|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Important Upcoming Events
|
August 14
Finance Committee Meeting
August 15
Executive Committee Meeting
13-14 September
AFA National Convention
15-17 September
Air and Space Conference
16-18 October
Region and State Presidents Meeting
|
|
AFA National Report
|
You could say the Goddard Chapter's race went to the dogs. Read about it in August's "AFA National Report" in Air Force Magazine.
|
|
|
Field Operations Update
National Convention: The AFA National Convention is just around the corner. I hope many of you are planning to attend. AFA is governed by the delegates who represent our membership. They are sent by the states to the National Convention to determine how we are going to function as an association. Along with declining overall membership, we've also experienced a drop in the number of delegates who attend the convention. I encourage you to attend. We not only do important stuff, we have a good time.
For chapters currently on suspension for lack of activity or reporting, 1 September is the latest you can get your credentials up to speed and qualify for delegate votes from your state. I urge you to get those in so your chapter can be represented at the convention.
This year we'll be electing several National officers, including Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman-Field Ops, Treasurer, and several members of the Board of Directors. In addition, we'll be adopting a new Strategic Plan and Statement of Policy. You'll also get an update about all the important business and events AFA is engaged in around the country. Your voice in this process is important. If you wish to attend as a delegate and take advantage of the discounts available to delegates, talk to your State President (or RP in the absence of a state organization) and get on the official delegate roster. Then, register!
In addition to the business part of the convention, there will be other worthwhile events to attend. Friday evening we'll have an official naming ceremony for our AFA National building in Arlington, followed by a great concert at the AF Memorial by the USAF Band. Saturday morning we'll have an optional open Region President's meeting where, among other things, we'll give a preview of the new web-based reporting system. Saturday night is the AFA National Field Awards dinner where we get to recognize the best of our own. Sunday morning is the annual Memorial Ceremony and service at the AF Memorial, always a special event. Sunday night is the optional reception at the Lockheed Martin facility in Crystal City where you can sit in an F-22 and F-35 cockpit and also hear the latest about those programs. Finally, Monday morning be sure to attend the opening ceremonies and USAF Awards session as the Air and Space Conference is kicked off, followed by lunch in the exhibit area.
It's an event packed weekend, important for the Association and fun for the participants and their spouses. I've only hit the highlights, above. There's always something to do in Washington DC. Check out the AFA website and additional information in this Newsline for more.
Additional Field Leader Training Modules: I highlighted a couple of new leadership training modules last month which are available on our AFA website. Since that time, the promised module on "Building Effective Base and Chapter Relations" has been posted as well as a new one on "Maintaining 501c3 Tax-Exempt Status," and a tutorial on how to use the new AFA "Communities". Combine these with those previously posted and I think we're getting a pretty good library of useful information available to Field leaders, especially those in the chapters. Check them out at the AFA website on the Field Leaders page.
Field Elections: There is sometimes confusion about when Region, State and Chapter elections should be held. The short answer is: this quarter. Our operating year runs from 1 Oct to 31 Sep. New officers at all levels are expected to enter office 1 Oct. For chapters and states, that allows for a quarter to develop your new annual plans, get your rosters in, and be ready for implementing those come 1 Jan. New National council and committee assignments are also made during the calendar year fourth quarter and the Region and State Presidents Meeting will be held 16-18 October. Region and State presidents are expected to attend. So, be planning ahead. Leadership and leadership development in the Field are two of our biggest challenges. Work hard on this as it will pay off in the coming year.
I look forward to seeing you at the Gaylord! Thanks for all you do to serve AFA!
Scott
Scott Van Cleef
Vice Chairman- Field Operations
|
|
|
AFA Membership Committee Update
Are you looking for a short statement to capture the value a Retiree sees in the in the Air Force Association? We have it right here!
Value Statement from a Retiree
|
|
2014 National Convention and Air and Space Conference Registration Now Open!
The registration page for the 2014 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 13-14 September and the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition will be September 15-17. Read full details on the event here. Please note that the deadline for making hotel reservations is Friday, August 22, 2014 at noon E.S.T. You can find more information on reserving a room at the link above.
Spouse Activities
Join us in September for additional activities during Convention for our delegate spouses! Space is limited, so register today! Please click here for a full agenda. Register for Spouse Activities here. |
|
Field Spotlight
On Saturday April 27, the General Bernard A. Schriever Los Angeles Chapter in California took to the seas with over 120 local veterans. The winds were high, but they all thoroughly enjoyed their time out in the ocean and the group saw a variety of sea birds, harbor seals, Fin whales and a rare Mola Mola. Costco provided a variety of sandwiches and snacks. The collaboration between The Voyager crew, AFA Chapter Leaders, the VA in long beach, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, and many more, made for an excellent excursion. This was a great way for chapters Southern California to support their local VA, and get outside and take advantage of their surroundings!
If your chapter has recently put on an event or started a new program, please send a short article to field@afa.org to be featured in Newsline!
|
|
AFA Salutes 2014 Outstanding Airmen of the Year
Each year, AFA salutes outstanding enlisted personnel for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements. The program was initiated at AFA's 10th annual National Convention, held in New Orleans in 1956. The program, intended for only one year, still lives strong today. Please check out the full bios of each Outstanding Airmen here. |
|
AFA Announces 2014 Teacher of the Year
AFA is proud to announce Kaci Heins, a dedicated teacher at Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff, AZ., as the recipient of the 2014 National Teacher of the Year Award. As AFA's National Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Heins will receive a $3,000 cash award. Please check out the full press release here to find about Ms. Heins' remarkable story .
|
|
AFA and USA Today Celebrate 24th Years of Partnership in the Visions Program!
AFA and USA TODAY continue a long tradition of partnership this year as we begin our 24th year of the Visions of Exploration Program. Registration is now open and we encourage chapters to get involved in this program. Through the generous sponsorship of AFA chapters, Visions provides STEM education materials developed by USA TODAY into local classrooms. Click here for more information on the program and for details on how to sign up to support classrooms in your local community! |
Head of Air Combat Command Speaks at July AFA Air Force Breakfast Program
General Michael Hostage, Commander Air Combat Command, covered the gamut of ACC issues, including readiness, the A-10 divestiture, the F-35 engine issue, USAF's electronic warfare capabilities and stealth, integration of cyber forces, prospects for Syria, and sixth generation air superiority. To hear General Hostage's full remarks, listen to the audio from the event on our website and a transcript can be found here.
|
|
AFA Hosts Congressional Fly-In
AFA members traveled to DC from across the country to meet with Congressional members to discuss the challenges facing the Air Force. Find out more about this exciting event by reading the full press release here. |
|
Air Force Memorial Summer Concert Series
It is that time of year again - for the Air Force Memorial's Summer Concert Series! Every Friday night, the Memorial will be hosting a free concert by The United States Air Force Band. See here for the full schedule of events. Please see the following links for important information about planning your trip!
|
CyberPatriot UpdateCyberPatriot VII Registration is now open! CyberPatriot also has other new initiatives and announcements! Click here to read a full update.
|
|
From the AFA Facebook Page...
Paula Roy Speaks to Swamp Fox AFA Chapter
On July 25, AFA's Director of Airmen and Family Programs Paula Roy was invited to speak in South Carolina at the local Swamp Fox AFA Chapter. She shared the stories of the many wounded, ill, and injured service members our Wounded Airman Program is helping, in partnership with Air Force Wounded Warrior. Full story here.
Visit the AFA Facebook page here!
|
|
Peter Huessy Breakfast Series
September 12 is the next missile defense seminar with Uzi Rubin of Israel.September 19th is the next in the series of Space Power to the Warfighter seminar series. Also, as part of the extended breakfast seminar series we are hosting our fifth Triad event entitled "Nuclear Triad: The Roadmap to the Future" on September 18 at the Army Navy Club sponsored by Minot Task Force 21 in association with AFA-NDIA-ROA. Details and other requests can be directed to Peter Huessy at phuessy@afa.org
|
|
Explore AFA on Social Media!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
