Arnold Air Society: Jack Newkirk Squadron

"The warrior who cultivates his mind polishes his arms."

Mission

The Arnold Air Society is a professional service organization run completely by Air Force ROTC cadets all over the country. We help out our ROTC detachment, RPI, the surrounding community, and beyond. The scope of the Arnold Air Society is wide.

Some of the organizations our squadron supports include Joseph's House, Troy Boy's and Girls Club, The Eddy, and local public schools. We also actively participate with the local chapter of the Air Force Association.

History

Arnold Air Society was founded in 1947 by a group of AFROTC cadets from Cincinnati, OH. It is named after General Henry "Hap" Arnold, commander of the Army Air Forces during World War II.

The squadron at RPI is named after John V. Newkirk who graduated in 1936. He entered the Navy shortly after graduation, but resigned around 1940 to enter the American Volunteer Air Force. In July, 1941, "Scarsdale"Jack became a squadron leader in General Chennault's Flying Tigers. Newkirk was killed during a strafing run over the Burma Road, ending a career credited with shooting down 25 Japanese planes. He was the first American to receive the Distinguished Service Order of the British Empire, and the first recipient of the RPI Alumni Award. The cadets at RPI chartered the Jack Newkirk Squadron of the Arnold Air Society in February of 1952.