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!