ArnoldAirSociety
Col Charles A. Lindbergh Squadron
News And Events
6-25 MAR 08
SIUE & SLU Spring Breaks. Enjoy the time off!
21-25 MAR 08
NATCON in Chicago
The present nation-wide service organization of Arnold Air Society started from the initiative and creativity often found in members of the society. In the summer of 1947, a group of Air Force ROTC Cadets from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, discussed beginning an honorary society. After presenting their ideas to Captain James Nollkamper and other officers, a committee of cadets was formed in October 1947. This committee wrote a constitution for the new organization and unanimously chose the name of "Arnold Air Society of Cadets", honoring the retired Commanding General of Army Air Forces, General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold, also the first and only five star general of the Air Force.
Within the first year, acknowledgment of the Society grew as in April 1948 the United States Air Force officially recognized it, and the Air Defense Command began to see that the local group became nationalized. Copies of the Society's Constitution were sent to universities throughout the country and within the next year, twenty new squadrons were formed.
As the 1950's began, many new ideas were developed. One of the most significant outcomes was the National Conclave, now known as NATCON. This event was designed to be used as the central means of determining the policies that govern the Society. Mrs. H.H. Arnold was named the honorary sponsor at the first NATCON, held at the University of Cincinnati in the spring of 1950. Also at this NATCON, the University of Cincinnati was determined as the National Headquarters until 1954. In 1951, after the death of General Arnold, the Society was renamed "Arnold Air Society", and General James Doolittle was chosen as the honorary commander.
The second NATCON resulted in AAS's affiliation with the Air Force Association and the establishment of the National Publications Headquarters and the Arnold Memorial Scholarship. The organizational structure was reconstructed at the fourth and fifth National Conclaves. From the reorganization stemmed the Executive Board, consisting of the National Commander and all the Area Commanders. At following NATCONs, more awards and policies were initiated, and also other organizations affiliated with AAS, like Silver Wings, were formed.
Today, Arnold Air Society consists of eleven areas, with squadrons in not only the continental United States, but also Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
Actives Fall 2007
Actives Spring 2008
