AFSA Chapter 984

July 2013, Issue 6

AFSA Chapter 984

CMSAF #6 James M. McCoy Chapter
New Chapter 984 website has Just Arrived!
The communications team just launched the Chapters new website! Scan QR code for direct access or use www.afsa984.org.

Presidents Corner.
Chapter 984 Members, PASSION! This describes how I feel about the Air Force Sergeants Association! I have been an avid supporter of this organization for the past five years, but it did take me a while to really realize IT. I was first introduced to AFSA when I was a young Airman stationed in Turkey. I dont even remember how I became a member, but I did join. I would try to make meetings but some I couldnt. At times within my first couple of months of being a new member I just didnt feel like I was a part of the team. I let my membership lapse and never renewed while I finished my tour in Turkey. Years later and couple of bases after my first experience with AFSA, I decided to give it another try. Maybe with a change of scenery or just being part of a new chapter, maybe things would be different. But after attending a couple of meetings at my new base it was the same experience I experienced before. Yes, I believed that the organization was doing great things for the Airmen and their families, as I was one reaping the benefits AFSA was fighting for. I just wanted to be a part of this great fraternity. It seemed like people were in these positions for the wrong reasons. So again as a sergeant I wasnt a very active member and again I allowed my membership to lapse. As I was on and off from AFSA since my time in the Air Force there was a moment where I gained the passion for this organization, which grows each and every day.

Important Dates
July 1 Bingo Night with Eastern Nebraska Vets Home 1830-1930 General Membership Meeting @ 1130, Bowling Alley Lounge Ralston Arena Kenny G Concert Werner Park Omaha Stormchasers vs. OKC Ralston Arena Martina McBride Concert BX membership Drive, 1000-1400 Ralston Arena VFC 40 1st Membership Appreciation Day July 10

July 11 July 13 July 19 July 20 July 27 TBD

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Mark your calendar: General Membership meeting, 10 July 2013 @ 1130 hours at the Bowling Alley Lounge. MSgt (Ret) Merle Spaulding donates pizzas for the meeting, come join us for lunch. Door Prizes will be given away!

AFSA Chapter 984

July 2013, Issue 6

Upcoming Fundraisers!
At Ralston Arena and Werner Park AFSA, Chapter 984 works in the concession stands and makes profit on total sales. Usually an event takes 8-14 people to run smoothly. Below are the dates scheduled for the Ralston Arena & Werner Park. To signup use the links below. Ralston Arena: - 11 July 13: Kenny G. Concert (Full) - 27 July 13: VFC 40
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AEA92EA31-ralston3

POC: TSgt Donnail Mitchell or A1C Colby

Werner Park - 13 July 13: Omaha Storm Chaser vs. Oklahoma City
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AEA92EA31-werner

POC: TSgt Donnail Mitchell or A1C Finch Future Fund Raisers

Upcoming Events
Upcoming events sponsored by chapter 984. We do need assistance of volunteers or leaders to run these events. If interested contact SSgt Danielle Tibbs. - 11 & 24 July 13: POW/MIA Planning Meeting - 17 August 13: Brush up Nebraska

- 25 September 13: 1st Annual POW/MIA 5K Run POC: TSgt Amber Saienni

Job Opening on Executive Council LEAD A FUNDRAISER!

If you would like information on how to help or spearhead a Chapter 984 fundraiser contact TSgt Mitchell at donnail.mitchell@offutt.af.mil. SSgt Tibbs the Ways & Means Chair is PCSing in August and Chapter 984 is looking for a replacement to fill her role. For more information on the Ways & Means position email Chapter President Melenka. Interviews will happen after next meeting in July.

POW/MIA Ceremony & 5K

This years POW/MIA ceremony will be held on 27 September. If you would like to be part of the POW/MIA planning committee, contact MSgt Jesse Pennington at jesse.pennington.2@offutt.af.mil. There will also be 5K POW/MIA fundraiser on 25 September. A donation will be given to a non-profit org. Additional volunteers are needed to organize and make this event a success. A few more positions to fill, contact MSgt Pennington.

New Facebook Page

Did you know that your local Chapter has a Facebook page? Click the following link:

Follow Chapter 984 on Twitter

You can now begin to follow Chapter 984 on Twitter. To follow Chapter 984 find us @AFSA984.

http://www.facebook.com/Afsachapter984

Chapter Website launched on 30 June 2013. The website will be www.afsa984.org TSgt Davila and his communication team have been working to create a new and improve website for our Chapter. If you have any ideas to improve our communications or to join the communications team contact TSgt Alfredo Davila at alfredo.davila@offutt.af.mil.

984 Website has arrived!

Instagram for 984!

You can now begin to follow Chapter 984 on instagram. Click on link: http://instagram.com/afsa984

AFSA has a great site for your viewing pleasure. You can see what AFSA is currently fighting, your benefits as a member. To login in you need your member number and register. Go to the following site: 2 https://www.hqafsa.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=H o e

HQ AFSA Website

AFSA Chapter 984

July 2013, Issue 6

THIS JUST IN!

Chapter 984 has just moved into the Top 14 of largest chapters in the Air Force Sergeants Association. This is the first time it has been in the Top 15 for over 5 plus years. Also, your chapter has led Division 3 with the most new members recruited to 984 since the beginning of the year. We need to continue the momentum to the end of the year. Go Chapter 984!!!
Chapter 984 Membership Leaderboard:
MSgt Melenka: 83 (3 ret) TSgt Sidel: 33 (Retentions) SSgt Therrien: 16 SSgt Parker: 8 SrA Helm: 5 SMSgt (ret) Lutzen: 4 MSgt Wilson: 32 (2 ret) CMSgt (ret) Parente: 17 A1C Walker: 9 A1C Enzor: 6 SrA Barnes: 4 SSgt Tibbs: 3

Chapter 984 Coins are IN!

The new Chapter 984 coins just arrived. We have 100 on hand. Be the first to get your new Chapter coin. The cost is $10.00 per coin. If you would like a coin please contact personnel: MSgt Nicholas Melenka.

BX Membership Drives!
Come out and help Chapter 984 recruit & retain members. We will have two events in July. 13 July 2013 @ 1000 to 1300 20 July 2013 @ 1000 to 1300

Membership Team Seeks Motivated personnel!

SSgt Vanns membership committee is looking for a representative from each squadron to join the membership committee! Come join our membership team to recruit & retain members into the Air Force Sergeants Association. You will be trained how to recruit & retain. You will learn how to talk in front of large groups about AFSA. Membership team briefs at ALS, NCOPME, SNCO induction, Right Start, and many more! Only skill required is MOTIVATION. Contact SSgt Vann at VANNAL@stratcom.mil.

Presidents Drawing
Every month at the general membership meeting if you bring an E-4 below non-member they are entered into the Presidents drawing to win a free $25.00 two-year membership. So bring your Airmen to get them involved and a chance at a FREE membership! 3

Ruby Tuesday has offered AFSA six different dates to the end of the year to help raise money for the organization. All you have to do is present the flyer attached and have lunch or dinner at the Cornhusker Ruby Tuesday. They will give 20% of your total bill back to AFSA. The dates of the give back program are July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5 and Dec 3. Click on link for flyer. http://www.hqafsa.org/aoc/afsa_rtp.pdf

AFSA Chapter 984

July 2013, Issue 6

Members assist at ENVH for Chapter 984 Bingo Night!

Once a month Chapter 984 sponsors Bingo night at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans (ENVH) Home in Bellevue, NE. On 3 Jun 13, volunteers from AFWA went to the ENVH to assist the residents in the monthly bingo sponsored by Chapter 984. The residents love their bingo that we sponsor for them every month and appreciate every time we come out. Bingo lasts about an hour and we usually hold the event the first Monday of every month from 1830-1930 hours. After the games are finished the volunteers that come out also helps the residents back to their rooms for the night. If you are interested in leading an event for your squadron contact TSgt Therrien, Stephanie.

1st Membership Appreciation day at Werner Park

At the last general membership meeting it was approved to host our 1st membership appreciation day at Werner Park during an Omaha Stormchasers game in late July or early August. Details are still being worked out. The Chapter will purchase at least 100 tickets for members and reserve another 100 tickets if you would like to purchase additional tickets for the event. As details are still being looked at it has been brought to the table of giving away only 2 tickets per member. If you need more tickets for the game you will be able to purchase more seats for an additional $8 per seat. We will seat your party together. Before the game we will be having a tailgate party in the parking lot. We will provide the food for the event. Please bring your own drinks. If you would like more information on the appreciation day please make contact with SSgt Amanda Gallegos and SrA Zorisha Barnes. Once a date is chosen it will be sent out to the membership. Also, we will be able to participate in the on-field games they provide during the game, if interested please let us know.

Veterans Affairs
We sponsor numerous monthly and quarterly events at the ENVH in Bellevue. If you are interested in volunteering or being part of the VA team contact Trustee TSgt Therrien @ Therrisk@stratcom.mil.

Next Events at ENVH: 1 July 2013: Bingo Night 8 July 2013: Fish Tank Cleaning 25 July 2012: Lunch with Vets
4

AFSA Chapter 984

July 2013, Issue 6

Legislative
STOP THE BENEFIT CHOP!
In his FY 2014 Budget Proposal to Congress, President Obama asked lawmakers to approve a new plan that will touch nearly every beneficiary in the military healthcare system. Despite past pledges to not balance the budget on the backs of Veterans, the President intends to shift nearly $25 billion in healthcare costs from DoD onto the backs of beneficiaries over the next 10 years. Go to the following link and directly write your state representatives. All you have to do is put your info in and hit submit. http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/issues/alert/?alert id=62605891

One Camouflage Uniform for All Services. When the House of Representatives
passed H.R. 1960, its $638 billion version of the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, by a vote of 315 to 108, one provision included in the bill would require all branches of the U.S. military to share the same camouflage uniformsinstead of the 10 patterns in use todayby October 2018. Variations would still be allowed in the shared uniform to adapt to different environments such as desert or jungle. The provision was sponsored by Rep. William Enyart, D-Ill. You can read more about this at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/houseapproves-measure-to-have-military-branches-shareone-camouflage-pattern/2013/06/14/017700f6-d4ff11e2-bc43-c404c3269c73_story.html

request for another round of base realignments and closures. It would also limit the authority of a higherranking officer to change the findings of a court martial, sets a minimum sentence of two years in prison for rape or sexual assault, and sets numerous other provisions to prevent and deal with sexual assault in the military.

Sequestration: How we Got There; the Impact on Defense. Aviation International News
provides a good summary of how sequestration came about and the current impact on the military services. To read this article, go to: http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/paris-airshow/2013-06-14/sequestration-curbs-pentagonscheck-book

SECDEF Says Women in Combat is the Right ThingIf they Can do It. An article
in Stars and Stripes reports, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told troops in Nebraska [at Offutt AFB] that integrating women into combat positions is the right thing, but said the Defense Department wont be artificially easing requirements to pave the way. Its not a matter of lowering standards to assist women to get into combat positions. . . Women dont want that. In response to a question from a female petty officer about how women in special operations units could affect mission success, Hagel said positions should be open to women on three conditionsif they want it, if theyre qualified, if they can do the job.
5

Provisions in SASC FY 2014 NDAA. On

Thursday, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) passed its version of the NDAA which it will now send to the full Senate. The SASC product included a 1 percent military pay raise for 2014 (in contrast to the House which approved the 1.8 percent pay raise mandated by current law), a provision that would allow service members to earn civilian certifications and licenses based on their military training, and it rejected the Obama Administrations

AFSA Chapter 984

July 2013, Issue 6

PASSION! Continued from the Presidents Corner: I realized that instead of letting the problem continue, be the one to help change it. Be a part of the great what this organization is really about, not about the folks who only think AFSA is for people wanting to get promoted or for the people that have their own agenda for personal gains. This organization is so much bigger than any of that; its bigger than any of us. When I talk to Airmen who arent members, I get all kinds of responses, but I just wish I could pass my passion to them to see what I see in AFSA. But, none of this would have ever been possible if I would have given up after my first experience with AFSA. I am so glad I didnt and continue to give this organization the chance it really deserved. Again I am humbled and so passionate about AFSA. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President for Chapter 984. Chapter 984 leads the way!!!

The AFSA Four Pillars

I. LEGISLATION: is AFSAs vector! Our team
of professionals works 24/7 to protect the pay, benefits, and quality of life of all enlisted Airmen and their families not just our AFSA members. We reach out to all members of Congress and share the Airmens story. AFSA has proven to be a go to organization for Congress when key testimony is needed. We stand tall and proud for you!

communications as welland also provide opportunities for the development of oral communications, mentorship and leadership among our enlisted Airmen.

IV. FRATERNITY: represents the shared

values that create the bond for our members. We pride ourselves on supportingand living the values of our beloved Air Force. We strive on integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do! AFSA is a family of wonderful professionals! We have each others sixwe fight, win and experience joy as a team! Im goodyoure goodbut together--we are better!

II. MEMBERSHIP: is AFSAs thrust! We pride

ourselves as acting as The Voice of the Enlisted. AFSAs voice comes from our members who show their support in AFSA through their initial and continued membership. The larger our membership the greater our voice on Capitol Hill. We are your servant leaders! Our power comes from you! Walk with usand we will walk with you!

1st Annual Golf Tournament

FORE!!! The golf tournament ran by TSgt Saienni & TSgt Davis turned out to be a successful event for Chapter 984. The tournament raised $700 profit for the chapter. Thanks to all the volunteers that came out to support the chapter that day. Congratulations to the winners of the tournament and the team that placed 2nd. The 1st place team received $50 gift certificates each and trophies 1st place trophies! Pictures will be posted shortly on 984 website.

III. COMMUNICATIONS:

is the glue that holds AFSA together. AFSA uses a combination of newsletters, alerts, web site updates, Facebook, twitter and more to keep our members up to date on key legislative developments. Chapter meetings, conventions and more increase the positive flow of
6

AFSA Chapter 984

July 2013, Issue 6

Oklahoma Clothing Drive

TEAMWORK!
On 20 May 2013, a tornado tragedy struck close to one of our brother chapters in Division 3, Chapter 985, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. A tornado ripped through the city close to the installation leaving scraps and homes damaged nearby. On 31 May 2013, another tornado struck again causing more damage after the first. Chapter 984 watched the news of this tragedy happening in Oklahoma and decided to help our brothers and sisters at Chapter 985. CP Melenka contacted CP Turner to first check on the safety of all in that area and also what we could do to assist them recover from the destruction created by these two massive tornadoes. Chapter 984, executive council decided to conduct a clothing drive for Chapter 985 and the nearby Oklahoma community that was affected. But before Chapter 984 could get the clothing drive off the ground the fundraiser request to solicit clothes had to be approved through the base. It took several days but finally Chapter 984 got approval for the clothing drive. Within minutes of the first email going out to the membership, MSgt Matthew Fritz from the 55 AMXS squadron jumped on board to lead this great event. He recruited more than 10 POCs from different squadrons on Offutt AFB for support. Within 6 days the POCs collected over 117 boxes of supplies, which estimated to be over 5.3K lbs of clothing. Once Matt finished the clothing drive contact was made with 985 CP Terry Turner where he informed us a lot of places they were assisting have stopped taking donations because of the great contributions around the world to assist with this tragedy. MSgt Fritz did not stop there as different options came across the table but he still believed help was needed in Oklahoma. He then put a team together to conduct research of other Oklahoma cities that were affected by these tornados. Within hours of research they found a place in need. They reached Pastor Delawna Newcomb
7

in Oklahoma City and found they have opened and sponsored a disaster relief site at Truelike Baptist Missionary Church in Oklahoma City. That was the place the team decided to bring the donated clothes too. MSgt Fritz contacted U-Haul Truck Company who donated a truck for our event. On 14 Jun he teamed up with SSgt Scott Lowery from Air Force Weather Agency and SSgt Ashley Iverson 55th MOS to pack the truck tight and head south to deliver the goods. They made it to the location on that Sat morning and helped unload the donated clothes at the church and headed back to Omaha. CP Melenka had the pleasure to speak to Pastor Newcomb who said her town was blessed by the help of the men and women from Offutt AFB. She also said within days of the donated goods were received that over 60 families have been helped from. She believes with the clothes delivered could help another 150-200 needed families in the months to come.

AFSA Chapter 984

July 2013, Issue 6

Introducing the Presidents Chip for Extraordinary Performance

Starting on 1 Jun the CP started a new incentive for Outstanding Chapter members that goes above and beyond. For a member that gives Extraordinary Performance to Chapter 984 will personally receive the Presidents Chip. At the June General Membership Meeting the first chip was presented to A1C Jack Finch from AFWA. His performance has been clearly above and beyond. He has assisted with many events the chapter has held this year. He is part of the membership team, communication team, spearheaded the May Adopt-a-Hwy cleanup, help build the newsletter, helping build the new Chapter 984 website, led Bingo night at the ENVH, Ralston Arena, fundraisers and so much more. Jack keep up the extraordinary performance and congratulations on receiving the first presidents chip! A1C Jack Finch receiving the first Presidents Chip from CP Melenka at the June Membership meeting.

New Chick-fil-A Sponsorship

Chapter 984 just teamed up with Chick-fil-A in f Bellevue NE, for a monthly membership sponsorship. For the remainder of the year Chick-fil-A will buy a membership for an outstanding E-6 non-AFSA member. They will also provide a free meal to the recipient of this award. Any member can nominate an individual within their workplace. All you have to do is submit at least a 50-word statement to the executive council of why this person is the most deserving. This process will begin at the August general membership meeting. All submission will be due by the end of each month. Winner will be announced at the next membership meeting. If you have an individual for July please get with the Chapter President on nominee before 10 Jul 13. For this individual just give a brief statement on why they should be consider for the membership. The POC for this award will be TSgt Travis Sidel.

Presidents Contact Info:

Anytime you need to contact the President of Chapter 984 or provide feedback please use the following info: HP: 210-452-9322 WP: 402-294-6593 Home E-mail: chapter984president@cox.net Work e-mail: nicholas.melenka@offutt.af.mil
8