Purple Heart

Air Commandos Lunch Tomorrow; Special Guest Major Gary Lucas

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AFA Palm Springs – Air Commandos Lunch
Special Guest Speaker: Major Gary Lucas, U.S. Army (Ret.)

The Air Commandos Lunch takes place Wednesday, December 10, 2025, and we are honored to welcome a guest speaker with a most distinguished military career: Major Gary Lucas, U.S. Army (Ret.).

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: ROC’s Firehouse Grill
Address: 36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211

There is no charge to attend. Guests simply pay for their own lunch and beverage.

Major Lucas served 21 years on active duty, from 1960 to 1981, and built a career defined by courage, leadership, and technical excellence. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Professional Aeronautics and Business Management, his professional education was matched by extensive combat experience.

During his first Vietnam tour in 1966, Gary rose through the enlisted ranks to E-6. After returning to the United States, he completed Warrant Officer Flight Training, earning his pilot wings and promotion to W-1. On his second Vietnam tour in 1968, he was promoted to W-2 and later received a rare battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant, recognizing leadership under fire.

As a Cobra helicopter gunship pilot, Major Lucas 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 service, Gary continued contributing to aviation as a post-maintenance test pilot, worked in Top Secret aviation research and development, and later applied his expertise to threat analysis and advanced security and surveillance systems.

This luncheon offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives from a pilot whose service reflects some of the most demanding missions and technological transitions in modern military aviation.

We hope you’ll join us. Thanks!

Veterans Day – A Moment of Honor and Reflection

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Today, we pause to recognize the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform and carried its responsibilities with courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Veterans Day is not simply a date on the calendar—it is a reminder that freedom has a cost, and that cost has been paid by generations who stepped forward when the country needed them most.

The image here was photographed yesterday at the Fields of Valor installation in Cathedral City. Among two thousand waving flags, each tribute tells a personal story. This one honors a Vietnam veteran who earned the Purple Heart—an unmistakable reminder of the human toll of service and the quiet strength that defines so many who return home carrying both visible and invisible wounds.

As we mark Veterans Day, AFA Palm Springs extends our gratitude to every veteran, from every era, and to the families who stood beside them. Whether you served overseas or stateside, in combat or in support, your service continues to shape the freedoms and security we depend upon today.

We invite our community to take a moment—today and every day—to reflect on that service, to thank a veteran, and to carry forward the respect they deserve.

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.

Honoring Sacrifice on National Purple Heart Day

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Today, August 7th, we pause to recognize the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in combat.

The Purple Heart, originally established by General George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, stands as one of the oldest and most respected military decorations still in use. It is awarded to those who have shed blood in service to our nation — a symbol of courage, resilience, and dedication beyond self.

At AFA Palm Springs, we honor all Purple Heart recipients — past and present — for their service and their sacrifice. This solemn observance reminds us of the real cost of freedom and the enduring legacy of those who have borne that burden.

Let us never forget their stories, their names, and the values they stood for.

National Purple Heart Day

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August 7th, National Purple Heart Day, we honor the more than 1.9 million members of the military who have been wounded or killed in action while defending our nation. 

First awarded in 1932, the Purple Heart is presented to those who shed blood or have made the ultimate sacrifice as a result of hostile action. The bravery and sacrifices of our wounded and fallen heroes are not forgotten.