San Diego Air Force Association (Chapter 118)

CAP Cadet 2/Lt Alexander Lange Awarded AFA Ribbon

2011-02-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, January 29th, CAP 144 Squadron held their annual Awards Dinner at the Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club.

For the second time in the last 3 years, Dick Jeffreys, Chapter 118 President, presented the AFA Award to CAP Cadet 2/Lt Alexander Lange for his outstanding contributions for the Squadron.

In addition to the AFA Ribbon, he received a 1-year AFA membership from Chapter 118.

CAP Lt Col Jim Robertson, CA CAP Group 7 Deputy Commander, helped with the Award presentation.

Cadet 2/Lt Lange is also a Cadet in AFROTC Detachment 075 at SDSU.

This presentation is one of nine the Chapter will make to the CAP and ROTC units in San Diego.

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Cyber Patriot

2011-02-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

CyberPatriot is the National High School Cyber Defense Competition created by the Air Force Association (AFA) to excite, educate, and motivate the next generation of cyber defenders and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates our nation needs. Poway and Westview High Schools have advanced to compete in the CyberPatriot in-person national final round of competition at the Gaylord National Harbor Convention Center March 31st -April 2nd, 2011.

Related Links for more information:

http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/Pages/default.aspx
http://poway.patch.com/articles/phs-robotics-club-heads-to-cyberpatriots-finals

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Air Force Appreciation Night at Petco Park with the San Diego Padres

2010-09-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

On the night of September 8, 2010 the San Diego Padres and USAA sponsored a celebration of the Air Force at Petco Park in San Diego. Over 30 local members with families from the San Diego Chapter of the Air Force Association attended with free tickets provided by the Padres and USAA.

The recognition of the Air Force is part of the Padres military celebration series during the season where they recognize and sponsor tickets for military families so they can come and enjoy the game. Air Force Appreciation Night began with a swearing in of new cadets to AFROTC Detachment 75 from San Diego State University. The swearing in was followed by a K-9 demonstration from the team at Luke AFB. The Padres graciously paid for the travel and hotel expenses of our personnel from Luke so they could attend the game and provide the demo to the crowd who appreciated the training and capabilities of the working dog with his partner, Sergeant Justin Kitts.

Cadets from Det 75 then sang the national anthem with a stirring rendition of the national anthem followed with great timing by a low flying C-17 from the reserve squadron at March AFB, California. The flyover was an awesome demonstration of the size and flight capabilities our our primary airlift aircraft.

The first pitch was thrown by the Det 75 Commander, Colonel Martin Wojtysiak who threw a nice ball (or was it a strike?) to home plate.

We all had a great time and wish to thank the Padres and USAA for a wonderful night out. It was a great chance for us to gather and share experiences while watching a great ball game which the Padres won 4-0 against our arch rival LA Dodgers.

Hope we can do this again next year and that more of you will be able to join us!

For more photos of our time at Petco Park, visit our photo gallery by clicking here.

Helldiver Recovery

2010-09-12T16:54:00.000-07:00

A World War II relic was recently recovered from Otay Lake on 20 August 2010. The Helldiver crash landed in the lake on May 28, 1945 over 65 years on the muddy bottom of the lake.

Gene Alfaro of San Diego's Chapter 118 was there to witness the raising of the Helldiver and was gracious enough to share his photographs with us. You can view them in our gallery here.

He also provided a movie of the raising. Thanks Gene for covering this historical event.

Local news coverage via signonsandiego.com

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and Historical Foundation Golf Tournament

2010-09-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here is an opportunity to play golf and support a worthy cause. Monday, 20 September, at the Del Mar Country Club, in support of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and Historical Foundation at Miramar. If you are not available, perhaps you know others that are.

Click on the link below below for more information and to register.

http://www.flyingleathernecks.org/events-2010flightweek.html

Air Force Birthday BBQ at Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista

2010-09-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Lunch at BBQ in 2009

The Chapter will be hosting residents of the Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista to a BBQ lunch on Saturday 25 September to celebrate the Air Force's Birthday. The lunch will start at 11am.

The address for the Vets Home is 700 East Naples Court, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This is a not to be missed opportunity to come out and thank our Vets for their service. We'll be joined by members of the Air Force Sergeant's Association and cadets from Det 75 at San Diego State University.

We hope you can join us. The lunch is free for AFA members and guests.

Air Force Association CAP Cadet of the Year Receives Wright Brothers Award

2010-02-24T07:45:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By Captain Charles LePla, CAP

Public Affairs Officer

Escondido Cadet Squadron 714

Civil Air Patrol Air Force Auxiliary

Air Force Association CAP Cadet of the Year Receives Wright Brothers Award

ESCONDIDO, Cal. – Cadet Technical Sergeant Hunter W. LePla of the California Wing’s Escondido Cadet Squadron 714 received the Wright Brothers Award for completing the first phase of the Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program. At an awards ceremony held February 4 in Escondido, LePla was also named squadron Cadet of the Year by the Air Force Association and awarded the Achievement Ribbon by the Civil Air Patrol. U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant James P. Richey presented the prestigious awards to LePla in front of the crowd of attendees.

LePla, a seventh grader at Escondido’s Heritage Digital Academy who maintains a perfect 4.0 grade point average, was recognized for his outstanding leadership and achievement in Civil Air Patrol as well as his academic standing. Asked about his decorations and promotion, he said, “I am proud and honored to receive these awards. I believe that our squadron has a bright future, and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”

A graduate of Non Commissioned Officer School, LePla currently serves as the Flight Sergeant responsible for training the squadron's new cadets. Cadet LePla leads by deed and example, and his military bearing and courtesy set a standard for other cadets to follow.

The Wright Brothers Award is an important milestone in the CAP, marking the completion of the cadet program Learning Phase. LePla aspires to reach the highest level that a cadet can achieve in Civil Air Patrol, Spaatz Cadet Colonel, before seeking appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.

The Air Force Association is a civilian education organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. The AFA recognizes the outstanding cadet in each CAP squadron each year. Squadron 714 Commander Major Robert H. Rea nominated LePla for this prestigious medal based upon his leadership, academic excellence, contributions to the squadron, and his remarkable progress in the cadet program.

Formed in 1941, the Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization with 57,000 members nationwide. CAP performs emergency services, homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions for government agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs.

FORE! ---- CALLING ALL CHAPTER 118 GOLFERS!

2010-01-24T19:30:00.001-08:00

Our Annual AFA & ROTC Aztec Shoot-Out Golf Tournament is on the books for Friday, April 16th at the Double Tree Golf Resort in Rancho Penasquitos, CA.

Profits from the tournament will be used to support our Scholarship and Awards programs for local Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Civil Air Patrol, and Active/Reserve/Guard units. Golfers must register and pay in full by April 2, 2010 to be included in the tournament field.

The format this year calls for tournament check in beginning at 10am when you will also be able to enter and participate in our putting Contest. We plan a shot gun start at 12:00 (noon), and dinner and prizes after golf.

Our tournament has grown every year, and we expect this year's will be the best yet! Leo Barretto is the Tournament Director. Please let us know if you're interested in helping as a volunteer and pass the word on to your friends and family. Also, if you know businesses that might want to help sponsor the tournament or make a donation, please let us know.

Come on out, putt a few balls, play some golf, have dinner (including Double Tree’s famous chocolate chip cookies), have fun, and help us support our local units.

Download our Flyer/Registration form.

We hope to see you on April 16th. Contact Dick Jeffreys, rjeffreys2@san.rr.com or 858.829.3799, if you have questions or to volunteer.

AFSA Chapter 1365 Christmas Luncheon Fundraiser

2009-12-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

The San Diego Chapter of the Air Force Sergeant's Association is hosting its annual fundraiser and needs your help.

Their annual fundraiser is used to underwrite the cost of printing and mailing the Chapter’s quarterly newsletter. AFSA October 2009 newsletter (pdf) The membership rebate they receive from their international organization does not cover continually rising costs.

They urgently need your support to continue publishing a quarterly newsletter to maintain communication with members.

The prizes listed on the tickets (download flyer) will be given away at the AFSA 1365 Christmas Luncheon on Saturday, December 19, 2009. The Luncheon will be at the 7 Seas Restaurant located in the Best Western Hotel, Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA.. You do not need to be present to win but we’d love to see you there.
Please make checks for the Christmas Luncheon and the AFSA fundraiser payable to AFSA Chapter 1365 and mailed to:

John (Jack) Porath 5539 Candlelight Drive La Jolla, CA 92037-7713

We appreciate your continued support and hope to see you at the Christmas luncheon!

AFROTC Cadet Receives AFA Award

2009-11-16T18:27:00.000-08:00

Cadet Robert Ingle ROTC Detachment 075 received the Air Force Association Silver Medal at an awards ceremony at San Diego State University on May 9, 2009. Criteria for this award state that the cadet must possess characteristics contributing to leadership and future value in positions of responsibility such as: a positive attitude toward AFROTC and school, personal attributes (i.e., initiative, judgment, and self-confidence), personal appearance (i.e., excellent uniform, posture, and grooming), courtesy (i.e., promptness, obedience, and respect for customs), and officer potential (i.e., capacity for responsibility, high productivity, adaptability to change, possession of the highest personal and ethical standards, and strong personal convictions). The cadet must rank in the upper 5 percent of the AS 300 class and rank in the upper 10 percent of their graduating class.

The award was presented by AFA Chapter 118 Vice President Gene Alfaro. The Medal is accompanied by a ribbon and a certificate.

The AFROTC Cadet Change of Command Parade followed the awards ceremony. All of Detachment 075 participated in this function.

CAFA Award to Rock Academy Teacher

2009-11-16T18:21:00.000-08:00

Ms. Melena Hagen, Mathematics teacher from the Rock Academy was presented the Area III Runner Up Teacher of he Year (TOY )Award at the Military awards banquet held at March Air Reserve Base on May 30, 2009.

Ms. Hagen was selected as the Chapter 118 TOY. She teaches Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and Algebra II to grades 7 – 12. She said, “I strive to be the type of teacher I had -one who provides the love and care that some students may not receive at home. The ability to teach math is my gift, and it has enabled me to enter a realm of encouragement, inspiration, and love for the students who pass through my classroom.”

The award was presented to Ms. Hagen by Mike Peters, Far West Region President and Brigadier General Eric W. Crabtree, Commander 4th Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command. Dick Jeffrey's is pictured above congratulating Melena at our June Chapter meeting. Congratulations!

AFA CHAPTER 118, AFSA CHAPTER 1365, and AFROTC DET 075 GA-ASI TOUR

2009-11-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 9am, our organizations will have the unique opportunity to tour the new General Atomic-Aeronautical Systems Incorporated's Predator/Reaper facility in Poway, CA. Our host will be Air Force Materiel Command's 703 AESG Det 3. The tour will last about 2 hours and include the Aircraft Production and Integration areas. Det 3 and GA-ASI can handle a maximum of 75 people. We will divide the available slots among the three organizations. Therefore, if you want to go on the tour, please get your name and related information to your point of contact as soon as possible. We will call you to confirm that you have one of the 75 slots. The tour is only open to US citizens, and you will need to provide the following information to your POC: Full Name, Citizenship, Date and Place of Birth, and Clearance Level (if you have one). Det 3 has requested that we fax the information to them no later than Tuesday, November 10th. I recommend that you bring a picture ID.

The address of the facility is 14170 Kirkham Way, Poway, CA 92064. Here's a map.

However, the terminal directions are: (1) Exit I-15 at Scripps Poway Parkway, (2) go east on the Parkway and turn right onto Stowe Drive, (3) turn left onto Kirkham Way, and (4) turn left into facility. Det 3 will have their store open for purchases. There will not be any cafeteria services available.

The POCs are Dick Jeffreys for AFA (rjeffreys2@san.rr.com, 858.829.3799), Leona La Madrid for AFSA (onileah@ymail.com, 858.514.5301), and Colonel Martin Wojtysiak (or who ever he designates) for AFROTC Det 075. The suspense for AFA Chapter 118 people is Sunday, November 8th. Preference will go to Chapter members, including Community Partners.

Scholarship Opportunities: A Full 4-Year Online Degree Program Scholarship

2009-11-13T18:55:00.003-08:00

The following is excerpted from the AFA site:

Through AFA's affiliation with Grantham University, AFA is pleased to provide a Full 4-Year Online Degree Scholarship to an Active Duty Dependent, an AFA Member, or a dependent of an AFA Member. One (1) full four-year scholarship, bearing a total value of approximately $28,000, to Grantham University, also includes required books and software. To be eligible, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED.

Important Note to Active Duty: If you're currently active duty, Grantham already provides scholarships to cover what your military tuition assistance doesn't cover. Therefore, this AFA scholarship is not needed. Contact Grantham directly on 1-800-955-2527.

Objective:

The AFA/Grantham University Online Degree Scholarship is designed to encourage active duty dependents and AFA Members and their dependents, to continue their education, in spite of busy, demanding schedules.

Requirements/Evaluation Criteria, the applicant must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

Be a dependent of active duty, guard or reserve personnel; or
Be a member of the Air Force Association; or
Be a dependent of a member of the Air Force Association.
The applicant must submit a completed application form.

In a two page, double-spaced essay, describe your academic and career goals and explain why you are interested in pursuing your degree via an online degree program. Explain why this is the right time in your life and why you would be committed to continuing your education to get a degree.

Provide two letters of recommendation. These should be character references with descriptions of your performance and your potential as a student.

Provide proof of GED completion or high school transcripts (or college transcripts if applicable). Note: College transcript(s) and proof of undergraduate degree are required for the graduate programs.

You will be required to provide us with information requested on a feedback form six months after the scholarship is awarded.

Applications will be accepted between April 1 and June 15. Scholarship will be awarded in July.

Additional information and scholarship application form can be obtained at:http://www.afa.org/aboutus/memben/grantham.asp

Pitsenbarger Awards

2009-11-13T18:55:00.001-08:00

Pitsenbarger Awards provide a one-time grant of $500 to selected top active duty, Guard and Reserve USAF enlisted personnel graduating from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The grants coincide with the CCAF graduation ceremonies held each spring and fall. Additional information and application may be found at http://www.aef.org/aid/pit.asp.

Jodi Callahan Memorial Graduate Scholarship

2009-11-13T18:54:00.005-08:00

The Jodi Callahan Memorial Graduate Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship to an Air Force active duty, full time Guard or Reserve (officer or enlisted), person pursuing a Masters Degree in a non-technical field of study. Additional information and application may be found athttp://www.aef.org/aid/callahan.asp.

Air Force Junior ROTC Grants

2009-11-13T18:54:00.003-08:00

The AFJROTC Grant was established to promote aerospace education throughout classrooms where funds currently are not available. We hope you take this opportunity to enhance your students’ ideas on how aerospace plays a prominent role in today and tomorrow’s society. Applications will be judged by the importance and impact your selected aerospace activity will have on your students. Please do not let this chance to heighten your student’s interest in aerospace education activities pass by. Click here for more information.

Civil Air Patrol Educator Grant

2009-11-13T18:54:00.001-08:00

The Civil Air Patrol Educator Grant is funded by the Air Force Association and managed by the Civil Air Patrol Headquarters.

There are four grant cycles, two for CAP units and two for educators, with deadlines of March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. The June and December cycles are for CAP units and the March and September cycles are for educator grants. Grant recipients should send the Grant Recipient Response form to the address below as soon as possible after utilizing the funds. Click here for more information.

Educational opportunities through the Aerospace Education Foundation

2009-11-13T18:53:00.001-08:00

There are a number of scholarship and educational awards that can be obtained through the Air Force Education Foundation (AEF). Information on a number of these is presented below. Additional background and information can be found at the AEF website or contact Gene Alfaro.

Volunteer Speaker List – Another Request

2009-11-13T18:52:00.001-08:00

Your experience in the military service and volunteering for local museums has given you an understanding of history. As VP for Aerospace Education I have been asked about guest speakers to provide some historical background/perspective about World War II, The Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and aircraft and weapon development. There are probably a number of sub topics for these areas such as history of the Air Force (various years), Airlift Operations, tactical operations, or other areas of expertise or experience that you as AFA members have.

We would like to develop a list of speakers and topics that would be a source to respond to requests. The list would not commit an individual to a presentation. Topics and times would be coordinated by the speaker and the school or teacher. AFA members or their friends who would like to participate in this program should send their name, phone or email address and topic(s) to the chapter VP for Aerospace Education at gene_alfaro@cox.net.