palm springs

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…

Nov 12th Veterans Day Dinner & Concert

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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.

For more information, visit https://www.palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/31189/15

Veterans Day – A Moment of Honor and Reflection

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Today, we pause to recognize the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform and carried its responsibilities with courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Veterans Day is not simply a date on the calendar—it is a reminder that freedom has a cost, and that cost has been paid by generations who stepped forward when the country needed them most.

The image here was photographed yesterday at the Fields of Valor installation in Cathedral City. Among two thousand waving flags, each tribute tells a personal story. This one honors a Vietnam veteran who earned the Purple Heart—an unmistakable reminder of the human toll of service and the quiet strength that defines so many who return home carrying both visible and invisible wounds.

As we mark Veterans Day, AFA Palm Springs extends our gratitude to every veteran, from every era, and to the families who stood beside them. Whether you served overseas or stateside, in combat or in support, your service continues to shape the freedoms and security we depend upon today.

We invite our community to take a moment—today and every day—to reflect on that service, to thank a veteran, and to carry forward the respect they deserve.

Vandenberg Launches – Visible from the Coachella Valley

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This photo was taken in Palm Springs during a launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Launches are often visible across the Coachella Valley, especially on clear evenings, when they can be seen in the western to southwestern sky as rockets climb into space.

Vandenberg Space Force Base offers a free Launch Alert messaging system—by email or text—to let you know when launches are scheduled. Sign up here:
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDODSFVANDENBERG/signup/41755

Keep an eye on the sky—you might catch the next launch from your own backyard.

On This Day in Space! 🚀🌍

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📅 **February 7, 1984** – The world’s first untethered spacewalk.

On this day, **NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless II** became the first person to conduct a spacewalk without a tether, floating freely in the vastness of space.

Equipped with the **Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU)**—a jetpack-like system with gas thrusters—McCandless was able to venture **320 feet away from the Space Shuttle Challenger**, marking a historic moment in human spaceflight.

This daring mission demonstrated new possibilities for satellite servicing, station assembly, and future deep-space exploration.

**A salute to McCandless and all pioneers who push the limits of exploration!** 🛰️🇺🇸

📸: NASA

“Flight Path to Our Future” — A Gala for a Cause

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Please join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2025 Red Kettle Gala — Flight Path to Our Future, hosted by The Salvation Army Cathedral City Corps. This inspiring event will take place at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Event Highlights:

  • Host: Patrick Evans, KESQ Channel 3 News
  • Honoring: Tim Esser – 2024 Community Champion, Esser Air Conditioning, and Founder of Tour de Palm Springs.
  • Guest Speaker: Fred Bell – Vice Chair and CEO of the Palm Springs Air Museum.

This gala will blend community, aviation history, and purpose, all set in the iconic Air Museum surrounded by stunning aircraft. Your support benefits youth, veterans, and vital social service programs across the Coachella Valley.

🎟️ Tickets are $150 per person, with sponsorships available.

✨ Reserve your spot now by visiting: coachellavalley.salvationarmy.org or call (760) 324-2275.

Together, let’s create a flight path toward a brighter future! Thank You!

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.