Introducing Mission Grant

Today is an important day for the military community.

It is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, when we remember those who endured captivity, those who never returned home, and the families who continue to wait.

It is also the 79th birthday of the United States Air Force.

It seems like an especially appropriate day for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 to announce something new.

We are introducing Mission Grant, a program designed to provide one-time grants of up to $500 to veterans, active-duty service members, spouses and military family members facing an immediate and demonstrated financial need.

The idea behind Mission Grant is simple.

Sometimes a relatively small amount of money can keep a difficult situation from becoming a genuine crisis. It might be a $400 car repair that allows someone to continue getting to work. It might be groceries for the widow of a veteran trying to make it through the end of the month. It might be a prescription, a utility bill or another unexpected expense.

We cannot solve every problem. But sometimes as much as $500 can solve the problem that matters right now.

Requests will be reviewed by a small Chapter committee, and applicants and recipients will be treated confidentially. We do not believe someone should have to publicly share a difficult personal situation in order to ask for help.

We are still putting the final application procedures in place, and an online application will be available soon.

Today we have launched a new Mission Grant page on the AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 website where you can learn more about the program.

Visit AFAPalmSprings.org and select Mission Grant from the main menu.

The mission of the Air & Space Forces Association is Educate. Advocate. Support.

On a day when we remember those who served, honor those who never came home, and celebrate 79 years of the United States Air Force, Support seems like a particularly appropriate word.

Mission Grant is one more way AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 is putting our mission to Support into action.

Thank You!

Important Chapter Dates for September and October

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 Tomorrow July 29, 2026

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!

Air Commandos Tomorrow Lunch July 15th

Just a reminder that our Air Commandos Lunch is tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15, 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!