March hosts annual CAFA Convention

  • Published
  • By Col. Martin W. Ledwitz, CSMR
  • President, California Air Force Association
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  The California Air Force Association (CAFA) held its 2009 Annual Convention at March ARB over the weekend. The AFA supports the Air Force in a variety of ways by being "force behind the force." 

March's chapter of CAFA, the Bob Hope Chapter 257, hosted the event with chapter President Nancy Driscoll in the lead. The conference began with a "marvelous" reception on Thursday at the Hap Arnold Conference Center. 

CAFA members competed in a Golf Tournament on Friday to raise funds for the Education Foundation for Aerospace (EFA). The EFA promotes aerospace education for the citizens of California, focusing on school-aged children. 

Other CAFA members toured the base with stops at the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing Predator unit, C-17 Simulator, Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC), and the F-16 Alert Area. The AFA members were amazed at the cutting edge technology and the dedication and skill of the personnel in each area.

The CAFA Member Annual Awards Ceremony was held Friday evening at the March Field Air Museum. Members enjoyed outstanding food and service by "Gourmet to Go" catering. Ceremony speaker David T. Buckwalter, AFA National Executive Vice President, updated the audience on current Defense Department policies that concern the Air Force. 

CAFA awarded Bob Hope Chapter member Paul Bell a Sustained Outstanding Performance Award. Bell's award was one of 31 given that night. 

On Saturday, members participated in the annual business meeting, a tour of the Riverside National Cemetery, and 2009-10 CAFA officer elections. 

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Norman Marous was the Master of Ceremonies in the second awards ceremony of the weekend, the Military Awards Ceremony Saturday evening at the Hap Arnold Conference Center. The speaker was Brig. Gen. Eric W. Crabtree, Commander of the Fourth Air Force. General Crabtree spoke on the conference theme, "Women in Flight History and the Air Force." 

Many March personnel received awards in the ceremony. Nancy Driscoll received the CAFA Member of the Year Award. Maureen Houlihan, nominated by the Bob Hope Chapter, won the Southern California Teacher of the Year award. Steve Escalante, also nominated by the Bob Hope Chapter, won an EFA scholarship. Senior Airman Charles M. Elliott of the 452nd Civil Engineer Squadron won the Air Force Reserve Airman of the Year Award. 

The CAFA Unit of the Year award went to the 336th Air Refueling Squadron, commanded by Lt. Col. James R. Barkley. The CAFA Person of the Year was Brigadier General Robert P. Otto, Commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale AFB. Beale AFB will be the site of the next CAFA annual meeting. 

For the first time, CAFA recognized members of the Air Component of the California State Military Reserve (CSMR). The CSMR is part of the California Military Department along with the Air and Army National Guard. All Air Component members must have served in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard.