National Training Center at Fort Irwin News

04/09/2025

Congressional App Challenge (ages 13-18)
https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/
Winning apps may be displayed in the US Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website, House.gov. Winning students are invited to Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C., get waived copyright registration application fees through the ARTS Act, and winning apps receive a press release on the Congressional App Challenge website.
Students can enter their apps through Oct. 24, 2025.
First Robotics Competition (ages vary by region)
https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc
Under strict rules and limited time and resources, teams of high school students are challenged to build industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game in alliance with other teams, while also fundraising to meet their goals, designing a team “brand,” and advancing respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community.

Congressional App Challenge (ages 13-18) https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/ Winning apps may be displayed in the US Capitol Building and featu

03/09/2025

Children are very curious about the world, and an interest in science comes naturally. But somewhere at the beginning of middle school, that curiosity turns away from science, especially for girls. One school thinks they have the key to maintaining science and mathematics interest and participation—start early.

Patrick Brophy, the director of STEAM and robotics at The Palmdale Aerospace Academy in Palmdale, Calif., is tasked with integrating science, technology, electronics, art and mathematics (STEAM) from transitional kindergarten through 12-year, especially across grade levels. Also, a goal is to make the robotics program more robust.
“We’ve had robotics teams here since the beginning, but now we have the FIRST Robotics Competition level (ages 14-18), FIRST Tech Challenge (ages 12-18) and FIRST Lego League (ages 4-16). We’re making sure this year to expand our elementary school so that the goal is every student in every grade level can participate on a robotics team,” said Brophy.

Children are very curious about the world, and an interest in science comes naturally. But somewhere at the beginning of middle school, that curiosity turns awa

02/09/2025

Veterans Day is a powerful moment to align your brand with honor, service, and community. Our Veterans Day Special Edition will be a tribute to courage, sacrifice, and dedication. ✨ This is your chance to:
✅ Showcase your business alongside a message of gratitude
✅ Strengthen your reach within the military and veteran community
✅ Build meaningful brand recognition in the Desert Southwest
👉 Let’s make sure your business has a place in this edition of impact and remembrance.

22/08/2025

We’re thrilled to share this special edition of Aerotech News and Review, proudly “Serving the Aerospace, Military and Veteran Community of the Desert Southwest.”

In this collector’s edition, we invite you on an exciting journey through the world of STEM—and beyond. From STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) to STEAM (adding the power of Art), explore how innovation, creativity, and education are shaping the future.

Your adventure begins right on the cover, with a dynamic photo spread celebrating the energy and impact of STEM education in our communities.

https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2025/08/22/aerotech-news-and-review-stem-special-edition-august-2025/

Don’t miss this inspiring deep dive into the programs, people, and possibilities transforming learning today!

That’s just the beginning—check out what else awaits:

• NASA Engages ignites curiosity beyond classroom – Page 2
• Lockheed Martin helps grow their future workforce – Page 3
• AF Academy developing future STEM leaders – Page 4
• SMART scholar benefits – Department of Defense - DoDSTEM - Page 5
• Argus wins 2025 Imagine Cup World Championship – Page 6

Discover how STEM is reshaping education in this special keepsake edition of Aerotech News and Review! You’ll find inspiring stories, exciting innovations, and a closer look at the future of learning—all in one place. Available online starting August 22nd and printed copies will be available at our usual distribution locations throughout the Antelope Valley, including Edwards AFB, Las Vegas (including NTTR, Nellis and Creech AFB’s), and Phoenix (including Luke AFB). Be sure to grab a copy when you're out and about!

Can’t wait? Visit us online at www.aerotechnews.com for even more aerospace and defense news. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for your daily updates!

As always, thank you for your continued support. It’s an honor to serve you—stay safe and well!

Digital and Print Journal of Aerospace, Defense Industry and Veteran News, serving the Aerospace, Military and Veteran Community of the Desert Southwest includi

19/08/2025

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all veterans, staff, and visitors.
As part of that commitment, we recognize the important role service dogs play in the lives of many veterans.

What is a service dog?
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service dog is individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability.
These tasks can include guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting to sounds, pulling a wheelchair, or assisting during a medical crisis.
Dogs in training are not service animals.
The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.

The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all veterans, staff, and visitors. As par

14/08/2025

by Dennis Anderson
special to Aerotech News
With Labor Day so close we often brush past dates in August, and this is one that few in the United States paid much attention to, but now that we have already lost most of our World War II veterans, it is a day that should be marked.
Of the 16 million Americans who served, approximately 66,000 are alive, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They leave this world at the rate of more than 1,000 a week.
On Aug. 14, 1945, Japan unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. This happened after the 509th Composite Group of the U.S. Army Air Force dropped two atomic bombs, the first on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, and the second on Nagasaki on Aug. 9.

After a week of argument following the carnage, Japanese leaders who urged surrender prevailed over war party proponents who advocated fighting to the last man, woman and child.

by Dennis Anderson special to Aerotech News With Labor Day so close we often brush past dates in August, and this is one that few in the United States paid mu

13/08/2025

The following is a statement from acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy on the passing of famed Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. He passed away Aug. 7, in Lake Forest, Illinois. He was 97 years old.

“NASA sends its condolences to the family of Capt. Jim Lovell, whose life and work inspired millions of people across the decades. Jim’s character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount. We mourn his passing even as we celebrate his achievements.

“From a pair of pioneering Gemini missions to the successes of Apollo, Jim helped our nation forge a historic path in space that carries us forward to upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

“As the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 8, Jim and his crewmates became the first to lift off on a Saturn V rocket and orbit the Moon, proving that the lunar landing was within our reach..."

The following is a statement from acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy on the passing of famed Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. He passed away Aug. 7, in Lake Fores

12/08/2025

The following is a statement from acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy on the passing of famed Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. He passed away Aug. 7, in Lake Forest, Illinois. He was 97 years old.

“NASA sends its condolences to the family of Capt. Jim Lovell, whose life and work inspired millions of people across the decades. Jim’s character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount. We mourn his passing even as we celebrate his achievements.

“From a pair of pioneering Gemini missions to the successes of Apollo, Jim helped our nation forge a historic path in space that carries us forward to upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.

“As the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 8, Jim and his crewmates became the first to lift off on a Saturn V rocket and orbit the Moon, proving that the lunar landing was within our reach..."