A Very Successful Meeting for AFA Palm Springs

September 4, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / 2 Comments

The September 2 meeting was much more than a regular business meeting. It was a very successful first meeting under our new leadership, with some new faces around the table and members also joining us remotely. It was our first opportunity to bring everyone together to talk about the changes already underway and where AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 goes from here. Our new President, Ian L. Sitren; and our new Secretary/Treasurer, Frank Iain Parsons.

The discussion began with AFA’s mission and its three central areas: Educate. Advocate. Support. That mission provides the foundation for what we want to accomplish as we move forward.

One of the biggest surprises has been the actual size of our Chapter. We now know that AFA Palm Springs has 519 members, including 333 free Mission Members. A major priority will be doing a much better job of communicating with that membership and giving people more opportunities to participate.

Communications are already being expanded. Our website has been revitalized and is being updated regularly, and we are increasing our presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. We are also moving to year-round Chapter operations rather than going dark during the summer.

Cyber Education will continue to be an important part of what we do. The Chapter conducted a very successful Cyber Camp this summer, and we are now working to continue and expand our Cyber Education programs and opportunities for young people.

We are also continuing our successful Teacher of the Year program. AFA Palm Springs has had three consecutive honorees go on to be named AFA California State Teacher of the Year, an extraordinary record that we want to continue.

Aviation will become a larger part of our activities as well. We are developing our relationship with EAA Thermal Chapter and its Young Eagles program, which introduces young people to aviation and gives them an opportunity to experience flight firsthand. We also plan to build a stronger relationship with Civil Air Patrol Palm Springs and explore other ways our organizations can work together.

Behind the scenes, we are modernizing how the Chapter operates. Records are being digitized, administrative systems are being updated, and information will become much more accessible to our members. We are also beginning the process of updating our Chapter By-Laws to better reflect how an active organization should operate today.

As new programs and activities develop, we will be looking for members to serve as Program Leads. This gives people an opportunity to take responsibility for something that interests them without creating unnecessary additional officer positions.

And our regular gatherings will continue. We meet for lunch every two weeks in what has become our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. Once each month that gathering includes our formal Chapter meeting. The other lunches are casual, and everyone is welcome.

There is a lot happening at AFA Palm Springs right now, and the success of our September 2 meeting was a very encouraging start. Seeing new people around the table, longtime members returning, and others participating remotely showed us what is possible as we reach out to more of our 519 members.

With new leadership, better communications, expanding programs and new relationships throughout the Coachella Valley, we have an opportunity to build a much more active Chapter.

Now we need our members to be part of it.

Thank You!

AFA Palm Springs Is Now Connected In Person and Online

August 27, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

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

August 25, 2026August 24, 2026 / 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

August 24, 2026 / 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

August 20, 2026 / 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!

AFA Palm Springs Congratulates EAA on Mission 2.5

August 14, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Today we want to congratulate EAA and the thousands of volunteer pilots, chapter members, and supporters who have reached an extraordinary milestone: 2.5 million Young Eagles flights. Since 1992, the Young Eagles program has introduced millions of young people to the wonder of flight, often sparking a lifelong interest in aviation and aerospace.

Here in the Coachella Valley, we’re especially proud of our friends at EAA Chapter 1116, who conduct Young Eagles rallies almost every month, giving local young people the opportunity to experience their very first flight in a general aviation aircraft. Their dedication has made a lasting difference in our community.

As Frank Brabec, President of EAA Chapter 1116, recently wrote in the chapter newsletter, aviation needs more than pilots. It needs mechanics, technicians, engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and many other talented people who will design, build, maintain, and protect the aircraft and systems of tomorrow. That vision closely aligns with the work our Chapter is already doing through Cyber Education and the Air & Space Forces Association’s CyberPatriot program.

We are excited about the growing relationship between AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 and EAA Chapter 1116. Together, we have an opportunity to inspire young people, introduce them to aviation, and help them discover the many career paths available throughout aerospace and the Air and Space Forces.

Congratulations again to EAA, EAA Chapter 1116, and every volunteer who has helped make Mission 2.5 such a remarkable success. We look forward to working together to inspire the next generation.

Thank You!

Air Commandos Lunch Tomorrow July 29, 2026

July 28, 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!

From Cyber to the Cockpit: AFA Palm Springs and EAA Young Eagles

July 21, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / 4 Comments

With all of our recent discussion about Cyber Camp and our Cyber Education programs, at the last Air Commandos lunch, our member Lee Cohen asked a very insightful question: What are we doing in the area of flying, specifically introducing young people to flying?

That question actually takes us back approximately three years.

At one of our Air Commandos lunches, I brought up the idea that AFA Palm Springs should become involved with our local EAA Chapter 1116 at Thermal Airport. I already knew they were successfully operating the EAA Young Eagles program locally and flying approximately 20 to 40 or more young people each month.

For our members who may not be familiar with EAA, it is the Experimental Aircraft Association, founded in 1953, an international aviation organization with a strong grassroots network of local chapters. Its members include pilots, aircraft builders and restorers, aviation enthusiasts, and people who simply share an interest in airplanes and flying.

One of EAA’s most significant youth programs is Young Eagles.

Launched in 1992, Young Eagles was created specifically to introduce young people ages 8 through 17 to aviation by giving them a free introductory flight in an airplane. Those flights are provided through the generosity of EAA member volunteers. EAA describes the mission of the program very simply: introducing and inspiring young people in the world of aviation.

And the numbers demonstrate just how extraordinary that effort has become.

As of today, July 21, 2026, EAA Young Eagles has flown 2,500,246 young people. That number continues to grow as Young Eagles flights take place across the country.

The experience also does not necessarily end when the airplane lands. EAA provides Young Eagles with opportunities to continue exploring aviation, including free EAA student membership and access to additional learn-to-fly resources.

Now bring that forward to today.

What we first discussed approximately three years ago has developed into a growing relationship between AFA Palm Springs and EAA Chapter 1116 at Jacqueline Cochran Airport in Thermal. We are now actively working on a framework through which our two organizations can support our common interests and missions.

And there is already a very tangible connection between our organizations. Frank Brabec, President of EAA Chapter 1116, is now Vice President of AFA Palm Springs.

This is no longer simply an idea about two aviation organizations finding something they might do together. There is already a relationship, and now we are working on determining what that relationship can become.

Cyber Education introduces young people to one increasingly important part of the future of the Air and Space Forces. Young Eagles can introduce them to something much more fundamental: getting into an airplane and actually experiencing flight.

Those two things fit very naturally within what AFA Palm Springs should be doing with young people.

So Lee’s insightful question, “With everything we are doing in Cyber, what are we doing about flying?” already has the beginnings of an answer.

Something has been developing, and now AFA Palm Springs and EAA Chapter 1116 are working together to determine where we can take it next.

Thank You!

Ian L. Sitren

The Future of Cyber Education Looks Bright at AFA Palm Springs

July 18, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Today we celebrate a successful Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter 134 Summer Cyber Camp and an outstanding group of students who spent the week learning, working together, and developing new cybersecurity and artificial intelligence skills.

After spending time at the camp on Tuesday and returning for Graduation Day, I came away even more impressed than I expected. These are bright, motivated young people who represent exactly the kind of talent our country will need in the years ahead.

Cyber Education is one of the Air & Space Forces Association’s most important missions. Programs like this introduce students to exciting career opportunities while helping prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, engineers, and technology leaders who will help protect our nation’s critical infrastructure.

This remarkable program would not exist without the dedication of Jim McFarlin, Tony Della-Moretta, and Jose Ramirez. Their vision, leadership, and countless hours of planning, teaching, and mentoring have created a program that benefits not only these students, but our entire community. They deserve our sincere thanks and recognition for what they have accomplished.

Jim, Tony, and Jose were joined by an outstanding team of instructors, guest speakers, mentors, and supporters who generously shared their time, knowledge, and expertise throughout the week. Felix Marhuenda-Donate, Patrick Jacobs, Dana Sanchez, Regina Vasquez, Jason Hoang, Thomas Chapman, Jeff Gonzalez, Frank Ceja, Captain Lauren Puseman, Mark Brenner, Glenn Miller from the office of U.S. Representative Ken Calvert, and Lucas Penon from the office of U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz each contributed to making this year’s Cyber Camp such an exceptional experience for the students.

The success of Cyber Camp is truly the result of many people working together toward a common goal. Without the dedication and involvement of this entire team, the program could not have worked as well as it did. Their combined experience and commitment created an educational opportunity that these students will carry with them long after Cyber Camp has ended.

We also extend our sincere thanks to College of the Desert for its support of Cyber Camp and for providing the outstanding facilities that helped make this program possible. Having access to the College’s Information Technology Center provided the students and instructors with a professional environment in which to learn, teach, and work together throughout the week.

The success of this year’s camp also reflects the confidence our community has placed in this effort through the generous support of organizations including the Anderson Children’s Foundation and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Their investment is helping create opportunities for young people that extend far beyond this one week.

As important as this year’s camp has been, we believe it is only the beginning. Our chapter is committed to continuing to build and expand our Cyber Education programs, reaching more students and creating even greater opportunities throughout the Coachella Valley. We already have ideas in development and look forward to sharing more exciting news in the near future.

Congratulations to every student who participated, thank you to the parents for their support and encouragement, and thank you to everyone who helped make this program possible. The future of Cyber Education in our chapter has never looked brighter.

Ian L. Sitren

Visit the AFA Cyber Camp This Thursday or Friday

July 15, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

I had the opportunity to spend Tuesday at our AFA Summer Cyber Camp, and I came away genuinely impressed. The facility, the instructors, and especially the students exceeded my expectations. This is a first-class program that demonstrates exactly what our Air & Space Forces Association is all about by inspiring and preparing the next generation of technology and cybersecurity professionals.

If you have a few hours available, I encourage you to stop by on Thursday or Friday and experience the camp for yourself.

Thursday, July 16 (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Students will present the AI projects they have developed throughout the week as Professor Marhuenda-Donate and Jose Ramirez return to review their work and discuss the results.

Friday, July 17 (9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

Graduation Day features team cyber competitions, awards, presentations by Indio High School Information Technology instructor Mark Brenner, and the participation of parents and families. Representatives from the offices of Congressman Ken Calvert and Congressman Raul Ruiz will present Congressional Certificates to every camper before everyone celebrates with a well-earned pizza party.

The camp is located in the College of the Desert Library, in the center of the campus.

Enter the campus from Fred Waring Drive, follow the signs, park in Lot 5, and walk north past the gymnasium to the library. Please do not confuse it with the Public Library near the campus entrance. Once inside the College of the Desert Library, take the elevator to the basement level and enter the glass doors leading to the Information Technology Center.

I hope many of our members will take the opportunity to visit. Seeing these students at work, meeting the instructors, and experiencing the professionalism of this program firsthand is the best way to appreciate the impact our chapter is making in the community. It is an outstanding example of the Air & Space Forces Association mission in action, and I believe you’ll leave as impressed as I was.

I will personally be there again on Friday, and I hope to see many of you there.

Ian L. Sitren