The Boeing B-17F "Flying Fortress" AFA-317th Chapter Aircraft

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"It has served, unlike any other bomber, through all of the Second World War. It had become a legend in its time. A tribute to the men who had conceived, designed, and built it-and a monument to the remarkable young men, most of them boys who flew it. These men, and this plane, accomplished one of the most frightening missions ever demanded of men and aircraft. Together they helped end history's last "Glorious War".

MIAMI-HOMESTEAD AIRFORCE ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 317th

AFA-317 Blogspot created and maintained by Benny F. Benitez, FAA -Airframe / Powerplant and FCC-Ham Radio Lic.) VFW Life Member, Former Chapter President (2009-2010). Current Chapter Vice President of Special Projects

Thursday, April 28, 2016

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.   

3 comments:

  1. AFA Membership,

    I joined shortly after attending last year's 4th of July Celebration at the Sailor's Chapel on Jungle Island, if I'm not mistaken.

    I received my "welcome" packet a few weeks later. My membership is for 3-yrs, longer if satisfied with my decision.

    So, far, I am not. Nobody from the chapter has reached out to me to welcome me to the chapter. Totally opposite of my reception when I joined the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 620 and by the American Legion once I transferred my membership from my hometown of Niagara Falls, NY to Miami.

    Very disappointed in the lack of brotherhood and sense of belonging to my Air Force Association.

    Strongly cancelling my remaining time left since so far I have gotten nothing out of it.

    You were oh so friendly during the recruitment phase, but once i signed on the dotted line - nada.

    Respectfully,

    Kenneth Penman
    Secretary, VVA Chapter 620
    Executive Committee, American Legion Post 342
    Member, AFA 317
    Member, AUSA
    Miami-Dade Veterans Treatment Court
    Co-Mentor Coordinator
    Miami, FL

    ReplyDelete
  2. Strongly cancelling my remaining time left since so far I have gotten nothing out of it.

    This should read "Strongly CONSIDERING cancelling..."

    ReplyDelete
  3. Would appreciate if somebody from the AFA 317 would contact me.

    ReplyDelete