AFA Greater Seattle Chapter Revitalizes Community Spirit with a Toast to the Raiders

AFA’s Greater Seattle Chapter in Washington commemorated the 83rd anniversary of the Doolittle Raid with a moving ceremony at The Museum of Flight in Seattle on April 17. The event drew more than 120 attendees—ranging in age from 3 to 102—including the sons of two of the original Doolittle Raiders, Col. Charles Ross Greening and Lt. Col. Edward Joseph Saylor. Other distinguished guests joined AFA for the toast, including Dick Nelms, who was a B-17 pilot in World War II, and two former POWs from the Vietnam War, Maj. Joe Crecca and Capt. Bill Wilson.

Guests gathered to remember Jimmy Doolittle, his Raiders, and their daring mission, which boosted American morale after Pearl Harbor and forced Japanese forces to divert resources to homeland defense. In conjunction with AFA National’s global livestream, all the attendees raised a glass to the Raiders’ legacy and recited the traditional toast: “To those who have gone.”

This event was especially significant for the Greater Seattle Chapter. As recently as October 2024, the Chapter had no active leadership or programming. In just six months, a revitalized leadership team has reignited momentum. Through events like the Toast, the AFA Chapter has planned meaningful events, engaged with veterans of all generations, and inspired renewed participation in AFA’s mission. Their Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast marks not only a celebration of legacy, but a powerful demonstration of leadership breathing new life into a previously dormant chapter.

Maj. Sarah “FIGHT” Broadbent, is AFA’s WA244 Treasurer and Secretary of Oregon Air National Guard.