military

Nov 19th AFA “Air Commandos” Lunch – Frank Tullo on His Vietnam Rescue

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Air & Space Forces Association – Palm Springs Chapter 134
Informal “Air Commandos” Lunch
Wednesday, November 19 • ROC’s Firehouse Grill • 11:30 AM

Our next informal Air Commandos Lunch is coming up on Wednesday, November 19, and we invite you to join us for a remarkable story of survival, skill, and courage from the Vietnam era.

This month’s guest speaker is Frank Tullo, whose combat mission over North Vietnam in July 1965 turned into one of the most dramatic rescues of the war. His F-105 Thunderchief took heavy ground fire deep in hostile territory. After fighting to keep the aircraft airborne as long as possible, he was forced to eject and survived in dense elephant grass until help arrived.

What followed has become a defining example of Air Force rescue operations. A specially modified HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant” helicopter flew into hostile territory to bring him out—an operation that showcased the bravery and precision of the Air Rescue Service. The full account of his ordeal and rescue is featured by the Smithsonian.

Read the story here:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/tullo-and-the-giant-22068/

Frank will share the experience firsthand—what unfolded from the cockpit, what it took to survive on the ground, and how the crew that came for him executed one of the most courageous extractions of the conflict.

As always, the lunch is free to attend; simply pay for your own meal and beverage. No RSVP required—just join us, settle in with friends, and hear one of the most compelling accounts of courage and aeronautical skill you’ll ever encounter.

Location:
ROC’s Firehouse Grill
36-200 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Time: 11:30 AM

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this extraordinary story from Air Force history.

Happy Birthday, United States Air Force

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A Pennsylvania Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker provides fuel for an F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Langley–Eustis, Va., April 2, 2025. The air refueling mission was part of routine proficiency training. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. George Perkins)

On September 18, 1947, with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry S. Truman, the United States Air Force was established as a separate and independent branch of the Armed Forces. It was the culmination of decades of innovation and sacrifice, from the Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903 to the extraordinary achievements of Army Air Corps and Army Air Forces airmen in World War II.

The roots of the Air Force reach back to the U.S. Army Signal Corps’ Aeronautical Division in 1907, the first military aviation organization in America. Over the next forty years, air power proved decisive: the daylight precision bombing campaigns in Europe, the island-hopping battles of the Pacific, and the strategic lessons learned in global warfare all made clear that air dominance was essential to victory.

With independence came a new mission — global vigilance, reach, and power. From the early Cold War years of the Berlin Airlift in 1948, to the development of long-range nuclear deterrence, to air superiority over Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, the U.S. Air Force has continuously adapted to meet new threats. Airmen have flown everything from the rugged F-86 Sabre to the B-52 Stratofortress, from the SR-71 Blackbird to the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II, and today they operate on the cutting edge of space and cyber domains.

As we mark the Air Force’s 78th birthday, we honor the more than 685,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian Airmen serving today, and the millions who have served before them. Their dedication and innovation have secured freedom in the air and space, ensuring that the United States remains strong, secure, and always ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Happy 78th Birthday, U.S. Air Force — Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win.

AFA Palm Springs Connects Purple Heart Veteran with KESQ for National Purple Heart Day

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On August 7th, in recognition of National Purple Heart Day, our AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 had the opportunity to connect local news station KESQ with a combat-decorated veteran for a special televised interview.

The request came in quickly. Early Thursday morning, KESQ contacted our chapter after seeing our recent Purple Heart Day posts on our website and Facebook page. The station was looking to interview a U.S. military combat Purple Heart recipient — and they needed someone available almost immediately to meet a 4:00 p.m. broadcast deadline.

With little time to spare, we reached out to chapter member Rick Johnson, who in turn contacted his neighbor and friend, Gary Lucas — retired U.S. Army Major, Vietnam War veteran, Purple Heart recipient. Fortunately, Gary was in the area for a VA Clinic appointment and was available right after. The interview was arranged on the spot, and KESQ met Gary at the Palm Desert VA Clinic.

Gary delivered a heartfelt and compelling interview, joined by fellow Vietnam veteran and friend Billy Terronova, who was also seriously wounded in combat. Their stories brought a powerful voice to Purple Heart Day, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who have been wounded in service to our nation.

About Gary Lucas


Major Gary Lucas, U.S. Army (Retired), served 21 years on active duty from 1960 to 1981. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics and Business Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

During his first Vietnam combat tour in 1966, Gary rose through the enlisted ranks to E-6. After returning to the United States, he attended Warrant Officer Flight Training, earning his pilot wings and promotion to W-1. In his second Vietnam tour (1968), he was promoted to W-2 and later received a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant.

As a Cobra helicopter gunship pilot, Gary flew in 675 combat engagements. His decorations include the Air Medal with 26 oak-leaf clusters, three Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement in combat, the Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for extraordinary heroism awarded by the Government of South Vietnam.

Following his military career, Gary became a post-maintenance test pilot, worked in Top Secret aviation research and development, and later in threat analysis and the design of advanced security and surveillance systems.

Thanks to the quick coordination between AFA Palm Springs, Rick Johnson, and KESQ, Gary’s story — and the stories of all Purple Heart recipients — reached a wide audience on National Purple Heart Day, reminding us of the service, sacrifice, and valor that this medal represents.

AFA Air Commandos Lunch Recap – Maj. Lee Cohen Shares His Honor Flight Experience

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On Wednesday, June 18, the Palm Springs Chapter of the Air Force Association hosted Maj. Lee Cohen, USAF (Ret.) as our featured speaker at our Air Commandos Luncheon at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert.

Maj. Cohen shared stories from his recent journey with Honor Flight Southland Mission 18, a trip to Washington, D.C., with fellow veterans. The Honor Flight experience included visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery—culminating in an emotional “Welcome Home” reception at LAX.

For Maj. Cohen, a veteran of 119½ combat missions in Vietnam, this trip served as both tribute and healing. For those in attendance, his presentation offered insight into what the Honor Flight means to veterans.

One of the touching moments shared was how each veteran received a bag filled with handmade cards and letters from local schoolchildren—many expressing gratitude, drawing American flags, and writing simple but powerful messages like “Thank you for your service.”

About Honor Flight
The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization that honors America’s veterans by providing free trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. The program focuses on veterans from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Honor Flight Southland, which coordinated Maj. Cohen’s flight, serves veterans from across Southern California and relies on volunteers and donations to make each mission possible. From airport send-offs to school letters, the experience is designed to give these veterans the tribute they never received.

Thank you to Maj. Lee Cohen for sharing this journey and for his decades of service to the United States Air Force.

For more information or to get involved, visit:
https://www.honorflightsouthland.org

Major Lee Cohen – Honor Flight Mission #18

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**Join Us in Welcoming Him Home!**All are invited to participate in a special **Welcome Home Celebration** this **Sunday, May 18, at 12:30 p.m.**, when Major Cohen and fellow veterans return from their “Tour of Honor.” Bring your flags, signs, and applause as we give these heroes the welcome they truly deserve!

📍 **Location:** LAX – Southwest Airlines Terminal 1, Baggage Claim Area

✈️ **Flight:** Southwest #WN3261

The Palm Springs Chapter 134 of the Air & Space Forces Association proudly honors one of our own—USAF Major (Ret.) Lee Cohen—on his selection to **Honor Flight Southland’s Mission #18**. Major Cohen joins a distinguished group of veterans receiving an all-expense-paid journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

Major Cohen’s Air Force career spans pivotal moments in Cold War and Vietnam-era history. Commissioned in 1959, he began his service in electronic warfare with the EB-57, testing NORAD defense systems and training interceptor pilots. Later, he flew with the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Alaska—recognized twice as the best in the Air Force—before deploying to Southeast Asia during Operation Rolling Thunder. There, he flew 119 ½ combat missions over North Vietnam in EB-57s and F-102s.

For his courageous service, Major Cohen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine Air Medals. After contributing to planning efforts for the return of American POWs and serving in key operational roles, he retired in 1978 as a Major. He now resides in Beaumont, California.

Developing Future Airmen

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The National Defense Strategy highlights the pacing threats posed by our adversaries, underscoring the need to cultivate and maintain a capable, adaptable force. Recruiting, developing, and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce ensures the U.S. Air Force can project airpower anytime, anywhere. 
 
To remain at the forefront of air superiority, the Air Force is implementing transformative changes across its talent management framework. These efforts include optimizing human capital strategies, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ensuring training is closely aligned with mission requirements. Additionally, the Force is modernizing personnel systems to better match Airmen to roles that maximize their potential, support retention, and create flexible career paths responsive to operational needs.  		In this issue of Airman magazine, we explore how Air Force talent management serves as a cornerstone of force readiness and resilience. We visited Air University at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and spoke with leaders about major changes underway, including the reintroduction of warrant officers, redesigned training programs to develop character-driven leaders, and a renewed focus on digital skills to make data a reliable weapon. Through these initiatives, the Air Force equips Airmen with the skills and adaptability needed to meet today’s demands and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. 

Read this multimedia presentation at https://www.airmanmagazine.af.mil

Military Retiree Day

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From historic Edwards Air Force Base…. Military retirees – you are invited!

“Please join us on Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 a.m. – noon, at Club Muroc, for a Military Retiree Appreciation Day.  Edwards Air Force Base and the Antelope Valley community will be providing continental breakfast and prizes as a small gesture to show our gratitude and respect to those who wore the uniform for at least two full decades.” For more information and RSVP visit https://www.edwards.af.mil/News/Display/Article/3894276/edwards-afb-to-host-military-retiree-appreciation-day/

National Purple Heart Day

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August 7th, we honor National Purple Heart Day. Established by George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart is the oldest American military medal. It recognizes the brave men and women who were wounded or killed in enemy action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The color purple of the heart-shaped medal symbolizes courage and bravery. Let us remember and honor those who sacrificed for our nation.

Armed Forces Day

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The third Saturday in May established through the efforts of President Harry S. Truman in 1949 to Thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.