Air Force Association, Wright Memorial Chapter

The nearly 150,000 member Air Force Association was founded in 1948, shortly after the United States Air Force became its own branch of the armed services (1947). The Wright Memorial Chapter, which operates out of the Greater-Dayton area, was incorporated in February of 1955. The Wright Memorial Chapter is designated with AFA number 212. Records for the Wright Memorial Chapter start in the mid-1950s.

The non-profit organization educates the public on the role of aerospace power in national defense. It promotes public events, such as air shows and ROTC drill meets. It also conducts advocacy on behalf of air power and military related issues. Members are comprised of former and current military personnel, civilians, and those with an interest in air power and the US Air Force.

Wright Memorial Chapter, #212 of the Air Force Association serves Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the local Air Force community and the greater Dayton area. The chapter's programs and topics relate to issues pertinent to the Air Force, service members families, and issues concerning the advancement of aerospace technology.

AFA Wright Memorial Chapter programs include major events such as the Air Show, aerospace education programs, community support, high school ROTC programs, aerospace education and scholarships. The chapter also holds luncheons and guest lectures with local and state elected officials. AFA No. 212 established the Wright Brothers Heritage Benefit, which works to raise money to support the Wright Brothers Flyer Hanger Fund. As of March 2007, the chapter had 30 active members.

From the guide to the Air Force Association, Wright Memorial Chapter Records, 1953-2014, (Wright State University, Special Collections and Archives)