Our Programs
All of our programming is dedicated to supporting the airmen and families of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
While we can never fully repay them for their service to our community and country, we strive to show our deep gratitude through meaningful support and heartfelt appreciation.
Our Programs
DMAFB Family Day at the Zoo
We are looking forward to celebrating our incredible DMAFB community with another unforgettable day at the Reid Park Zoo on October 26th, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As a "thank you" to our active duty Airmen and their families, we invite you to join us at no cost for a morning of lively entertainment and a delicious pancake breakfast provided by the wonderful volunteers at PICOR. Afterward, enjoy a full day of exploring the zoo and visiting the animals.
Last year, the Desert Thunder Squadron was honored to host over 1,000 attendees, and we are eager to welcome you all back. This special community event is made possible through the generous support of DTS, Vantage West Credit Union, Tucson Medical Center (TMC), El Tour de Tucson, Reid Park Zoo, and the Winers & Diners Foundation.
One Year Away Program
The Tucson business community and Davis-Monthan AFB, in collaboration with the Desert Thunder Squadron, have launched the "One Year Away" initiative to support transitioning service members and veterans who are one year away from separation from the Air Force and re-entry, or in many cases first time entry, into the civilian workforce. Through the Edge4Vets program, participants learn to translate their military strengths into tools for civilian success and are then linked with partner employers. One of the key components to success is the 'Wingman mentorship' provided by incredible professionals in our Tucson community who assist with the creation of individual plans articulating their strengths to employers. This program kicked off May 5th, 2025, and we are preparing for the third class in November of 2026.
Recognition to AZ Bowl and Winers & Diners belief in our vision, funding the initial class. Sincere gratitude to the Thomas Brown Foundation, Potoff Foundation and Empower Coalition for their significant grant awards in support of OYA. Vantage West, Winers & Diners continue to partner with DTS as wingman supporters.
Additional thanks to the following partners: Community Foundation of Southern Arizona, Si Charro , Vantage West Credit Union, and HSL properties, alongside key partners Sun Mechanical, Banner Health, Pima County, AGM Container Controls, Jim Click, O'Rielly Chevrolet, Arizona at Work, Pima Community College, and Tucson Airport Authority, Tucson Medical Center, Pain Institute of Southern Arizona, Paul Dias Management, Enterprise Bank and Trust, Nova Home Loans, Pima Federal Credit Union, Arizona Bowl, Bourn Companies, Sundt Construction, PolyPrint, Ascent Aviation, Royal Automotive Group, Swaim & Associates, Mesch Clark & Rothschild, Bombardier, MHI RJ Aviation, Patrick DeConcini, Diamond Ventures, Genesis OB-GYN, NAI Horizon, Tucson Federal Credit Union, Seaver Franks, and Tucson Foundations.
Greater Tucson Leadership
The Desert Thunder Squadron sponsored a jam-packed day at DMAFB for Greater Tucson Leadership participants who enjoyed the opportunity to learn the history and impact of the base.
“I LOVED Davis Monthan day!!! Learning about all the base does and meeting key soldiers was so heartwarming and made me feel even more proud to live in the beautiful city of Tucson. The flying demo was incredible and witnessing a female pilot flying the F-35 was super empowering!!" ~ Tracy N.
DMAFB Bike Giveaway
150 bikes delivered to our incredible Davis-Monthan Air Force families! Thanks to the incredible collaboration between Desert Thunder Squadron and Perimeter Bicycling - El Tour de Tucson, we made it happen. The smiles on the kids' faces said it all!
A huge shoutout to everyone who played a part, especially the airmen who assembled all the bikes. Your teamwork and dedication made this moment unforgettable.
DMAFB Winterfest
Children’s laughter, holiday melodies, exciting games, and Santa’s grand arrival on his sleigh... Desert Thunder Squadron was proud to sponsor Winterfest 2024 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for our incredible airmen and their families. We extend heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering dedication and daily sacrifices in protecting our community and nation.
Looking forward to another amazing evening again this year.
Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance (SAAA)
Desert Thunder Squadron is an Honorary Member of the SAAA. The SAAA produces a ”Book of Fun” passport that people can purchase to get discounted admissions to Southern Arizona features such as the Desert Museum, National Parks, Old Tucson, Colossal Caves, etc. These have been given to the Airman and Family Readiness Center for distribution to newly arriving airmen and their families. The books have been very popular with them and help them become familiar with the local Tucson area and oriented into the community.
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