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NEWSLINE

August 2012
In This Issue
Hotel Deadline
Election Year Cautions
Deadline for Memorial List
News from CyberPatriot
2012 Summer CAP Grants
2012 Convention Registration
Visions of Exploration Lunch
Field Spotlight: STARBASE
Region Review: Northwest


AFA National Report 

Buzz Wagner Chapter Promotion

  

It doesn't cost a lot to promote AFA. Read how the Lt. Col. Buzz Wagner Chapter did it in August's "AFA National Report" in Air Force Magazine, also online  at airforce-magazine.com.

 

 

 


Important Dates

14 September
Executive Committee Meeting

15-16 September
AFA National Convention

17-19 September
Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition

18-20 October
RP/SP Orientation

Deadline for Delegate Rates at Gaylord

 

Friday, August 24 is the deadline for getting the delegate rate for rooms at the Gaylord National for this year's National Convention.  Don't forget to reserve your room before it's too late.  For more information about the hotel and how to make reservations, click here. 

ELECTION YEAR CAUTIONS     

 

One of the easiest ways for a chapter or individual AFA member to harm AFA as a whole is to violate the prohibition on intervening in a political campaign.  There can be NO suggestion that AFA, as a tax-exempt organization, endorses ANY political candidate for ANY elective office (and this prohibition is exactly the same whether the organization is a (c)(3) or (c)(19).) 

 

That does not mean that AFA members are prohibited from exercising their rights as citizens to participate in political activity, but rather that the organization cannot be portrayed as favoring one candidate over another.  The IRS publishes more than sufficient guidance to make the defense: "I didn't know" not even remotely credible.  It is worth your time going to the website by clicking here.    

  

The first link on that page (Stay Exempt Mini-Course) is a 16-min discussion with slides and voice that outlines all you'd even need to know about permissible and non-permissible activities.  Slide 17 in that presentation discussing permissible personal activities is among the most valuable.  It is probably worth 16 minutes of your time to familiarize yourselves with the rules on this issue in case you get any questions. 

Deadline for 2012 Memorial List  

 

 

The deadline for submitting names for the 2012 Memorial List to AFA HQ is August 23rd.  If you still need to submit the names to the list, you can do so by e-mailing Elissa Taylor at [email protected]

 

More Good News from CyberPatriot  

 

Registration for CyberPatriot V have soared to over 622 teams in 47 states. We are still missing teams in Iowa, Montana, and West Virginia. Registration for CyberPatriot V continues until September 30, 2012. To get more information on CyberPatriot or to see if any teams are registered in your area visit our website at www.uscyberpatriot.org.

 

Additionally, AFA has entered into a development agreement with The Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) at the University of Texas-San Antonio to develop a dedicated competition "engine" for CyberPatriot.  This new system is named the Cyber Competition System (CCS) and-coupled with SAIC's CyberNEXS which powers CyberPatriot-will add stability and improved learning feedback to competitors.

2012 Summer CAP Grant Winners Announced
 

The Air Force Association (AFA) proudly announces the 22 recipients of the Civil Air Patrol Educator Grant, an education initiative funded by AFA and managed by the Civil Air Patrol Headquarters.  

 

The CAP Educator Grants are each up to $250, and provided to teachers who are members of either the Air Force Association or the Civil Air Patrol. From designing model airplanes and launching rockets, to visiting Air Traffic Control towers and bases, AFA and CAP are helping teachers promote public awareness of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in national security. The initiative funds classroom activities or materials that benefit the entire group of students and promote knowledge of aerospace power. Grants can be applied toward field trips to aerospace museums or Air Force bases, or for books, DVDs or videotapes on aerospace topics.

 

For the full press release and list of winners, click here. 

2012 National Convention and Air & Space Conference Registration Open 

 

A reminder that the registration page for the 2012 National Convention and Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition is open.  Both will once again be held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.  The National Convention will be September 15-16 and the A&S Conference and Tech Expo will be September 17-19.  Please note that some of the pre-conference meetings have changed on the schedule this year. 

 

For more information about the Convention and Conference, and instructions on how to register, click here.  

Visions of Exploration Marketing Luncheon

Registration is now open for the Visions of Exploration Marketing Luncheon, sponsored by USA TODAY.  The luncheon will be on Saturday, September 15th, during the National Convention.  Attendance will be limited to two attendees per chapter, plus Region or State leaders, so RSVP early.   
 
 
 

Field Spotlight    

Chapter helps bring DoD STARBASE to Virginia 

 

Three years ago, Chapter 435 Northern Shenandoah approached their representative to try improving STEM education at the middle-school level.  Now their efforts are paying off in the the form of a Department of Defense education program known as DoD STARBASE

The program uses hands-on demonstrations and activities to teach kids math and science principles and to expose them to how these concepts are used daily in many DoD occupations.  The program lasts one week, and is targeted for fifth- and sixth-graders.  For more on how the program is being implemented in Winchester, VA, click here for Chapter 435's newsletter.

 

Region Review: Rocky Mountain Region    

 

Some would like to be in the AFA Rocky Mountain Region just because of its location: mountain peaks, crystal clear streams, magnificent vistas, abundant wildlife, and wide open spaces. However, we know it for its members and for being the Western heartbeat of AFA.  

 

The Rocky Mountain Region is made up of 5,329 members, organized into eight chapters, two state organizations and one great region. It is a very active region with direct chapter support for seven Air Force installations (Cheyenne Mountain AFS, The Air Force Academy, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, Hill AFB, Buckley AFB, and F. E. Warren AFB), plus multiple universities and schools with ROTC programs. Two first-class aerospace museums are directly supported, as are hundreds of aerospace-related corporations. The region is proud to be home of TWO national award-winning CyberPatriot teams that put a stake down as our leaders of tomorrow.

 

Utah- Led by State President Wally Saeger and Chapter Presidents Robert George, Andrew Clark and Brandon Strong.

Utah has three chapters that work closely together to support military members at Hill AFB, a broad spectrum of aerospace companies and ROTC units at major Utah-based universities. The state organization has been a national leader in Aerospace Education. People like Boyd Anderson have led national AFA educational initiatives, drawing from his experience with one of the few separately incorporated Aerospace Education organizations. Utah is home to the 3rd place CyberPatriot All Service Division winners: Clearfield High School AFJROTC.

 

Chapters also work together to host the annual Focus on Defense Symposium and Charity golf tournament, which has grown into a nationally recognized showcase for Air Force and Industry senior leadership to share ideas and perspectives on important national defense topics. Each year this event raises thousands of dollars for aerospace education. In 2012, the theme for this event was "Acquisition and Sustainment in the 21st Century AFMC". The Utah AFA Industrial Associates, whichrepresents the broad aerospace companies in the area, sponsored the 2012 Hill AFB Requirements Symposium. This event provided a forum for all organizations at Hill AFB to inform industry of their planned contract activities over the upcoming five years. It is always a huge success.  

 

Colorado- Led by State President Tom Cavalli and Chapter Presidents Brian Binn, Chris Hassett, Richard Follmar and Rick Peterson.

Colorado has four chapters, as diverse as its topography. The Lance Sijan Chapter in Colorado Springs is very active, hosting the Space and Cyber Symposium, annual Air Force Ball and a rotating chairmanship of the Industry Military and Golf Event (IMAGE) golf tournament for the community. They sponsored the National Champion CyberPatriot All Service Division winners: Colorado Springs Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron. This Chapter was also the AFA Unit of the Year in 2011. The Mile High Chapter is Denver-based. It hosts an annual charity fundraising golf tournament, is a sponsor for the Estes Park Duck Race charity event to support base and educational outreach programs, and will host the 2012 Colorado Awards Banquet in August.  

 

The Mel Harmon Chapter is very veteran-oriented, with programs for those in veterans' homes and direct support for a high-quality museum displaying air and space artifacts to inspire young and old alike. Their rocketry program has led to nationally-qualified teams. The Chapter is the 2012 Outstanding Small Chapter of the Year. The other small Colorado Chapter is the General Robert E. Huyser Chapter in Grand Junction which is hosting the Regional Meeting on October 13. This chapter, while among the smallest in the country, is very active in supporting veterans, Civil Air Patrol members and students in the community. In September the Chapter will assist with the local air show.

 

Wyoming- Led by Chapter President Irene Johnigan.

The Cheyenne Cowboy Chapter with 353 members is evidence that a small number of dedicated members can accomplish great things. The Cowboy chapter is very effective in supporting the 20th AF at F.E. Warren AFB and its local missile wing. This base is at the center of all ICBM activity and as such draws many distinguished visitors. Under Irene's leadership, the Cowboy Chapter leads the community effort in welcoming these individuals and maintains a great working relationship with elected officials. It also hosts the annual Air Force Ball and an awards event that would rival a state awards dinner for many State AFA organizations.  

 

Past Region President Grant Higginbotham noted that we owe much to those who set a high standard of excellence in the Rocky Mountain Region and the broader AFA. Emeritus officers from this region include L. Boyd Anderson, Stephen P. "Pat" Condon, William Croom, George M. Douglas, Michael J. Dugan, Dan Hendrickson, Victor R. Kregel, Jack C. Price, E. Robert Skloss, Joan Sell, Robert G. Stein, Mark J. Worrick and Chuck Zimkas. Many of these past officers continue their AFA involvement in advisory roles or on various councils and committees.

 

The Rocky Mountain Region has always had a welcoming attitude; so if you move here, come join us. We welcome all who wish to participate in this wonderful mission.


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