Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Welcomes Lieutenant General Mike Plehn, USAF Military Commander U.S. Southern Command As Our August 8th 2019 Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About U.S. Southern Command Role Within The Latin America and Caribbean Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Previous photo of then Brigadier General Plehn 

at a previous AFA-317th luncheon where the General 

spoke about USAF C-130 Special Operations 

(click on flyer to read about the event)

AFA-317th JUNE LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8th, 2019 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 5th August

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 Mr. Ronald "Ron" Infantino, Survivor of Eastern Airlines Flight 401, December 29th, 1972 Crash Into The Everglades March 14th 2019 Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About Surviving The World's First Jumbo Jet Crash And What Came Out of The Crash of Eastern 401

(click on flyer to read about the event)

AFA-317th JUNE LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, MARCH 14th, 2019 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 11th March

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 Annual 4th of July Celebration At The Port of Miami

  (click on flyer to read about the event)

WEDNESDAY JULY 4th 2018 

OPEN TO 

ALL ACTIVE DUTY, RESERVE, 

NATIONAL GUARD 

AND ALL VETERANS

VFW and AMERICAN LEGION INVITED 

******** FREE! ********

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Welcomes U.S. Navy Veteran Mr. Benny F. Benitez (FAA A&P / FCC Lic), Founder, CEO & Chief Consultant of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group As The June 14th, 2018 Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About The Grumman F-14 Tomcat The Plane That The U.S. Navy Wishes It Had Again

Mr. Benny F. Benitez (U.S. Navy Veteran)

Founder, CEO and Chief Consultant 

94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group

Former Grumman F-14 Tomcat Technician 

(click on flyer to read about the event)

AFA-317th JUNE LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, JUNE 14th, 2018 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 11th 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 Welcomes Major General Jon A. Norman USAF, Chief of Staff, U.S. Southern Command As The Oct 12th Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About The F-16 Command and Where We're Going In The Future As a Combat Air Force

Major General Jon A. Norman (USAF)

Chief of Staff U.S. Southern Command

(click on flyer to read about the event)

AFA-317th JUNE LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12th, 2017 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 9th 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 Welcomes Brigadier General Todd J. McChubbin USAF, Deputy Director of Operations, U.S. Southern Command As The June 8th Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About The Operational U.S. Air Force Reverses

Brigadier General Todd J. McCubbin (USAF)

Deputy Director of Operations U.S. Southern Command

(click on flyer to read about the event)

AFA-317th JUNE LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, JUNE 8th, 2017 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 5th 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 Welcomes Colonel Thomas "Nelson" Johnson, Commander 12th Air Force Detachment 1 USSOUTHCOM As The May 11th Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About U.S. Air Force Operations In The SouthCom Area of Responsibility (AOR)

May 2017 Luncheon Quest Speaker
Colonel Thomas "Nelson" Johnson

Commander 12th Air Force Detachment 1

USSOUTHCOM

(click on flyer to read about the event)

AFA-317th MARCH LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, MAY 11th, 2017 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 8th May

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 Chapter Executive VP, Frederick A. Karmmire (Ted), Major, USAF (Ret.) As The March 9th Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About "A Flying Career"

March 2017 Luncheon Quest Speaker
Captain Frederick Karmmire (Ted) American Airlines
U.S. Air Force Major (Ret.)

AFA-317th MARCH LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, MARCH 9th, 2017 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 6th March

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 Cuban American Veterans Association (CAVA) Monument Dedication Ceremony On The Grounds Of The Miami Military Museum

The last structure / building from the former U.S. Navy Naval Air Station (NAS) Richmond which open in support of World War II back in 1942. Bldg. 25 as it is known was used by the U.S. Navy, The CIA, Army and Marine Corp. Reserve Units in its days. Now its the site of the soon to be open South Florida Military Museum

In attendance a representing the AFA-317 are Chapter members 2nd Lt. Xiomara Llizo and Cadet Master Sergent Andres Cruz, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) 355th / USAF Auxiliary as well, but not shown AFA-317 Vice President of Special Projects and Former Chapter President Benny F. Benitez who is a supporting member of the VFW-10212 and American Legion-346 Posts 

Master of Ceremony at the event as shown reading a Proclamation from Miami-Dade County is Miami, Florida VFW 10212 Post Commander and Former USAF Veteran, Mr. Marco Gorrin

Shown in stunning display is the Cuban American Veteran Association (CAVA) monument on the ground of the Miami Military Museum (M3). The monument pays homage to those Cuban Americans who have served and dies in the service of the United States

Shown in attendance at the event is Mr. Esteban Bovo a former B-26 Invader pilot who flew combat mission during the Bay of Pigs in Cuban. Mr. Bovo has graced the members of the AFA-317 in the past with his presence as he has been an honored lunch speaker

Miami, Florida 19th February 2017: The day was sunny and those in attendance on the grounds of the Miami Military Museum were excited to see the unavailing of the Cuban American Veteran Association (CAVA) newly established monument.

The Miami-Homestead AFA-317th Chapter was in attendance in representing the AFA to the greater Miami military community. Chapter members 2nd Lt. Xiomara Llizo and Cadet Master Sergeant Andrea Cruz of the Civil Air Patrol / USAF Auxiliary as well as former AFA-317th Chapter President Benny F. Benitez were present and observed the ceremony, as former USAF / Veteran, C-141 "Starlifter" aircrew member Mr. Marco Gorrin spoke at the ceremony and welcomed everyone. 

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Welcomes Chapter President, Lt.Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Huete As The February 9th Luncheon Guest Speaker. To Speak About "The State Of The Chapter"

AFA-317th FEBRUARY LUNCHEON AT THE 

94th AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9th, 2017 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Monday 6th February

Please e-mail afa317@gmail.com to 

reserve your place for this event

No credit cards or checks, cash only

It's Air Show Time In South Florida! 

Come On Out To 

Homestead Air Reserve Base

November 5th and 6th 2016

****************************************

Gates Open At 8 am

Come And See Your
 United States Air Force

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

****************************************

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.)

*********************************************************************************

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

*********************************************************************************
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.

*********************************************************************************

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.