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2025 AFSA International Convention (AFSA-IC 25)
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Election Results
The Committee Chairs are as follows:
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AFSA-IC 2025 Program Guide |
Let's Celebrate Our Award Nominees and Recipients
Each year, the Air Force Sergeants Association proudly recognizes individuals and organizations who exemplify dedication to our mission, supporting military members, their families, and the broader AFSA community. Through these prestigious awards, we celebrate those who go above and beyond in service, leadership, and advocacy. This year, we are honored to present the L. Mendel Rivers Award to The Honorable Don Bacon, U.S. Representative and retired Brigadier General, for his unwavering commitment to advancing legislation that strengthens military benefits, healthcare, and quality of life for service members and their families. The Americanism Award is awarded to Five & Thrive, a powerful initiative led by military spouse volunteers, focused on improving quality of life in five key areas that directly impact military families. We also proudly present the Pitsenbarger Award to Airman First Class Zachary Morris for his extraordinary bravery and selfless actions during the recovery of a downed U.S. Air Force Central Command aircraft in a hostile environment. In addition, we recognize our AFSA International Member of the Year, Family Member of the Year, and our Airman, Noncommissioned Officer, and Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year – each of whom demonstrates excellence in service and leadership. We are equally proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our Top Divisions, Chapters, and Individual Members for their exceptional achievements in recruiting, retention, communications, and legislative advocacy. To all our nominees and award recipients—thank you. Your dedication to the mission, the military community, and the values of AFSA inspires us all. Please join us in honoring their remarkable achievements.
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AFSA International Member of the Year Award Recipient:
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NCO of the Year Award Recipient:
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SNCO of the Year Award Recipient:
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PRESIDENT'S AWARDS
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AWARD RECIPIENTS
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Summit Introduction: Juanita Weems, Chief of Staff and Keith Reed, AFSA Executive Director |
LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE: Ramón Colón-López, Retired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Joint Chiefs of StaffRetired Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón "CZ" Colón-López served as the 4th SEAC of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Dec. 13, 2019 to Nov. 3, 2023. The SEAC is the most senior enlisted service member, by position, in the United States Armed Forces, and serves as the principal military advisor to the Chairman on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, utilization, health of the force, and joint development for enlisted personnel.
Former SEAC Colón-López enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1990. He held assignments in U.S. Air Forces Europe, Air Combat Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Education and Training Command, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Special Operations Command, and Air Forces Central Command. He has deployed numerous times in support of operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Resolute Support, Inherent Resolve, and to several other classified locations. Prior to serving as SEAC, he served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for United States Africa Command. |
LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE: A Message from AFSA International President - Steve HaroAFSA-IC 2025 | V-PEDS: An interview with AFSA International President, Steve Haro.
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American Military University Presents ANALOG: A Documentary of the Mars Mission Desert Research Station and the Mars SocietyAmerican Military University (AMU), part of the American Public University System (APUS), proudly presents ANALOG, a documentary that follows crew ARG-1M (MDRS crew 274) during a two-week simulated Mars mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), an analog facility owned and operated by The Mars Society. This immersive film captures the experience of students and faculty from the APUS Analog Research Group (AARG) as they live and work in a Mars-like environment, conducting research to support future human missions to the Moon and Mars.
At the time of this mission, several crew members were active-duty military personnel from the Navy, Air Force, and Space Force, participating in a civilian capacity. Their involvement reflects the collaborative nature of space research and may be of special interest to organizations like the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA). Website: https://www.apusssrp.space/aarg. Join us in celebrating the spirit of exploration that drives us toward the stars. |
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AFSA-IC | V-PEDS AIRED: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
OPTIMIZING THE HUMAN WEAPON
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LEADING FROM THE INSIDE OUT
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RECLAIMING CALM: THE PEACE PLAN
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HOW TO BUILD MONTHLY CASH FLOW WITH YOUR VA LOANSponsor & Speaker: Mr. Hamp Lee III (CMSgt, USAF, Retired)
You earned your VA loan benefit—now it’s time to put it to work. Did you know your VA loan can help you build long-term wealth, not just buy a home? Or that you can use it more than once? In this session, Hamp Lee III, a 30-year Air Force veteran, Texas real estate agent, and third-generation investor, breaks down how to turn your VA loan into a powerful tool for financial freedom. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the VA home loan process and walk away with real strategies for buying cash-flowing properties and building your real estate portfolio one step at a time. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to grow, this session will give you the tools to start small and take action. AFSA-IC | V-PEDS AIRED: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 |
READY TO SOAR BEYOND CONVENTIONAL BOUNDARIES?Sponsor: Colorado Technical University
In an era where technological advancements shape every aspect of professional success, this presentation will explore how academic programs enhanced with AI knowledge and experience can prepare you for future professional and personal goals. Join Colorado Technical University’s panel of Academic Leadership as they unveil an exciting vision for the future of education including:
Whether you're considering career advancement, planning your transition to civilian life, or simply exploring how to maximize your potential, this presentation can reveal pathways to distinction that are both practical and transformative. Join us on July 22nd to learn about Colorado Technical University’s commitment to academic excellence and innovative technologies. AFSA-IC | V-PEDS AIRED: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 |
OPTIMIZING THE HUMAN WEAPON
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AFSA-IC | V-PEDS AIRED: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
MISSION COMMAND IN ACTION: 5 Minute Nugget of Knowledge with General (Ret) Phillip Breedlove Former NATO Supreme CommanderSponsor: Columbia Southern University (CSU)
Join us for an exclusive recorded webinar featuring a powerful 5-minute leadership nugget from a Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, delivering battlefield-tested insights on the enduring relevance of Mission Command. In this brief but impactful session, the General shares his personal reflections and leadership philosophy developed during decades of command at the highest levels of international military operations. This message cuts to the core of what it takes to empower teams, build trust, and lead through uncertainty—principles essential for leaders in both military and civilian sectors. This recorded leadership message is ideal for:
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MISSION COMMAND IN ACTION: A Fireside Chat with MSgt (Ret) Dustin Goodwin, decorated combat VeteranSponsor: Columbia Southern University (CSU)
Join us for a powerful 45-minute recorded fireside chat featuring MSgt (Ret) Dustin Goodwin, a decorated combat veteran who played a pivotal role in repelling one of the largest insurgent attacks on FOB Fenty in Afghanistan. In this rare and gripping session, MSgt Goodwin will reflect on the moment he assumed control of the battlefield after senior leaders were injured and successfully led his team under intense enemy fire -- a defining example of Mission Command in action. The webinar will begin with a brief combat video clip documenting the harrowing event, setting the stage for a moderated discussion on:
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to gain battlefield-tested insights into Mission Command, leadership, and the power of resilient execution. AFSA-IC | V-PEDS AIRED: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
MISSION COMMAND IN ACTION: A Fireside Chat with CMSgt (Ret) Jennifer Kersey, former SEL to the Commander & Deputy Director for Operations & IntelligenceSponsor: Columbia Southern University (CSU)
Join us for an exclusive recorded fireside chat with Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Kersey, a distinguished leader who culminated a 30-year career in the United States Air Force as the Command Chief for the 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force – Levant, Southwest Asia. In this powerful session, CMSgt (Ret.) Kersey reflects on her leadership during Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, where she served as the principal Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander and Deputy Director for Operations and Intelligence. With responsibility for over 5,000 Airmen and 13,000 task force members, she will share firsthand how she employed mission command principles to maintain discipline, morale, and readiness in a high-stakes joint and coalition environment. Through a moderated discussion, Chief Kersey will break down how decentralized execution, trust, and operational empowerment were critical in coordinating intelligence and operations in the ongoing fight against ISIS. Learn how mission command was not just a doctrine, but a mindset that shaped every decision, from the battlefield to coalition briefings. What You’ll Gain:
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MISSION COMMAND IN ACTION: A Firsthand Account with SMSgt Clinton Boyd, Under Extreme PressureSponsor: Columbia Southern University (CSU)
Join us for a powerful recorded conversation with Senior Master Sergeant (Ret) Clinton Boyd, as he reflects on a pivotal moment early in his Air Force career that exemplified the principles of Mission Command under extreme pressure. In 2001, while deployed to Al Udeid Air Base during the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom, then-A1C Boyd was forced to engage an armed assailant wielding a semi-automatic rifle—while armed only with a 9mm pistol. In this moderated session, Boyd recounts the intensity of that moment and how, even as a young Airman, his training, understanding of intent, and trust in command structure enabled him to act decisively. This discussion highlights:
AFSA-IC | V-PEDS AIRED: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
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ON-SITE & VIRTUAL InfoEXPO EXHIBITORS
Thank you to the outstanding on-site and virtual Info/EXPO Exhibitors! We appreciate your dedication to AFSA and the mission we serve for military members and their families!
Visit their websites and learn more here now: event.thesummitafsa.org/TheSummit2025#/expo?lang=en
Visit their websites and learn more here now: event.thesummitafsa.org/TheSummit2025#/expo?lang=en
