Field Operations Update

Virtual or Real?   

With today's readily available technology and constraints on time and money, the move to virtual meetings for our chapter EXCOMs, and state and region meetings makes a lot of sense.  Often, the easiest way we can get everyone to participate is to put together a virtual meeting.  It sure beats the alternative of not getting together at all.  But, it comes as a cost, too.  If every meeting is a virtual meeting, we drift further and further from one of the things that makes AFA worth pursuing; the chance to meet face to face, make new friends, renew old friendships, and really connect as members of our association.  So, while I'm all in favor of using technology to our advantage and I frequently engage in virtual meetings at the national and chapter level, I still encourage you to make a point of meeting face to face on a regular basis.  There's nothing like looking the other person in the eye to reach real consensus on tough issues, or to convince them that taking on a leadership position in AFA is the right thing to do.  Besides, face to face meetings are simply more fun...and we all ought to be enjoying ourselves as we do the work of AFA.

Tax Season  

For the vast majority of our chapters, the problem we faced last year with filing IRS form 990Ns is a thing of the past.  Therefore, I remind you to be sure and file this year.  It is painless and takes only a few minutes.  Failing to do so and subsequently losing your tax exempt status can be very painful and tough to recover from, so please don't ignore this requirement. For those chapters still in IRS limbo, we should have a recovery plan available for you shortly.  If anyone  encounters problems this year, contact Mike Smith at AFA National.

Awards

'Tis the season for awards, both field and aerospace education awards.  Be sure and take a look at the accompanying article about the schedule for submissions.  We can't pay our great volunteers for all the work they do on behalf of AFA, but we can recognize and thank them for their outstanding service.  If you are a Field leader, one of your responsibilities is to recognize your outstanding performers and programs.  Don't let your folks or your chapter down.  Plan ahead and take advantage of our awards programs.  May 1 is the magic due date.

Emerging Leaders Program

We'll soon be making a call for nominations for next year's Emerging Leaders Program.  The details should be released to you NLT 24 March.  I hope you already have some folks in mind that will benefit from the program which, in its first year, has gotten rave reviews from those who are participating.  I hope this year to see every region in play for the nominations.  This is the seed corn of AFA's future leadership.

Membership

Scott

Scott Van Cleef

Vice Chairman-Field Operations

AFA Highlights Black History Month

February was Black History Month, which is an opportunity to reflect on the life struggles, sacrifices, and accomplishments of African Americans while recognizing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of our service. Throughout our country's history, despite harsh times of segregation and discrimination, many African Americans answered their country's call - making valuable contributions to the war efforts and breaking color boundaries. AFA is proud to recognize the great service and sacrifice of all of our veterans throughout our country's history, and we continue to appreciate the dedication of those serving our country today. 

From the AFA Facebook Page...

AFA Wounded Airman Program visits introductory adapted sports camp offered by the Air Force Wounded Warrior Adaptive Sports Program.

Nellis AFB, AFA listened in on a briefing and demo on February 26th with the 66th Rescue Squadron -- one of the many events hosted by the base during the introductory adapted sports camp offered by the Air Force Wounded Warrior Adaptive Sports Program! AFA is incredibly honored to be able to attend the camp, meet the many courageous airmen participating in it, and show our support for the program.