A Very Successful Meeting for AFA Palm Springs

September 4, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / 2 Comments

The September 2 meeting was much more than a regular business meeting. It was a very successful first meeting under our new leadership, with some new faces around the table and members also joining us remotely. It was our first opportunity to bring everyone together to talk about the changes already underway and where AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 goes from here. Our new President, Ian L. Sitren; and our new Secretary/Treasurer, Frank Iain Parsons.

The discussion began with AFA’s mission and its three central areas: Educate. Advocate. Support. That mission provides the foundation for what we want to accomplish as we move forward.

One of the biggest surprises has been the actual size of our Chapter. We now know that AFA Palm Springs has 519 members, including 333 free Mission Members. A major priority will be doing a much better job of communicating with that membership and giving people more opportunities to participate.

Communications are already being expanded. Our website has been revitalized and is being updated regularly, and we are increasing our presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. We are also moving to year-round Chapter operations rather than going dark during the summer.

Cyber Education will continue to be an important part of what we do. The Chapter conducted a very successful Cyber Camp this summer, and we are now working to continue and expand our Cyber Education programs and opportunities for young people.

We are also continuing our successful Teacher of the Year program. AFA Palm Springs has had three consecutive honorees go on to be named AFA California State Teacher of the Year, an extraordinary record that we want to continue.

Aviation will become a larger part of our activities as well. We are developing our relationship with EAA Thermal Chapter and its Young Eagles program, which introduces young people to aviation and gives them an opportunity to experience flight firsthand. We also plan to build a stronger relationship with Civil Air Patrol Palm Springs and explore other ways our organizations can work together.

Behind the scenes, we are modernizing how the Chapter operates. Records are being digitized, administrative systems are being updated, and information will become much more accessible to our members. We are also beginning the process of updating our Chapter By-Laws to better reflect how an active organization should operate today.

As new programs and activities develop, we will be looking for members to serve as Program Leads. This gives people an opportunity to take responsibility for something that interests them without creating unnecessary additional officer positions.

And our regular gatherings will continue. We meet for lunch every two weeks in what has become our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. Once each month that gathering includes our formal Chapter meeting. The other lunches are casual, and everyone is welcome.

There is a lot happening at AFA Palm Springs right now, and the success of our September 2 meeting was a very encouraging start. Seeing new people around the table, longtime members returning, and others participating remotely showed us what is possible as we reach out to more of our 519 members.

With new leadership, better communications, expanding programs and new relationships throughout the Coachella Valley, we have an opportunity to build a much more active Chapter.

Now we need our members to be part of it.

Thank You!

National Aviation Day From 1939 to Air and Space

August 19, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

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

August 15, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

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

August 14, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

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

August 13, 2026August 13, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

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!

From Oshkosh to Opportunity: Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation

July 31, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

What does a remarkable airplane at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh have to do with the future of AFA Palm Springs? More than you might think.

As another record-breaking EAA AirVenture Oshkosh comes to a close, more than 734,000 people attended the world’s largest annual aviation gathering. More than 10,000 aircraft, 1,600 forums and workshops, 1,021 exhibitors, 6,000 volunteers, and an estimated $257 million economic impact made AirVenture 2026 another extraordinary success. From vintage aircraft and warbirds to military aviation, homebuilt airplanes, aerospace innovation, education, and the future of flight, Oshkosh remains unlike any other aviation event in the world.

Among the aircraft attracting attention this year was the remarkable Gee Bee QED, a modern recreation of the famous 1934 cross-country racer. It is an extraordinary aircraft, powered by a 1,425 horsepower radial engine and built as a faithful recreation of one of aviation’s most recognizable racing airplanes.

As impressive as the airplane is, the most compelling story surrounding it isn’t found in its performance specifications. It’s found in the people working around it.

In an interview at Oshkosh, Kelly Mahon, Director of Operations for the Mid America Flight Museum, explained that while preserving aviation history and honoring veterans remain central to the museum’s mission, another equally important mission is mentoring young people. High school students were invited into the restoration shop to learn, contribute, and become part of the project. One of those students later attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and completed engineering work that directly contributed to the aircraft.

One story stood out in particular. A mother initially became involved simply by bringing baked goods to the restoration team while her daughters participated. Her interest grew into a passion for aviation, and she eventually earned her Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate and became a member of the restoration team herself.

Mahon also challenged one of aviation’s most common assumptions. While much of the conversation focuses on a shortage of pilots, he argues that aviation has an equally urgent need for aircraft mechanics, technicians, engineers, and other skilled professionals who will build, maintain, and advance the aircraft of tomorrow.

His message was both simple and compelling:

“We’ve got to get them to the airport, and we’ve got to get them excited.”

Those ideas reinforce an important opportunity for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

The Air & Space Forces Association has always been committed to supporting Airmen, Guardians, veterans, and aerospace education. As our Chapter continues to expand its Cyber Education initiatives, we also recognize that aviation itself remains an essential part of inspiring the next generation. Through growing relationships with organizations such as EAA Chapter 1116, Young Eagles, Civil Air Patrol, College of the Desert, local schools, and other STEM partners, we have an opportunity to introduce young people to aviation, aerospace, engineering, aircraft maintenance, cybersecurity, military service, and many of the careers that support our nation’s Air and Space Forces.

The future of aerospace depends on far more than pilots. It depends on the people who design, build, maintain, protect, and innovate the technologies that make flight possible.

Aviation has always inspired people to look beyond the horizon. The challenge today is making sure the next generation has the opportunity to discover that same inspiration. Whether that journey leads to the cockpit, the maintenance hangar, an engineering laboratory, a cyber operations center, or military service, it begins by giving young people the chance to experience aviation firsthand.

That is why aviation outreach remains an important part of the mission of AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

We encourage you to watch Kelly Mahon’s interview. The Gee Bee QED is a remarkable airplane, but the ideas behind the project may be even more inspiring.

The Future of Cyber Education Looks Bright at AFA Palm Springs

July 18, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Today we celebrate a successful Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter 134 Summer Cyber Camp and an outstanding group of students who spent the week learning, working together, and developing new cybersecurity and artificial intelligence skills.

After spending time at the camp on Tuesday and returning for Graduation Day, I came away even more impressed than I expected. These are bright, motivated young people who represent exactly the kind of talent our country will need in the years ahead.

Cyber Education is one of the Air & Space Forces Association’s most important missions. Programs like this introduce students to exciting career opportunities while helping prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, engineers, and technology leaders who will help protect our nation’s critical infrastructure.

This remarkable program would not exist without the dedication of Jim McFarlin, Tony Della-Moretta, and Jose Ramirez. Their vision, leadership, and countless hours of planning, teaching, and mentoring have created a program that benefits not only these students, but our entire community. They deserve our sincere thanks and recognition for what they have accomplished.

Jim, Tony, and Jose were joined by an outstanding team of instructors, guest speakers, mentors, and supporters who generously shared their time, knowledge, and expertise throughout the week. Felix Marhuenda-Donate, Patrick Jacobs, Dana Sanchez, Regina Vasquez, Jason Hoang, Thomas Chapman, Jeff Gonzalez, Frank Ceja, Captain Lauren Puseman, Mark Brenner, Glenn Miller from the office of U.S. Representative Ken Calvert, and Lucas Penon from the office of U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz each contributed to making this year’s Cyber Camp such an exceptional experience for the students.

The success of Cyber Camp is truly the result of many people working together toward a common goal. Without the dedication and involvement of this entire team, the program could not have worked as well as it did. Their combined experience and commitment created an educational opportunity that these students will carry with them long after Cyber Camp has ended.

We also extend our sincere thanks to College of the Desert for its support of Cyber Camp and for providing the outstanding facilities that helped make this program possible. Having access to the College’s Information Technology Center provided the students and instructors with a professional environment in which to learn, teach, and work together throughout the week.

The success of this year’s camp also reflects the confidence our community has placed in this effort through the generous support of organizations including the Anderson Children’s Foundation and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Their investment is helping create opportunities for young people that extend far beyond this one week.

As important as this year’s camp has been, we believe it is only the beginning. Our chapter is committed to continuing to build and expand our Cyber Education programs, reaching more students and creating even greater opportunities throughout the Coachella Valley. We already have ideas in development and look forward to sharing more exciting news in the near future.

Congratulations to every student who participated, thank you to the parents for their support and encouragement, and thank you to everyone who helped make this program possible. The future of Cyber Education in our chapter has never looked brighter.

Ian L. Sitren

Visit the AFA Cyber Camp This Thursday or Friday

July 15, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

I had the opportunity to spend Tuesday at our AFA Summer Cyber Camp, and I came away genuinely impressed. The facility, the instructors, and especially the students exceeded my expectations. This is a first-class program that demonstrates exactly what our Air & Space Forces Association is all about by inspiring and preparing the next generation of technology and cybersecurity professionals.

If you have a few hours available, I encourage you to stop by on Thursday or Friday and experience the camp for yourself.

Thursday, July 16 (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Students will present the AI projects they have developed throughout the week as Professor Marhuenda-Donate and Jose Ramirez return to review their work and discuss the results.

Friday, July 17 (9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

Graduation Day features team cyber competitions, awards, presentations by Indio High School Information Technology instructor Mark Brenner, and the participation of parents and families. Representatives from the offices of Congressman Ken Calvert and Congressman Raul Ruiz will present Congressional Certificates to every camper before everyone celebrates with a well-earned pizza party.

The camp is located in the College of the Desert Library, in the center of the campus.

Enter the campus from Fred Waring Drive, follow the signs, park in Lot 5, and walk north past the gymnasium to the library. Please do not confuse it with the Public Library near the campus entrance. Once inside the College of the Desert Library, take the elevator to the basement level and enter the glass doors leading to the Information Technology Center.

I hope many of our members will take the opportunity to visit. Seeing these students at work, meeting the instructors, and experiencing the professionalism of this program firsthand is the best way to appreciate the impact our chapter is making in the community. It is an outstanding example of the Air & Space Forces Association mission in action, and I believe you’ll leave as impressed as I was.

I will personally be there again on Friday, and I hope to see many of you there.

Ian L. Sitren

Cyber Camp Begins Next Week – Visit, Support, and See What’s New at AFA Palm Springs

July 10, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Cyber Camp begins next week, and it is one of the most important programs our chapter conducts each year.

Its importance is reflected in the generous support we have received from our community, including a recent grant from the Anderson Children’s Foundation and previous funding from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Their confidence in our program is helping us prepare the next generation of cyber professionals and technology leaders.

Joining our members who will be staffing the camp—including Jim McFarlin, Tony Della-Moretta, and Jose Ramirez—I will also be there on Tuesday and Friday photographing the activities and documenting the week.

I would encourage our members to take some time during the week to stop by, see the program in action, and show your support for these outstanding students. The camp runs Monday through Friday, and the complete schedule is available on our website:

AFA 2026 Summer Cyber Camp Schedule

While you’re there, I also invite you to explore the website if you haven’t visited recently—or even in the past few days. We’ve added new sections, updated the calendar, and made a number of improvements. The site will continue to grow as we develop it into the central communication and information resource for our members, prospective members, and visitors.

The website is easy to remember… AFAPalmSprings.org

We look forward to seeing many of you at Cyber Camp next week.

And remember, our Air Commandos Lunch is this coming Wednesday, July 15th. Everyone is welcome.

AFA 2026 Summer Cyber Camp Schedule

July 8, 2026 / Ian L. Sitren / 3 Comments

AFA 2026 Summer Cyber Camp
College of the Desert Information Technology Center
July 13–17, 2026

The Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter is excited to welcome students back for our annual Summer Cyber Camp.

One of the shining gems of our chapter’s Cyber Education program, this is far more than a summer camp. It is a week of hands-on learning designed to introduce high school students from across the Coachella Valley to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, teamwork, and the technology skills that will shape tomorrow’s workforce.

Students will receive instruction from College of the Desert faculty and cybersecurity professionals while participating in practical exercises and team competitions that mirror real-world cyber challenges.

Here’s what they’ll experience during the week:

Monday – July 13 (8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
The camp kicks off with California Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, a Marine Corps veteran, who will discuss why technology knowledge has become a career superpower in today’s AI-driven world.

Tuesday – July 14 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Students will explore Artificial Intelligence in Action with College of the Desert Professor Felix Marhuenda-Donateand CSU San Bernardino Cybersecurity 4.0 graduate Jose Ramirez, learning how to build and use their own personal AI models.

Wednesday – July 15 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
One of the week’s highlights will be a virtual presentation by U.S. Air Force Captain Lauren Puseman, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Cyber Operations Officer. A former La Quinta High School student and Summer Cyber Camp participant, Captain Puseman will share her journey from attending this very camp to serving in one of the Air Force’s critical cyber career fields. Her presentation will take place from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Thursday – July 16 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Students will present the AI projects they have developed during the week as Professor Marhuenda-Donate and Jose Ramirez return to review their work and discuss the results.

Friday – July 17 (9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
Graduation Day features team cyber competitions, awards, parents and families, and presentations by Indio High School Information Technology instructor Mark Brenner. Representatives from the offices of Congressmen Ken Calvert and Raul Ruiz will present Congressional Certificates to every camper before everyone celebrates with a well-earned pizza party.

Programs like our Summer Cyber Camp demonstrate the Air & Space Forces Association’s commitment to developing the next generation of cyber professionals and technology leaders. We look forward to another outstanding week of learning, teamwork, innovation, and discovery.