About a year ago, I watched a phenomenal movie called “The Bucket List”.  In this movie, two ageing friends made a list of things they wanted to do before they die.  Although the thought of our own mortality may leave some with an uneasy feeling, the basic premise of the movie was simple; to “Do what we can, While we can”, before it is too late.

For the past several weeks, I have been spreading the alarming news that membership across AFSA worldwide has declined to less than 100,000.  Fortunately, scores of motivated, dedicated, and committed members drafted their own respective “Bucket Lists” and realized that they must take action NOW, before it was in fact, too late!  The staunch efforts of these recruiters and retainers have not gone unnoticed.  The numbers have started to reverse thanks to the planning and execution of these driven members but we still have work to do!

I challenge each member and chapter executive council to develop their own, “Bucket List” in the strategic perspective.  Perhaps the list should include a goal of recruiting and retaining one new person today, five a week, or perhaps your list will include an entry in which you want to strive to achieve “Sky-High” or “High-Flyer” status.   Alternatively, maybe, your list will include performing some form of community service or helping develop our younger folks under the guise of AFSA?  These are just a few suggestions but the list can be endless…It is YOUR List!

The most important takeaway of this message should be focused involvement.  We simply cannot afford to sit idle while a select handful of people do all the arduous work.  Collectively we need to rally together, to blend, to gel…and reach forward towards success!   My AFSA family, I encourage each one of you to draft your own “Bucket List” today….Do it NOW…while you still can, before you can’t…..!

V/r

SMSgt Matthew “MD” Becker

President, AFSA Chapter 984

Treasurer, AFSA Division 89

Member, AFSA International Membership (ADHOC) Committee