At the AFA National Convention, the Virginia Suite is also a proven winner. Led by Gavin “MAC” MacAloon and John “JC” Connors from the Steele Chapter, Virginia hosted another great hospitality suite during the AFA’s National Convention and through the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition from 17 to 21 September. The Virginia Suite skipped a beat when the AFA Nation Convention moved to the Gaylord Resort at National Harbor, but thanks to the tireless work of MAC MacAloon and his fellow Steele members, the Suite came back to life and is better than ever. The Virginia Suite is set up in “The Cinnamon Suite” and is a spectacular set of rooms and patio. Thanks to MAC and “JC” good works we host hundreds of our USAF, DoD and out of town friends with industry partners helping with costs. Last year the Virginia Suite funded the Virginia Aerospace Educational Fund and this year’s contribution will match that generous amount. The 2011 Virginia Suite was a good event, in a wonderful venue, providing a great time and all for a good cause. We owe a great debt to MAC, JC, Steele and our corporate partners.

Our western most outpost is the Yeager Chapter in West Virginia. Chuck Yeager Chapter is a small chapter in the small state of West Virginia, but it is well represented with members in 45 of the state’s 55 counties, as well as in Florida, Ohio, South Dakota, and Canada. AFA program participation can be challenging, as with many chapters, but members continue to be involved with the West Virginia Veterans Coalition, WVANG Family Support Group, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, as well as other veterans’ organizations.

Chapter president Sandy Latimer served on the evaluation and site selection committee for the new State Veterans’ Cemetery, scheduled to open in the Spring 2012, and with a capacity of 60,000 interments of veterans and family members. Another important veteran activity is the monitoring of bills in the state legislature that affect veterans, and communicating information to the membership.

In March, the Yeager Chapter sponsored its 15th Annual JROTC Drill Competition, hosted this year by Parkersburg South High School. Cadets from five high schools in West Virginia and Ohio participated, and winners received trophies in various categories provided by the chapter. The Overall Champion Trophy was awarded to the AFJROTC unit from Springboro, Ohio, High School, and the West Virginia Champion Traveling Trophy went to the Parkersburg South unit.

For the 11th year the Yeager Chapter cosponsored the Mountaineer Cadet Officer Leadership School (MCOLS), held again this June at Concord University, Athens, W.Va. Commandant Lt. Col. Jay Thompson (E.C. Glass High School, Va.) and his staff conducted the school. MCOLS is a full week training, education, discipline, athletics, and drills for 185 AFJROTC cadets from 18 high schools in five states – West Virginia, Virginia, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee. For the Graduation Parade, awards provided by the chapter were presented to outstanding units and cadets including the Outstanding Cadet Trophy to Cadet Grace Charlton, Battlefield High School, Va. Yeager Chapter President ‘Sandy’ Latimer was also presented an Aerospace Education Fellowship honoring his years of service to the Yeager Chapter.

In our smallest state and the First State of our nation, you will find NASCAR country and ‘Delaware: Racing for Scholarships.’ Twice a year over 150,000 of our best friends drop into Dover, Delaware, for NASCAR races. For a small city of 35,000, this is a big deal! The Galaxy Chapter contracts to provide gate security at one gate and the money they earn supports the Chapter's scholarship program. Each year the chapter provides three to four $1,000 scholarships to JROTC members to support them in their freshman year of college. Although not large by some standards, every little bit helps and the Chapter receives state wide recognition for their efforts. So the next time you see the NASCAR race from the Monster Mile at Dover Downs, know that 14 to 15 AFA volunteers are there for the day just for the purpose of helping some kids address some of their college expenses. Dover AFB also provides an anchor – and challenges – for the Chapter and their activities.

Moving west brings you to Maryland and another historic state that joined the nation in 1788 and provided the back drop for Francis Scott Key’s composition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” Their three chapters range from Baltimore to the beltway and provide support in a number of areas. The TW Anthony Chapter presents AFA medals to AFJROTC Cadets in eight high schools in Prince Georges County; supports the Joint Service Open House (JSOH) at Andrews Air Force Base; hosts JSOH Safety Breakfast and spreads the AFA word through briefings with the Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) Development Program, and the Airmen Leadership School. They have an active Teacher of the Year Program and host an Awards Luncheon for the Maryland State Teacher of the Year Program. Central MD Chapter in concert with the Congressional Flying Club supports participation in the CAP National Flight Academy at Ft. Pickett, VA.

Shifting further west again, you come to our unique Nations Capital Chapter (NCC) anchored in the District of Columbia and surrounded by Air Force units and staff agencies. This is the only chapter in the contiguous United States that is not in a ‘state.’ While not being “represented” by a voting member of Congress, this does not hold the NCC back. This chapter specializes in the legislative arena, but also supports a cross section of the AFA mission especially supporting the accomplishments of the outstanding Airmen serving their Nation. Furthermore, their recognition program also extends to Bolling AFB CCAF graduates where they regularly participate in the graduation ceremony.

Return to the Table of Contents