AFA Honors Doolittle Raiders

April 18th marked the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid. AFA Executive Vice President Denise Hollywood spoke at a wreath laying ceremony honoring the Doolittle Raiders at the Air Force Memorial.  Also speaking were Mr. Tim Holbert, executive director, American Veterans Center; Ms. Wang Yuehong, counselor, Chinese Embassy; and Ms. Mae Krier, co-founder, National Rosie the Riveter Day.

On April 20th, in Washington, D.C., our Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies inaugurated its first Airpower Heritage Salute. This year’s honoree was retired Lt Col Dick Cole. Best known as Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot on the famed April 18, 1942, raid against Japan, Cole and his fellow flyers put everything on the line as their B-25 Mitchell bombers took off from the deck of USS Hornet and headed for Japan. Following this daring mission, Cole pioneered air supply over the Himalayas critical in keeping China in the war. His final combat assignment saw him fly with the First Air Commando Group in the aerial invasion of Burma that marks the birth of Air Force special operations. After World War II, Cole continued to serve in the newly established US Air Force, retiring in 1966. To those of us looking back on this incredible life marked by dedication to duty, one word stands above all when seeking to describe Cole: hero. Appraising the situation himself, he notes that he was just doing his job.

AFA has a rich history with the Doolittle Raiders. Lt Col Cole announced the name of the newest B-21 bomber, Raider, honoring his colleagues at our Air, Space & Cyber Conference last fall. Our AFA Headquarters building is named the Doolittle Building because of the legacy of Doolittle and his Raiders.

AFA salutes the Raiders and their historic mission and will continue to preserve their legacy by highlighting the dominance of Airpower.

The Next Generation

Earlier this month, Arnold Air Society (AAS) and Silver Wings (SW, formerly Angel Flight) members from across the country gathered in Orlando, FL, for their 67th annual National Conclave (NATCON). Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings are collegiate service organizations of Air Force ROTC cadets and civilian student leaders and airpower advocates serving their communities across college campuses nationwide. The two sister organizations serve a joint mission to build the next generation of Air Force and civic leaders through countless professional development events and impact communities with over 100,000 service hours each year.

This year, Arnold Air Society celebrated their 70th anniversary and Silver Wings celebrated their 65th at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Throughout the conclave, over 900 cadets and students engaged in professional development workshops conducted by the Air Force’s Profession of Arms Center of Excellence (PACE), learned how to be future leaders with Lt Gen Charles “CQ” Brown, and furthered the impact our Air Force Association makes on countless Airmen every day with Secretary Whit Peters, AFA’s Chairman of the Board, at an AFA hosted luncheon.

“NATCON is a showcase for the talent of the young men and women of Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings,” said Peters. “With support from some AAS/SW graduate volunteers, the sponsoring detachments organized and managed a four-day event for some 1,000 attendees.  The result this year was spectacular and professional in all respects. Unquestionably the members of AAS/SW are ready to lead our Air Force and the nation in the coming decades.”

Brig Gen (Ret.) Dick Bundy, AFA Chairman of the Board for Aerospace Education and Secretary Whit Peters, AFA Chairman of the Board, present Ms. Ashley Kinsey with the AFA Diane O'Malley Silver Wings Outstanding Service Award.

Photo by Cadet Isaac McDermott

Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings (Angel Flight) have been valued partners of AFA since 1950. Each member of Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings is also a member of AFA and serves as a premier source for building future leaders.

“The Air Force Association and Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings share nearly 70 years of history, and our partnership has never been stronger,” said Brig Gen Dan Woodward, USAF (Ret.), Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings executive director, “When you bring 900 of AFA's youngest and most energetic members together at one of our Conclaves, there is simply no doubt the future of both our organizations – and our nation – are in great hands!”

Throughout the four-day conclave, attendees heard from several distinguished speakers on a variety of topics. It was hard to find a dry eye in the room as Col Ed Hubbard, USAF (Ret.), described his six years spent as a Vietnam War prisoner of war and discussed how something as simple as changing his perspective and building a community strengthened his will to live. One of the most memorable moments for many during the conclave occurred as a wave of patriotism swept over the cadets and civilian students when Col Hubbard led them to sing “God Bless America.”

The 67th National Conclave culminated with the presentation of The Air Force Scroll of Appreciation, a Secretary of the Air Force-level award reflecting years of dedicated service to building great Air Force officers and airpower advocates. The prestigious award was presented by Silver Wings and Angel Flight alum, Lt Gen Stayce Harris, at the USAA Military Banquet on April 17th.

This extraordinary group of future Air Force and civilian leaders is paving the way for the next generation of our Air Force. They are true Airmen for Life. To learn more about Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings and the impact they make on our Air Force and communities nationwide, click here.

General Selva Discusses Air Force Budget

General Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed industry, government, military and media at AFA’s Air Force Breakfast Program on April 13th. Gen Selva spoke candidly regarding the looming continuing resolution (CR), DoD’s budget and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFAR). “We do not take advantage of the corners of the DFAR, and as a result, innovation happens slowly,” commented Gen Selva. Read the full overview of April’s AFA Air Force Breakfast in our Daily Report. You can also watch the full video or hear the full audio recording from the breakfast, here.  

In June, AFA will roll out the Capitol Hill Edition of the AFA Air Force Breakfast Series and our event will shift to the Capitol Hill Club in Washington D.C.   This shift enables us to more effectively tell the Air Force story to the US Congress, to the other armed services, to the public policy and industry communities, as well as to the media and to the public at large.  We will enlist senior USAF leadership and the nation’s top experts to speak at breakfast seminars on Capitol Hill. 

The new AFA Air Force Breakfast Program will address a variety of important topics such as the need to increase and train the necessary manpower to achieve the needed readiness to be an effective force, undertake the advanced research into the weapons and strategies of the future, and build our airlifters, tankers, bombers, jets and surveillance and reconnaissance platforms to ensure that America is protected into the future. We will examine all the major USAF acquisition and research and development programs, including JSTARS, the F-35, the F-15, the B-21, the KC-10 replacement, and examine the entire range of major USAF conventional and acquisition programs critical to the future of the country’s security.

To do that, the Air Force must effectively tell its story to the US Congress, to the other armed services, to the professional public policy and industry community, as well as the media and to the public at large.  We will enlist senior USAF leadership to tell this important story, hosting the nation’s top experts in and out of the USAF to speak at breakfast seminars on Capitol Hill. 

This is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to meet, greet and listen to senior Air Force decision makers. Unique sponsorship opportunities are available for these events. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Chet Curtis at ccurtis@afa.org.  

Capitol Hill AFA Air Force Breakfast Series Schedule:

June 5: Gen Mike Holmes, Commander, Air Combat Command

July 26: Gen David Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the Air Force

Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge

*As of April 22, 2017

AFA is committed to caring for our Wounded Airmen. Join us at our first annual Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge on May 20, 2017, to raise funds in support of our Wounded Airmen and their families, while also having fun at CycleBar, one of Arlington's premier indoor cycling and spin venues. AFA challenges you to raise $500 to help us reach our $50,000 goal – we’re already over halfway there!

All funds raised directly support AFA’s Wounded Airmen & Family Programs. Click here to register to ride and start fund-raising for this worthy cause today.

AFA’s #70for70 Social Media Campaign

Throughout the course of 2017, AFA is honoring Airmen for Life through our #70for70 social media campaign, culminating at our upcoming Air, Space & Cyber Conference September 18-20, 2017. So far, AFA has recognized 30 distinguished Airmen and Airpower advocates who have made significant contributions to our Air Force.

This month, AFA honored the Month of the Military Child by highlighting Colleen Shine, the daughter of Vietnam veteran Lt Col Anthony Shine, whose aircraft went missing in December 1972. It took 24 years to recover his remains. Lt Col Shine was finally laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Army Air Corps C-47 pilot, retired Col Gail Halvorsen is best known as the famed World War II “Candy Bomber.” Col Halvorsen would collect his candy rations and fasten them to parachutes made with cloth and string, and would “wiggle” the wings of his aircraft so the children would know it was him. Col Halvorsen’s "service before self" embodies the principles and values held by our Air Force.

AFA celebrated the US Air Force Reserve’s birthday on April 14 by featuring Maj Gen Michael Kim, mobilization assistant to the Chief of Air Force Reserve at the Pentagon. The Air Force Reserve was established in 1948 and has served a crucial role to our Total Force Air Force.

There are countless individuals who have impacted our Air Force in ways beyond measure, but few come to mind like aviation pioneer, Gen Ira Eaker. One of the founders of a separate US Air Force, General Eaker is famed for making the first “blind” transcontinental flight without instruments and also served as the commander of Eighth Air Force.

AFA is proud of our Air Force's storied history that has led it to become the World's Greatest Air Force. Follow AFA on social media @AirForceAssoc to view our upcoming #70for70 honorees. View all individuals featured so far, here.

In honor of our Air Force’s special 70th Birthday, AFA is selling commemorative 70th birthday t-shirts! Buy yours here to celebrate the Air Force’s 70th in style.

AFA Members Know the Value of Mentorship

AFA member SrA Marc Granville recently separated from active duty and joined the D.C. Air National Guard unit at Andrews Air Force Base, MD. In order to complete his bachelor’s degree and pursue an officer’s commission, Granville joined the AFROTC program at the University of Maryland and chose to join Arnold Air Society’s Frank P. Lahm Squadron to gain invaluable leadership training and mentorship the honor society provides its cadet members.

Granville, pictured above with the AAS Lahm Squadron’s mascot, “Frankie the Lamb,” attended AFA President Gen Larry Spencer’s address to the Airmen at Langley Air Force Base, VA, on April 13. General Spencer discussed the importance of finding a trustworthy mentor and the impact it can have on both your professional career and personal life. “That is why I’m truly thankful I joined AFA, not only for the personal development but the amazing mentors I have been able to come across,” said Granville.

From Tyler Johnson, AFA Central East Region President, to AFA President General Larry Spencer, Granville has built several relationships with mentors who have impacted his life all because of his involvement in AFA. AFA is here to help our members grow – both personally and professionally – through all stages of life and career. We are here to build Airmen for Life. You can now add the Airman for Life logo on merchandise from our Hangar Store, click here to shop.

AFA’s Operation Enduring Support

A generous gift each month helps AFA spend more money on promoting a dominant US Air Force and less on fund-raising costs. Monthly giving creates an ongoing and predictable cash flow AFA can use to more effectively plan and execute initiatives. It is an easy and affordable way for you to make your contributions go even further in support of AFA’s mission.

To honor their commitment, monthly donors are recognized as Flight Leaders in AFA’s Operation Enduring Support.

Supporters who commit a monthly recurring donation amount of $15, $25, $50, $75, or $100+ will qualify for special gifts as listed below. We are excited to announce the group levels are all Air Force themed, with gifts ranging from blankets to a prestigious President’s Coin, cementing your important leadership level in AFA’s mission.

Monthly donors will receive the gift specific to their level and all levels below them.

The Air Force Association is proud to work on behalf of the men and women of the Air Force and honored to be the organization that helps Airmen along their journey as Airmen for Life – before, during, and after their time in service.

Together, we can continue to promote a dominant US Air Force.

Don’t miss out on this exciting offer to become a Flight Leader in AFA’s Operation Enduring Support and to earn AFA gifts. We simply couldn’t do it without you! Click here to support our mission today. 

Get to Know Your AFA Membership

Are you getting the most out of your AFA membership? From insurance to shopping and travel discounts, AFA offers countless benefits to help you through every phase of life. Click here to learn more about all the benefits AFA offers our members.

Support AFA through USAA

USAA has been a valued partner of AFA for several years. USAA offers valuable financial services including banking, financial advice and investment planning.

Did you know? It’s now easier than ever to support AFA through your USAA membership. All USAA credit card holders can now donate $10 directly to AFA for every 1,000 reward points they have earned. Learn more about the USAA reward points donation program here. 

Note from the President

AFA’s annual Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fl., was a huge success. The energy displayed among Airmen, Industry, and members was remarkable. We are happy to report that attendance for this year’s symposium was among the highest on record over the last ten years. Along with our Air Force and Industry senior leaders, we discussed important topics in C2 and Fusion Warfare and the future of our Air Force. We were thrilled to see a very positive response toward our new programs such as Airmen for Life and 70 for 70.  Also, our new 70th Air Force Anniversary T-shirts and polo shirts were big hits.  Please view the T-shirts here to purchase yours!  And, click here to purchase your Airmen for Life polo shirts. In fact, you can have the Airmen for Life logo applied to any garment of your choice on our Hangar Store.

This was also the last appearance in uniform at an AFA event for General “Hawk” Carlisle, Commander, Air Combat Command.  We at AFA wish him the best in retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated service to our Air Force. Some of the more notable events of the symposium included Acting Secretary Disbrow's speech covering the current state of the Air Force and our projected growth and the introduction of our new Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Kaleth Wright. General Goldfein’s speech was another home run as he laid out his main priorities for our Air Force. Air Warfare was chalk-full of outstanding panel discussions, covering topics including training for fusion and combat perspectives. I encourage those who were not present to watch the videos of this outstanding professional development event on our website.

There is no rest for the weary as we are already planning to raise the bar even higher for next year’s symposium held February 21-23, 2018. So save the date and we hope to see you in sunny Orlando next year! We are also gearing up for our next major event, the Air, Space & Cyber Conference scheduled September 18-20, 2017. Themed, “Breaking Barriers; Heritage to Horizons,” with 70th Birthday activities, this year’s event promises to be one of the biggest and best ever. Registration opens May 1, stay tuned for details soon—you won’t want to miss this one. 

We are excited to announce AFA’s first annual Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge in the DC area on May 20, 2017 to benefit our Wounded Airmen and Family Programs. This event will be held in Arlington, VA at CycleBar, a premier indoor cycling venue promoting good health and exercise. The fundraiser will be held in two spin classes to support our Wounded Airmen.  Join us for good fun for a great cause and help us reach our $50,000 fundraising goal! Click here to learn more and begin fundraising. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available for this event, to learn more please, contact Fred Ullman at fullman@afa.org.  If you’re not located in the DC area, we encourage you to hold your own Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge fundraiser (or other fundraisers) to support Wounded Airmen and Family Programs.  Visit CycleBar’s website to find a location near you. 

A quick update on the Air Force Memorial: over the past 10 years, your Air Force Association managed daily operations at the Air Force Memorial.  However, on April 1, 2017, the Air Force will assume responsibility for these day-to-day functions. Events can still be scheduled through their website. The Air Force Memorial Foundation will remain open and AFA will remain a vigilant supporter of the Air Force Memorial. AFA is proud of the work of the Air Force Memorial Foundation, to include Mr. Ross Perot Jr., Lt Gen (Ret) Bob Springer and Air Power legend, Ollie Crawford.  We also thank CMSgt (Ret) Barbara Taylor for her outstanding management of the Air Force Memorial.

We are certainly staying busy this spring – just how we like it. We are working hard to reach our financial and membership goals in 2017 and are well on our way to doing so. None of this would be possible without you, our dedicated members, partners, volunteers and staff.  Thank you for your unwavering support of our Association.  We look forward to a great year ahead.

Sincerely,

Larry O. Spencer

President

AFA in the News

AFA President, Gen Larry Spencer (ret) appeared on local ABC channel, Government Matters TV, March 16 to discuss the White House’s proposed budget and how it may impact the Air Force. “The budget, equipment and the number of people we have has steadily declined,” said Gen Spencer, “We’re in this convergence where the Air Force has lost capability and lost people, but at the same time the requirement for the Air Force is growing.” Watch Gen Spencer’s full interview here.

Air Force leaders have been stating for quite some time that the White House needs to focus on effectively growing our military as a whole. Earlier this month, Gen Larry Spencer (ret) discussed Congress’ plans to increase growth and funding initiatives for the US military along with Gen Carter Ham, Association of the US Army President, and Skip Witunski, President of the Navy League of the US in a recent joint op-ed in Military Times. “While demand on the American military is increasing, we are falling behind,” said Spencer, Ham and Witunski, “Our military has been expected to recuperate from over a decade of war, modernize equipment, develop revolutionary technologies, and meet current demands from our combatant commanders without growing the budget.” Read the full article here.

Our Air Force’s aging fleet of aircraft has been popular conversation in the news lately as well. Col Keith Zuegel (ret), AFA’s Senior Director of Government Relations, wrote that the United States needs to put national security first in his latest op-ed in Defense News. “The U.S. Air Force is our nation’s first responder around the globe, however, it now has the smallest, oldest and least-ready force in its history,” said Zuegel, “It operates an aging and increasingly costly force of 50-year-old refueling tankers; bombers, trainers and helicopters more than 40 years old; and fighters more than 30 years old.” Read his full article here. Be sure to follow AFA on social media to stay up to date on all of AFA’s government and policy matters.