Warrior Games 2013

Airmen walked away with 30 medals, including three gold, from the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., nearly doubling their medal count from the previous year.
Written by Caitie Craumer, Manager, Airmen & Family Programs

Winning medals, places, and other awards were only a small part of what the Warrior Games were actually about. What was more important were the friendships formed, the support across “team” lines really defined the attitudes of the warriors there. There were opportunities for athletes of all abilities—including a visually-impaired cycling heat with tandem bikes for one person to steer and the other to drive the pedaling power.

The teamwork involved in practice and competition was transformative. Between the first hour of practice and the last, each airman learned how to work together. This was most visible in seated volleyball, where part of the game was connecting with the other players by using their names and nicknames in passing, and congratulating the other teams on good shots. Many of the airmen shared stories of coming out of their shells and making new friends during the training camps, and really learned to watch out for each other as part of a larger team. They wanted to introduce me to their families, and they wanted me to try the sports!

These were by no means easy sports. Adjusting to new centers of balance, missing limbs, and changing perspectives had these warriors emotional and physically involved at every level of competition, including cheering on their team members.

In the end, it wasn’t the number of medals (though there were many!) that mattered, but the resilience and the teamwork of the athletes, and the outpouring of support they received from friends, family, and fans.

AFA’s Role at the Games

Working closely with the needs of AFW2, AFA was able to prepare for the Games by helping to fund a  pecially-outfitted wheelchair delivery for Chris Wolff—without which he might not be competiting. He was overwhelming grateful for our help, and in more than one conversation regarding his personal journey to the Games I overheard him saying that it was AFA that helped get him there in the end. It meant a lot that I was able to be there to see him in action, and to give him and his family a hug after the race!

Colorado State really stepped up on their turf, and state President Tom Cavalli was on hand to meet many of the warriors, as well as Region President Gayle White. Colorado “adopted” Brandon Bishop. Tom was there to meet Brandon, and then continue to cheer him on as he competed throughout the week. The athletes all became AFA’s team, and will officially become members following the Games. This support was truly transformative, and AFW2 made sure that these airmen knew that AFA was there for them. Unfortunately, I missed the opening Pep Rally, but many groups were represented in support of family programs (Fisher House, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Hero Miles, Semper Fi Fund, AFFN, America’s Fund, Hope for the Warriors, Navy Safe Harbor, Operation Homefront, and USO), and AFA was given a shout out. Perhaps the duffle bags we sent had something to do with it…

Though the Warrior Games began in 2010, this is the first year that AFA was really involved. We have many options to support in the future, including with the family programming, but our focus should continue to be on the warriors. This opportunity to compete means a lot in the spirit of recovery. It was an amazing group of airmen and a wonderful opportunity to witness true resiliency. I wish I had planned to stay the whole week, and I suggest that we participate in some way next year as well.

AFA Remembers Fallen Patriots

Many of the nation’s servicemen and women have given their lives in the name of freedom and liberty. From the American Revolution to today, our way of life would not be possible without their sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with those among us who have lost a family member or friend in service of our nation. Together, this Memorial Day, we remember the brave, and we devote ourselves to keep the flame of freedom alive for generations to come. Please take a moment to pause and reflect on those who served, those who gave all, and those who still serve in harm’s way. Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day.

2013 Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony

AFA & AFSA Host Memorial Day Ceremony at Air Force Memorial

The Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants Association invite the public to join their commemorative Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony at 9 a.m., Monday, May 27, 2013, at the Air Force Memorial.

Memorial Day recognizes and pays tribute to the many Airmen, soldiers, marines and sailors who have died in service to our great nation. This annual event serves as an opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude to the nation’s millions of veterans who have paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom. Several wreaths will be placed at the Memorial on this day of remembrance in honor of the many generations of military heroes. On hand will be representatives from the “Keep the Spirit of 45’ Alive” program to include their National spokesman, Captain (Ret.) Jerry Yellin, and Memorial Day cards honoring our fallen heroes will be on display.

CMSAF James A. Cody will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony. The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted force and represents their interests, as appropriate, to the American public, and to those in all levels of government.

Planned activities include the national anthem, invocation, speeches, the laying of the wreaths and the sounding of Taps. All military, veterans and civilians are welcome and encouraged to attend. There will be an opportunity available for individuals and organizations to lay smaller wreaths and/or flowers in memory of their family, friends and organizational members. Call or e-mail the Air Force Memorial Office, 703.979.0674 or afmf@airforcememorial.org, with questions or for wreath ordering suggestions.

The Air Force Memorial is dedicated to the men and women of the United States Air Force and its heritage organizations. It symbolizes the national place of pride, reverence and remembrance located just outside the nation’s capital, in Arlington, Virginia. Directions can be found online atwww.airforcememorial.org.

AFA Honors the Anniversary of the Doolittle Raiders Bombing Mission on Japan

The Air Force Association salutes the brave men of the Doolittle Raiders on the anniversary of their mission to bomb Japan. On this day in 1942, 16 B-25B Mitchell bombers, led by Lt. Col. James Doolittle, struck Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya and Yokohama. "Doolittle's Raid", named after then- Lt. Col James H. Doolittle, inflicted little physical damage to Japan, but it gave a needed lift to morale in the U.S.

The bombers took off from the USS Hornet hours before their scheduled time due to being spotted by a Japanese trawler, even though they knew they may not have enough fuel to reach auxiliary fields in China after their bombing raid. In Japan, the psychological damage of the attack was more important, and caused the Japanese to extend its defensive perimeter.

In 2009 AFA saluted the Doolittle Raiders were honored with an AFA Lifetime Achievement Award at the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition. This video tells the heroic tale of these heroic Airmen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj1kg_cohWc

Retired Maj. Thomas Griffin and retired Lt. Col. Richard Cole received the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Doolittle Raiders. Major Griffin was a navigator on B-25 No. 9 during the April 1942 raid, and Colonel Cole was Gen. Jimmy Doolittle's co-pilot for the mission.

A 'Thank You' from One of AFA's CAP Educator Grant Recipients

We recently received a beautiful thank you note from one of AFA’s Spring 2013 Civil Air Patrol Educator Grant recipients, Joan Soldano of Saxton Middle School in Patchogue, New York. AFA’s Civil Air Patrol Educator Grants are provided to help fund classroom activities or materials that benefit an entire group of students. These grants provide students with the opportunities to learn traditional curriculum in creative ways. Saxton Middle School’s program, “Moon, Mars, and Beyond”, is one example of an inspirational initiative that excites students about the topics of science, math, engineering, and technology.

This letter highlights an important aspect of the mission of the Air Force Association, which is to advocate for STEM and aerospace educational opportunities. Thank you to our donors who help us fund our education grants and scholarships. For more information on AFA’s awards, scholarships, and grants please visit: http://www.afa.org/aef/default.asp?pm=asg

April 16, 2013
National Aerospace Awards
Air Force Association
1501 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22209


Dear AFA,

On behalf of myself and the thirty students who are involved every Wednesday afternoon in Saxton Middle School’s Space Club, I would like to thank you for donating to the Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education Programs. It is with your support that my students will be participating in the e-Missions Program entitled, “Moon, Mars and Beyond.”

Moon, Mars and Beyond is an innovative way to engage students in the power of math and science in real world situations. On May 15th, my sixth grade students will connect live with a flight director at the Challenger Learning Center in Wheeling, West Virginia. With the help of computers, the Internet, and videoconferencing equipment, the students will interact with Earth Mission Control to learn where a lost ship has been reported over the last five days, how far it might be to the ship’s location, and whether the supplies for the trip to Mars can support a rescue Mission. Throughout the problem-solving process, students will apply math and reading skills to solar system science. The implementation of this program will allow for a truly interactive and effective use of technology in the classroom with a focus on aeronautics.

It is imperative educators provide authentic learning situations to excite students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to compete globally in these fields of study. With your financial help, educators like myself are able to do just that.

Thank you, again, for your donations to the Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education Programs.

Sincerely yours,

Joan Soldano
Saxton Middle School

2013 Air Force Association Cycling Classic

AFA Partners with Arlington Sports for the 2013 Air Force Association Cycling Classic Held in June to Benefit the AFA Wounded Airman Program

The Air Force Association will partner with Arlington Sports to host the annual 2013 Air Force Association Cycling Class on June 8-9 in Arlington, Va. The AFA Wounded Airman Program will be the sole official beneficiary and will receive a portion of the funds raised from the event.

“The Air Force Association is very pleased to serve as the event partner for this year’s Cycling Classic,” said Craig McKinley, AFA President. “This is a great opportunity to support our wounded Airmen who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our country. AFA strives to honor their service and to provide both emotional and financial support as they continue on the road to recovery. We hope to create an environment of comfort and community for our dedicated Airmen where they are able to reintegrate back to life at home.”

“The Air Force Association is proud to establish this new partnership with Arlington Sports, Inc. to join forces to support the local cycling community and our Airmen who become injured while serving our country,” said George Muellner, AFA Chairman of the Board. “We owe it to the men and women of the Air Force to take care of them when they return home in need of special assistance, and AFA’s Wounded Airman Program helps fulfill that duty.”

Registration for the 2013 Air Force Association Cycling Classic is now open and available atwww.cyclingclassic.org.

Arlington Sports, Inc. is dedicated to the promotion and development of professional and amateur cycling and is proud to use their events as a means to help various causes. More than 1,700 riders participated in last year’s two-day event, and it had more than 55 individual and corporate fundraisers.

Launch of Air Force Magazine's new website

From the editor: 

We're proud to present Air Force Magazine's new website, designed to provide a more user friendly and interactive experience. We've adopted a three-column format. In the center Daily Report column, we've added social media options, more easy access to individual entries, and the ability for readers to comment on specific entries. In the upper left-hand column, one finds a new electronic version of the magazine's monthly print edition that offers, for the first time, the complete issue in a single file, but still allows one to access and print articles individually. The upper right-hand column features our In More Depth articles, our online-first, more-extensive coverage of topics highlighted in the Daily Report. 

The website also features each month's Airpower Classics entry from the print magazine as well as a new section for Air Force accident investigation reports. The website retains the sections on Air Frame photos, Data Points, Air Force congressional testimony, Air Force documents, Defense Writers Group transcripts, and selections from the Air Force Magazine archive. The website also features the magazine's new banner. Please note, too, the new website address: http://www.airforcemag.com.