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

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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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