Space Force

National Aviation Day From 1939 to Air and Space

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Today is National Aviation Day, first proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 to recognize the development of aviation in the United States.

Aviation in 1939 meant something very different than it does today.

Today, aviation reaches far beyond airplanes and airports. It encompasses commercial and military aviation, advanced aircraft development, unmanned systems, aerospace engineering, satellites, cybersecurity, advanced communications, space exploration and technologies that are changing how we operate in the air and beyond it.

It is also the foundation for an enormous range of jobs and career opportunities. Pilots and aircrews are only part of that picture. Aviation and aerospace depend on engineers, aircraft mechanics and technicians, air traffic controllers, manufacturers, software developers, cybersecurity specialists, researchers, educators and countless other skilled professionals. For young people especially, aviation and aerospace offer career paths that may not have even existed a generation ago.

And today, our definition of aviation extends beyond the atmosphere.

Space exploration and the rapidly expanding space industry have created entirely new areas of technology and opportunity. The creation of the United States Space Force in 2019 established a new branch of our Armed Forces dedicated to protecting American interests in, from and to space. Space is now an essential part of our national defense, communications, navigation and everyday life.

For the Air & Space Forces Association, National Aviation Day has particular meaning. Our mission connects the heritage of American aviation with the future of air and space power. It also challenges us to introduce the next generation to the opportunities ahead, support education in aviation, aerospace, cyber and STEM, and help build the workforce and leaders who will take us into the future.

When President Roosevelt proclaimed the first National Aviation Day 87 years ago, even the most imaginative aviation pioneers of the time could hardly have envisioned where their work would lead.

From the first generations of powered flight to aircraft flying faster than sound, remotely piloted systems, satellites orbiting the Earth and Guardians serving in the United States Space Force, aviation has become something far greater than simply flying airplanes.

And we are still only beginning to see where it will take us next.

Happy National Aviation Day from AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134

Three Great Reasons to Join Us at ROC’s Firehouse Grille

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AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 is growing in exciting new ways. We’re expanding our aviation activities, growing our Cyber Education programs, building new partnerships, and launching initiatives that will strengthen our Chapter while creating new opportunities for our members.

Now we need your participation. Everyone is welcome.

Whether you’ve been a member for years or have recently joined us, we encourage you to attend our events in person as often as possible. Meeting face-to-face builds friendships, generates new ideas, and helps all of us move the Chapter forward together.

We have three great opportunities coming up, all beginning at 11:30 a.m. in what has become our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. It is now equipped with our new 65-inch big screen for presentations, along with an improving sound system and faster internet service to enhance our meetings and gatherings.

Wednesday, August 26 is our Air Commandos Lunch. These lunches are informal, friendly, and have no agenda. They’re simply an opportunity to enjoy good food, good conversation, and the company of fellow members and guests.

Wednesday, September 2 is our monthly Chapter Meeting and Lunch. In addition to Chapter business, we’ll present a review of our successful Summer Cyber Camp and discuss the continued expansion of our Cyber Education programs. If you’d like to learn more about the exciting direction our Chapter is heading and how we’re helping inspire the next generation through aviation and cybersecurity education, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss.

Then, on Wednesday, September 9, we’ll gather again for another Air Commandos Lunch. Every lunch brings new friendships, new stories, new ideas, and another opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow members and guests.

There is no charge to attend. Simply pay for your own lunch and beverage.

We hope you’ll join us for all three of these upcoming gatherings, or as many as you can. Your participation, ideas, and enthusiasm are what will help make AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 even stronger as we continue to grow.

Thank You!

AFA Palm Springs Congratulates EAA on Mission 2.5

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Today we want to congratulate EAA and the thousands of volunteer pilots, chapter members, and supporters who have reached an extraordinary milestone: 2.5 million Young Eagles flights. Since 1992, the Young Eagles program has introduced millions of young people to the wonder of flight, often sparking a lifelong interest in aviation and aerospace.

Here in the Coachella Valley, we’re especially proud of our friends at EAA Chapter 1116, who conduct Young Eagles rallies almost every month, giving local young people the opportunity to experience their very first flight in a general aviation aircraft. Their dedication has made a lasting difference in our community.

As Frank Brabec, President of EAA Chapter 1116, recently wrote in the chapter newsletter, aviation needs more than pilots. It needs mechanics, technicians, engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and many other talented people who will design, build, maintain, and protect the aircraft and systems of tomorrow. That vision closely aligns with the work our Chapter is already doing through Cyber Education and the Air & Space Forces Association’s CyberPatriot program.

We are excited about the growing relationship between AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 and EAA Chapter 1116. Together, we have an opportunity to inspire young people, introduce them to aviation, and help them discover the many career paths available throughout aerospace and the Air and Space Forces.

Congratulations again to EAA, EAA Chapter 1116, and every volunteer who has helped make Mission 2.5 such a remarkable success. We look forward to working together to inspire the next generation.

Thank You!

Exploring AFA.org – A Resource Every Member Should Know

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The Air & Space Forces Association national website at AFA.org is much more than a place to renew your membership or read the latest news. It is an extensive resource that reflects the many ways AFA supports our Airmen, Guardians, families, veterans, aerospace education, and our nation’s future.

As you can see in this video, simply moving through the menus reveals just how much information is available. Every section opens the door to even more resources, from advocacy and aerospace education to CyberPatriot, professional development, scholarships, conferences, publications, legislative issues, and support for the Total Air Force and Space Force.

Whether you’ve been an AFA member for years or recently joined our Chapter, I encourage you to spend some time exploring AFA.org. You may be surprised by the depth of information, programs, and opportunities available to every member.

It is truly one of the best resources available for learning more about the Air & Space Forces Association and everything it does to support our mission.

Thanks!

Air Commandos Lunch Tomorrow – Join Us and Check Out Something New

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Just a reminder that our Air Commandos Lunch is tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12, at 11:30 a.m. at ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street in Palm Desert.

Tomorrow we’ll also be trying something new. We’ll be testing out our new 65-inch big screen in the back room, along with external speakers, and we’ll have aviation videos playing to do it. It’s another step toward making our gatherings even more enjoyable, so come check it out with us and have some fun.

The lunches are informal, friendly, and have no agenda. They’re simply a great opportunity to enjoy good food, good conversation, and the company of fellow members and guests. There is no charge to attend. Just 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, or the Air and Space Forces, we’d be glad to have you join us.

If this will be your first time attending, you’re especially welcome.

We look forward to seeing 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!

National Purple Heart Day Honoring Service and Sacrifice

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Every year on National Purple Heart Day we see photographs of the medal, lists of famous recipients, and the history behind its creation. All of that is important. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Purple Heart is that no one ever sets out to earn one.

Unlike many military decorations that recognize extraordinary achievement or acts of valor, the Purple Heart is different. It is awarded to those who were wounded or killed as a direct result of enemy action while serving our nation. It is not a medal earned through competition or nomination. It is a reminder of the cost of military service and the sacrifices made by those who answered the call.

Every Purple Heart represents a personal story. Some recipients returned home carrying lifelong physical or emotional wounds. Others never returned at all. Behind every medal is an individual who placed duty above personal safety, and behind every individual is a family whose life was changed forever.

The Air & Space Forces Association exists to support Airmen, Guardians, and their families while educating the public about aerospace power. National Purple Heart Day reminds us that behind every medal is a person, behind every person is a family, and behind every family is a story that deserves to be remembered.

Today we honor all Purple Heart recipients, many of whom are members and friends of AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134, with our gratitude, our respect, and our commitment to never forget the sacrifices they made in service to our nation.

Thank You!

Air Commandos Lunch Tomorrow July 29, 2026

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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

/ Ian L. Sitren / 1 Comment

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!

July 4th Message From Our Chapter President

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President’s 250th Anniversary Message
AFA 134: Bridge to the Future

Dear AFA Palm Springs Members and Friends,

As we honor the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, I am struck by the unique and vital role our chapter plays in the Coachella Valley. More than just an organization, our AFA Palm Springs Chapter serves as a crucial bridge, one that spans generations, technology, and service.

On one side of this bridge stands our rich history and the engaging stories so many of you share about your service to our nation. We all share a deep reverence for the foundations laid by the United States Air Force and United States Space Force, and we carry the enduring values of service, integrity, and excellence that have always defined our nation’s defense.

On the other side of that bridge lies the future. The landscape of our national defense is rapidly shifting toward space, AI driven weapons systems, and cyber warfare. To meet these threats, our nation requires a new generation of dedicated, tech savvy minds.

Our mission as a chapter is to ensure that bridge remains unbreakable.

Through our cyber education programs, such as the Coachella Valley Cyber Cup Challenge and our upcoming hands on Cyber Camp this month, we aren’t just teaching students technical skills. We are helping strengthen our nation’s future defense by teaching teamwork and leadership, and by preparing the next generation to safeguard our space networks, our digital infrastructure, and the technologies that will shape tomorrow’s conflicts.

Every bit of support and advocacy our chapter invests in programs like these helps Coachella Valley students cross the bridge from today’s classrooms to tomorrow’s leadership. Thank you for your years of service, for honoring our past, and for actively supporting our efforts to help secure our nation’s future.

In Service,

Jim

President, AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134

Help Us Build Our Virtual Hangar

/ Ian L. Sitren / 1 Comment

We’re probably still a few years, a few billion dollars, and perhaps a space program away from building something like this.

Many organizations have a building where they display photographs, squadron memorabilia, and aircraft artwork. While we don’t have a permanent chapter hangar, we do have something just as accessible… our website.

Do you have one or two photographs from your military service? Your career in aviation? Were you an airline pilot, aircraft mechanic, air traffic controller, aerospace engineer, airport employee, Civil Air Patrol member, or simply someone who has loved airplanes your entire life? Maybe your career took you in a completely different direction, but aviation has always been one of your passions. We’d love to preserve and share your photographs and your story.

Digital photographs are welcome, but don’t worry if your memories are still tucked away in albums or boxes. If you have prints, slides, or negatives, simply bring them to one of our Air Commandos Lunches or another chapter event. I’ll professionally scan them, return the originals to you, and prepare them for our Virtual Hangar.

When you submit your photograph or photographs, please include as much information as you can about them, such as who is in the photograph, the aircraft, location, approximate date, squadron or organization, and the story behind the image. Even if you don’t know all of the details, don’t let that stop you. Every photograph helps preserve a small part of our shared history.

You can email digital photographs to:

AFAPalmSprings@outlook.com

Or bring your prints, slides, or negatives to one of our chapter gatherings, and I’ll scan them and promptly return the originals.

If you’ve previously given a presentation to our chapter, I probably already have the photographs and information you shared. I’ll begin building our Virtual Hangar with those, and I hope everyone else will add one or two photographs of their own to help it grow.

Thank You!