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Important Upcoming Events
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7-11 April
Warrior Games Trials - Nellis AFB
7-8 June
AFA Cycling Classic
13-14 September
AFA National Convention
16-18 October
Region and State Presidents Meeting
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AFA National Report
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A Billy Mitchell Chapter awardee was also in the color guard at awards night. See April's "AFA National Report" in Air Force Magazine.
www.airforcemag.com.
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Field Operations Update
Influence
One of AFA's greatest strengths as a grassroots organization is our ability to mobilize our membership to influence decision makers in Washington. The Air Force budget has taken a beating the last several years, especially with the impacts of sequestration. While there is a slight respite this year with additional near term funding, the total sequester cuts remain in place. If you think the force structure cuts proposed for this year are bad, it's only going to get worse, much worse, with sequestration continuing. On 31 March, AFA offered Congressional testimony to that effect. That testimony was sent to all AFA members. In addition to the impacts of sequestration, it addresses our position regarding the need for a comprehensive approach to pay and benefits reform. I urge all AFA members to read and understand this testimony, then contact your elected representatives and urge them to take action now on both issues. We can make a difference. We can influence the future. Take this opportunity to educate your elected representatives about what's going on in the Air Force, and advocate for a better solution.
Awards
A gentle reminder; all Field and Aerospace Education awards are due to AFA National NLT 1 May. Recognize your top performing individuals and organizations for the outstanding work they do.
Emerging Leaders Program
We recently made a call for nominations for next year's Emerging Leaders Program. We hope every Region will participate this year. This is the seed corn of AFA's future leadership. Let's nominate and select the best for our premier leadership development program. The due date for the Region nominations to AFA National is 16 May.
Field Organization Success
Due in large part to some terrific hands-on leadership, AFA has recently grown by four chapters. I've mentioned before that several of these were in the rebuilding or development stages, but they are now fully up to speed. They include the Spangdahlem and Ramstein Chapters in Germany, and the brand new Adirondacks and Finger Lakes Chapters in New York State. And, the long dormant Dobbins Chapter in Georgia has a new slate of officers and is in the process of reorganizing. These are great examples of what individuals can do when they set their minds to it. Thanks to all of those who have taken a hand in these chapters' new found success.
Membership
Check out the Membership Committee's article on "Recruiting Military Retirees" in this month's Newsline. This is a key demographic for us. Get some tips on how to get them involved with your chapter.
Scott
Scott Van Cleef
Vice Chairman-Field Operations
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AFA Membership Committee Update
AFA has a large retiree membership base. This demographic continues to make up the majority of AFA membership. See the Membership Committee's article on recruiting retirees here.
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AFA Legacy Life Membership
The Legacy Life Membership program is a brand new membership offering from AFA. The program is designed so that current AFA members can bestow a life membership to a family member or friend. Former AFA National President and former Chairman of the Board, Bob Largent, recently gave one to his son. Read about their experience with the program here. |
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Wingman: Ready to Fly!
Get excited, AFA! Our new publication, Wingman Magazine, is almost here. The first-ever issue of Wingman is now at the printing plant in preparation for its May release. Thank you all so much for your support. The Wingman staff could not have created this issue without all of your contributions and enthusiasm. Staff members are already planning for the next issue that will appear in September. Wingman Editor Michael Sirak will be in touch soon with information on how you can contribute to the September issue.
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Military Order of the World Wars Youth Leadership Program
AFA chapters looking to support their local youth may want to consider looking into "The Military Order of the Worlds Wars (MOWW) Youth Leadership Program. Read more about this program here.
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Lt. Col. Romeo-Josephine Bass Ferretti Scholarhip
Applications are now being accepted for this scholarship program! Read more about the application process here. |
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Coming Soon - New Digital Version of AF Magazine
By the end of this month, when you visit www.airforcemag.com, you will be able to view the full current month's Air Force Magazine in a flippable and interactive format. This will replace the PDF version now on the homepage. In coming months, visitors to the site will have to log in using their AFA membership credentials to view the full version. As we roll out these new processes, we will be sure to keep you informed. Look to Newsline in the next months for more updates! |
 Community Partner Spotlight
This month we are highlighting one of our most entertaining community partners! The Thunderbird Chapter in Las Vegas, Nevada has established a relationship with the Blue Man Group. The Blue Man Group first became a Community Partner in 2009. Having spoken to the president, he had nothing but kind words about the community partner. In fact, for those who are attending the Southwest Region Conference at the end of May, all participants will be eligible for 2 for 1 tickets to attend a show. For those who won't be at the conference, the Blue Man Group still offers great discounts for AFA members. If you ever find yourself in Las Vegas, be sure to go see a show and thank them for supporting our association! If you have a community partner you would like to spotlight next month, please feel free to contact field@afa.org.
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Field Spotlight
On March 28 th, The Ramstein Chapter, a newly revitalized chapter located at the Ramstein AFB in Germany, led a Women in Leadership panel. This was a wonderful opportunity to share perspectives on being a woman in a leadership position in USAF. Read the full article here.
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Field Event Visit Requests
Does your chapter, state, or region have an upcoming event to which you would like to invite AFA national leadership or staff? If so, please use the Field Visit Request Form and send it to field@afa.org. |
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Spirit of '45
Next year, the weekend of August 15 th, 2015 will be the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. To celebrate and recognize this day, the Spirit of 45 has been working hard to put on programs throughout the nation. Read more about the Spirit of '45 here. |
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Meet Jill Westeyn, Manager of Awards and Scholarships
We are excited to introduce a new member to AFA's staff, Jill Westeyn. She is the new Manager of Awards and Scholarships at AFA. Read about Jill's position and see her bio here. |
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CyberPatriot Update
The CyberPatriot National Finals were just completed and were a huge success! Click here for the full update from AFA's CyberPatriot. |
AFA Salutes 2014 Team of the Year
AFA recently announced the AFA 2014 Team of the Year, honoring the Air Force Office of Special Investigations career field. Read the full article here.
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 From the AFA Facebook Page... General Colin Powell stops by the CyberPatriot Finals A special guest stopped by the CyberPatriot national finals today! Retired Gen Colin Powell met competitors and observed a bit of the master challenge! Visit the AFA Facebook page here! |
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AFA Cycling Classic
Mark your calendars for the AFA Cycing Classic, June 7-8 in Arlington, VA. Read more about how AFA will partner with local company Arlington Sports to put on this great event here. |
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AFA Member Discounts on VPI Pet Insurance
AFA is excited to offer a new member benefit on discounted pet insurance. If you have a fluffy (or scaly or feathered!) friend that you love, you are going to want to check out the full article here! |
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Huessy Breakfast Series
The Nuclear Deterrent Seminar Series begins in 33rd year on 29 April at 8-9 AM at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. It will begin with remarks by Senator Hoeven and Senator Testen on the role of the Nuclear Tried and ICBMs in American Security.
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 New in the AFA Store - Made in USA Caps
Structured Brushed Twill Cap with Contrast Sandwich Visor - $14.75
Pre-curved contrast color sandwich visor center gives this USA made Bayside 6-panel structured mid profile cap a two-tone look in 1000% brushed cotton twill with sewn eyelets and adjustable Velcro closure.
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Explore AFA on Social Media!
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