cyberpatriot

Why Is AFA Palm Springs Investing in Cyber Education?

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Many AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 members have asked, “Why are we expending resources on a topic that seems removed from airpower?”

The answer lies in the vision of Gen. H.H. “Hap” Arnold, who recognized that airpower requires a technologically literate force. That requirement is even more critical today, as technology now fundamentally shapes how we work, live, learn, communicate, and conduct modern warfare.

To maintain our status as the world’s dominant military power, we must cultivate cyber proficient professionals capable of navigating an era defined by AI driven drones, sophisticated cyberattacks, and advanced weapons systems.

We cannot wait until students enter the U.S. Air Force to build these skills. Through our chapter’s support for CyberPatriot teams, summer cyber camps, and industry field trips, we are helping students develop essential cyber technology expertise early.

Our vision is to build a sustainable pipeline of 100 to 150 students from middle school through college. By preparing them to enter the workforce, we are helping address the national shortage of more than 460,000 cybersecurity jobs across industry, government, and the military. That is a vital contribution to our national security.

At the same time, we are introducing the Air & Space Forces Association to organizations throughout the Coachella Valley that previously had little understanding of who we are or what we do. Our recent award of a $20,000 Cyber Education Grant from the Anderson Children’s Foundation is clear recognition of the value and importance of these efforts to our community.

In future posts, we will explore the origins of our chapter’s cyber education program, its expansion into a Coachella Valley wide initiative, and how our programs help transform local students into technology proficient teams. We will also discuss how you, as an AFA member, can play a role in this important mission. Thank You!

About the Author

James (Jim) McFarlin is President of the Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter 134. He leads the chapter’s growing Cyber Education initiative, working with schools, industry, and community partners throughout the Coachella Valley to develop the next generation of cyber professionals and strengthen America’s future workforce.

Contact: mcfarlin.jim@gmail.com

A New Way to Join the Air & Space Forces Association Free!

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

The Air & Space Forces Association has introduced something completely new.

For the first time, AFA now offers a free Mission Membership. This new membership makes it easier than ever for anyone with an interest in our Air Force, Space Force, aerospace, aviation, STEM education, or national security to become part of the AFA community. Again, membership is open to everyone.

Mission Membership provides access to AFA news, educational programs, webinars, research, national events, and local Chapter activities. Whether you have served in the military, work in aerospace, are a student, educator, or simply support the mission of the Air & Space Forces Association, there is now a place for you in AFA at absolutely no cost.

This is also a tremendous opportunity for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Every new member strengthens our Chapter and helps us expand our educational programs, CyberPatriot, community outreach, aerospace education, and partnerships throughout the Coachella Valley. The more members we have, the more we can accomplish.

If you are already an AFA member, thank you for your continued support.

If you know someone who has ever thought about joining AFA, now is the perfect time. Invite your family, friends, neighbors, fellow veterans, active duty military, educators, students, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in aerospace and our nation’s defense.

Joining is easy.

Simply visit:

Join AFA

When completing your registration, please be sure to select Palm Springs Chapter 134. That simple step helps strengthen our local Chapter and ensures you receive information about our activities, meetings, educational programs, and special events.

It costs nothing.

It only takes a few minutes.

We look forward to welcoming many new members to AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Thank You!

AFA Palm Springs Returns to Regular Chapter Communications and CyberPatriot Updates

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

One thing became very clear after many conversations at our Air Commandos lunches.

Our Chapter has been doing a lot of good things.

The problem wasn’t the lack of activity. It was the lack of communication.

Many of us simply didn’t know what was happening.

That changes now.

One of the best examples is our Cyber Education program under the leadership of Jim McFarlin. It has developed into one of the most exciting and successful parts of our Chapter, yet many members know very little about it. Over the coming weeks Jim will be introducing everyone to the program with regular updates explaining what it is, who is involved, what is happening, and where it is headed.

The next major event is the AFA CyberPatriot Summer Cyber Camp at College of the Desert, July 13 through 17. It introduces high school students to cybersecurity, operating systems, networking, cryptography, incident response, online safety, and much more. It is exactly the kind of program that helps prepare the next generation for careers protecting our nation’s digital infrastructure.

Our Chapter is a major part of making this camp happen, and it deserves our support.

So…find a clean pair of pants and maybe a shirt without chili stains. More information will be coming very soon.

As part of improving communication, I have once again assumed responsibility for the Chapter’s website, Facebook page, and online communications. As many of you know, I turned those responsibilities over to the Chapter in December 2025. Since then, our online presence has been largely inactive.

That changes today.

You can expect regular updates, timely information about Chapter activities, stories about our members and programs, upcoming events, photographs, and the kinds of things that keep us informed about what is happening throughout our organization.

There is a tremendous amount of positive momentum within AFA Palm Springs. Our job now is simply to make sure everyone knows about it.

More to come…

Cyber Cup Challenger Awards

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February 3, 2025

Local High School Teams Shine at AFA Palm Springs Cyber Cup Awards

Palm Springs, CA – Excitement filled the air at La Quinta High School on January 29th as students, educators, and community leaders gathered for the first-ever CV Cyber Cup Awards! Hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) of Palm Springs, this thrilling event showcased the talents of five teams from across the Coachella Valley, representing all three school districts, as they competed for top honors in cybersecurity.

With cash prizes, certificates, the prestigious Cyber Cup Trophy, and a chance to qualify for the AFA National CyberPatriot competition national finals in Washington, D.C., the competition was fierce. After months of rigorous cybersecurity challenges, the top teams emerged victorious:

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Second Runner-Up: Cyber Mafia from La Quinta High School, led by coach Frank Ceja.

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First Runner-Up: Cisco Detective from Coachella Valley High School, coached by Dana Sanchez.

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Cyber Cup Champions: AFJROTC Blackhawk-1, coached by MSgt Dean Temple, proudly took home the one-of-a-kind customized CV Cyber Cup Trophy!

Adding to the prestige of the event, representatives from Congressmen Ken Calvert and Raul Ruiz’s and CA Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez’s offices presented official congressional certificates to all participants, recognizing their dedication and achievements in cybersecurity.

Looking ahead, CV Cyber Cup 2025 promises to be even more dynamic! Plans are already underway to expand the competition, introduce specialized training sessions, organize field trips, and launch an exclusive Summer Cyber Camp for participating teams.

The Air & Space Forces Association of Palm Springs is committed to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, equipping students with essential skills for the future.

Media Contact:
James McFarlin
Email: Mcfarlin.jim@gmail.com Phone: 760-851-5411

For further details, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved in CV Cyber Cup 2025, please contact James McFarlin at the information above.

A Great 2024 and an Exciting 2025 Ahead!

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La Quinta High School Senior, Abigail Wesslen, speaking at our 2024 Annual Holiday Luncheon

Welcoming New Members and Partners

We’re excited to announce that 23 new members have joined our Chapter for 2024, bringing fresh energy and ideas to our organization. Additionally, we’ve welcomed three new Community Partners, strengthening our ability to collaborate and expand our reach.

These new members and partnerships mark an exciting step forward, allowing us to build on our successes and embrace new challenges in the year ahead. If you haven’t yet joined us, now is the perfect time to get involved! Send us an e-mail to AFAPalmSprings@outlook.com Thanks!

2024: A Year of Growth

2024 was a year of growth and innovation for our Chapter as we introduced new programs and initiatives. Here are some highlights from the year:

  • CV Cyber Cup Challenge: Launched in April, this competition featured five local teams (mostly high schools) competing in October and November, with awards scheduled for December.
  • Teacher of the Year Success: Our Teacher of the Year candidate won both the local and state awards, with a memorable award ceremony at La Quinta High School in September.
  • Veterans Expo: In April, we co-sponsored and participated in the 11th Annual Veterans Expo alongside the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  • Field Trip to the Midway: In August, members enjoyed an exciting visit to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego.
  • Partnership with Patton Museum: We’re collaborating with the Patton Museum to arrange special offers for AFA members and Air Museum docents—details to come soon!
  • Special Guest Speakers: Engaging topics included “The Race to the Moon,” “Drones Over Ukraine,” “Weather,” and “The History of the Desert Training Center/Patton Museum.”
  • Annual Holiday Luncheon: Our festive holiday event at the Springs Country Club took place on December 19, bringing members together to celebrate the season.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we head into 2025, we’re building on this year’s successes with even more initiatives and opportunities:

  • Strengthened collaboration with the Palm Springs Air Museum, with plans to expand joint programs and activities.
  • Greater interaction with organizations like the Salvation Army and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), including participation in the annual Gala in January and the Veterans Expo in April.
  • Expansion of the CyberPatriot program to more Valley schools and organizations, including CyberPatriot camps and study sessions. We aim to enhance our local presence and increase competitiveness at the state and national levels.
  • Partnerships with groups like CAP, JROTC, and Old Bold Pilots to inspire youth to pursue careers in aviation and provide mentorship opportunities.
  • Opportunities for members and others to share their personal stories as guest speakers at our meetings.
  • Increased engagement with local, county, and national legislators to advocate for veterans’ needs in the Valley.
  • Improved communication platforms to share updates and activities more effectively.
  • A renewed focus on growing our membership, enabling us to take on more projects and achieve even greater success.

As we look to the future, we’re energized by the possibilities ahead. Whether you’re a long-time member or considering joining, now is the time to be part of our journey. Let’s make 2025 a remarkable year together! (Special Thanks to Chapter Treasurer Jim Smith for all the info!)

AFA Crowns CyberPatriot XVI Champions

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Team W.A.T.T. from Troy High School Navy JROTC (Fullerton, Calif.) won in the All Service Division of CyberPatriot XVI. March 17, 2024. Photo by Mike Tsukamoto, Air & Space Forces Association

ROCKVILLE, Md.—CyberPatriot’s 16th season came to an exciting end on March 18, with the announcement of the winners of the Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) annual National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. The competition field started with 5,183 teams and just 28 qualified for the National Finals. March 22 2024 Read the full story here or click on the photograph.

AFA Palm Springs Sponsors Cyber Patriot

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Coachella Valley Cyber Patriot Teams swept through the California competition finals. The awards and refreshments hosted by AFA Palm Springs.

Three teams of middle and high school students from across the Coachella Valley learned Cybersecurity technical skills and developed their team working and critical capabilities in three months of training and competition.

AFA Palm Springs also sponsored Cyber Patriot students and professors for AI and Cybersecurity career forums.

AFA 134 Cyber Team. Becky Humphreys, Jim McFarlin, Tony Della-Moretta and College Of The Desert professors Felix Marhuenda and Mark Rizzo.