The Sam Johnson Chapter, Air & Space Forces Association (AFA)

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining dominant United States Air and Space Forces. We promote a strong national defense while honoring our aerospace heritage. Our mission is built on three pillars:

  • EDUCATES Informing the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce.
  • ADVOCATES Promoting aerospace power and STEM education as vital national security assets.
  • SUPPORTS Providing for the total Air Force and Space Force family and fostering aerospace education.

Community Presence : The Sam Johnson Chapter represents over 1,200 members across Dallas, Collin, and southeastern Denton counties. We are a leading component of AFA Texas, a network of more than 10,000 members dedicated to the aerospace mission.

Investing in the Future : STEM and Leadership Our chapter focuses heavily on support for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to ensure the next generation is ready for the challenges of Great Power Competition.

Core Programs & Scholarships:

  • Congressman Sam Johnson AFJROTC Scholarships : We provide college scholarships to outstanding graduates from 12 local high schools who commit to continued service in college ROTC.
  • CyberPatriot: We mentor and support student teams competing in the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, the premier program of its kind.
  • Civil Air Patrol (CAP): We provide flight scholarships for local cadets pursuing powered flight certifications.
  • Leadership Development: We fund participation in the Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) and the AFJROTC Cadet Leadership Course (CLC), immersive programs that build ethics, citizenship, and command skills.
  • Teacher of the Year: Each year, we recognize an exceptional local educator who has demonstrated excellence in inspiring students toward STEM careers.
  • Wounded Airman & Guardian Program: We provide life-changing financial and emotional support to our seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families.
  • We are one of the founding partners in the National Defense Briefing Series (NDBS), a continuing program of interactive discussions with nationally-recognized subject matter experts on issues of national security. NDBS also annually presents the Sam Johnson Defender of Freedom Award to an individual who embodies the example demonstrated by Colonel and Congressman and Sam Johnson

Our Legacy: Honoring Air-Power Heroes.  Shortly after the national Air Force Association was formed in 1946, the Dallas Chapter (Chapter 232) was officially chartered in 1947. In its infancy, the chapter served as a vital hub for World War II veterans returning to North Texas, focused on maintaining the aerospace power advocacy that had proven decisive in the war. Over the years, the chapter name has evolved to reflect the bravery and dedication of contemporary air-power heroes.

  • Neel Kerby Chapter.  Shortly after its founding in 1947, the Chapter was christened the Neel Kearby Chapter in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Neel E. Kearby, a Dallas-area resident who was the top-scoring P-47 ace in the Pacific Theater.  Local legend has it that General Ira Eaker visited Dallas to officiate the Chapter renaming ceremony at the Baker Hotel.
  • Seidel Chapter.  In xxxx the chapter was renamed to commemorate the service of Bob and Helen Seidel. Bob, a B-24 flight engineer in WWII, survived being shot down on his 32nd mission over Germany and was held as a POW until 1945.  For years, Bob and Helen were the “bedrock” of our Dallas Air Force community, serving in Chapter leadership roles until their passing.
  • Sam Johnson Chapter.  In late 2023 the chapter underwent its most recent transformation, officially becoming the Sam Johnson Chapter in a tribute to the late Congressman (Colonel) Sam Johnson, a native of Plano and a 29-year Air Force veteran.  Johnson’s career included flying nearly 100 combat missions in Korea and Vietnam, as well as spending nearly seven years as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton.

The Mission Today: Under Colonel Johnson’s name, the Chapter has expanded its reach across Dallas, Collin, and southeastern Denton counties, growing to over 1,200 members.