AFSA NEWS...
January 4, 2021 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Important Message from
Executive Director, Keith A. Reed 2021 Scholarship Season Opens Visit: www.HQAMF.org for details and scholarship applications |
Important Message from
Executive Director, Keith A. Reed WELCOME 2021... GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING at HQ and planned for this year |
FEBRUARY 26, 2021 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Executive Statement on H.R.1282 and Additional Concurrent Receipt Measures Washington District of Columbia: On behalf of the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) and its 75,000+ members, I wanted to thank Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Raul Ruiz for introducing H.R.1282, the Major Richard Star Act. The AFSA would also like to thank the honorable Representatives who have agreed to co-sponsor the Major Richard Star Act thus far (recognized below). H.R.1282 is a companion legislative measure to S.344, which was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs earlier this week. Both of these Acts would qualify approximately 42,000 military retirees with combat-related injuries to concurrently receive both military retired pay and Veteran Affairs (VA) compensation.While on the subject of concurrent receipt, the AFSA would also like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Representative Bilirakis for introducing H.R.303, the Retired Pay Restoration Act, and Representative Sanford Bishop Jr. for introducing H.R.333, the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act. I am pleased to see that an issue near and dear to the hearts of our members worldwide has bicameral and bipartisan support. In the AFSA’s view, extending concurrent receipt to veterans with a service-connected disability rating of less than 50% and those who are medically retired with less than twenty years of service remains our ultimate goal. With the swift passage of these bills, Congress can finally put this issue to rest. I, alongside our Military and Government Relations Team, am looking forward to working with each of you to build on this early momentum and ensure the timely codification of the Major Richard Star Act, the Retired Pay Restoration Act, and the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act into public law. Keith A. Reed Executive Director ### JANUARY 24, 2021 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 20, 2021 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Warm Welcome to the 46th President of the United States and Commander in Chief and a Gracious “Thank You” to the 45th President and His Administration Washington District of Columbia: Today at noon, it was an honor and privilege to observe the 59th official Presidential inauguration, as is codified in constitutional law by the Twentieth Amendment. On behalf of the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) and our International Headquarters staff, I would like to say congratulations to our 46th President and Commander in Chief, Joe Biden, and Vice President, Kamala Harris. It is in this spirit that the AFSA commends the 45th President and his administration for working with our Military and Government Relations Team, Executive Council, Legislative Committee, and general membership to navigate areas of mutual interest successfully through the legislative process. As a stalwart advocacy arm for our members, the AFSA is looking forward to working with the 46th President and his administration in a non-partisan, fact-based manner to ensure the security of benefits and protection of the overall quality of life for service members past and present and their families. In bringing in the new year, I pray for you and your loved ones to have a very blessed and healthy 2021. Keith A. Reed Executive Director January 14, 2021 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AFSA JOINS THE Clear2Connect COALITION The Clear2Connect Coalition is a group of disability advocacy and veterans service organizations dedicated to preserving the right for Americans with hearing loss to access the quality, accurate technology services they need to communicate using a phone—as is their right under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn more about the Clear2Connect Coalition here now. 
January 3, 2021 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Warm Welcome to the Members of the 117th Congress and a Gracious “Thank You” to the Members of the 116th Washington District of Columbia: It was an honor and a privilege to watch the official welcoming proceedings for members of the 117th Congress. On behalf of the 75,000+ members of the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), I would like to say congratulations on your swearing-in. A new year and a new Congress will provide a fresh opportunity to pursue legislative initiatives that support the well-being of all individuals who comprise the military network at-large. It is in this spirit that the AFSA commends members of the 116th Congress for working with our Military and Government Relations Team, Executive Council, Legislative Committee, and general membership to navigate areas of mutual interest successfully through the legislative process. From securing historic increases in basic pay to modernizing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better support the health care needs of Veterans of all eras, the body of work produced from Congressional cooperation with the AFSA during the 116th Congress is certainly noteworthy. Since our founding in 1961, the relationship between the AFSA and members of Congress has been nothing short of pivotal to “form a more perfect union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” As a stalwart advocacy arm for our members, the AFSA is looking forward to working with every Congressional member in a non-partisan, fact-based manner to ensure the security of benefits and protection of the overall quality of life for service members past and present and their families. On a more solemn note, it did not go unnoticed that Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, who tragically passed away from COVID-19 complications, was not present at Sunday’s opening day for the 117th Congress. On behalf of the Reed and AFSA family, I would like to share my sincerest condolences with the Letlow family during this time of tremendous sorrow. In bringing in the new year, I pray for you and your loved ones to have a very blessed 2021. Keith A. Reed Executive Director Dear AFSAHQ,
With data collection for the 2020 Census concluded, I want to thank you – on behalf of the U.S. Census Bureau – for raising awareness of the 2020 Census and encouraging response. Partners like AFSA are absolutely critical to our work. Your efforts made a difference in the count and in communities across the country. As a small token of our gratitude, please find a personalized 2020 Census national partner certificate attached to this email. We regret not being able to share this in person. The 2020 Census was like no other. But, in spite of significant challenges, you rose to the occasion to help us get the job done. Thank you for being one of our more than 1,000 dedicated national partners. Your partnership is important to us, and I hope we can continue our work together. In addition to the decennial census, the Census Bureau conducts more than 130 surveys, censuses and programs each year, and helps organizations like yours use the data throughout the decade. Thank you again for supporting the 2020 Census and helping to shape the future! 
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
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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. 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.” |
Archival News
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.
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 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