Palm Desert

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!

Air Commandos Lunch November 19 Recap

/ / Leave a comment

Our November Air Commandos lunch drew a full room of 26 members and guests at ROC’s Firehouse Grill in Palm Desert to hear Frank Tullo. He told us of his firsthand account of a 1965 combat mission over North Vietnam that ended with his F-105 taking direct ground fire. After keeping the aircraft flying as long as possible, he was forced to eject deep in hostile territory, surviving in tall elephant grass until help arrived.

Frank’s rescue became a milestone in Air Force history: the very first combat rescue performed by the newly modified HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant” helicopter. Hearing the sequence of events directly from the man who lived it held the room from the start.

The presentation set the tone for a great lunch. Conversations continued long after the formal talk ended, with members trading questions, sharing related experiences, and appreciating the chance to hear a piece of Air Force history told directly and vividly. These informal gatherings continue to be a highlight for our chapter, bringing together community, service, and living history around the table.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to ROC’s Firehouse Grill for hosting us.

Our next Air Commandos lunch will be on Wednesday, December 10, with guest speaker Gary Lucas, retired U.S. Army Major, Vietnam War combat Cobra helicopter pilot and Purple Heart recipient. We hope to see you there.

Smash Burgers, Fries, and Good Times with Air Commandos

/ / Leave a comment

We did love the Smash Burgers today for our casual “Air Commandos” meet-up at ROC’S Firehouse Grille. ROC’S is the best!

Join us every other Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at ROC’S Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211. You’ll meet some interesting people while enjoying lunch and good conversation.

Over the summer, please send us an email at AFAPalmSprings@outlook.com first, as there are no special programs until fall—just lunch and good times together.

Only cost is your own lunch. See you there!

Colonel Bob Lilac Draws Full House at Air Commandos Luncheon

/ / Leave a comment

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

/ / Leave a comment

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

/ / Leave a comment

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

/ / Leave a comment

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

/ / 1 Comment

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!