AFSA Professionals!

Hooah!  The spirit of America’s freedoms will be exercised and celebrated this month.  This month, all across America—men, women, adult teenagers and elderly folks of all races, colors, religions and creeds will pause to celebrate the spirit of the American veteran!  

November 11, 2009 marked the 91st year America has officially celebrated the American War fighter on Armistice Day; commonly known today as Veterans Day.  Following the Treaty of Versailles in 1918 and Armistice—the 11^th hour, of the 11^th day of the 11^th month became known as Armistice Day and ultimately, an American holiday.  This day is dedicated to the sprit of the American warrior and all Americans should pause and take a moment to reflect on the heroic men and women who made-up and make-up our great United States Armed Forces.  For their selfless sacrifices must not go unnoticed. 

Moreover, 9 November, 2009 marked the 19^th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and ultimately—the end of the nearly 30 year “Cold War”.  Since the early 60’s American Warriors were postured to respond at a moments notice to answer the call of freedom and defend the privileges and liberties that we have come to enjoy and sometimes take for granted.  Our courage, fortitude and determination to succeed at whatever the cost, is just as staunch today as back in 1961.   

History has proven that the spirit of the American “fighting man & woman” could never be silenced.  Sometimes bent but never broken—their professionalism, dedication and motivation remained unchallenged.  Today American warriors are deployed worldwide in support of the Global War on Terror in austere and unwelcoming locations.  However, the support and well wishes we provide these ambassadors of freedom is unparalleled by any measure.   Our thoughts for their safe return and wishes for eased burdens on their families and loved ones left behind should remind us that no one should ever be forgotten.

Team, I ask you to honor the stellar commitment, accomplishments, and dedication of the American Warrior by passing on the great mantra of AFSA to your peers, subordinates and leadership.  Founded in 1961, AFSA had taken a dream—a goal—a passion of 4 enlisted members and made it a reality.  Today we stand beside a 120,000 member team who work for and are dedicated to—the betterment, improvement and enhancement of the United States Air Force Enlisted Airman!

 Make today a great day—a day our founding men and women would be proud of—and remember the sacrifices of a few who gave so much for so many.  Sponsor an Airman to a membership, a friend…renew your membership….challenge a peer to do the same.

Team, the spirit of the American Warrior knows no limits.  This month I am proud to join my brothers and sisters in blue as we embrace Airmanship in its true fashion.  Whole heartedly we need give thanks for all of life’s gifts and embrace the American Spirit; for we truly are an awesome T.E.A.M “Together, Everyone, Achieves, More”!

Go out...inform…recruit…and retain!  Please share this message with your chapters…..

As one of your most dedicated AFSA leaders, I bid you a huge “Thank You” for your selfless service!

 Hooah!

Matthew R. "Mad Dog" Becker

AFSA Chapter 984