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NEWSLINE

July 2013
In This Issue
Field Ops Update
New AFA Website
Online Community Update
2013 National Convention and Conference Registration Open
Article Headline
From the AFA Blog
From the AFA Facebook Page
A&S Conference on Twitter!
2013 AFA Spouse Scholarship Recipients
Field Spotlight
July AFA Air Force Breakfast
Independence Day at the AF Memorial
CP Spotlight
CP Tip of the Month
Cyber Patriot VI
Holiday Card Program
2013 Cadets of the Year
2013 Pitsenbarger Award Recipients
USAF Band Summer Concert Series


AFA National Report  

goddard nat report
 
The Robert H. Goddard Chapter hosted an awards reception at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. See photos of its chapter officers in "AFA National Report," online

at airforcemag.com. (Choose "This Month's Table of Contents," then "AFA
National Report," and scroll down to "Additional Images.")

 


Important Upcoming Dates

15 August
Finance Committee Meeting

16-17 August
Executive Committee Meeting

14-15 September
National Convention

16-18 September
Air & Space Conference And Technology Exposition

17 September
Spouse and Family Forum

10-12 October
Region and State President Meeting
Explore AFA on Social Media!

Like us on Facebook

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View our profile on LinkedIn

View our videos on YouTube

Visit our blog
 
Check out June's Aerospace Education Newsletter here!
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 the Field Operations Department know at [email protected].
 
Quick Links

July Field Operations Update 

By Scott Van Cleef 

 

 

Advocacy

A lot of us throttle back a bit in the summer, taking vacations, relaxing, enjoying family time and generally recharging prior to the new school year and fall activities.  That's completely understandable.  I do it myself.  It explains, in part, why I waited until the very last minute to write this section for the July Newsline!  But, current events have not lessened the need for AFA members making their voices heard when it comes to the US Air Force, and national defense.

 

Today, about 150,000 civilian Airmen are being forced to take furloughs amounting to a 20% pay cut for the remainder of the fiscal year.  More than 30 Air Force flying squadrons are grounded.  While we are meeting our current wartime commitments, if a crisis were to pop up tomorrow we simply will not be able to respond as we have in the past. If we have to send folks into a new combat environment, they will lack the proficiency that has been the hallmark of Air Force operations for decades.  This is a result of past budget cuts and the sequester.  The consequences are largely unknown to the American public, and there is no political inertia to change the status quo.

 

We in AFA need to step up and make our voices heard.  It's time to become the advocacy association we claim to be.  If you are currently being furloughed you have a personal stake in this. But all of us, in the comfort of our air conditioned homes, can make a difference.  Arm yourself with the latest facts and figures by reading the AFA Daily Report and the AF Magazine website.  Join our Air Power Advocates (APA) group and participate in on our conference calls...recently, we've heard directly from senior leaders in the Pentagon about what is really happening in our Air Force.  Then, advocate!  Write to your representatives and senators, write Op Eds for your local paper, or send in a letter to the editor to inform the public about what's going on with our Air Force and military.    Talk to your friends and neighbors. Do something about it!

 

Leadership Succession

The first of October is turnover time for leadership positions throughout AFA.  Elections will soon be held for chapter, state and region officers.  Does your organization have a succession plan?  If not, it's time to put one together.  Planned leadership turnover is a sign of a healthy organization. It brings a fresh look and new ideas at every level.  If you are having trouble finding a replacement, it's time to try something new.  Sending out a call for volunteers is probably the least effective way to find your replacement, but it's worth trying.  Face to face conversations and a personal request for assistance tend to be the most effective.  Developing those personal relations throughout the year make it easier to ask someone to take on additional responsibilities.  Make sure they know they will not be doing this alone, but will have your support and that of the organization's EXCOM.

 

There are two kinds of "presidents for life" in AFA.  There are those who cannot find someone to take over for them, and there are those who refuse to give up the position because they've "always done it."  Both are equally undesirable.  In the former case, we are failing to grow and develop new leaders.  In the latter, we are stifling new ideas and initiative by preventing new leaders from rising to the top.  Whatever your chapter or state's situation may be, make a special effort this year to bring in new blood and set the stage for more effective operations in 2014.

 

Thanks for your support of AFA!

Scott

 

 

Scott P. Van Cleef

Vice Chairman- Field Operations

 

 

Air Force Association Launches New Website
 
AFA proudly announces the launch of their new website www.afa.org. The website has undergone a total redesign to better provide a more user-friendly and interactive experience for AFA members, field leaders, educators, corporate partners, and the media.The new site includes sections that highlight upcoming events such as the Annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition, AFA publications, scholarships and educator grants, corporate partners, and the media room. Additionally, the site provides easier access to a fully revamped resource area for AFA members and field leaders. In this section, AFA members will be able to locate chapters, find contact lists, access meeting materials, and catch up on newsletters in the archives. For additional information or to provide feedback, contact Caity Rogowski at [email protected].
 
Read the full press release on the new website launch here.
Online Community with Membership Directory Being Developed 

We know that many field leaders were using the online membership directory that we were maintaining in the "old" Harris Online Community.  As you know, the new AFA.org was launched in June.  The new online community on that site will launch later in the summer.  For the time being, there is no online membership directory for you to access.  If you need to determine whether or not someone is a member and your chapter roster isn't the right tool for this, please contact AFA's Membership Department to look someone up for you.  When the new online membership directory launches, it will be connected right to AFA's database for the most current information. 

 

2013 National Convention and Air & Space Conference Registration Now Open 

 

The registration page for the 2013 National Convention and Air & Space Conference and Technology  Exposition went live on May 1st.  Both will once again be held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.  The National Convention will be September 14-15 and the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition will be September 16-18.  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.  

 

expo floor  

 

 Important Reminders Regarding Potential Delegates 

  

Who can be a Delegate? Any voting member affiliated with a chapter can be a Delegate for their state if duly selected as a Delegate by the State President. More information on the delegate process will be provided to the State Presidents in the coming weeks. 

 

All individuals who plan to represent their chapter on the state delegation must coordinate with the State President since the State President is responsible for selecting Delegates in accordance with the AFA National Constitution. The State President must provide a preliminary delegate roster to AFA National c/o Kirsten Klein at [email protected] by August 15. The official roster of selected Delegates must be presented to the Credentials Committee on Saturday, September 14.

 

What is a Delegate required to attend during the Convention? Delegates must attend the business session on Saturday, the Region Caucus held on Saturday night and the business session on Sunday. 

 

Spouse Activities at 2013 National Convention 
 
Please join Mrs. Cheryl McKinley, Mrs. Jody Newton, Mrs. Paula Roy, and the other spouses of AFA for a weekend of events in and around Washington, DC during AFA's annual convention! Starting with an evening bus tour of the monuments, and ending with an extended Spouse and Family Forum on Monday, September 16. Find more information  here
 
We hope to see you throughout the weekend! The lineup can be found here and don't forget to register!

 

From the AFA Blog...
AFA Supports First Air Force Wounded Warrior Adaptive Sports Camp at Joint Base Andrews
 
A month after the 2013 Warrior Games took place in Colorado Springs, Co., the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program hosted an Adaptive Sports Camp at Joint Base Andrews for the first time. AFA was proud to attend the events throughout the week to support the Airmen on their journey to recovery, and we look forward to building our partnership with the Air Force Wounded Warrior Adaptive Sports Program moving forward. To read more about our experience at the camp, continue to our recap on the blog here
 
Wounded Warrior Sports Camp  
 
From the AFA Facebook page: Where in the World Are You Reading Your Air Force Magazine?

AFA Member Gil Petrina's son gets an early airpower education lesson from his grandfather in Hershey, Pa. courtesy of the May Almanac. Check it out here!

Where are you reading your Air Force Magazine? Send your photo, name, and location to Caity Rogowski at [email protected] and we'll add you to our album!  

Join the Conversation with #ASC13

Use the hashtag #ASC13 to connect with Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition speakers, exhibitors, and attendees. Let us know which speaker sessions you're looking forward to, what industry advancements you hope to see on the expo floor, and engage with colleagues on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Are you an exhibitor? Use the hashtag to show us your view from the expo floor! AFA will be sharing, retweeting, and liking content throughout the conference, so even if you are unable to join us in person stay connected with us online! 

 

AFA Announces 2013 Spouse Scholarship Recipients
 
The Air Force Association (AFA) today announced the 12 recipients of the AFA Spouse Scholarships. Each winner will receive $2,500 each as they pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees.These special scholarships, based on academic achievement, recommendations, and community involvement, are awarded to spouses of Airmen from Air Force active duty, Air National Guard,or Air Force Reserve.
 
paula
Last week, Stefanie Howell (center) received her scholarship check from Paula Roy, AFA Director of Airmen and Family Programs, and Kevin Lewis, VP of External Affairs for the Air Force Association DW Steele, Sr. Memorial Chapter at the Steele Chapter ExComm meeting at AFA Headquarters.

Read the full press release and view the entire list of recipients here
Field Spotlight 

 

Air Force Association Chapter 360  members presented a check on behalf of the Thomas B. McGuire chapter of the Air Force Association to Mimi Cirillo, 87th Force Support Squadron library director, June 10, 2013, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The chapter donated the funds that will cover the cost to purchase the complete set of the Air Force Chief of Staff Reading List books.  This initiative was started by one of the chapters most passionate members, Mr. Bob Wiggins (second from the left), who views the reading list as an "unacceptable casualty of sequestration."  Bob plans to reach out to other Services' professional reading lists as well but felt it was important the Air Force led the charge with the AFA holding the guidon!(U.S. Air Force photo by Russ Meseroll/Released)

   

field spotlight july  

Air Force Chief Scientist Addresses Crowd at July AFA Air Force Breakfast

 
The Air Force chief scientist addressed members of the Air Force Association about the Global Horizons study, which looks into the near and long-term application of science and technology in the force. Dr. Mica Endsley, who was recently appointed as the 34th Air Force chief scientist, focused her talk around the future of air, space, cyber, and command and control. "If we presume the future is going to look like today, I think we're going to be sorely mistaken," Endsley said. "The future environment in the next decade has some really significant potential threats that we need to be aware of and thinking of." For more on Dr. Endsley's remarks please visit: http://www.af.mil/news/story

Read the full press release from AFA here.

 

Air Force Memorial hosts The USAF Band and Singing Sergeants at Annual Independence Day Concert

On Thursday, July 4, 2013, crowds gathered for the annual Independence Day Concert at our Air Force Memorial. The concert was free and open to the public, and held in conjunction with the Air Force Memorial Summer Concert Series. Immediately following the performance, guests were able to benefit from one of the best views of the Washington, D.C. fireworks display, courtesy of the Capitol 4th Celebration. For more information about upcoming concerts and events at the Air Force Memorial, visit: http://www.airforcememorial.org/Events.

Read the full press release here.
Community Partner Spotlight

 

Thank you to the Tennessee Valley Chapter in Alabama for this month's Community Partner Spotlight. 

 

For five years, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, a Community Partner, has heavily supported the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Air Force Association.  Nationally, Lamar has 3,300 dedicated employees located in more than 150 offices in the United States , Canada , and Puerto Rico .  Locally, Ms. Denise Shewmake and her Lamar team have been working with the Tennessee Valley Chapter to get the AFA message out - from recognizing the Air Force's Birthday to promoting the CyberPatriot program.  Lamar has provided over $55,000 worth of support in include: graphic design and digital billboard advertising; banners to support Veteran's Day AFA float; and donation of free hotel rooms for out-of-town visitors attending local AFA functions and activities.  Lamar's support goes beyond providing local electronic billboard advertising across the greater-Huntsville area, to include providing that same service for the Air Force and AFA through coordination with other Lamar offices across South-Central Region of the Air Force Association.  

 

Does your chapter have a great Community Partner that you would like to spotlight? Please send a short summary to [email protected] to be featured in next month's Newsline!

Community Partner Tip of the Month

  

Is your chapter having a hard time maintaining relationships with its Community Partners? Have you realized there are businesses that are not renewing each year? This month we will focus on how chapters can increase involvement with their Community Partners as well as maintain lasting relationships with them. Chapter events are a great way to get Community Partners involved and provide opportunities for the CP to see the great work the chapter does! Does your chapter hold a golf tournament? Why not invite the CP to play in the tournament? We also recommend reaching out to the Community Partners to attend chapter meetings or smaller local events. By getting the Community Partners involved in chapter activity, they will be more likely to continue their support!
  
Does your chapter have an outstanding Community Partner program? Has your chapter hosted an event similar to the idea detailed above? Send us your tips and tricks to [email protected] to be featured as the "Community Partner Tip of the Month." We look forward to hearing from you soon!
 
CyberPatriot VI  Update             

 

CyberPatriot Exhibition Round 2 Kicks off This July

 

The second Exhibition Round for the upcoming CyberPatriot VI season will take place between July 15 and 24. Like the opening Exhibition Round in April, new and veteran CyberPatriot teams will have a chance to familiarize themselves with the rules of the competition and learn how scoring with the CyberPatriot Competition System (CCS) works. Coaches and Mentors may also use the round as an opportunity to recruit students to their teams. Participants will be allowed to run their images an unlimited number of times over the duration of the round. For information on how to register for Exhibition Round 2 and the rest of CyberPatriot VI, visit www.uscyberpatriot.org or email the CyberPatriot Program Office at [email protected].

 

The CyberPatriot Middle School Program Begins with Lead Pilot Program

 

The first step towards a nationwide rollout of the CyberPatriot Middle School Program took place in Los Angeles on June 26, 2013.  Students from six middle schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District learned cyber safety, basic cybersecurity, and system administration tips during a presentation by members of the CyberPatriot Program Office.  The five-hour event, which took place at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, also included interactive activities to reinforce these skills and a condensed version of a high school-level competition. The LAUSD students performed remarkably well and will have a chance to compete again at a follow-on event at the end of July.

 

CyberPatriot Welcomes Symantec as Its Latest Cyber Gold Sponsor

 

Symantec, one of the world's largest software companies providing security, storage, and systems management solutions, has joined CyberPatriot as a Cyber Gold Sponsor. They will provide invaluable resources, knowledge, and capability to the program and contribute to CyberPatriot's growing investment in the education of America's youth.  Symantec joins CyberPatriot as part of its pledge to provide $1 million in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and literary education grants to non-profits around the world. For more information on Symantec, visit www.symantec.com.

 

Announcing the CyberPatriot Summer Twitter Challenge

 

The CyberPatriot Twitter feed just hit 1,000 followers, but we need your help to push that number even higher! Just go to https://twitter.com/cyberpatriot and hit follow.  As an incentive, we're giving away one pair of our new CyberPatriot sunglasses for every ten new followers we receive. Prizes are only available for new Twitter followers, but everyone should keep their eyes open for another Twitter Challenge that will be open to all followers this fall.  So, follow our Twitter, tell your family and friends, and let's go beyond 1,000! 

 

Announcing CyberPatriot V Coach and Mentor of the Year Awards

 

CyberPatriot is pleased to recognize Joan Ozdogan, Coach of the Open Division Champion Chantilly Academy team, and William Beckman, Coach of the All Division Champion Marine Military Academy team, as winners of the inaugural CyberPatriot Coach of the Year Awards.  These two deserving coaches will be flown to Washington, D.C., to accept their awards at the Air Force Association's 2013 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition this September. One Mentor from each division will also be selected from those who mentored CyberPatriot V National Finalist teams. The Mentors of the Year will also be flown to Washington, D.C. CP-V National Finalist Coaches have until July 26th to submit nominations for CyberPatriot Mentor of the Year, and winners will be announced shortly after.  During the upcoming CyberPatriot VI season, all Coaches and Mentors will be eligible for nomination by members of their CyberPatriot teams. For more information, go to: www.uscyberpatriot.org

2013 Christmas/Holiday Card Program Launched 
afa holiday card
 
 
 
 
The 2013 Christmas and Holiday greeting card selections are now available for purchase! View cards and make your purchase here.
 

AFA Announces 2013 Cadets of the Year

The Air Force Association announced the 2013 awards for outstanding cadets from Civil Air Patrol squadrons, Junior ROTC high school units, and ROTC detachments from across the nation. 

See the full list here
AFA Announces 2013 Pitsenbarger Award Recipients
 
The Air Force Association announced the spring recipients of the
2013 Pitsenbarger Awards. AFA Pitsenbarger Awards provide a one-time grant of $400 to selected top USAF enlisted personnel graduating from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The grants coincide with the CCAF graduation ceremonies held each spring and fall.

See the full press release here
 
 
Air Force Memorial Welcome the United States Air Force Band for a Summer Concert Series 

The Air Force Memorial has a full summer of concerts with The United States Air Force Band. Haven't gotten a chance to attend one of these great, free events? Here is the concert schedule for the remainder of the summer. 

 

  • Friday, July 19, 8:00pm - 9:15pm
  • Friday, July 26, 8:00pm - 9:15pm
  • Friday, August 2, 8:00pm - 9:15pm
  • Friday, August 9, 8:00pm - 9:15pm
  • Friday, August 16, 8:00pm - 9:15pm
  • Friday, August 23, 8:00pm - 9:15pm
  • Friday, August 30, 8:00pm - 9:15pm

For more information on the Friday evening USAF Band Concerts and Independence Day event parking and shuttle transportation please visit: http://www.airforcememorial.org/Visit/SpecialEventTransportation

 

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