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NEWSLINE

November 2013
In This Issue
Field Ops Update
Membership Update
AFA Honors Doolittle Raiders
Hangar Store Sale
NBA Tickets for AFA Members
2014 Air Warfare Symposium
Veterans Day Ceremony at AF Memorial
Combined Federal Campaign Season
Field Spotlight
Cyber Patriot VI
Amazon Smile - Donate to AFA!
AFA Mitchell Institute Update
Spirit of '45 Flyover Planning
AFA Air Force Breakfast
Wounded Airman Program Update
Community Partner Tip of the Month
Community Partner Spotlight
Cadet Medals
Fall 2013 AFJROTC Grant Recipients
Airpower Classics

AFA National Report  


 

November's "AFA National Report" highlights the National Teacher of the Year, Margaret Spigner.

See "AFA National Report" in Air Force Magazine and online at airforcemag.com.

 


Important Upcoming Dates

21-22 November
Pacific Air and Space Symposium

5 December
Finance Committee and New Board Meeting

6 December
Executive Committee and New Board Meeting

7 December
Executive Committee Meeting

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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

November Field Operations Update 

By Scott Van Cleef 

 

Revitalized Chapters  

 

Good news from overseas.   The MiG Alley Chapter at Osan AB, Korea has recently rejoined the ranks of active AFA chapters.  AFA members there have been supporting their base all along but had stopped filing reports for a period of time.  They are now fully back up to speed.  Thanks to the members of MiG Alley for the great work they are doing out in Korea and welcome back into the fold. 

 

The chapter at Ramstein AB, Germany is also on the comeback.  Thanks to a new dedicated group of mostly active duty personnel, the chapter has recently reformed, elected officers and drafted a new constitution.  They will soon be submitting the required rosters and plans to get back on the active chapter roster.  They will be joining the Dolomiti Chapter at Aviano AB, Italy as the second European based chapter to rise from the ashes this year. 

 

These success stories illustrate the power of good leadership and can be applied to any of the currently dormant or poorly functioning chapters in the US.  One or two dedicated individuals can step into any community, fire up a few additional backers, and revitalize a chapter that has been inactive or barely hanging on for years.  We need more members willing to do that.  Once the fire is lit, it can take off, and so can a chapter.  Be that person in your state if that's what's needed.  Step up to the challenge...make things happen!

 

Annual Planning

 

We were hoping to have a new training module on annual activity plans available to you by the first of November, but life got in the way and we didn't make that deadline.  However, development continues and the new target is to have that ready within a few weeks.  I will make a separate announcement through your Region and State presidents when that is ready. 

 

In the meantime, annual plans can still be developed.  No need to wait.  Simply read the instructions on the 2014 Planning Template and follow through.  There's no need to reinvent the wheel.  If you have a plan from last year, use that as a starting point.  Just modify as it as necessary for next year.  Be sure you can qualify for your support payments each quarter...with a little pad in case an event has to be cancelled.  Don't be afraid to take on new programs or projects, either...set some "stretch" goals for yourselves.  You might be surprised with the outcome!

 

AFA Leadership Invites

 

Our top AFA leaders, including your elected National officers, are ready and willing to support you in the field.  If you have a special event or meeting that would be enhanced with one of us attending, send in your request to AFA National and give us the details.  If we can be there, we will.  We'll be planning our calendars for the Spring at our December EXCOM meeting, so have your requests in by then.  If there is an earlier event, let us know as soon as possible. Please fill out the Field Visit Request Form and send to the Field Operation Department at [email protected]

 

 

Scott
 

Scott Van Cleef

Vice Chairman-Field Operations
  

Membership Update

 

We're adding a new section to Newsline to highlight membership issues, initiatives, and ideas for field leaders to maintain and grow membership at the chapter level.  We'll do our best to provide relevant and useful materials to help your chapter membership.  Feedback from you is critical.  If you use an idea and it works for you, let us know so we can share it with others.  If it doesn't work the way you thought it would, let us know so we can adjust or update the idea.  Email feedback or comments to [email protected]

 

Chapter Membership Goals

 

Do you know the number of members your chapter needs to recruit to meet your quarterly goals to receive a chapter support payment?  It may be a lot lower than you think.  There are two levels for chapter recruitment:  a .75% goal and a 1.5% goal per quarter.  The values for each AFA chapter can be found here. If your chapter recruits a new member each month you're well on your way to making your goal. 

 

Chapter Membership Plan

 

We don't plan to fail, we simply fail to plan.  Do you have a current chapter membership plan?  Chart a course for your chapters' membership goals including some to these activities:

  • In your chapter newsletter include a listing of all community partners; a short paragraph highlighting any new community partners; a list of new members who have joined or auto-affiliated with the chapter during the previous quarter
  • Form a calling tree with the purpose of giving reminder calls to the current members of upcoming activities such as membership meetings or other special activities. 
  • Send out anniversary letters to all non-life members two months prior to their renewal date.  Call each member within 30 days of non-renewal.
  • Each month run the Monthly and Quarterly Membership Reports along with the Storz and Jack Gross Reports to monitor for success of the chapter membership goal.
  • Welcome new members to AFA and invite them to the next chapter meeting.

 

Chapter Retention

 

Renewal rates for a one-year membership in AFA is at 37%.  How can we correct this problem?  Most people want something in return for the money they spend or invest. A great anecdote is an on-air program by Jim Blasingame who espoused that people have "needs" and "wants." The "NEEDS" are the basics, (almost) everyone needs them, and they are not (normally) willing to pay large sums of money for them. He says these are the things that the large "box" retailers supply best, and small businesses can go broke very quickly trying to compete in those markets. Rather, the small businessperson (and AFA fits in here) must find out what consumers (constituents, clients, etc.) WANT, and are willing to pay (often extra) for, and supply that to the market.  Members want to know what's going on in the Chapter, State, Region and Nation.  Chapters can provide this through an informative newsletter each quarter.  Look for specific examples in upcoming Newsline articles. 

 

Legacy Life Memberships

 

AFA is proud to announce a new program aimed at allowing members to give the lasting gift of Life Membership. The Legacy Life Membership program connects the rich heritage of our Air Force Association and Air Force with our future.  It provides the opportunity to bestow life memberships to honor the legacy of our Air Force Association and bring new members into our Association.  When a new member is bestowed a legacy life membership, their Life Membership pin includes the word "Legacy" to identify them as special members.The details of this program were recently explained at a chapter dinner and the retired Chief Master Sergeant beamed when he realized he could give his grandson a life membership as he embarks on his Air Force career while leaving a legacy from his own service.  Craig McKinley will bestow a Legacy Life Membership to his son.  Who will you honor with a Legacy life Membership and keep our heritage alive?

 

Legacy Life Memberships can also be given by a chapter as part of a chapter award program to honor a long-time chapter member and bring in a new member. Please contact Seth Paltzer at [email protected] with questions about this program.

AFA Honors Doolittle Raiders at 'Final Toast'
 

The World War II Doolittle Tokyo Raiders were honored this weekend with a final toast at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The ceremony was attended by three of the four living Raiders: retired Lt. Col. Richard "Dick" E. Cole, retired Lt. Col. Edward J. Saylor, and retired Staff Sgt David J. Thatcher. The Air Force Association was privileged to be one of the sponsors of the event. AFA's current President, retired Gen. Craig McKinley, and former AFA Chairman of the Board retired Col. Joe Sutter attended the invite-only ceremony, along with Acting Air Force Secretary Eric Fanning and Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh.

 

"The men on stage were part of an extraordinary mission in the darkest days following Pearl Harbor when U.S. morale was at its lowest. They took the battle to the enemy and gave us hope. They are indeed a part of the greatest generation and we owe them our deepest gratitude," said McKinley.

 

To view the full press release from the event, visit the AFA Blog.

 

 

Hangar Store Sale - Discount for Field Leaders!                  

Many Hangar Store Items are currently 50% off! 

 

As we work toward moving to the new store vendor, many of the items in the current store are marked down 50%.  PLUS, as an AFA volunteer leader, take an additional 15% off using promo code VOLUNTEER15.

 

Shop here!

 

GovX Donates NBA Tickets for AFA Members!

GovX is proud to partner with the Air Force Association to offer AFA Members free VIP access to GovX.com! Get 20%-50% off 20,000+ products including golf, hunting, fishing, outdoor, tech and active-lifestyle products, PLUS receive exclusive pricing on major league sports tickets directly from the teams. Easy to access, just visit GovX.com/AFA, and for every purchase you make as an AFA Member on GovX, a portion of the proceeds are donated back to support AFA programs.

 

And as a sincere thank you for your service, GovX is offering AFA Members donated tickets to the select NBA games below. A limited number of tickets are available, so if you are interested in distributing tickets to your local AFA Chapter Members, please reach out to Kelly Paice at the information provided below no later than December 1.

 

Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics - January 29, 2014

Phoenix Suns @ Milwaukee Bucks January 29, 2014

Washington Wizards @ Cleveland Cavaliers - February 23, 2014

Philadelphia 76ers @ Orlando Magic - March 2, 2014

Memphis Grizzlies @ Philadelphia 76ers - March 15, 2014

Utah Jazz @ San Antonio Spurs - March 16, 2014

Portland Trail Blazers @ Miami Heat - March 24, 2014

 

Contact Kelly Paice by December 1 if interested in distributing donated tickets to local AFA Members to the NBA games listed above.

 

Kelly Paice | GovX | 858-224-7853 | [email protected] 

2014 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition

 

 

The Air Force Association's 30th Annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition will take place February 19-21, 2014 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Invited speakers to the Symposium will include the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark A. Welsh, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody and other top Air Force leaders.  

  

The chapter will celebrate "Citizen Airmen: A Tribute to the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve" at its annual dinner, which will be on THURSDAY, February 20, 2014 this year.  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 20, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and on Friday, February 21, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.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 2/19, one and a half days of sessions on 2/20-21; continental breakfasts on 2/20-21; coffee breaks on 2/20-21; and a lunch in the exhibit hall on 2/20.  Each AFA leader who registers at this special rate will be entitled to purchase an additional ticket to the Welcome Reception on Wednesday 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 http://www.afa.org/airwarfare/home  and select the 'Register' button: 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) at [email protected].

 

AFA is pleased to extend our internal rate of $162 single/double per night, plus applicable taxes. Reservations will be accepted on a first-in basis until the block is full or until noon on Friday, January 24, 2014, whichever comes first. To reserve your hotel room, you must first register for the Symposium. At the end of the registration process, your Internet browser will display a registration confirmation page. Look for the 'Make Hotel Reservation' button - click that button and then input the appropriate information. NOTE: Do not call the hotel directly; this is the only avenue available for you to make your hotel reservation at this rate. If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Grandel at [email protected] or 703-247-5819.

 

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.

From the Air Force Memorial Facebook Page

 

AFA and the Air Force Sergeants Association held an annual Veterans Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Air Force Memorial on Monday, November 11. Guest speakers at the event included Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog, Assistant Vice Chief of Staff for the USAF, retired Air Force Gen. John A. Shaud representing AFA, and retired Master Sgt. Morgan Brown from AFSA. Thank you to those of you who were able to join us for this ceremony, and a special thanks to our chapters who hosted their own events across the country to honor this day of recognition.

 

 

It's Combined Federal Campaign Season

 

Help support AFA's mission by designating your Combined Federal Campaign donations to the Air Force Association using CFC #12214.  Or, help honor Airmen and preserve our Air Force heritage by designating the Air Force Memorial Foundation using CFC #11953. With the support of our loyal donors, we are able to continue to fulfill our mission to Educate the public about the critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation; to Advocate aerospace power and a strong national defense; and to Support the United States Air Force, the Air Force family, and aerospace education.

Field Spotlight 

Green Mountain Chapter Visits Camp Ethan Allen 

 

On October 10th the Green Mountain Chapter of Vermont traveled to Camp Ethan Allen in Jericho, Vermont to hold its monthly meeting.  Camp Ethan Allen is an 11,000 acre site featuring the Ethan Allen Firing Range, a facility for the testing, development, and qualification of weapon systems throughout the Army. The range is also the home of the Army Mountain Warfare School, which trains soldiers for both mountain and cold weather operations and tactics.The membership was hosted by General Dynamics' Senior Director Keith Stearns and received briefings on the history of the site and the F-35 gun systems from, Program Manager Jamie Bachinski and Test Range Manager Wayne Burgess.  

 

The event was attended by both Green Mountain Chapter AFA members and active Vermont Air National Guard airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group. In addition, attendees were privileged to observe a live firing of the F-35 gun. It was an impressive event.  Members came away with a greater understanding of the process of weapons development and the exceptional capacity of the F-35's fire power.  With three generations of aircraft maintainers present, the interchanges about the changes of aircraft weapons systems from World War II bombers, the F-102, the F-16 and what is to come with the F-35 kept both the attendees and demonstrators engaged throughout a wonderful afternoon.  Each attendee received a commemorative 25mm spent shell as a souvenir of the visit. 
CyberPatriot VI  Update           

  

The CyberPatriot VI Competition Begins on November 15th

 

The first scored round in this season's competition will take place the weekend of November 15-17, 2013. Teams will have six consecutive hours total to find and fix vulnerabilities on their multiple images. This will be the least daunting of the rounds, but teams will still need all the support they can get. Contact teams in your area to see if you can provide any assistance to help them advance through the competition. To take on an official role with teams, sign up as a Team Assistant to provide administrative and other non-technical support. The link to sign up is here.

 

Find CyberPatriot Teams in Your Area!

 

Interested in helping out CyberPatriot teams in your area? Curious to see how many schools have signed up for the program? Check out the registration map to find everything you need. If you identify teams on the map that you would like to support, email [email protected] or call 877-885-5716, and the CyberPatriot Program Office staff will help get you on your way.

Donate to AFA or AFM When You Shop at Amazon

 

A simple, automatic way to support the AFA mission. You shop. Amazon gives.  On October 30th Amazon launched AmazonSmile, a new program that makes it easy for customers to support their favorite charitable organizations every time they shop. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.  But now you can choose the Air Force Association or the Air Force Memorial Foundation to receive 0.5% of all of your eligible purchases.  There is no cap on the total donation amount.  This is an easy and convenient way to support the Air Force Association mission to advocate for airpower and Air Force people.  To get started, visit www.smile.amazon.com for full details.

AFA's Mitchell Institute to Host Forum

 

The Mitchell Institute will host a panel discussion on a concept known as the Macgregor Transformation Model--an approach that promises a reduction in the overall size of the Department of Defense; a substantial reduction in operating costs; and an increase in combat capability. This event will be held on Tuesday, November 19th, 2013, from 9:00a.m.-10:00a.m. at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. The panel will feature retired Navy Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, retired Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula, and retired Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor. Registration for the event is free and can be completed online. For more information, contact Doug Birkey at [email protected]


AFA Supports Planning Efforts for Spirit of '45 Flyover

 

Planning is underway for a national flyover in the summer of 2015 that will be held in honor of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. AFA is a proud partner in this planning effort, and we look forward to participating in the celebration of our heritage. The official countdown to the event will begin with a press conference on December 20, 2013 at Chennault Aviation & Military Museum in Monroe, La.


Acting Secretary to Speak at November AFA Air Force Breakfast

 

AFA is proud to announce our upcoming AFA Air Force Breakfast featuring guest speaker Eric Fanning, Acting Secretary of the Air Force. The event will be held on Monday, November 18, 2013 at 7:00 a.m. at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. AFA's Air Force Breakfast Program is a monthly series that provides a venue for senior Air Force and DoD leaders to communicate directly with the public and the press. Register online

 

For additional information, please contact Mary Ellen Dobrowolski at [email protected]

 

 

Wounded Airmen Program Update

Thank you to the Sijan Chapter for their support of the Wounded Airman Program in Colorado Springs during an Adaptive Sports Camp 30 October-3 November. These programs mean a lot to the warriors involved, and represent the mission of AFA to the Air Force Senior Leaders in attendance. 

 

AFA's Sijan Chapter hosts lunch at the Adaptive Sports Camp

  

As the program continues to expand, camps will be held around the country, and we'd like for local members to be involved, and chapters to possibly host lunches or mixers for the warriors, or help provide supplies, volunteers, or other support if needed. Upcoming dates (schedule is still changing due to change in Warrior Games):
 

19-22 November: Pentagon Adaptive Sports Camp
4-12 January, 2014: All Service Adaptive Sports Exhibition, Hickam AFB
17-20 January: Volleyball Classic, Lancaster, PA
17-21 February 2014: Warrior Sports Intro Training Camp (Western Region Joint/Navy Safe Harbor), San Diego
7-11 April: Warrior Games Trials, Nellis AFB
10-14 June: Introductory Adaptive Sports Camp/Warrior Games Clinic, JBAndrews
27 Sept-3 October: Warrior Games, Colorado Springs


For more information, or to donate, click here or contact Caitie Craumer at [email protected] or 703.247.5800 ext. 4868

 

Community Partner "Tip of the Month"

 

EVERY CHAPTER MEMBER IS A RECRUITER! When you have every member sharing, networking, inviting, then you will have more visitors to meetings. When visitors see a dynamic meeting where people are networking, making a difference, and displaying patriotism.. they will want to join!  Every chapter has someone that is engaged with Veteran organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. Every chapter has someone involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Lions, Elks, Rotary, Business Association, or other similar organizations.

 

Every chapter also has members that are connected to family, friends, colleagues, business owners, non profits, organizations, other associations in the community. Each chapter member is a Recruiter, an Ambassador, and Advocate. A great way to market AFA is to create business cards that are two sided. One side should have an invitation to chapter meetings, including the time, place, and location.  The other side should have the benefits of membership.  Leave these cards in businesses, and pass them out at your meetings. The real value of the Community Partner membership is that when we all work together and network together we are creating a community coalition of partnerships. It provides a relationship through which AFA and the community partner can help one another, help those in need, grow our community, grow our business and connect with our military and veterans by improving their Quality of Life.   Becoming a community partner is a win-win-win-win!   

 

Do you have a CP tip that has worked well for your chapter? Please send it to us at [email protected] and we will highlight it in the next Newsline!

 

Community Partner Spotlight

 

Harborstone Credit Union joined as a community partner supporting the McChord Field Chapter in the mid-90's and continues today to be very active with the Air Force Association.  Harborstone representatives serve on the executive committees for the Chapter and at the State level of AFA.   Most noteworthy is their work in finding ways to support the service members on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). 

 

Approximately three years ago, Harborstone employees created two programs called Operation Turkey Drop and Ham Grenade.   Both events include rallying the community to make donations to purchase turkeys and hams for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, respectively.  Collectively, nearly 800 hams and turkeys are purchased to distribute to needy families throughout Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and the programs support all branches of the services. 

 

 

Operation Turkey Drop

 

These programs have been so well received by the community and the commanders on JBLM and are routinely talked about throughout the year.  Harborstone Credit Union employees create these types of projects for AFA because both organizations' values are closely aligned.  AFA takes care of the Air Force and Harborstone Credit Union is the Air Force Credit Union, so both have a common purpose!    

Cadet Medals

Just a reminder that AFA National provides award packages to ROTC detachments, JROTC units and CAP Squadrons.  Each year, we automatically send packages containing a medal, ribbon and certificate to each ROTC detachment and JROTC unit.  Those go out in mid - to late January. 

 

However, it would be good to remind Civil Air Patrol Squadrons that they can get an award package on request.  Squadron leaders can find full information and an order form here. We ask the Squadrons to send their orders during the December-January time frame.  They can e-mail the order to [email protected]

 

AFA is pleased to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the cadets!  Also, it is an opportunity for you to participate in the presentation of the award and to educate the public about the great things that AFA does!
 
AFA Announces Fall 2013 AFJROTC Grant Recipients

The Air Force Association (AFA) recently announced the recipients of the fall 2013 AFJROTC grants.These grants are issued twice a year in support of programs that enhance students'understanding of the important role aerospace plays in our society. Grant recipients receive$250 which may be used for any aerospace education activity such as purchasing textbooks or planning a field trip to a related venue. 
 
Read the full press release here
Air Force Magazine Presents New Book                

 

Airpower Classics is a new, 136-page, coffee-table size, hardbound book (with laminated dust jacket) that captures the vintage aircraft from Air Force Magazine's  Airpower Classics series. The first 60 aircraft from this imaginative series have been printed in full color on art paper and collected in this visually stunning book. The giant 14.5 inch x 11.5 inch horizontal format showcases the vivid aircraft illustrations - classic fighters, bombers, transports, and recce aircraft - created by Air Force Magazine's Zaur Eylanbekov, with supporting text by world-renowned aviation writer Walter J. Boyne. Each listing contains additional historical facts and photos that did not appear in the magazine version. Airpower Classics provides a captivating look into the history of military aircraft around the world. It will be an irreplaceable source of visual enjoyment, memories, and reference. To order please click "Preorder Now" or call us at 1-800-727-3337. (For list of aircraft see Contents page.)

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


 
 
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