Club America at West Michigan Aviation Academy

Turning Point USA · West Michigan Aviation Academy

Club
America

Championing freedom, free markets, and limited government at WMAA. We believe in the ideals that make America extraordinary — and the next generation of leaders who will carry them forward.

Club America Logo
2025Chapter Founded
WMAAGrand Rapids, MI
TPUSANational Affiliate
5Chapter Officers
Who We Are

Our Mission

Club America is the official Turning Point USA chapter at West Michigan Aviation Academy. We stand for the principles that built this nation: individual liberty, free enterprise, and the belief that America is the greatest country on earth.

From Grand Rapids to Washington, D.C., we are training the next generation of American leaders — students who will one day take flight in every sense of the word.

Whether you are passionate about politics, civic life, or just love your country, Club America is your home at WMAA.


Free Markets
Economic freedom drives innovation, prosperity, and opportunity for all Americans.
Limited Government
Power belongs to the people. We defend constitutional limits on government authority.
Individual Liberty
Every American has the right to think, speak, and live freely — full stop.
Civic Engagement
From voter registration to leadership summits, we show up and make a difference.
01
Patriotism
Pride in America's history, founding ideals, and enduring promise.
02
Leadership
Developing the next generation of civic and professional leaders.
03
Free Speech
Every voice matters. Open dialogue makes us stronger.
04
Service
We give back to our school, community, and nation.
05
Excellence
WMAA aviation standards meet conservative civic engagement.
06
Unity
One chapter, one mission, one America.
What's Happening

Upcoming Events

July 9–12, 2026 · Washington, D.C.
Chapter Leadership Summit
TPUSA's flagship student leadership conference. Our WMAA chapter is heading to D.C. — training, speakers, networking, and a visit to Mount Vernon!
Full Details + Flights →
April 18, 2026 · 10:00 AM · Saturday
Voter Registration Project
Official partnership event with Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate. Earn service hours + real world civic experience.
Voter Registration Project graphic
Wednesday, April 30, 2026
Chapter Meeting
Regular chapter meeting at WMAA. All members welcome — agenda shared via club email.
Wednesday, May 7, 2026
Chapter Meeting
Regular chapter meeting at WMAA. Come ready to engage on upcoming initiatives and planning.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Last Day Celebration!
Our end-of-year chapter meeting and celebration. Honoring a great year for Club America at WMAA.
Turning Point USA Presents

Chapter Leadership Summit 2026

Washington, D.C. · July 9–12, 2026

TPUSA's premier leadership training conference for chapter leaders. Our WMAA chapter is making the trip to the nation's capital — featuring networking, speakers from the conservative movement, leadership workshops, and a visit to Mount Vernon, George Washington's historic estate.

Apply to Attend Apply for Travel Stipend Official CLS Page
Event Details

About CLS

The Chapter Leadership Summit is intended for current TPUSA Chapter Leaders who are actively enrolled students, ages 16–26. It is the most impactful conservative student training event of the year.


TPUSA provides lodging for eligible attendees. Attendance requires submitting an application subject to TPUSA approval.

What to Expect

  • Top conservative movement speakers
  • Leadership & activism training workshops
  • Networking with chapter leaders nationwide
  • Visit to Mount Vernon — George Washington's estate
  • Capitol area events and sightseeing in D.C.
  • TPUSA-provided lodging (eligible attendees)

Travel Stipends

TPUSA is happy to provide travel assistance for students. Applying does not guarantee a stipend — apply early for best consideration.


Apply for Stipend →

Questions?

Reach out to chapter president Van Lemay for more information about our club's trip to CLS 2026.


vanlemay@icloud.com →
Our Flights

WMAA Chapter Flights

Outbound · Thursday, July 9, 2026
AA 5301
Operated by PSA Airlines as American Eagle
GRR
Grand Rapids
5:07 AM
→
DCA
Washington Reagan
6:59 AM
Seat: 20D
Class: Economy (B)
Return · Sunday, July 12, 2026
AA 5376
Operated by PSA Airlines as American Eagle
DCA
Washington Reagan
8:05 PM
→
GRR
Grand Rapids
10:02 PM
Seat: 20D
Class: Economy (B)
The Team

Chapter Officers

Van Lemay in Civil Air Patrol uniform
President & Founder
Van Lemay
Van Lemay is a proud patriot and strong fighter for freedom, deeply inspired by the life and work of Charlie Kirk. A member of the United States Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol), Van embodies the values of service, leadership, and love of country in everything he does. He is the founder and president of the Model UN team at West Michigan Aviation Academy, and the leader of the school's award-winning Flight Crew student section — bringing the same energy and conviction to every role he takes on. A trained FAA Part 107 commercial drone pilot and business owner running his own drone company, Van combines an entrepreneurial spirit with hands-on aviation expertise. He founded Club America at WMAA in 2025 to bring conservative values and civic engagement to the school community. Van aspires to a career in public service and is currently working closely with the Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate campaign — putting his passion for America into action every single day.
Luke Young
Vice President
Luke Young
Luke is a junior at West Michigan Aviation Academy with strong conservative values and a sharp mind for business. He serves as head of the WMAA Finance Club and is passionate about the free market principles that make America thrive. Luke brings discipline, fiscal responsibility, and leadership to everything he does, and plans to pursue a career in finance.
Joe Barrows
Secretary
Joe Barrows
Joe is a sophomore at West Michigan Aviation Academy and a strong patriot who comes from a proud veteran family. He serves as a Sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol and leads as a Flight Leader — bringing military discipline and a deep love of country to everything he does. Joe keeps the chapter sharp, organized, and ready for action.
Graham Rybarczyk
Treasurer
Graham Rybarczyk
Graham is a strong Christian, historian, and dedicated patriot. He serves as a partner of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and leads the WMAA Bible Study — grounding the chapter in faith, history, and the timeless values that built this nation. Graham manages Club America's resources with integrity, purpose, and a steady hand.
Jeffrey Hasse
Special Advisor
Jeffrey Hasse
Jeffrey is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol — one of the highest leadership positions in the organization at the state level. A strong patriot through and through, he brings unmatched experience, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence as Special Advisor to Club America at WMAA.
Our Story in Photos

Photo Gallery

Club America WMAA · 2025–2026

In Memoriam · 1993–2025

Charlie
Kirk

Founder, Turning Point USA · Patriot · Fighter for Freedom

Charlie Kirk
His Legacy

Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.

Charlie Kirk was more than a conservative commentator — he was a movement. He believed, with every fiber of his being, that America is the greatest nation ever conceived by mankind, and he dedicated his life to making sure the next generation knew it too. Founded in 2012 when Kirk was just 18 years old, Turning Point USA grew under his leadership into the most powerful conservative student organization in history, reaching millions of young Americans on thousands of campuses.

Charlie lived by the words he preached: courage, conviction, and an unshakeable love for this country. He stood on stages before thousands, sat across from presidents, and still made time to speak with students like us — because he truly believed that the future of America depended on what young people decided to fight for. He taught us that ideas matter, that truth never surrenders, and that freedom is worth every battle.

Club America at West Michigan Aviation Academy exists because of Charlie Kirk's vision. We carry his legacy forward every time we hold a meeting, register a voter, speak truth in the face of opposition, and stand proudly for the flag. His voice may be silent, but his mission lives on — in us.

“If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas — not run away from them or try to silence them.”

— Charlie Kirk

5,000+
Campus Chapters Built
1M+
Student Members Reached
2012
TPUSA Founded, Age 18
∞
His Legacy Lives On
Van Lemay holding Charlie Kirk tribute sign at Arizona Christian University
A Personal Tribute

Van Lemay at Utah Valley University

Club America WMAA president Van Lemay traveled to Utah Valley University — the campus where Charlie Kirk was tragically shot, and a place with deep personal ties to Van's own family, as his father serves as a coach there — to pay his respects. Standing with the American flag behind him and a red tribute sign reading “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant,” Van honored a man whose life and mission inspired him to found this very chapter. It was a moment of grief, gratitude, and renewed resolve: the work Charlie started will not stop.

“Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.”

Charlie Kirk · 1993–2025

His Legacy. Our Voice.

Club America at WMAA was built on Charlie's vision. Every meeting, every voter registered, every sign held high — it is all for him, and for America.

Links & Info

Chapter Resources

📸
Instagram
Follow Club America WMAA on Instagram for the latest updates, event photos, and chapter news.
@clubamericagraa →
📋
Club Sign-Up Form
New member? Fill out our official sign-up form to join Club America at West Michigan Aviation Academy.
Sign Up Now →
✈️
CLS 2026 — Travel Stipend
TPUSA offers travel stipends for students attending the Chapter Leadership Summit. Apply early — not guaranteed.
Apply for Stipend →
🗳️
Register to Vote
Eligible students — make your voice heard. Use the Club America voter registration portal to get registered today.
Register Now →
🏛️
TPUSA Students
Explore the full Turning Point USA Students portal — resources, activism kits, speaker requests, and more.
Visit TPUSA Students →
✉️
Contact the President
Questions about the club, CLS, events, or membership? Reach out to chapter president Van Lemay directly.
vanlemay@icloud.com →
Join the Movement

Ready to Fly?

Club America is open to all WMAA students who believe in American exceptionalism and want to make a real difference. No experience required — just passion for this country.

All Grade Levels Welcome
Free to Join
Real Civic Impact
National TPUSA Network
Leadership Development
Complete Sign-Up Form → Email the President


Questions? Contact Van Lemay · vanlemay@icloud.com