March 2016
In This Issue
Wingman
Important Upcoming Events

25-29 March
AAS Conclave

31 March 
CAP Grants for Educator Members Application 
Deadline  for Spring Cycle

15-16 April
AEC Meeting 

Field Operations Update
As your Vice Chairman for Field Operations, I read every Chapter Newsletter every quarter. We have many excellent examples of informative and lively Chapter publications that highlight what the Chapters are doing to further the AFA mission, and inform their membership on what is happening in AFA at the National level. We also have several excellent State level newsletters. One common theme that I see needs our attention. Many of these great publications identify the Chapter either by Chapter number, or by the Chapter's adopted name, but do not include a geographic location for the organization. Since these newsletters are often read outside the local area, it is important that we include that information. I have to confess that even as your Vice Chairman, I have not memorized the Chapter number (name) /location data base, since I have more pressing things to which to devote my admittedly limited mental prowess. One easy way to solve this is to include the Chapter's contact information on the 'masthead' of the publication. This information will be added as a requirement of a qualified newsletter in the next update of the Field Operations Guide (FOG).

Another AFA program that deserves your attention and action is our collaboration with the Air Force Sergeants Association to create a database of "e-mentors" for transitioning Airmen. The objective is to help these colleagues find gainful employment in the civilian sector as they transition out of the Air Force. Being a mentor requires some commitment and dedication but not necessarily a lot of time. Mentors can actively and effectively work with a prot�g� in 60-90 minutes per month. To sign up to mentor a total force AF member, a veteran or spouse visit www.ementorprogram.org (cut and paste into your browser if necessary). At this site you can learn more about being a mentor and register to become one.

To register as a mentor from the eMentor home page, simply click on "Hiring Our Heroes". There you can choose to mentor a veteran or mentor a military spouse. When you sign up you'll be asked your organization affiliation, make sure to select AFA or AFSA from the offered dropdown menu.

Finally, this year's CyberPatriot competition is nearing the finals, and winning teams in the 3 categories have been named at the State and Region level. I have forwarded the lists to your Region Presidents since they are too large to include here. You can also find them by going to the CyberPatriot button on the top of the AFA Website homepage. When the CyberPatriot homepage appears, go to the "competition" button at the top of the page, select "current competition" and then "scores" and you will find lists of the State winners in each category. It is important for our local Chapters to appropriately recognize these talented and motivated young people.


Dave Dietsch
Vice Chairman, Field Operations 
AFA's Air Warfare Symposium a Success!       
The Air Force Association's 32nd annual Air Warfare Symposium held on February 24th - 26th in Orlando was a great success. Speakers and panelists at our symposium this year included Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Mark Welsh, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody. We had exhibits highlighting the latest in aerospace technology developments and education, sponsored by leading aerospace companies. Audio and video recordings from the presentations made during the Symposium can be found here.

IRS Website Change for Form 990N Submission
The IRS Form 990N submission website has changed. As of February 29th, Form 990-N electronic submissions will be accepted through IRS.gov instead of the Urban Institute's website. Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations Not Required to File Form 990 or Form 990EZ, is used by small, tax-exempt organizations for annual reporting and can only be submitted electronically. Aside from the submission site change, 990-N filers will be required to complete a short, one-time registration before submitting their electronic form to IRS. gov. Please remembers that ALL states and chapters with entities under $50,000 in gross receipts annually file the form 990N. This must be done by the 15th of May. To file your state or chapter's 990N please click here to get started. 
Aerospace Education Council Update
AFA's Aerospace Education Programs are a critical and exciting part of our Associations Mission. Two of these programs are hitting their peaks this month and next. Click here to find out more!
Membership Committee Update
We had a candid, positive and productive membership discussion with the EXCOM and Board of Directors last month in Orlando. Larry Spencer was given the green light to propose an increase in the national headquarter's capability to recruit new members. Basically, he will develop a new structure, reporting to him that will represent a recruiting capability which is in addition to the current field centric structure. We also gave some insight to the work we are doing with the CAP to advantage both of our memberships. That work continues.

The fact is that overall membership has declined despite signing up nearly 10,000 new members last year. This points to the fact that the problem is not only recruiting but retention.

Finally, Chuck Heflebower has asked Nia Reeves to form a "Membership Community" on the AFA website. In addition to the membership committee, this community will include Region, State, Chapter Presidents and the chapter vice presidents for membership. That community should be up an operating in about two weeks and is intended to facilitate the sharing of ideas, initiatives, and feedback.
Training Subcommittee Update
March is a busy month in the training module world, as we get you ready for the quarterly activity and financial reports that will be due next month and finish out the series on recruiting new chapter members. Here are the training modules that should be viewed this month:
For the full Training Subcommittee Update from Ross Lampert, please click here
CyberPatriot Update
CP-VIII National Finalist Teams Announced; Event set for April 11-13
The twelve Open Division, thirteen All Service Division and three Middle School Division National Finalist teams represent schools and other organizations from California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas, and Manitoba (Canada). To find out more about the National Finals Competition, click here
Field Spotlight
Kadena's First Veterans Day Parade     
The Keystone Chapter in Japan hosted their first Veterans Day Parade. The parade honored service members of yesterday, and heroes of today, who even at this moment are willing to put themselves in harms way to protect the ideals that we as a nation hold dear. The highlight of the event was the delivery of the U.S. flag to the Kadena Honor Guard. Additionally, each branch of the armed forces recited their creed to honor their veterans. Service members from all branches of the United States armed forces gathered November 11th, to memorialize Veterans Day on Kadena Air Base in Japan. The purpose fo the Veterans Day Parade is to positively focus on honoring those who have served and those serving now. 
Community Partner Spotlight      
Lockheed Martin: Corporate Lead, San Antonio, Texas
Mr. Timothy W. Strawther is the Area Manager for the Lockheed Martin Corporation in San Antonio, Tx. His responsibilities include supporting Lockheed Martin major operating companies pursuing business in South Texas and leading the San Antonio Corporate Business Development Field Office. Mr. Strawther is the local Lockheed Martin representative to Air Education and Training Command (AETC). Lackland AFB, Port San Antonio, Ft. Sam Houston, commercial entities, and civil authorities.
New AFA Video
In case you missed it: AFA National created a new video, highlighting AFA's 70th Birthday that should be utilized for your membership recruitment efforts and overall goal of increasing awareness of AFA. We hope you will take a moment to view it, and promote it through Chapter initiatives and via social media. In addition to the video, we have provided suggestions and best practices for chapters and members to promote, display and publish the video through chapter resources and initiatives. Download the tip sheet and share the video here!
From the AFA Facebook Page: Wounded Airman Support
Occasionally people fall on hard times. When service members become wounded, ill, or injured, they go through the unimaginable. AFA is so proud to partner with Air Force Wounded Warrior to provide a support system to our United States Air Force warriors and help them any way we can in their journey to recovery. Last night our Wounded Airman Program was able to surprise an incredible Airman by providing him financial assistance during a very challenging time for him and his family.
It is through generous contributions that our Wounded Airman Program is able to provide 100% of the money donated to our program and give it right back to those that have sacrificed so much. We couldn't do it without you #WeAreAFA


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