AFA Chapter 134

AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 Moving Forward

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2, at 11:30 a.m., we will gather for a very important AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 meeting and lunch at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert.

We have a lot to talk about.

We will announce our new Chapter officers and discuss the direction of a Chapter that now has a much larger membership. We will look at planning and modernization, improved communications, the future of our Cyber Education programs, and new ways for members to participate.

We are also expanding our aviation activities through our relationship with EAA Thermal Chapter, including opportunities to become involved with the Young Eagles program and introducing young people to aviation and flight.

A larger membership gives us more opportunities, but it is participation that will make those opportunities happen. We need our members there and taking part.

Come to the meeting. Bring your ideas. Ask questions. Get involved. Help us build what comes next for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026
11:30 a.m.
ROC’s Firehouse Grille
36891 Cook St.
Palm Desert, CA 92211

There is no charge to attend. You only pay for your own lunch and beverage.

If you cannot attend in person, join us by Google Meet:

https://meet.google.com/nzd-uisq-rre?authuser=0&hs=122

Meeting code: nzd-uisq-rre

Or join by phone:

(US) +1 475-239-1103
PIN: 618 612 054#

Everyone is welcome and Thank You!

Happy 110th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps Reserve

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Today, August 29, marks the 110th birthday of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

The Marine Corps Reserve was established on August 29, 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriations Act of 1916. Created as the United States prepared for the possibility of entering World War I, the Reserve provided a trained force that could augment the active-duty Marine Corps when the nation needed it.

That mission has continued for 110 years. Reserve Marines have served alongside active-duty Marines in every major American conflict since World War I. During World War II alone, approximately 70 percent of the nearly 590,000 Marines who served were reservists.

Today, Marine Forces Reserve provides approximately 100,000 Reserve Marines who can support and augment the active component in times of war, national emergency and contingency operations, as well as in training, exercises, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and other missions.

The Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter 134 recognizes the men and women of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, past and present, for 110 years of service to our nation.

Happy Birthday, Marine Corps Reserve. Semper Fidelis.

AFA Palm Springs Is Now Connected In Person and Online

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Yesterday at our Air Commandos lunch, we successfully tested remote access for members who cannot join us in person.

The results were very encouraging. We had plenty of internet speed, the audio and video worked well, and our remote participants could hear the conversation from around the room. We will be making one improvement by adding a better camera that can provide a view of the entire room.

A big thank you to Iain Parsons for getting everything set up and working.

We even had Rick Bryant attempting to join us from Slovenia. Unfortunately, despite several tries, we could not get him connected. We appreciate Rick making the effort, and we will be looking into what caused the problem.

We will be using remote access again for our important Chapter meeting this coming Wednesday, September 2 at 11:30 a.m. We have a great deal to discuss, including the many recent changes within AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134, our new directions, and what comes next.

We will provide the remote access link prior to the meeting. If you cannot be with us in person, please join us online and be part of the discussion.

And, of course, we would very much like to see you in person at our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert.

Wednesday, September 2
11:30 a.m.
ROC’s Firehouse Grille, Palm Desert
Or join us remotely

Everyone is welcome. And your participation is really important for all of us.

Thanks!

Tomorrow’s Air Commandos Lunch Takes on Added Importance

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Tomorrow is our Air Commandos Lunch, but this one takes on some added importance for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Our Air Commandos Lunches are normally informal gatherings with no agenda, and that has not changed. Good food, good conversation and camaraderie are still very much the idea. But there is a great deal happening at Chapter 134 right now, and tomorrow gives us our first opportunity to get together and talk about it.

We have new Chapter leadership taking shape, modernization already underway, improvements in communications and organization, expanding aviation and Cyber Education activities, new programs and partnerships in development, and greater opportunities for our members to become directly involved.

So while there is no formal agenda tomorrow, there is certainly plenty to talk about.

We want to hear your questions, your ideas and your suggestions. More importantly, we want you to be part of what comes next. The direction and strength of Chapter 134 will depend on members getting involved, participating and bringing their experience and enthusiasm to the table.

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, August 26 at 11:30 a.m. in our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street in Palm Desert.

Everyone is welcome. There is no charge to attend. Simply pay for your own lunch and beverage.

This is a particularly good time to come to an Air Commandos Lunch. There is a lot happening, a lot to discuss, and a great deal ahead for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

We hope to see you tomorrow.

350,000 Members and 200 Chapters – Welcome to AFA

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Did you know that the Air & Space Forces Association now has more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters around the world?

Those numbers may surprise you. And they are growing.

AFA’s new Mission Membership is a free, digital-first membership open to Airmen, Guardians, veterans, government civilians, military families, industry professionals and others who want to support the mission of the Air Force and Space Force.

There is no cost to join, and Mission Membership provides another way for people throughout our community to become connected with AFA and their local chapter.

Learn more and join at:
https://www.afa.org/join/

But growing membership is only part of the equation. Here at AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134, we want membership to mean participation.

There is a great deal happening right now with Chapter operations, modernization, communications, organization and member involvement, along with the expansion of our aviation and Cyber Education activities and the development of new programs and partnerships. We want our members to know what is already underway and, most importantly, be part of it.

Now we need your participation. Everyone is welcome.

Whether you’ve been a member for years, have recently joined us, or are just getting acquainted with AFA, we encourage you to attend our events in person. Meeting face-to-face builds friendships, generates new ideas and helps all of us move the Chapter forward together.

We have three important opportunities coming up, all beginning at 11:30 a.m. in what has become our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert.

Wednesday, August 26 is our Air Commandos Lunch. There is no formal agenda, but this will be our first opportunity to get together informally with so much now happening at Chapter 134. There is a lot to discuss about the direction of the Chapter, officer transition, modernization, new programs and partnerships, expanding aviation and Cyber Education activities, and how our members can become more involved. Bring your questions, ideas and suggestions and be part of the conversation.

Wednesday, September 2 is our monthly Chapter Meeting and Lunch. This will be an important working meeting focused on new officers and what is already underway and what comes next. We’ll get into the specifics of modernizing our organizational structure and procedures, improving communications and digital resources, preserving our Chapter history, expanding member participation, strengthening our aviation and Cyber Education programs, and developing new programs and partnerships. This is an opportunity to hear what is happening, offer your ideas and take an active role in moving Chapter 134 forward.

Wednesday, September 9 brings us together again for another Air Commandos Lunch. Following our September 2 meeting, there should be even more to talk about. It will be another informal opportunity to continue the discussion, exchange ideas, ask questions and explore where members would like to become involved as the work moves ahead.

There is no charge to attend. Simply pay for your own lunch and beverage.

More than 350,000 AFA members nationally demonstrates the extraordinary reach of the organization. Here at Chapter 134, our opportunity is to turn that same spirit of membership into local involvement, bringing people together around the table and putting their experience, ideas and enthusiasm to work.

We hope you’ll join us for all three of these upcoming gatherings, or as many as you can. Your participation is what will help make AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 even stronger as we continue to grow.

Thank You

Important Chapter Updates Begin August 26

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

We have made some important changes to what we’ll be discussing at our next AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 gatherings. There is a great deal happening right now with Chapter operations, modernization, communications, organization and member involvement, along with the expansion of our aviation and Cyber Education activities and development of new programs and partnerships. We want our members to hear about what is already underway and, most importantly, be part of it.

Now we need your participation. Everyone is welcome.

Whether you’ve been a member for years or have recently joined us, we encourage you to attend our events in person as often as possible. Meeting face-to-face builds friendships, generates new ideas, and helps all of us move the Chapter forward together.

We have three great opportunities coming up, all beginning at 11:30 a.m. in what has become our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. It is now equipped with our new 65-inch big screen for presentations, along with an improving sound system and faster internet service to enhance our meetings and gatherings.

Wednesday, August 26 is our Air Commandos Lunch. These lunches are informal, friendly, and have no agenda. But with so much happening at Chapter 134 right now, there will certainly be plenty to talk about. Come have lunch with us, join the conversation and hear more about what is taking place.

Wednesday, September 2 is our monthly Chapter Meeting and Lunch. This will be an important meeting focused on the work now underway throughout Chapter 134. We’ll discuss modernization of our organizational structure and procedures, improved communications and digital resources, preservation of our Chapter history, greater opportunities for member participation, expanded aviation and Cyber Education activities, and new programs and partnerships.

Then, on Wednesday, September 9, we’ll gather again for another Air Commandos Lunch. Every lunch brings new friendships, new stories, new ideas, and another opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow members and guests.

There is no charge to attend. Simply pay for your own lunch and beverage.

We hope you’ll join us for all three of these upcoming gatherings, or as many as you can. Your participation, ideas, and enthusiasm are what will help make AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 even stronger as we continue to grow.

Thank You!

Air Commandos Lunch Tomorrow July 29, 2026

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Just a reminder that our Air Commandos Lunch is tomorrow, Wednesday, July 29, at 11:30 a.m. at ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street in Palm Desert.

The lunches are informal, friendly, no agenda, and a great opportunity to meet fellow members and guests over good food. There is no charge to attend. Simply pay for your own lunch and beverage. Whether you’re a long-time member, a veteran, currently serving, or simply interested in aviation, military history, and the Air and Space Forces, we would enjoy having you join us.

If this will be your first time attending, you’re especially welcome.

We hope to see you tomorrow!

If you’d like to learn how these lunches began and why they have become such a popular tradition for us, read The Story Behind Our Air Commandos Lunch. Thanks!

Every Other Wednesday at ROC’s

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Bacon Double smash. Photo-bombing bartender, additional charge!

Every other Wednesday at 11:30am, we have our unofficial Chapter lunch at ROC’s. We sometimes have presentations by one of our local heroes. Otherwise always good company, tall tales and great food. This is one of our favorites. No reservation required, just pay for your own lunch and beverage. Come join us! Next date is October 29th 2025. Send us an e-mail to AFAPalmSprings@outlook.com to check the schedule. Thanks!

ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street Palm Desert CA https://www.rocsfirehouse.com

Remembering the Korean War – 75 Years of American Airpower

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Today marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War — a pivotal moment in the early history of the United States Air Force. Just three years into its existence as a separate branch, the USAF was called into action in its first major combat operation.

The war introduced the world to the age of jet combat, with aircraft like the F-86 Sabre playing a key role in shaping modern aerial warfare. It was a proving ground for tactics, technology, and the valor of American Airmen.

We honor those who served during the Korean War — pilots, crews, and support personnel — whose service helped lay the foundation for the airpower we rely on today.

Image: USAF 75th Anniversary Korean War graphic (2025)

Before It Was Memorial Day: A Look Back at Decoration Day

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This hand-tinted image, originally published by White Smith & Co. in the late 19th century, recalls the earliest days of what we now call Memorial Day — then known as Decoration Day.

Decoration Day began in the aftermath of the Civil War, when communities across the country began honoring fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. The practice was widespread but unofficial until May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued an order formally establishing the day as a time to remember those who had died in service to the Union.

The artwork seen here first appeared as a black-and-white etching in the 1870s and was later colorized for use as back-cover advertising on sheet music. It reflects how deeply the observance had become part of American life — not just as a military tradition, but as a cultural ritual of remembrance.

Memorial Day became a national holiday in 1971, expanding its scope to honor all Americans who have died in military service. But its roots remain firmly planted in scenes like this — quiet moments in cemeteries, where families gathered not to celebrate, but to remember.

As we reflect this Memorial Day, let’s take a moment to look back — not just at wars and battles, but at the origins of remembrance itself.