It's Air Show Time In South Florida! 

Come On Out To 

Homestead Air Reserve Base

November 5th and 6th 2016

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Gates Open At 8 am

Come And See Your
 United States Air Force

Look For Our AFA-317th Tent 
By The C-130

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Come By And Meet Your 

Miami-Homestead AFA-317th 

Leadership and Chapter Members 

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Welcomes Commander Jean-Michel G. Caffin, French Navy Citizen Reserve As The November 10th Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About Rhodesia's Air & Land Counter-Insurgency Quick Reaction Forces, 1965-1980

AFA-317th NOVEMBER LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10th, 2016 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 7th November

Please e-mail afa317@gmail.com to 

reserve your place for this event

No credit cards or checks, cash only

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Welcomes The Honorable Mr. James Cason, City of Coral Gables Mayor As the October 13th Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About U.S. State Department Policies & Diplomatic Missions In South-Comm A.O.R

 

AFA-317th OCTOBER LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13th, 2016 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 10th October

Please e-mail afa317@gmail.com to 

reserve your place for this event

No credit cards or checks, cash only

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Regrets To Announce The Passing of Vietnam Veteran, Former AFA President Homestead Chapter and University of Miami Professor, Lt. Col. Ramon E. de Arrigunaga USAF (Ret.)

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IN MEMORIAM 
Lt. Col. Ramon E. de Arrigunaga USAF (Ret.)

Lt. Col. Ramon E. de Arrigunaga former President of the AFA Homestead Chapter

Lt. Col. Arrigunaga teaching aerodynamics to local Boy Scouts. Lt. Col. Arrigunaga was instrumental in assisting Boy Scouts obtain their aviation rating badge 

Lt. Col. Arrigunaga had a distinguished military career as a Special Operation combat pilot during the Vietnam War, flying several USAF aircraft types both in combat and in peace time missions

Lt. Col. Ramon E. de Arrigunana, USAF (Ret.) 

The Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter-AFA-317th regrets to advise of the passing of  Vietnam War, USAF, Special Operation Veteran Lt. Col. Ramon E. de Arrigunaga. Lt. Col. de Arrigunaga passed away on 10th September 2016. Ray fought a valiant effort against cancer due to Agent Orange exposure during his time in Southeast Asia fighting communism. He died peacefully in his house surrounded by his family and his Priest, Father Eddie Jones.

Ray was President of the AFA Homestead Chapter before it merged with the Miami Chapter , then became the Executive Vice President until 2012, when he moved to Destin, Florida. Col. de Arrigunaga had a distinguished military career as a Special Operation combat pilot during the Vietnam War, flying several airplane types. 

After retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he became a Professor at the University of Miami in the International Studies Department. Lt. Col. de Arrigunana was buried at Saint. Elizabeth Anne Seaton Catholic Church. Our sincere condolences to his family. Ray will be missed.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Regrets To Announce The Passing of World War II Veteran, B-17, 35 Missions Crewman and Recipient of The French Legion of Honor Medal TSgt. Seymour "Sy" Shweky

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IN MEMORIAM
Mr. Seymour "Sy" Shweky

Brooklyn, New York native and World War II aerial combat Veteran Mr. Seymour "Sy" Shweky former U.S. Army Air Corp. Boeing B-17F Heavy Bomber crewman with 35 combat missions over the European Theater of Operation (ETO) and Nazi held France

Mr. Shweky shown here with U.S. Air Force elements from U.S. Southern Command at the May 10th 2012 luncheon where "Sy" was the guest speaker and our honored World War II Veteran. Shown on the far left is Chapter President Lt.Col. Rodrigo 'Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.)

Mr. Shweky manning the port side, 50 caliber, Browning waist machine gun of his Boeing B-17F  heavy bomber. Sy was also a highly trained radio man within the crew. Radiomen of B-17 bomber crews were highly, technically specialized technicians of their time, sort of today Information Technology "IT" specialist 

Shown with former Chapter President Benny Benitez who assisted Mr. Shweky to present his vast array of personal World War II B-17 crew gear which he brought to the May 10th 2012 luncheon for all to see and learn about, which including his white, silk scarf that his Mother gave him for good luck of which apparently worked as Mr. Shweky completed 35 combat missions when the average for B-17 crews was 8 missions and where 25 missions was a feat of accomplishment.

Mr. Seymour "Sy" Shweky 
1924 to 2016

The Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter-AFA-317th regrets to advise of the passing of World War II, aerial combat Veteran, U.S. Army Air Corp, 35 missions, B-17F, heavy bomber crewman Mr. Seymour "Sy" Shweky who passed away on Saturday 6th August 2016 in Hollywood, Florida at the age of ninety-two 92 years old.

Mr. Shweky honored us with his presentation of his B-17F aerial combat experience over the European Theater of Operation (ETO) and Nazi held France at our May 10th 2012 luncheon which was held at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant.  Upon learning of Mr. Shweky 35 aerial combat missions over the ETO and many over France, the  Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter-AFA-317th under the leadership of Chapter member Mr. Steven Edelstein, Esq. and The Foundation for Holocaust Education Projects (FHEP) led the way to assist Mr. Shweky obtained and thus be officially awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French Government via the French Consulate of Miami, Florida.We salute and shall always remember Mr. Shweky presentation and his dedicated service to his beloved family and our great Nation.

Rest In Peace Sir. We morn the lost of an American Hero.

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Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Welcomes CMSgt. Tony Rodriguez, USAFR As the September 8th Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About The Enlisted Force, The Backbone Of The U.S. Armed Forces " A Chief Prospective"

AFA-317th SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th, 2016 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 5th September

Please e-mail afa317@gmail.com to 

reserve your place for this event

No credit cards or checks, cash only

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Celebrates Our Nations 240th Birthday With Their Annual 4th of July Picnic At The Port Of Miami

Happy 4th of July 

Miami-Homestead 
AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION 317th 

2016 Independence Day Picnic 
at the Port of Miami

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Enhoyed Geo T. Baker Avionics Instructor & the AFA-317th Teach of the Year 2016, AFA Cyber Patriot Program Mr. Darran McDaniel Presentation

Shown is Mr. McDaniel speaking about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to those who were in attendance at the June 2016 luncheon. Mr. McDaniel is strong supporter of STEM

As always the AFA-317 enjoys the presence of the USAF element from locally based U.S. Southern Command. Shown at the corner of the table is Major General Michael Plehn Chief of Staff at Southern Command and a great supporter of the Air Force Association

Chapter Vice President, American Airlines Captain Ted Kammire a former USAF C-130 pilot present the coveted B-17 etched in crystal award to Mr. Darren McDaniel on an outstanding presentation about STEM  and the Cyber Patriot program  

Shown is a proud and smiling former U.S. Marine as he shows off his AFA award. Mr. Darren McDaniel a former U.S. Marine who was involved with USMC F-18 Hornets 

Miami, Florida 9th June 2016: At the June luncheon of the Miami-Homestead AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION Chapter, the 317th all of those in attendance were treated to an awesome and informative presentation on subject of Science-Technology-Engineering & Math (STEM) by Mr. Darren McDaniel the AFA-317th "Teacher of Year". STEM is a topic that the AFA-317th strongly supports within the community via Cyber Patriot and other related programs geared to foster and encourage the attributes of STEM within the youth of Miami-Dade.

Mr. McDaniel an avionics instructor at the George T. Baker Aviation Technical College led his Cyber Patriot team consisting mostly of female students to victory in recent competitions. As former United State Marine, Mr. Daniel "Can Do" attitude which he obtained during his days as a USMC F-18 Hornet fighter / attack aircraft technician is contagious as it has been pasted down to his students. 

The AFA-317th is proud to have Mr. McDaniel as their "Teacher of The Chapter" and encourages other local Miami-Dade teachers to consider applying their experience, talents and tutelage as Mr McDaniel has done.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Welcomes Mr. Darren McDaniel Geo T. Baker Avionics Instructor & the AFA-317th Teach of the Year 2016, AFA Cyber Patriot Program As the June 9th Luncheon Guest Speaker

AFA-317th JUNE LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, JUNE 9th, 2016 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 6th June

Please e-mail afa317@gmail.com to 

reserve your place for this event

No credit cards or checks, cash only

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Present at The Civil Air Patrol Florida Wing Conference In Orlando, Floirda

Miami-Homestead AFA-317th Chapter past President Mr. Benny F. Benitez officially representing the Air Force Association-317th at the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Florida Wing Conference held in Orlando, Florida on April 15th, 16th and 17th

Benny shown here with Captain Martin Percifield of the communication, aerospace education and safety officer at the Patrick Composite Squadron CAP-293 based out of Patrick Air Force Base

Shown is Lauren Brown of Elite simulation solutions. Elite was present with a very impressionable flight simulator unit that many of the young CAP Cadets and adult senior members tried out and experienced the sensation of flight given by these fantastic training units 

Saturday night 16th April formal dinner and award gala event attended by all who were present

Orlando, Florida 16th April 2016: In the spirit of "Joint Operation" as our brethren U.S. Air Force and military folks carry out, we here at Miami-Homestead AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, the 317th Chapter carry out the same standards in as we support or local Civil Air Patrol units. Such is the case as the AFA-317th appeared to have been the sole Florida AFA Chapter to have sent and had a representative to attend and support the recent the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Florida Wing yearly conference.

The AFA-317th past President Mr. Benny F. Benitez attended the conference and proudly represented the AFA as a viable supporting factor to the CAP, particularly the Tamiami 355th Composite Squadron. While at the conference, Mr. Benitez met and engaged with many CAP officials and attending vendors like Elite Simulation Solutions who were present displaying their flight simulator training units. It was with great pride to have seen the 355th Blacksheeps win the award of Florida top CAP Squadron.  

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Enjoyed Major General Michael Plehn, Chief of Staff, U.S. Southern Command Presentation on USAF Special Forces Operations and Its History

Major General Michael Plehn, USAF Chief of Staff, U.S. Southern Command speaks about U.S. Air Force Special Operation history and its current role as the tip of the spear for our nation defense 

Shown with the General are the staff leadership at the University of Miami U.S. Air Force ROTC, Detachment (DET) 155. Shown from left to right are Lt. Col, Ingram Det. Commander, General Plehn, Capt. Kemp and Capt.Rojas. Capt. Rojas grew up in Miami, Florida

One of General Plehn slides from his amazing presentation on the many functions and capabilities within the U.S. Air Force Special Operation Command of which UAS / RPA play a big factor

The General brought in an array of ammunition shells that is fired from an AC-130 gunship. Shown here is the largest caliber shell that is fired from the AC-130, the 105mm howitzer 

Shown here with past AFA-317th President Benny F. Benitez, the General poses for a photo with the 317th Chapter call letters and colors. It should be noted that General Plehn is a Miami hometown boy, as he as raised and attended grade school here in Miami, Florida

Miami, Florida 14th April 2016: The operational history of the U.S. Air Force Special Operation branch is one of great interest, but its even more amazing when told by a person who has lived and developed their Air Force career within the operational life of U.S. Air Force Special Operation as Major General Michael Plehn has done.
Those who where in attendance at the AFA-317th April luncheon were treated to an informative insight into U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command as told by an Air Force officer who has lived it. As a native of Miami, Florida, Major General Michael Plehn, USAF, who currently serves as Chief of Staff at U.S. Southern Command, one of nine unified military command within the Department of Defense had everyone mesmerized by the awesome tactical and military abilities of U.S Air Force Special Operation. 
Armed with an informative and highly visual power point presentation, the General showed the vast operational diversity of the Air Force Special Operation community, of which has a strong presence based in Northern Florida pan handle area.
The General is a great supporter of the AFA and we at the 317th always welcome him back to our future gathering.   

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Welcomes Major General Michael T. Phehn USAF, Chief of Staff, U.S. Southern Command As The April 14th Luncheon Guest Speaker

AFA-317th APRIL LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, APRIL 14th, 2016 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 11th April

Please e-mail afa317@gmail.com to 

reserve your place for this event

No credit cards or checks, cash only

World War II Veteran, 2nd Lieutenant Stuart Newman U.S. Army Air Corp. B-17G Bombardier Navigator Autographs a B-17G Model For The Chapter Youngest Member

After his captivating presentation 2nd Lieutenant Newman was approached by Chapter member Cadet Senior Airman Cruz to say thank you for his presentation, service and to respectfully ask Lt. Newman to sign his B-17G model from his collection of american airpower aircraft

Happily 2nd Lieutenant Newman signed the young Cadet B-17G model

Shown are two happy Airmen! The proud linage continues from one generation to another

Shown is 2nd Lieutenant Newman signature on the wing of the B-17G model which shall be treasured by the young Cadet

Miami, Florida 10th March 2016: There is much to be send about three important traits within our nation military and society at large and they are traditions, admiration and respect and those three qualities were surprisingly evident within one of the Chapter youngest member, Cadet Senior Airman, A, Cruz from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Tamiami Squadron, the 355 Blacksheeps.

Knowing of the scheduled guest speaker, Cadet Cruz brought in his model B-17G so as to be autographed by 2nd Lieutenant Newman himself. Lt. Newman was taken by this gesture and request and gladly signed the young Cadet B-17G model. 

It was clearly evident by Lt. Newman facial expression that he was happy to see the next generation of  young American continue in the proud and established lineage of the then the U.S. Army Air Corp, and now the United Stated Air Force. In asking the young Cadet as to what he though of Lt. Newman he replied "I am the luckiest Cadet in my entire CAP Squadron to have had the pleasure of meeting and shaking the hand of such a great American as Lt.Newman".

World War II Veteran, 2nd Lieutenant Stuart Newman U.S. Army Air Corp. B-17G Bombardier Navigator Shows Off His U.S. Army Air Corp. Issued Stopwatch

Shown is a B-17, U.S. Army Air Corp., original issued Bombardier / Navigator stopwatch in its tin, spring shock suspended travel case

The Chapter youngest active member, Civil Air Patrol Cadet Senior Airman Cruz checks out this historical piece of B-17 aircrew flight gear

In the same manner in which it was held over seventy (70) plus years ago, 2nd Lieutenant Newman hold his stopwatch and demonstrates as how it was used and amazingly enough the time piece still function perfectly as if it was 1944

A nice close up of the stopwatch dial face which clearly show a 24 hour time system

A direct look down showing the four suspension springs in which the stopwatch rest on which help the time piece sustain the heavy vibrations of the B-17G Bomber and the rough flights in combat

Miami, Florida 10th March 2016: As we all enjoyed the insight that 2nd Lieutenant Stuart Newman brought to the March AFA-317th luncheon with his detailed and vivid accounts of his Boeing B-17G Fly Fortress combat experience, we were also treated to yet another delightful and amazing piece of functional U.S. Army Air Corp. history.

Lt. Newman brought in his original U.S. Army Air Corp. issued Navigator pocket stopwatch. Despite it being small this was a critical part of the crews equipment and especially for Lt. Newman as the Navigator / Bombardier, as this time piece once synchronized back at the crew briefing before take off would in fact tie in all the other aircraft within the bombing formation with a sequenced time pacing. Much to everyone surprise was the fact that its still worked as indented after all these years. 

Lt. Newman with a pure sense of ease and confident as he did so many time before at actual operational briefings set his watch, clicked it bezel top mount button and showed all of us as how he and the time piece would track the time to a target or track time when plotting a course. Truly the man and his pocket watch were the predecessors to today's modern day Global Positioning System (GPS).