America250 Partners with Mitchell Institute on Air & Space Power Podcast

The Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies has announced a partnership with America250, the national, nonpartisan organization working to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The partnership will highlight the airpower and space power heritage of the United States through the podcast series America250: The Air & Space Power Story as the nation marks its semiquincentennial.

America250 is partnering with the Mitchell Institute to amplify stories of American innovation, service, and leadership in the air and space domains. The America250: The Air & Space Power Story podcast, hosted by Mitchell Institute experts, highlights how every U.S. state has contributed to these domains.

Launched in January 2026, the podcast explores each state’s most iconic connections to the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, focusing on tangible places, people, and innovations that remain part of local communities today. Episodes are released weekly in order of each state’s admission to the Union.

“The partnership with America250 helps bring air and space history down to the local level.” said Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute. “The Air & Space Power Story is about connecting communities to the people and innovations of their state, so that they can have a full appreciation of our nation’s airpower and spacepower heritage.”

“As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, America250 is focused on bringing history to life in ways that feel personal, local, and relevant to Americans today,” said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President at America250. “This podcast underscores how innovation, service, and leadership in air and space power are deeply woven into communities across all 50 states – and into the story of our country.”

America250: The Air & Space Power Story is released weekly and is available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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About the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

The Mitchell Institute is the only think tank focused on airpower and spacepower, located in the nation’s capital. The Mitchell Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research organization established to provide innovative, insightful, fact-based research, analysis, and policy options to inform decision-makers, experts, and the public on national security issues in the air and space domains. Mitchell provides deep analysis of important issues, strategy, and technology through research reports and policy papers on a wide range of subjects. Mitchell conducts cutting edge workshops and wargames and facilitates topical expert conversations through a variety of community activities and engagement opportunities, from symposia to round tables. Mitchell also engages top air and space leaders with its internationally acclaimed webinar series and influential weekly podcast series that both cover a broad range of timely air and space issues. 

About AFA

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air Force and Space Force. 

About America250

America250 is the national nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is spearheaded by the congressionally-appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its sole-supporting nonprofit organization, America250.org, Inc., together known as America250. This multi-year effort kicked off with America’s Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Leading up to July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. To learn more, visit America250.org, and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.