As in the past, I was armed with our Association's top five legislative priority groups --which include your legislative priorities -- and I was ready to share (advocate and educate) those legislative issues important to our Airmen and their families.  I also had a couple other quality of life concerns/issues in my hip pocket that I'd planned to discuss with the House leadership, if given the opportunity to do so.  I've highlighted these central, overarching concerns and issues below, so you'll have a recap of what AFSA is doing each and every day on behalf of the brave men and women who wear our nation's uniform.  They serve as our vector and glide path, so we remain on course and on target.  We've come a long way, but we still have so much to do, and the list below does not include the many other legislative items on our “To Do” list.   

Please click HERE to read a document provided by Speaker Pelosi and her staff.  Though the document is political in nature, it does illustrate the many achievements and victories over the years on behalf of our nation's warfighters.  We have more to do, and we will also do what's needed to "hold the line" on the benefits our Airmen and their families now have.  

Our 5 Legislative Priority Groups:

1.  Medical care, including VA and TRICARE

2.  Guard and Reserve entitlements, including early retirement compensation

3.  VA issues, including medical, education, and other claims processing

4.  Technical Corrections to the Post 9/11 GI Bill

 5.  Family support, including Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Respite care, Child Development Center enhancements, and JTR weight allowances to account for PCS shipment of medical equipment

 Hip Pocket Priorities:

1.  Amend Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP)    

2.  Eliminate SPB/DIC offset.  

3.  Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children / Impact Aid    

You can take comfort knowing our AFSA leaders are working hard for us!  Thanks for all you do...

V/r

SMSgt Matthew R. Becker

Member, AFSA International ADHOC Membership Committee

Treasurer, AFSA Division 89

Vice President, AFSA Chapter 984

Member #760325

Offutt AFB, Nebraska

http://www.afsadiv89.org/index.php/blog/2010/

"Lead Me...Follow-Me, or Get Out Of My Way...!"

WHY AIRMEN SHOULD JOIN AFSA!!!

Airmen:

• Why did you join the Air Force? -Was it for the Benefits? Steady paycheck? Education?
• Did you know AFSA is the enlisted voice on Capitol Hill fighting to keep your benefits in place and help improve our Air Force?
• During the course of a numbered Congress (which lasts two years), several thousand bills are introduced.  Among them are many of particular interest to AFSA members!
• Some benefits you would not have today if there was NO Air Force Sergeants Association include: GI Bill, Family Separation Allowance, Re-enlistment Bonuses, Temporary Lodging Expense, Base Pay increases, Hardship Duty Pay, COLA, Housing Allowances, Health Care and many more! Keep in mind, these are just a few items mentioned... AFSA fights for your Quality of Life, you've earned it!!!

Airmen with Dependents:

• AFSA encourages dependents and family members to become Auxiliary Members! Get your family involved and help them learn what we do for our country!
• Also, don't forget about your parents or relatives who served! They too can become members!!! Help AFSA build our strength with numbers so we can educate and support all Veterans.

Motivated Airmen:

• Who’s hoping to make BTZ? -AFSA is a great organization to get involved with and WILL recognize you for your hard work and dedication
• AFSA offers an Awards program to recognize the best of the best for Airmen, NCO, and members 
• We have Chapter 951 Coins ($8) and T-Shirts ($10) for Sale!
• AFSA offers a great number of Volunteer Opportunities such as: working with the VA, POW/MIA, Base Events, DoD Observances, Active Airmen's Council (AAC), FTAC, ALS, etc...
• I’m looking to find motivated Airmen wanting to excel in their military career
• My goal is to organize/assist with at least one activity per quarter

All Airmen:

• Do you use FACEBOOK? -Join AFSA 951
• For a small price of $1 a month AFSA gives back! -AFSA offers Scholarships, rental car/cruise and tour discounts, Apple and Dell discounts, Subscription to the 'Sergeants' magazine, and much more!
• Get your Supervisor, First Sergeant, Commander to sponsor you to become a  member of AFSA (it’s the cost for 2 movie tickets!)
• AFSA holds an Annual Convention for states: MO, NE, KS, WI, MN, IL, SD, ND, OK Chapters *If you register to attend you are authorized PTDY!!!
• AFSA also holds an Annual International (PAC) Convention including all Chapters -Theme this year is “AFSA Rocks”, ‘Party Like a Rock Star’! *I recommend you experience at least one Convention in your military career, this will open your eyes to a whole new world in the Air Force!

Note: Our 89 Division consists of Kansas City MO, Milwaukee WI, Wausau, WI, Minneapolis MN, Scott AFB IL, Whiteman AFB MO, Ellsworth AFB SD, Minot AFB ND, Grand Forks AFB ND, McConnell AFB KS, Offutt AFB NE, Tinker AFB OK, Altus AFB OK, Vance AFB OK, Tulsa OK

• If you are one of those motivated Airmen looking to improve our Air Force, please join me! Starting in June, I will be conducting AFSA E1-E4 meetings 1st Friday of every month at Pizza Hut 1130!!!

If you have questions or ideas, please feel free to contact me anytime!

I am SrA Fawn Lawrence, AFSA Chapter 951 Airmen Activities Coordinator, Recruiter # 906985  fawn.lawrence@ellsworth.af.mil

Posted by President Lutzen, above article is from SrA Fawn Lawrence

Lets reengage for AFSA in 2010

I believe we need to make every effort to follow the bylaws in AFSA Manual 100-1 and the policies and procedures outlined in AFSA Manual 100-2 (you should ALL have downloaded these critical manuals, if you haven't already done so).  Communication is the key to successful leadership and thus it should be shared readily and not have to be harvested.     With this I have some questions for you all;

When is your next focused Recruiting/Retention event?

Do you participate in Right Start, ALS, FTAC, etc.... and do you  "tag along" to see how we are approaching recruiting, retention and change of chapter info. You must have an ACTIVE team to be successful!

What are your recruiting goals?  How many Sky-high members and High-flyer members are you grooming?  Each member of the Exec Council should be an active recruiter/retainer and should (in my opinion) have at least one new recruit/retention on the books this year!!!

Community Involvement:  When is your next community event (Adopt-A-Highway, visit Veterans Home, etc)?  What are you doing for the Airmen on your installation? What are you doing to get AFSA's name out there on your bases (advertising, etc)? 

Awards/Recognition:  Who are you grooming for these?  Did your Chapter submit any nominees at our last Convention?  If not, why not?

Reports:  What are you using to capture your metrics, involvement, recruiting/retention efforts, etc... to prepare for our quarterly reports and ease in the awards writing process?

Newsletter/website:  Please provide inputs to our Division Secretary (TSgt Denise Cox) and Communication Trustee SMSgt (Gary Swanson) so we can continue to produce a great Newsletter each quarter and make our division website user friendly and informational!

Legislative Affairs - You NEED an ACTIVE team at your Chapters!  This is our "bread & butter" in the Association -NO ONE does it better than ASFA and you need to make that known throughout your installation! Legislative issues need to be addressed to Trustee (David Bamburg)

Retiree Affairs/Reserve & ANG - What are you doing?  What contact/interaction are you making with your retiree populace, Reserves, ANG members in and around your base?  Who is our current Retiree/Vet's affairs POC?  Our

Vets Home visits - You NEED to engage with this when possible.  This is important to our organization and our country.  AFSA should be at the forefront of scheduling these visits whenever possible throughout the year!

As your Division President,  I am very committed to the betterment of the AFSA cause at all levels.  We all need to establish clear vision, milestones, teamwork, and be proactive at our Chapters within the Division.   Here are some things to consider for your Chapter involvement; POW/MIA events in September;  Airmen' Appreciation events/observances;  Air Shows/Open Houses;  Thanksgiving Food Drives,  etc.   You and your Chapter EC should be meeting  prior to our GM meetings each month and build this roadmap to success.   Build a calendar of events so everyone knows the what/where/when of all your Chapter events.   Please let me know in your A&A reports how effective your programs on your base are and share success stories across the Division through CROSSTELL emails and our website!

I firmly believe that we need to re-emphasize our approach in order to succeed.   Our numbers are dropping at an unprecedented and alarming rate.  We are losing more members than we are recruiting/retaining.  It's all about leadership from the top!  Think about why you ran for your office to which you were elected.   I would hope it was to better your Chapter and the organization.   Help me help this great PO by fulfilling that commitment you made during your AFSA Oath.    If you  feel you cannot or will not make that commitment because of work, family or other reasons, let me know and I will find someone who will!!

Yours in AFSA Friendship,

Dale Lutzen

SMSgt (ret) Dale Lutzen

Division 89 President

402-312-7895

mgs2@cox.net

Esteemed friends in professionalism; Today I had the opportunity to attend two distinct retirement ceremonies.  The first was for a Chief Master Sergeant who had amassed over 29 years of faithful and honorable service and the second, for a Technical Sergeant who had accumulated nearly 19 years of service.  Granted there was a significant rank difference between both of these professionals and unforeseen circumstances caused the junior member to retire earlier than he had intended; however as I looked on at these career milestone events, I could not help

Friends of AFSA Division 89,

What an “AFSA-Lutely” great month this has been!  I had the distinct privilege of traveling up to Rapid City with Division 89 President Lutzen and meeting with some of the great men and women of Chapter 951.  Convention Manager Bamburg, President Wells and SrA Fawn Lawrence did a fantastic job hosting all the men and women from Division 89 and welcomed us to their area.

Some great business was discussed, old friendships renewed, and new relationships were formed during this week of professionalism.  Of course, we had some great fun as well during the Biker/Cowboy themed Icebreaker, our Deadwood Trip, and a phenomenal meal at the awards dinner.   Moreover, we elected a new 2010 Division 89 Executive Council and we are again armed with a true team of motivated professionals. 

 Chapter “TEAM” 951 you did a fantastic job!  I personally thank you for the hospitality and look forward to  great things this year!

V/r

SMSgt Matthew “Mad Dog” Becker

Trustee, Division 89

Vice President, Chapter 984

“Lead me—Follow Me—or Get out of My Way!”

Each of us wakes up every morning and is faced with a monumental choice to decide.  One choice is to productive, to inspire, to be dedicated, motivated, and committed to making today the BEST day possible!  To go out, fresh smiling and energized in the name of AFSA and “do the right things” to recruit and retain—to forge the future TODAY, one new member at a time.   The other choice we have is to be mediocre, to be average at best, and to just, “get-by” with little or no desire to inspire or develop on the path of professionalism that our fore-founders have laid at our feet. 

What a week this has been!  All around the Division, chapters have been on the road, visiting schools and presenting the Air Force Sergeants Association JROTC Medal and Certificate to our hard-charging and deserving young cadets.  I personally presented two myself to a couple of AFSA-Lutely deserving cadets.  One at a school in Lincoln Nebraska, and then just tonight in Bellevue Nebraska.

AFSA Friends….Spring is in the air and with it I propose each chapter in Division 89 adopt the “One-A-Day-In-May” recruiting/retention campaign.  This is an "AFSA-lutely" great opportunity to energize your chapters and get the youngest to most seasoned recruiters involved.  Basically, this initiative is to see if we can get an AFSA member (or hopefully many members) to recruit at least 31 new people during the merry month of May.  This is also a great opportunity for the recruiter and recruit to win cash/prices.

You can operate it in whatever fashion works best for your chapter; However, the basic construct is as such:

·         Retain or recruit one, your name is in the hat to win a prize. 

·         You get another chance for each person you recruit OR you could give them one chance for each five or similar formula.

·         For anyone getting 31 recruits I'd recognize them with a special award in addition to having their name in the hat for the cash/prize draw. 

Give it a try and get some energy in your chapters!   Remember, “Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek."

Go out and get some!

V/r

SMSgt Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker

Vice President, AFSA Chapter 984

“Lead Me, Follow Me, or Get Out of My Way…!”

Esteemed Friends and Warriors,

Hooah!  I want to take a moment of your time, so you can read this message and hopefully change your thinking.  Too often, many of us tend to focus on the negatives in our lives and forget about helping and encouraging others. We easily become engrossed in seemingly endless tasks, suspense’s, and deadlines and forget about the bigger picture.  The picture, which encompasses a culture of nurturing, developing, mentoring, and cultivating excellence in all we do. Too much energy is expelled obscuring our true purpose in life…Only you know what your true purpose is and if you do not I hope you will soon find out.  Nonetheless, I hope this message will help change your way of thinking…

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.  One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.  His bed was next to the room's only window.  The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.  Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.  Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene. One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his

Succesful Traits for a Non-Profit Organization Leader

Successful nonprofit leaders are required to have specific sets of skills. Nonprofit leaders are excellent organizers, excellent managers and usually have skills with raising funds. These skills are essential to the

success of nonprofit organizations. However, there are some essential skills that are often forgotten by nonprofit organizations when searching for leaders.

Team Building
One of the biggest resources that nonprofit organizations have is their volunteers. Team building is essential to the success of nonprofit organizations because many of these organizations depend on volunteer assistance. A strong nonprofit leader needs to be an excellent organizer of people. One of the best ways to organize people for any organization is team building. Creating a structure that allows people to contribute their time and talents in an effective manner is extremely important for nonprofits.

Dividing the organization into various teams helps manage and maximize the effectiveness of the nonprofit.
*Financial teams: Those who assist with the management and intake of funds
* Task oriented teams: Teams to care for the various day to day operations of the nonprofit
* Event focused teams: Individuals to assist with the various special events help by the nonprofit
* Management teams: People in charge of managing various aspects of the organization

Master Planning
Leaders are responsible for charting the course of the organization. The nonprofit leader must be able to take on the task of directing the organization into the future. The only possible way to move an organization from where they are to another level of effectiveness is through proper planning. The leader is responsible for creating a structured plan that is forward focused and motivating to the team.

A master plan will include multiple avenues for success. These are just a few of the areas that might be considered for a master plan

* Leadership development
* Fundraising
* Staff and volunteer recruitment
* Event and schedule planning
* Vision, mission and purpose statements

Warriors of Division 89!  Please read and act on the legislative grassroots push noted below.  H.R. 775 & 4923 CAN greatly affect us.  I encourage each and every member and friend to learn more about these proposals and act. You can find out who your respective Representative is by sourcing www.thomas.gov type in your zip code where you are a registered voter and see if he/she has co-sponsored.  If they have, send them a “Thank You” e-mail..If not, respectfully request their support as a registered voter.  Action begins with you!

 
I would like for the legislative committees within Division 89 at the Chapter and individual  grassroots level to call their federal legislators and ask them to support these pieces of legislation. Let’s act immediately but before 23 April as our targeted window to make the push to contact all 435 members of Congress for an answer on these bills.

Below is the content of the bills, I would ask those who are making the phone calls to read through these bills, familiarize themselves with it and reach out to their federal legislator and ask for them to sign on to the bills, along with signing the discharge petition on HR 775.

Over the past week or so I had the honor of grading some of the AFSA-Lutely outstanding awards packages for Division 89.  I read the tremendous accomplishments, which were the result of our hard working AFSA brothers and sisters from the Airman tier all the way up to our hard-charging NCO level.   The team accomplishments are what I was most proud of, as I am a true advocate for the “Together-Everyone-Achieves-More” concept.   

Division 89, you are tried and true professionals—reaching out where others only dream.  You touched our communities through your selfless service, you embraced our Veterans through the myriad of ceremonies you organized, led, and executed.  You sharpened the sword of justice by pushing legislative information and contacting your elected officials to do the same.  More importantly, YOU ALL LIVED the principles AFSA was founded on.

At the end of this month, many of us will gather in beautiful Rapid City, South Dakota to celebrate these accomplishments first hand.  As one of the judges of this year’s awards, I can honestly say that I had a difficult time deciding between our truly phenomenal packages and the absolutely extraordinary submissions.   I applaud and salute each of our beloved 11,000+ strong AFSA Members for what you do every single day!

Now…take a bow, smile and get back to work!  Let us forge professionalism one member at a time and bet 15,000 strong by the end of this year! RECRUIT/RETAIN…… HOOAH…..!

V/r

SMSgt Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker

Vice President, AFSA Chapter 984

Have you ever put on a pair of those oddly colored red and blue glasses and watched a movie filmed in 3-D?  I am sure you would agree that with those glasses on everything looked a bit more vivid, realistic—just like you were really part of the movie.  I ask you for a minute to look at AFSA involvement and recruiting the same way--in “3-D”.  Now, I do not have a pair of glasses for you to wear; however, I want you to look at things from a different vector.  The “3-D” I speak of is: DIRECTION, DETERMINATION, and DEDICATION. 

To reach our end state, in this case larger and stronger chapters we must first have involved recruiting and retention efforts, we must have DIRECTION.  Direction provides the focus from where we are to where we want to be.  Direction steers us from adversity and monotony and veers us to success—our ultimate goal.

Secondly, DETERMINATION is the motivation to succeed.  It provides the drive and enthusiasm necessary to forge through the rough patches and fosters are ability to learn when things don’t always go as planned.  Determination is the power to push through in the face of adversity.

Finally, DEDICATION is our staunch and steadfast commitment to the task at hand.  In this example, AFSA involvement and recruiting and thus represents our allegiance to the AFSA mission.  Dedication is a self-driven faithfulness which each AFSA Leader and member needs to internalize.   It’s what will make us part of that 3-D movie.

T.E.A.M AFSA I encourage you to embrace the “3-D” approach to AFSA and be part of a bigger phenomenon.  With your help via Direction, Determination, and Dedication…our organization will indeed flourish!  Are you up for the “3-D” approach?

V/r

SMSgt Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker

Vice President, AFSA Chapter 984

Offutt AFB, Nebraska

Esteemed AFSA Members,

Taking care of our families is one of the most important charges in life.  All of us do a great job of taking care of the mission; however, our military families are the bedrock on which our success is built and thus, protecting their interests and welfare once the service member passes is of utmost concern. 

The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is an outstanding way many of our retired military brothers and sisters provide for their spouses in the event of their (retired members) death.    Thus, any reduction in the SBP payment can be detrimental to the welfare of the surviving spouse.

A House of Representatives Bill has been introduced  by Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-Tx) which will help protect and enhance this entitlement:

H.R. 775 SBP/DIC OFFSET UPDATE!!!

H.R. 775, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, serves to give military surviving spouses concurrent receipt of their Survivor Benefit Plan and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation without a reduction in the SBP money. This legislation is of utmost importance because we need to adequately take care of our surviving spouses who have also sacrificed so much.

Since introduction on January 28, 2009, H.R. 775 has gained 325 cosponsors, but has yet to be reported out of the House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Military Personnel, for a vote. In order to force a vote on this important piece of legislation, Rep. Walter Jones, R-NC, filed a discharge petition on March 15, 2010. Once this petition gains 218 votes, a House Majority, it will come before the House for a vote. Therefore, we need you to call your Congressman and ask them to co-sponsor the discharge petition on H.R. 775, so that this important legislation can come before the House floor for a vote!

AFSA is working diligently to see this legislation passed. We have contacted many Congressional representatives through letters, phone calls, and office visits asking them to co-sponsor this legislation. We sent a letter to Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, asking her to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. We have also sent a letter to First Lady Michelle Obama, asking her support of this repeal to aid spouses and their families. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 888-762-8760; give them your zip code, and they will connect you to your representative.

AFSA colleagues , I urge you to contact your respective elected officials and ensure they support the passage of H.R. 775!  We MUST ensure our surviving spouses are taken care of!

Thank you for what you do everyday!

V/r

Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker

Vice President, AFSA Chapter 984

Offutt AFB, Nebraska

Proud men and women of AFSA Division 89 our 2010 Professional Airmen’s Conference (PAC) is rapidly approaching.  From  April 29 – 1 May 2010, the beautiful Holiday Inn-Rushmore Plaza will prove to be the perfect venue to conduct our annual Division AFSA business yet afford a fun and relaxing environment.  Many of you may be on the fence regarding attending due to work or personal commitments; however, I guarantee attending an AFSA PAC will be both informative and enjoyable.

This year’s PAC will provide a prime opportunity to network and cross talk “AFSA Biz”, plus provides an outstanding training opportunity for new chapter leaders.   Here you will acquire some great “leadership tools” regarding recruiting and retention, legislation, conducting meetings, preparing chapter reports and ultimately get a GREAT “shot” of motivation and mentorship by some of our more seasoned AFSA professionals.  Moreover, we will gather in unity to honor and celebrate the great accomplishments of our Airmen, NCOs, Chapters and individual members through our formal awards presentation. 

AFSA warriors I guarantee your attendance at the 2010 AFSA Division 89 Professional Airmen’s Conference will be fun and rewarding.  Additionally, active duty members can work permissive TDY through your units to attend and save your leave days for later in the year—HOW COOL IS THAT!  Better yet, pack an extra bag or two, bring along your spouse and kids, and make it a weekend getaway or sorts, as the famous Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Bear County USA and many other attractions are only a short distance away!

So, if you like the idea of getting a shot of “AFSA-lutely” great motivation, celebrating the accomplishments of our chapters and awesome members, embrace the opportunity to connect or reconnect with some great friends or simply want a motivating and informative weekend surrounded by professionalism, enthusiasm, and fun—then the 2010 Division 89 PAC is for you.  Even if none of these great lures appeals to you stop for a minute and think—“Why should I attend”….well simply put, it is the right thing to do!   Check out the following website for more information http://www.afsa951.org/2010Con.html

Friends, I look forward to seeing you there!

SMSgt Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker

Vice President, AFSA Chapter 984

Offutt AFB, Nebraska

Recently I have the privilege of being included in the Division 89 “communication loop” and have had the honor of welcoming new chapter leadership throughout our “AFSA AOR”.  I have embraced this opportunity as it has provided me with a means to meet and network with some of our great, hard-charging leaders as well as afforded me an opportunity to communicate and exchange some new ideas.

The Merriam-Webster On-line Dictionary defines communication as; “…a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system”, “…a personal rapport…”, and “...an exchange of information…”  The “AFSA Network” provides the perfect medium to communicate!

Utilizing the “AFSA Network” and cross-flowing successes and ideas will help create a motivational sense of enthusiasm!  Many folks are new to AFSA Chapter leadership positions and may feel a bit overwhelmed as they try to decipher through the rigorous regime of meeting agendas, community service events, supporting enlisted development and filling out those often, tricky reports.  NO NEED TO WORRY; as communication with your fellow AFSA members and leaders will help ease your pain.

AFSA professionals I encourage each one of you to practice open and honest communication with fellow AFSA members.  Ask those tough or challenging questions you may have; tap each other’s minds if you are confused about recruiting or fundraising opportunities…Ask those questions and ease your mind.  Remember we are ALL in this together and effective communication is in fact, the key to success!

SMSgt Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker

Vice President, AFSA Chapter 984

Offutt AFB, Nebraska

What a great time of the year as chapter elections are over and new councils have been voted in.   Change is definitely in the air and with that, chapter leadership must rally together and layout a roadmap forward to what they want to accomplish this year and what impact they want to make on their bases, in their communities and for AFSA as a whole.

The great American author Robert Frost wrote an amazing poem entitled, “The Road Not Taken”.   In the writing Frost described a fork in a road that represented a decision, which must be made.  This decision, in simple terms was to either take the “easy road”…that many people have ventured down repeatedly in a status quo fashion and a “less traveled” road, which was basically unchartered and unknown yet full of opportunities yet to be discovered.   It is a dilemma like this that many of us have faced and specifically, a decision many of you—novice AFSA chapter leaders are facing right now. 

Some may find it easy to “go with the flow” and follow the “easy road” and do what pervious chapter leaders have done which was basically embracing the status quo and simply pushing the chapter enough to “get by” each quarter or just enough to garner an awards or EPR bullet.  This is absolutely detrimental to the chapter, its morale and the basic principles on which AFSA was founded on back in 1961.

Conversely, others may elect to follow that second, unchartered road…the road “less traveled”.  Here, opportunities are endless and your chances for creativity, ingenuity and success will only be stifled by personal unwillingness to take a chance.  Motivation, dedication and determination are the fuel, which will cause chapters to thrive, grow and foster teamwork and excellence.  Following this path and foregoing, the status quo is a definite foundation to success!

Leaders, as you begin to assemble your executive councils to plan and execute your 2010 tenure I ask you to stop for a moment…think, look at that fork in the road before you and decide what path your chapter needs to take.  I only hope that you explore the road “less traveled”, and forego the easy way out.  Your chapter needs you, Division 89 needs you and more importantly, AFSA International needs you….Make the right choice!

SMSgt Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker 

Vice President, Chapter 984

Offutt AFB, Nebraska                                                                                             

Many years ago I read that leadership was defined as, “The art of influencing people to accomplish the mission.”  Inherently I find the statement to be true; however, leadership cannot be accomplished without sound and proven leaders.  I have discovered that leaders are made and not born as some suspect and the true attributes of leaders are developed through trial and error, successes and mistakes.  No one, well at least in my opinion, is successful the first time out. 

Leaders are people who do for those who cannot.  They are driven to make the seemingly impossible-possible with sometimes limited resources or time.  Leaders are selfless and give more than just the norm through their time, dedication and commitment usually without personal regard to recognition or accolades.  One of my most favorite sayings is, “Lead from the front even if you are stumbling”.   This is a demonstration of courage as often, people are afraid to set forward and take charge of a given situation.  True leaders take charge!

Leaders also consider the personal and professional development of others.  They mentor, develop, coach and more importantly inspire others towards success.  They are the foundation of success and provide a solid footing for developing followers into future leaders.  Moreover, leaders do not necessarily need to wear a uniform, badge or other distinguishing emblem.  Instead, leaders only need true commitment to help those who can’t.  You may see a young boy assisting and elderly lady with her groceries, a fireman directing his rescue crew towards a burning building, or a Senior Noncommissioned Officer conducting a pep-talk prior a major unit inspection; each one of these is a demonstration of leadership.

I am currently attending the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy and have been fortunate to witness the honing of true leadership first-hand.  Daily I am surrounded by professionals from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard--All senior enlisted but more importantly--ALL LEADERS!  I encourage each reader of this BLOG to find their own leadership niche and develop it to the fullest potential...Don't waste another minute!  Hooah!

The Air Force has changed the HYT level back to pre 2003 levels:

Here is the email excerpt from SMSgt (ret) Robert Price reply to my email concerning the HYT issue.

Thank you Division President Lutzen for the email about the recent Air Force decision to return enlisted high year of tenure limits to their pre-2003 levels.

We're encouraged, however, to hear that the Air Force will continue with existing guidelines for addressing a members' request for an extension of HYT for reasons such as extreme personal hardship or when an extension is clearly in the best interest of the Air Force, to name a few. And, we are glad to hear that the new HYT requirements will not affect the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. We've read (from official sources) and heard that "Airmen opting to transfer their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to family members will still be able to transfer these benefits even if their new HYT dates prevent them from completing the required active-duty service commitments."

We do understand, though, that these HYT extension guidelines and Post-9/11 GI Bill exclusions (alone) do not fully address the concerns voiced by you and others in the enlisted ranks.

As the "voice of the enlisted," you can be assured that AFSA will share this issue and other enlisted concerns with Air Force leadership. 

Thank you for your continued support of AFSA.

Every chapter spends a fair amount of time recruiting new members, but has anyone really sat down and thought about what sells AFSA? What is it about our association that makes one person pay $25, and the next walk away?

Our association works very hard for each demographic, whether it is active duty, reserves, national guard, or retirees. What I have found to be most effective, is focusing on the hot-topics that matter most to my audience. For example, when I am selling AFSA at the First Term Airman Center, I focus on pay raises and education, the quality of their dormitories and dining facilities. They need to know that membership has rewards, such as being able to state they are a member of AFSA when their first EPR is written, or their below-the-zone package. And if they take advantage of the volunteer opportunities our AAC provides, they will have a huge leg-up on their competition.

Conversely, our SrA and young NCOs at Airman Leadership School need to focus on setting a good example, meeting the intent of the Enlisted Force Structure, and staying informed so their Airman can and will rely on them for information regarding their benefits. They need to know that leadership opportunities exist in the chapter, and that any member can become the president, not just SNCOs.

You get the picture without me going on to SNCO, AFRC, and retiree topics. Just find out what matters most, and let AFSA sell itself. No one needs high-pressure tactics or glamorous stories, just the power of AFSA's impact on Capitol Hill!

New Division 89 Coin is in and it is outstanding, see me at the conference to get your coin

HOOAH!

This past week I had the privilege to take my place as a student in the Air Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy in sunny Montgomery, Alabama.   For me this is a welcome break from the snowy hills and fields of Offutt AFB; however it is more than just that—it is a chance to refocus on what we are truly here for…Service.

Understandably, the curriculum with cover additional topics such as Profession of Arms, communication, physical conditioning and joint war fighting concepts but the true backbone of this course, in my opinion, is to collectively share experiences, “reblue” ourselves and focus on building communication networks with fellow SNCOs to better help us hone our service capacities.

Dictionary.com defines service as, “an act of helpful activity; help; aid: to do someone a service”; to me this simply means “to do for those who can’t”.  Those of us who have the honor and privilege to wear the uniform of the United States Air Force provide an invaluable service day after day, 24/7—for every man, woman, and child fortunate to be called American.  Additionally, our warriors in blue are deployed worldwide providing aide, humanitarian relief and security to our friends and allies who need assistance.  Our determination, dedication and commitment remain as staunch as ever.

Our dedication to service should not end at the conclusion of our duty day nor following deployments.  It must be consistently tested and demonstrated 365 days a year both personally and professionally.  As members of the Air Force Sergeants Association we demonstrate our commitment to service and overall protection and betterment of the enlisted corps at our home chapters as do our leaders in Washington.  It is this continuum of service that provides the foundation for solid organizations.

Brothers and sisters of AFSA, I encourage you to perform a “gut check” and check your vector regarding service.  If it is off than dial it back in—if it is on, then use those principles to inspire a peer to do the same.  Collectively we must embrace service as a core bedrock principle of life for if we don’t do it—who will…?

SMSgt Matthew “Mad Dog” Becker

AFSA Chapter 984

365 days ago many of us were looking forward to see what the new year, 2009, would bring.  Some of us wished for riches, to loose weight, quit smoking or take a long awaited trip.  However,  some us in AFSA leadership positions were looking forward to growing our chapters, particpating in base and community events, attaining “High-Flyer” or “Sky-High” status, attending our Division or Interational PACs or just “doing good things” for our chapters.  Looking back on 2009, how do you feel you did—how do you feel your chapter did?

As a recent transplant from European Division 16 to the Midwest Division 89, I have noticed a vast difference in AFSA participation and leadership.  Granted, overseas we were more “captive” where as we shared a common theme (Being away from home) and thus I believe we “gelled” better as an AFSA team.  Stateside it seems it is a bit different.  Everyone seems to have a different drive, other things to do and a true “Team AFSA” spirit seems to be a challenge.  As we prepare to hold our annual elections, it is of paramount importance that we select the leaders who are that “LEADERS” and who have AFSA’s best intentions at heart.

Friends, we need to rally together and forge a solid T.E.A.M in 2010!  We are embracing a new year, a new decade and yes—a new challenge.  I encourage each member to “Sign a Friend—In 2010”!  Perhaps this can be our International battle cry.  If every member signed just one new person, we would double our strenghh, our voice—overnight.  Just think of how powerful we would be then!  Our mamouth stancem giant voice and heavy presence in Washington would ensure that our pay and benefits remain as good if not better than they were in the past. 

AFSA Leaders, I encourage each one of you to step-up and take charge of your chapters.  If you need help, let me know!  If I can’t help you, I know people who know people and collectively we will make your dream a reality.  I encourage each chapter to start a website if they don’t already have one.  Check out www.afsachapters.com and here you can start your 2010 with a FREE AFSA Website for your chapter.

My brothers and sisters in AFSA I wish you all the best of success in the coming year!  Again, please embrace my battle cry of “Sign a friend—In 2010” and lets double our strength today!  Are you up for the challenge!

HOORAH!

Matthew R. “Mad Dog” Becker

Division 89

AFSA Chapter 984