Coachella Valley events

Veterans Day at the General Patton Memorial Museum

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Members of AFA Palm Springs were honored to attend this year’s Veterans Day Celebration at the General Patton Memorial Museum in Chiriaco Summit. The Patton Museum is one of our valued Community Partners, and we are proud to support the work they do to preserve local military history and honor those who served.

The Museum has a remarkable Veterans Day tradition. Their first celebration was held on November 11, 1988, the cement was still drying when the ribbon was cut. It was also General Patton’s 103rd birthday. More than 5,000 guests attended that inaugural event, including veterans who had trained at the Desert Training Center and later served under Patton during World War II.

That same spirit of remembrance continues today. This year’s program featured special guest Helen Patton, along with a General Patton impersonator, military vehicles, collector clubs, reenactor camps, the Miniature Gaming Society exhibit, music, entertainment, and food vendors. The ceremony also highlighted the museum’s Survival Tree and Remembrance Rocks, offering visitors a quiet place to reflect on service and sacrifice.

The turnout was outstanding; veterans, families, supporters, and community organizations came together in a setting that remains deeply connected to the men who trained here before heading overseas. It is one of the most meaningful local places to spend Veterans Day.

We are grateful for the partnership between the Patton Museum and AFA Palm Springs, and we look forward to supporting their continued efforts to preserve and share this important history.

General Patton Memorial Museum
www.generalpattonmuseum.org

Veterans Day at the General Patton Memorial Museum

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Veterans Day at the General Patton Memorial Museum
November 11, 2025 — 11:00 AM

The General Patton Memorial Museum has a long tradition of honoring those who served. The museum’s very first Veterans Day Celebration took place on November 11, 1988—the cement was still drying when the ribbon was cut. It was also General Patton’s 103rd birthday. More than 5,000 guests attended that opening event, including many who had trained at the Desert Training Center and later served under Patton during World War II.

That legacy continues. This year’s program features special guest Helen Patton, a General Patton impersonator, military vehicles, collector clubs and camps, a Miniature Gaming Society exhibit, music and entertainment, food and vendors, plus the museum’s Survival Tree and Remembrance Rocks—a quiet place to pause and reflect on those we’ve lost.

If you’ve never visited the museum on Veterans Day, it’s worth the trip. The setting is historic, the experience personal and inspiring, and it remains one of the most meaningful local places to spend November 11th.

More information: www.generalpattonmuseum.org Phone: (760) 507-4143

Colonel Bob Lilac Draws Full House at Air Commandos Luncheon

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A Packed House for Colonel Bob Lilac at the May 14 Air Commandos Luncheon

At today’s “Bi-Wednesday” gathering of the AFA 134 Air Commandos, we were honored to host Colonel Robert Lilac, whose remarkable presentation “The Saga of LITTLE Bobby Lilac” took us on a sweeping journey through his distinguished U.S. Air Force career—and far beyond.

Colonel Lilac recounted his experiences as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and space research pilot, including 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the F-104, and flying the NF-104 rocket aircraft to over 100,000 feet. His stories included not only riveting air combat and high-speed testing, but also deeply insightful reflections on his role in Reagan’s White House, where he served as Director of Political-Military Affairs on the National Security Council.

He also shared stories from his later years running a civilian intelligence consulting firm focused on the Middle East, continuing his service to national defense well beyond his military retirement in 1984.

The “Back Room” at Roc’s Firehouse Grille—generously provided gratis by owners Roland and Jayme Cook—was packed for one of our most memorable gatherings to date. We are deeply grateful to Roc’s for their continued support as a valued AFA Community Partner.

Thanks to everyone who attended for making this such a dynamic and meaningful event—and a special thank-you to Colonel Lilac for sharing not only his history but also his humor, wisdom, and perspective.

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.

Gary Lueders on KC-135 Missions in Vietnam

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KC-135 Stories from the Vietnam War — Gary Lueders at the Air Commandos Luncheon

At this week’s AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon, retired airline pilot and military aviator Gary Lueders gave a compelling talk about his time flying the KC-135 Stratotanker during the Vietnam War. With a great turnout of 15 attendees filling the table at Roc’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert, Gary shared firsthand accounts of flying 123 combat air refueling missions, supporting aircraft under dangerous conditions across Southeast Asia.

His presentation covered both the personal and the historical—from the heroics of air-to-air refueling to the operational challenges and moments that defined the KC-135’s role in the war. He also brought original squadron patches from the Wild Weasels and the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, each with its own storied (and humorous) legacy, featuring mottos like “YGBSM” and “NKAWTG” that only aircrews truly appreciate.

A “Wild Weasel” flight patch shared by Gary Leuders during his presentation—complete with the classic and unofficial squadron motto “YGBSM,” whose meaning remains a bit of an inside joke among aircrew.

A patch from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, part of Gary Leuders’ time flying KC-135s. The letters “NKAWTG” stand for “Nobody Kicks Ass Without Tanker Gas”—a proud, unofficial motto among air refueling crews.

From growing up next to Alexandria Air Force Base to a 31-year career with American Airlines and volunteer work at the Palm Springs Air Museum, Gary’s lifelong connection to aviation came through with insight and enthusiasm.

A great lunch, a strong showing, and another memorable session of shared history and community.

📍 Roc’s Firehouse Grille
📅 April 30, 2025

Air Commandos Lunch April 30th

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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.

All are welcome. No RSVP required.

Bob Schaefer Brings Apollo 13 to Air Commandos

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Yesterday at Roc’s Firehouse Grille, Bob Schaefer delivered a presentation of his experience, “Apollo 13 … the Rest of the Story,” to a full table of 18 attendees at the Palm Springs AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon.

With first-hand aerospace program perspective, Bob shared behind-the-scenes insights into the years of preparation that made the Apollo 13 rescue possible. A great turnout — Thank You, Bob!