community event

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.

AFA Palm Springs Annual Holiday Luncheon – December 18, 2025

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Please join us for our Annual AFA Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, December 18th at 11:30am, held at the beautiful Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage. This has become one of our chapter’s most enjoyable gatherings of the year, a chance to come together, reconnect, and share the season with great company.

The Springs offers a warm and elegant holiday ambiance, and its dining room is known for excellent cuisine. Guests will enjoy a choice of chicken or salmon entrée, along with the attentive service and festive atmosphere the Club is known for.

During the luncheon, we will also take a moment to honor our members for their contributions throughout the past year and to induct our incoming officers for 2026. It’s an important and meaningful part of our annual tradition, celebrating the individuals who help keep our chapter strong.

Event Details
Date: December 18, 2025
Time: 11:30am
Location: The Springs Country Club
1 Duke Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA
Cost: $55 per person
Entrée: Choice of chicken or salmon

RSVP:
Tony Della Moretta
tonydm@gmail.com or 760-534-0383

We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of camaraderie, good food, and holiday spirit. This is always a wonderful way to close out the year and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Nov 12th Veterans Day Dinner & Concert

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The City of Palm Springs Department of Parks & Recreation invites the community to join in honoring all veterans and active service members this Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Downtown Park (Museum Way & Belardo Road).

The evening begins with a complimentary dinner at 5 PM, followed by a concert at 7 PM featuring the K-Tel All-Stars — a celebration of music, camaraderie, and gratitude. This annual Veterans Day event is a meaningful way for the Palm Springs community to come together in appreciation of those who have served our nation in uniform. The Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter encourages you to share this moment of thanks, and to remember that the freedoms we enjoy each day were secured by the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans.

For more information, visit https://www.palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/31189/15

Veterans Day at the General Patton Memorial Museum

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Veterans Day at the General Patton Memorial Museum
November 11, 2025 — 11:00 AM

The General Patton Memorial Museum has a long tradition of honoring those who served. The museum’s very first Veterans Day Celebration took place on November 11, 1988—the cement was still drying when the ribbon was cut. It was also General Patton’s 103rd birthday. More than 5,000 guests attended that opening event, including many who had trained at the Desert Training Center and later served under Patton during World War II.

That legacy continues. This year’s program features special guest Helen Patton, a General Patton impersonator, military vehicles, collector clubs and camps, a Miniature Gaming Society exhibit, music and entertainment, food and vendors, plus the museum’s Survival Tree and Remembrance Rocks—a quiet place to pause and reflect on those we’ve lost.

If you’ve never visited the museum on Veterans Day, it’s worth the trip. The setting is historic, the experience personal and inspiring, and it remains one of the most meaningful local places to spend November 11th.

More information: www.generalpattonmuseum.org Phone: (760) 507-4143

Fields of Valor at Patriot Park

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Patriot Park in Cathedral City is hosting the annual Fields of Valor display this week, and it is something every local resident should make time to experience. More than 2,000 American flags stand in long, quiet rows across the park, each placed in honor of veterans — past, present, and fallen. The field also includes a special dedication to Purple Heart recipients.

Walking among these flags is a moving experience. The scale of the display is impressive, but it’s the personal connections behind it that stay with you. Many of the flags are dedicated by families and friends who come to visit, reflect, and remember. Volunteers from across the Coachella Valley help install the entire field, and their commitment shows in the care taken with every flag.

For those in the Palm Springs area, this is one of the most meaningful local tributes you can attend. It’s close by, easy to visit, and a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice within our own community. Patriot Park offers plentiful adjacent parking, making it simple for anyone to stop by, spend time walking the paths, and take in the quiet impact of the display.

Fields of Valor runs November 8–14, open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with “Taps” played at 4:00 PM each afternoon.

It’s well worth walking among the flags at least once this week.

“Rock the Museum” at the General Patton Memorial Museum

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The General Patton Memorial Museum in Chiriaco Summit has introduced a new community art initiative titled “Talking Rocks.” This ongoing exhibit invites participants to pick up a rock at the museum, paint it in a patriotic theme, and return it for placement in the museum’s Memory Garden.

Each contribution will become a lasting part of the display, honoring the spirit of service, patriotism, and remembrance. Entries are accepted throughout the year, but those received before Veterans Day (November 11) will be placed in the garden during the museum’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. Rocks received afterward will continue to be added to the exhibit on an ongoing basis.

Participation in the program is free through November 12, and all are encouraged to contribute. This initiative provides a meaningful way for individuals, families, and organizations to express appreciation for our nation’s veterans and first responders.

General Patton Memorial Museum
62-510 Chiriaco Road, Chiriaco Summit, CA 92201
(760) 507-4143
https://generalpattonmuseum.com

Stars, Stripes and Songs: A Celebration of Veterans

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On Monday, November 10, 2025, the McCallum Theatre, in partnership with the City of Palm Desert, will host the inaugural Veterans Day Eve Celebration—an evening dedicated to honoring our veterans, their families, and the community.

The festivities begin at 5:30 PM with a patriotic pre-show celebration, followed at 7:00 PM by a USO-style performance on the McCallum stage. After the show, attendees are invited to stay for a classic ice cream social to end the evening.

Veterans and their families will receive 50% off the general ticket price. Tickets are available for $15 with promo code THANKYOU50, beginning September 12.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy music and camaraderie, and show appreciation to those who served.

Event Details:

  • Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
  • Time: 5:30 PM Pre-Show Celebration | 7:00 PM Performance
  • Location: McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
  • Tickets: $15 with promo code THANKYOU50 – Order tickets online at:
    https://www.mccallumtheatre.org/veteransevecelebration/

For more information, visit https://www.mccallumtheatre.org or contact Brooke Stuessy, Director – Events at (760) 776-6186, bstuessy@mccallum-theatre.org.

Colonel Bob Lilac Draws Full House at Air Commandos Luncheon

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A Packed House for Colonel Bob Lilac at the May 14 Air Commandos Luncheon

At today’s “Bi-Wednesday” gathering of the AFA 134 Air Commandos, we were honored to host Colonel Robert Lilac, whose remarkable presentation “The Saga of LITTLE Bobby Lilac” took us on a sweeping journey through his distinguished U.S. Air Force career—and far beyond.

Colonel Lilac recounted his experiences as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and space research pilot, including 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the F-104, and flying the NF-104 rocket aircraft to over 100,000 feet. His stories included not only riveting air combat and high-speed testing, but also deeply insightful reflections on his role in Reagan’s White House, where he served as Director of Political-Military Affairs on the National Security Council.

He also shared stories from his later years running a civilian intelligence consulting firm focused on the Middle East, continuing his service to national defense well beyond his military retirement in 1984.

The “Back Room” at Roc’s Firehouse Grille—generously provided gratis by owners Roland and Jayme Cook—was packed for one of our most memorable gatherings to date. We are deeply grateful to Roc’s for their continued support as a valued AFA Community Partner.

Thanks to everyone who attended for making this such a dynamic and meaningful event—and a special thank-you to Colonel Lilac for sharing not only his history but also his humor, wisdom, and perspective.

Air Commandos Lunch April 30th

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You’re Invited: AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon
Special Guest Speaker – Gary Lueders
“Flying the KC-135: A Career in the Air and Beyond”

Join us for an engaging presentation by Gary Lueders, a veteran KC-135 pilot whose career spans Air Force service during the Vietnam War, a 31-year flying career with American Airlines, and leadership roles in aviation and community service. Gary will share stories from his time flying 123 combat air refueling missions during the Vietnam War, his work as an FAA Check Airman, and his continuing involvement in aviation.

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
🕦 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Roc’s Firehouse Grille
36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Growing up next to Alexandria Air Force Base, Gary’s early passion for aviation set the stage for a remarkable career in both military and civilian aviation. His experiences flying the KC-135 and mentoring pilots reflect a lifetime dedicated to flight and service.

The Air Commandos Luncheon began as a way for AFA members and friends to reconnect following the COVID lockdowns. Held every couple of weeks, it’s an informal gathering for conversation, camaraderie, and lunch ordered from the menu—now with the occasional addition of a guest speaker.

There is no fee to attend—just come and enjoy your own lunch and/or beverage.

All are welcome. No RSVP required.

Bob Schaefer Brings Apollo 13 to Air Commandos

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Yesterday at Roc’s Firehouse Grille, Bob Schaefer delivered a presentation of his experience, “Apollo 13 … the Rest of the Story,” to a full table of 18 attendees at the Palm Springs AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon.

With first-hand aerospace program perspective, Bob shared behind-the-scenes insights into the years of preparation that made the Apollo 13 rescue possible. A great turnout — Thank You, Bob!