Air Commandos Lunch

Air Commandos Tomorrow Lunch July 15th

/ Ian L. Sitren / 1 Comment

Just a reminder that our Air Commandos Lunch is tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15, 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!

Cyber Camp Begins Next Week – Visit, Support, and See What’s New at AFA Palm Springs

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Cyber Camp begins next week, and it is one of the most important programs our chapter conducts each year.

Its importance is reflected in the generous support we have received from our community, including a recent grant from the Anderson Children’s Foundation and previous funding from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Their confidence in our program is helping us prepare the next generation of cyber professionals and technology leaders.

Joining our members who will be staffing the camp—including Jim McFarlin, Tony Della-Moretta, and Jose Ramirez—I will also be there on Tuesday and Friday photographing the activities and documenting the week.

I would encourage our members to take some time during the week to stop by, see the program in action, and show your support for these outstanding students. The camp runs Monday through Friday, and the complete schedule is available on our website:

AFA 2026 Summer Cyber Camp Schedule

While you’re there, I also invite you to explore the website if you haven’t visited recently—or even in the past few days. We’ve added new sections, updated the calendar, and made a number of improvements. The site will continue to grow as we develop it into the central communication and information resource for our members, prospective members, and visitors.

The website is easy to remember… AFAPalmSprings.org

We look forward to seeing many of you at Cyber Camp next week.

And remember, our Air Commandos Lunch is this coming Wednesday, July 15th. Everyone is welcome.

Air Commandos Lunch Tomorrow July 1st

/ Ian L. Sitren / 1 Comment

Just a reminder that our Air Commandos Lunch is tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1, 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!

The Story Behind Our Air Commandos Lunch

The Story Behind Our Air Commandos Lunch

/ Ian L. Sitren / 2 Comments

Some of the best ideas begin almost by accident.

Our Air Commandos Lunches began during the COVID years as a simple way for members and friends to get together when many of our normal activities had come to a halt. The idea was straightforward. Pick a local restaurant, have lunch, enjoy good conversation, and keep people connected.

ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert became the gathering place.

The name “Air Commandos” was chosen completely in jest. It was a satirical nickname for an unofficial lunch gathering, and somehow it stuck.

We are, of course, fully aware that there are real Air Commandos. They are the highly trained Airmen of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, carrying out demanding missions around the world.

Our Air Commandos have a very different mission.

We specialize in hamburgers, sandwiches, coffee, adult beverages, solving the world’s problems, and occasionally telling stories that improve with every retelling.

In a way, our lunches remind me of the famous Algonquin Round Table, the legendary gathering of writers, actors, critics, and humorists who met almost daily at New York City’s Algonquin Hotel from 1919 through 1929. Their conversations became famous for their wit, opinions, storytelling, and friendships. While our lunches certainly do not claim that kind of literary history, they share something just as important. Good conversation and the enjoyment of spending time with interesting people.

Many of our guest speaker ideas, community partnerships, and lasting friendships can trace their beginnings to conversations around those lunch tables. There is something about sharing a meal that encourages people to relax, exchange ideas, and simply enjoy one another’s company. There are no agendas, no speeches, and no formal programs. Just lunch and conversation.

Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be an Air & Space Forces Association member to attend.

We usually meet every other Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. Current dates are always posted on the Calendar page here on our website. If you would like to confirm a date or have any questions, simply email us at AFAPalmSprings@outlook.com

We hope you’ll join us at a future Air Commandos Lunch. Pull up a chair, order your favorite lunch, and become part of the conversation. Thanks!

Major Gary “Playboy-19” Lucas Shares His Story

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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

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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!

Air Commandos Lunch November 19 Recap

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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.

Nov 19th AFA “Air Commandos” Lunch – Frank Tullo on His Vietnam Rescue

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Air & Space Forces Association – Palm Springs Chapter 134
Informal “Air Commandos” Lunch
Wednesday, November 19 • ROC’s Firehouse Grill • 11:30 AM

Our next informal Air Commandos Lunch is coming up on Wednesday, November 19, and we invite you to join us for a remarkable story of survival, skill, and courage from the Vietnam era.

This month’s guest speaker is Frank Tullo, whose combat mission over North Vietnam in July 1965 turned into one of the most dramatic rescues of the war. His F-105 Thunderchief took heavy ground fire deep in hostile territory. After fighting to keep the aircraft airborne as long as possible, he was forced to eject and survived in dense elephant grass until help arrived.

What followed has become a defining example of Air Force rescue operations. A specially modified HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant” helicopter flew into hostile territory to bring him out—an operation that showcased the bravery and precision of the Air Rescue Service. The full account of his ordeal and rescue is featured by the Smithsonian.

Read the story here:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/tullo-and-the-giant-22068/

Frank will share the experience firsthand—what unfolded from the cockpit, what it took to survive on the ground, and how the crew that came for him executed one of the most courageous extractions of the conflict.

As always, the lunch is free to attend; simply pay for your own meal and beverage. No RSVP required—just join us, settle in with friends, and hear one of the most compelling accounts of courage and aeronautical skill you’ll ever encounter.

Location:
ROC’s Firehouse Grill
36-200 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Time: 11:30 AM

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this extraordinary story from Air Force history.