The Palm Springs Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association proudly serves the greater Palm Springs area. The Chapter’s active program supports Air Force members of all ranks and grades, addresses Air Force issues in advancing aerospace technology and professional and personnel issues, and reaches out to the Coachella Valley community. Thank You!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today is National Aviation Day, first proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 to recognize the development of aviation in the United States.
Aviation in 1939 meant something very different than it does today.
Today, aviation reaches far beyond airplanes and airports. It encompasses commercial and military aviation, advanced aircraft development, unmanned systems, aerospace engineering, satellites, cybersecurity, advanced communications, space exploration and technologies that are changing how we operate in the air and beyond it.
It is also the foundation for an enormous range of jobs and career opportunities. Pilots and aircrews are only part of that picture. Aviation and aerospace depend on engineers, aircraft mechanics and technicians, air traffic controllers, manufacturers, software developers, cybersecurity specialists, researchers, educators and countless other skilled professionals. For young people especially, aviation and aerospace offer career paths that may not have even existed a generation ago.
And today, our definition of aviation extends beyond the atmosphere.
Space exploration and the rapidly expanding space industry have created entirely new areas of technology and opportunity. The creation of the United States Space Force in 2019 established a new branch of our Armed Forces dedicated to protecting American interests in, from and to space. Space is now an essential part of our national defense, communications, navigation and everyday life.
For the Air & Space Forces Association, National Aviation Day has particular meaning. Our mission connects the heritage of American aviation with the future of air and space power. It also challenges us to introduce the next generation to the opportunities ahead, support education in aviation, aerospace, cyber and STEM, and help build the workforce and leaders who will take us into the future.
When President Roosevelt proclaimed the first National Aviation Day 87 years ago, even the most imaginative aviation pioneers of the time could hardly have envisioned where their work would lead.
From the first generations of powered flight to aircraft flying faster than sound, remotely piloted systems, satellites orbiting the Earth and Guardians serving in the United States Space Force, aviation has become something far greater than simply flying airplanes.
And we are still only beginning to see where it will take us next.
Happy National Aviation Day from AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134
AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 is growing in exciting new ways. We’re expanding our aviation activities, growing our Cyber Education programs, building new partnerships, and launching initiatives that will strengthen our Chapter while creating new opportunities for our members.
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. They’re simply an opportunity to enjoy good food, good conversation, and the company of fellow members and guests.
Wednesday, September 2 is our monthly Chapter Meeting and Lunch. In addition to Chapter business, we’ll present a review of our successful Summer Cyber Camp and discuss the continued expansion of our Cyber Education programs. If you’d like to learn more about the exciting direction our Chapter is heading and how we’re helping inspire the next generation through aviation and cybersecurity education, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss.
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.
The Air & Space Forces Association national website at AFA.org is much more than a place to renew your membership or read the latest news. It is an extensive resource that reflects the many ways AFA supports our Airmen, Guardians, families, veterans, aerospace education, and our nation’s future.
As you can see in this video, simply moving through the menus reveals just how much information is available. Every section opens the door to even more resources, from advocacy and aerospace education to CyberPatriot, professional development, scholarships, conferences, publications, legislative issues, and support for the Total Air Force and Space Force.
Whether you’ve been an AFA member for years or recently joined our Chapter, I encourage you to spend some time exploring AFA.org. You may be surprised by the depth of information, programs, and opportunities available to every member.
It is truly one of the best resources available for learning more about the Air & Space Forces Association and everything it does to support our mission.
Just a reminder that our Air Commandos Lunch is tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12, at 11:30 a.m. at ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street in Palm Desert.
Tomorrow we’ll also be trying something new. We’ll be testing out our new 65-inch big screen in the back room, along with external speakers, and we’ll have aviation videos playing to do it. It’s another step toward making our gatherings even more enjoyable, so come check it out with us and have some fun.
The lunches are informal, friendly, and have no agenda. They’re simply a great opportunity to enjoy good food, good conversation, and the company of fellow members and guests. There is no charge to attend. Just 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, or the Air and Space Forces, we’d be glad to have you join us.
If this will be your first time attending, you’re especially welcome.
What does a remarkable airplane at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh have to do with the future of AFA Palm Springs? More than you might think.
As another record-breaking EAA AirVenture Oshkosh comes to a close, more than 734,000 people attended the world’s largest annual aviation gathering. More than 10,000 aircraft, 1,600 forums and workshops, 1,021 exhibitors, 6,000 volunteers, and an estimated $257 million economic impact made AirVenture 2026 another extraordinary success. From vintage aircraft and warbirds to military aviation, homebuilt airplanes, aerospace innovation, education, and the future of flight, Oshkosh remains unlike any other aviation event in the world.
Among the aircraft attracting attention this year was the remarkable Gee Bee QED, a modern recreation of the famous 1934 cross-country racer. It is an extraordinary aircraft, powered by a 1,425 horsepower radial engine and built as a faithful recreation of one of aviation’s most recognizable racing airplanes.
As impressive as the airplane is, the most compelling story surrounding it isn’t found in its performance specifications. It’s found in the people working around it.
In an interview at Oshkosh, Kelly Mahon, Director of Operations for the Mid America Flight Museum, explained that while preserving aviation history and honoring veterans remain central to the museum’s mission, another equally important mission is mentoring young people. High school students were invited into the restoration shop to learn, contribute, and become part of the project. One of those students later attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and completed engineering work that directly contributed to the aircraft.
One story stood out in particular. A mother initially became involved simply by bringing baked goods to the restoration team while her daughters participated. Her interest grew into a passion for aviation, and she eventually earned her Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate and became a member of the restoration team herself.
Mahon also challenged one of aviation’s most common assumptions. While much of the conversation focuses on a shortage of pilots, he argues that aviation has an equally urgent need for aircraft mechanics, technicians, engineers, and other skilled professionals who will build, maintain, and advance the aircraft of tomorrow.
His message was both simple and compelling:
“We’ve got to get them to the airport, and we’ve got to get them excited.”
Those ideas reinforce an important opportunity for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.
The Air & Space Forces Association has always been committed to supporting Airmen, Guardians, veterans, and aerospace education. As our Chapter continues to expand its Cyber Education initiatives, we also recognize that aviation itself remains an essential part of inspiring the next generation. Through growing relationships with organizations such as EAA Chapter 1116, Young Eagles, Civil Air Patrol, College of the Desert, local schools, and other STEM partners, we have an opportunity to introduce young people to aviation, aerospace, engineering, aircraft maintenance, cybersecurity, military service, and many of the careers that support our nation’s Air and Space Forces.
The future of aerospace depends on far more than pilots. It depends on the people who design, build, maintain, protect, and innovate the technologies that make flight possible.
Aviation has always inspired people to look beyond the horizon. The challenge today is making sure the next generation has the opportunity to discover that same inspiration. Whether that journey leads to the cockpit, the maintenance hangar, an engineering laboratory, a cyber operations center, or military service, it begins by giving young people the chance to experience aviation firsthand.
That is why aviation outreach remains an important part of the mission of AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.
We encourage you to watch Kelly Mahon’s interview. The Gee Bee QED is a remarkable airplane, but the ideas behind the project may be even more inspiring.
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.
