The Arnold Air Society/Silver Wings
Arnold Air Society
The Arnold Air Society, an AFA affiliate, is a professional honorary service organization of selected AFROTC cadets from the nation's leading colleges and universities. It is a private, non-profit organization with a membership of approximately 3,500 during each academic year.
This represents about one quarter of the total AFROTC program. Membership in the Society is voluntary, is open to both male and female ROTC cadets, and is by acceptance and selection.
The Air Force Association serves as the national sponsor of the Arnold Air Society and its Silver Wings Society auxiliary. All members of the Arnold Air Society are Cadet Members of the Air Force Association. The Society's National Commander serves as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of AFA's Board of Directors.
The Society was formed on the campus of the University of Cincinnati in October, 1947 as a local organization with the approval of the late General H. H. "Hap" Arnold, who was chosen to be the first honorary national commander of the organization, then known as the Arnold Society of Air Cadets.
From that has sprung the nearly 150 squadrons throughout the United States bearing Arnold's name, strong in numbers and ideals. They represent the AFROTC to the highest degree.
The United States Air Force officially recognized the Society on April 6, 1948, and has issued an official regulation encouraging and authorizing Air Force support of the organization.
On November 25, 1950, the Arnold Air Society became affiliated with the Air Force Association, and at that time established the following objectives:
• To aid in the development and production of Air Force officers.
• To create a closer and more efficient relationship within the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps.
• To further the purpose, traditions, and concepts of the United States Air Force.
• To support aerospace power and its role in national security.
• To advance air and space age citizenship.
The Society has developed as the professional association for United States Air Force officer candidates in university level programs including the Falcon Squadron at the United States Air Force Academy.
The Society concentrates on one major role with three primary functions. The role is to enhance Air Force officer candidate selection and training in university programs. The functions are; (1) expanded communication among peers and with leaders in Air Force, government, industry, academic and sponsor or support organizations, (2) expanded leadership and management opportunity at campus (squadron) and regional or national levels, and (3) campus and community service projects.
Many diverse local service projects are undertaken continuously. Local projects include such activities as visits to orphans and homes for the aged, assistance to youth groups, participation in telethons, bike-a-thons, etc., volunteers for flood, fire or other disaster prevention/clean-up and general response to community interests.
Nationally, the Society concentrates each year on one major project. National projects in recent years have included support of our Nation’s Veterans, Promoting Literacy, Environmental Awareness, American Red Cross, POW/MIA, Teen Age Suicide, and Multiple Sclerosis.
The National Headquarters of the Arnold Air Society rotates each year to a college or university selected by a majority vote of the National Conclave delegates. The Conclave is held annually and the Conclave delegates are the supreme and only body having the powers to legislate for the entire organization of the Society.
Serving the national organization is a National Conclave Headquarters, which rotates each year. The administrative and financial functions of the Arnold Air Society are permanently located at The Executive Management Center, 9 E. Loockerman St, Ste B; Dover, DE 09901 or at emc@arnold-air.org
Silver Wings
Silver Wings is a national, co-educational, professional organization of selected and dedicated students from leading colleges and universities across the nation. The Silver Wings is an affiliate of the Arnold Air Society. Annual membership is approximately 1,000 during each academic year on nearly 50 campuses.
The history of Angel Flight/Silver Wings Society began at the University of Omaha in February 1952, where the first flight was organized. Its popularity spread rapidly and by 1957, "Angel Flight" had become a national idea with many names, uniforms, and activities.
In April 1959, in New York City during the Eighth Annual Conclave of the Arnold Air Society, Angel Flight/Silver Wings Society became a national organization of young people with a common purpose.
During the late eighties membership characteristics of the organization began to change. The once all female group of civilians interested in contributing to their university’s AFROTC program, evolved into a diverse conglomerate of men and women dedicated to service of the university’s AFROTC program, campus and community. In 1997 the society reorganized into a more civilian oriented organization dedicated to creating proactive, knowledgeable, and effective leaders through community service and education about national defense. The society formally changed its name to Silver Wings at the 1998 National Conclave.
The Silver Wings is recognized by the United States Air Force and receives support from the Air Force Association through Arnold Air Society sponsorship.
Silver Wings objectives are to aid in the progress of The Arnold Air Society, and in so doing, advance and promote interest in the United States Air Force and particularly the university program for selecting and training commissioned officers. The organization is particularly effective in the campus and community service function.
The national headquarters of Silver Wings rotates each year to a college or university selected by a majority vote of the National Conclave delegates. The Conclave is held annually with the Arnold Air Society Conclave and the Conclave delegates are the supreme and only body having the powers to legislate for the entire organization.
The administrative and financial functions of the Silver Wings are permanently located at the Executive Management Center, 9 E. Loockerman St, Ste B; Dover, DE 09901. or at emc@silver-wings.org