The AFA General James R McCarthy Chapter was originally Founded on 27 June, 1983 at the AFROTC Headquarters of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This was also the date of the very first meeting.

On 15 October, 1983, General Morgan S. Tyler, AFA Florida president presented the Daytona Beach Chapter 397 Charter.

The original staff of officers were:

President: Larry H. Johnson
Vice President: Carman P. Felice
Secretary: John Barney
Treasurer: Earl Friesel
Councilmen: Tony DiGirolamo, Paul Spurrier, Hugh Miller, Milton Horwitz, Roscoe Staley, Jack Halsey, Ralph Conlan, and Steven Kleid

On 4 January 1984, several namesakes for the chapter were discussed including Mr. Jack Hunt (President of ERAU), local MIA Henry Allan, Brigadier General McCarthy and Colonel Day.

17 March 1984, another meeting held to discuss the chapter’s name. The meeting was held at Duff’s Smorgasbord. Seven individuals met the basic requirements for consideration. These were:
1. Floridian from the local area
2. Distinguished Air Force Service
3. Awards of distinction
4. Living AFA active member
5. Unanimous approval of the council

Brigadier General James R McCarthy was selected. He was a 1947 graduate of the local Seabreeze High School.

• A brief Biography of Brigadier General McCarthy