AFSA E-News, Nov. 21 11/25/14, 12:49 PM Reminder: you are receiving this because of your association with AFSA. Please add [email protected] to your trusted sources so you continue to receive the newsletter. You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails. Nov. 21, 2014 AFSA is Doing Great Things! In the past two weeks, I've had an opportunity to visit with many chapters and Airmen serving our country around the world. I am inspired and humbled by the many Airmen carrying out the mission of the Air Force, and am very proud of the many Members of Chapter 1182, AFSA leaders doing great Schriever AFB, CO; visit things for the Association. with residents of the Bruce McCandless Colorado State My journey started in Division 7 Veteran's Home. with Chapter 1657 in Aviano AB, then up to Chapter 1674 at Ramstein AB, followed by Chapter 1681 at Spangdahlem AB. The trip shifted to Division 6 with Chapter 1181 at Peterson AFB, Colo; followed by Chapter 1182 at Schriever AFB. By the time you read this, we will be over with Chapter 1180 at the Air Force Academy, and wrapping up with Chapter 1179 at Buckley AFB. The feedback I received will help shape the Association for the better, and we have some great ideas to consider. I want to give a special shout out to A1C Singleton at Aviano AB - this young man is very inspirational, and has mentored me about a few things. Shifting gears, as we move past Veterans Day, I ask you to continue to honor our Veterans throughout the year. I had the privilege of visiting the Veterans at the Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veteran's Home with Chapter 1182. I really enjoyed hearing the stories of these great Americans who served us all. I encourage all of you not only to hear the stories of fellow veterans, but to tell your story as well. Only 7% of Americans have worn the uniform in service to our country, and today less than 1% serve. This is a good news story and testament to Air Power, as fewer citizens are needed to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. Even as the number of Veterans decline, we must never forget those who serve - past, present, and future. We have a similar decline in Congress where fewer of our elected officials than ever have ever worn the uniform. In the '70s, we had 70% of Congressman who had been in the military, and today we Legislative News NDAA Update Negotiators are close to reaching an agreement on the FY15 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but remain divided on two key issues: cutting Basic Allowance for Housing and raising pharmacy copays. The House wants to block both, but the Senate appears unwilling to go that far. AFSA vigorously opposes the proposed reductions in payments for housing and increases in out-of-pocket costs for medications. Although these negotiations are not conducted publically, we've been urging lawmakers to adopt the House position every chance we get. House and Senate negotiators were on track to complete the bill by week's end but the stalemate made that impossible. The bill will now remain unfinished through the Thanksgiving recess. UPDATE On $$ The struggle also continues with how best to fund the government beyond Dec. 11 when the current continuing resolution expires. The situation seems to change each day, and as of this writing lawmakers are leaning toward another short term CR which would give them additional time to work on the matter. AFSA is hearing 90 days, which could put off resolution https://ui.constantcontact.com/visualeditor/visual_editor_preview.jsp?agent.uid=1119207588319&format=html&printFrame=true Page 1 of 3 AFSA E-News, Nov. 21 are down to 19%. This makes it more important than ever that Associations like AFSA are strong advocates on Capitol Hill. As we move into the New Year, your Association will work hard forging relationships with the new members of Congress to advocate on your behalf, but our work is not done with the 113th Congress as they wrap up their session this month. It is important we all do our part: vote, follow the issues our elected officials are working on, and communicate with our Congressional representatives. To help you understand how Congress works, I would like to recommend a very well written and insightful book for you to read: An Act of Congress by Robert Kaiser. The book is surely an eye-opening account of how Congress really works...and doesn't work. It dialogues the enactment of the financial reform bill brought about by the financial crisis we all endured. This is not a dry or dull read, and I think you will really enjoy it. Our Association has a lot of work ahead of us, and we at Headquarters look forward to partnering with the Executive Council, Chapters, and individual members to get things done! Here to Serve, Robert L. Frank AFSA CEO 5 Things AFSA Provides 11/25/14, 12:49 PM of the government funding problem until mid-March. Key House Leaders in the 114th Congress The House GOP Steering Committee announced its leadership recommendations for some of the key committees AFSA will be working with in the new Congress. Rep. Mac Thornberry (TX) got the nod to lead the House Armed Services Committee and Rep. Jeff Miller (FL) and Harold Rodgers (KY) will remain as heads of Veterans Affairs and Appropriations (respectively). Other changes are coming, particularly in the Senate which switches from Democrat to Republican control in the new Congress. As in past years, we will provide a complete list of leadership changes after all of the leadership positions have been announced. HURRY! Time is Running Out! 1. One Powerful Voice. AFSA carries the collective voice of its members to Capitol Hill and DoD leaders. 2. Strength in Numbers. A growing, united membership gives AFSA the influence to make a difference for its members. 3. Protection for those who have Protected Us. AFSA advocates for the hard-earned benefits that Airmen, Veterans and their families have earned. We protect those who have protected America. 4. A Place to Make a Difference. Chapters are the lifeblood of AFSA, and they provide a base from which members can make a difference in their military and civilian communities, and in the lives of other Airmen and Veterans. 5. Mentorship. Bringing together Airmen and Veterans from different eras and stages in life allows us to learn from each other, and to honor each other because we have one thing in common: we understand what it is to serve. Photo Contest Deadline Time is running out! Enter your photo capturing "enlisted life" into the AFSA Cover Contest. Entries must be 300 dpi, vertical, and in .jpeg format. Submit by Dec. 1 to [email protected]. Good luck! https://ui.constantcontact.com/visualeditor/visual_editor_preview.jsp?agent.uid=1119207588319&format=html&printFrame=true Page 2 of 3 AFSA E-News, Nov. 21 11/25/14, 12:49 PM Air Force Sergeants Association | | [email protected] | http://www.hqafsa.org 5211 Auth Road Suitland, MD 20746 Forward this email This email was sent to [email protected] by [email protected] | Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribeâ„¢ | Privacy Policy. Air Force Sergeants Association | 5211 Auth Road | Suitland | MD | 20746 https://ui.constantcontact.com/visualeditor/visual_editor_preview.jsp?agent.uid=1119207588319&format=html&printFrame=true Page 3 of 3
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