Honoring Heroes, Mentoring Leaders & Big Plans for 2025!
March 11, 2025 | By Timothy Tan Bon Liong
AFA D.W. Steele Chapter
Winter 2025 Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 1
Originally published 06 Mar 2025.
 Join Us Online: AFA’s Social Media Relaunch We’re excited to announce the relaunch of our social media accounts! Stay connected as an AFA member by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Our latest campaign, “Meeting the Officers,” introduces the chapter leadership team, so you can get to know the individuals guiding our efforts. Click below stay updated on all things D.W. Steele! Click Here to Follow Us!  D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter of AFA to Host Doolittle Raid CommemorationThe D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter of the AFA will honor the Doolittle Raid with a commemoration on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Nighthawk Pizza in Arlington, VA. This venue, located in Pentagon Row, offers convenient metro access and ample parking. FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  Attendees will enjoy complimentary pizza and soft drinks while watching a livestream of the national AFA commemoration from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Continuing the Raiders’ tradition, we will toast their legacy with Hennessy Cognac in specially made shot glasses (complimentary), with soft drink alternatives available.Photo Credit: Air and Space Force AssociationInvited guests include AFA chapter members, the 317th, and Arnold Air Society/Silver Wings cadets from GWU, Howard University, and UMD. Volunteers from our chapter and UMD’s Arnold Air Society have already joined the planning efforts. Spouses, enlistees, and candidates are also welcome.While our event takes place at Nighthawk Pizza, the national AFA event will be held directly above in the AFA Ops Center. We hope to welcome distinguished visitors from the national event to our gathering, as past attendees have included senior general officers and NCOs. We encourage all Airmen to participate in this important commemoration of history and heritage. REGISTER HERE FOR FREE! (Required)  Steele Chapter Supports AFROTC Cadet Leadership TrainingThe D.W. Steele Chapter, in collaboration with the Gabriel Chapter, reaffirmed its commitment to developing future Air Force and Space Force leaders by sponsoring study materials for 55 AFROTC cadets from the University of Virginia, James Madison University, and Liberty University.These cadets attended a leadership training session on February 7-8, 2025, at Graves Mountain Lodge, led by Col. (Ret.) Patrick Donley, Director of the Doolittle Leadership Center. The training provided cadets with essential leadership skills to help them excel in their military careers.Steele Chapter President Swede, an active-duty NCO, participated in the event, sharing his personal leadership experiences and engaging in discussions with cadets. “It was an honor to be part of this experience. I hope my insights help these future leaders as they prepare to take on greater responsibilities.”Col. Donley expressed his appreciation for the chapters’ support, emphasizing the long-term impact of investing in young leaders. “This training is a ‘generational gift’—one that will continue to benefit the Air Force and Space Force for years to come.”Through partnerships like this, the Steele Chapter continues its mission of mentoring and shaping the next generation of military leaders, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve. Photo Credit: Patrick Donley  Honoring Our Veterans: A Simple Act of GratitudeOn February 17, 2025, Steele Chapter President Lloyd Swede took a moment to recognize a Vietnam veteran while dining at Mission BBQ in Fredericksburg, VA.When Swede noticed the veteran entering the restaurant with his son, a Marine Corps veteran, he stepped outside to retrieve a Vietnam Service lapel pin from his car. Returning inside, he approached the older veteran, presented the pin, and personally thanked him for his service.The veteran’s son was deeply moved by the gesture, expressing gratitude for Swede’s recognition of his father’s sacrifice. “So many of our older veterans came home without a proper thank you,” Swede said. “This small act of appreciation was the least I could do.”AFA and the Steele Chapter remain committed to honoring those who have served, preserving military heritage, and fostering connections between past, present, and future generations.As part of this mission, the chapter is planning upcoming events, including a gathering to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Doolittle Raid and participation in the Air Force Memorial History Series.These efforts ensure that the legacy of service members remains alive in the hearts and minds of all who support the AFA mission.Photo Credit: Bob Hill Hangar Flying with Legends and LeadersEver heard of hangar flying? It’s not about buildings flying—it’s about aviators sharing stories. Since the early days of aviation, pilots have gathered to swap lessons, experiences, and insights.The D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter is keeping this tradition alive with a new video and podcast series, Hangar Flying with Legends and Leaders. This series will feature past, present, and future Air Force leaders, sharing their experiences and lessons learned through the lens of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.Aligned with AFA’s strategy to grow membership and engagement, this series will create a “Community of Interest” for aviation enthusiasts and professionals.But we need your help! Volunteers are essential for guest coordination, audio/video production, and promotion. Join us in preserving Air Force history. Let’s do some hangar flying together! Interested? Contact Steele Chapter Secretary Bob Hill via email below or call 703-801-8894.  Click Here to Email Steele Chapter Secretary Bob Hill Join Us for the 2025 Air Force Memorial History Lecture SeriesThe 2025 Air Force Memorial History Lecture Series begins March 25, and we invite all chapter members and aviation enthusiasts to join. As part of our mission to advocate, educate, and honor Air Force heritage, we proudly support this series.Held at the US Air Force Memorial, a tribute to Air Force service and sacrifice, the series features senior leaders and experts discussing airpower’s evolution and national defense impact. Monthly lectures run throughout 2025, offering valuable insights.Admission is free—don’t miss this chance to engage with Air Force leaders and celebrate our history!  Upcoming Events! 📅 Air and Space Forces Charity Ball March 21, 2025 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST The Air and Space Forces Charity Gala, formerly known as the the United States Air Force Ball, is an annual fundraiser founded in 2004 by the AFOSC at Bolling AFB to support the Air Force Aid Society.Click Here for More Info 📅 2025 National Stem Festival March 22, 2025 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST Members of the public are invited to experience 20 hands-on STEM activities and exciting giveaways. Featuring 100+ top young innovators showcasing pioneering solutions, this event is recommended for all ages. Click Here for More Info 📅 Arnold Air Society/Silver Wings NATCON April 11-15, 2025 Multi-Day Event NATCON is a multi-day conference where Arnold Air Society (AAS) and Silver Wings (SW) members discuss legislation, elect new HQs, select the Joint National Project (JNP), and present national awards. Click Here for More Info 📅 JBAB Education and Community Expo April 30, 2025 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST Location: JBAB Bolling Club, 50 Theisen Street, Washington, D.C. 20032 Questions or comments can be directed to our team at 11fss.jbab.fsde@us.af.mil or (202) 284-4438. Click Here to Email 📅 Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington National Cemetery May 26, 2025 10:00 a.m. EST Memorial Day weekend is a special time at Arlington National Cemetery, which hosted the first national “Decoration Day” in 1868—now known as Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May. Click Here for More Info Steele Chapter Celebrates Air Force HeritageThe Steele Chapter recently participated in the Air Force District of Washington’s (AFDW) History Lecture Series, marking the end of National Aviation Week on November 12. Held at the Air Force Memorial, the event highlighted the Air Force’s rich legacy and its impact on aviation and defense.  Photo: Col (Ret) Cardell Richardson speaking at the AF Memorial  Photo: Col (Ret) Cardell Richardson and Maj Gen Daniel A. DeVoe, AFDW Commander.Colonel (Ret.) Cardell Richardson Sr., a Steele Chapter member served as the guest speaker. A Howard University graduate and 30-year Air Force veteran, he traced the Air Force’s evolution from the Wright Brothers’ 1903 flight to today’s achievements. He also emphasized the historic connection between Fort Myer, early military aviation, and the Air Force Memorial.Hosted by AFDW and the 11th Wing at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, the event aligned with the Steele Chapter’s mission to inspire future Air & Space Forces recruits while engaging the community. Among the attendees were Honor Flight veterans and their families from Sioux Falls, SD, making the tribute even more meaningful.The event honored the Air Force’s history and reinforced the Memorial’s significance, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. Photo Credits: Gale Hill  Photo: Col (Ret) Maj Gen Daniel A. DeVoe, AFDW Commander, Col (Ret) Cardell Richardson & Bob Hill, AFA DW Steele Sr. Chapter Government Shutdown: Potential Impacts on the Military Community Disclaimer: This article is not meant to cause alarm but to help the military and federal community prepare. Stay informed, plan ahead, and act where you can. Over the past several weeks, there has been a flood of news about changes affecting federal agencies and workers and a variety of government policies and programs. Living in the National Capital Region, we are in the eye of the storm, with the national news being our local news, potentially impacting a large segment of the local population. Meanwhile, congress is working on legislation to enhance border security, increase defense funding, and implement the president’s tax proposals. While these issues may take weeks or months to resolve, a more immediate challenge looms for all Americans.Late last year, congress opted to fund the government through a Continuing Resolution (CR) rather than passing full appropriation bills. That CR is set to expire on March 14—just days away. If congress does not pass another CR or approve full-year funding, the government will shut down.How Would a Shutdown Affect the Military Community?A government shutdown would have wide-ranging effects on military personnel, federal employees, and retirees. Here’s a partial list of potential impacts if congress fails to act:– Active-duty military members will continue to report for duty but will not receive pay until funding is restored. Pay will be issued retroactively once funding passes. – Federal employees deemed “non-essential” will be furloughed, while “essential” employees must continue working without pay. As with military members, retroactive pay will be provided after the shutdown ends. – Military and Federal retirees will continue to receive their Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) payments, including retiree pay and SBP, as well as Social Security benefits. – Federal contractors are not guaranteed to be paid by their employers during a shutdown. – Veterans Administration services including healthcare, disability compensation and educational benefits would continue. – TSP accounts would not be affected by a shutdown, but no contributions can be made until pay resumes. TSP loans will be available. – Military Treatment Facilities will remain open for essential (acute) care services. – Tricare benefits are unaffected by a government shutdown. – Base Child Development Centers may stay open, but this is not guaranteed. This decision is made base-by-base. – Commissaries will continue operating until available funds run out. Perishable items will be sold in an orderly manner if closures occur. – Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs may shut down almost immediately, though impacts will vary by state, as states manage WIC funds through federal grants. – Military exchanges (AAFES, MCX, and NEX) will remain open, as they operate with self-generated funds. – Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves will be frozen in most cases until funding is restored. – Military leave may be canceled. – Most travel and training will be postponed or canceled. Howard University Cadets Visit Veterans at VA Medical Center  On February 16, eleven cadets from Howard University’s Arnold Air Society (AFROTC Detachment 130) visited the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Washington, D.C.Bringing pizzas and drinks, they spent the afternoon engaging in conversations and playing board games with veterans, fostering camaraderie across generations.The Steele Chapter coordinated the visit with the Medical Center’s Volunteer Director. “The veterans and cadets connected on a deeper level,” said Cadet TJ Graulys, the event organizer.Encouraged by the success of this visit, the Turner Squadron plans to return with even more cadets and Silver Wings members in the coming weeks. AFA D. W. Steele Sr. Memorial Chapter – 239 c/o 1201 South Joyce Street Arlington, VA 22202 |