AFSA Chapter 984

September/October 2013, Issue 8

AFSA Chapter 984

CMSAF #6 James M. McCoy Chapter
Find out how to get a $1000 grant!
If you are attending Bellevue University or want to, see how you can receive a $1000 grant!!! See page 5.

Presidents Corner.
Chapter 984 Members, As your executive council enters the final quarter of the year, I would like to highlight some things the Chapter has accomplished so far this year. Starting with only $195 at the beginning of the year, the fundraiser team worked extremely hard to raise money for the Chapter. With their hard work we were able to donate over $2500 to our Airmen by sponsoring different events. We were able to purchase Annual Awards for our Winners and buy recognition items like Coins and the Presidents Chip to recognize our great members. We were able to have our 1st Membership appreciation night paid by the chapter. Membership we were able to recruit and retain more members in three quarters than what we did all of last year. We reached to Top 13 in total members out of AFSA. Communications have improved as we are sending monthly newsletters out to our members. We also launched our new website and updated our Facebook page. Our Veteran Affairs have improved as well as we continue to sponsor lunches and bingo night, but we also provided a tour to our Vets that went overall very well. For events we were able to pull off the first Division 3 conference and our 19th Annual POW/MIA Remembrance luncheon. As we have done so much more during the first three quarters I cant say how proud I am of this wonderful Chapter 984 team. We enter the fourth quarter with a lot more work to finish out a great year. We thank everyone that has helped and helping Chapter 984 into greatness for 2013.
Oct 2 Oct 7 Oct 9

Important Dates
Right Start 0900-1000 Bingo Night w/ENVH 1830-1930 General Membership Meeting @ 1130, Bowling Alley Lounge Donation of new animals to the Childrens Hospital Ralston Arena, Lancers game @ 1700 Adopt-a-Highway Fall Cleanup @ 1000 Start Thanksgiving Food Drive at the Commissary Lunch w/ Vets at ENVH 1100-1200

Oct 12 Oct 17 Oct 19

Oct 20 Oct 31

Mark your calendar: General Membership meeting, 9 October 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

October 2013, Issue 8

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.

Upcoming Fundraisers!
- November: Thanksgiving food drive starts in October POC: TSgt Bettencourt, Scott - December: Looking to do Christmas Wrapping at the BX for the holidays. Also, looking into doing an iPad Mini or Xbox drawing for the holidays. POC: TSgt Saienni, Amber Ralston Arena: 17 Oct 13: Lancers Game @ 1905 hours contact A1C Colby, Naomi for more information 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. Werner Park Season Over! We thank everyone that volunteered their time to help out this past summer!

Adopt-a-Highway Program
It is that time again to conduct our Fall Cleanup for Adopt-A-Highway. Chapter 984 is responsible to conduct two cleanups out of the year. Our location for the cleanup is off of Fort Crook adjacent to Offutt AFB perimeter. The date scheduled for the cleanup will be on 19 October 2013 @ 1000 hrs. We need at least 25 volunteers for this community event. If you would like to volunteer for the event, contact SSgt Chris Mishler from 55 ISS for more information.

Our new website has arrived. The website will be www.afsa984.org or scan QR code. If you have any ideas to improve our communications or to join their team contact TSgt Alfredo Davila at alfredo.davila@offutt.af.mil.

Chapter 984 Website

AFSA APP for Apple & Android

AFSA App for Apple and Android users are now available for download. If you have feedback to improve or see something on the application e-mail CP Melenka. To download for Apple use following link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-forcesergeants-association/id705853597?mt=8 To download for Android use the following link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com. mobiledev.afsa.

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: https://www.hqafsa.org//AM/Template.cfm?Sect

HQ AFSA Website

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

http://www.facebook.com/Afsachapter984

Check out our Division 3 website. Go to the following 2 site: http://www.afsadiv3.org

Division 3 Website

AFSA Chapter 984

October 2013, Issue 8

Membership Team Seeks Motivated personnel!

SSgt Vanns membership committee is looking for a representative from each squadron to join our 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.

Chapter 984 Membership Leaderboard:

MSgt Melenka: 101 (4 ret) TSgt Sidel: 48 (Retentions) CMSgt (ret) Parente: 17 A1C Walker: 9 MSgt Wilson: 100 (2 ret) A1C Finch: 29 SSgt Therrien: 16 SSgt Parker: 8

Membership Challenge
CP Melenka challenged the general membership and his executive council to recruit 13 new members in 2013 to go along with HQAFSA initiative of 13 recruits in 13. If you hit 13 in 13 you will receive a coin from the International President. CP Melenka offered the same incentive to the members who meet this challenge. They will also receive a Chapter Coin.

BX Membership Drives!
Come out and help Chapter 984 recruit & retain members. We will have one event in October. 26 October 2013 @ 1000 to 1300

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! Winner for Drawing in August is below with CP Melenka.

TOP 13 IN AFSA!!!
Chapter 984 has moved into the Top 13 Chapters in all of AFSA with total members. This is the first time in years our chapter has been in the Top 15. We need to continue the momentum to the end of the year. Our next goal is for 1,700+ members. Go Chapter 984!!!

Chick-Fil-A Membership
Chapter 984 just teamed up with Chick-fil-A in Bellevue NE, for a monthly membership sponsorship. For the remainder of the year Chickfil-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 Chapter 984 member can nominate an individual within their workplace.
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AFSA Chapter 984

October 2013, Issue 8

AFSA ELECTIONS!!!
AFSA Chapter 984 Elections are coming up during our December general membership meeting. The positions that will be open are President, Vice President, and (3) Trustee Positions. Other positions that will be appointed by the new executive council would Secretary, Treasure, Airman Activity coordinator, possible trustee positions, Membership chair, & Way and Means chairs. October 1st, Senior Advisor Sidel will send an email out to the general membership about how to be nominated and what you need to do to run for a position. All applications will be due to TSgt Sidel by 1 December 2013. Also, nominations can come from the floor at the December meeting. If want to know more info about elections contact TSgt Travis Sidel at travis.sidel@offutt.af.mil.

Animals from AFSA Update!

The Animals from AFSA was an initiative created by the Executive Council. Chapter 984 created two initiatives back in August. The first initiative was soliciting donated used stuff animals to be donated for less fortunate children. As of today Chapter 984 has collected over 1,500 used stuff animals to be donated to the Open Door Mission. The team is currently boxing up these animals to deliver in early October. We would like to Thank everyone for there donation of these animals.

Thank You to CMSgt (ret) Muthard

Our 2nd initiative started off slow with our Animals from AFSA. As our time was coming closed to collect new stuff animals for the Omaha Childrens Hospital. The chapter needed about 75 new animals for all the children that reside at the hospital that receive treatment. Early September the Chapter was short by 45 new animals. CP Melenka sent out an email to the membership asking for help. The next day he received a phone call from CMSgt Muthard said he would like to donate. The Chief donated enough to buy 45 new build a bear type of new animals from Noahs Workshop. The chapter is looking to donate these animals to the hospital and help them build them with the children in the middle of October. Thank you Chief Muthard!!!

Donates towards dorm BBQ

AFSA Chapter 984 donated up to $1,000 for the Airman dorm residents on Offutt AFB. The BBQ was held on 22 Sep 13 and had a great turnout. The Airmen enjoyed the music, the food, the dunking booths, the bouncy castles and so much more. There were also a bunch of raffles giving away during this BBQ as well. The Airman enjoyed the day and thanked Chapter 984 for sponsoring this event for them.

AFSA Chapter 984

October 2013, Issue 8

Brush Up Nebraska
On 17 August 2013, Chapter 984 with 15 chapter members sponsored a house during the 25th Anniversary of BRUSH UP NEBRASKA, PaintA-Thon. Chapter 984 Team Captain (A1C) Brianna Stanley stepped up for the Chapter and took on this difficult task. She went to the meetings to gain all the information of what the chapter needed to sponsor a home during this event. During the meeting the board of directors from BRUSH UP NEBRASKA, met with A1C Stanley and let her know that the house that was selected for AFSA, Chapter 984 was 73 year old Gene Rose an Army Veteran. She managed over 25 volunteers for three days/20+ hours to finish the house from start to finish. Gene continue to thank us for all the help to make this happen. He even said he didn't think the house would be that bright, but Chapter 984 did a great job with his house. It is with my great pleasure as Chapter President of Chapter 984 to see such a young Airman to step up and make this happen. This could not have been accomplished without her leadership. Great Job A1C Brianna Stanley and to her team!!! BRUSH UP NEBRASKA was established in 1989. In 24 years, over 2,500 homes have been painted by the volunteers participating in BRUSH UP NEBRASKA Omaha-metro area.

Civil Air Patrol Presentation

On 4 August 2013, Chapter 984 member MSgt Jason Moore from 55th Security Forces Squadron presented the Air Force Sergeants Award and Medal to CAP NCO Skylar Kennedy assigned to the Gage County Composite Squadron in Beatrice NE.

ALS Donation
CP Melenka presents a $1000 check to MSgt Jennifer Maitland the CMSAF #6 James M. McCoy Airman Leadership School Commandant. For there class project they conducted a fundraiser at Werner Park which raised $700. Chapter 984 donated an extra $300. This money will go to their medallions.

AFSA Chapter 984

October 2013, Issue 8

Bellevue University Grants For AFSA Members

Air Force Sergeants Association and Bellevue University has a partnership for the members of AFSA. AFSA members now can get a $1,000 military grant as a new student at Bellevue University. AFSA members must use the portal at www.bellevue.edu/militarypartners to qualify

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.

New Chapter 984 Quarterly Scholarships

Beginning 4 Quarter of 2013, your chapter will be giving away TWO $100 scholarships for AFSA members or Family members that are attending college courses. If you are interested in submitting an application, contact Trustee MSgt John Wilson. Submissions are due by 8 Oct 2013 and will be awarded to the winners at our October general membership meeting on 9 Oct 13 from 1130-1230 at the Offutt Bowling Alley.

Next Events at ENVH: 7 Oct 13: Bingo Night/55th WG 31 Oct 13: Lunch with VETS 4 Nov 13: Bingo Night/1ACCS 11 Nov 13: Veterans Day 2 Dec 13: Bingo Night/97th IS

BINGO NIGHT at ENVH

Every first Monday of the month Chapter 984 sponsors Bingo night with the veterans at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue. The residents always have a great time when we come out and play Bingo. Some of the residents get overprotected of their bingo cards but they sure do love their .50 cents when they win. SSgt Justin Zamora led his team from USSTRATCOM/J2 to sponsor the September AFSA Bingo night. Picture below consist of residents from ENVH and the USSTRATCOM team: SSgt Winter Braman, A1C Adriene Anderson, A1C Casey Holmes, SrA Jacob Tilton and SSgt Justin Zamora.

Chapter 984 at Ralston Arena

Ten volunteers went out to the Ralston Arena for another outstanding fundraiser for the Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 984! The team worked the concession stand from selling food to drinks. The sold over $2000 of concessions during the night.
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AFSA Chapter 984

October 2013, Issue 8

Legislative:
Use CapWiz at: http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/h ome/

Keep Military Pay Flowing if Government Shutdowns: The House has

put forth their version of a Continuing Resolution (CR) that will keep the country running while buying Congress time to come up with a more permanent solution. Unfortunately, they have chosen to attach a provision requiring a defunding of the Affordable Care Act, also known as the ACA or Obamacare. The Senate has already expressed staunch disagreement with this provision and it will likely instigate a contentious meeting between the upper and lower chambers of Congress. Regardless of how you feel about the ACA, this political maneuvering carries with it some potentially devastating collateral damage. If the two chambers of Congress are unable to reach agreement in the upcoming CR conference, it is likely that the federal government would shut down for financial reasons. If this does actually occur, military personnel may see a change in their pay, hopefully only a temporary delay, but it carries obvious impacts. Rent or mortgage, child care, groceries and a host of base support activities stand to be negatively affected. Take action now by sending your elected officials the letter on Capwiz. Click on link above and

The

CAPWIZ Effect. In previous bulletins we have highlighted the ease and effectiveness of the AFSA-sponsored Capwiz program to communicate with your elected officials. During the recent AFSA International Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference, AFSA Director of Military and Government Relations provided a very comprehensive, valuable legislative briefing. One item he highlighted is that when the services stopped tuition assistance earlier this year, AFSA members and supporters sent 14,000 Capwiz letters in 10 days to Congress and the White House urging that the program be reinstated. The effort was successful. For the sake of those who did not read earlier bulletins, below is a recap of how to use this great e-mail-based communicative program.
Capwiz Template Letters. As the legislative cycle proceeds through the year, AFSA Director of Military and Government Relations (M&G) Morgan Brown and his team will provide timely pre-written "template" letters for you to tailor/adjust to your needs and to send to your elected officials. You can access these at: http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/issues/?style=D
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Take action now to protect our benefits!!!

AFSA Chapter 984

October 2013, Issue 8

The 19th Annual POW/MIA Remembrance Luncheon

On 27 September 2013, Chapter 984 hosted the 19th Annual POW/MIA Remembrance Luncheon on Offutt AFB. Each year the chapter invites former POWs or family members of former POWs or comrades still missing in action. This year they brought out Captain (ret) Bill Robinson to be their guest Speaker. Captain Robinson enlisted in the USAF in 1961. After three assignments in the continental United States and a long tour at Osan AFB, Korea he was reassigned to Grand Forks, ND. Only spending four months stateside, A1C Robinson was deployed to Thailand with the 38th Air Rescue and Recovery Unit. On September 20, 1965 while on a rescue mission over North Vietnam his HH43B Aircraft was shot down and everyone on board was captured. He spent the next 7 years as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Upon his release and return to the United States in 1973, now MSgt Robinson was one of three enlisted men to receive a direct commission to Lieutenant in the Air Force approved by President Richard M. Nixon. Captain Robinson along with Neil Black were the longest held enlisted POWs in American History. He was also one of the first Enlisted men to receive the Air Force Cross. Captain Robinson served honorably 23 total years of service to his country and the United States Air Force, retiring in 1984. What a great event it was. There were a total of EIGHT former POWs or family members representing their loved ones during the ceremony. Thank you to MSgt Jesse Pennington and A1C Jack Finch for chairing this event for the Chapter. Your team worked hard the last 6 months to pull this event off. Thanks to everyone involved to make this event a Success!!!
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Above: CP Melenka presents Captain Bill Robinson a token of appreciation for being the guest speaker. They presented him the 2013 POW/MIA Medallion along with a engraved paver in his name that will be installed on the parade grounds at Joint Base San Antonion, Lackland AFB, Texas.

Below: CP Melenka and Captain Bill Robinson takes a photo shoot with the former POWs or family members representing their loved ones. Eight POWs or Family Members came out to the luncheon.

AFSA Chapter 984

October 2013, Issue 8

Membership Appreciation Night

On 31 August 2013, Chapter 984 held its membership appreciation night at Werner Park during an Omaha Stormchasers game. The Chapter gave away over 140 tickets to the game to its members. They also had a tailgate party before the game serving food and gave away numerous prizes. This was our way to say thank you to the members of Chapter 984. Picture to the left: CP Melenka presents the Presidents Chip to SSgt Amanda Gallegos from 55 FSS for putting on the event for the Chapter 984 members, without her support this event would have not happened. Below: Members from Chapter 984 playing in the on-field games during the game.

Below is a picture from the membership night. Chapter 984 members enjoying the tailgate party before the game.

Below: CP Melenka and newest member A1C Fernandez getting prepared to throw out the first pitch before the game.

AFSA Chapter 984

October 2013, Issue 8

Professional Airmans Conference

Below are Chapter 984 members representing at the 2013 PAC in San Antonio, Texas. CP Melenka, Senior Advisor Sidel and DP Dale Lutzen.

Above: CMSAF Panel. This is always the highlight at the conference hearing from our past Senior Enlisted Leaders. There were 7 former CMSAF in attendance for a Professional Development Seminar at the PAC. Below: Our past CMSAF with the current CMSAF #17 James Cody during the awards

Above: Senior Advisor Travis Sidel with our current CMSAF #17 James Cody Right: CMSAF #17 James Cody addresses the delegates during the conference.

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AFSA Chapter 984

October 2013, Issue 8

Presidents Chip for Extraordinary Performance

Starting on 1 Jun 2013 the CP started a new incentive for Outstanding Chapter members that go above and beyond. This chip are reserved for members that demonstrate Extraordinary Performance to our Chapter 984. In August SSgt Amanda Gallegos received the Presidents Chip for leading the Membership Appreciation night. At our September General Membership Meeting the presidents chip was presented to A1C Briana Stanley from the 55 SFS. During August A1C Stanley led a team of over 20 AFSA members to conduct the Brush-Up Nebraska. To A1C Stanley and her team, this would not have been possible. Thank you for the continued support to Chapter 984. A1C Briana Stanley receiving the Presidents Chip from CP Melenka during our September meeting.

The below members are being recognized by the Chapter President for their continued support to the Chapter.

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
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