My first Air & Space Forces Association convention can be compared somewhat to getting that new car and trying to figure out all of the bells and whistles to do little things like set the speed control or adjust the heat and heck, even making the windshield wipers works.
First, let’s talk about the Air & Space Forces Association that was founded on February by the infamous Jimmy Doolittle on February 4th of 1946 with the total purpose of promoting and advocating for the United States Air Force, and now Air & Space Force.
My experience with the AFA dates back a couple of years when I was asked by George Masters who was organizing the annual Commander’s Choice awards on Minot Air Force Base to take photos of the winners being presented their plaques and later printing those photos in The Northern Sentry. Commanders of each squadron are given the opportunity to nominate a member of their squadron for a Commander’s choice award. There isn’t a long list of requirements for these nominees, only that they have gone above and beyond to “get the job done.” The local AFA chapter David C. Jones #135 sponsors and pays for the plaques. It is quite and evening as you hear from those who attend that the people receiving the awards are well deserving.
Fast forward to this year’s National AFA convention that was held at the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. I was given a chance to attend and like I said there was so much to learn.
The AFA slogan line is “Educate, Energize and Excel.” Besides doing the business of the Air & Space Forces Association, there was an awards ceremony for members and chapters who excelled in membership recruitment and execution of AFA programs which included scholarships, helping promote the Civil Air Patrol which has been an integral part of the AFA banner.
There are so many programs that it is best that I address them one at a time in coming weeks in the Northern Sentry. Stay tuned as we talk more about the AFA.
Washington DC Is Still A Great Destination
Part of the excitement of attending the AFA convention this year is its’ proximity to our National Capital. Time allowed for us to tour the National Harbor and enjoy a US Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants concert celebrating the 78th Birthday of the United States Air Force. The National Plaza overlooked the Potomac River and we were able to watch the sun go down in the western sky. The concert was amazing starting with our National Anthem and ending with John Phillip Sousa’s Stars & Stripes Forever. In the concert the band and chorus paid tribute to the many veterans and active service members and families in the crowd.
The next day it was off to the National Mall and the always favorite Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, and the now completed WW II Memorial. We found the North Dakota monument, one of 56 pillars that make up the outside circle of the WW II Memorial. In every direction there was a monument that defined our national heritage. The Washington Monument, the US Capital dome, the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, The Vietnam Wall, The Korean Memorial and of course, the Mirror Pool. You can see them a hundred times, and you still pause to remember the significance of these monuments and what they stand for.
I consider myself lucky to be chosen to be able to attend the AFA Convention in Washington DC. I hope to return again…
Let’s Talk MonsterCon?
Yep, it’s back again this year, Midwest MonsterCon 2025, October 4th in the Minot Municipal Auditorium. I hope you’ll mark your calendars to attend this event and support the organizers.
Today’s Chuckle:
Never underestimate the power of one person to make a difference … particularly if that one person has a big bag of money.
