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Message from the Chapter President

Dear Gabriel Chapter and AFA Members and Friends,

Time flies when you are having fun. It is hard to believe that we are already six months into the AFA term year and three months into the calendar year. Much has happened since our last quarterly newsletter was published. President Trump has taken office as our new Commander in Chief. We also have a new Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, and President Trump has also nominated former Congresswoman, veteran, and Air Force Academy graduate, Ms. Heather Wilson for Secretary of the Air Force. As this newsletter goes to press the President has submitted a supplemental budget request to the Hill for FY2017, which includes a significant increase for the Department of Defense and the FY2018 budget is being prepared. Hopefully, our United States Air Force will get the funding required to maintain a dominant Air Force that can deter and respond to threats around the world.

AFA President Larry Spencer wrote in the AFA February Newsletter that according to testimony from General Stephen Wilson, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, “today’s Air Force is at risk of becoming a second-best hand with readiness hovering near 50 percent.” General Spencer went on to write that

[T]he demand for air, space and cyber forces has steadily grown while the Air Force operates the oldest aircraft fleet since before World War II. We heard testimony that end strength has decreased by 38% since 1991, aircraft have decreased from 8600 to 5500 and combat air force squadrons have decreased from 138 to 55 today. We cannot afford the hollow Air Force of the 1970s. The Air Force must increase its end strength and modernize its forces to keep up with the challenges of this decade and beyond. We must convince Congress and the Nation to invest in our Air Force to increase readiness, nuclear deterrence, cyberspace, infrastructure and our combat air forces if we expect our Air Force to deter and respond to threats around the world. This is not the time to become complacent.”

We in the AFA Gabriel Chapter must continue to promote a dominant Air Force whenever and wherever possible. As you will see in this newsletter, your Chapter has not been complacent and we continue to run a number of programs to achieve the mission of the AFA --EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, and SUPPORT.

On January 11th, we had a Chapter lunch meeting with guest speaker Mr. Frank Konieczny, SES, SAF CIO/A6 Chief Technology

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Volume 2017, Issue 1

Air Force Association

General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter Quarterly Newsletter

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Officer, who gave us an update on Air Force CIO/A6 Initiatives being worked across the Air Force. During January, we also had a Chapter team led by Chapter VP Pat Rocke work the Wreaths Across America retirement ceremony on January 28th at Arlington National Cemetery where we picked up 4,800 wreaths that were placed on the graves before the Holidays.

On February 5th Chapter members and spouses attended an AFA Northern Shenandoah Chapter event where Gabriel Chapter’s own Lt Gen (ret) Chuck Heflebower was guest speaker. The Chapter held another lunch meeting on February 8th where we had Maj Gen Ed Wilson, the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Senior Military Advisor for Cyber as our guest speaker.

In March, a team from our Chapter Executive Committee, led by AFA Virginia State VP of Aerospace Education Dallas Kennedy and Chapter VP Government Affairs Lee Rizzo, met with the Staff of Senator Warner on the Hill and briefed them on the AFA and our programs in Virginia. Your Chapter also supported and attended the NRO Annual Awards Ceremony.

In addition supporting the active duty force during the last three months, your Chapter also continued our support to CyberPatriot teams, AFROTC, and AFJROTC. Our Aerospace Educations team also attended meetings at three Civil Air Patrol Squadrons in our AOR, where we briefed the Senior Members and Cadets about AFA and our Aerospace Education programs.

I ask that you please consider how you can serve the Chapter. Attend an event or help at one of many activities we have going on in the National Capitol Region like the AFA Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge on May 20th. We also still have vacancies on our EXCOM and always can use help on our committees. Many hands make light work. Our ability to serve the chapter membership and the goals of the Association are only as great as those who volunteer. I would also like to thank our Community Partners and Corporate Sponsors, who provide financial support to the Chapter that allows us to run our many programs supporting the total Air Force family and aerospace education here in Northern Virginia.

Our next Chapter luncheon will be April 12th at McCormick and Schmick’s in Tysons Corner. Our guest speaker will be a senior leader from AF/A3. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Joe Burke

President General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter Air Force Association

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Gabriel AFA Community Partner Program

During these times of constrained resources and new emerging threats, our Air Force needs the Air Force Association to educate the public on the importance of air power and strong national defense. One of your AFA tools to help spread the message is the Community Partner Program. I strongly encourage each AFA Gabriel Chapter member help the Chapter actively recruit new Community Partners. As a chapter member you do business in the local community. Identify those businesses that you support and ask them to become a community partner with the Gabriel Chapter. Here are the top 10 reasons for a business to become a community partner: 1. $90 A YEAR is affordable and your money supports Grants and

Scholarships for local schools to promote science, technology,

engineering and math (STEM) – a national priority.

2. You become part of an Organization with volunteers dedicated to

connecting with active duty military, veterans, and their families thru

events, activities, and networking!

3. Your local AFA Chapter provides you advertising in publications,

events, activities, newsletters to the local AFA members.

4. Your business will have opportunities to advertise at local, regional and

National AFA events!

5. Your business receives a plaque to hang up, a decal for your entrance -

use your Membership in local advertising (print, radio, television); the

Military likes doing business with those who support them!

6. Your business will be recognized for your support and involvement in

the local area

7. Your business becomes a supporter of key National Programs such as

Pilot4aDay, Cyber Patriot, STEM, ROTC

8. Your business becomes a Strategic Partner in our National Defense

thru Aerospace Education and Advocacy

9. You save hundreds of dollars with discounts and savings visit:

www.afavba.org or visit services@afavba.org

10. You get AFA Magazine, Chapter Newsletter, and email updates

Bottom Line: Being an AFA Community Partner is an opportunity to increase business and make a tremendous difference in the local community at the same time!

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Chapter Activities

Chief Technology Officer Kicks Off New Year at Gabriel Luncheon

Our first luncheon meeting of 2017 was held January 11th at Clyde's of Tysons Corner in Vienna, VA. Our guest speaker was Mr. Frank Konieczny, Chief Technology Officer, Office of Information Dominance and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, DC. Mr. Konieczny has primary responsibility to advance the technology landscape of the Air Force. HIs current focus areas include the developing the technical target baseline, mobile enterprise solutions, data management, IdAM access/claims management, cyber and technology innovation pathfinders and advancing the Joint Information Environment. Thirty-six Chapter members and guests

attended the meeting, with one of the largest turn-outs in several months. Konieczny provided a frank and detailed assessment of successes and challenges facing the Air Force information technology and cyber community. He addressed the need for Government investment in new technology and reported dissatisfaction among some that innovation was not always forthcoming from industry. Mr. Konieczny’s direct style and accessible presentation was well received by the audience.

Mr. Konieczny is a long-time friend of the Gabriel chapter and has spoken at Gabriel Chapter events in the past.

Wreaths Across America Recovery and Cemetery Clean Up

On 28 January 2017, Gabriel Chapter members led by our Vice President, Pat Rocke, joined thousands of volunteers to recover and retire the 400,000 wreaths laid on the graves of our veterans in December.

Pat organized the Dumpster Crew for the annual Wreaths Across America Retirement, where all 4,500 wreaths put out on December 17, 2016 were removed from the grave sites at Arlington National Cemetery. Joined by Chapter President Joe Burke and chapter officers Dallas Kennedy, Gina Giles, Brad Wilkins, our AFA team also backfilled a missing team and led cleanup of more than 7,000 wreaths. Gabriel Chapter Wreaths Across America

program showed respect and honor to our veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families to honor those who served.

Air Power History Presentation Features Gabriel Chapter Notable

Frank Konieczny, Chief Technology Officer for the AF CIO office discusses his presentation to the Gabriel Chapter with chapter

member Maxim Volodin.

Remember our fallen veterans; honor those who serve; teach our children the value of freedom

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On 5 February 2017, a dozen Gabriel Chapter members and friends drove to The Barns of Rose Hill to hear Lt. General (Retired) Charles R. Heflebower discuss his United States Air Force career and how many people influenced him in a positive way and the difference they made in his life. The event was hosted by AFA Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter 435. Chapter President Norm Brander introduced Lt Gen Heflebower. Also attending was Virginia Northern Region President, Tom Shepherd.

General Heflebower is a long-time member of the Gabriel Chapter and currently serves as an AFA National Director. The General graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1967 and from the University of Arkansas in 1974. He has served in a variety of operational and staff

positions in the United States, Southeast Asia and Europe, and has commanded a fighter squadron, fighter wing and two numbered air forces. He is a command pilot with nearly 4,000 flying hours, primarily in fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, including 227 combat missions.

Maj Gen Ed Wilson Briefs Gabriel Chapter at February Luncheon

Twenty-five chapter members were on hand for the Chapter Membership Luncheon on February 11th at the Sheraton Tysons Hotel in Tysons, VA. Our guest speaker was Maj Gen Burke "Ed" Wilson, Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Senior Military Advisor for Cyber, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. In these capacities, Gen Wilson supports the Principal Cyber Advisor as the primary advisor to integrate and oversee the development of all DoD cyber capabilities, activities, and policy, as well as provides senior military perspective on cyber policies, strategies and plans which guide DoD efforts in cyberspace.

Maj Gen Wilson’s presentation highlighted cyber threat to military capabilities and national infrastructure. He noted the capabilities of USCYBERCOM and DISA, but stressed the need for vigilance among all users, as well as the need for Government collaboration with industry.

Lieutenant General Charles R. Heflebower, USAF (ret.)

Maj Gen Burke “Ed” Wilson accepts a Gabriel Chapter challenge coin from Chapter President Joe Burke. General Wilson briefed

Gabriel Chapter members about Cybersecurity threats and capabilities at our February Professional Development luncheon.

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Clyde’s of Tysons Corner -- Gabriel Chapter “Clubhouse” Closes

The long-time base for our monthly luncheons and special events, Clyde's of Tysons Corner, has closed in order to make way for new development at their site on Leesburg Pike. Clyde’s served the Gabriel Chapter for many years provided outstanding service and flavorful meals for our monthly luncheons and special events. Your Gabriel Chapter EXCOM is exploring

options to ensure we continue to bring interesting speakers to the Gabriel Chapter in forums that are affordable for our members and that advance the mission of the AFA.

DW Steels Chapter Hosts Quarterly Virginia AFA State Meeting

On 24-25 February 2017, the 3500 members of the AFA Donald W Steele, Sr. Memorial Chapter welcomed the Virginia AFA EXCOM and Presidents from the nine Virginia AFA Chapters to the Northern Virginia area and the first quarterly EXCOM meeting of 2017. This meeting was a watershed event for the Steele Chapter, not only because it was the first one that the Steele Chapter has hosted in several years, but because the Chapter event team partnered with a terrific management team at the venue, which made the weekend truly memorable. The hotel, the Sheraton Premiere Tysons Corner, is a truly first-class facility in the Northern Virginia area with a reputation for excellence. The Saturday business meeting featured

reports from State EXCOM officers and reports from each of the Virginia AFA Chapters. Notable attendees included Central East Region

Vice President Nick Abate; Chairman, Aerospace Education Council, Dick Bundy; Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations, Mac MacAloon; AFA Director, Government Relations, Keith Zuegal; and Former AFA Chairman, Scott Van Cleef. The Saturday Dinner Guest Speaker will be Mr.

Gregg Constabile, Director of Engineering for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office. The F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's agency responsible for developing and acquiring the F-35A/B/C, the next-generation strike aircraft weapon system for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and many allied nations.

Civil Air Patrol Outreach

The Gabriel Chapter’s area of responsibility is home to four Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Squadrons at Leesburg, Herndon, Fairfax, and Prince William. Over the last three months, your Chapter EXCOM has visited each squadron with a presentation about the mission of the AFA to the senior members, cadets, and parents in each Squadron. Chapter President Joe Burke, along with State VP for Aerospace Education Dallas Kennedy and Chapter VP for AE Brad Wilkins discussed the benefits of AFA membership and opportunities for cadets for our AFA Aerospace Education and STEM programs. As a former CAP Cadet and CAP Gen Billy

Mitchell Award Recipient, Chapter President Burke had instant rapport with the staff, cadets, and parents. At each presentation, there was genuine interest in AFA programs and as a result, several CAP individuals became AFA members. In addition, the Chapter leadership lined up

opportunities for additional CyberPatriot and StellarXplorer teams to compete in the Fall.

Gabriel Chapter President Joe Burke presents Clyde’s catering staff Tigre Fortune, Fidel Vigil, and Chynna Hill, with Chapter Challenge

Coins in appreciation for their years of service to the Gabriel Chapter.

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Gabriel Chapter Recognizes CAP Cadet of the Year

Gabriel VP for Aerospace Education, Brad Wilkins, represented the Gabriel Chapter and Air Force Association at the Herndon Composite Squadron Annual Awards ceremony. At the ceremony, the Herndon Composite Squadron, the newest CAP unit in the region, was awarded their Charter from the Virginia CAP Wing Commander.

Mr. Wilkins also presented the CAP Cadet of the Year Award to Cadet 2d Lt Luke D Bolha. AFA provides each CAP squadron a unique medal, ribbon and certificate to present to the most outstanding CAP cadet in each squadron each year.

CAP commanders identify worthy cadets based on locally developed criteria. The award may go to any cadet, at any level of achievement in the CAP Cadet Program who has displayed superior performance during the year. The local commander inscribes the certificate before it is presented to the cadet at a special awards ceremony. Cadet Bolha distinguished himself with his

exceptional performance throughout the year at the Herdon Composite Squadron. Squadron Commander, CAP Lt Col Clay Wilkins (no relation to our Chapter VP AE) made the selection and invited the Gabriel Chapter EXCOM to present the award.

Gabriel Chapter Leadership Visits Senator Warner

On March 6th Gabriel Chapter President Joe Burke, along with Chapter VP for Government Affairs Lee Rizzo from the Gabriel Chapter’s executive committee and Virginia AFA VP for Aerospace Education Dallas Kennedy, met with members of Senator Mark Warner’s (D-VA) personal staff, including Ms. Rosie Heiss, Senior Advisor for Military, Foreign Policy & Veteran’s Affairs and Mr. Micah Barbour, Legislative Correspondent. During the meeting Presidnet Burke briefed

Senator Warner’s staff on key Government Affairs issues affecting the chapter, state and national AFA as well as the multiple STEM activities supported by the Gabriel Chapter. With the high level of defense activity in Virginia, Senator Warner is an avid supporter of the Air Force and the many veterans residing in the state. We invited Senator Warner to be a guest speaker at the AFA Air, Space and Cyber Conference in September and extended invitations to his staff to attend Chapter Professional Development luncheons. Ms. Heiss, an Air Force veteran herself,

admitted she had allowed her AFA membership to lapse. President Burke personally gave her a membership application form and offered to help her complete the application.

National Reconnaissance Office Annual Awards

The Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Ms. Betty Sapp honored the top performers at the NRO for 2016 at the Annual

Gabriel Chapter Vice President for Aerospace Education Brad Wilkins presents the Air Force Association Outstanding Cadet Award

to Cadet 2d Lt Luke D Bolha

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Awards Ceremony on 9 March 2016. Chapter President Joe Burke represented the Gabriel Chapter at the event along with Treasurer, Dallas Kennedy; VP Government Relations, Lee Rizzo; and VP Salute and Military Affairs, Rick Larsen. The Gabriel Chapter members were recognized as honored guests, in appreciation for the Chapter’s support to the Awards Program. AFA's contribution was acknowledged in the presentation and the Chapter President was introduced at the ceremony and thanked for our sponsorship. The Chapter gave a $1,000 donation to offset the cost of the awards program and each individual awardee will receive a one–year membership in the Air Force Association through the AFA Gabriel Chapter and the NRO Top Three Enlisted organization. Ms. Betty Sapp, Director NRO, presided at the

ceremony, assisted by Mr. Frank Calvelli, Principal DepDir, NRO and Maj Gen Stephen Denker, USAF, Mil Dep NRO and Commander AF Element (AFELM) of NRO. CMS Kevin L. Call, USAF, Senior Enlisted Leader also attended. Winners recognized were:

• Diversity and Inclusion Awards went to the

Federal Women’s Program

• Brian Malone Community Service Award

presented to Ms. Stephanie L. Shoran

Airmen were well represented as Top Performers in each category. Recognized for their exceptional performance in 2016 were: • Senior Airman Brittany N. Langdon USAF,

Junior Enlisted Member of the Year

• Staff Sergeant Jacob S. Cornell, USAF,

Middle Enlisted Member of the Year

• Master Sergeant Michael R. List, USAF,

Senior Enlisted Member of the Year

• Captain Carl D. Rossini, III, USAF, Company

Grade Officer of the Year

• Major Daniel R. Karrels, USAF, Field Grade

Office of the Year

• Ms. Caitlin M. DuBois, Junior Civilian of the

Year

• Mr. Victor R. W., Senior Civilian of the Year

• Wolfpack Team, Director’s Team of the Year

Congratulations to all of the nominees and awardees.

Each individual awardee will receive a one–year membership in the Air Force Association through the AFA Gabriel Chapter and the NRO Top Three Enlisted organization at a special “70 for 70” promotion, commemorating 2017 as the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Air Force as a separate service. Joe Burke, President of the Gabriel Chapter,

visited with Ms. Betty Sap, Director NRO, Mr. Frank Calvelli, Principal DepDir NRO, and and Maj Gen Stephen Denker. Military DepDir NRO and reminded them about the Chapter’s support to the NRO as the only active duty unit in our AOR. President Burke and the Chapter EXCOM are committed to continuing and deepening the relationship with the Chapter. Burke invited the NRO leadership to our Chapter Award luncheon in June, and Maj Gen Denker agreed to support our luncheon with a Guest Speaker.

Virginia North Region President Recognized at AFCEA Event

The Annual Joint Force IT Day was hosted by the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFEEA NOVA) on 29 March 2017. At each event, AFCEA NOVA honors veterans from America’s wars by recognizing the contributions of an individual hero. This time the honoree was our own AFA

Virginia North Region President, Colonel Tom Shepherd, USAF (ret.). Colonel Shepherd entered the Air Force at the end of the Korean War in 1953. Hailing from Capon Bridge, WV, he graduated from High School in Pittsburgh and

Tom Shepherd and RB-47 crew circa. 1964

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attended The Carnegie Institute of Technology before receiving his Air Force Navigator and Aircraft Observer Wings. His first flying assignments included serving in

the post war Germany occupation force, providing senior leader air support throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, the USSR, Poland and Romania. He later flew reconnaissance missions around the Sino-Soviet bloc countries at the height of the cold war in the 1950s and 1960s. It was during these years that he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 10 Air Medals. Tom was then assigned to the Strategic Air

Command Headquarters as Chief of the SAC RC-135 aircraft where he was responsible for the development of reconnaissance collection programs, employment of concepts and conduction of operational missions for SAC’s RC-135 fleet. His career culminated at the Pentagon, first in

the Joint Reconnaissance Center as the SIGINT action officer then Chief of that Center. Secondly, he served as Air Force Chief of the Reconnaissance Operations Division, managing their worldwide reconnaissance forces, as well as new reconnaissance capabilities from development to operations. Tom retired from the USAF in 1982 with over

7,000 flying hours in eight airframes. He continued serving our country in industry. Tom is a life member of the Distinguished

Flying Cross Society, the Air Force Navigators Observers Association, the Military Officers Association of America and the Air Force Association, where he was a founding member of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Chapter - and continues serving today.

Upcoming Events

Save the date for these upcoming Chapter activities for the next quarter:

Wednesday, 10 April 2017, 1130-1330, Chapter Lunch Meeting, speaker is Colonel Gerald F. Ryan, Jr., Deputy Commander, Air Force Operations Group (AFOG), HAF/A-3. Location: McCormick & Schmick’s, Tysons Corner, VA

Wednesday, 12 May 2017, 1130-1330, Chapter Lunch Meeting and Annual Awards Presentations, speaker AF/A1,

Location: McCormick & Schmick’s, Tysons Corner, VA

Wednesday, 21 June 2017, 1130-1330, Chapter Lunch Meeting, speaker Colonel Jon Yost, USAF, Deputy Director, Mission Integration Directorate, NRO, Location: Ciao Osteria, Centreville, VA

Next Chapter EXCOM meeting Wednesday, 5 April 2017, 7:30-8:30 PM.

Chapter Council Vacancies

We are looking for volunteers to fill other vacancies on the Chapter Council, as well. Interested members should contact Chapter President Joseph Burke at joe.burke@afa-gabriel.org or any member of the Chapter Council.

VP Chapter Events – Vacant

VP Awards and Recognition – Vacant

VP Veterans Affairs – Vacant

VP Wounded Airman Program – Vacant

Honoring Our Fallen Comrades

Lieutenant Emanuel Horowitz, B-29 Navigator, Crew 816 315th Bomb Wing

On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, Emanuel “Manny” Horowitz of Silver Spring, MD passed away unexpectedly. He was 93 years old. Manny was beloved husband of Diane Horowitz; devoted father of Amy, Andy, Alice and Alan (Sandy); beloved brother of Ruth Soroca; cherished grandfather of Daniel (Rachel), Micah (Rachel), Jonathan, Sandra (Arsalan), Joel, Zachary, Maxwell, Ariel and Sarah and great-grandfather of Alyan. Ironically, the Gabriel Chapter EXCOM was

coordinating with Manny’s son Al to surprise the veteran with a birthday celebration on April 1, 2017. Manny would have turned 94 on 29 March 2017. Instead, we will celebrate Manny’s life and achievements, not the least of which occurred in his service as an American Airman. Lieutenant Emanuel “Manny” Horowitz was a Navigator on a B-29 in the 501st Bomb Group, 315th Bomb Wing, 20th Air Force in the United Stated Army Air Corps stationed at Anderson Army Air Base on Guam during World War II. Manny supported numerous strategic missions

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over the Pacific theater including targeting of Japanese oil refineries, reconnaissance and training missions over Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and the Philippines. Lt. Horowitz’ Crew flew some of the first reconnaissance missions over Nagasaki, and Hiroshima after the atomic bombs were dropped. Lt. Horowitz began his military service in the

U.S. Army as a member of the 79th Infantry Division at Camp Blanding, Florida in 1943. Later in 1943 he was assigned to the 939th Field Artillery Battalion. In the Fall of 1943 he requested and was granted a transfer to the Army Air Corps and was assigned to the 96th College Detachment at Oshkosh State Teachers College in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where he began extensive training to become a U.S. Army Airman. At Oshkosh, he was assigned to Flight A, Squadron 61 of the 96th College Detachment. After graduating from training at Oshkosh he progressed to Preflight Navigation Training at Santa Anna Air Base, Santa Anna, California. After completion of Preflight Navigation Training in 1944, he progressed to Aerial Gunnery School, at Las Vegas Air Base, Las Vegas, NV. He passed Gunnery School and then was enrolled in the Advanced Navigation Course, Army Air Corps, San Marcos Air Base, Texas which he successfully graduated from and was assigned as a B-29 Navigator at Lincoln Air Base, Lincoln, Nebraska. One month later he was assigned to a B-29 Crew at Pratt Army Air Base, Pratt, Kansas. Soon after he was assigned to an Overseas Training Unit at El Paso Army Air Base, El Paso, Texas. At El Paso Lt. Horowitz was assigned to Crew 816. His final stop before deploying overseas at the

Overseas Staging Area, Huntington Army Air Base, Huntington, CA. He was deployed to Anderson Army Base Guam as a B-29 Navigator and assigned to the 501st Bomb Group, 315th Bomb Wing and conducted numerous strategic missions over the Pacific Theater.

This section of our newsletter is to recognize the service and sacrifice of our fellow airmen and Gabriel Chapter members, who have gone to their final reward. If you would like to

Manny Horowitz and his son, Al Horowitz

Aviation Cadet Manny Horowitz, USAAC

Lt Manny Horowitz (back row, third from left) with B-29 crewmates circa. 1945.

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recognize a fallen comrade or family member in these pages, please send information to our VP Communications at afa_gabriel_chapter@afa-gabriel.org

Other Items in the News AFA and Virginia Veterans

Your AFA is represented by Governor’s appointment to the Joint Leadership Council (JLC) of Veterans Services Organizations. This Council gives one voice to the interests of more than 840,000 Virginia veterans. The JLC supports the Department of Veteran Affairs and provides direct input to the Governor and General Assembly for annual budget items and legislation to further the interests of veterans and their families in Virginia. The stated goal is to make Virginia the most “veteran friendly state in the union.” Major programs of interest are the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (not to be confused with the national Wounded Warrior Project), the construction of two new Veteran Care Centers (one in Hampton Roads), the maintenance of three Veteran Cemeteries (one in Suffolk), support for the Virginia War Memorial, and specific programs like the Veterans, Education, Training and Employment. For questions about the JLC or to make input, contact Bart Barton, hbartonjr@verizon.net and Gabriel Chapter VP for Veterans Affairs, Bob Austin bob.austin@afa-gabriel.org

Wounded Airmen

The Wounded Airman Program’s MOU was signed in October, 2013, and since then we’ve been spreading the word about the program, reporting our efforts to the Air Force, fundraising, and supporting Airmen where there’s need. Our partnership with the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program continues to strengthen. The AFW2 Program, the program works hand-in-hand with the Air Force Survivor Assistance Program and Airman and Family Readiness Centers to ensure Airmen receive professional support and care from point of injury, through separation or retirement, for life. Chapters have taken it upon themselves to fundraise and plan for the year ahead based on events, need, and Airmen in their local areas. They have also responded financially, and with time, manpower, and other resources when called upon, to reach out in their local communities. We continue to

build guidelines to best work together. The Gabriel Chapter is looking for volunteers to help build our own program to support the work of AFW2. If you are interested in helping develop this program for the Chapter, contact afa_gabriel_chapter@afa-gabriel.org

Many Thanks to our

Gabriel Chapter Bronze Level

Sponsor

Gabriel Chapter Platinum Sponsor

Gabriel Chapter Silver Level

Sponsors

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Corporate Sponsors

Chapter Corporate Sponsors

In recognition of designation at the Bronze-Level, Chapter Corporate Sponsors receive:

Identification as a Community Partner of

the Gabriel Chapter with a Cherrywood

plaque and two individual memberships to

the Air Force Association

Recognition as a Chapter Corporate

Sponsor on the Chapter Website afa-

gabriel.org

Invitations to all Chapter events and

Chapter membership meetings

In addition, Silver-Level Sponsors receive:

One reserved seat at monthly membership

luncheons

Gold-level sponsors receive:

Two reserved seats at monthly

membership luncheons

Platinum-level sponsors are recognized with :

Four reserved seats at monthly

membership luncheons

If you would like more information on the Gabriel Chapter Corporate Sponsor program, contact afa_gabriel_chapter@afa-gabriel.org

Gabriel Chapter Community Partners

By affiliating with AFA, our Partners join with other AFA members worldwide to support policies and programs that provide the Air Force with the trained men and women and the modern weapon systems needed to fulfill its missions and help assure America has a deterrent force sufficient to ensure this nation’s peace and security. Partners’ designated members receive AFA’s

monthly publication, Air Force Magazine. The magazine allows them to keep abreast of AF matters through an informative and entertaining mix of articles on a wide variety of subjects, including new weapons and aircraft, national defense issues, legislative reports, first-person accounts of air operations, book reviews, and much more.

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Chapter Finances Gabriel Chapter Treasurer, Dallas Kennedy, reports on the Chapter’s Finances: Chapter Financial Activity *Current values are as of date of newsletter publication*

Inflow:

AFA Partial Quarterly Rebate

Chapter Membership Meetings

Chapter Sponsors and Community Partners Outflow:

Chapter Membership Meetings

Salute to NRO

Virginia State Drill Competition

Administrative Expenses

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The Air Force Association is proud to announce that we are furthering our partnership with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to promote aerospace education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. "The partnership between AFA and CAP offers a great opportunity for members from both organizations to stay connected and advocate for the future of our Air Force," said General Larry Spencer, AFA President. "Education is one of AFA's top priorities, and we believe this relationship supports that mission by granting our members access to invaluable information on the rich history of our great Air Force." As a thank you to AFA members, CAP is extending a special opportunity for AFA members to become involved as "Friends of CAP" for $15 instead of the usual $35 cost. AFA "Friends of CAP" pay $15 as a tax deductible gift to further support Civil Air Patrol without volunteer membership obligations. Friends will receive the Civil Air Patrol magazine twice a year, as well as periodic emails with updates from the national staff and development office. Friends are also eligible to take advantage of member benefits and discounts. To become an AFA Friend of CAP click here and use discount code AFACAP on page two of the online form. If you know of any CAP members who are not currently AFA members, please encourage them to join AFA at a special price for new CAP members. Click here for more info. We look forward to partnering with CAP and working together to promote aerospace education and a dominate Air Force.

Air Force Association

1501 Lee Highway Arlington, VA 22209-1198 AFA.org Phone 703-247-5800 Toll Free 800-727-3337

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Update Your Information Please visit the Chapter web site at http://www.afa-gabriel.org/ to update your contact information and gain access to additional information on the Gabriel Chapter’s history, meetings, and events.

Suggestions? Do you have a suggestion for the newsletter or a Chapter initiative? Please feel free to contact us at afa_gabriel_chapter@afa-gabriel.org.

Executive Committee

President Emeritus Gen (Ret.) Ralph “Ed” Eberhart

President Joe Burke Joe.Burke@afa-gabriel.org

Vice President Pat Rocke Pat.Rocke@afa-gabriel.org

Treasurer Dallas Kennedy John.Kennedy@afa-gabriel.org

Secretary Mike Winters Michael.Winters@afa-gabriel.org

VP Membership and Community Partners

Al Ballenger Al.Ballenger@afa-gabriel.org

VP Salute and Military Affairs Rick Larson Rick.Larson@afa-gabriel.org

VP Aerospace Education Brad Wilkins Brad.Wilkins@afa-gabriel.org

VP Chapter Events VACANT

VP Chapter Communications Jack Diamond John.Diamiond@afa-gabriel.org

VP Social Media Samantha Shelton Samantha.shelton@afa-gabriel.org

VP Leadership Development VACANT

Webmaster Filip DaSilva Filip.Dasilva@afa-gabriel.org

VP Awards and Recognition VACANT

VP Veterans Affairs Robert Austin Robert.Austin@afa-gabriel.org

VP Government Affairs Lee Rizzo Lee.Rizzo@afa-gabriel.org

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