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NEWSLINE

February 2013
In This Issue
Field Ops Update
Call for Candidates
Year of the CP
New AE Newsletter
Retention Awards
CP Spotlight
2013 Air Warfare Symposium
Field Spotlight
CyberPatriot V
CP Tip of the Month
Field Contact Update
Filing Your 990-N
Field Awards Deadlines
AFM Pins


AFA National Report 

Red Tail Chapter Officer

  Photo by Jacqui Janetzko/Ocala Star-Banner

 

This Red Tail Memorial Chapter officer garnered lots of publicity for AFA.

Read how in February's "AFA National Report," in Air Force Magazine and on line at airforce-magazine.com.

 

 

 


Important Dates

20-22 February
Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition

14-16 March
Cyber Patriot Finals

19 April
Region Presidents Meeting

20 April
Nominating Committee Meeting


Important Note
* * * 
We are attempting to ensure all interested parties receive Newsline regularly.  In order to help with this effort, we request that you forward these newsletters to any interested persons in your chapters.  If you wish to be added to the mailing list, please let Seth Paltzer know at [email protected].
 

February Field Operations Update

By Scott Van Cleef 

 

 

Is your chapter on a Red "X"?  

 

In the Air Force, every aircraft has a maintenance form commonly referred to as a "781." In the front, there's a page that reflects the plane's overall maintenance status. If there is a maintenance item that grounds the plane, the form is marked with a Red "X" and the plane is grounded until the issue is fixed. In AFA there are certain annual maintenance items that need to be taken care of in order for a chapter to be deemed active...cleared to fly. Those include an officer roster (due 31 Oct), and your annual activity and finance plans (due 31 Dec). Without all three items, your "jet" (chapter) is on a Red "X" and is grounded!

 

A full month after the due date, 30% of our chapters were on a Red "X"! That should bother you. It is a strong indicator that we in AFA have a "hollow force" in the field. These three items serve as the basic requirements for maintaining your chapter's active charter in AFA. Without them, your chapter is not eligible for any support payments, no matter how active you actually are. Later in the year, your chapter will not count towards delegate strength at the national convention if they are still on a Red "X".

 

Chapter and State reporting is a necessary management tool. It provides feedback to state and region leaders, the staff, and me regarding how well we are accomplishing our mission. It also provides the data needed to determine your unit's support payment. We've tried to make it as easy as possible to do, and we continue to look at the means to make it even easier. Some folks make it harder on themselves than they need to. Follow the instructions, update your activity report as you accomplish items throughout the quarter, and you'll be able to quickly finalize your reports at the end of the quarter.

 

Chapter health needs to be on the front burner of every AFA field leader. If your chapter is on a Red "X" you need to figure out how to get it back to FMC--fully mission capable. Don't let the matter of a little paperwork stand in the way of doing the real mission of AFA.

 

Chapter Closure Procedures

 

One of the unfortunate results of chapter inactivity is the closure of chapters that are deemed unrecoverable. This is a last resort measure and is not taken lightly. However, when necessary, it is important to do so in a logical and methodical manner. Guidance on this has been lacking, but the Field Council recently approved a list of procedures for chapter closure. That guidance is now available on the Field Resources page of our website under "Guidebooks/Handbooks". I hope you won't have to use it, but it's there if necessary.

 

There's Good News!

 

The Dolomiti Chapter at Aviano AB in Italy has recently come back to life! Thanks to a dedicated few, the chapter is now fully up to speed with a great plan for activities throughout the year. Congratulations to Aviano! In addition, there's a move for a new start-up chapter in New York. We'll continue to nurture that initiative. And, thanks to dedicated field leaders throughout the country, several chapters that have been inactive for a while are undergoing rejuvenation. We can fix our chapter health problems, one chapter at a time. Are you doing your part?

 

Scott P. Van Cleef

Vice Chairman of the Board- Field Operations

 

AFA National Nominating Committee Seeks Qualified AFA Members for National Office

 

 

The Nominating Committee will meet in late-April 2013 to select candidates for AFA national officer and national board of director positions to be presented to the delegates to the AFA National Convention in September for election.

 

Prospective candidates must ensure a recommendation on their behalf has been submitted to AFA HQ. Recommendations can be via an AFA Form (see below) or via personal e-mail (or letter) to the Chairman of the Committee (through the AFA staff). A recommendation form can be found here.

 

Forms are also available in the "Library" section of the "Field Resources" area of the AFA web site.  

 

Each prospective candidate MUST also submit a signed AFA biographical form and answer a question concerning whether they have ever been convicted of a crime. Their signature gives AFA permission to conduct a background check and is also consent to serve in the position, if elected. Additional sheets may be attached as desired. THE PHYSICAL FORM WITH A SIGNATURE MUST BE RECEIVED via mail or fax.  

 

In addition to these required materials, prospective candidates may also elect to include a written biography and letters of endorsement. Any material received by the due date will be included in the package given to the Nominating Committee for their consideration.  

 

Anyone who plans to run for one of these offices MUST indicate their intention to do so no later than February 28th and submit their name and other required materials to the AFA Nominating Committee.

 

A one sentence e-mail or letter to the Committee, mailed to AFA National or preferably emailed to [email protected], stating their name and the position for which they intend to run is sufficient. This will help the Nominating Committee conduct both its search and deliberative functions efficiently and in a timely manner.  

 

 

The remainder of the requirements must be submitted to the AFA Nominating committee no later than March 13, 2013. These include one or more formal recommendations for candidates for these positions, candidate biographies, and any additional information and endorsements candidates wish the Nominating Committee to see.  

 

ALL material must be sent to the Nominating Committee through care of Field Services at [email protected] or 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209. If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Aud (Ext. 4896). 

 

Year of the Community Partner

Do not forget that 2013 is the Year of the Community Partner! We are encouraging chapters to expand and revitalize their Community Partner (CP) programs through a special initiative, "Partnering with the Community- Support those who support you." We began the year by producing a new Community Partner Program guide and mailing this to each chapter along with renewal notices for expired Community Partners. Please contact the Field Department if you would like any more copies of this guide for your chapter's use, listings of expired CPs, recruitment meterials or anything else that can help with your Community Partner program.

 

Community Partners are an important part of the AFA membership program, and can be a valuable source of income and local support for your chapter. Your chapter receives half of the membership dues from each Community Partner, which can be a great source of additional income for your chapter's programs. The program is also a great way to create a network of businesses in your community that support the Air Force.

 

We would like to encourage chapters who have used successful methods to expand and invigorate their Community Partner programs to submit their "best practices" for other chapter's purposes. It is our hope that these tips or tricks could be incorporated into AFA's overall Community Partner Initiative! Also, AFA social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, is calling for chapter submissions for Community Partner businesses that may be highlighted for the AFA community. If your chapter has any pertinent contributions, please submit them to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

 

Aerospace Education Newsletter
 

AFA's Aerospace Education Council has revived its Aerospace Education Newsletter, which has not been published since 2010. This valuable publication details AFA's work towards promoting Aerospace and STEM Education throughout the country and even abroad. This month's issue details the work of Chapter 169 in establishing a STARBASE Academy in their area, the Aerospace Education Day held at Maxwell AFB, and more.  

 

Read more about these exciting AE activities and developments here

AFA Announces New Retention Awards  

Membership retention challenges are being experienced by all service connected organizations; to include the Air Force Association. In the past we only tracked new membership growth,, focusing on only one-half the membership issue. We want MEMBERS of all kinds, new, old... ALL! Retention means keeping those you already have. For AFA to enjoy growth as an organization we all need to continually work membership retention. In general AFA has been successful in this regard, and enjoys an 80 percent renewal rate; however AFA's first time member renewal rate is in the 35 percent range.

 

This past year your Field Council was asked to consider a program to recognize chapters that successfully retain their existing members.  As a result, two retention awards were recommended; "Overall Retention" and "One Year Plus" awards.  The "Overall Retention" award will be presented to the chapter in each category with the highest number of renewed memberships, as a percentage of chapter size at the beginning of the membership year. The "One Year Plus" award will go to the chapters with the highest number of one-year renewals. Awards will be made according to chapter size, similar to the membership recruitment awards. Those are: Small (20-200); Medium (201-400); Large (401-900); Extra Large (901-1499); Chapters Larger than 1,500. The period of qualification for these awards runs from July 1 through June 30.

 

In addition, we have developed and will employ an on-line exit survey that members will receive 60-90 days after allowing their membership to expire. Our survey is short and asks for specific feedback from the member. The results of the survey will hopefully provide feedback on why members choose not to renew.

 

The "Retention Awards" will be presented at the AFA National Convention AFA Field Awards Dinner. Chapters will be honored and receive the following:

  • Retention award "Ribbons" to be affixed to chapter member Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition badges
  • Patch's for their respective chapter banner
  • A listing in the "Field Awards" section of the "Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition" brochure
  • A listing on the AFA website
  • Recognition in "Air Force Magazine"

 

These retention awards will make their debut at the 2013 AFA National Convention. Since we are already into the award year, there will be no monetary award this year, but if support for the program is strong, we will propose monetary rewards for subsequent years.
Community Partner Spotlight
 

Community Partners can come from all different organizations, including your local government. Arizona Chapter 151 has recruited the Surprise, Arizona Mayor Sharon Wolcott as one of their CP's. Mayor Wolcott has supported her local AFA Chapter as a Community Partner since January 2012 and continues to keep her CP membership active. Chapters should consider pursuing local government as Community Partners not only for the financial contribution a Community Partner makes, but also because it is a great way to facilitate positive relations between government and an AFA chapter.

2013 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition

 

AFA has changed the 2013 schedule for the Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition, and the AFA Central Florida Chapter Air Force Gala.  WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20th there will be a Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.  THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21st the AFA Central Florida Chapter Reception will be held on the exhibit floor from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. and the Air Force Gala will start at 8:00 p.m.

 

The Air Force Association's 29th Annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition will take place February 20-22, 2013 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Invited speakers to the Symposium will include Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and other top Air Force leaders.  

 

In support of the Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition, AFA's Central Florida Chapter will again sponsor its annual Air Force Gala and Golf activities. The golf outing will be held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Course on Wednesday, February 20, 2013. Individual golfer price is $150. Tickets for the Golf Outing may be purchased through registration on the AFA website. For questions regarding the golf registration, please contact Jim DeRose at [email protected]. NOTE: Only 144 slots will be available for this year's golf outing. For all other golf questions including sponsorships and/or merchandise donations contact Bob Ceruti at [email protected].  

 

 The chapter will celebrate "Air Force Education & Training" at its annual dinner, which will be on THURSDAY, February 21, 2013.  NOTE: THIS DATE HAS CHANGED.  Dress for this year's Air Force Gala will be Service Dress and/or Business Suit. Tickets to the Gala may be purchased through registration on the AFA website. For additional Gala information please contact Tim Brock at [email protected] or 407-359-4963.

 

As an AFA leader, you are invited to attend the symposium which will be held on Thursday, February 21, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m., and on Friday, February 22, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. The standard registration fee for the symposium is $850 for an AFA individual member and $950 for non-AFA members. However, since it is important for AFA leaders to attend this national event, there is a special leader registration fee of $250 (for AFA National Officers, Region Presidents, Directors, National Committee Members, State and Chapter Presidents. [Note: Since this is not a directed meeting, this fee is not reimbursable for AFA leaders.] The registration fee includes a welcome reception in the exhibit hall on 2/20, one and a half days of sessions on 2/21-22; continental breakfasts on 2/21-22; coffee breaks on 2/21-22; and a lunch in the exhibit hall on 2/21. Each AFA leader who registers at this special rate will be entitled to purchase an additional ticket to the Welcome Reception for $175. In addition, tickets for the Central Florida Chapter sponsored events (annual Gala and Golf activities) can be purchased through the registration site.

 

Registration is now open. Please go to www.afa.org, click on the Air Warfare Symposium logo on the right hand side of the screen.  Select the 'Registration' button on the right side of the page; choose the 'AFA Leader' registration category from the drop-down to register. If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Katie Storm (ext. 5848)
[email protected]

Now that our hotel cut-off deadli
ne has passed, the Air Force Association room block at the Rosen Shingle Creek has very limited availability. Please contact Sarah Piggott at [email protected] or 703-247-5800 ext. 4877 for availability.  If there is no availability, then we will add you to a waitlist but that will not guarantee you get into the hotel so you will want to make alternative arrangements.  Based on availability, the hotel may still honor the internal rate of $162 single/double per night, plus applicable taxes.

 

We are looking forward to having another successful meeting at the Rosen Shingle Creek. Here are some highlights about the property:

 

  • Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
  • Less than 20 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. Visit http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/location-and-transportation/ for directions or for transportation information.
  • Multiple dining options from full service restaurants to a 24-hour deli and market place. Please check out all of their options at http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/dining/.
  • Four pools and a spa.
  • Discounted golf available - just mention you are with AFA.
  • Self parking is $16 per day, however, if you mention you are with AFA, you will receive 50% off; Valet parking is $20 for the day and $21 overnight.

Field Spotlight    

Bruce K. Holloway Chapter Hosts Golf Tournament   

 

 

The Bruce K. Holloway Chapter in Tennessee braved wind, cold, and rainy conditions to put on a Columbus Day Golf Tournament to raise funds for their multiple programs. Forty golfers attended the tournament, played at the Royal Oaks Golf Club, and, despite the weather, had an enjoyable and successful day of golf! Golfers won great prizes provided by a variety of companies, including local golf centers and clubs, as well as resort properties and even a Harley-Davidson store.

 

The event raised nearly $3,000 which the chapter will use to support STEM education, Teacher of the Year programs, Cyber Patriot, veterans programs, and more.  

CyberPatriot V National Finals Approaching

 

The CyberPatriot V National Finals Competition will be taking place on March 14-16th at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Twenty-eight teams will be participating, twelve in the Open Division, fourteen from the All Service Division and two teams from Canada who will again compete in an International Exhibition. Click here for a complete list of teams advancing.  AFA members are very welcome to attend!

 

After the National Finals Competition, we will be announcing  state award winners for CyberPatriot V. Based on state participation, up to three top teams in each division will be recognized per state.  Certificates of achievement will be forwarded to AFA Region/State Presidents for presentation and will be based on teams' standings in the National Finals Competition, Semifinals, and Consolation Round.

Community Partner Tip of the Month

 

 

Always carry Community Partner brochures on hand. Since Community Partners span a wide range of businesses, one never knows when one might come upon an interested organization. With a Community Partner brochure on hand, information is always easy to provide, especially if a prospect is busy or has a limited time to chat. If a chapter needs more Community Partner brochures or other membership marketing materials, please send requests to [email protected]  

Field Contact Update

 We recently implemented a new field e-mail address for all field issues which we want to encourage you to use.  The new address, [email protected], will be monitored every day, even when primary field contacts are out of the office.  This will allow us to respond to your requests quickly and consistently.  For all field related inquiries and reports, please use the [email protected] address rather than individual contacts.

 

Important IRS Information

Filing your 990-N 

    

 

Chapters are reminded that they must file a 990-N with the IRS every year in order to maintain their charitable status.  The filing deadline for this year is May 15th.  Once your chapter has filed, please let Narique Dixon, AFA National Staff Accountant, know by sending her an e-mail at [email protected]

 

If you have any questions about filing the 990-N, please consult our useful walk-through guide in field resources.   

 Field Awards Deadlines and Forms

Do not forget to submit your nominations for Field and Aerospace Education Awards this Spring. The due dates for all Field Awards are in May 2013, at a specific date to be determined by the Awards Committee.

 

Aerospace Education award nominations, including those for the Chairman's Award for Aerospace Education Achievement Award,  Distinguished Sustained Aerospace Education Award, Aerospace Education Excellence Award, and Aerospace Education Achievement Award, are due to AFA National Offices by May 1, 2013.

 

The AFA National, State, and Chapter Teacher of the Year Award cycle for the 2012-2013 school year is ongoing at this time. The program ends on April 30, so please submit all Chapter and State Teacher of the Year nominations by that date. Also, remember that this year it is possible to submit two winners for the Chapter Teacher of the Year, one for teachers in K-8 grade levels, and one for 9-12 grade levels.  For National Teacher of the Year nominations, please have all necessary materials submitted by May 31, 2013.

 

Forms for the listed awards have been updated for 2013. All updated forms and materials for the above awards can be found on the AFA website, in the Library for Field Resources, under "Forms." Access the page directly here: http://www.afa.org/members/library.asp.

 

All nomination forms should be submitted to AFA National at [email protected]

 Air Force Memorial Selling Ann Hand Pins

Still looking for something beautiful for your sweetheart for Valentine's Day? Purchase a truly unique Air Force Memorial broach pin designed by Ann Hand, the famed DC jewelry designer. Our recent reorder of these unique pins will be available for pick up on February 13th at the Memorial. Call 703-979-0674 for more information. If you're not in a time crunch, then we can always mail the pin directly to you! Although custom made Ann Hand pins typically sell for over $200, this Air Force Memorial pin is only $170 + tax.


Ann Hand AFM Pin
AFA Logo
1501 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22209
1 (800) 727-3337 


 
 
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