AFSA NEWS...
JUNE 3, 2020 AFSA, SUITLAND, MD
AFSA | In light of the current events that have taken hold of our Great Nation – AFSA stands in solidarity with the arc that bends towards equality and justice while being ever committed to you -- our members. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We stand in support of our members who may choose to exercise their Constitutional right to assemble peaceably; to speak out against all injustices and to seek a peaceful and purposeful resolution. Moreover, we are proud to represent our members and we will continue to advocate, and educate America's elected, military, and community leaders on the Quality of Life initiatives that affect over 100,000 military members, their families, and the Quality of Life for all citizens. MICHAEL R. CARTON, CMSgt, USAF, Retired International President KEITH A. REED Executive Director 
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright speaks to Airmen at a professional development forum July 24 during the Air Force Sergeants Association International Convention held in Reno, Nev. The Professional Airman's Conference provided the opportunity for Airmen to learn from past and present enlisted leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Amber Carter)
Air Force Sergeants Association Encourages, Informs Airmen
By Senior Airman Amber Carter, 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs / Published August 02, 2017 TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Servant leadership was the overarching theme at the 2017 Air Force Sergeants Association International Convention Professional Airmen’s Conference held July 22-27, 2017, in Reno, Nevada. Several guests of honor attended the annual event, including Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, former Secretary of the Air Force Deborah James, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright and Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Patrick Alston. “(Being a servant leader) is what is going to allow our loved ones to enjoy the freedoms they enjoy each and every day,” said Alston. “The theme of this event is paramount. You must have a servant mentality to get after what we are facing as a nation today.” Alston commented on being the one percent of Americans who serve in the military. “If you do the equation, at any given time, if there are roughly 300 million Americans, there are 297 million Americans standing on your shoulders, enjoying the freedoms they enjoy today,” he continued. The Professional Airmen’s Conference is the flagship event for the Air Force Sergeants Association. Airmen in attendance had the opportunity to not only meet the guests of honor but to learn from and ask questions to past and present Air Force leadership during the professional development forums. This included panels with former chief master sergeants of the Air Force and current enlisted leadership. “I would venture to say that this is the premiere professional development opportunity in our Air Force for any enlisted Airman,” said Wright. “Continue to grow, continue to develop yourself, continue to attend events like the (AFSA PAC) and continue to make yourself a better Airman.” Wright spoke about his personal objectives as the newest chief master sergeant of the Air Force. “I owe you honesty, I owe you commitment and I owe you accountability,” said Wright. “I owe it to you to make sure we communicate about the things that are important.” Wright also inspired Airmen to grow as leaders. “Continue to motivate and encourage your Airmen who follow behind you,” he said. “Take on the development of your Airmen as a primary responsibility.” Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson spoke about the growth and education of Airmen. “Focus on the development of young leaders for the next generation of leaders in the Air Force,” she said. “Our enlisted corps are the backbone of the United States Air Force. A backbone that is stiff, straight and strong.” Wilson also commented on Wright’s recent announcement of the changes to Enlisted Professional Military Education. “There are so many young Airmen who come into the Air Force because of the training and education,” she said. “We need to identify those young Airmen of potential and help develop them into non-commissioned officers and first sergeants that all Airmen will be willing to follow.” As the conference came to a close, Airmen from the Band of the Golden West and the Base Honor Guard, from Travis Air Force Base, California, entertained and presented the colors, respectively, at the Air Force Honors Banquet, where Jeffrey Ledoux, AFSA international president, and Wright, presented awards for AFSA’s Airman and NCO of the Year, as well as their selection for the William H. Pitsenbarger Award. Since 1961, AFSA has looked after the interests and concerns of enlisted Airmen, their families and retirees. “Your participation in this conference and support of our Air Force is extremely important during these exciting and sometimes challenging times,” said Ledoux, in a letter to AFSA members. “We have strength in numbers as we join together to speak with one powerful voice to our government and elected leaders. Collectively, we can have a positive impact on the pay, benefits and quality of life for all who proudly wear the Air Force uniform today, or have done so in the past.”
AFSA has partnered together with Columbia Southern University (CSU) to provide a sponsored One-Course Scholarship for all Military Veterans/Retirees and AFSA Family Members; plus all Active Duty, Guard & Reserve Spouses and College-Age Dependents. The One-Course Scholarship is worth over $700, as CSU has also waived the application fee, and will provide free loaner book(s).
The One-Course Scholarship is worth over $700, as CSU has also waived the application fee and will provide free loaner book(s). To join AFSA and for more information, please visit: https://www.hqafsa.org/edconnect.html Founded in 1961, the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) legislates, advocates and educates America’s elected, military and community leaders in support of the quality of life for our 100,000 military members and their families. AFSA membership is $36 for one year, $63 two-year, and $89 three-year. Lifetime memberships are also available. AFSA MEMBERSHIP is open to all: • UNIFORMED SERVICES: Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Retired and Veteran Military Members (Joint Services Enlisted and Commissioned Officers), Public Health Services (PHS), and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) personnel; • FAMILY MEMBERS of Uniformed Service Members, and • ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: DoD Civilians, Civil Air Patrol, JROTC, Mission Partners/Sponsors and all Military Supporters. For additional information from CSU – call 877-347-6050 or visit http://ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Military To view CSU Online Degree programs visit: https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/online-degree To join AFSA now to participate. www.hqafsa.org | 301-899-3500x288 AFSA | DEFENDING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES SINCE 1961 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Senators Introduce Amendment to NDAA to Protect Military Commissaries.June 10, 2015: AFSA is listed as an advocate for protecting commissaries in a press release by Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.). Read more here.
AFSA members among group of volunteers placing flags at grave sites of U.S. military veterans for Memorial DayMay 27, 2015: More than 200 Airmen and family members from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. volunteered to place U.S. flags on the gravesite of U.S. military veterans at two different cemeteries in the city of Grand Forks, N.D., on May 22, 2015.
Read the full story here. POLITICO: 4/12/19
Military personnel caught in crossfire over lending law The first major standoff between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump-appointed director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is threatening to put military service members at risk. Executive Director Keith Reed quoted in Politico regarding CFPB and the Military Lending Act |
3 WAYS TO READ THE AFSA MAGAZINE
EMAIL: Each quarterly/seasonal edition of the AFSA eMagazine is emailed to all members using their email of record. To ensure you receive the AFSA eMagazine, please update your current membership information to include your PERSONAL (not. mil) email address. ONLINE: Each quarterly/seasonal edition of the AFSA Magazine is shared online through our website, Facebook pages, Twitter and Instagram accounts @AFSAHQ SUBSCRIPTION to MAIL: Beginning with the Winter 2019 edition, the AFSA Magazine will once again be available as a printed and mailed Subscription. Subscription rates are: $20 annually for members and $28 for non-members. Individual copies of each magazine are also available at $7 each. Please visit the Magazine Subscription page to enroll on-line for this service. F.E. Warren Chapter Hosts Color RunChapter 444 honors Memorial Day with service eventsAF foots the bill for credentials that ready you for industry jobsCoverage of MCRMC TestimonyPrograms Available to Survivors
September 30, 2017: AFSA headquarters staff was invited to attend a panel discussion with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and a partner organization from The Military Coalition (TMC), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), to highlight some of the various programs available to survivors of deceased service members. Deborah Skillman, program director for the Defense Department's Office of Casualty, Mortuary Affairs and Military Funeral Honors, talked about some of the assistance DoD provides to eligible family members including government-sponsored travel, legal assistance, receipt of personal items, obtaining copies of records and other important documents, and assistance in relocating to include shipment of house hold goods. Skillman further emphasized the importance of their partnerships with the VA, USO, Fisher House, VSOs and organizations such as TAPS. The VA's Office of Survivor Assistance (OSA), led by Scott Bell, was established in 2008 and offers assistance to survivors through the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) in areas such as financial, education and burial needs. To find out more information from OSA, go to www.va.gov/survivors. While the DoD and VA offer assistance in a multitude of areas, they are bound by policies and regulations that can limit their reach. That's where TAPS comes into play. TAPS Director of Casework Support Services, Jen Harlow, discussed the importance of filling the gap and removing barriers for surviving families through various means- large and small alike. Support that TAPS offers ranges from assistance with up-front burial expenses to obtaining passes for Arlington National Cemetery, assistance with paperwork for scholarships and college applications to counseling, peer-to-peer connections and mentoring for survivors of all ages through retreats and camps. To learn more about TAPS and discover available resources and programs, click here. Senate Passes FY2018 NDAA September 22, 2017: On Monday the Senate passed its version of the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act. The $700 billion measure contains the 2.1 percent pay raise for military personnel in 2018 and reductions to BAH for military-married-to-military personnel previously recommended by the Senate Armed Services Committee. As of press time the text of the amended bill which must still be reconciled with the House was unavailable. This Yahoo Finance article explains some of what is known about the bill approved on Monday. Suicide Prevention Education September 22, 2017: Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to increase public awareness about the warning signs of suicide risk, to provide information about the resources available to aid someone in crisis, and to show how individuals, organizations, and communities can work together to save lives. Click here to learn how you can help. As military members, sometimes there is a stigma associated with seeking help because of what it may do to your career. Depression is real. Anxiety is real. They hurt. They hurt not only the person who is dealing with it but also family, friends, and co-workers. If you are depressed or just having a rough time dealing with things/life, PLEASE ask for help. There are so many people willing to help. National POW/MIA Recognition Day September 15, 2017: Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day and we encourage everyone to take part in commemoration activities. We must never forget to communicate the message that those who currently serve must be confidant that should they ever become missing in action, this effort will spare no effort to bring them home. For those still unaccounted for, their families must understand that we will never relent in our effort to account for their status. AFSA at the LA County Airshow November 19, 2015: Staff Sgt. Michael Burd, president of Chapter 1328, Edwards AFB, Calif., talks with a local television personality about AFSA. Watch the video here. 
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May 22, 2015: The annual National Memorial Day Observance to honor America’s fallen military service members is scheduled for Monday, May 25 at Arlington National Cemetery. Often lumped together with Veterans Day due to similar demographics as well as public perceptions, it is important to keep this one fact in mind: Veterans Day is meant to recognize those veterans who have returned to us; Memorial Day is meant for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Read the full story here.
Read the full story here.
AFSA attends Elizabeth Dole Foundation event paying tribute to military caregivers
May 20, 2015: Former Sen. Elizabeth Dole, Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Robert A. McDonald, First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama and more
joined together to honor the courage and sacrifices made by caregivers of
wounded servicemembers May 20 at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Coalition
Summit...
Read full story here.
Read full story here.
Chapter 444 honors Memorial Day with service events
May 19, 2015: To help celebrate Memorial Day in the Alabama River Region, members of the Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Sergeants Association will provide two opportunities for the local community to participate in Memorial Day events.
On May 23, a bus will depart from the 42nd Air Base Wing headquarters building on Maxwell at 7:30 a.m. to take community members to the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. The program includes opening statements about Memorial Day and the placement of 3,500 miniature flags on gravesites of the veterans buried in the cemetery.
Read the entire article here.
On May 23, a bus will depart from the 42nd Air Base Wing headquarters building on Maxwell at 7:30 a.m. to take community members to the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. The program includes opening statements about Memorial Day and the placement of 3,500 miniature flags on gravesites of the veterans buried in the cemetery.
Read the entire article here.
AF foots the bill for credentials that ready you for industry jobs
May 4, 2015: The Air Force is going to make it easier for you to get a good job when you become a civilian again.
For thousands of airmen, a professional certification can be the difference between a lucrative post-Air Force career and unemployment.
Read the entire article by Stephen Losey, Air Force Times, here.
For thousands of airmen, a professional certification can be the difference between a lucrative post-Air Force career and unemployment.
Read the entire article by Stephen Losey, Air Force Times, here.
Individual and Collective Advocacy - AFSA's role in The Military Coalition
April 23, 2015: As we visit chapters and discuss the power of membership, the topic of AFSA’s participation in The Military Coalition (TMC) often comes up. As an individual Association, our current membership strength is over 100,000 members. However the combined membership of the 32 associations that comprise TMC is about 5.5 million. Some have asked, “Since the TMC is powerful due to its collective size, why don’t all of the TMC associations just incorporate into one giant association?”
Read the entire blog written by AFSA's Director of Military and Government Relations Morgan Brown.
Read the entire blog written by AFSA's Director of Military and Government Relations Morgan Brown.
Doolittle Raiders awarded Congressional Gold Medal
April 16, 2015: Almost 73 years ago, 80 brave Airmen were tasked with a daring mission: carry out the first bombing of Japan's mainland in retaliation to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Flash forward to 2015 -- where now hundreds of distinguished guests, high-ranking military officials, members of Congress and more packed the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's Emancipation Hall to witness the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal Wednesday for their heroic acts on April 18, 1942.
Read the full story, and see images from the event here
Flash forward to 2015 -- where now hundreds of distinguished guests, high-ranking military officials, members of Congress and more packed the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's Emancipation Hall to witness the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal Wednesday for their heroic acts on April 18, 1942.
Read the full story, and see images from the event here
AFSA Chapter 258 gives back to community
April 13, 2015: Airmen from the 177th Fighter Wing worked an off-day Monday, volunteering their time to clean up the community.
They participated in the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) roadside cleanup event picking up debris along a section of Tilton Road outside the base’s main gate in Egg Harbor Township.
Read more about this AFSA chapter's act of community service here
They participated in the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) roadside cleanup event picking up debris along a section of Tilton Road outside the base’s main gate in Egg Harbor Township.
Read more about this AFSA chapter's act of community service here
AFSA says farewell to CMSAF #9 James C. Binnicker
March 21, 2015: Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James C. Binnicker, the ninth CMSAF, died March 21st at the age of 76. The well-loved and admired chief was an active member and supporter of AFSA, and his regular attendance at the annual AFSA Professional Airmen’s Conference was a highlight of the event each year.
Read Chief Binnicker's Complete Obituary Here
Read Chief Binnicker's Complete Obituary Here
AFSA chapter president at Kirtland AFB seeks members
Feb. 24, 2015: "We want Airmen to join. We need them to join," said Master Sgt. Benito Rodriguez, chapter president at Kirtland Air Force Base. "That's the only way we can make progress on Capitol Hill. The more people you have in your association, the stronger your voice." Read the full story on the importance of AFSA here.
AFSA Testifies on Proposed Military Retirement Changes
Feb. 11, 2015: Robert L. Frank, AFSA CEO, along with other leadership from The Military Coalition testified today before the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel about the changes to the military retirement system proposed in the report by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. Read the written and oral testimony and view the video here.
Commission Report on Military Compensation, Retirement Released
Jan. 29, 2015: An independent commission created two years ago by lawmakers to come up with recommendations for overhauling military pay and compensation programs released its report today, setting the stage for possible changes to military pay, benefits, retirement and healthcare. Read about 15 of the recommendations here.
Senate votes unanimously to pass Clay Hunt SAV Act
Feb. 3, 2015: A bill introduced to help prevent suicide by U.S. military veterans passed in the Senate Tuesday with a unanimous vote of 99-0. Read more about the Act here.
Vet Suicide Bill on the Move
Jan. 29, 2015: In the first month of the 114th Congress the U.S. House of Representatives picked up where it left off on the Clay Hunt Act. Formally titled the “Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act,'' H.R.203 was introduced by Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) on Jan. 7 and passed just five days later on Jan. 12 by a vote of 403-0. Now its companion bill S.167 introduced by Sen John McCain (R-AZ) awaits action in the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee before a floor vote can occur. Read more here.
Health Care Coverage and Taxes
Jan. 2015: For the first time since the inception of the Affordable Care Act in 2012, U.S. citizens will be required to self-attest that they possess qualifying minimum health coverage on their 2014 tax forms. Read more about how to do so here.
Health Care Coverage and Taxes
Jan. 2015: For the first time since the inception of the Affordable Care Act in 2012, U.S. citizens will be required to self-attest that they possess qualifying minimum health coverage on their 2014 tax forms. Read more about how to do so here.
NDAA Reopens Pay Gap
Dec. 2, 2014: Reports on the Fiscal Year ‘15 National Defense Authorization Act Conference are beginning to emerge, and it appears that military members will see a 1 percent pay raise, a 1 percent decrease in future housing allowance, and no immediate changes to the Commissaries. Read more here: NDAA Re-Opens Pay Gap
Dec. 2, 2014: Reports on the Fiscal Year ‘15 National Defense Authorization Act Conference are beginning to emerge, and it appears that military members will see a 1 percent pay raise, a 1 percent decrease in future housing allowance, and no immediate changes to the Commissaries. Read more here: NDAA Re-Opens Pay Gap
AFSA Challenges Congress on NDAA
Nov. 24, 2014: Negotiations between the House and Senate on the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act came to a standstill shortly before the Thanksgiving Recess when disagreement arose whether to include a number of personnel-related benefits cuts in the compromise bill. Read more here: NDAA News Release
Nov. 24, 2014: Negotiations between the House and Senate on the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act came to a standstill shortly before the Thanksgiving Recess when disagreement arose whether to include a number of personnel-related benefits cuts in the compromise bill. Read more here: NDAA News Release
AFSA's Brown selected to Co-Chair TMC
Nov. 6, 2014: Morgan Brown of the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) was elected as Co-Chair of The Military Coalition (TMC) at its monthly meeting Nov. 5. Read more here: Brown Co-Chair of TMC News Release
Nov. 6, 2014: Morgan Brown of the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) was elected as Co-Chair of The Military Coalition (TMC) at its monthly meeting Nov. 5. Read more here: Brown Co-Chair of TMC News Release