On September 4, 2025, officers of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter 212 had the privilege of attending the Wright-Patterson Junior Force Council’s Annual Leadership Symposium at The Club. This full-day event, held from 0800–1630, brought together junior personnel from across the base—including GS-13 and below, non-supervisors with less than 10 years of federal experience, and enlisted ranks E-5 and below and O-3 and below—for leadership training, networking, and engagement with senior leaders.

Representing the Air & Space Forces Association at a vendor table, our chapter connected with numerous talented junior professionals eager to learn more about the AFA and the ways we support Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Events like this provide a valuable forum for mentorship, professional growth, and collaboration while reinforcing our chapter’s commitment to advocating for and supporting the Air & Space Forces community.

Recently, our Chapter’s Vice President of Education, Carl Shofner, had the privilege of visiting Stacy Cox, Stebbins High School’s Teacher of the Year nominee. As part of her recognition, Stacy received a $250 cash award from the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter (WMC) — made possible through the generous support of our sponsors.

Stacy leads the nursing program at Stebbins High School, which is far more impactful than the title suggests. Through a combination of coursework, hands-on training within the school, and real-world internships during their junior and senior years, upwards of 100 students graduate prepared to achieve their certifications. Many seniors can carry up to a 40-hour work week while earning more than $20 per hour, giving them a tremendous head start in the healthcare field.

Before becoming an educator, Stacy worked as a Certified Registered Nurse (CRN), bringing her real-world expertise directly into the classroom. Her dedication and innovative approach have not only earned her recognition within Stebbins High School but also statewide, where she was honored as the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education’s New Teacher of the Year.

Our Chapter is proud to recognize educators like Stacy, whose passion and commitment directly impact the lives of students and strengthen the workforce of tomorrow. Congratulations, Stacy, and thank you for inspiring the next generation!

On Saturday, June 7th, volunteers and families from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), and Kearney & Company came together at the Dayton VA for a day of service, fellowship, and gratitude.

The team spent the morning setting up and stuffing gift bags, which were distributed to veterans during the event. Each bag included a handwritten thank you card, a $5 canteen gift card, sunglasses, playing and game cards, snacks, and finger spinners. These thoughtful items, paired with the warm interactions from volunteers, were met with sincere appreciation from the veterans.

Following the bag distribution, volunteers and veterans enjoyed a picnic lunch together. The afternoon was filled with conversation, camaraderie, and a shared sense of community.

Pictured here are some of the day’s highlights: veterans receiving their gift bags, our volunteers hard at work on the food line, families assembling the bags, and a photo of Judy Garcia from AFSA and Via Eonta from AFA.

It was a meaningful day of giving back to those who have given so much, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and support.

On June 5, 2025, the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter (WMC) proudly recognized outstanding educators who are inspiring the next generation of innovators.

At the Trotwood Madison City Schools Board of Education meeting, Chapter and State Teacher of the Year Annette Larson of Madison Park Elementary was honored by AFA leadership and sponsors. Attending the event were the State President, David Babcock; Chapter President, Jake Porter; Vice President for Education, Carl Shofner; and a representative from BAE Systems.

Annette’s heartfelt reaction captured the significance of the moment:

“I was not expecting what occurred this evening at the Board of Education meeting and award presentation. This is Madison Park Elementary's first year with a STEM-designated teacher, and there is always uncertainty about funding and staffing. Being selected, receiving the trophy and check was terrific — but the words shared in front of the Board of Education, my employer and staffing decision makers, were priceless. Community leaders such as yourself and other chapter representatives advocating and speaking about the importance of STEM education for students were modeled for me in an unforgettable way.”

She went on to share how the recognition rippled through the district:

“After you left, the superintendent and board members each expressed their congratulations. They addressed how having great teachers made them proud as a district. I started understanding the impact of the awards on pride and positive public relations for a district that does not always receive the accolades. The superintendent even requested that I be prepared to give a five-minute talk at staff convocation day, with all staff and community members in attendance. Thank you for providing a platform for promoting STEM education and preparing students for the local workforce — including the air and space industry that is so vital to our state’s economic growth.”

Annette’s story illustrates the far-reaching impact of our Teacher of the Year program — from instilling pride in school districts to inspiring future career paths in aerospace, aviation, and engineering.

That same evening, our Chapter Executive Vice President, Yvonne Vermillion, and a sponsor representative from Collins Aerospace, Jill Willingham, also presented checks to three Teacher of the Year nominees at Fairborn High School, further broadening the chapter’s support for STEM educators. The teachers were celebrated in front of their school leadership, highlighting once again the positive influence that recognition has on both individuals and communities.

Together, these moments represent more than awards — they are opportunities to show educators that their work matters and to shine a spotlight on the importance of STEM education for students across the Miami Valley.

Pictures from the events are attached. We should all be proud of the impact our chapter is making in the Dayton region!

This year, the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter 212 proudly presented the AFA Award to cadets at 14 JROTC units and 1 Civil Air Patrol unit across Southern Ohio and the Columbus/Dayton regions. These awards recognize outstanding cadets who embody the values of leadership, service, and excellence that the Air Force Association stands for.

The success of this effort was made possible thanks to the dedication of several retired members who volunteered their time to represent the chapter: Maj Gen Paul Mechenbier, Col Porter, Col Otto, Col Schulte, Lt Col Vita Eonta, Maj Adkins, and CMSgt Babcock. 

The commitment of these volunteers ensures that cadets across Ohio continue to feel the encouragement and recognition of the AFA community.

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter (WMC) proudly awarded its Academic Scholarship for the 2024–2025 school year to Cadet Olivia Kalloor of Bellbrook High School JROTC.

Lt Col (Ret) Vita Eonta presented the scholarship certificate and check on behalf of our chapter. This recognition highlights Cadet Kalloor’s academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to excellence — values we are honored to support through our scholarship program.

The Wright Memorial Chapter remains dedicated to investing in the next generation of leaders through programs that encourage academic success, personal development, and a strong connection to service. Congratulations to Cadet Kalloor on this well-deserved honor!

On April 12, 2025, JROTC cadets from Bellbrook High School, Beavercreek High School, and Fairborn High School came together for the annual Bataan March Memorial Walk.

Between 0800 and 0900, the cadets began their 14-mile journey in Yellow Springs, Ohio, making their way to Factory Road Park in Beavercreek. This yearly tradition honors the memory of those who endured the infamous Bataan Death March during World War II, while also instilling perseverance, teamwork, and respect for history in today’s cadets.

The Wright Memorial Chapter 212 was proud to support the event once again by hosting a refreshment stop at the 9-mile mark, providing drinks, fruit, and snacks to help the cadets refuel and push through the final stretch of their trek.

We are grateful for the opportunity to honor this important piece of history alongside our local JROTC units, and we commend the cadets for their dedication and commitment in completing this meaningful memorial walk.

On April 1, 2025, the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter (WMC) 212 proudly supported the Veteran and Military Center (VMC) at Wright State University with a donation of $500.

Chapter VP of Veteran Affairs, Ms. Vita Eonta, presented the check to Dr. Seth Gordon, Director and Staff Senate Chair of the VMC, and his team. The contribution will go toward stocking the Center’s Canteen during finals week, ensuring that veteran and military-affiliated students have the snacks and support they need to stay energized and focused during this demanding time.

The Wright Memorial Chapter is honored to continue its tradition of supporting the VMC and the nearly 1,500 student veterans, service members, and family members they serve each year. By giving back in this way, we hope to show our appreciation for their service and help them succeed in their academic journey.

In March, the Beavercreek Robotics Club—one of the teams that the Chapter sponsors—competed at the state robotics competition hosted at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. If you’ve never been, the competition is a truly impressive event. The floor was filled with teams from across the state, while the staging areas buzzed with energy and preparation. It is no small undertaking, and the scale speaks to the dedication of the students, mentors, and volunteers who make it possible.

A special thank-you goes to Mark Sobota, who gave his time to support practice sessions in the lead-up to competition. By all accounts, he enjoyed the experience, and we are grateful for his support. Next year, we hope to have even more volunteers join in helping students sharpen their skills and prepare for the big event.

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Wright Memorial Chapter (WMC) is pleased to welcome two new schools into our grant program: Trotwood Madison and Thurgood Marshall. Both are located in what we would describe as “STEM funding deserts”—areas where resources for science, technology, engineering, and math education are limited. Our grants are helping to change that.

The only requirements we set are simple but powerful: use the funds to support STEM projects, and share the outcomes with us so we can celebrate student successes.

At Trotwood Madison, VP of Education, Carl Shofner presented a check alongside Rachael Murdock (Director of Curriculum), Danielle Byrd (Elementary Curriculum Coordinator), and Dr. Kurt Schulze (Secondary Curriculum Coordinator). At Thurgood Marshall, the Chapter delivered the grant to the school office during spring break on behalf of Lauren Allman, a math teacher and STEM coordinator who will lead the projects there.

These partnerships represent our ongoing commitment to supporting schools and programs that ignite curiosity and open doors for students—whether through hands-on robotics competitions or classroom-based STEM initiatives.

As we look toward the year ahead, we encourage our members to consider volunteering or supporting these efforts. Every bit of time and support makes a difference in building the next generation of innovators and leaders!