Air Commandos luncheon, and we look forward to welcoming her again at our annual Holiday Luncheon on December 18th.

We encourage our members and friends to support Elizabeth by ordering her book. We also plan to invite her for a full presentation and book signing.

Please order her book here:
https://www.crashedthebook.com

Air Commandos Lunch November 19 Recap

November 20, 2025 / / Leave a comment

Our November Air Commandos lunch drew a full room of 26 members and guests at ROC’s Firehouse Grill in Palm Desert to hear Frank Tullo. He told us of his firsthand account of a 1965 combat mission over North Vietnam that ended with his F-105 taking direct ground fire. After keeping the aircraft flying as long as possible, he was forced to eject deep in hostile territory, surviving in tall elephant grass until help arrived.

Frank’s rescue became a milestone in Air Force history: the very first combat rescue performed by the newly modified HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant” helicopter. Hearing the sequence of events directly from the man who lived it held the room from the start.

The presentation set the tone for a great lunch. Conversations continued long after the formal talk ended, with members trading questions, sharing related experiences, and appreciating the chance to hear a piece of Air Force history told directly and vividly. These informal gatherings continue to be a highlight for our chapter, bringing together community, service, and living history around the table.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to ROC’s Firehouse Grill for hosting us.

Our next Air Commandos lunch will be on Wednesday, December 10, with guest speaker Gary Lucas, retired U.S. Army Major, Vietnam War combat Cobra helicopter pilot and Purple Heart recipient. We hope to see you there.

AFA Palm Springs Annual Holiday Luncheon – December 18, 2025

November 17, 2025 / / Leave a comment

Please join us for our Annual AFA Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, December 18th at 11:30am, held at the beautiful Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage. This has become one of our chapter’s most enjoyable gatherings of the year, a chance to come together, reconnect, and share the season with great company.

The Springs offers a warm and elegant holiday ambiance, and its dining room is known for excellent cuisine. Guests will enjoy a choice of chicken or salmon entrée, along with the attentive service and festive atmosphere the Club is known for.

During the luncheon, we will also take a moment to honor our members for their contributions throughout the past year and to induct our incoming officers for 2026. It’s an important and meaningful part of our annual tradition, celebrating the individuals who help keep our chapter strong.

Event Details
Date: December 18, 2025
Time: 11:30am
Location: The Springs Country Club
1 Duke Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA
Cost: $55 per person
Entrée: Choice of chicken or salmon

RSVP:
Tony Della Moretta
tonydm@gmail.com or 760-534-0383

We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of camaraderie, good food, and holiday spirit. This is always a wonderful way to close out the year and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs

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