1) Verify, correct, update, your contact info. 2) Learn about the AFSA Oral History Project!Our members are the heart of our Association. And, keeping an up-to-date and accurate membership database is paramount to our overall success. We know that our members frequently move, get married, divorced, and sadly pass away. That's why it's so important to complete a total membership review every few years. When verifying our membership database information, we have a few choices. We can 1) have your headquarters staff stop daily tasks and call our 75,000 members in person, 2) pay a company to reach out and make these important calls, or 3) partner with a reputable company who specializes in this service for military members and work together to also create a one-of-a-kind AFSA Oral History Project that provides you with an opportunity to share your story of your military service -- in person to be preserved and cherished for generations to come.
Bonus: During this call, Members will also have the opportunity to renew their membership at a very special rate of $30 for 1 year, and $75 for three years! |
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY AFSA MEMBERS
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for me to update/confirm my AFSA Membership information and if I wanted to participate in the AFSA Oral History Project. Is this a legitimate project or is it a scam?
It’s legit! We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for the Air Force Sergeants Association and its members. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, Texas that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years. This project affords AFSA members the opportunity to update their membership information and record their personal military experiences to share for generations to come.
Does AFSA benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:
Our Partner
With more than 75,000 members worldwide, that’s a lot of stories! With a project of this size, we went to the experts: Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI). PCI also worked with us on the 2013 and 2016 membership directory projects. By partnering with PCI again, we’re able to access their trained staff, who are excited to listen to alumni stories. Your call will be recorded to allow PCI the ability to reference and curate your story for potential use in the oral history book. Please note, we have only shared your contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have NOT sold your contact information, or otherwise used it for outside marketing purposes.
How do I know my information will only be used for AFSA and the AFSA Oral History Project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the AFSA Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will first share the updated data with AFSA HQ, and then redact PII (Personal Identifiable information) from all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the AFSA Oral History Project.
What’s Next?
You should have received an email and/or postcard communications from the PCI team with an invitation to call and share your story. You may also receive a phone call asking you to participate. We encourage you to join the thousands of military members who have already shared their stories in other military support association’s books. The PCI team will collect stories until early March 15, 2024. Following the story collection, PCI will design, edit, and print a beautifully bound AFSA Oral History Book. We hope to have the book distributed in October 2024.
Keeping the Connection
As part of this project, PCI will help us collect updated and corrected contact information from AFSA members who may have moved, changed emails, gotten married or divorced, passed away, updated membership levels and more. Having an up-to-date and accurate membership database is paramount to the overall success of the Association.
Do I Have to Buy Something?
No, the project is funded by AFSA and members who choose to purchase the commemorative AFSA Oral History Book. Various book packages will be offered to you, and PCI will also offer you an option to purchase AFSA branded merchandise. You are welcome to purchase some or all these items, but you are not required to do so to participate. This project is being done at no cost to the AFSA membership. We would not be able to embark on a project like this without the support of our amazing members and the partnership with PCI. We sincerely thank every person that participates and chooses to purchase the book.
What to Look For
Below is an example of a postcard you will receive in the mail. This is an official postcard from the Air Force Sergeants Association, distributed by our partner PCI. Once you receive the postcard, please follow the instructions to update your information and share your story.
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for me to update/confirm my AFSA Membership information and if I wanted to participate in the AFSA Oral History Project. Is this a legitimate project or is it a scam?
It’s legit! We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for the Air Force Sergeants Association and its members. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, Texas that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years. This project affords AFSA members the opportunity to update their membership information and record their personal military experiences to share for generations to come.
Does AFSA benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:
- Contact Info: By updating, confirming, or correcting your contact and membership information, you are helping ensure our membership database is up-to-date and accurate. This helps us effectively communicate and engage with you and all AFSA members. This is an important opportunity to check for address changes, email updates, marital status changes, member deaths, membership level and spelling accuracy and more. Your participation is paramount to our overall success.
- Legacy: AFSA members have amazing stories to share, and we want to hear them! By participating in the AFSA Oral History Project, your memories will be archived for generations to come.
- Revenue: Your stories will be preserved in a beautifully printed and bound commemorative book, and digital publication that celebrates the impact AFSA members have made through their military careers. Sales of the AFSA Oral History Project print and digital book help generate revenue for the Association and its important programs.
- AFSA Pride: We’ve designed special high-quality AFSA sweatshirts, shirts, and gear to let people know that “Your Story Matters”.
Our Partner
With more than 75,000 members worldwide, that’s a lot of stories! With a project of this size, we went to the experts: Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI). PCI also worked with us on the 2013 and 2016 membership directory projects. By partnering with PCI again, we’re able to access their trained staff, who are excited to listen to alumni stories. Your call will be recorded to allow PCI the ability to reference and curate your story for potential use in the oral history book. Please note, we have only shared your contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have NOT sold your contact information, or otherwise used it for outside marketing purposes.
How do I know my information will only be used for AFSA and the AFSA Oral History Project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the AFSA Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will first share the updated data with AFSA HQ, and then redact PII (Personal Identifiable information) from all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the AFSA Oral History Project.
What’s Next?
You should have received an email and/or postcard communications from the PCI team with an invitation to call and share your story. You may also receive a phone call asking you to participate. We encourage you to join the thousands of military members who have already shared their stories in other military support association’s books. The PCI team will collect stories until early March 15, 2024. Following the story collection, PCI will design, edit, and print a beautifully bound AFSA Oral History Book. We hope to have the book distributed in October 2024.
Keeping the Connection
As part of this project, PCI will help us collect updated and corrected contact information from AFSA members who may have moved, changed emails, gotten married or divorced, passed away, updated membership levels and more. Having an up-to-date and accurate membership database is paramount to the overall success of the Association.
Do I Have to Buy Something?
No, the project is funded by AFSA and members who choose to purchase the commemorative AFSA Oral History Book. Various book packages will be offered to you, and PCI will also offer you an option to purchase AFSA branded merchandise. You are welcome to purchase some or all these items, but you are not required to do so to participate. This project is being done at no cost to the AFSA membership. We would not be able to embark on a project like this without the support of our amazing members and the partnership with PCI. We sincerely thank every person that participates and chooses to purchase the book.
What to Look For
Below is an example of a postcard you will receive in the mail. This is an official postcard from the Air Force Sergeants Association, distributed by our partner PCI. Once you receive the postcard, please follow the instructions to update your information and share your story.
Below is an example of an email you will receive in your inbox. Once you receive the email, please follow the instructions to update your information and set up an interview time to share your personal military service memories.
I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How can I do this?
If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, then ask you if you wish to share your story or a particular memory from your military career. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to AFSA at the conclusion of the project.
If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
Can I choose what information will be printed in the publication?
When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you prefer any of your information to be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / [email protected].
I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time to share your story.
I shared a story and the representative said I could send some photos. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos (black and white or color) plus captions. If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
Can anyone purchase a book?
The AFSA Oral History Publication is available for sale only to AFSA members.
I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk on 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.
If I do wish to purchase a commemorative AFSA Oral History Book, what are the costs?
There are four purchase options:
1. BASIC COMMEMORATIVE BOOK - $169.98 + $19.98 S&H Includes: Printed Hardbound Oral History Publication including photos and stories and personal stories.
2. DIGITAL PUBLICATION - $169.98 Includes: Digital Publication (features links to audio clips of others’ stories) (both options include audio of personal story)
2. VALUE PACKAGE: Commemorative Book and Digital Publication - $259.98 + $19.98 S&H Includes: Printed and beautifully Hardbound Oral History Book including photos and stories, plus the Digital Publication (features links to audio clips of others’ stories) (both options include audio of personal story)
3. PRIDE PACKAGE: Commemorative Book, Digital Publication, and AFSA Sweatshirt and T-Shirt - $349.98+S&H Includes: Printed and beautifully Hardbound Oral History Book including photos and stories, plus the Digital Publication (features links to audio clips of others’ stories) Audio of personal story, and the “I Shared MY Story” high quality AFSA Sweatshirt and T-shirt.
4. LOYALTY PACKAGE: Commemorative Book, Plus the Digital Publication and the AFSA Sweatshirt, T-Shirt, and Travel Bag - $449.98 + $39.98 S&H Includes: Printed and beautifully Hardbound Oral History Book including photos and stories, plus the Digital Publication (features links to audio clips of others’ stories) Audio of personal story, the AFSA “my Story Matters” high-quality Sweatshirt and T-shirt, plus the embroidered AFSA Weekender Bag.
Additional Offers:
I did not receive any communication about this, can I still participate?
YES! We welcome stories from AFSA members, even if you do not recall receiving the postcard, email, or phone call. Call 1-888-842-5884 and a PCI representative will be glad to assist you.
Best number and times to call to Share My Story?
The main phone number is: 1-855-999-1129, and the best times to call to share your story are Wednesday through Friday: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (CT), Saturday: 8 AM - 4:45 PM (CT)
Closed Sunday.
Should any AFSA Member have questions or concerns
Please call 1-800-982-1590 or by email at [email protected].
If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, then ask you if you wish to share your story or a particular memory from your military career. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to AFSA at the conclusion of the project.
If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
Can I choose what information will be printed in the publication?
When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you prefer any of your information to be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / [email protected].
I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time to share your story.
I shared a story and the representative said I could send some photos. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos (black and white or color) plus captions. If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
Can anyone purchase a book?
The AFSA Oral History Publication is available for sale only to AFSA members.
I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk on 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.
If I do wish to purchase a commemorative AFSA Oral History Book, what are the costs?
There are four purchase options:
1. BASIC COMMEMORATIVE BOOK - $169.98 + $19.98 S&H Includes: Printed Hardbound Oral History Publication including photos and stories and personal stories.
2. DIGITAL PUBLICATION - $169.98 Includes: Digital Publication (features links to audio clips of others’ stories) (both options include audio of personal story)
2. VALUE PACKAGE: Commemorative Book and Digital Publication - $259.98 + $19.98 S&H Includes: Printed and beautifully Hardbound Oral History Book including photos and stories, plus the Digital Publication (features links to audio clips of others’ stories) (both options include audio of personal story)
3. PRIDE PACKAGE: Commemorative Book, Digital Publication, and AFSA Sweatshirt and T-Shirt - $349.98+S&H Includes: Printed and beautifully Hardbound Oral History Book including photos and stories, plus the Digital Publication (features links to audio clips of others’ stories) Audio of personal story, and the “I Shared MY Story” high quality AFSA Sweatshirt and T-shirt.
4. LOYALTY PACKAGE: Commemorative Book, Plus the Digital Publication and the AFSA Sweatshirt, T-Shirt, and Travel Bag - $449.98 + $39.98 S&H Includes: Printed and beautifully Hardbound Oral History Book including photos and stories, plus the Digital Publication (features links to audio clips of others’ stories) Audio of personal story, the AFSA “my Story Matters” high-quality Sweatshirt and T-shirt, plus the embroidered AFSA Weekender Bag.
Additional Offers:
- AFSA Weekender Bag with Embroidered Logo - $139.98 + $19.98 S&H
- AFSA “My Story Matters” high quality Sweatshirt and T-shirt - $89.98 + $12.98 S&H
I did not receive any communication about this, can I still participate?
YES! We welcome stories from AFSA members, even if you do not recall receiving the postcard, email, or phone call. Call 1-888-842-5884 and a PCI representative will be glad to assist you.
Best number and times to call to Share My Story?
The main phone number is: 1-855-999-1129, and the best times to call to share your story are Wednesday through Friday: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (CT), Saturday: 8 AM - 4:45 PM (CT)
Closed Sunday.
Should any AFSA Member have questions or concerns
Please call 1-800-982-1590 or by email at [email protected].