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

August 15, 2026 / 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!

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

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

July 10, 2026 / 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.

July 4th Message From Our Chapter President

July 4, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

President’s 250th Anniversary Message
AFA 134: Bridge to the Future

Dear AFA Palm Springs Members and Friends,

As we honor the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, I am struck by the unique and vital role our chapter plays in the Coachella Valley. More than just an organization, our AFA Palm Springs Chapter serves as a crucial bridge, one that spans generations, technology, and service.

On one side of this bridge stands our rich history and the engaging stories so many of you share about your service to our nation. We all share a deep reverence for the foundations laid by the United States Air Force and United States Space Force, and we carry the enduring values of service, integrity, and excellence that have always defined our nation’s defense.

On the other side of that bridge lies the future. The landscape of our national defense is rapidly shifting toward space, AI driven weapons systems, and cyber warfare. To meet these threats, our nation requires a new generation of dedicated, tech savvy minds.

Our mission as a chapter is to ensure that bridge remains unbreakable.

Through our cyber education programs, such as the Coachella Valley Cyber Cup Challenge and our upcoming hands on Cyber Camp this month, we aren’t just teaching students technical skills. We are helping strengthen our nation’s future defense by teaching teamwork and leadership, and by preparing the next generation to safeguard our space networks, our digital infrastructure, and the technologies that will shape tomorrow’s conflicts.

Every bit of support and advocacy our chapter invests in programs like these helps Coachella Valley students cross the bridge from today’s classrooms to tomorrow’s leadership. Thank you for your years of service, for honoring our past, and for actively supporting our efforts to help secure our nation’s future.

In Service,

Jim

President, AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134

AFA Palm Springs Returns to Regular Chapter Communications and CyberPatriot Updates

June 22, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

One thing became very clear after many conversations at our Air Commandos lunches.

Our Chapter has been doing a lot of good things.

The problem wasn’t the lack of activity. It was the lack of communication.

Many of us simply didn’t know what was happening.

That changes now.

One of the best examples is our Cyber Education program under the leadership of Jim McFarlin. It has developed into one of the most exciting and successful parts of our Chapter, yet many members know very little about it. Over the coming weeks Jim will be introducing everyone to the program with regular updates explaining what it is, who is involved, what is happening, and where it is headed.

The next major event is the AFA CyberPatriot Summer Cyber Camp at College of the Desert, July 13 through 17. It introduces high school students to cybersecurity, operating systems, networking, cryptography, incident response, online safety, and much more. It is exactly the kind of program that helps prepare the next generation for careers protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure.

Our Chapter is a major part of making this camp happen, and it deserves our support.

So…find a clean pair of pants and maybe a shirt without chili stains. More information will be coming very soon.

As part of improving communication, I have once again assumed responsibility for the Chapter’s website, Facebook page, and online communications. As many of you know, I turned those responsibilities over to the Chapter in December 2025. Since then, our online presence has been largely inactive.

That changes today.

You can expect regular updates, timely information about Chapter activities, stories about our members and programs, upcoming events, photographs, and the kinds of things that keep us informed about what is happening throughout our organization.

There is a tremendous amount of positive momentum within AFA Palm Springs. Our job now is simply to make sure everyone knows about it.

More to come…

Dana Sanchez Named AFA California Teacher of the Year

May 9, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Each year, the Palm Springs chapter of the Air and Space Forces Association honors an outstanding K–12 educator who demonstrates exceptional commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and positively impacts the lives of students. This year, that honor goes to Dana Sanchez, an Information Technology teacher at Coachella Valley High School.

Dana teaches courses in IT, cybersecurity (including CISCO certification), and business information systems. She also played a key role in our 2025 Cyber Cup Competition by coaching two student teams—one of which earned second place in our regional event.

Recognized first as our local Chapter Teacher of the Year, Dana went on to compete with teachers nominated by other California chapters and was ultimately selected as the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2025 California State Teacher of the Year.

In a May 8 awards ceremony held at Coachella Valley High School, Dana was honored in the presence of the school district superintendent and other officials. She received certificates of recognition from the Air and Space Forces Association and Congressman Ken Calvert. In addition, she will be awarded $750 in prize money and an official jacket from the national organization.

The presentation was made by Jim McFarlin, our chapter’s Vice President for Education, and Tony Della-Moretta, Chapter 134 President, with members Becky Humphreys and Phillip Spencer also in attendance.

Dana will further contribute her expertise this summer as an instructor at our inaugural Cyber Camp, taking place June 23–27 at the California State University, San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus.

This marks the third consecutive year that our chapter’s Teacher of the Year has also received the statewide award—an inspiring testament to the high caliber of educators we are privileged to work with in the Coachella Valley.