Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Chapter Member Extends Material Support to Civil Air Patrol 355th Squadron

The young Cadet of the 355th waste no time in breaking out the donated tent and commence to assemble it and set it up for the Saturday drill meeting

Instilled with the sense of working as a team, it was naturally instinctive of them to work as one for a common goal as we observed them setting up the tent

Within  a period of no less then 20 minutes the tent was up and the Squadron colors posted

Past President Benny F. Benitez, AFA-317th representative and unofficial liaison by and between the AFA-317th and CAP-355th with Squadron Cadet and adult members

Miami, Florida May 16th 2015: In keeping with the spirit of support, AFA-317th Chapter member and past Chapter President Mr.Benny F. Benitez company, the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group donated a portable / pop up tent and portable fold-away table to the Civil Air Patrol 355th Squadron to support their field activities during their weekend drill day.
The Cadets of the 355th despite meeting at Tamiami Regional Airport have no indoor facility to operate / drill out from the weather and are often subjected to the South Florida rain showers. The tent offers them slight sheltered from the weather for the Cadet drill paper work and general equipment and to place their personal backpacks from getting wet. This is the first step toward hopefully establishing a local grass root effort to create and establish a permanent facility on the airport.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Visit The Collins Foundation Warbird Fly-In At Banyan Aviation To Appreciate The Chapter Mascot Aircraft, The Boeing B-17G

The mascot aircraft of the Air Force Association Miami-Homestead, AFA-317th Chapter, the venerable, Boeing B-17G. The back bone bomber of the U.S. Army Air Corp, 8th Air Force

The Boeing B-17G model "Flying Fortress" was distinguished by its nose section chin turret which help fend off attacking aircraft from a frontal position, which was a know means of attack by the German Luftwaffe pilots of World War II

The tails of all Boeing B-17 carrier an alphabetical code system of letters so as to annotate the group to which the bomber would belong to and would help to identify who was flying with you within your formation during large plane bombing formations

A proper side view of the Boeing B-17G. Note the height and size of the tail which help in the steering, the yaw effect of the aircraft operational flight characteristic

The inner view of the Boeing B-17G internal bomb bay which housed depending on the bomb load up to fifteen (15) 500 lbs bombs as shown

The Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA-317th Chapter speaker appreciation award given to all invited guest speakers

The details as created by the laser etching is amazing to see the B-17 in scale within the block

Fort Lauderdale, Florida February 1st 2015: The Boeing B-17 bomber was known as the 'Flying Fortress" due to the amount of the defensive guns it had so as to protect itself from attacking, enemy fighter aircraft's. The early models of the B-17 to the last production model known as the "F" model saw many changes and improvement. One such improvement was the installation of chin mounted 50 caliber guns which was incorporated into the "G" and afterward.
The Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter AFA-317 has adopted the B-17 as its mascot aircraft to represent the Chapter who motto is "The Most Relevant AFA Chapter". When the AFA-317 has invited, special guest speakers at their monthly luncheon, as a sign of  their appreciation to the speakers, the Chapter presents speaker with a laser engraved B-17 within a clear acrylic block.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Chapter President Pays An Official Visitation to the Civil Air Patrol 355th Squadron

Shown from left to right is Captain Kenneth Pena Commander of the Tamiami, Civil Air Patrol 355th Composite Squadron, Lt.Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Huete, USAF (Ret.) the current AFA-317 President and Mr. Benny F. Benitez former AFA-317 President (2009-2010) on the first official meeting of the two organizations

The support among Chapter President is of great value to the Chapter

CAP-355th Commander Pena explains to Lt.Col Huete USAF (Ret.) the core mission of the Civil Air Patrol and the benefit that it brings to the young Cadets and the inner make up of the Squadron as a Composite Squadron with adult members as well

With full attention, AFA-317th President Lt.Col. Huete USAF (Ret.) listens to CAP-355th Commander Pena explain what would be some of the issues that both organization could work in support of aerospace education among the Cadets and as to how maybe the AFA-317th could assist with a few material needs to help improve their overall training

Miami, Florida January 31st 2015: Based on the recon information in which the past Chapter President Benny F. Benitez was able to obtain and thus provide to Chapter President Lt.Col. Huete USAF (Ret.) from his 22nd January visitation to the CAP-355th, Lt. Col. Huete paid an official AFA-317th visitation to the leadership of the 355th. 
The members of the CAP-355th were delighted to have the AFA-317th leadership come out and meet with them, as based from their remarks, the CAP-355th had always wanted to reach out to the AFA but had no idea as to or to whom they would contact. The meeting by and between the CAP-355th and the AFA-317th lasted for about an hours and half and it allowed both groups to learn about each other and in the end it was relived to both of them that they share the same mission statement to foster, encourage and support aerospace education among young American students. The Miami-Homestead AFA-317th looks forward toward a positive and productive year to work and support the Civil Air Patrol. Benny has proposed to Lt. Col Huete about having the CAP speak at one of the upcoming luncheon meetings this year. 

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th Visits a Weekend Meeting Of a Local Civil Air Patrol Squadron The Tamiami 355th Composite Squadron

With their colors hoisted and presented the Tamiami 355th Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron is activated for their weekend drills and training of their young Cadets

The Cadets of the 355th practice their close order marching drills which instills discipline and attention to detail among them and their actions and duties within their Squadron

The Cadets range from the ages of twelve (12) years old to eighteen (18) years of age. After the age of eighteen (18) a Cadet then is considered a "Senior Member" and Adult of the organization

The end of their weekly / weekend drills sessions / meeting are ended with a call to order so that important information and announcements are passed as well as any well deserved recognition is rendered to those in the presence of their Squadron members

Miami, Florida January 22nd 2015: The Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter 317th is commencing the new year (2015) with an effort to reach out and establish strong ties with the local Civil Air Patrol Squadrons of South Florida. Appointed as Vice President of Special Project for the Chapter, former Chapter President Benny F. Benitez has taken the lead in establishing initial ties with the Civil Air Patrol by reaching out and visiting the Tamiami Composite Squadron, the 355th which meets and is based out of Tamiami Regional Airport (KTMB).

Benny visit was merely to extend a formal greeting from the Chapter President Lt. Col Rodrigo 'Rod" Heute USAF (Ret.) to the leadership of the 355th and report back to the Chapter on his findings and contacts so as to establish an effort to create a link and support by and between the two organizations. During the visitation to the 355th drill day of which they, both the Cadets and Adults meet on Saturdays, allowed Benny to view the Cadets in action and meet the various individuals who make up the leadership at the 355th. The AFA-317th looks forward toward a productive year as they commence the bond to help support the Civil Air Patrol.

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter, 317th April Luncheon (April 10th 2014) Guest Speaker Lt. Col. Melvin Pollack USAF (Ret.)

Lt. Col. Melvin Pollack USAF (Ret.) Bio

480th Tactical Fighter Squadron McDonnell Douglas F-4C

AFA-317th APRIL LUNCHEON AT THE 

94TH AERO SQUADRON RESTAURANT

THURSDAY, APRIL 10th, 2014 AT 12 NOON 

COST OF LUNCHEON US$25.00 

Please RSVP by Tuesday 8th April

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 Supports the Federal Aviation Reserve, LLC., U.S. Coast Guard / George T. Baker Aviation School HU-16 Albatross Restoration Project

Shown from left to right are Captain Robert Gomez, FAA Civilian rated Seaplane pilot and operations manager for the Miami Sea Plane base at Watson Island, along side with AFA-317 Chapter President, Lt. Col Rodrigo Huete USAF (Ret.) and Captain Richard Kenin, USCG 7th District Chief of Staff at the George T. Baker Aviation School library, as the converse about the Grumman Albatross aircraft

The visual presentation of the HU-16 project at the George T. Baker Aviation School

Captain Richard Kenin, USCG speaks to the audience of the school students and instructors who led an amazing effort toward the cosmetic restoration of the HU-16 nose section about U.S. Coast Guard Aviation history, that of the HU-16 and how the HU-16 also served with the U.S. Air Force as the SA-16

Shown from left to right next to amazingly, cosmetically restored Grumman Albatross HU-16 nose section is George T. Baker Aviation School Principle Dr. Sean Gallagan, Captain Joe Kimball, USCG and Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Miami located at Opa Locka Airport, Captain Richard Kenin, USCG, Coast Guard 7th District Chief of Staff, Mr, Benny F. Benitez the HU-16 project founder and Lt. Col Rodrigo Huete USAF (Ret.), President AFA Chapter 317th 

The nose section of the Grumman Albatross as it looked when it arrived at the George T. Baker Aviation School back in October 2012. The section was the sole section of the entire aircraft that was sadly scrapped at the Opa Locka Airport

Miami, Florida December 12th 2013: The Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter 317th was in attendance at the George T. Baker Aviation School along with elements from U.S. Coast Guard District 7th to formally dedicate the wonderfully, cosmetically restored nose section of the Grumman HU-16E Albatross by the school students. This project was the vision and brainchild of past Chapter President, Mr. Benny F. Benitez, Founder and CEO of the Miami. Florida based 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group. 

The idea was to tie the aviation students at the school with U.S. Coast Guard aviation maintenance personnel from U.S. Coast Air Station Miami located at Opa Locka Airport (KOPF), so as to work as one in a well rounded community project. Present at the dedication ceremony was Captain Richard Kenin, USCG, the Chief of Staff for USCG 7th District and former Commanding Officer of U.S. Coast Air Station Miami as he representing Rear Admiral John. H "Jake" Korn who sent his "That a Boy" for a job well done. It should be noted that the United States Air Force did operate Grumman HU-16E during the Vietnam War along the coastal areas of Vietnam as well as within the Mekong Delta to assist in the Search and Rescue (SAR) mission of downed American airmen. Chapter President Lt.Col Rodrigo "Rod" Huete, USAF (Ret.) was in attendance and proudly presented the Chapter during the presentation and ceremony. 

Air Force Association Miami-Homestead AFA Chapter, 317th November 2013 Luncheon "The Advent of The South Florida UAV Special Project Development Group" Presentation

Shown left to right are AFA-317th former President Benny F. Benitez (2009-2010) with current President Lt. Col Rodrigo 'Rod" Huete USAF (Ret.) as accompanied with the Chapter newest member Mr. Codi Diamond an FAA certified flight instructor and commercially rate airlines pilot and future aviation lawyer

In appreciation of his presentation on the South Florida Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) Special Project Development Group home grown project to develop, test and fly Miami's first ever, home grown (UAV) in conjunction with the students from the George T. Baker Aviation School, Lt.Col Huete presents Benny with the Chapter guess speaker appreciation gift consisting of a laser engraved / etched Boeing B-17 in a glass cube. The Boeing B-17 is the Chapters mascot aircraft

The Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) of its days, the Liberty Eagle designed by John Kettering for the U.S. Army in 1918 and the first (UAV) to fly over the State of Florida airspace of Cook Field in Arcadia, Florida. The popular name in aviation history for the Liberty Eagles is the "Kettering Bug"

The foundation group as comprised of the companies that are leading the way with the introduction toward (UAV) awareness to the students of the George T. Baker Aviation School. Worthy mentioned to Arma Tech of West Palm Beach, Florida who graciously provide the CGS Hawk ultra light aircraft on a long term loan to the school and of which shall act as the primer platform for flight testing

Miami, Florida 14th November 2013: The Air Force Association Miami-Homestead Chapter AFA-317th hosted a special presentation prepared and given by former Chapter President, Mr. Benny F. Benitez, Founder and CEO of the 94th AeroClaims-Aviation Consultant Group on the early story of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) and the launching of local, grassroots project to convert an off the shelf ultra light aircraft known within the market as the CG Hawk into the first ever (UAV) built in Miami, Florida by aviation students from the George T.Baker Aviation School. 

The CG Hawk has been acquired as it been placed on long term loan to the school for the sake of the project by West Palm Beach, Florida based Arma-Tech. The project is expected to take a few years, as funding needs to be collected to support the various items needed to fully convert the CG Hawk into a (UAV). The fist phase of the project shall be the assembly of the disassembled CG Hawk by the school and functional ground test before any manned functional test flights.

AFA Chapter President, Lt.Col. Rodrigo "Rod" Hutete USAF (Ret.) who is a rated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Designated Engineering Representative (DER) Test Pilot shall be conducting the manned functional test flights in the future.