AFA in Action
A Message from the President
June 30, 2026
Friends,
With Independence Day approaching, celebrating 250 years as a nation, I’ve been reflecting on what makes our country so extraordinary. The ideals of freedom, equality, enterprise, and opportunity embodied in our Declaration of Independence did more than recast how a people might govern themselves. They unleashed an innovative and pioneering spirit, attracting like-minded souls from around the globe.
Together, our forebears built a nation that could do the impossible. Only in America could the ingenuity of smalltown bicycle makers Orville and Wilbur Wright launch man into flight, or a visionary like Robert Goddard bring forth the age of rocketry, or an entire nation answer a President’s call by putting men on the moon in just eight years.
Our nation continues to push the frontiers of knowledge in science, computing, medicine, and of course in air and space, driven by a shared belief that we can redefine the art of the possible and do things others only dream of.
For nearly a third of our nation’s history, AFA has championed innovation—from simple ideas like spearheading the creation of the Community College of the Air Force in the 1960s to complex challenges, like reimagining the future size and makeup of the Air Force and Space Force in Mitchell Institute wargames and workshops today.
Innovation and imagination are what makes America tick. And it’s why we remain convinced that this nation’s best days are still ahead of us.
Happy 250th Birthday, America! Onwards and Upwards!
Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.)
President & CEO
Share Your Story!
How is your Chapter, Region, or State supporting the AFA mission? Share your story with our entire Air and Space Forces community by drafting an article and submitting it to our AFA in Action newsroom.
Join the Action
Membership
Discover the benefits of becoming an AFA member, including special access to our premier professional development events, subscription to Air & Space Forces Magazine, perks from our industry partners, and much more.
Field & Chapters
Our local AFA chapters are advancing our mission on a global scale. See the latest news from the field, get access to Field Leader resources, and more.
Corporate Membership
Unite your organization with our community of 125,000+ Airmen, Guardians, family members, veterans, civilians, and more through our three tiers of corporate membership.