aviation

Civil Air Patrol and a Mission of Service

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

This is a remarkable piece of Civil Air Patrol history from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, civilian aviation across the United States was largely grounded. Yet on September 12, a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172 Skyhawk, tail number N9344L, was authorized to fly over New York City.

The mission was extraordinary. New York officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency needed aerial photographs to assess the devastation at the World Trade Center. With authorization from the National Command Authority, three Civil Air Patrol officers took N9344L into the air. They made four orbits over New York City and photographed the destruction below. Those photographs were then provided to government agencies for analysis. 

That aircraft is now part of the collection of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, preserving an important example of Civil Air Patrol answering the call when the nation needed it. 

Stories such as this help explain why supporting Civil Air Patrol is part of the mission of AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

CAP serves as the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, but its importance extends well beyond that relationship. Its members provide emergency services, support communities and disasters, promote aerospace education and give young people opportunities to develop leadership skills while discovering aviation, aerospace and service.

Here in the Coachella Valley, we want AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 to be an active supporter of Civil Air Patrol and its local members. That means looking for opportunities to work together, supporting their programs, helping make connections within the community and making sure more people understand what CAP does and why it matters.

Our Chapter is placing an increasing emphasis on programs that introduce young people to aviation, aerospace, STEM and Cyber Education. Civil Air Patrol is an important part of that larger effort.

The aircraft in this video flew an extraordinary mission more than 25 years ago. The larger mission of Civil Air Patrol continues today.

Watch the video here Civil Air Patrol and 9/11

Important Chapter Dates for September and October

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

We have some important Chapter dates coming up, beginning with our next Air Commandos Lunch on Wednesday, September 23.

Our Air Commandos lunches have no agenda. They are informal gatherings, a chance to have lunch, talk aviation, catch up with friends and enjoy the conversation. At the same time, we are continuing to discuss what is happening with AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134, the programs we are developing, new relationships in our community and ideas for where we go next. Bring your thoughts and ideas with you.

On Wednesday, October 7, we will hold our monthly Chapter Meeting & Lunch. In addition to Chapter business and updates, we will have a presentation by the Honor Flight Network.

Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization that transports eligible veterans to Washington, D.C., at no cost to them so they can visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. The program gives priority to World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans, as well as veterans who are critically ill. It operates through a nationwide network of local hubs and has transported hundreds of thousands of veterans since the first Honor Flight in 2005.

Then on Wednesday, October 21, we are back to our informal Air Commandos Lunch.

All three begin at 11:30 AM in our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert.

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

Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be an AFA member to join us. Come for lunch, come for the conversation, and come see what is happening at AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Thanks!

Air Commandos Lunch Today!

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

There is a lot happening at AFA Palm Springs, and the best way to be part of it is to join us today, Wednesday, September 9, for our Air Commandos Lunch.

We will be gathering at 11:30 a.m. in our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert for good food, aviation conversation and a chance to continue the discussions that came out of our very successful Chapter meeting last week.

We are expanding our communications, moving forward with Cyber Education, continuing our Teacher of the Year program, developing our relationship with EAA Thermal Chapter and Young Eagles, reaching out to Civil Air Patrol Palm Springs and local veterans organizations, and working on new programs and ideas for our 519 Chapter members.

But all of this becomes more meaningful when more of our members participate.

Our Air Commandos lunches are an opportunity to sit down together, exchange ideas and help shape what comes next. You don’t need to be an officer or volunteer for a program. Come have lunch, meet some of your fellow members, listen to what is being discussed and tell us what you think.

If you have not been to one of our lunches in a while, come back. If you have never attended one, this is a great time to start.

The lunch is informal, everyone is welcome, and you only pay for your own lunch and beverage.

Can’t make it to ROC’s? Join us online. We want our members to participate wherever they happen to be.

Air Commandos Lunch
Wednesday, September 9
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

ROC’s Firehouse Grille
36891 Cook Street
Palm Desert

Join us on Google Meet:
https://meet.google.com/gmc-nnwk-rnw

Or join by phone:
(650) 597-2588
PIN: 834 686 340#

Additional Google Meet phone numbers:
https://tel.meet/gmc-nnwk-rnw?pin=6888571928258

There is a new energy at AFA Palm Springs, and we want more of our members around the table. Come join us today.

Thanks!

Air Commandos Lunch and the Conversation Continues

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Tomorrow is another Air Commandos Lunch at our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert.

We get together at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, and as always, everyone is welcome. There is no charge to attend. You only pay for your own lunch and beverage.

Our Air Commandos lunches are intentionally informal. They are an opportunity to get together, enjoy lunch, talk aviation, Air Force and Space Force, and whatever else happens to come up around the table.

But there is certainly plenty to talk about this time.

Following our very successful Chapter meeting last week, we will continue the conversation about all of the new things happening at AFA Palm Springs. We have new leadership, a much larger membership than many of us realized, improved communications, year-round operations, expanding Cyber Education, our Teacher of the Year program, and plans for stronger relationships with local schools and colleges.

We are also looking forward to more aviation activities through our relationship with EAA Thermal Chapter and its Young Eagles program, along with building relationships with Civil Air Patrol Palm Springs and local veterans organizations.

And there is much more in the planning stages as we modernize the Chapter and look for new ways to Educate. Advocate. Support.

Most importantly, we want to hear your ideas. The future of AFA Palm Springs is not something that should be decided by just a few people. These lunches give us a chance to sit around the table, talk about what we can do, and find ways for more of our members to participate.

So come have lunch with us, bring your ideas, and be part of what is happening at AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Wednesday, September 9 at 11:30 a.m.
ROC’s Firehouse Grille
36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert

Everyone is welcome!

Thanks!

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!

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!

National Aviation Day From 1939 to Air and Space

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

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

Three Great Reasons to Join Us at ROC’s Firehouse Grille

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

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.

Thank You!