USAF

AFA Air Commandos Lunch – Maj. Lee Cohen’s Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

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Join Us – AFA Air Commandos Lunch: Major Lee Cohen’s Honor Flight

On Wednesday, June 18, we welcome Maj. Lee Cohen, USAF (Ret.), for a special AFA Air Commandos luncheon at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. He’ll be sharing highlights from his recent Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where veterans visited memorials in their honor and experienced a long-overdue welcome home.

Maj. Cohen’s story is one of service, sacrifice, and reflection—from the Vietnam War and Red River Rat sorties to being recognized decades later during this moving tribute to veterans.

Date: Wednesday, June 18
Location: ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook St., Palm Desert, CA
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
No RSVP required

There is no event charge—just pay for your own food and beverage.

This is a unique chance to hear a veteran’s powerful journey from combat missions to an Honor Flight homecoming. All are welcome—bring a friend or fellow aviation enthusiast.

June 18 AFA Air Commandos Lunch – Maj. Lee Cohen’s Vietnam Combat Missions and More

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PLEASE NOTE CORRECTION… WEDNESDAY JUNE 18TH THANK YOU

Join us for the next AFA Air Commandos Luncheon on Wednesday, June 18, featuring Maj. Lee Cohen, USAF (Ret.), as he recounts his extraordinary experiences during the Vietnam air war—including Red River Rat sorties and missions supporting Operation Rolling Thunder.

This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from a combat-proven Electronic Warfare Officer who flew 119½ missions over North Vietnam and served across the Cold War and Southeast Asia theaters.

Highlights of Maj. Cohen’s service:

  • Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Enlisted in the Air Force in 1957 while still in high school
  • Began as an Airborne Radio Operator on C-119s
  • Took and passed the U.S. Air Force Academy exams at Offutt AFB
  • Trained as an Aviation Cadet and graduated Navigator Flight School (Harlingen, TX, 1958–59)
  • Completed Electronic Warfare School at Keesler AFB, Mississippi in 1960
  • Served at Stewart AFB (1960–63), then Elmendorf AFB in Alaska with the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
  • Deployed to Southeast Asia during 1966–67, flying from Takhli, Korat, Udorn, and Ubon in Thailand

Aircraft flown: A1E, EB-57, EB-66, F-102, F-105, T-33
Combat operations: Operation Rolling Thunder, Red River Rat sorties

Post-Vietnam assignments:

  • After 119½ combat missions, returned to the U.S.
  • Assigned to Norton AFB, CA (MAC, “Wing EWO”)
  • Served at McGuire AFB, NJ (MAC, 21st EWO)
  • Participated in operations supporting the return of U.S. POWs from Vietnam
  • Completed training, operations, and planning roles until retirement
  • Decorations: Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine Air Medals

Maj. Cohen retired from the Air Force in June 1978 with the rank of Major.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 18
Location: ROC’s Firehouse Grille 36891 Cook St., Palm Desert CA
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
No RSVP required and no event charge other than your own food and beverage.

Come hear this remarkable veteran share a story of duty, danger, and dedication. All are welcome—bring a friend or a fellow aviation enthusiast.

Colonel Robert Lilac to Speak at May 14 Air Commandos Luncheon

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You’re Invited: AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon
Special Guest Speaker – Colonel Robert Lilac
Presentation: “The Saga of LITTLE Bobby Lilac”
Subtitled: “A Tour de Force of Four Score and Seven Years of Fun Stuff Interspersed with an Occasional Fact or Two”

Join us this Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Roc’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert for a lively and wide-ranging presentation by Colonel Robert Lilac, whose distinguished career in the United States Air Force spanned from fighter cockpits to the White House.

Colonel Lilac began his military service in 1958 as a Second Lieutenant with the National Security Agency, later training as a jet fighter pilot. He served three years in the United Kingdom flying the F-100, then flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the F-104 during two Vietnam tours.

In 1967, he graduated from the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, training as both a Test Pilot and Space Research Pilot. He flew the NF-104, a rocket-augmented aircraft, to altitudes over 100,000 feet.

His assignments included serving as a military advisor in Saudi Arabia, commanding an A-10 Fighter Squadron, and working at the Pentagon as Chief of Air Force International Programs for Saudi Arabia. From 1982 to 1984, he served in the Reagan White House as Director of Political-Military Affairs on the National Security Council.

Decorated with the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with 8 oak leaf clusters, Colonel Lilac retired in 1984 and ran a consulting business in Washington, D.C., with his wife Jan until 2005. Today, they live in Palm Desert, spending summers in Lakeside, Montana.

The Air Commandos Luncheon started as a way for AFA members and friends to reconnect after the COVID lockdowns. Held every couple of weeks, it’s an informal gathering for good company, great stories, and lunch.

📍 Roc’s Firehouse Grille
36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📅 Wednesday, May 14, 2025

There is no fee to attend—just order your own lunch and/or beverage from the menu.

All are welcome. No RSVP required.

Battle Of Lexington

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Air Force Material Command – April 25, 2025

A U.S. Army Parachute Team C-147A aircraft flies above the Lexington Battle Green during a rededication ceremony held in Lexington, Mass., April 19. The Golden Knights jump performance was part of the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Lexington. The Battle Green, also known as the Lexington Common, is the site of the opening shots of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which started the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Maki)

HALO Jump

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This week’s Airman Top Shot comes from Tech. Sgt. Jana Somero!

“HALO jump” – Airman Magazine Feb. 28, 2025
U.S. Air Force pararescuemen assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron conduct High Altitude Low Open parachute jumps from a C-130 Hercules near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 13, 2025. The technique minimizes risk to supplies, equipment or personnel as they are airdropped from high altitudes over enemy airspace.

Air Force Names OA-1K Skyraider II

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A U.S. Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II is parked on the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Jan. 28, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli)

February 27 2025… About a month away from its arrival, the Air Force named an upcoming light attack and observation aircraft after an iconic Cold War-era close air support platform.

The OA-1K—from the Armed Overwatch program—will be called the Skyraider II, Air Force Special Operations Command officials said. The modified cropduster will provide airborne eyes, ears, and precision fires to support ground troops in permissive airspace, just as its namesake, the A-1 Skyraider, did in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. (Read the full story here at Air&Space Forces Magazine)

B-1B Lancer “Top Shot” This Week

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(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alec Carlberg)

This week’s Airman Top Shot comes from Airman 1st Class Alec Carlberg! Airman Magazine Feb 21, 2025

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., takes off in support of Bomber Task Force 25-1 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 10, 2025. Demonstrating cutting-edge capabilities, forward presence, and commitment to allies and partners communicates the United States’ resolve in the Indo-Pacific.

F-15EX Nails Pentagon Test Campaign

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In its latest annual report, the Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) provides an absolutely glowing assessment of the F-15EX Eagle II, the latest fighter to enter U.S. Air Force service. However, the assessment also offers a note of caution, especially when it comes to the survivability of the fighter when faced with potential future threats.

In the report, the Pentagon provides an update on the status of the F-15EX, which was approved for full-rate production in June of last year. It also reinforces the fact that, at present, the two-seat F-15EX is primarily an air superiority platform, despite its multirole capability. Take a few minutes and read the full story online at https://www.twz.com/air/f-15ex-nails-pentagon-test-campaign-survivability-concerns-remain

On This Day in Space! 🚀🌍

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📅 **February 7, 1984** – The world’s first untethered spacewalk.

On this day, **NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless II** became the first person to conduct a spacewalk without a tether, floating freely in the vastness of space.

Equipped with the **Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU)**—a jetpack-like system with gas thrusters—McCandless was able to venture **320 feet away from the Space Shuttle Challenger**, marking a historic moment in human spaceflight.

This daring mission demonstrated new possibilities for satellite servicing, station assembly, and future deep-space exploration.

**A salute to McCandless and all pioneers who push the limits of exploration!** 🛰️🇺🇸

📸: NASA