AFA Chapter 134

Every Other Wednesday at ROC’s

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Bacon Double smash. Photo-bombing bartender, additional charge!

Every other Wednesday at 11:30am, we have our unofficial Chapter lunch at ROC’s. We sometimes have presentations by one of our local heroes. Otherwise always good company, tall tales and great food. This is one of our favorites. No reservation required, just pay for your own lunch and beverage. Come join us! Next date is October 29th 2025. Send us an e-mail to AFAPalmSprings@outlook.com to check the schedule. Thanks!

ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street Palm Desert CA https://www.rocsfirehouse.com

Remembering the Korean War – 75 Years of American Airpower

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Today marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War — a pivotal moment in the early history of the United States Air Force. Just three years into its existence as a separate branch, the USAF was called into action in its first major combat operation.

The war introduced the world to the age of jet combat, with aircraft like the F-86 Sabre playing a key role in shaping modern aerial warfare. It was a proving ground for tactics, technology, and the valor of American Airmen.

We honor those who served during the Korean War — pilots, crews, and support personnel — whose service helped lay the foundation for the airpower we rely on today.

Image: USAF 75th Anniversary Korean War graphic (2025)

Before It Was Memorial Day: A Look Back at Decoration Day

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This hand-tinted image, originally published by White Smith & Co. in the late 19th century, recalls the earliest days of what we now call Memorial Day — then known as Decoration Day.

Decoration Day began in the aftermath of the Civil War, when communities across the country began honoring fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. The practice was widespread but unofficial until May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued an order formally establishing the day as a time to remember those who had died in service to the Union.

The artwork seen here first appeared as a black-and-white etching in the 1870s and was later colorized for use as back-cover advertising on sheet music. It reflects how deeply the observance had become part of American life — not just as a military tradition, but as a cultural ritual of remembrance.

Memorial Day became a national holiday in 1971, expanding its scope to honor all Americans who have died in military service. But its roots remain firmly planted in scenes like this — quiet moments in cemeteries, where families gathered not to celebrate, but to remember.

As we reflect this Memorial Day, let’s take a moment to look back — not just at wars and battles, but at the origins of remembrance itself.

Honoring Service on Armed Forces Day

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Today is Armed Forces Day—a time to recognize and honor the men and women currently serving in all branches of the United States military. First observed on May 20, 1950, this national holiday was established following the unification of the military services under the Department of Defense.

The day was created to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard Days and to acknowledge the collective strength and dedication of our armed forces. The first celebration featured parades, open houses, air shows, and displays of military technology.

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation making Armed Forces Day an official national holiday, further solidifying its place in American tradition. It is now held annually on the third Saturday in May.

Armed Forces Day also falls within National Military Appreciation Month, a time that includes several key observances:

  • Loyalty Day (May 1)
  • Public Service Recognition Week (first full week of May)
  • Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) (May 8)
  • Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Friday before Mother’s Day)
  • Memorial Day (last Monday in May)

We salute our service members for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice. From our AFA Chapter, we extend our gratitude to all who wear the uniform, and those who support them in service to our nation.

AFA Chapter Honored at Morongo Community Outreach Awards 2025

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On May 14, 2025, our Air & Space Forces Association Chapter 134 was recognized at the 4th Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Held in Cabazon, the event celebrated organizations that are making a difference across the region. We were proud to be among the selected recipients, receiving a $5,000 grant to support our cybersecurity education initiatives, field trips, and Veterans Expo programming.

Along with the grant, AFA Chapter 134 was honored with certificates of recognition from:

  • The California State Assembly
  • The California State Senate
  • The U.S. House of Representatives (25th Congressional District)
  • The Morongo Band of Mission Indians

These acknowledgments highlight the value of our ongoing efforts in education, community support, and veteran engagement. We extend our sincere thanks to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for their continued partnership and commitment to strengthening local outreach.

Major Lee Cohen – Honor Flight Mission #18

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**Join Us in Welcoming Him Home!**All are invited to participate in a special **Welcome Home Celebration** this **Sunday, May 18, at 12:30 p.m.**, when Major Cohen and fellow veterans return from their “Tour of Honor.” Bring your flags, signs, and applause as we give these heroes the welcome they truly deserve!

📍 **Location:** LAX – Southwest Airlines Terminal 1, Baggage Claim Area

✈️ **Flight:** Southwest #WN3261

The Palm Springs Chapter 134 of the Air & Space Forces Association proudly honors one of our own—USAF Major (Ret.) Lee Cohen—on his selection to **Honor Flight Southland’s Mission #18**. Major Cohen joins a distinguished group of veterans receiving an all-expense-paid journey to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

Major Cohen’s Air Force career spans pivotal moments in Cold War and Vietnam-era history. Commissioned in 1959, he began his service in electronic warfare with the EB-57, testing NORAD defense systems and training interceptor pilots. Later, he flew with the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Alaska—recognized twice as the best in the Air Force—before deploying to Southeast Asia during Operation Rolling Thunder. There, he flew 119 ½ combat missions over North Vietnam in EB-57s and F-102s.

For his courageous service, Major Cohen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine Air Medals. After contributing to planning efforts for the return of American POWs and serving in key operational roles, he retired in 1978 as a Major. He now resides in Beaumont, California.

Dana Sanchez Named AFA California Teacher of the Year

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Each year, the Palm Springs chapter of the Air and Space Forces Association honors an outstanding K–12 educator who demonstrates exceptional commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and positively impacts the lives of students. This year, that honor goes to Dana Sanchez, an Information Technology teacher at Coachella Valley High School.

Dana teaches courses in IT, cybersecurity (including CISCO certification), and business information systems. She also played a key role in our 2025 Cyber Cup Competition by coaching two student teams—one of which earned second place in our regional event.

Recognized first as our local Chapter Teacher of the Year, Dana went on to compete with teachers nominated by other California chapters and was ultimately selected as the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2025 California State Teacher of the Year.

In a May 8 awards ceremony held at Coachella Valley High School, Dana was honored in the presence of the school district superintendent and other officials. She received certificates of recognition from the Air and Space Forces Association and Congressman Ken Calvert. In addition, she will be awarded $750 in prize money and an official jacket from the national organization.

The presentation was made by Jim McFarlin, our chapter’s Vice President for Education, and Tony Della-Moretta, Chapter 134 President, with members Becky Humphreys and Phillip Spencer also in attendance.

Dana will further contribute her expertise this summer as an instructor at our inaugural Cyber Camp, taking place June 23–27 at the California State University, San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus.

This marks the third consecutive year that our chapter’s Teacher of the Year has also received the statewide award—an inspiring testament to the high caliber of educators we are privileged to work with in the Coachella Valley.