Official Website of The

The mission of the Air Force Association (AFA) is to educate the public about the critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation; advocate aerospace power and a strong national defense; and support the United States Air Force, the Air Force Family and aerospace education.

The AFA is an independent, nonprofit, civilian education organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA publishes Air Force Magazine, conducts national symposia and disseminates information through outreach programs. It sponsors professional development seminars and recognizes excellence in the education and aerospace fields through national awards programs. AFA presents scholarships and grants to Air Force active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members and their dependents; and awards educator grants to promote science and math education at the elementary and secondary school level. Additionally, AFA publishes a wide range of materials on www.afa.org.

In 2006, AFA celebrated its 60th Anniversary and consolidated its activities with those of the Aerospace Education Foundation, formerly an affiliate. The consolidation allowed AFA to become a tax-exempt charitable education institution. The combined organization operates under the name ‘Air Force Association’ and has continued and expanded the educational programs of the former Aerospace Education Foundation.

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How does “Bud” West fit into the AFA Mission?

As the “Bud” West Chapter is over 100 miles from the nearest Air Force installation, long ago the chapter’s executive council determined that our most effective support of the AFA Mission could be best achieved by concentrating our efforts and attention to education of the public about the critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation. Toward this end, “Bud” West has developed a multitude of initiatives designed to support advancement of math and science curriculums in our schools, and to support both senior and junior AFROTC programs in Tallahassee and surrounding areas. In addition to our support of the AFROTC program at Florida State University and the AFJROTC program at Godby High School in Tallahassee, our outreach also provides support to two AFJROTC programs in southwest Georgia. More than a decade ago, after soliciting and receiving permission from AFA (Georgia), “Bud” West began its uninterrupted support of the superb AFJROTC programs at Bainbridge High School and Thomasville High School, which were not in close proximity to any Georgia AFA chapter. We are also proud of the excellent coordination and working relationship that exists between the chapter and Tallahassee Composite Squadron 432 of the Civil Air Patrol. Several of our “Bud” West Chapter are members are also members of that fine U. S. Air Force Auxiliary organization.

Also, “Bud” West has established working relationships with the Challenger Learning Center and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory here in Tallahassee. On separate occasions, “Bud” West has hosted very productive semi-annual meetings for the five Northwest Florida AFA Area chapters using the superb facilities of each organization. These meetings were very successful and showcased premier facilities that can be directly linked to the Air Force Association’s goal of advancing aerospace education through emphasis on mathematics and science. We strive to maintain these relationships.

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Profile of the Colonel H. M. “Bud” West Chapter

As of July 31, 2011 there were 289 members of the “Bud” West Chapter, of which about 17 percent were Community Partners, 25 percent were life members, and 12 percent were Arnold Air Society AFROTC Cadets from Florida State University. About 94 percent of our members reside in and around Tallahassee, with the other six percent living in others areas of Florida and as far away as Colorado, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Georgia. We have a good mix of civilians from around the community and retired military – both officer and enlisted, mostly Air Force but several from the other armed services. We also have a few active Air Force, reservists, former service members, active Civil Air Patrol members and Community Partners dedicated to supporting and working to achieve the goals and objectives of the Air Force Association.

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Chapter Officers 2011–12: Contact Information

This chapter is governed by an Executive Council. Together with the elected officers listed below, a group of function-specific vice presidents and other chapter members are annually appointed to serve on the “Bud” West Chapter Executive Council. Click here for a complete list of all elected and appointed officers serving on the “Bud” West Chapter Executive Council.

President

Clifford A. Palmer

524 Tung Hill Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32317-9536

850-402-0787

palmgrp@ix.netcom.com

Vice President

Richard Gordey

2109 Climbing Way

Tallahassee, FL 32311-7881

850-386-1514

drg06513@gmail.com

Secretary

James Myers

1920 Saddle Brook Drive

Tallahassee, FL 32303-2603

850-514-6568

majjimmyers@embarqmail.com

Treasurer

Kevin Vislocky

1451 Beaver Creek Dr

Havana, FL 32333

850-539-9856

vislocky@att.net

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How can I get involved?

When the Air Force Association and the Aerospace Education Foundation (AEF), merged in 2006, all restrictions on membership in the association were removed. The AFA of today is open to all—a totally inclusive organization. As such, we are always seeking new members that share our beliefs that aerospace power provides for a strong national defense. The easiest and friendliest way to get involved with the “Bud” West Chapter is to contact one of the officers listed above. We always have a handful of applications and would be happy to meet with you, tell you about our chapter, and answer any questions you may have. If you would prefer to quickly begin or renew your AFA membership, please follow the appropriate link below – and be sure to designate AFA Chapter 419, Colonel H. M. “Bud” West as your chapter affiliation.

AFA Links

Air Force Magazine Online

Join AFA Now!

Membership Benefits

Renew Your Membership

Community Partners

Businesses or any individual with interests in aerospace power and national defense may wish to consider the Air Force Association Community Partner Program. This program publicly identifies a business or an individual as a supporter of the Air Force Association and, consequently, of the Air Force and its people. The “Bud” West Chapter has consistently been a national leader in the recruitment of dedicated men and women who wish to contribute to America’s peace and security through affiliation with an independent, nonprofit, national association, dedicated to promoting a strong deterrent force. If you are interested, or know of others who may be interested, please contact John Schmidt, our Vice President for Community Partners at (850) 878-9550; he will be pleased to meet or talk with you. For a directory of our diverse group of “Bud” West Community Partners, click here.

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Chapter Dinner Meetings through 2012

Quarterly, “Bud” West convenes the Chapter dinner meetings in Tallahassee at the Holiday Inn, just north of I-10 off North Monroe Street. The social gathering prior to the meeting provides an excellent opportunity to see old friends and to make new ones. Generally, a brief business meeting is followed by buffet dinner, which by all accounts, is always excellent. The evening is topped off by a distinguished guest speaker whom the chapter’s executive council has sought out to speak on a subject of topical interest to our members. Check out The Tallahassee AFA Flyer section below to appreciate our diverse group of guest speakers for the past year. The meetings through 2011 are: