Midwest Region Profile

The Heart of America is not blessed with many permanent Air Force bases. We do, however, have National Guard installations, which yield good members and meeting sites for programs.

Strong organizations do exist at Scott AFB and Offutt AFB. Visions programs at both are large in numbers and effectiveness. Their scholarship programs are models for all chapters to emulate. The AFA chapters can grow stronger if they work with other veteran organizations to achieve a goal. Under AFA leadership many combined their efforts in Missouri to sponsor a Memorial Day dinner with General Richard Meyers as the guest speaker.

Unusual activities are not uncommon in the AFA, but providing leadership for the training of Civil Air Patrol Cadets to fly gliders and other aircraft is unique. Members of the Chicagoland-O’Hare chapter, Tom O’Shea and Ron Westholm train young cadets to fly gliders in a special training program at Mattoon, IL. Tom is the Executive Director of the program.

The Midwest Region held their annual conference in Galesburg, IL. In order to stimulate interest and attendance, a Banquets Dance with award ceremonies was held the first night. The fun night prepared the members for the next day’s session. This was held at the Illinois National Guard Readiness Center. This Army Center allowed the AFA to see how the Army functions. Tours were a part of the day’s session. Training and AFA discussions brought the members back to the reality of their responsibilities as AFA members.

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