The Palm Springs Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association proudly serves the greater Palm Springs area. The Chapter’s active program supports Air Force members of all ranks and grades, addresses Air Force issues in advancing aerospace technology and professional and personnel issues, and reaches out to the Coachella Valley community. Thank You!
The City of Palm Springs Department of Parks & Recreation invites the community to join in honoring all veterans and active service members this Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Downtown Park (Museum Way & Belardo Road).
The evening begins with a complimentary dinner at 5 PM, followed by a concert at 7 PM featuring the K-Tel All-Stars — a celebration of music, camaraderie, and gratitude. This annual Veterans Day event is a meaningful way for the Palm Springs community to come together in appreciation of those who have served our nation in uniform. The Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter encourages you to share this moment of thanks, and to remember that the freedoms we enjoy each day were secured by the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans.
Patriot Park in Cathedral City is hosting the annual Fields of Valor display this week, and it is something every local resident should make time to experience. More than 2,000 American flags stand in long, quiet rows across the park, each placed in honor of veterans — past, present, and fallen. The field also includes a special dedication to Purple Heart recipients.
Walking among these flags is a moving experience. The scale of the display is impressive, but it’s the personal connections behind it that stay with you. Many of the flags are dedicated by families and friends who come to visit, reflect, and remember. Volunteers from across the Coachella Valley help install the entire field, and their commitment shows in the care taken with every flag.
For those in the Palm Springs area, this is one of the most meaningful local tributes you can attend. It’s close by, easy to visit, and a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice within our own community. Patriot Park offers plentiful adjacent parking, making it simple for anyone to stop by, spend time walking the paths, and take in the quiet impact of the display.
Fields of Valor runs November 8–14, open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with “Taps” played at 4:00 PM each afternoon.
It’s well worth walking among the flags at least once this week.
As the federal government shutdown continues, many active-duty Airmen, Guardians, civilian employees, and military families are facing uncertainty about upcoming paydays. The October 15 paycheck was issued after funds were temporarily shifted, but future pay cycles—starting with October 31—remain uncertain if the shutdown continues into November.
The Air & Space Forces Association’s national publication recently outlined available relief resources and key points of concern affecting our Airmen and Guardians.
Financial Impacts
The shutdown threatens to delay pay for uniformed personnel and civilian employees alike.
Dual-income military households face particular strain if one or both paychecks are interrupted.
Civilian employees and contractors are already experiencing furloughs and missed pay.
If the shutdown extends, the Department of Defense may lack the authority to issue paychecks beyond mid-November.
Assistance and Relief Programs Several organizations are stepping up to provide help during this period:
Air Force Aid Society (AFAS): Has already distributed more than $1 million in emergency assistance to Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
USAA: Offering no-interest paycheck advance loans (up to approximately $6,000) to eligible members.
PenFed Credit Union: Providing paycheck advances and deferral programs for members who receive federal pay deposits.
Other financial institutions serving military and government members are offering “skip-a-payment” and hardship options; check with your bank or credit union for details.
Base-level services supported by non-appropriated funds—such as childcare and libraries—are continuing operations where possible, helping maintain some stability for families.
Recommended Actions
Check eligibility with your financial institution for advance or deferral programs.
Monitor official updates regarding pay and benefits for active, Guard, and Reserve personnel.
Communicate early with landlords, lenders, and utilities if you anticipate payment delays.
Seek assistance from non-profit organizations such as the AFAS if you are directly affected.
Why It Matters Beyond immediate financial strain, the ongoing uncertainty impacts morale, readiness, and family stability across the Air and Space Forces community. Relief programs can help bridge the gap, but they cannot replace the government’s responsibility to pay its servicemembers.
A Pennsylvania Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker provides fuel for an F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Langley–Eustis, Va., April 2, 2025. The air refueling mission was part of routine proficiency training. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. George Perkins)
On September 18, 1947, with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry S. Truman, the United States Air Force was established as a separate and independent branch of the Armed Forces. It was the culmination of decades of innovation and sacrifice, from the Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903 to the extraordinary achievements of Army Air Corps and Army Air Forces airmen in World War II.
The roots of the Air Force reach back to the U.S. Army Signal Corps’ Aeronautical Division in 1907, the first military aviation organization in America. Over the next forty years, air power proved decisive: the daylight precision bombing campaigns in Europe, the island-hopping battles of the Pacific, and the strategic lessons learned in global warfare all made clear that air dominance was essential to victory.
With independence came a new mission — global vigilance, reach, and power. From the early Cold War years of the Berlin Airlift in 1948, to the development of long-range nuclear deterrence, to air superiority over Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, the U.S. Air Force has continuously adapted to meet new threats. Airmen have flown everything from the rugged F-86 Sabre to the B-52 Stratofortress, from the SR-71 Blackbird to the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II, and today they operate on the cutting edge of space and cyber domains.
As we mark the Air Force’s 78th birthday, we honor the more than 685,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian Airmen serving today, and the millions who have served before them. Their dedication and innovation have secured freedom in the air and space, ensuring that the United States remains strong, secure, and always ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Happy 78th Birthday, U.S. Air Force — Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win.
Marking the Anniversary of Artemis: A New Chapter in Lunar Exploration
Today we commemorate the anniversary of NASA’s Artemis mission—America’s bold return to the Moon. As we look ahead to a new era of exploration, we also honor the legacy that made it possible.
The image shown here is from the historic Apollo 11 mission. It captures astronaut Buzz Aldrin descending the ladder of the Lunar Module “Eagle” on July 20, 1969, moments before becoming the second human to set foot on the Moon. The photograph was taken by mission commander Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the lunar surface.
Artemis is more than a return. It is a launchpad for the future—testing the systems that will eventually take us to Mars, establishing a sustainable lunar presence, and creating new opportunities for scientific discovery and global cooperation.
As members and supporters of the Air & Space Forces Association, we recognize the vision and determination behind every mission. From Apollo to Artemis, we celebrate the people—military and civilian—who make spaceflight possible and push the boundaries of what’s next.
Let Artemis serve as a reminder: Our reach does not end at Earth’s orbit. It stretches across the stars.
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.
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.
You’re Invited: AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon Special Guest Speaker – Gary Lueders “Flying the KC-135: A Career in the Air and Beyond”
Join us for an engaging presentation by Gary Lueders, a veteran KC-135 pilot whose career spans Air Force service during the Vietnam War, a 31-year flying career with American Airlines, and leadership roles in aviation and community service. Gary will share stories from his time flying 123 combat air refueling missions during the Vietnam War, his work as an FAA Check Airman, and his continuing involvement in aviation.
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 🕦 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Location:Roc’s Firehouse Grille 36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Growing up next to Alexandria Air Force Base, Gary’s early passion for aviation set the stage for a remarkable career in both military and civilian aviation. His experiences flying the KC-135 and mentoring pilots reflect a lifetime dedicated to flight and service.
The Air Commandos Luncheon began as a way for AFA members and friends to reconnect following the COVID lockdowns. Held every couple of weeks, it’s an informal gathering for conversation, camaraderie, and lunch ordered from the menu—now with the occasional addition of a guest speaker.
There is no fee to attend—just come and enjoy your own lunch and/or beverage.
