You’re Invited: AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon
Special Guest Speaker – Colonel Robert Lilac
Presentation: “The Saga of LITTLE Bobby Lilac”
Subtitled: “A Tour de Force of Four Score and Seven Years of Fun Stuff Interspersed with an Occasional Fact or Two”

Join us this Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Roc’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert for a lively and wide-ranging presentation by Colonel Robert Lilac, whose distinguished career in the United States Air Force spanned from fighter cockpits to the White House.

Colonel Lilac began his military service in 1958 as a Second Lieutenant with the National Security Agency, later training as a jet fighter pilot. He served three years in the United Kingdom flying the F-100, then flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the F-104 during two Vietnam tours.

In 1967, he graduated from the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, training as both a Test Pilot and Space Research Pilot. He flew the NF-104, a rocket-augmented aircraft, to altitudes over 100,000 feet.

His assignments included serving as a military advisor in Saudi Arabia, commanding an A-10 Fighter Squadron, and working at the Pentagon as Chief of Air Force International Programs for Saudi Arabia. From 1982 to 1984, he served in the Reagan White House as Director of Political-Military Affairs on the National Security Council.

Decorated with the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with 8 oak leaf clusters, Colonel Lilac retired in 1984 and ran a consulting business in Washington, D.C., with his wife Jan until 2005. Today, they live in Palm Desert, spending summers in Lakeside, Montana.

The Air Commandos Luncheon started as a way for AFA members and friends to reconnect after the COVID lockdowns. Held every couple of weeks, it’s an informal gathering for good company, great stories, and lunch.

📍 Roc’s Firehouse Grille
36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📅 Wednesday, May 14, 2025

There is no fee to attend—just order your own lunch and/or beverage from the menu.

All are welcome. No RSVP required.