Planning Underway for Spirit of '45! Flyover

Planning is underway for a national flyover in the summer of 2015 that will be held in honor of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. AFA is a proud partner in this planning effort, and we look forward to participating in the celebration of our heritage. The official countdown to the event will begin with a press conference on December 20, 2013 at Chennault Aviation & Military Museum in Monroe, La.

For more information on the Spirit of '45! event, please refer to this message to supporters from Jerry Yellin, a pilot during WWII and national spokesman for the cause:

I am writing to invite you and your colleagues to participate in a national flyover to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II that is being planned for the summer of 2015. 

The purpose of the flyover is to remind America of the pivotal role that air-power played in defending democracy and freedom in the world during the most destructive war in history, and to inspire the public to assure that the Warbird’s of WWII continue to be a source of education and inspiration for future generations, especially the youth of our country.

The flyover is scheduled to take place on the weekend of August 15 - 16, 2015, coinciding with the day the world broke into spontaneous celebrations at the news WWII had ended on August 14, 1945, and America began an unprecedented effort to build a better world for its children and their children's children. We are asking every owner to fly locally and show the public some of the airplanes that helped so much to win the war.

I am honored to have been asked by Gen. Chennault's granddaughter, Nell Calloway, to be part of a steering committee that is reaching out to organizations and individuals like you who are dedicated to keeping our WWII Warbirds "alive,” to invite you to help finalize the details for the flyover, and to help spread the word to others who may have a potential interest in participating. Among those who recently joined the committee are Bill Fisher, Executive director of Warbirds at EAA, acclaimed aerial photographer Paul Bowen, military historian and author Robert F. Dorr, Craig McKinley, president of the Air Force Association, and WWII P-51 pilot Jerry Yellin who flew on the last mission over Japan on August 14, 1945.

On December 20, 2013 members of the steering committee will officially begin the countdown to the 2015 flyover during a press conference at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum in Chennault's hometown of Monroe, LA, a few miles from Selman Army Airfield where more than 14,000 navigators were trained during WWII.

We warmly encourage you to send a representative to be part of this kick off ceremony and, if possible consider having one of your aircraft fly in for the day. For more information or to RSVP please contact Michelle Lancaster with the Chennault Museum. Michelle can be reached by phone at (318) 366-5733 or by email at emichellelancaster@gmail.com.   

In the meantime, thank you for all that you and your team have done to preserve the legacy of American Airpower in WWII and for helping to keep these national treasures airborne.

Let's keep 'em flying into the next century! 

AFA Remembers U.S. Congressman Ike Skelton

The Air Force Association would like to express its sincere condolences on the recent passing of former U.S. congressman Ike Skelton.

Rep. Skelton served 17 terms in Congress, ultimately rising to chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. During his tenure he exhibited unwavering dedication to America’s defense and those who work to protect our nation.

He was well known and highly respected as a bipartisan negotiator and a champion of the Armed Services. He was a valued member in the community and his own profession. Our deepest sympathy is with his family and friends.

“Congressman Skelton was a champion for our men and women in uniform as well as their family members,” said Craig McKinley, AFA President. “He was the key proponent in Congress for the B-2 and the sustainment of long range bombers in general. His service to our country should be an example for all of us.”

Air Force Association’s Upcoming Conference to Offer Insight on Global Role of USAF

Register today for the Air Force Association’s 2013 Pacific Air & Space Symposium to hear from military leaders, senior government officials, expert researchers, and academia as they address the many challenges that the U.S. Air Force faces in its global role. 

The Symposium will be held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel on Thursday, November 21st from 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. and on Friday, November 22nd from 8:30 a.m. - 3:40 p.m. The annual Air Force Ball will be held Friday evening at 8:00 p.m. following a reception at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s agenda will highlight the challenges and opportunities of executing air, space, and cyber power in the Pacific and the way ahead for the Air Force. Topics covered will range from the Asian Pivot, USAF Global Posture, Pacific Airpower Resiliency, Air Force Space Command’s challenges, and more.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

• The Honorable Eric Fanning, Acting Secretary of the Air Force 
• General William Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command 
• General Hawk Carlisle, Commander, Pacific Air Forces 
• Lt Gen Ellen Pawlikowski, Commander, Space and Missile System Center 
• Lt Gen Andrew Busch, Vice Commander, Air Force Materiel Command 
• Dr. Gordon Chang, China Expert 
• "Panel: The Future of Air & Space Operations in the Pacific" 
• "Panel: Rebuilding Military Power in the Pacific" 
• See the full agenda online

The 2013 Pacific Air & Space Symposium is less than one month away! Please register here. Join the conversation with speakers and attendees by using our hashtag #PASS13.
Note: All military members on Active Duty and DoD civilian personnel can attend the conference free of charge.

Air Force Association and Air Force Sergeants Association to Host Veterans Day Ceremony at the Air Force Memorial

Join the Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants Association as they co-host a Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2013, at the Air Force Memorial.

The guest speaker for the event will be Lt. Gen. Stephen L. Hoog, Assistant Vice Chief of Staff for the USAF. Other remarks will be provided by retired Air Force Gen. John A. Shaud from AFA and retired Master Sgt. Morgan Brown from AFSA. The event is free and open to the public.

The ceremony will be held in honor of the veterans of the United States military with gratitude for their dedication, loyalty, and service to our great nation.

“Millions of men and women of the U.S. military have volunteered from generation to generation in service of our country,” said George Muellner, AFA Chairman of the Board. “We join the nation on this day in showing our appreciation for the sacrifices made in their lives to protect our freedoms.”

Directions to the Air Force Memorial may be found online at http://www.airforcememorial.org/Visit/DrivingDirections11. Parking is very limited, and metro is highly encouraged. Please review our “Special Event Transportation” and parking link at http://www.airforcememorial.org/Visit/SpecialEventTransportation for metro and trolley details.

For more information about this event, contact the Air Force Memorial office at 703.979.0674 or afmf@airforcememorial.org.

Richard Aboulafia to talk Future Aerospace Defense Industry Trends at Upcoming Mitchell Hour

The Air Force Association’s Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies welcomes Richard Aboulafia from the Teal Group as the guest speaker for an upcoming Mitchell Hour event.

WHO: Richard Aboulafia is the Vice President of Analysis at Teal Group where he advises companies in the commercial and military aircraft fields on defense and aerospace trends. In this role, Mr. Aboulafia also writes and edits Teal Group’s World Military and Civil Aircraft Briefing, a tool that covers over 130 aircraft programs and markets. For his full bio, visit http://www.richardaboulafia.com/bio/.

WHAT: Mr. Aboulafia will be discussing how factors in the domestic and international sectors will impact prospects for the aerospace defense sector. 

WHY: Sequestration-driven budget cuts and instability within the political environment are yielding a unique set of dynamics regarding how the Armed Forces maintain, sustain, and modernize their respective weapons systems. Circumstances are also evolving rapidly in the international arena-with a handful of major acquisition competitions set to shape defense industry prospects for years into the future. These variables are yielding a time of great uncertainty for aerospace firms as they try and posture for future success.

WHEN: Thursday, October 24, 2013 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Key Bridge Marriott 

      1401 Lee Hwy 

                Arlington, Va. 22209 

All Mitchell Hours are free to the public. To register for this event, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8877722507. For additional information, contact Doug Birkey at dbirkey@afa.org. 

ABOUT THE MITCHELL INSTITUTE FOR AIRPOWER STUDIES:The Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies is an independent, non-profit research, studies, and analysis organization founded by the Air Force Association. It takes its name from America’s most famous and arguably greatest airman, Brig. Gen. William Mitchell. The Institute seeks to carry on, in the modern day, General Mitchell’s tireless and dedicated effort to expand airpower thinking and increase public awareness of the need for this unique military instrument. For more information, visit http://www.afa.org/mitchellinstitute.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the USAF for Energy to Speak at October AFA Air Force Breakfast

The Air Force Association is pleased to announce that with the furloughs over and the government re-opened, it will proceed with its October AFA Air Force Breakfast program featuring Dr. Kevin T. Geiss, USAF Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy. The breakfast will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2013, from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Virginia.

Dr. Geiss is responsible for providing oversight and direction for all matters pertaining to the formulation, review, and execution of plans, policies, programs, and budgets for the effective and efficient use of energy to support the global Air Force mission. Prior to this role, Dr. Geiss served as the Program Director for Energy Security with the Department of the Army from 2008-2010 where he addressed power and energy issues for the facilities and installations domain, weapon systems, and contingency operations.

AFA’s Breakfast Program is a monthly series that provides a venue for senior Air Force and Department of Defense leaders to communicate directly with the public and the press. Past speakers include Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh, former Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley; Dr. Jamie M. Morin, Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force; and Dr. Mark T. Maybury, former Chief Scientist of the Air Force.

Please register online at http://afaoctbkfstseries.eventbrite.com/. For additional information, contact Mary Ellen Doborowlski at mdoborowski@afa.org.

The Key Bridge Marriott is located at 1401 Lee Highway Arlington, Virginia 22201.

Visit the Official Online Store for AFA, Air Force Memorial, and CyberPatriot Merchandise!

The Hangar is the official online merchandise and apparel store of the Air Force Association, Air Force Memorial, and CyberPatriot. Check out the high quality apparel and accessories featuring your choice of the three organization's logos.

Items in the store range from outerwear, polos, t-shirts, and hats to golf club covers and other accessories. The Hangar is a great place to pick up gifts for friends, family members, or chapter members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Many of the apparel items can be ordered with additional embroidered personalization, such as "National Treasurer" or "Big Sky Chapter President" under the logo. Visit the online store today and show your pride in your AFA membership, the Air Force Memorial, and CyberPatriot.

  

AFA's Pacific Air & Space Symposium Proceeding as Scheduled

The Air Force Association's 2013 Pacific Air & Space Symposium is proceeding as planned. The symposium will be held November 21-22, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.

This year is sure to be another fantastic event with dialog from Air Force senior management and commanders, the aerospace community, and academia.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

• The Honorable Eric Fanning, Acting Secretary of the Air Force
• General William Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command
• General Hawk Carlisle, Commander, Pacific Air Forces
• Lt Gen Ellen Pawlikowski, Commander, Space and Missile System Center
• Lt Gen Andrew Busch, Vice Commander, Air Force Materiel Command
• Dr. Gordon Chang, China Expert
• "Panel: The Future of Air & Space Operations in the Pacific"
• "Panel: Rebuilding Military Power in the Pacific"
• See the full agenda online

Please register for the symposium and reserve your hotel room today. To ensure you get AFA's discounted room rate or the government per diem rate for those that qualify, please book your reservation on AFA's registration site by October 28, 2013.

Note: All military members on Active Duty and DoD civilian personnel can attend the symposium free of charge.

AFA Awards the 2013 Capt. Jodi Callahan Memorial Graduate Scholarship

The Air Force Association (AFA) today announced the selection of Air Force Staff Sergeant Rebecca Allard as the recipient of the 2013 Captain Jodi Callahan Memorial Graduate Scholarship.

Sergeant Allard is pursuing her Master’s of Business Administration at Baker University. She graduated from Airman Leadership School (ALS) with the Distinguished Graduate Award for having the highest scores in the class. She also received her Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) as an Airman First Class in 2008 and received her bachelor’s degree in May 2011 as a Senior Airman. Her future plans are to become an ALS instructor. She also plans to apply for the Medical Service Corp.

AFA awards the $1,000 Callahan Memorial Scholarship annually to a deserving Air Force active duty, full time Guard, or Reserve Airman pursuing a non-technical master’s degree.

Captain Jodi Callahan was an AFA National Director and a Trustee of the Aerospace Education Foundation. She had been a life member of AFA. This scholarship is made possible due to the generous donations of her family and friends through the Jodi Callahan Memorial Fund.

“The Air Force Association is proud to support Sergeant Allard as she continues to excel in her academic career,” said George Muellner, AFA Chairman of the Board. “Encouraging Airmen to pursue higher education goals is critical to maintaining the security of our nation in the 21st century.”

“Jodi was extremely focused and dedicated to her studies. We aim to honor Jodi’s legacy by helping support Airmen who share academic goals similar to those she pursued. Sergeant Allard is an exceptional candidate and we are proud to support her,” said the Callahan Family.

“We are proud of Sergeant Allard’s accomplishments thus far, and we look forward to watching her continue to succeed in her professional and academic careers,” said Craig McKinley, AFA President.
AFA offers a number of scholarships to qualified students. For more information on AFA’s scholarship programs, visit the website or contact Lynette Cross at (703) 247 – 5800 or lcross@afa.org.

AFA's CyberPatriot Program Receives Support from the Department of Homeland Security

AFA's CyberPatriot program announced today a new sponsorship from the Department of Homeland Security at the Cyber Diamond level. With the support of DHS, CyberPatriot will continue its growth as the National Youth Cyber Education Program.

Registration for the sixth CyberPatriot competition season closes on October 10, 2013. With over 1,200 teams registered in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and DoD schools in Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Italy, CyberPatriot VI is shaping up to be another season of growth and excitement. This season of the CyberPatriot National Cyber Defense Competition will also serve as a pilot program for 100 middle school teams to test their cyber skills.

“Thanks to the support of the Department of Homeland Security and our other sponsors, CyberPatriot continues to extend the reach of its program to new schools and regions across the country,” said Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot Commissioner. “We are committed to increasing the diversity of our teams by focusing our recruitment efforts on females and underrepresented minorities. The mission of our program is to inspire our younger generations to explore cybersecurity and STEM fields in their academic and professional careers, and we look forward to working with DHS to continue our efforts.”

"We understand that one of the key security challenges facing leaders now and into the future will be training a robust workforce with the technical skills to protect the nation's infrastructure," said Mr. Robin “Montana” Williams, Branch Chief – Cybersecurity Education & Awareness at US Department of Homeland Security. "DHS is committed to helping students succeed in school, their careers, and in life. With that in mind, we are pleased to provide the assistance to contribute to the excitement and momentum of CyberPatriot as it makes a significant and positive impact on the future of cybersecurity."

CyberPatriot is presented by the Northrop Grumman Foundation, with founding partners SAIC and the CIAS at the University of Texas-San Antonio. Other sponsors include Cyber Diamond Sponsors AT&T Federal, Cisco, Microsoft, Raytheon, and USA Today; Cyber Gold Sponsors URS, Splunk, and Symantec; and Cyber Silver Sponsors Air Force Research Laboratory, Embry-Riddle University, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and University of Maryland University College.
More information is available at www.uscyberpatriot.org or from the CyberPatriot staff at info@uscyberpatriot.org. Be sure to register your team before the October 10th deadline to be a part of CyberPatriot VI!

Digital Crime Scene Challenge to Return to CyberPatriot VI National Finals Competition

The Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot program announced today the return of the Digital Crime Scene Challenge to its National Finals Competition. This addition to the competition has been made possible by eventPower and the U.S. Cyber Crime Conference.

During the National Finals Competition of CyberPatriot VI, 26 teams will compete in a dynamic forensics exercise that will put competitors’ cyber skills to the test. These students will get experience in the exciting field of cyber forensics through the application of crime scene analysis, evidence gathering, and critical thinking. The cyber crime scene had been a component of CyberPatriot until last year’s sequestration forced its removal from the competition. The U.S. Cyber Crime Conference will be held in the VA/DC/MD area in the spring of 2014.Established by the Air Force Association (AFA), CyberPatriot is the nation's largest and fastest growing high school cybersecurity challenge. Its unique structure provides students with hands-on learning while competing virtually against their peers and introduces many young people to the idea of cybersecurity as a profession. The competition also joins schools across the nation in efforts to bolster student interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) studies.
Teams will begin competing in the competition's preliminary online rounds of competition in October, where they must identify vulnerabilities in simulated computer networks and work to defend those networks from realistic threat scenarios. This year, over 1,000 teams will compete from in all 50states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and DoD schools in Japan, South Korea, and Germany. The competition consists of three rounds that will ultimately determine the 26 finalist teams who win all-expenses-paid trips to the National Finals Competition in Washington, D.C. in March 2014.

"This competition is about academic growth and teaching beyond the fundamental curriculums found in schools," said Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot Commissioner. "The addition of cyber forensics adds an exciting element of education to the competition and allows these high school students to get exposure to another fascinating aspect of cybersecurity. We are enormously grateful to Special Agent (Retired) Jim Christy and the U.S. Cyber Crime Conference for their generous support in returning a valued element of our National Finals Competition."

CyberPatriot is presented by the Northrop Grumman Foundation, with founding partners SAIC and the CIAS at the University of Texas-San Antonio. Other sponsors include Cyber Diamond Sponsors AT&T Federal, Cisco, Microsoft, Raytheon, and USA Today; Cyber Gold Sponsors URS, Splunk, and Symantec; and Cyber Silver Sponsors Air Force Research Laboratory, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, University of Maryland University College, and Embry-Riddle University.

More information is available at www.uscyberpatriot.org or from the CyberPatriot staff at info@uscyberpatriot.org. Register your team before the October 10th deadline to be a part of CyberPatriot VI!