The Education Assistant to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents (EARNED) Act would allow active duty service members, who retired between September 10, 2001 and August 1st, 2009, the opportunity to transfer their unused Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. This bill would change the wording of the recently passed Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 which only allows service members who retired after August 2009 to transfer their benefits to their family members.

I am a perfect example of why the Post 9/11 GI Bill was not fair, I retired 6 months to soon and cannot transfer my education benefits to my family members. As soon as I hit the send button to push out this message I will be calling and writing an email to my 2 Senators and Representative.  I encourage everyone to do the same!!!

Steve Zalesky
Div 89 VP

In recognition of your service to our country, all veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to eat free at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Restaurants this Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. 

As you may recall, Applebee's launched a pilot program last year on Veterans Day offering free entrees to military service personnel and veterans. Because the response was so overwhelmingly positive, Applebee's is extending the invitation throughout the country this year. 

We would appreciate your help in spreading the word.  Please help us share details across your various communication channels. 


*  All U.S. veterans and active duty military with proof of current or former military service will eat free at all Applebee's nationwide on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009.  

* Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform.

* For additional details, visit: http://applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx <http://applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx>

Warriors of Division 89,

HOOAH!  As you all know the backbone of our existence is membership.  Effective recruitment and retention is the keys to success; however sadly the numbers of active AFSA members are primarily amongst the higher ranks or our retired population.  Although this is still a great act; it is imperative that we do all we can to embrace our younger folks—our Airmen and bring them into our “AFSA-lutely” awesome organization.

It is vital that our AAC programs are active and remain “inviting” for our Airmen populace.  We must make sure we breed our young to take our places and I offer a few suggestions to help make this happen.

First, we must make AFSA appealing to our airmen.  We must make them feel welcome when they come to our meetings and afford them leadership/trustee positions commensurate with their abilities and experience levels. 

Second, we must listen to them as they have fresh ideas.  Plan chapter activities that are geared towards airmen--for airmen, and by airmen.  You would be surprised the impact and results peer influence have.

Leaders I encourage you to engage with your AAC Trustees to make a plan today.  Get together, brain storm and help breed our successors today!  The airmen of today are the First Sergeants, Chiefs and AFSA Leaders of tomorrow….LETS GET THEM INVOLVED!

V/r

Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker

AFSA Chapter 984

AFSA Division 89 Warriors!

Hooah!  By now you all know I am a patriot and advocate for the American warfighter bar-none!  My mantra is professionalism, development and leadership; however, I wanted to revisit patriotisim fo a moment....Although Veterans day is still a while off, I believe the words of one of my mentors (CMSgt (Ret) Bob Vasquez) and respected fellow "Brother in Blue" needs to be heard again: 

Wikipedia describes Veterans Day as "an annual American holiday honoring military veterans." It goes on to describe a veteran as "a person who has or is working in the armed forces, or a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation or office.

At the risk of alienating my brothers and sisters in arms with whom I served more than thirty years, and without disrespecting, in any way, those warriors who have sacrificed much more than I could even imagine, there is another group of "veterans" we sometimes forget to honor, even take for granted, but should be honored right along those who have worn a uniform. They too are Warriors. They're the Quiet Warriors.

We don't have a holiday in their honor.  They just go on doing what we expect of them and reap no real benefits from their sacrifices.  I've often said, and have always believed, that the folks who truly have the toughest job to do in the military are the families. They're the Quiet Warriors. Now, don't get me wrong.  After more than thirty years of active duty service and seeing all that I saw in those years, I know our warriors have a tough job to do.  But, you know, we warriors sign up to do those tough jobs.  When we go to battle we know that there's a possibility of not returning.  When we get into battle we do what we're trained to do and we know what our responsibilities are.  A warrior accepts the fact that, if required, she will give her life for her fellow warriors and her country.

Military families don't sign up for any of that.  The really young families don't know that part of their contract is to possibly live a large portion of their lives without their spouse or without their parent.  Oh, we tell them, but being told and living it are two different things.  I recall, assigned to Ramstein Air Base in Germany not too long ago, I'd take every opportunity I could to go out to the DV (Distinguished Visitor) Hangar as a C-130, C-5, C-17, or some other type of aircraft would make it's turn toward that hangar.  I'd stand there at attention and wait.  I'd wait until the DVs in the aircraft were taken off.  They called this the Missing Soldier Ceremony.  The DVs were Warriors.  They were taken off in flag-draped coffins.  Luckily, Germany is usually wet most of the year, so I often credited the moisture in my eyes to the weather.  As I'd stand there at attention, saluting my brothers and sisters in arms who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, I'd think about that little boy or girl who's daddy or mommy was not coming home as expected.  What do you tell a three or four year old son or daughter who asks, "Where's my mommy?"  Or, "When's Daddy coming home?"  Oh, you tell them the truth as best you can, and you hug them and assure them that all will be well...in time.  I'd also think about the spouse who already had twice the work to do for what was supposed to be a short time, but now would have those responsibilities for life.  Military families have always had the toughest jobs, and they always will.  They're the Quiet Warriors.

We should never forget the sacrifices past warriors have made for us but at the same time we should always remember the service our military families provided those warriors so that they could do what they did.  And their work never stops.  They continue to be the backbone of the Warrior Spirit.

Veterans Day is a great day to honor all of our Warriors.  Let's make this a great day and honor our military families, the Quiet Warriors!

These words by Chief Vasquez ring true as without the backbone of support provided by our military familes--nothing would be possible......I encourage every reader of this article to give a hearty hug, kiss and say THANK you to the spouses and children who make us who we are and sacrifice more than anyone would know.....

HOOAH!

AFSA Warriors,

HOOAH! following is some great information from long time AFSA supporter Andy Anderson. 

Once in every lifetime, we in the US Air Force are sometimes fortunate enough to be stationed at locations where events that are pivotal in enlisted history happen. We at Wright Patterson are at a place where history takes place.

On 1 December 1959, the rank of Chief Master Sergeant was first bestowed on enlisted airman and is a memorable event in our enlisted history. On 1 December 2009 we will celebrate the first 50 Years of the rank of CMSgt. Folks that is 48 days from now, make your reservations now so you won’t be left out.

Please pass this e-mail on to everyone you know, we will have a celebration of that event at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, CMSAF #5 Robert D. Gaylor is the guest speaker, this is the one event this year that you cannot afford to miss. Everyone is invited please lets fill the house we need to mark the start of the next 50 years with a great celebration.

You can register for this event at: :  http://chiefgoldenanniversary.eventbrite.com

We hope that you will clear your calendars for this evening and consider being there we need your attendance.  If you have already responded please excuse the redundancy we want everyone to have the opportunity to attend one of the celebrations, here, Barksdale or wherever.

Andy Anderson
CMSgt, (Ret)
Event Chairman

AFSA Brothers & Sisters of Division 89,

HOOAH!  How is your Chapter membership progressing?   Are you attacking your lapsed members?  Are you looking hard at your membership rosters?

Striking a balance between work, home and AFSA is not always easy but it is what we have chosen to do.  As members of Division 89, we need to take the lead and press on to make us as strong as possible!

 I would like to offer a few tips that have proven successful with informing, recruiting and retaining.

 n  Airmen:  Never talk to an Airmen (E-4 or below) about retirement.  He or she does not care (for the most part) as retirement is for “old folks” in their minds.  Instead get smart on your legislation.  Discuss the changing focus of the AF and the “outside the wire mentality”.  With many Airmen performing nontraditional roles in combat operations, they need to know how legislation affects them (i.e. H.R 89 “Combat-Related Special Compensation Act, S 22 “Post 9/11 Vets Educational Assistance, etc…).  Young people are directly affected by deployments and potentially combat ops…moreover, they are interested in Education opportunities and benefits available to them.  Try and tie them together.

 n  Officers:  Understandably, the Commissioned folks are NOT our first target.  Time after time I have applied my “ABC’s” (Ask, Believe, Challenge) approach to an audience at a recruiting event only to hear; “I am an officer….not a sergeant”.  This used to put me off a bit until I relooked at this opportunity.  Simply put I now say “Sir/Maam…would you be interested in sponsoring one of your fine young Airmen or NCO’s to a membership in AFSA”?  You would be surprised to hear how receptive this can be. Many officers think this is a great idea and sign up a “Sharp Airmen” right on the spot.  You can do this real easy.  Have the officer complete the name/rank and DSN number for the Airman/NCO.  Of course, take the payment from the officer J   Then, go back to your work center and call that Airman or NCO.  Tell him/her that you ran into Lt/Capt So-and-so…..at the BX/Post Office (wherever your drive was) and how he/she spoke highly of their work.  Then tell them that he/she was sponsored to a membership into AFSA.  At this time you can get the rest of the info for the application such as the address and date of birth.  Again, this makes the Airman/NCO feel good that his/her officer thought so highly of them, makes the officer feel good about helping the enlisted corps, and ultimately brings another number in for AFSA!

 n  Civilian Spouses:  I am very fortunate that my wife (Karen) backs me 100% when it comes to AFSA.  In fact, she is an Auxiliary member (so is my teenage son) and is a full force AFSA supporter!  GET YOUR SPOUSES INVOLVED!  I know some of you may run into some heartache being away from home on weekends after being gone all week at work.; however, If you include your spouse in your recruiting events….this may help alleviate some of your “pains”.  It also opens up another target audience.  As your civilian “better half” mans a recruiting booth with you, he/she is inevitably going to see someone they know.  “What are you doing here?”  They will be asked.  If your spouse is versed on what AFSA is about….”BANG” this opens the door to a wider audience!

 n  The ultimate:  The ultimate response I get at a info/recruiting booth when I ask “Are you and AFSA Member” is …”Yes I am”.  This is good…BUT VERIFY!  Make sure you have a current chapter roster on hand to verify this.  If he/she is not on the list…hand them a change of chapter card.  Do NOT let them say “I will go on-line and do this”…as 99% of the time they will not.  A current roster and a Change of Chapter card is two of the most valuable pieces of “ammo” you need in your Membership Toolbox!

 Chapter leaders you need to do just that….LEAD!  Your chapter takes it’s cues from you and you must lead them to success.   As a wise man once said…” A leader must lead from the front, even if he is stumbling”.  Thus, lead, follow, or get out of the way!

Lets work together and embrace the TEAM Concept as “Together, Everyone, Achieves, More”

V/r

Matthew R. "Mad Dog" Becker

Chapter #984

Division 89 Warriors,

Just wanted to put out a great THANK YOU to the Texas Roadhouse Steakhouse, Papillion Nebraska.  Manager Mike Chapman and his folks served up some GREAT food to Division President Lutzen, Former Chapter 985 President Jon Bennett, the beautiful Karen Becker and the good ole Division 89 Blogger "MAD DOG" Becker the other day.

Moreover, Mr. Chapman provided a bucket for the "Whats up with the Bucket" membership incentive.  Again, great support my the gang at Texas Roadhouse.

Hooah!

V/r

Matthew R. "Mad Dog" Becker

How_To_Use_Thomas.gov.ppt

AFSA Warriors,

HOOAH! Legislative Awareness week kicks off next Monday, 12 October.  This message contains a short PowerPoint 2003 presentation on using the Library of
Congress website site, www.thomas.gov.  It also touches on co-sponsors to
educate our folks on what this important aspect of the legislative process
is. 

This slide show is a basic presentation to help better hone your understanding of legislation and the processes involved within.  My goal is to educate our members and leaders at the Chapter level and energize them to pass that knowledge and enthusiasm on to their general membership and to potential new recruits.

AFSA membership is value for money when looking at what our Association does
on the Hill every day--our members need to know this.  YOU hold the keys to success!

As always...thank you for all you do!

V/r

Matthew R. "Mad Dog" Becker

Chapter 984

Who are you?  Where you going?  How you going to get there?

These are three questions we need to ask ourselves every day.  Whether we are contemplating our week, year or chasing our life and career goals; each one of us needs to think these three questions through.  The same can be true with our view of AFSA recruiting.

 Who am I?  I am “Amn/SSgt John Doe/Sue Smith” a member of the greatest air and space team the world has ever seen.  I am an enlisted member who cares about the betterment of my beloved corps and I am committed to making a difference everyday!  I am committed to the principles and mantra of AFSA!

Where I am going?  I strive for excellence and my goal is to be “MSgt, First Sergeant, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force”.  My standards are high and I expect the best out of my peers and subordinates.  I am going to lead them towards success.  In AFSA, my goal is to be a Recruiter, Sky-High member, Hold an elected AFSA office or spread the mission of AFSA one person at a time.  I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!

How am I going to get there?  Dedication, Commitment, Involvement; one step at a time! My desire to excel is my drive and my personal motivation will be my only obstacle.  I will strive everyday to make a difference and I WILL NOT FAIL!

My AFSA brothers and sisters I encourage each of you to think about these questions every day.  I urge you to commit to an AFSA mentality and get out—get involved—and get recruiting!  I know you CAN DO IT!

Have an “AFSA-lutely” great week!

Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker

AFSA Chapter 984

Legislative

This is why we exist as an Association!  As a member of our AFSA International Committee, I am a conduit for your "voice", meaning that it is my responsibility to up channel your Active Duty quality-of-life ideas/proposals to our legislative platform.  I just launched an Active Duty Affairs Website Forum where legislative information/ideas can be exchanged in a forum setting in order to better represent YOU and your family's quality-of-life concerns.  Additionally, you will be able to participate in poll votes on issues that affect you; remember, your voice counts!  I would like to see as many active duty enlisted members as possible on the Active Duty Affairs Forums (nicknamed "Leadership in the Box"); the website is located at http://afsaadaffairs.org/index.php.

Please help me to get all of your chapter's/base's active duty enlisted Airmen registered on the forums.

Update:  There is currently a poll vote on the AD Affairs forums for those that have been affected by the burn pits in Iraq/Afghanistan (where harmful chemicals are burned close to living quarters on most installations downrange).  If you fit in this category, please register on the forums and cast your vote.

Membership

In the famous words of International Membership Chair/Division President Dan Yeomans: "Membership is the thrust of our Association"...this is

surely a fact today more than ever!   As a member of the AFSA

International Membership Committee, it is my duty to act as a conduit for all of your membership concerns.  I want to help you get the most out of your membership team/recruiters; therefore, please contact me at anytime if you have any membership questions, or would like to get some ideas to stimulate your chapter's recruiting/retention efforts.  If I do not know the answer offhand, I will work hard to get it to you as quick as possible.  Furthermore, the aforementioned Active Duty Affairs website has interactive forums where membership ideas/best practices can be exchanged; I foresee this to be the place to cross flow ideas and get most of your membership questions answered!  Once again, contact me if you have any questions on Membership.

Update:  We have grown approximately 1000 members this year as of Aug 31st; however, the last two months have slowed down tremendously.  We need to work hard to establish membership committees (with reps in each

squadron) to entice their counterparts to join AFSA and strengthen their voice in Congress.  This will better allow us to spread the word of AFSA in every unit, and hopefully regain the increases that we had during the first half of the year.  Subsequently, remember that spouses and children can be members of our Auxiliary because their vote counts just as much as ours does and it can really have an impact on the Hill when it comes to lobbying for enlisted family benefits.  Furthermore, now is a perfect time to entice all of your recent SSgt Selects to join AFSA; they will be able to sign up under the "18 months for $18" plan until they put on the stripe...then, they will have to pay $25 as a SSgt.  Let them know that every good NCO joins/supports AFSA, and that it also influences their subordinates to "actively participate" in this vital professional organization IAW AFI 36-2618 [the Enlisted Force Structure], Chapter 3.1 (dated 27 Feb 09).  This should help you recruit most of our future NCOs into our fantastic organization!

CONSTRUCTING A LETTER TO CONGRESS

As key legislation is introduced on Capitol Hill, AFSA Headquarters will often notify its members and encourage letters from the field.  Most often this is done via the weekly AFSA Newsletter.  You have the information at hand from AFSA Headquarters, you know the issue, and you know what you want to say.  But how do you construct your letter to your elected official(s)?

A letter to Congress has six basic elements:

·         Address

·         Salutation

·         “What” paragraph

·         “Why” paragraph

·         “Restatement and Reply Request” paragraph

·         Signature element and contact information

1.  The Address:

     a.  The first line of the address should read “The Honorable” and the full name of the senator or representative.  For example, when writing to Senator John Warner, you would type “The Honorable John Warner.”  For Congressman Chet Edwards, you would type “The Honorable Chet Edwards.”

     b.  The second line should read “United States Senate” or “House of Representatives.”

     c.  The third line should read Washington, D.C. with a Zip Code of 20510 for members of the Senate or 20515 for members of the House of Representatives.

2.  The Salutation:

     a.  For a senator, the salutation would read “Dear Senator (last name),” e.g. “Dear Senator Warner,”.

     b.  For a representative, your salutation may read, “Dear Representative  (last name),” “Dear Congressman (last name),” or “Dear Congresswoman (last name).”  For clarity, consistency, and simplicity, AFSA Headquarters most often uses, “Dear Representative (last name),” e.g., “Dear Representative Edwards,”.

     c.  For a committee chairman, you would type “Dear Chairman (last name),” “Dear Chairwoman (last name),” or “Dear Chairperson (last name),”.

3.  The “What” paragraph:

     This is where you tell your elected official what you want him/her to do, providing concise information to ensure their understanding.  Example:

     “I urge you to support H.R. 879, the “Military Retirees Healthcare Protection  Act.”  This bill would establish the principle that it is Congress’ responsibility--not the Pentagon’s--to establish when and by how much military health care fees will be increased.”

4.  The “Why” paragraph:

     This is where you explain why your elected official should support your point of view.  Here you can explain the current problem and why the legislation is needed.  Whenever possible, include real-life, personal examples of why the current law is not working properly.  Example:

     “In recent years, DoD has repeatedly sought to significantly increase fees for TRICARE in order to reduce its expenditures.  Unfortunately, they would do so at the expense of people like me who have served full military careers, fought in wars, faced long-term separations from my family, and lived extraordinarily challenging lives.  Congress needs to stop DoD’s plans as a matter of principle and national gratitude—rather than viewing we military retirees as a budgetary burden.  Frankly, I was promised this benefit, I earned it, and DoD’s plans would have a significant negative impact on my family’s finances.  I need your help to stop DoD’s plans.”

5.  The “Restatement and Reply Request” paragraph:

     This is where you restate what you want done, and you request a response.  If you don’t request a response you usually won’t get one.  If you do request a reply, in most cases you will receive one in the mail.  Example:

     “In short, Senator (or “Representative”) (last name), as a voter I urge you to  support H.R. 579 now.  I anxiously await your response to this letter so I know where you stand on this critical issue.”

6.  Signature element and contact information:

     a.  Your signature block will generally begin with “Respectfully” or “Sincerely.”

     b.  Sign your letter above your signature block

     c.  Below your signature block, include contact information.  You should always include a mailing address.  We suggest you also include a phone number and/or an e-mail address in case the elected official wants to contact you for more information to clarify your request.

As in the movie with Tom Cruise Show me the Money

Div 89 is giving away cash, cold cash for those members who will rise to the challenge.

Each Chapter that shows positive growth from 1 Oct to Dec 31 2009 will be in the running for 500.00 cold cash

Individules who recruit and or retain 10 or more members from 1 Oct to Dec 31 2009 will be in the running for 250.00 cold cash

This will be awarded at our Div 89 convention in April 2010 rapid City SD.

email me for details

President Lutzen

mgs2@cox.net

Division 89 Warriors,

A wise man one said, "We can move a mountian one pebble at a time."  This is a very true statement.  Imagine a mountain, any mountain and just try and phathom the enormous task this would be, especially for one person.  You may think, "impossible" but really--is it?

Granted moving rock, clay and enormous tons of earth would be an enormous and arduous task; however the only thing standing in your way would be initiative, drive and determination.  The same can be said for AFSA recruiting.

One member--one pebble, each makes a difference--one step at a time.  By exercising a little initative, some motivation and some drive--we can move our members (pebbles) into an enormous and epic mountain sized veterans service organization.  Collectively, each one of us can and will make a difference one "pebble/member" at a time.

Warriors I encourage each one of you to sign-up one new member this week.  Take some initative, exercise some drive and help make AFSA Division 89 the pinnacle of professionalism.

Get to work!  Hooah!

Matthew "Mad Dog" Becker, Chapter 984