The Wright-Memorial Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association continues to make a meaningful impact in STEM education by sponsoring the drone club at Spinning Hills Middle School in the Mad River Local School District.

This past Saturday, the club's two talented teams took part in the Greene County Career Center Drone Competition—a challenging event that drew 16 registered teams from across the region.

The students performed impressively during the morning qualification rounds, securing 5th and 7th place finishes. These strong showings earned both teams a spot in the afternoon finals, where they competed head-to-head against the top 8 teams overall.

       

In the finals, one of the drones experienced a hardware malfunction that significantly impacted their score compared to their morning performance. As the coach noted, however, the outcome might not have changed much—the opposing teams were exceptionally strong competitors that day.

Despite the setback, the boys' team stood out for their technical excellence. They were honored with the Judges' Award in recognition of their outstanding coding abilities, code improvements throughout the competition, and consistently high performance. Adding to the achievement, the boys earned the highest single score of the entire day with an impressive 190 points.

The coach expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing support from the Wright-Memorial Chapter, whose sponsorship helps provide these hands-on opportunities for students to explore drone technology, programming, engineering, and teamwork—skills that are increasingly vital in today's aerospace and STEM fields.

Congratulations to all the Spinning Hills Drone Club members on their hard work, resilience, and accomplishments! Events like this highlight the bright future of young innovators in the Miami Valley and beyond.

Keep an eye out for more updates from the club as they continue to soar to new heights.

The Air & Space Forces Association Wright Memorial Chapter 212 is proud to support the mission of the WPAFB Airman's Attic through a $1,000 donation for 2025.

The chapter recently received a Certificate of Appreciation from Anna Schulte, Volunteer Manager of the Airman’s Attic, recognizing the chapter’s continued commitment to supporting Airmen and their families. The donation will directly assist more than 10,600 young military members and their families who rely on the Airman’s Attic each year.

The Airman’s Attic plays a vital role within the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base community by providing essential household items, clothing, baby supplies, and other necessities at no cost to junior enlisted and officer members and their families. For many, this resource offers meaningful financial relief during PCS moves, deployments, and other transitional periods.

In her message of appreciation, Ms. Schulte expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the military families served, noting that the chapter’s generosity directly strengthens the support network available to Airmen at Wright-Patterson AFB.

The Wright Memorial Chapter is honored to contribute to an organization that so clearly reflects the Air & Space Forces Association’s commitment to supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their families. We are grateful for the volunteers who make the Airman’s Attic possible and proud to stand alongside them in service to those who serve our nation.

2026 AFA Dayton TechFest Participation

The AFA Wright Memorial Chapter in partnership with the Ohio Cyber Reserve (OhCR), the Engineers Club of Dayton, and the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF) staffed a cybersecurity education Information table at the Dayton TechFest on February 14-15, 2026.

Dayton TechFest is an annual, free, two-day STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) event held in February in Dayton, Ohio.  It’s designed for families, students, educators, and anyone interested in technology and hands-on learning experiences. TechFest takes place at Sinclair Community College with a primary youth focus is on school-age children, especially K-12 students.  Additional information is available on the  TechFest web site at https://www.techfestdayton.org/ 

Attendance for the 2026 event is estimated at approximately 2,500 participants, including at least 1,000 K-12 students.

Although presenters discussed a variety of cybersecurity education opportunities, the primary focus was on AFA-supported programs, including:

• National Youth Cyber Defense Competition (NYCDC)
• AFA Summer CyberCamps
• Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative (ESCEI)
• Cyber Generations

More information on these programs can be found on the CyberPatriot website:
https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/

A key opportunity emphasized during the event was the ability for schools, scouting units, and other youth organizations to host free remote AFA Summer CyberCamps in coordination with the NMUSAF CyberCamps.

The NMUSAF has funded the summer CyberCamps for 2026 and is seeking to expand remote participation across Ohio — and potentially nationwide. Once an organization sponsors a primary onsite CyberCamp, it may host additional remote sites simultaneously at no additional registration cost.

The 2026 NMUSAF camp schedule is as follows:

• Standard CyberCamp: July 13–17, 2026
• Advanced CyberCamp: July 20–24, 2026

Both camps are held as half-day sessions during the week, concluding with a competition on Friday.  

Under this remote-hosting model, the remote site is responsible for:

• Providing facility
• Ensuring appropriate adult chaperones/supervision
• Supplying student laptops or desktop computers

Points of Contact

For hosting or coordinating a remote CyberCamp:

Aaron Napierala
Ohio Cyber Reserve – Point of Contact
Email: aaron.napierala@ucmail.uc.edu
Phone: 470-588-1627

For information on other cybersecurity education programs:

Brian Kowal
Director of CyberPatriot
AFA Wright Memorial Chapter
Ohio Cyber Reserve – Educate Mission Lead
Email: kowalbn@ucmail.uc.edu

The Air & Space Forces Association Wright Memorial Chapter was proud to participate in this year’s National Salute to Veteran Patients Week celebration at the Dayton VA, joining staff and fellow volunteers to bring a little extra joy to our nation’s heroes.

During the annual “Candy Drop,” AFA members teamed with volunteers from the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) and leadership from the Dayton VA Medical Center to distribute Valentine’s Day cards and candy to Veteran patients. The event was made even more meaningful by the presence of Dayton VA Director Dr. Jennifer DeFrancesco and Assistant Director Brian Hays, who joined volunteers in personally greeting and thanking Veterans for their service.

National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, observed annually the week of Valentine’s Day, recognizes the more than nine million Veterans who receive care through the VA healthcare system and provides an opportunity for community members to show appreciation and support.

Smiles, handshakes, and heartfelt conversations filled the halls as volunteers delivered small tokens of gratitude that carried a big message: our Veterans are remembered, valued, and deeply appreciated. Events like these reinforce the strong partnership between the AFA Wright Memorial Chapter, AFSA, and the Dayton VA, all united in a shared commitment to honoring those who have worn the uniform.

We extend our sincere thanks to the VA staff for their leadership and hospitality, to our fellow volunteers for their time and dedication, and most importantly, to the Veterans we proudly serve.

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.