By Bob Hill
The Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Food Pantry celebrated its first year of serving military-connected families throughout the National Capital Region. Sponsored by the JBAB Top 3 Council and supported by the D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), volunteers, donors, and community partners, the pantry has become a vital resource for Airmen, Guardians, service members, federal employees, and their families.
“The Air & Space Forces Association exists to advocate, educate, and support,” said Steele Chapter President Darian “DJ” Padilla. “Supporting the JBAB Food Pantry is one of the most meaningful ways we can fulfill that mission. By helping military families during challenging times, we strengthen readiness, resilience, and the sense of community that makes our Air Force and Space Force stronger.”
During its first year, the pantry recorded more than 1,601 visits and expanded its reach through monthly Capital Area Food Bank Mobile Markets. Together, these efforts distributed more than 64,000 pounds of food, helping military-connected families cope with financial hardship, and periods of federal pay uncertainty.
The Steele Chapter has been the pantry’s largest organizational supporter. Through grants from United Forces & Families program and matching chapter contributions, the chapter provided $6,000 in direct financial support during the pantry’s first year. Chapter members also donated hundreds of pounds of food, commissary gift cards, and additional financial contributions to help keep pantry shelves stocked. The partnership reflects AFA’s commitment to supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their families through local initiatives that directly strengthen quality of life and mission readiness.
The pantry proved especially valuable during the fall 2025 federal government funding shutdown and the spring 2026 Department of Homeland Security funding lapse.
Megan Rowley, pantry volunteer and Steele Chapter vice president military family matters, reflected on the pantry’s first year of service.
“What began as advocacy around an observed need became a reality because of dedicated partners, volunteers, and leaders willing to listen and act. This year was only possible because of people like you. I am deeply grateful for all we have accomplished together and look forward to continuing this important work in the year ahead.”
AFA in Action: Grant Supports Air Force Missileer Hall of Fame
The Air & Space Forces Association awarded a grant for new digital displays of the Air Force Missileer Hall of Fame at selected museums.
The grant, awarded by AFA’s History & Heritage Committee, supports the Association of Air Force Missileers’ Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who made significant contributions to Air Force missile heritage. The first members were announced in 2024.
Jim Simons, a former AFA vice chair of the board for field operations, identified the need for funding and worked to find a way to support installing electronic screens at the Strategic Air Command Museum in Nebraska and the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio.
Each display will feature a honoree’s photo and a summary of the accomplishments that led to their selection, with users able to search for specific individuals or browse the full list.