About Your Chapter:

The AFA Tennessee Ernie Ford Chapter 361 is a non-Profit Aerospace Organization chartered under the by-laws of Air Force Association, 1501 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22209.
AFA Mission
• To advocate aerospace power and a strong national defense.
• To support the United States Air Force and the Air Force family.
• To promote aerospace education to the American People.

AFA Vision
The premier professional military association, widely recognized as the principal advocate for aerospace power and military preparedness for the security and defense of the United States and its allies.

AFA Values
• Integrity first
• Service before self
• Excellence in all we do

A Brief History of Tennessee Ernie Ford Chapter 361

This chapter was first chartered in the late fifties and metamorphosed over time with successive name changes until 1977 when the current chapter designation was adopted. This name change occurred because Ernie Ford, as an Air Force veteran and a member of this chapter, was the most famous member and agreed to lend his name to the chapter.
During WWII, Tennessee Ernie Ford enlisted in the Army Air Force, graduated from flight training as a bombardier and was assigned to a B-29 crew commanded by then Captain Russell F. Dougherty. The friendship generated during the war years and continued after the war when Ernie returned to his career in show business and his former commander ultimately became the CINC of SAC.
In 1982 Ernie Ford agreed to sponsor a special "Distinguished Aerospace Achievement Award" to be presented each year to an outstanding person in the United States Air Force. This award was presented every year by Tennessee Ernie Ford until his death in 1991. Mrs. Beverly Ford continued to sponsor and present this award until her death in 2001. This award continues each year at the Annual Awards Banquet and the historical list of recipients represents many of the prominent leaders of the United States Air Force.