military veterans

Important Chapter Dates for September and October

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

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!

The Story Behind Our Air Commandos Lunch

/ Ian L. Sitren / 4 Comments

Some of the best ideas begin almost by accident.

Our Air Commandos Lunches began during the COVID years as a simple way for members and friends to get together when many of our normal activities had come to a halt. The idea was straightforward. Pick a local restaurant, have lunch, enjoy good conversation, and keep people connected.

ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert became the gathering place.

The name “Air Commandos” was chosen completely in jest. It was a satirical nickname for an unofficial lunch gathering, and somehow it stuck.

We are, of course, fully aware that there are real Air Commandos. They are the highly trained Airmen of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, carrying out demanding missions around the world.

Our Air Commandos have a very different mission.

We specialize in hamburgers, sandwiches, coffee, adult beverages, solving the world’s problems, and occasionally telling stories that improve with every retelling.

In a way, our lunches remind me of the famous Algonquin Round Table, the legendary gathering of writers, actors, critics, and humorists who met almost daily at New York City’s Algonquin Hotel from 1919 through 1929. Their conversations became famous for their wit, opinions, storytelling, and friendships. While our lunches certainly do not claim that kind of literary history, they share something just as important. Good conversation and the enjoyment of spending time with interesting people.

Many of our guest speaker ideas, community partnerships, and lasting friendships can trace their beginnings to conversations around those lunch tables. There is something about sharing a meal that encourages people to relax, exchange ideas, and simply enjoy one another’s company. There are no agendas, no speeches, and no formal programs. Just lunch and conversation.

Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be an Air & Space Forces Association member to attend.

We usually meet every other Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. Current dates are always posted on the Calendar page here on our website. If you would like to confirm a date or have any questions, simply email us at AFAPalmSprings@outlook.com

We hope you’ll join us at a future Air Commandos Lunch. Pull up a chair, order your favorite lunch, and become part of the conversation. Thanks!

Smash Burgers, Fries, and Good Times with Air Commandos

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We did love the Smash Burgers today for our casual “Air Commandos” meet-up at ROC’S Firehouse Grille. ROC’S is the best!

Join us every other Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at ROC’S Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211. You’ll meet some interesting people while enjoying lunch and good conversation.

Over the summer, please send us an email at AFAPalmSprings@outlook.com first, as there are no special programs until fall—just lunch and good times together.

Only cost is your own lunch. See you there!