Brigadier General Robert Cardenas
San Diego Chapter Air & Space Forces Association

Chapter Officers

President: Marty Brown
Vice President: Dick Jeffreys
Secretary: Larry Stoltenberg
Treasurer: Jack Porath
Contact Us

Who We Are

The Brigadier General Robert Cardenas San Diego Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association supports, educates, and advocates for the U.S. Air and Space Forces in our local communities. We bring together active duty, Guard, Reserve, veterans, civilian employees, industry partners, and supporters in the San Diego region to strengthen national security and advance aerospace power through community engagement, professional development, and public education.

Our Mission

  • Support service members and their families through community programs, outreach, and recognition.

  • Advocate for air and space power, readiness, and modernization at local and national levels.

  • Foster professional growth and mentorship opportunities for current and future aerospace leaders.

  • Educate our local citizens on the needs for the premier Air Force and Space Force in the world. We do this primarily through our meetings, special events, and by promoting youth Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs like CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers, and Teachers of the Year.

Programs & Activities

  • Educational events and public forums on aerospace policy, technology, and national security.

  • Professional development workshops, career panels, and mentorship for veterans and young professionals.

  • Community outreach including school STEM programs, veteran support initiatives, and base-community partnerships.

  • Social and networking events to connect members, industry partners, and military personnel.

  • Honor and recognition ceremonies for units, individuals, and community supporters.

  • The Brig. Gen. Robert Cardenas San Diego Chapter’s annual golf tournament raises funds for AFROTC Detachment 075 scholarships at San Diego State University, uniting service members, veterans, community leaders, and aviation supporters for friendly competition; proceeds fund merit- and need-based awards for tuition, books, and training, showcasing our commitment to mentorship, leadership development, and strengthening the future of the U.S. Air & Space Forces in San Diego.

Membership is open to anyone who supports the mission of the Air & Space Forces. Benefits include:

  • Access to local events, briefings, and educational programs.

  • Networking with military, industry, and civic leaders.

  • Opportunities to participate in advocacy and community outreach.

  • Subscription to chapter communications and national AFA resources.

Get Involved

  • Attend a chapter meeting or event.

  • Volunteer for community and veteran support programs.

  • Sponsor or partner on educational and professional development initiatives.

  • Join the chapter to stay informed and help advocate for air and space

 

General Membership Meetings

We hold general membership meetings every two months at Filippi's Pizza in Kearny Mesa, California. Meetings begin with a social hour at 6:00 p.m., followed by a guest speaker. We hope you can join us.

Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Make a Donation

Your support helps the Brigadier General Robert Cardenas San Diego Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association continue our work to educate, advocate, and support service members, veterans, and the Air & Space Forces community.

Why your donation matters

  • Fund local educational events, scholarships, and professional development programs.

  • Support veteran outreach, transition assistance, and community partnerships.

  • Enable advocacy efforts that strengthen national defense and the well-being of service members and their families.

Ways to give

  • Monetary donations of any size make an immediate impact.

  • Recurring gifts provide sustained support for ongoing programs.

  • Honor or memorial gifts recognize service and preserve legacies.

Tax information

  • Contributions to the Air & Space Forces Association chapter are used to advance our mission. Please consult your tax advisor for deduction eligibility and documentation.

Thank you for considering a gift to support our chapter and the people who serve. Your contribution directly strengthens our community and mission.

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Logo of the Air & Space Forces Association Community Partner featuring a star with wings and a circle, with text around it.

Support our Chapter as a Community Partner

We invite you, your company, or organization to become a Community Partner with the San Diego Chapter of the Air Force Association (AFA). Why? Your support to AFA allows us to support the Air Force, its mission, and its people at both the local and national level.

In addition to assisting community organizations that support our local active duty, guard, and reserve men and women and their families, the San Diego Chapter is proud to provide support to the local Air Force Community, three local high school Air Force Junior ROTC programs, three local Civil Air Patrol (CAP) units, the San Diego State University ROTC Detachment and the Chula Vista Veterans Home.

Level 1 membership for one community partner representative is just $90 for a year; and Level 2 membership for two representatives is $180 per year. Benefits of membership include receiving the monthly Air Force Magazine, a window decal for your offices declaring you to be an AFA Community Partner, and a wood plaque that tracks the years of membership with yearly medallions.

The Chapter meets every other month, normally the last Tuesday evening for a pizza dinner from 6:00pm -8:00pm. The meetings are held at Filipp's Pizza Grotto in Kearny Mesa. Our programs generally include a Chapter business review and guest speaker. These meetings are great networking events, as our membership and community partners represent a variety of military organizations, companies, organizations, and military related entities. Many of our members are active duty, guard, reserve, or retired Air Force members, and local civilians.

As a San Diego Chapter Community Partner you not only help support the local Air Force community, cadets and veterans, but we also highlight your company or organization through the San Diego Chapter web site and in our quarterly newsletters including links to your company web site.

Please contact our VP for Community Partners at sandiegoafa@gmail.com with any questions or assistance in joining the Air Force Association.

Thanks for your support!