Arnold Air Society: Lt Philip Louis Bek Squadron
AAS is a professional, honorary, service organization dedicated to community service and professional development. The main purpose of the club is to provide leadership positions to AFROTC cadets and show them how to be a functioning team member. An AAS squadron member will meet and work with hundreds of cadets from all across the country with different backgrounds and perspectives. Two main events are offered to cadets: the National and Regional Conclaves, where squadrons come together to discuss current events in the air and space force as well as vote on policy. It may be a national society, but all members share the same overall mission of serving the community and commissioning as an officer in the USAF.
The AAS Squadron is the Lt. Philip Louis Bek Squadron, one of the oldest in the country and named to honor a B-17 navigator who was shot down and executed in a Japanese POW camp during WW2. His B-17 was the Georgia Peach, which has become the squadron mascot.
Silver Wings:
Silver Wings is the civilian, sister society to AAS and aims to provide the same development and networking to non-ROTC students. Silver Wings members are equally dedicated to community service and attend all of the same regional and national events that AAS members do. Members do not need to be interested in becoming or be a member of the military to join. The networking opportunities provided at these events is an incredible avenue for anyone interested in a career within the federal government, three letter agencies, aviation industry and more.
The Silver Wings Chapter is the Kevin M. Coombs Chapter, named after a student and valued member of our community who tragically lost their life.
National Conclave(NATCON):
NATCON is the professional development opportunity offered to members of both AAS and SW. At this event, squadrons from all over the country come together to network, decide policy, and receive mentorship from aviation and military industry members. The location changes yearly and is always hosted by a volunteering squadron. The last few locations were San Diego, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. Attending members can expect business and voting sessions, guest speakers, and formal banquets. The guest speakers vary year to year, but have included Air Force and Space force generals (both active and retired), an active international space station astronaut, executives from aviation industry companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and many more. After planned activities, time is set aside to enjoy the local attractions such as the USS Midway museum in San Diego and Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.