Thunderbird Chapter Supports Nevada Airmen, Guardians with Fellowships, Funding & More

February 29, 2024

AFA’s Thunderbird Chapter in Nevada was busy in December, hosting three events that supported relationships between the Air Force, industry, and the community. 

In early December, National Director Bobi Oates presented Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham, Commander of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, with a Gen. Ira Eaker Historical Fellowship. For the past decade, the Warfare Center and the AFA Thunderbird Chapter have worked hand-in-hand to bring together leaders from industry leaders and Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases during the annual Silver State Warfighter Industry Day.

National Director Bobi Oates presents Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham, U.S Air Force Warfare Center Commander, with Gen. Ira Eaker Historical Fellowship.

Attendees receive updates on current activities and a future forecast for the units at both bases. The annual event includes both classified briefings and networking opportunities and is usually held the day before the Nellis/Creech Air Force Ball in September.

“We continue to value the Thunderbird AFA chapter’s support of Team Nellis,” Cunningham said.

On December 14, Oates and Thunderbird Chapter President Reza Karamooz presented the Nellis/Creech First Sergeants with a $4,000 check for the annual Operation Warmheart/Adopt-a-Family event at the quarterly Community/Military Committee luncheon. This support resulted in the adoption of 347 Airman and Families and gifts for 627 children.

The Chapter also donated $2,000 to the 926th Reserve Wing for their holiday support.

AFA National Director Bobi Oates gives the staff from the 328th Weapons School a cake celebrating the Space Force’s fourth birthday.

Finally, on December 20, Oates helped celebrate the Space Force’s fourth birthday by delivering a birthday cake to the 328th Weapons Squadron at Nellis AFB. Lt. Col. Derek Haun, the Director of Operations, as well as instructors and their families were on hand to enjoy cake and celebrate. The 328th is the United States Space Force’s weapons school and is assigned to Space Training and Readiness Command’s Space Delta 1.

The AFA Thunderbird Chapter’s organization of each event serves to illustrate the impact AFA Chapters can have at the local level to support our Airmen, Guardians, and their Families.