Edwards Pete Knight Chapter hosts CAFA conference

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  More than 50 California Air Force Association members flocked to Edwards for an annual conference July 25 and 26.

Hosted by Edwards' Pete Knight Chapter 294, the conference gathered all the California AFA chapters to coordinate future events and talk about objectives for the year.

"The California Air Force Association's goals, as a subsidiary of the AFA, are to educate the public on aerospace power and its needs; to advocate those systems in support of the troops; and to support the Air Force family," said Randy Kelly, Chapter 294 president. "We advocate good housing for military members, educational benefits and annual pay raises."

The two-day conference included a business meeting for members to discuss some of the association's issues and various Air Force topics. 

"Air Force Association conventions are social venues to share comradeship with other people who share a common history as part of the Air Force family," said Mr. Kelly. "They also share a common vision as to where they think the service should go. This is where we communicate the goals and strategies of the association so we know where the organization needs to go to achieve its mission." 

The event also featured base tours, including the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, environmental historical sites, Edwards flightline and the Benefield Anechoic Facility. Members also played golf scramble at the Muroc Lake Golf Course to raise scholarship funds. 

"This was a special event because it was held here, and it served to show off our Team Edwards capabilities and hospitality," Mr. Kelly said. "A number of folks were surprised that our own Edwards Airmen deployed with the warfighter in combat operations support or for 'in the field' testing."

On July 25, the California AFA held an award banquet to honor the association's outstanding members. Brig. Gen. Jim Hogue, mobilization assistant to the commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center, was the guest speaker.

The conference concluded on July 26 with a military award banquet to honor outstanding active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen, CAP and ROTC cadets and California teachers. Maj. Gen. David Eichhorn, AFFTC commander, was the guest speaker.

"We wouldn't be able to do this type of event without the support of the base and agencies such as Club Muroc, High Desert Inn, Muroc Lake Golf Course and public affairs," said Cindy Phillips, Chapter 294 secretary. "The Civil Air Patrol and (Reserve Officer Training Course) cadets also provided a helping hand."

The Air Force Association is an independent, nonprofit, civilian education organization that promotes public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation.

"The conference went off very well," said Mr. Kelly. "The event was a big success and everyone had a good time. I would like to extend my gratitude to the base for their great support."