military support

A New Way to Join the Air & Space Forces Association Free!

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

The Air & Space Forces Association has introduced something completely new.

For the first time, AFA now offers a free Mission Membership. This new membership makes it easier than ever for anyone with an interest in our Air Force, Space Force, aerospace, aviation, STEM education, or national security to become part of the AFA community. Again, membership is open to everyone.

Mission Membership provides access to AFA news, educational programs, webinars, research, national events, and local Chapter activities. Whether you have served in the military, work in aerospace, are a student, educator, or simply support the mission of the Air & Space Forces Association, there is now a place for you in AFA at absolutely no cost.

This is also a tremendous opportunity for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Every new member strengthens our Chapter and helps us expand our educational programs, CyberPatriot, community outreach, aerospace education, and partnerships throughout the Coachella Valley. The more members we have, the more we can accomplish.

If you are already an AFA member, thank you for your continued support.

If you know someone who has ever thought about joining AFA, now is the perfect time. Invite your family, friends, neighbors, fellow veterans, active duty military, educators, students, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in aerospace and our nation’s defense.

Joining is easy.

Simply visit:

Join AFA

When completing your registration, please be sure to select Palm Springs Chapter 134. That simple step helps strengthen our local Chapter and ensures you receive information about our activities, meetings, educational programs, and special events.

It costs nothing.

It only takes a few minutes.

We look forward to welcoming many new members to AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Thank You!

Honoring Service on Armed Forces Day

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Today is Armed Forces Day—a time to recognize and honor the men and women currently serving in all branches of the United States military. First observed on May 20, 1950, this national holiday was established following the unification of the military services under the Department of Defense.

The day was created to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard Days and to acknowledge the collective strength and dedication of our armed forces. The first celebration featured parades, open houses, air shows, and displays of military technology.

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation making Armed Forces Day an official national holiday, further solidifying its place in American tradition. It is now held annually on the third Saturday in May.

Armed Forces Day also falls within National Military Appreciation Month, a time that includes several key observances:

  • Loyalty Day (May 1)
  • Public Service Recognition Week (first full week of May)
  • Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) (May 8)
  • Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Friday before Mother’s Day)
  • Memorial Day (last Monday in May)

We salute our service members for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice. From our AFA Chapter, we extend our gratitude to all who wear the uniform, and those who support them in service to our nation.

R.E.D. Friday: Remember Everyone Deployed

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R.E.D. Friday — Remember Everyone Deployed

Every Friday, people across the country wear red as a simple but powerful gesture to honor our deployed service members. While they serve far from home, we wear red to keep them close in our thoughts.

Today, May 16, 2025, we mark a special observance of R.E.D. Friday. Let’s take a moment to recognize the sacrifices of our troops and their families — and keep them in mind not just today, but every Friday until they all return safely.

Thank You to the Armed Services YMCA for this reminder and for all they do in support of the military community.