Steele Chapter Celebrates National Aviation Week at Air Force Memorial 

The Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) concluded National Aviation Week on November 12 with a special presentation that highlighted the Air Force’s legacy and the significance of the Air Force Memorial. The presenter was Col. Cardell Richardson, Sr., USAF (Ret.), a distinguished member of AFA’s D.W. Steele, Sr. Chapter and the inspector general for the Department of State.

Richardson, a D.C. native, graduated from Howard University where he earned his commission through the AFROTC program, and served 30 years in the Air Force. 

In his speech, Richardson traced the Air Force’s evolution, from the Wright brothers’ pioneering flight in 1903 to its present-day achievements. He noted that one of the earliest demonstrations of military aviation took place at Fort Myer, Va., near the Memorial. This connection between the Memorial, military aviation, and those interred at Arlington National Cemetery added depth and meaning to his remarks, offering the audience a vivid sense of the Air Force’s storied past, present, and future. 

The History Lecture Series, produced by AFDW and the 11th Wing at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, supported AFA Steele Chapter’s mission to inspire future recruits for the Air and Space Forces while engaging the local community. The event drew a large audience, including Honor Flight veterans and their families from Sioux Falls, S.D., who visited the Memorial as part of their Washington, D.C., tour. 

This event was a fitting tribute to the Air Force’s history, underscoring the significance of the Air Force Memorial and its connection to Arlington National Cemetery. It left a lasting impression on all who attended.