On December 6, 2025, volunteers from the Air and Space Forces Association, Wright Memorial Chapter had the privilege of supporting the Dayton VA Medical Center’s annual “Mingle and Jingle” holiday event for veterans residing in the nursing home.  The event is co-hosted annually with the Kitty Hawk Chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Association.

This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it marked the first time volunteers were able to interact with all 65 veterans living in the nursing home. Volunteers were assigned to individual nursing home units, where they assisted by escorting veterans to the Activity Room or spending one-on-one time visiting with those unable to leave their rooms. These personal interactions ensured that every veteran felt included, valued, and remembered during the holiday season.

The Activity Room was filled with festive spirit, featuring multiple activity stations and games, holiday music, and a joyful atmosphere. Each veteran received a stocking filled with gifts, adding a personal touch to the celebration. Delivering the stockings and safely escorting veterans would not have been possible without the dedication and teamwork of our volunteers.

While the afternoon occasionally felt a bit disorganized, our volunteers demonstrated remarkable flexibility, patience, and commitment. Their willingness to adapt and step in wherever needed made all the difference in brightening the day for the veterans we served.

A special thank you goes to Mr. Chris Ruwaldt for bringing his dog to the event, which brought smiles and comfort to many of the veterans. It was also a blessing to see so many young people volunteering alongside our Chapter members, reinforcing the importance of service across generations.

The Wright Memorial Chapter is proud to support the Dayton VA and grateful for every volunteer who gave their time and heart to make this event a success.

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Beavercreek High School Air Force Junior ROTC program hosted an outstanding Raiders Meet, bringing together cadets from across the region for a full day of teamwork, endurance, and spirited competition.

Wright Memorial Chapter 212 of the Air and Space Forces Association proudly supports STEM programs in the Dayton region through grants that help schools reach new heights. One of our sponsored districts, Mad River Local Schools hosted an exciting STEM Night on October 14.

The event brought together elementary through high school students, parents, and educators for an evening of demonstrations, exploration, and learning.

Highlights included interactive science presentations like Science Saturday and Spooky Science, where teachers entertained with songs, jokes, and science “magic.”

A favorite moment of the night showcased collaboration between high schoolers and younger students: older students built a racetrack for 4th graders to race cars they had designed themselves.

This hands-on experience exemplifies AFA Chapter 212’s commitment to fostering STEM engagement across generations within our community.

#STEM #Education #Community #Innovation

In September 2025, the Air & Space Forces Association Wright Memorial Chapter (AFA WMC) proudly supported Operation Honor Flight, a multi-day tribute honoring Dayton-area veterans and their service to the nation. Partnering with Honor Flight Dayton, Miami Valley Military Affair Association, and the 445th Airlift Wing, the Chapter played a key role in planning and supporting several events throughout the weekend.

The Wright Memorial Chapter assisted with coordination efforts in soliciting Community Sponsors, and provided support for registration and payments associated with the weekend’s activities, helping ensure a seamless experience for participating veterans, families, and guests. Chapter members were honored to contribute to an event that reflects the core values of service, sacrifice, and remembrance.

Operation Honor activities began on Friday, September 19, in observance of National Prisoner of War / Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day with the unveiling of the C-17 “Spirit of the Hanoi Taxi” at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), commemorating the historic C-141 aircraft named “Hanoi Taxi” that flew the first repatriated American POWS back home from Vietnam in 1973. That C-141 was later assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing at WPAFB.  The ceremony included remarks from Major General (Retired) Edward Mechenbier, a former Vietnam prisoner of war whose story embodies courage and resilience.

On Saturday evening, veterans and distinguished guests gathered at the, a National Museum of the United States Air Force for the Operation Honor VIP and Veteran Dinner, hosted by the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC) and JobsOhio. The event provided an opportunity to recognize and thank those who served while strengthening connections across the Dayton region.

The weekend culminated on Sunday, September 21, with the final Honor Flight departure of over 200 Veterans to Washington, D.C. aboard the C-17 aircraft “Spirit of the Hanoi Taxi” and “Spirit of Fairborn.” That evening, the veterans were welcomed home at WPAFB with over 3000 family, friends, and well-wishers during a celebration featuring live performances by Alexis Gomez, Montgomery Gentry and Ricky Lee, marking a powerful conclusion to a meaningful weekend.

The Wright Memorial Chapter is honored to support initiatives such as Operation Honor Flight that preserve our nation’s military heritage and recognize the sacrifices of our veterans. The Chapter remains committed to advancing AFA’s mission through community engagement, education, and support of Airmen, Guardians, and veterans across the Miami Valley.

For additional photos, videos, and official coverage of Operation Honor, visit:
Operation Honor Feature Page – Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/OperationHonor.

 

The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard presents the colors during the “Spirit of Hanoi Taxi” unveiling ceremony at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Sept. 19, 2025. The ceremony was part of Operation Honor, paying tribute to the bond between the 445th Airlift Wing and the original C-141 Starlifter Hanoi Taxi, which repatriated American POWs from Vietnam and brought them back home. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Johnathan Quiñones)

U.S. Air Force Reserve Col. Douglas A. Perry Jr., 445th Airlift Wing commander, provides opening remarks before the keynote speaker during the “Spirit of Hanoi Taxi” unveiling ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 19, 2025. The ceremony was part of Operation Honor, paying tribute to the bond between the 445th Airlift Wing and the original C-141 Starlifter Hanoi Taxi, which repatriated American POWs from Vietnam and brought them back home. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Johnathan Quiñones)

The newly re-designated name, “Spirit of Hanoi Taxi,” is shown on a C-17 Globemaster III with tail number 99-0165 during an unveiling ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 19, 2025. The renaming was part of Operation Honor, paying tribute to the bond between the 445th Airlift Wing and the original C-141 Starlifter Hanoi Taxi, which repatriated American POWs from Vietnam and brought them back home. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Johnathan Quiñones)

U.S. Vietnam veterans wait to board C-17 Globemaster III aircraft as part of Honor Flight Dayton at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2025. After redesignating a C-17 as the “Spirit of Hanoi Taxi,” the 445th Airlift Wing, along with the 911th AW from Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, flew the veterans to Washington, D.C., as part of the three-day Operation Honor 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Casey Staheli)

U.S. Citizen Airmen with the 445th Airlift Wing escort a Vietnam veteran onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft as part of Honor Flight Dayton at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2025. After redesignating a C-17 as the “Spirit of Hanoi Taxi,” the 445th Airlift Wing, along with the 911th AW from Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, flew the veterans to Washington, D.C., as part of the three-day Operation Honor 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Casey Staheli)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marik Chrisman, right, Band of Flight, performs alongside Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery during Operation Honor 2025 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Johnathan Quiñones).

Alexis Gomez performs the national anthem for veterans as part of the welcome home for the Honor Flight Dayton at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 21, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Johnathan Quiñones)

On September 20, 2025, members of the Air & Space Forces Association Wright Memorial Chapter proudly supported the Bellbrook High School JROTC as they staffed one of the water stations for the annual U.S. Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson AFB.

The Bellbrook JROTC cadets showed remarkable commitment, teamwork, and enthusiasm as they handed out water, provided encouragement, and kept runners hydrated throughout the race. Their professionalism and energy made a significant impact on both the marathon participants and the volunteers working alongside them.

To recognize their efforts and help keep the cadets fueled during the long morning, the Wright Memorial Chapter provided snacks, beverages, and support supplies for the entire JROTC team. Our chapter volunteers also stopped by to cheer them on, take photos, and thank the students and instructors for their outstanding service.

This partnership is one of the many ways the Wright Memorial Chapter invests in the next generation of Air & Space leaders. Supporting programs like Bellbrook JROTC aligns with AFA’s mission to educate, advocate, and support—and highlights the important role that cadets play in our community and in representing the spirit of service.

We extend a special thank you to the Bellbrook JROTC instructors for their leadership, and to every cadet who dedicated their time and energy to help make the 2025 Air Force Marathon a success. Their hard work reflects positively on the Bellbrook community, on the Air & Space Forces Association, and on the proud tradition of service that the marathon honors each year.

Great job, Bellbrook JROTC—and thank you for making us proud!

On the evening of September 13, 2025, the National Museum of the United States Air Force transformed into a vibrant celebration of service, tradition, and community as Team Wright-Patt hosted this year’s Air Force Ball. With the theme “Aircraft of a B-52 Stratofortress,” the event paid tribute to one of the most iconic aircraft in Air Force history while honoring the enduring legacy of the United States Air Force.

• Date: September 13, 2025
• Location: National Museum of the United States Air Force, near Dayton, Ohio
• Theme: Aircraft of a B-52 Stratofortress
• Host: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
• Purpose: To celebrate the history and heritage of the United States Air Force

Guests were treated to live music by the Air Force Band of Flight, who's performance set the tone for an evening of dancing, celebration and reflection. The museum’s After Dark ambiance added a sense of wonder and reverence, with some past events offering rare access to aircraft cockpits—an experience that deepens appreciation for the Air Force’s technological achievements and operational history.

The Air Force Ball is more than a formal gathering—it’s a cultural touchstone that brings together Airmen, families, veterans, and community partners. It’s a chance to reflect on shared service, honor those who came before, and strengthen the bonds that make the Air Force family so resilient.

As we celebrate another successful Air Force Ball, we’re reminded of the power of tradition and the importance of community. Whether you’re a longtime member or newly connected to the Wright Memorial Chapter, events like this reinforce our shared mission and inspire continued service.

Thank you to all who attended, supported, and helped make the 2025 Air Force Ball a memorable tribute to Air Force excellence.

On September 4, 2025, officers of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter 212 had the privilege of attending the Wright-Patterson Junior Force Council’s Annual Leadership Symposium at The Club. This full-day event, held from 0800–1630, brought together junior personnel from across the base—including GS-13 and below, non-supervisors with less than 10 years of federal experience, and enlisted ranks E-5 and below and O-3 and below—for leadership training, networking, and engagement with senior leaders.

Representing the Air & Space Forces Association at a vendor table, our chapter connected with numerous talented junior professionals eager to learn more about the AFA and the ways we support Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Events like this provide a valuable forum for mentorship, professional growth, and collaboration while reinforcing our chapter’s commitment to advocating for and supporting the Air & Space Forces community.

Recently, our Chapter’s Vice President of Education, Carl Shofner, had the privilege of visiting Stacy Cox, Stebbins High School’s Teacher of the Year nominee. As part of her recognition, Stacy received a $250 cash award from the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter (WMC) — made possible through the generous support of our sponsors.

Stacy leads the nursing program at Stebbins High School, which is far more impactful than the title suggests. Through a combination of coursework, hands-on training within the school, and real-world internships during their junior and senior years, upwards of 100 students graduate prepared to achieve their certifications. Many seniors can carry up to a 40-hour work week while earning more than $20 per hour, giving them a tremendous head start in the healthcare field.

Before becoming an educator, Stacy worked as a Certified Registered Nurse (CRN), bringing her real-world expertise directly into the classroom. Her dedication and innovative approach have not only earned her recognition within Stebbins High School but also statewide, where she was honored as the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education’s New Teacher of the Year.

Our Chapter is proud to recognize educators like Stacy, whose passion and commitment directly impact the lives of students and strengthen the workforce of tomorrow. Congratulations, Stacy, and thank you for inspiring the next generation!

On Saturday, June 7th, volunteers and families from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), and Kearney & Company came together at the Dayton VA for a day of service, fellowship, and gratitude.

The team spent the morning setting up and stuffing gift bags, which were distributed to veterans during the event. Each bag included a handwritten thank you card, a $5 canteen gift card, sunglasses, playing and game cards, snacks, and finger spinners. These thoughtful items, paired with the warm interactions from volunteers, were met with sincere appreciation from the veterans.

Following the bag distribution, volunteers and veterans enjoyed a picnic lunch together. The afternoon was filled with conversation, camaraderie, and a shared sense of community.

Pictured here are some of the day’s highlights: veterans receiving their gift bags, our volunteers hard at work on the food line, families assembling the bags, and a photo of Judy Garcia from AFSA and Via Eonta from AFA.

It was a meaningful day of giving back to those who have given so much, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and support.

On June 5, 2025, the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter (WMC) proudly recognized outstanding educators who are inspiring the next generation of innovators.

At the Trotwood Madison City Schools Board of Education meeting, Chapter and State Teacher of the Year Annette Larson of Madison Park Elementary was honored by AFA leadership and sponsors. Attending the event were the State President, David Babcock; Chapter President, Jake Porter; Vice President for Education, Carl Shofner; and a representative from BAE Systems.

Annette’s heartfelt reaction captured the significance of the moment:

“I was not expecting what occurred this evening at the Board of Education meeting and award presentation. This is Madison Park Elementary's first year with a STEM-designated teacher, and there is always uncertainty about funding and staffing. Being selected, receiving the trophy and check was terrific — but the words shared in front of the Board of Education, my employer and staffing decision makers, were priceless. Community leaders such as yourself and other chapter representatives advocating and speaking about the importance of STEM education for students were modeled for me in an unforgettable way.”

She went on to share how the recognition rippled through the district:

“After you left, the superintendent and board members each expressed their congratulations. They addressed how having great teachers made them proud as a district. I started understanding the impact of the awards on pride and positive public relations for a district that does not always receive the accolades. The superintendent even requested that I be prepared to give a five-minute talk at staff convocation day, with all staff and community members in attendance. Thank you for providing a platform for promoting STEM education and preparing students for the local workforce — including the air and space industry that is so vital to our state’s economic growth.”

Annette’s story illustrates the far-reaching impact of our Teacher of the Year program — from instilling pride in school districts to inspiring future career paths in aerospace, aviation, and engineering.

That same evening, our Chapter Executive Vice President, Yvonne Vermillion, and a sponsor representative from Collins Aerospace, Jill Willingham, also presented checks to three Teacher of the Year nominees at Fairborn High School, further broadening the chapter’s support for STEM educators. The teachers were celebrated in front of their school leadership, highlighting once again the positive influence that recognition has on both individuals and communities.

Together, these moments represent more than awards — they are opportunities to show educators that their work matters and to shine a spotlight on the importance of STEM education for students across the Miami Valley.

Pictures from the events are attached. We should all be proud of the impact our chapter is making in the Dayton region!