Silver Wings (service organization)
| Silver Wings | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 1951 University of Omaha |
| Type | Service |
| Emphasis | Air Force |
| Scope | National |
| Chapters | 37 |
| Former name | Angel Flight |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Website | www |
Silver Wings is an American service organization self-governed by college students. With minor supervision, Silver Wings works jointly with the Arnold Air Society (AAS) nationwide to promote leadership skills, military awareness, and professional development.
History[edit]
Silver Wings, originally known as Angel Flight, was founded at the University of Omaha as a local auxiliary organization in 1951[1] and formed as a national organization in 1952.[2] Starting out as an all-female organization, Angel Flight was more of a national idea with various names. While these organizations across the country had different names, they were all focused on helping their local AFROTC unit. In April 1957, representatives from 16 different groups came together at the 8th National Conclave of Arnold Air Society to join their purposes under a National Coordination Headquarters.
In the 1980s, local Angel Flight chapters were allowed to use the name "Silver Wings" as recognition for their growing diversity in membership. In 1995, the General Assembly of the yearly national conclave (NATCON) changed the organization's name to "Angel Flight-Silver Wings." Local chapters were allowed to use the name "Angel Flight," "Silver Wings," or "Angel Flight-Silver Wings."
Hoping to increase recruitment, Angel Flight-Silver Wings restructured the organization in 1996, changing their mission and goals away from being a military-support oriented organization to further diversify their organization. In 1998 the National Conclave changed the organization's name to "Silver Wings," functioning as a civilian organization focused on community service, leadership, and professional development.
Membership[edit]
Silver Wings members must be an undergraduate or graduate student within the local chapter, and complete various workshops and projects. Honorary membership can be bestowed.[citation needed]
Governance[edit]
The National Headquarters provides direction and focus for the entire organization. The nation is broken up into 11 regions. Region Presidents serve the chapters that lie within their region and communicate from chapters to national officers.
The National Headquarters is chosen each year by the General Assembly at NATCON, which takes place annually in spring, typically on Easter weekend. Silver Wings (SW) and Arnold Air Society (AAS) also jointly hold the National Conclave (NATCON) where all members of SW and AAS are invited to discuss matters within the organizations. During this event, business meetings are conducted and local chapters and regions vote on various resolutions and amendments to their manuals.[3]
Chapters[edit]
Following is a list of collegiate chapters.[3]
Region I[edit]
- Boston University
- Clarkson University
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Rochester Institute of Technology
Region II[edit]
- Pennsylvania State University
- University of Maryland
- Howard University
- West Virginia University
Region III[edit]
- Clemson University
- North Carolina State University
- University of Georgia
Region IV[edit]
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- University of Central Florida
Region V[edit]
- Auburn University
- Mississippi State University
- University of South Alabama
- University of Southern Mississippi
- University of Tennessee
Region VI[edit]
- Michigan Technological University
- Ohio State University
- Purdue University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Kentucky
- University of Notre Dame
Region VII[edit]
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Region VIII[edit]
- Colorado State University
- University of Colorado Boulder
Region IX[edit]
- Baylor University
- Oklahoma State University
- Texas Tech University
Region X[edit]
- Arizona State University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott
- Northern Arizona University
- San Diego State University
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Region XI[edit]
- University of Hawaii System
- University of Washington
References[edit]
- ^ "'Angels' Flight,' Military Ball, 'SAC Salute" highlight activities of Air Force ROTC unit". The Gateway Newspaper. 1951-11-30. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
- ^ "Angels' Flight inspires plan for national group". The Gateway Newspaper. 1952-01-18. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
- ^ a b Silver Wings National Website, Service Projects. "Arnold Air Society & Silver Wings". www.aas-sw.org. Retrieved 2018-02-28.