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NEWSLINE

August 2013
In This Issue
Field Ops Update
2013 Membership Awards
New Directory Project
2013 National Teacher of the Year
2013 National Convention and Conference Registration Open
Spouse Activities at 2013 Convention
A&S Conference on Twitter!
From the AFA Blog
Field Spotlight
Community Partner Spotlight
Community Partner Tip of the Month
Cyber Patriot VI
Holiday Card Program
2013 Outstanding Airmen of the Year
Spirit of '45 Day
New Dean of the Mitchell Institute Announced
CAP Summer Grants Awarded


AFA National Report  

August National Report Photo
 
VIPs at the Golden Triangle Chapter's reception: Columbus (Miss.) Mayor Robert Smith, AETC's Gen. Edward Rice, and Col. Jim Sears (l-r). See August's "AFA National Report," in Air Force Magazine.

 


Important Upcoming Dates

13 September
Executive Committee Meeting

14 September
Aerospace Education Council 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!

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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

August Field Operations Update 

By Scott Van Cleef 

 

National Convention- Delegates Needed

 

As an organization, we are governed by our members.  We exercise that governance through the annual National Convention where our membership is represented by their delegates.  I urge you to attend as a delegate this year.  Not only is it a vital service to your association, but I'm confident that you'll find the experience to be informative, enjoyable, and rewarding.  Talk to your head of delegation (usually the state president) and sign up.  I hope to see you at the Gaylord in September!

 

Field Leaders Information Session- National Convention

 

On Saturday morning, 14 September, prior to the start of the National Convention, we'll be holding an open Region President's Meeting at the Gaylord National Hotel.  All delegates and field leaders are invited to attend.  Among the topics of discussion; we'll provide update briefings on our new online leadership training modules, family support programs, FOG updates, and chapter retention awards, and will hold a panel discussion on chapter health and rejuvenation.  Time permitting; we'll have an opportunity for a Q & A session.  The session will be held from 0900-1100.  Watch for the location on the Convention website.  There will be no field training sessions the following Monday afternoon as we have done in the past.

 

Airmen and Family Readiness Centers Near You

 

We encourage our chapters near active duty installations and those near major Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units to make contact with their respective Airman and Family Readiness Centers/Organizations.  The AFA has begun a major effort to support these organizations, and through them, our airmen and families.  The first step in this process is to establish a liaison with these organizations to identify where they have needs which are going unmet.  In doing so it is important for us to be sure we make this approach in the right spirit.  We do not want to give these organizations or the people who run them the impression that we do not think they are doing the best they can with what they have.  We are only offering our assistance as a potential resource in the event that budget constraints or manpower prevent them from satisfying specific needs.  You might have to first introduce them to AFA as they may, unfortunately, not be familiar with our mission.

 

Chapter Speakers

 

Have you been having trouble finding speakers for your chapter events?  Chapters interested in having an Air Force member, such as an Outstanding Airman of the Year,  speak at your local event should please contact Chet Curtis at [email protected] or Bridget Dongu at [email protected]

 

CyberPatriot VI

 

With the start of a new school year, we are in the final stretch to sign up additional teams for CP IV.  The most important role chapters can play right now is to get entry into your local school districts and recruit new teams...especially in the Open Division.  Make a concerted effort now to introduce your schools to the competition and encourage them to field teams.  The deadline for signups is 10 Oct, but the sooner the better.  For additional info, check out the CyberPatriot website.

 

Statement of Policy

 

The annual "AFA Statement of Policy" is one of the most important documents we produce to advocate for a strong Air Force.  Field leaders have been given several opportunities to comment on the drafts of this year's statement.  One more draft was recently released for review.  Especially if you are going to be a delegate at the National Convention, take advantage of the opportunity to read and comment on this before you get to the convention.  Send your comments to Chet Curtis: [email protected].

 

I'll see you at the National Convention!

 

 

Scott

Scott P. Van Cleef

Vice Chairman-Field Operations

 

 

AFA Announces 2013 Membership Awards
 
We are proud to announce the 2013 Air Force Association Membership Awards.  Chapters are qualified for these awards based on recruitment, retention, and growth statistics for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2013.  Congratulations to all award winners.

See the full list of winners here.

 

                      New Directory Project Underway

 
The 2014 Directory project -- open to Members and to non-member Donors -- is called, "AFA Members and Donors: Then and Now".  It will include a full color special section in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War written by Air Force Magazine editorial staff.  Members and Donors must opt in to be included and we are asking you for a "then" and "now" photo with caption and for a short summary of your military and/or civilian service history.
 
Once again, we are working with Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI) of Dallas, Texas.  They are operating under a very strict confidentiality agreement with AFA to collect the data for this project and publish the directory.

Members and Donors are being contacted by mail, e-mail and phone.  To participate or to opt out, please contact PCI directly on 866-571-1817.

 
Margaret Spigner

AFA Announces 2013 National Teacher of the Year

 

AFA is proud to announce Margaret Spigner, a dedicated teacher at West Ashley High School in Charleston, S.C. as the recipient of the 2013 National Teacher of the Year Award. Ms/ Spigner was recently selected as the South Carolina AFA Teacher of the Year earlier this year, making her eligible for the national award. Ms. Spigner has been an educator for 31 years and is still as enthralled with her chosen profession as the day she first began teaching. For the last 26 years she has taught Honors and College Prep Marine Science, Biotechnology, Investigative Research, Biology, and Honors Environmental and Physical Science at West Ashley High School. Since 2004, she has been the Science Department Chair and is the Lead Teacher for National Board High School Science Candidates for Charleston County. Ms. Spigner's $3,000 award will be presented in September at AFA's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C. For more information on Ms. Spigner and the AFA National Teacher of the Year Award please view AFA's official release here 

2013 National Convention and Air & Space Conference Registration  

 

The registration page for the 2013 National Convention and Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition is still open for registrations and hotel reservations; however the deadline for hotel reservations is fast approaching.  Both events 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/make hotel reservations, please click here.  

 

 

 

expo floor  

 

 Important Reminders Regarding State Delegations 

 

The deadline for submitting your Advanced Delegate Roster has passed, but if you have not yet submitted it, please send to Shannon Aud at [email protected] as soon as possible. Please also remember to bring a copy of your Official Delegate Roster to present to the Credentials Committee at the National Convention. 

 

If you have any questions or concerns about the National Convention or delegates, please email Shannon Aud at [email protected] call 1 (800) 727-3337 ex. 4896. 

 

Spouse Activities at 2013 National Convention 

 

It's not too late to sign up for additional activities during Convention, especially for spouses. Please note the change in the Friday night program--we're now offering a monument tour or a United States Air Force Band Concert at the Air Force Memorial.
 
Please sign up to join Mrs. Cheryl McKinley, Mrs. Paula Roy, and the other spouses of AFA for a weekend of events in and around Washington, DC during AFA's annual convention! 
 
We hope to see you throughout the weekend! The full agenda of event can be found here and don't forget to register!
 
Don't miss the Spouse and Family Forum on Monday, September 16! Find more information on this exciting event here

 

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! 

 

From the AFA Blog...
Nellis AFB Wounded Warrior Adaptive Sports Camp 
July 29 - August 1 2013

 

As part of the reorganization of the cycle of care for wounded airmen, AFW2 has restructured their adaptive sports camp schedule to use sports beyond training for the Warrior Games as an important part of the physical and mental health of Airmen. By allowing these wounded warriors to participate in new social settings, on a team, and as mentors, airmen learn skills they can take back home and adapt to their needs. It's an inspirational process to be a part of, and truly rewarding for the participants. Caitie Craumer, Manger of Airmen and Family Programs at AFA National joined some local chapter representatives to participate in the event. Read more about Caitie's experiences on the AFA blog!

  

Field Spotlight 

Chapter 161 Sponsors Massing of the Colors

 

The Topeka Military Order of the World Wars sponsored a Massing of Colors event on 27 April on South East corner of Gage Park at the All Wars Memorial.  The event was well attended by the local population, national, state, and local leaders, and 37 Honor - Color Guards participated, including Kansas Air National Guard, Kansas State University - AFROTC, University of Kansas - AFROTC, and Highland Park AF JROTC.  This was a first-time event for North East Kansas. The event was very impressive and covered by the media.  All military services as well as many veteran, fraternal, and civic groups participated.  Kansas AFA Chapter 161 donated $500 to the event and AFA was listed as a "Contributor who made this event possible" in the program booklet.

 

Community Partner Spotlight                

This month, we would like to spotlight Cancun Mexican Restaurant in Jacksonville, AR, a Community Partner that supports the David D Terry Jr. Chapter. Cancun is a Latin American restaurant known for its delicious cheese sauce, burritos, and fajitas. Sound good? We sure think so. The restaurant just renewed their Community Partner membership and we would like to thank them for continuing to support their local chapter, AFA National, and our Air Force as a whole! It's always a great idea to consider asking the owner of your favorite local restaurant if they are interested in becoming a Community Partner. 
 
Community Partner Tip of the Month                

Have you ever considered having a "Cold Call Party" to help your chapter recruit Community Partners? It's as easy as getting your chapter leadership together, ordering some pizzas, and getting out the phone book and making a few calls. You can also send out invitations to join through email. This kind of event will help recruit new members to AFA and create bonds with your fellow chapter members at the same time - just don't forget to ask the pizza place if they'd like to sign up for a CP membership!
 
CyberPatriot VI  Update             

 

 

Compete in the Final CyberPatriot VI Exhibition Round This August

 

Teams will have one more chance to compete in the CyberPatriot VI competition before the school year during Exhibition Round 3. The round will take place between August 19 and 28. Competitors, Coaches, and Mentors can familiarize themselves with the layout of the competition and get a handle on how the CyberPatriot Competition System (CCS) scores their fixes to the system. The Exhibition Round 3 images can be used an unlimited number of times during the competition period, so Coaches and Mentors may also use the time to recruit new students to the program. For information on how to register for Exhibition Round 3 and the rest of CyberPatriot VI, visit www.uscyberpatriot.org or email the CyberPatriot Program Office at [email protected].

 

The CyberPatriot VI Registration Push Begins Now

 

With 650 registered teams, CyberPatriot VI is still on its way to being the largest, most exciting CyberPatriot competition yet.  Teams from 49 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and overseas bases have already signed up and begun their training. As students begin to go back to school, now is the time to ramp up the push to continue this strong trend and ensure that this competition season is as fun and intense as possible. The registration deadline is October 1st.

 

To find out if high schools in your area are registered, check out the team map on AFA's CyberPatriot website at www.uscyberpatriot.org.  If your school is NOT signed up...get started on registration now!  AFA members can order recruiting materials at no charge by contacting the CyberPatriot Program Office at 703-247-5806 or by email at [email protected].

 

The New CyberPatriot Video is Now Available

 

The new CyberPatriot video, featuring footage from last year's National Finals Competition, is now available. In it, Competitors excitedly speak about how fun and useful CyberPatriot has been for them. Coaches, Mentors, and representatives from CyberPatriot's Presenting Sponsor, Northrop Grumman, speak about the great positive effect the competition has on recruiting students to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It can be found on the front page of the CyberPatriot website at www.uscyberpatriot.org and on YouTube. Chapters can also order the video in DVD format along with other fact sheets through the website.  The video is a great way to recruit new students to the program, as it shows just how exhilarating the CyberPatriot competition can be.

 

To order the DVD for free HERE! 

Thank you so much for continuing to recruit, encourage, and support local schools throughout the U.S. as we all work to improve STEM education in America!

 

Chapters Receive Recruiting Materials

 

In July, Chapter, State, and Region presidents received CyberPatriot recruitment packages that included fact sheets, presentation materials, and CyberPatriot coins. These packages are a great way to get teams to sign up in your area. If you need more materials to help spread the word, contact the CyberPatriot Program Office at 703-247-5806 or by email at [email protected].

 

 

 

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 Outstanding Airmen of the Year

 

The Air Force Association recently announced the Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2013. Each year, AFA salutes twelve outstanding enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. AFA proudly honors these Outstanding Airmen at its annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition held in September in Washington, D.C.

 

"The Air Force Association is very proud to honor the commitment of these exemplary Airmen," said George Muellner, AFA Chairman of the Board. "We salute them for their professional achievements and dedication and thank them for their continued service to our country."

 

For more information, contact Lynette Cross at [email protected] or call 1-800-727-3337 ext. 4807.

 

The recipients of the 2013 Airmen of the Year Award are as follows:
* SMSgt. Ernesto J. Rendon, Air Mobility Command;
* MSgt. Andre S. Davis, Air National Guard;
* MSgt. Tessa M. Fontaine, Air Force Space Command;
* MSgt. Shawn J. Jones, Air Force Reserve Command;
* MSgt. Celeste C. Okokon, Air Combat Command;
* TSgt. Adam L. Gomez, Air Force District of Washington;
* TSgt. Jason D. Payne, Air Force Special Operations Command;
* SSgt. Joshua L. Hanna, Pacific Air Forces:
* SSgt. Joseph C. Senteno, Air Force Global Strike Command;
* SrA. Casey L. Anderson, Air Education and Training Command;
* SrA. Lauren A. Everett, US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa; and
* SrA. Steven C. Hedgepeth, Air Force Materiel Command.

 

For recipient bios please visit AFA's official press release here.

 

AFA Celebrates Spirit of '45 Day with Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

 

Air Force Association Executive Vice President Dick Newton spoke at the Spirit of '45 Day Ceremony on Sunday August 11, 2013 at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Spirit of '45 Day is a day of remembrance that honors the men and women who were "ordinary heroes" of the World War II generation, and sends a call to action for a renewed spirit of civic engagement, volunteerism, service, and loyalty to our nation. Other speakers during the event program were retired Army Gen. Frederick Kroesen, previous Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; Dr. Robert Sutton, Chief Historian of the National Parks Service; retired Adm. Bill Thompson, founder of the US Navy Memorial; and Linda Mathes, CEO of the American Red Cross National Capitol Region. 


 

AFA Announces David Deptula as the New Dean of the Mitchell Institute

 

The Air Force Association proudly announces that David A. Deptula will join the staff as the Dean of the General Billy Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies. Mr. Deptula retired from the USAF in October of 2010 as a lieutenant general, and since then he has continued to be a thought leader on defense, strategy, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

 

"In an effort to better educate the public on the need for excellent aerospace power AFA's Mitchell Institute hosts defense seminars and expert-based discussions among the nation's most creative and well-respected airpower thinkers," said George Muellner, AFA Chairman of the Board. "We are excited to welcome David Deptula to our team as a qualified expert on defense and aerospace issues."

 

Read the full press release here

 

AFA Awards Summer Grants to Civil Air Patrol Squadrons

The Air Force Association today announced 20 grants promoting aerospace education for hundreds of students through Civil Air Patrol squadrons. These AFA grants, each $250, are awarded four times each year, twice to units and twice to educators. AFA distributes these grants to squadrons for use in any Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) activity or materials that promote aerospace education. 
 
  • Brown County Senior Squadron, Green Bay, Wis., Oskosh EAA Museum and Aerospace Program
  • Cape Cod Composite Squadron, Otis ANGB, Mass., Search & Rescue Flight Simulation Cockpit Program
  • Cullman Composite Squadron, Gardendale, Ala., Hovercraft Project for School Outreach Programs
  • Group I- FL Wing, Pensacola, Fla., Advanced Rocketry and Video Trajectory Tracking Program
  • Harrison Cadet Squadron, Harrison, Ohio, Senior Member Rocketry Mentoring Program
  • Highlanders Composite Squadron, Berwick, Maine, Flight Simulator Cockpit & Projector Program
  • Howard Williams Composite Squadron, Salina, Kan., 3Rs Program: Remote Control, Robotics, & Rocketry
  • Jack Schofield Middle School Cadet Squadron, Las Vegas, Nev., Two-stage Rocketry Program
  • Lt Col Frank Pocher Minuteman Squadron, Lowell, Mass., Central MA Space Modeling Society Partnership
  • Lt Col Keehn Composite Squadron-Flint, Columbiaville, Miss., 3-D Printing & Computer-Aided Design Program
  • Madison Composite Squadron & WI Wing SW Group, Madison, Wis., Geotracking Aerial Photography Program
  • McGhee Tyson Composite Squadron, Alcoa, Tenn., Flight Simulator Computer Project
  • Omaha Composite Squadron, Omaha, Neb., Flight Simulator Computer Lab School Outreach Project
  • Palm Springs Composite Squadron, Rancho Mirage, Calif., Rocketry Organization of CA Partnership Program
  • Phantom Composite Squadron, Provo, Utah, ACE School Community Outreach Project
  • Redstone Composite Squadron, Madison, Ala., Academy of Model Aeronautics R/C Airplane Partnership Program
  • TI-CO Composite Squadron, Port Saint John, Fla., Supersonic Rocketry Program
  • Valkyrie Cadet Squadron, Denver, Colo., Large Rocket, Telemetry & Video Data Performance Program
  • Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Fantasy of Flight Aviation Museum & Veterans Day Program
  • Worcester Cadet Squadron, Worcester, Mass., Boston Museum of Science R/C Airplane & Solar Powered Vehicles Program
For the full press release announcing these grants, click here! 

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