Visit us on the web! http://www.afa-gabriel.org/ Like us on Facebook Air Force Association General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter Quarterly Newsletter Message from the Chapter President Volume 2017, Issue 4 Dear Gabriel Chapter and AFA Members and Friends, As we go to press, it is the end of December and of the first quarter of the 2017-2018 AFA operational year. The Gabriel Chapter has continued to hold very successful programs and events. I offer my sincere appreciation to the Gabriel Chapter Executive Committee (EXCOM) Members, who work tirelessly throughout the year on our programs and events with energy, integrity and dedication. I also thank our Community Partners and Corporate Sponsors, who continue to provide the financial support to the Chapter that allows us to run our many programs supporting the total Air Force family and aerospace education here in Northern Virginia. As you will see in this newsletter, your Chapter continues to: - EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security. - ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education. - SUPPORT the total Air Force family, and promote aerospace education. As we enter 2018, I ask that you please consider how you can serve our Chapter. Attend an event or help out at one of many activities we have going on in the National Capitol Region like the Wreaths Across America Wreath Retrieval/Cleanup Day at Arlington National Cemetery on January 20th. We also still have vacancies on our EXCOM and always can use help on our committees. Many hands make light work. Our ability to serve the chapter membership and the goals of the Association are only as great as those who volunteer. Our next Gabriel Chapter professional development lunch meeting will be January 10th at McCormick and Schmick s in Tysons Corner. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. In closing, please remember our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel who are away from home during this holiday season. My wife Ann and I wish all of you and your families a wonderful and safe Holiday Season and a Happy New Year in 2018. Joe Burke President General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter Air Force Association 1 of 16
Gabriel AFA Community Partner Program During these times of constrained resources and new emerging threats, our Air Force needs the Air Force Association to educate the public on the importance of air power and strong national defense. One of your AFA tools to help spread the message is the Community Partner Program. I strongly encourage each AFA Gabriel Chapter member help the Chapter actively recruit new Community Partners. As a chapter member you do business in the local community. Identify those businesses that you support and ask them to become a community partner with the Gabriel Chapter. Here are the top 10 reasons for a business to become a community partner: 1. $90 A YEAR is affordable and your money supports Grants and Scholarships for local schools to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) a national priority. 2. You become part of an Organization with volunteers dedicated to connecting with active duty military, veterans, and their families thru events, activities, and networking! 3. Your local AFA Chapter provides you advertising in publications, events, activities, newsletters to the local AFA members. 4. Your business will have opportunities to advertise at local, regional and National AFA events! 5. Your business receives a plaque to hang up, a decal for your entrance - use your Membership in local advertising (print, radio, television); the Military likes doing business with those who support them! 6. Your business will be recognized for your support and involvement in the local area 7. Your business becomes a supporter of key National Programs such as Pilot4aDay, Cyber Patriot, STEM, ROTC 8. Your business becomes a Strategic Partner in our National Defense thru Aerospace Education and Advocacy 9. You save hundreds of dollars with discounts and savings visit: www.afavba.org or visit services@afavba.org 10. You get AFA Magazine, Chapter Newsletter, and email updates Bottom Line: Being an AFA Community Partner is an opportunity to increase business and make a tremendous difference in the local community at the same time! 2 of 16
Chapter Activities Military Deputy for Air Force Acquisition Speaks at Gabriel Chapter October Membership Luncheon The AFA Gabriel Chapter Monthly Membership Meeting was held October 18, 2017, at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks in McLean, VA. Our guest speaker was Lt Gen Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., who is the Military Deputy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Lt Gen Bunch is responsible for research and development, test, production, and modernization of Air Force programs worth more than $32 billion annually. remove the restrictions of the Budget Control Act actions endorsed by you Air Force Association. Chapter President Joe Burke presented General Bunch with a Gabriel Chapter challenge coin, in appreciation for his wellreceived presentation. TRICARE and Military Health Issues featured at November Membership Meeting At the November Membership Meeting and Luncheon, the Gabriel Chapter hosted two guest speakers: Lt Col Pedro Burton-Taylor and Major Joseph Sanchez from the Air Force Office of the Surgeon General. Lt Col Taylor is the Chief Program Branch and Deputy Medical Support Division Chief for the Air Force Medical Support Agency (AFMSA) in Falls Church, VA. He is responsible for shaping TRICARE policy and forming Air Force position on health benefits legislation. Additionally, he provides oversight and writes AFMS policy for the Secretarial Designee program, patient travel, and healthcare eligibility. Lt Gen Arnie Bunch spoke about Air Force Acquisition challenges and successes at our monthly luncheon. Bunch accepts a Chapter challenge coin from Gabriel President Joe Burke. Our October luncheon was to have been held at Falcons Landing, the Air Force retirement community in Potomac Falls, Virginia, but due to a scheduling conflict we were forced to change the venue to our Tysons Corner clubhouse at McCormick and Schmick s. We will reschedule our annual luncheon at Falcons Landing early in 2018. Lt Gen Bunch gave a frank and insightful snapshot of the biggest Air Force acquisition activities. He highlighted the need to complete procurement of F-35 and KC-46 tankers. While he couldn t comment on opportunities that were in source selection, he did make a plea for Congress to pass a Defense appropriation and Lt Col Burton-Taylor explained to chapter members the TRICARE changes taking effect 1 January 2018, and what to expect from the Military Health System (MHS) reforms being implemented in the coming year. Major Sanchez is the Senior Health Benefits Program Manager for AFMSA. He is responsible for developing and interpreting 3 of 16
corporate health benefits policy to support 75 military treatment facilities. Additionally, he advises senior leaders on issues pertaining to Congressional Statutes, health plan eligibility, and enrollment practices. Finally, he represents the Air Force on multiple headquarters working groups at the Defense General Jay "Scott" Goldstein, who is the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, 24th Air Force, and Commander, Air Forces Cyber, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. He is responsible for assisting the commander in providing Air Force Component and Combatant Commanders with trained and ready cyber forces which plan, direct and execute global cyberspace operations. Twenty-fourth Air Force and AFCYBER personnel build, operate, secure, defend and extend the Air Force portion of the DoD global network. Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber personnel perform operational planning as part of coordinated efforts supporting Air Force Component and Combatant Commanders, and, upon the approval of the President and/or Secretary of Defense, the execution of offensive cyber operations. The general assists in leading the activities of two cyberspace wings, the 624th Operations Center, the 5th Combat Communications Group and Air Reserve Component cyber organizations. Major Sanchez is the Senior Health Benefits Program Manager for Air Force Medical Support Agency (AFMSA) in Falls Church, Virginia. Health Agency and supports $64B in health contracts. The speakers discussed the TRICARE changes taking effect 1 January 2018, and what to expect from the Military Health System (MHS) reforms being implemented in the coming year. In addition, Chapter members received updates on potential business opportunities related to MHS reforms, such as digitization of health records, IT infrastructure improvements, and the areas in which the Air Force and the other Services may be making investments. Gabriel Chapter December Membership Luncheon Features the Mobilization Assistant to Commander, 24 th Air Force The Gabriel Chapter Holiday Lunch and Monthly Membership Meeting was held December 13, 2017 at McCormick and Schmick s Seafood and Steaks in Tysons Corner. Our guest speaker was Brigadier Brigadier General Jay "Scott" Goldstein, USAFR, is the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, 24th Air Force. General Goldstein and his wife, Polly, are longtime friends of the Gabriel chapter and the General has generously offered his insights to 4 of 16
the Chapter as he moved through different positions. Chapter President, Joe Burke, congratulated General Goldstein for his presentation and presented him with an Air Force paperweight, since he has already received a Gabriel Chapter Challenge Coin from a previous presentation. Gabriel Chapter First Couple at NRO Military Ball Gabriel Volunteers Support Air Force Wounded Warrior Program Volunteers from the Gabriel Chapter including Chapter VP for Veteran Affairs, Bob Austin, and AFA National Director Lt Gen (ret) Chuck Heflebower, were among the AFA members who supported the AF North East Wounded Warrior CARE Event on 15 November 2017 at National Harbor Center in Washington DC. One part of this event was an Employment Boot Camp. Warriors come in and get employment readiness training to help them secure a job. The volunteers conducted mock interviews and oneon-one advice on resume preparation. At the end of the event, there were many positive comments from Warriors and the volunteers. Thanks again for making a difference in the future of these Wounded Warriors. Invited by Maj Gen Steve Denker, USAF, the NRO Deputy Director, Joe Burke and his wife Ann represented the AFA Gabriel Chapter at the NRO Military Ball on May 13, 2017. Chapter President Joe Burke and his wife, Ann were invited by the commander of the Air Force Element, National Reconnaissance Office for the annual Military Ball in May. Maj Gen Steve Denker hosted the event for this celebration of military service and the the commitment of the NRO to National Security. Lt Gen (Ret) Chuck Heflebower participating in a mock panel interview at the AF Wounded Warrior program CARE Event. Warrior CARE events are one-week activities for all wounded, ill, or injured Air Force service members (whether Active Duty, Retired, or Separated) and authorized Caregivers. Each event features education in Caregiver Support, Recovering Airman Mentorship and Employment and Career Readiness. The Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program also features Adaptive Sports & Resiliency Program training and competition, preparing the next crop of potential competitors for the Department of Defense Warrior Games and Invictus Games sponsored by Prince Harry. The Warrior CARE events are a holistic wellness event featuring all of these elements along with art and music therapy. 5 of 16
and middle school. The AFA supports the CyberPatriot mission, which encourages students in computer and internet security and furthers the (STEM) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education objectives. Bob Auistin, Gabriel Chapoter VP for Veterans Affairs, preapres a wounded verteran for his next job interview. participating in a mock panel interview at the AF Wounded Gabriel Chapter Brings Computers to Area Civil Air Patrol Squadrons Manassas, VA Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Prince William Composite Squadron received a boost to its already successful cadet-led Aerospace Education program in October, when Brad Wilkins, Virginia AFA VP for Aerospace Education, presented two laptop computers to the program in a brief ceremony at the weekly CAP meeting. On hand to receive the awarded computers was Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Elise Viles representing the squadron participants in the program. Chapter President Joe Burke and Stae VPAE Brad Wilkins present commputers to the Hernodon Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. The Air Force Association began encouraging organized learning in protection of cyber resources in 2009. Since then the AFA CyberPatriot has grown rapidly. The program includes competition among over 1300 such groups nationwide for students in high school Brad Wilkins ceremonially presents one of two laptop comp[uters purchased by the Gabriel; Chapter for the Prince William Composite Squadron of the CAP to Cadet Senior Brad Wilkins represented Chapter VPAE Lisa Richter and Chapter President Joe Burke at the event. Unlike high school and AF Junior ROTC teams who are able to use computer resources from their schools, CAP cadet programs are often on their own to collect the basic hardware to compete in the national competition. The Gabriel Chapter raised funds from corporate donations and Chapter event proceeds and sought matching grants from the AFA Aerospace Education Council and the Virginia AFA Aerospace Education Fund. to purchase six laptop computers, meeting all of the specifications to compete in the National CyberPatriot competition. Two computers each were presented to the Prince William, Herndon, and Fairfax CAP units. Following the presentation, the group had a cadet-led discussion on vertical lift using balloon rockets. 6 of 16
Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, since 1941, is a nonprofit organization with 58,000 members nationwide. CAP performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 90 lives in fiscal year 2008. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 24,500 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for 75 years. Veteran s Day Pack 4 Troops The General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter sent a full complement of volunteers to support the United Services Organization s Pack 4 Troops Care Package Assembly at the USO Warehouse on Ft. Belvoir. Virginia. The event was a fun and fulfilling morning. Gabriel Chapter volunteers joined staff from USO-Metro and employees and families from area Defense contractors to assemble packs for troops, as well as activity kits for military children, which will be distributed at upcoming holiday events for military families at Ft Belvoir and bases overseas. and Maryland area the USO serves the largest number of residential service members in the Nation, in addition to that we serve over 300 thousand service members and their families in our airports each year so these snack/toiletry packs are always necessary and appreciated. Ann Burke with Chapter President Joe Burke, EXCOM Member Pat Rocke and his wife Christina, and Chapter Secretary Jack Diamond take a break from preparing thousands of care packages for military members and families on Veteran s Day 2017. Gabriel Mentors Support Arnold Air Society Regional Conclaves Each October the Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings Squadrons from across the area join together for a weekend of professional development, socializing, and celebration of achievements Lt Gen (ret) Mike Basla, Senior Member of the Gabriel Chapter s Executive Committee, was the keynote speaker for the Colonel Robert P. Halloran Squadron from Air Force ROTC Detachment 535 at Syracuse University. Mike and Rebecca thoroughly enjoyed themselves on Saturday night. He thanked the ARCON team for inviting him and for their warm hospitality. Congratulations on a SUPER ARCON Area 1! Pat Rocke supervise=s Gabriel Chapter volunteers preparing care packages for military members and families at the Veteran s Day USO Pack- 4 Troops event. While many people in the area enjoyed a relaxing day off or attended memorial events in the National Capitol Region, volunteers assembled more than 10,000 packages in the day-long event. In the DC, Northern Virginia, 7 of 16
That same weekend, Gabriel Chapter VP AE Lisa Richter attended the Area 2 ARECON, hosted by the University of Maryland s AFROTC Detachment 330. Also attending was AFA Central East Region President, Tyler Johnson. Lisa attended the mixer on Friday night, which was a terrific opportunity to speak and meet with the cadets. Tyler Johnson, a former AAS National President, was a big hit. for our Chapter on this event. Thanks to all members of the team, who came out to work and made the day a great success. Lt Gen (ret) Mike Basla entertains cadets at the University of Syracuse Arnold Air Society/Silver Wings Area 1 Conclave The Gabriel Chapter continues to engage with area AFROTC students and staff and solicit ideas about what we can do as a chapter to help the Detachment at UMD. Students in the Gabriel Chapter AOR, from George Mason, Marymount, and other programs, attend AFROTC classes in a crosstown enrollment program at the University of Maryland in College Park. Lisa Richter is leading an effort to provide information and mentorship for certain career fields, as the cadets have a bit of uncertainty to jobs, bases, and required training, etc. All in all it was a great weekend for the AFA and AAS. We look forward to working with these college-age Airmen in their professional development and future careers. Wreaths Across America On behalf of the Air Force Association and the Gabriel Chapter, thanks again to everyone who helped distribute wreaths on Saturday, 18 December. In contrast to last year, it was a brisk but beautiful day. Thanks to everyone who participated; it was certainly successful thanks to your hard work. Thanks in particular to Chapter lead Pat Rocke for his hard work and leadership 8 of 16 Tens of thousands of volunteers joined the Gabriel Chapter Truck 28 crew to lay wreaths on the tombs of our fallen comrades. The Wreaths Across America opening ceremony started at the McClellan Gate with a fly over of Army Blackhawk helicopters. Thousands of volunteers were lined up to accept wreaths from the Gabriel Chapter truck crew by Wreaths Across America honors our fallen comrades at national cemeteries across the United States, including Arlington National Cemetery.
the time permission was given to begin distribution at 9:15. The crew for Truck 28 was mostly done by 11:00 while we awaited final inspection of our empty truck and stacked and banded empty boxes. The Gabriel Chapter team unloaded more than 4,000 wreathes in just under two hours, providing a steady stream of wreaths to volunteers who honored out fallen comrades. Together, we accomplished something special that is an important sign of patriotism in recognition of those who lost their lives in order that we may have freedom. The AFA Gabriel Chapter Truck 28 Crew Wreath pickup day is 20 January with an 8:00 start, and Pat Rocke is a Dumpster Crew Chief. Watch your email for details on the event. Please contact us if you would like to join your AFA Gabriel Chapter in this annual dumpster dive at afa_gabriel_chapter@afa-gabriel.org Upcoming Events Save the date for these upcoming Chapter activities for the next quarter: Wednesday, 10 January 2018, 1130-1330, Chapter Lunch Meeting, speaker is Colonel Rocky Favorito, USAF, Commander, 844th Communications Group (844th CG/CC) and Air Force District of Washington A6 (AFDW/A6). Location: McCormick & Schmick s, Tysons Corner, VA Wednesday, 14 February 2018, 1130-1330, Chapter Lunch Meeting, will be held at the 16th Annual Air, Space, and Cyber IT Day. Fairview Park Marriott. The Gabriel Chapter is sponsoring this event with AFCEA Northern Virginia. This oneday conference provides an unparalleled opportunity to hear from and meet senior military and civilian leaders from the Air Force and other DoD agencies. Our speakers will be addressing our confirmed theme: Multi-Domain C2 and Cyber: Leveraging Innovation and Agile Acquisition. Wednesday, 14 March 2018, 1130-1330, our very special guest speaker is General Joseph L. Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. You will not want to miss this special four-star event. We will have limited seats available so register early. Location: McCormick & Schmick s, Tysons Corner, VA Next Chapter EXCOM meeting will be Wednesday, 03 January 2018, 7:00-8:00 PM. Happy New Year! Chapter Council Vacancies We are looking for volunteers to fill other vacancies on the Chapter Council, as well. Interested members should contact Chapter President Joseph Burke at joe.burke@afagabriel.org or any member of the Chapter Council. VP Chapter Events Vacant VP Awards and Recognition Vacant VP Wounded Airman Program Vacant Other Items in the News AFA and Virginia Veterans Your AFA is represented by Governor s appointment to the Joint Leadership Council (JLC) of Veterans Services Organizations. This Council gives one voice to the interests of more than 840,000 Virginia veterans. The JLC supports the Department of Veteran Affairs and provides direct input to the Governor and General Assembly for annual budget items and legislation to further the interests of veterans and their families in Virginia. The stated goal is to make Virginia the most veteran friendly state in the union. Major programs of interest are the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (not to be confused with the national Wounded Warrior Project), the construction of two new Veteran Care Centers (one in Hampton Roads), the maintenance of three Veteran Cemeteries (one in Suffolk), support for the Virginia War Memorial, and specific programs like the 9 of 16
Veterans, Education, Training and Employment. For questions about the JLC or to make input, contact Gabriel Chapter VP for Veterans Affairs, Bob Austin bob.austin@afa-gabriel.org Veteran s Corner This edition of Veteran s Corner is a combination of several recently announced programs by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Please share these with other vets that may find the information useful. Updates will be provided when released by the VA. Veterans ID Card: Veterans having served with a honorable discharge may now apply for the Veterans Identification Card (VIC). This card will provide proof of military service, and may be accepted by retailers in lieu of the standard DD-214 form to obtain promotional discounts and other services where offered to Veterans. To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov and click on Apply for Printed Veteran ID Card. A digital version of the VIC will be available online by mid-december. The White House VA Hotline: The VA Hotline is now fully staffed with live agents working to serve Veterans 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. The hotline is now staffed by a team consisting of 90 percent Veterans or employees who have a Veteran family member. The VA Hotline provides Veterans with a direct, dedicated contact line that allows them to interact with highly trained, live agents to answer their needs and concerns. Hotline agents answer inquiries, provide directory assistance, document concerns about VA care, benefits and services, and expedite the referral and resolution of those concerns. The hotline can be accessed at 855-948-2311. New Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions: Secretary of Veterans Affairs recently announced that the VA is considering possible new presumptive conditions that may qualify for disability compensation related to Agent Orange exposure. This decision for further review is based on the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)'s latest report regarding Veterans and Agent Orange, and associated data and recommendations from the NAM Task Force. Any new approved presumptive conditions for service connection that would qualify for disability compensation would be formally announced by the VA. Speculation is that bladder cancer may be one of the conditions under review. New Program for Claim Resolution: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it will launch the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program, or RAMP, with the goal of providing Veterans with the earliest possible resolution of their disagreement with VA s decision on their benefit claims. RAMP will provide expanded opportunities for Veterans to enter the new, more efficient claims review process outlined in the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on Aug. 23. By February 2019, all requests for review of VA decisions will be processed under the new, multi-lane process. The initiative allows participants to have their decisions reviewed in the Higher- Level or Supplemental Claim review lanes outlined in the law. Veterans who disagree with the decisions they receive in RAMP can appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals. Veterans Corner is submitted by Bart Barton, State VP for Veteran Affairs and the State AFA Representative to the Joint Leadership Council (JLC) of Veteran Service Organizations. For questions about the JLC or to make input, contact Bart Barton at hbartonjr@verizon.net or Gabriel Chapter VP for Veterans Affairs, Bob Austin at bob.austin@afa-gabriel.org. Honoring Our Fallen Comrades This section of our newsletter is to recognize the service and sacrifice of our fellow airmen and Gabriel Chapter members, who have gone to their final reward. If you would like to recognize a fallen comrade or family member in these pages, please send information to our VP Communications at afa_gabriel_chapter@afagabriel.org 10 of 16
Many Thanks to our Corporate Sponsors Chapter Corporate Sponsors In recognition of designation at the Bronze- Level, Chapter Corporate Sponsors receive: Identification as a Community Partner of the Gabriel Chapter with a Cherrywood plaque and two individual memberships to the Air Force Association Recognition as a Chapter Corporate Sponsor on the Chapter Website afagabriel.org Invitations to all Chapter events and Chapter membership meetings Gabriel Chapter Bronze Level Sponsors Gabriel Chapter Silver Level Sponsors If you would like more information on the Gabriel Chapter Corporate Sponsor program, contact afa_gabriel_chapter@afa-gabriel.org Gabriel Chapter Platinum Sponsor In addition, Silver-Level Sponsors receive: One reserved seat at monthly membership luncheons Gold-level sponsors receive: Two reserved seats at monthly membership luncheons Platinum-level sponsors are recognized with : Four reserved seats at monthly membership luncheons Gabriel Chapter Community Partners By affiliating with AFA, our Partners join with other AFA members worldwide to support policies and programs that provide the Air Force with the trained men and women and the modern weapon systems needed to fulfill its missions and help assure America has a deterrent force sufficient to ensure this nation s peace and security. Partners designated members receive AFA s monthly publication, Air Force Magazine. The magazine allows them to keep abreast of AF matters through an informative and entertaining mix of articles on a wide variety of subjects, including new weapons and aircraft, national 11 of 16
defense issues, legislative reports, first-person accounts of air operations, book reviews, and much more. Chapter Finances Gabriel Chapter Treasurer, Dallas Kennedy, reports on the Chapter s Finances: Chapter Financial Activity *Current values are as of date of newsletter publication* Inflow: Chapter Membership Meetings Chapter Sponsors and Community Partners Outflow: Chapter Membership Meetings Administrative Expenses 12 of 16
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Gabriel Chapter Top Ten Tips for Recruiting and Retaining Members The General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter has been recognized for a successful retention program. AFA Field Operations asked Chapter President Joe Burke for his secrets to success. Here are ten tips that Joe shared with our AFA National Field Operations Staff. How has the Chapter been so successful at growing new members and retaining existing members? Joe said, My usual answer is that there is no magic to retention, that it just takes some commitment and to remember it s a contact sport. Here are the Gabriel Top Ten Tips for Retention: 1. Chapter Programs and Events That Offer Value to Members - People join the Association for different reasons and have varying interests in AFA programs. Retention starts with running balanced Chapter programs that advance the AFA mission -- Advocating for Airpower, developing Aerospace Education and supporting Airmen and Families while offering something for everyone. Our membership events bring active duty and reserve component speakers who present on topics that serve the AFA mission. We have at least one Chapter social event a year and we run monthly meetings in different locations throughout our AOR to make it easier for members to attend. 2. Communicate with our Membership. We have a great communications team with VP for Communications, Jack Diamond, and VP for Social Media, Sam Shelton. Every week we notify members about upcoming Chapter events through our Quarterly Newsletter, Chapter website, Facebook page, and Constant Contact email notifications. 3. Reach Out to First Year Members and Transfers We download the Chapter membership roster monthly (or whenever it s updated by national) and contact new members to make sure they know we are their Chapter and are ready to help them get active in our Association. 4. Don t Take Attendance -- We understand that they can t get to some or even most of our events due to active duty, work or family commitments. We make it clear that if they can participate in only one of our events, they are still making a difference. Even for our Executive Committee Members, we consider participation voluntary whatever time they can commit is valued and appreciated. 5. Track Status with AFA Provided Reports - We download our Roster from the AFA website when it is updated around mid-month. The Update Roster lists all members who are coming up for renewal or whose memberships are expiring. The roster also tells us whether or not a member we previously contacted about re-upping has actually renewed his or her membership. 6. Watch the AFA Retention Training Module - The Retention training module on the AFA website goes through the entire process, including the how to use the rosters for Chapter retention. 7. Assign a Chapter Lead for Membership Our Chapter VP for Membership is currently vacant. Nevertheless, one person needs to lead the Retention effort. So our Chapter President has stepped in, assisted by other Executive Committee (EXCOM) members. The Chapter President owns and leads our program. It takes a group of people to implement, but one person is responsible. 8. Retention is a Contact Sport We personally contact each member. Usually the member has already been contacted by AFA National, with letters and emails. We assign a real person to reach out with personal contact by telephone or email -- to each member who is up for renewal. 9. Retention is Also a Team Sport Whenever possible; we make sure that the person who recruited the member, or who knows him or her best, reaches out to make the contact. For all others, we divvy up the list among the EXCOM. In the end, an assigned sponsor (retention committee or a member who knows them) contacts the member and provides that personal touch. 10. Follow-up Every month our VP for Membership audits the membership roster to see who renewed. We follow-up with any disconnects and confirm the member s status. Sometimes a member confirms that they renewed their membership even though they do not show up on the roster. So we have to call AFA HQ membership and resolve the issue. AFA HQ is always ready to assist us! 14 of 16
The Air Force Association is proud to announce that we are furthering our partnership with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to promote aerospace education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. "The partnership between AFA and CAP offers a great opportunity for members from both organizations to stay connected and advocate for the future of our Air Force," said General Larry Spencer, AFA President. "Education is one of AFA's top priorities, and we believe this relationship supports that mission by granting our members access to invaluable information on the rich history of our great Air Force." As a thank you to AFA members, CAP is extending a special opportunity for AFA members to become involved as "Friends of CAP" for $15 instead of the usual $35 cost. AFA "Friends of CAP" pay $15 as a tax deductible gift to further support Civil Air Patrol without volunteer membership obligations. Friends will receive the Civil Air Patrol magazine twice a year, as well as periodic emails with updates from the national staff and development office. Friends are also eligible to take advantage of member benefits and discounts. To become an AFA Friend of CAP click here and use discount code AFACAP on page two of the online form. If you know of any CAP members who are not currently AFA members, please encourage them to join AFA at a special price for new CAP members. Click here for more info. We look forward to partnering with CAP and working together to promote aerospace education and a dominate Air Force. Air Force Association 1501 Lee Highway Arlington, VA 22209-1198 AFA.org Phone 703-247-5800 Toll Free 800-727-3337 15 of 16
Update Your Information Please visit the Chapter web site at http://www.afa-gabriel.org/ to update your contact information and gain access to additional information on the Gabriel Chapter s history, meetings, and events. Suggestions? Do you have a suggestion for the newsletter or a Chapter initiative? Please feel free to contact us at afa_gabriel_chapter@afa-gabriel.org. Executive Committee President Emeritus Gen (Ret.) Ralph Ed Eberhart President Joe Burke Joe.Burke@afa-gabriel.org Vice President Mike Winters Michael.Winters@afa-gabriel.org Treasurer Dallas Kennedy John.Kennedy@afa-gabriel.org Secretary Jack Diamond John.Diamond@afa-gabriel.org VP Membership and Community Partners Ron Cournoyer Ron.Cournoyer@afa-gabriel.org VP Salute and Military Affairs Rick Larson Rick.Larson@afa-gabriel.org VP Aerospace Education Brad Wilkins Brad.Wilkins@afa-gabriel.org VP Chapter Events VACANT VP Chapter Communications Samantha Shelton Samantha.shelton@afa-gabriel.org VP Leadership Development VACANT Webmaster Filip DaSilva Filip.Dasilva@afa-gabriel.org VP Awards and Recognition VACANT VP Veterans Affairs Robert Austin Robert.Austin@afa-gabriel.org VP Government Affairs Lee Rizzo Lee.Rizzo@afa-gabriel.org Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/afagabrielchapter/ 16 of 16