JULY/AUGUST 2014

MAGAZINE

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AIR FORCE SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION | www.hqafsa.org

OUT IN FRONT SECAF Deborah Lee James shares her plans with AFSA

ON THE HORIZON AFSA AWARDS AAFES AND YOU CMSAF Cody on the Honoring this The Exchange future of the USAF year’s nominees by the numbers

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTARY

Pay: Cuts to pay and COLA freezes may very well save needed dollars to help balance our ballooning $17 trillion- plus national debt. However, Congress must be made aware of the hardships these cuts will have on the average military family. Lost buying power and the frustration of try- ing to make financial ends meet will have ramifications on retention and our Airmen’s quality of life.

Medical: Proposed TRICARE payment increases, along with increased co-payments and proposed lower payouts to civilian medical professionals, will save dollars. However, Daniel Yeomans, this will adversely affect families and Veterans, and the abil- CMSgt, USAF Retired ity to attain needed services will suffer. We have already AFSA International President seen the tip of the iceberg with the Veterans’ care issue that resulted in the resignation of VA Secretary Shinseki and a massive investigation to determine what happened. AFSA will remind Congress of the need to support the promise made years ago to our military members and families that A NEW BEGINNING they would be cared for. Education: AFSA applauds the DoD for its efforts to keep Hello, AFSA nation. I would like to begin this commentary with Tuition Assistance alive and fair. At the same time, we stand a warm welcome for our new CEO, CMSgt (Ret.) Rob Frank. firm in our conviction that the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a well- Rob comes to us with some very impressive credentials deserved program that sends the right message to our and will continue our efforts to move AFSA as an organiza- heroes who keep America free. We will continue to support tion from very good to great! I would also like to once again the need to maintain an educated force. thank our outgoing CEO, Doc McCauslin, for four Retirement: Military great years and a job very retirement for all those well done. Doc remains who serve today is as an advisor through essential. AFSA will August—and we will have stand behind you. In an opportunity to say thank AFSA remains focused on the primary addition, some of the you at this year’s Profes- more radical plans to sional Airmen’s Conference mission that drove the creation of our withhold retirement (PAC) in Jacksonville, FL. Association in 1961. This focus is on are, in our minds, a fair and equitable pay, benefits, and huge mistake. We ask AFSA: TODAY AND TOMORROW quality of life for all who wear, have our military heroes to AFSA remains focused on the primary mission that drove serve proudly and sacrifice much. Our Airmen are not on the creation of our Association in worn,1961. This and focus willis on fair wear the the same proud plane unias a -typical corporate worker, and they and equitable pay, benefits, andform quality of of lifeour for United all who Statesdeserve more.Air Force.We will support this stance. wear, have worn, and will wear the proud uniform of our United States Air Force. With that said—here is what you Force Levels: The Air Force believes that planned force can expect moving forward. levels (reduced) will allow our military to protect the home- land and serve in one foreign front. We believe this is a BIG ROCKS FIRST high-risk roll of the dice that may result in extremely nega- Our Air Force leadership is faced with some of the most tive ramifications to our Airmen, families, and Nation as a stringent budgetary guidelines in our history. As a result, whole. Need proof? Look at what is happening today in the they are often forced to choose between supporting the Ukraine. Reductions in DoD end strengths are being driven operational mission or “people” programs. DoD’s decision by severe cuts that mandate the department to take action. is an obvious one; the mission and operations come first. We will ensure that Congress is well aware of the risk they That said, AFSA will continue to let every member of Con- are taking by forcing DoD to cut its military personnel to gress know the ramifications of proposed cuts. some of the lowest levels in modern history.

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 1 Modernization: AFSA will inform Congress that cuts remains strong and viable—and we thank our members in modernization programs affect our nation’s National for allowing us to remain the Voice of the Enlisted. Expect Defense capabilities as well. The United States has always AFSA to maintain its focus and do all we can to partner had a technological advantage that allowed us to compen- with our most important customer—the United States Air sate for the lack of numbers we have in our total military Force and its leadership. The Air Force is changing, and force. Cancelling or postponing modernization programs we will not lose a step. We will play a positive role today puts us in the precarious position of leveling the technologi- and tomorrow in the transition. cal playing field for our enemies—another dangerous roll of God bless all—and please never hesitate to share your the dice that could very well result in disaster for our Air- thoughts and ideas. You drive this Association—we are men, as well as our Nation. We will make Congress aware only as strong as our members allow us to be. of this fact! My email address: [email protected].

MOVING FORWARD AFSA continues to be relevant in today’s volatile environ- ment. We remain key advocates who ensure that our military AFSA THEN & NOW Déjà vu? Fifty years ago, AFSA was fighting Administration plans to drastically reduce the number of military commissaries. AFSA’s successful effort included publicly identifying Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees who were “Firm & on Our Side,” “Maybe Yes, Maybe No,” and those who did not reply to an Association letter asking their position on the matter.

Twenty-five years ago, the Association was promoting a pair of bills by Rep. Mike Bilirakis (R-FL). The first, H.R. 1964 1491, the Military COLA Act of 1989, would guarantee full COLA for retirees with 20 or more years of service and survivors enrolled in SBP. The second bill? You guessed it: H.R. 303, which sought to eliminate the offset of military retired pay by VA’s disability Fifteen years ago, AFSA compensation payments. lent its support to Rep. 1989 Gary Condit’s (D-CA) H.R. 355, which would Five years ago, Rep. Danny ensure retiring service Rehberg (R-MT) introduced members received legislation that AFSA was all benefits that were quick to get on board with. promised to them when His H.R. 3661 would provide they entered the Armed a housing stipend under Forces. In effect, each the Post-9/11 Educational service secretary would Assistance program—an have to provide a legally important technical binding contract to each correction to Veterans’ new enlistee spelling out 2009 education benefits that a “retirement package” would allow students to should the Airman stay receive BAH while taking for a full career. classes online.

1999 GENERAL OFFICES viewpoint. The opinions expressed in this 5211 Auth Road publication are not necessarily those of Suitland, MD 20746 the Air Force Sergeants Association or its Telephone: (301) 899-3500 or editors. (800) 638-0594 AFSA does not necessarily endorse (301) 899-8136 CONTENTS Fax: products or services advertised in Web: www.hqafsa.org AFSA Magazine. JULY/AUGUST 2014 VOL. 52, NO. 4 Email: [email protected] Produced in the United States PUBLISHER of America. Robert Frank AFSA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Founded in 1961 by four Air Force Chris Vadnais enlisted people, AFSA is a non-profit, PRESIDENT’S COMMENTARY ADVERTISING SALES tax-exempted organization representing Dean Mather the professional and quality-of-life AFSA THEN & NOW M.J. Mrvica Associates, Inc. concerns of the Total Air Force (active (856) 768-9360; [email protected] duty and components) enlisted mem- EYE ON WASHINGTON bers in active, retired, and veteran KEY STAFF status, and their families, on Capitol Hill AFSA AWARDS CEO: Robert Frank* and in the Pentagon. Through its many CFO: Ernest Chriss programs and worldwide chapters, AFSA also reaches out to bases AMM SPOTLIGHT Director, Comm & Tech: Chris Vadnais 1 Director, Member & Field: Keith Reed and communities to help those in Director, Mil & Govt: Morgan Brown* need and to raise awareness of the FINAL FLY-BY sacrifices, concerns, and contributions 2 Director, Supt Ops: Melvin Boston *Registered lobbyist of those who have worn or are wearing enlisted chevrons. 4 AFSA MAILING ADDRESS COVER STORY AFSA AMF 23 Post Office Box 50 An AFSA affiliate, the Airmen Memorial CHALLENGE ACCEPTED Temple Hills, MD 20757 Foundation (AMF) provides educational assistance to dependent children of the 29 PUBLICATION PRODUCED BY: Total Air Force enlisted force. It is also FEATURE an annual participant in the Combined FUTURE VISION 32 Federal Campaign (CFC #10517).

AMM www.glcdelivers.com An AFSA affiliate, the Airmen Memorial 10 Museum (AMM), located in AFSA’s AFSA Magazine (ISSN 0360-7364) is Airmen Memorial Building, features published bimonthly in January/Febru- rotating exhibits and stands as a tribute ary, March/April, May/June, July/August, to those who have served. It is also September/October, and November/ an annual participant in the Combined 16 December by the Air Force Sergeants Federal Campaign (CFC #10518). Association. Copyright ©AFSA 2014, all rights reserved. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland Facility, MD IMPORTANT AFSA NUMBERS 20790 and at additional mailing offices. AFSA Headquarters: Send address changes to: (301) 899-3500 or (800) 638-0594 AFSA Magazine, P.O. Box 50, Capitol Hill Update Hotline: Temple Hills, MD 20757 (301) 899-3509 or (800) 638-0594; Ext. 400 MEMBERSHIP One year/$25, two years/$44, three years/$64, life membership/call AFSA FEATURE Headquarters for pricing. A subscription AFSA INTERNATIONAL PROTECTING AMERICA’S to the AFSA Magazine is included in EXECUTIVE COUNCIL membership dues. Non-member President Dan Yeomans WOUNDED WARRIORS subscription rate is $27 per year. Vice President Timothy Litherland Senior Advisor Jeffrey Ledoux EDITORIAL STATEMENT U.S. Air Force Uniformed Service Trustee On the Cover: Secretary of the Air Force Deborah AFSA Magazine is the only magazine CMSgt Michael Warren Lee James meets with 33rd Fighter Wing F-35A dedicated solely to serving the Total Air Dale Trustee, Retired and Veterans Affairs Lightning II maintainers Feb. 19 at Eglin Air Force enlisted corps and their families. We Nelson Force Base, FL. Her visit focused primarily on are obliged to serve the interests and con- : Div. 1, Frederick F. Division Presidents the joint strike fighter with visits to the Aca- cerns of Air Force enlisted personnel and Dembinski; Div. 2, SMSgt Frank Graziano; 20 demic Training Center and reprogramming lab, our members by striving to report timely Div. 3, Dale C. Lutzen; Div. 4, James and meeting with pilots and maintainers. (U.S. and accurate information. The editors Crissinger; Div. 5, Cary Hatzinger; Div. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.) reserve the right to edit all submissions 6, Kerry Wright; Div. 7, SMSgt Daniel but will never materially alter the author’s Guzman

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 3 can be difficult to stay above political fray. However, now COURSE CORRECTIONS more than ever, it is important that you know where we stand on the matter. AFSA continues to advocate for focus AFTERMATH OF THE VA SCANDAL on veterans—any politicization of the issue should be put Most readers are acutely aware of the recent VA scandal in aside in order to get valuable and much-needed legislation which it was revealed that a number of employees in the through the senate now. In the short term, the goal should department’s hospital system conspired to hide months- be to take care of our veterans who are in need of critical long wait times that veterans faced when seeking care. The care and eliminate long waits. Our leaders need to take fallout that ensued resulted in the resignation of the VA action in the form of legislation, outsourcing, or whatever Secretary, meaning the task of cleaning up the Department it takes to get veterans seen. In the long term, a full investi- of Veterans Affairs’ health care mess will now be some- gation into the numerous allegations is needed to pinpoint one else’s job. Political posturing and venomous rhetoric failures, prevent recurrence, identify those responsible, and

EYE ON WASHINGTON are not uncommon in Washington, DC, and at times it hold them accountable. LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND UPDATES FROM CAPITOL HILL FROM CAPITOL NEWS AND UPDATES LEGISLATIVE

“Not all Veterans are getting the timely access to the with dignity, compassion, and dedication, and who live health care that they have earned. Systemic problems by VA’s core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, in scheduling processes have been exacerbated by Respect, and Excellence. leadership failures and ethical lapses. I will use all avail- Finally, as we accelerate our access to care, we will ableMESSAGE authority to TOswiftly VETERANS and decisively address FROM issues ACTING not VA lose SECRETARYsight of the fact that theSLOAN quality of GIBSON VA health ofA willful COMMITMENT misconduct or mismanagement. TO DECISIVEcare remains strong. ACTION Ten years of external validations VA’s first priority is to get all Veterans off waiting lists have consistently shown that, on average, Veterans who and into clinics while we address the underlying issues use VA health care rate our hospitals and clinics as high that have been impeding Veterans’ access to health care. or higher in customer satisfaction than patients give The President has made clear that this is his expectation. most of the Nation’s private sector hospitals. Even as we implement these immediate actions, we On behalf of all Veterans, I express my appreciation to will work with Veterans Service Organizations, members Secretary Shinseki for his leadership of VA. For decades of Congress, academia, public and private organizations, to come, Veterans will benefit from the transformation and with all other agencies and institutions that can help begun in the past five years. us move forward. Thank you for your support and dedication to Veterans We will also continue to depend on the faithful service and our mission to serve them.” of VA employees and leaders who place the interests —Sloan D. Gibson, of Veterans above their own, those who serve Veterans Acting Secretary

dismay, his bill suffered an early defeat in February; but SENATE VETERANS to his credit, the tenacious chairman vowed to make a go at it again. Fast-forward to the present day: The emer- HEALTH CARE BILL gence of the VA’s systemwide appointment-scheduling problems have revitalized interest in veterans-related AFSA SUPPORTS KEY PROVISIONS legislation within the Upper Chamber. A number of pro- French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philoso- visions in Sander’s original “Super Omnibus” (S.1982) pher Voltaire once said, “Perfect is the enemy of the would have addressed some of the problems that plagued good.” Early this year, Senate Veterans Affairs Com- the department, such as access to care and long waits for mittee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) crafted what claims processing. Using the measure as a guide, Sand- some believed to be the perfect package of military and ers, working together with Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) veterans-related targets. From the onset it faced a highly agreed on the framework of a new bipartisan veterans’ volatile political environment that thwarted many honor- health care bill designed to fix some of the problems able attempts at passing similar legislation since the start exposed by the recent VA scandal. S. 2450 seeks to tackle of the 113th Congress. Not surprisingly and much to our VA health care problems by:

4 www.hqafsa.org •• Expediting the hiring of new medical personnel at hos- pitals and clinics that lack enough doctors, nurses, and BENEFIT BOOST other necessary medical staff; •• Authorizing VA to lease 26 new medical facilities to PROPOSED expand access to care; •• Granting the VA Secretary authority to fire incompetent SURVIVING SPOUSES BENEFITS high-level VA officials; IMPROVEMENT ACT •• Allowing veterans living more than 40 miles from a VA hospital or clinic to access health care through private On May 21, Rep. John Tierney (D-MA) introduced H.R. providers, including private doctors, community health 4741, the “Surviving Spouses Benefits Improvement Act,” centers, DoD medical facilities (if the local facility deter- which would increase VA Dependency Indemnity Compen- mines it has space available), or facilities funded by the sation (DIC) payments for surviving spouses. Under current Indian Health Service; and law, an eligible surviving spouse receives $1,233 per month •• Establishing an independent commission to improve VA in DIC, based on 43 percent of the basic compensation for health care scheduling and construction. a veteran with a 100 percent disability rating. Tierney’s bill S. 2450 also improves the Post-9/11 GI Bill by ensur- increases that percentage to 55 percent, which is consistent ing that veterans receive in-state tuition rates at public with other federal employee programs. If enacted, the new universities and colleges, and extending GI bill benefits to DIC rate would be $1,572 per month. As an added bonus, the surviving spouses of veterans killed on active duty—two his bill exempts the increase in DIC payments from the key AFSA goals. Many of the improvements in this bill have unfair offset for survivors eligible to receive both a DoD already been approved by the House, increasing the likeli- Survivor’s Benefit Plan annuity (SBP) and DIC. Permitting hood that this bill or one like it could eventually reach the the full receipt of DIC and Survivor Benefit Plan payments President’s desk. As of press time, this AFSA-endorsed legis- without an offset remains an important goal of this Associa- lation was expected to reach the Senate floor in July. tion, and we thank Rep. Tierney for his leadership in this area.

SURVEY SAYS … On June 3, The Military Com- recommendations. To obtain Arlington, VA. 22209. These tools pensation & Retirement these preferences, we will survey are powerful ways to ensure we Modernization Commission a number of active-duty, National are aware of your preferences and (MCRMC) launched a survey to Guard, and Reserve Service mem- concerns.” gauge “what the troops want.” bers during the next few months. AFSA always strives to be in Over the last year, the MCRMC We also plan to survey retired tune with what our members want has gathered numerous support- Service members. The survey will and we agree this information is ing documents, held hearings ask participants to value individual critical in moving forward for all, and town halls, and received elements of their compensation but we ask survey recipients to testimony from industry experts package in relation to each other. exercise caution. This MCRMC as well as Veterans Service If you receive this survey, please survey and a pending DoD survey, Organizations. Your AFSA has take it; however, the survey is which is part of the not-yet- been involved every step of the not the only way to let us know passed FY15 NDAA, may create way here in DC, as well as around your preferences. There is also a a de facto “rack and stack” list of the country. Now the MCRMC is comment section on our public benefits. While the MCRMC may shifting its focus; from a recent website (www.mcrmc.gov) where approach this with honor, it’s pos- press release: you can provide your input. Writ- sible the unintended consequence “Understanding the compen- ten comments may also be mailed of its survey is a set of targets sation preferences of Services to the Military Compensation and for the less than honorable. Read members is central to our Retirement Modernization Com- questions thoroughly and select/ effort to craft modernization mission, Post Office Box 13170, prepare your answers carefully.

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 5 EYE ON WASHINGTON AFSA representatives pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. AFSA CEO Rob Frank LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND UPDATES FROM CAPITOL HILL FROM CAPITOL NEWS AND UPDATES LEGISLATIVE represented the Association at the National Memorial Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery, and AFSA International President Dan Yeomans gave brief remarks at the annual ceremony held at the Air Force Memorial. CEO Frank laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns on behalf of Association members; President Yeomans, CMSAF Jim Cody, and AFA President Craig McKinley made a similar presentation at the Air Force Memorial. HONOR AND RESPECT of service members, 20-plus-year veterans, and their family DEFENSE BUDGET members and survivors. Other provisions added to House bill during floor debate would: •• Prohibit DoD from using funds to close commissaries; UNDER CONSTRUCTION • • Authorize “Space A” travel for veterans with a permanent HOUSE COMPLETES NDAA, and total VA disability; SENATE STILL WORKING •• Ensure access to behavioral health treatment under TRICARE, including Applied Behavioral Analysis for On May 22, the full House passed H.R. 4435, its version of children with developmental disabilities; the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). •• Make breastfeeding supplies available under TRICARE; If enacted, key provisions in this bill would reject Adminis- •• Require DoD to establish an electronic tour calculator for tration proposals to cap military pay, consolidate TRICARE Reserve component members to track their early retire- options, increase health care fees, raise out-of-pocket housing ment credit; and costs for currently serving families, and significantly reduce •• Require DoD to conduct a comprehensive search to savings at the commissary (see chart below). It marks the determine what ships operated near Vietnam in order to first of what we hope will be a series of victories to prevent help determine Agent Orange exposure. the Administration’s shift of personnel costs onto the backs The House NDAA has been forwarded to the Senate and

Administration Proposal House Bill (H.R. 4435) SASC Mark (S. 2289) AFSA Position Consolidate TRICARE and Support both House Bill and NO NO start TFL enrollment fee SASC Mark Increase retail & mail order NO YES Support House Bill TRICARE Pharmacy co-pays Require 100% use of mail orderDEFENSE or BILL COMPARISON NO YES Support House Bill MTF for maintenance refills Reduce BAH rates from 100% to 95% NO YES Support House Bill Cap military pay raise to 1% NO YES Support House Bill (ECI says 1.8%) Support both House Bill and Reduce Commissary savings by 66% NO NO SASC Mark

6 www.hqafsa.org awaits a joint House-Senate conference in order to resolve COLA PRESERVED FOR SOME RETIRED MEMBERS differences and compile a single bill. Last but not least, the Senate version includes a favorable Meanwhile, the Senate Armed Services Committee change pertaining to military retirees not considered by the (SASC) marked up its version of the defense bill, S. 2289 on House version. It grandfathers those who join the military the same day, May 22. Like their House counterparts, the Sen- before Jan. 1, 2016, from reduced retirement COLA. Under ate mark-up rejects cuts to commissaries and a consolidation current law, those who joined as of Jan. 1, 2014 are subjected of TRICARE programs. Many of the similarities with the to the COLA minus 1 percent reduction passed in Decem- House bill end there, at least concerning personnel matters. To ber 2013. begin with, the Senate mark-up limits the annual military pay Sources tell AFSA the Senate plans to finish work on its raise to 1 percent. This figure is consistent with the Adminis- version of the bill by its August recess. Be mindful that Sen- tration’s request and if it is incorporated in the final NDAA ate deliberations tend to take a bit longer than the House measure, 2015 would be the second year in a row that the mili- and oftentimes more amendments are considered as part of tary pay raise falls short of private-sector wage growth. the process. As of press time, a specific date to begin the floor The Senate mark-up also increases out-of-pocket hous- debate had not been scheduled. ing costs for military families, but service members would not see an immediate reduction in stateside rates of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) if this language is approved DID YOU GET A LETTER? in the final NDAA. The adjustment calls for smaller annual increases, increasing reductions incrementally until BAH SWITCH TO TRICARE PHARMACY covers 95 percent of their average rental costs versus the HOME DELIVERY TODAY current 100 percent. On a separate but related matter, BAH rates would no longer cover renter’s insurance. This change is Did you receive a letter expected to save DoD $391 million in 2015 alone. notifying you that one or more of your maintenance PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE medications are on the list The Senate version contains several provisions to promote for the new TRICARE the use of TRICARE’s Home Delivery option and generic for Life (TFL) Pharmacy drugs. To begin with, the cost of a 30-day supply of a brand Pilot? If so, you need to name medication (formulary) at a retail pharmacy will take action to avoid pay- increase from $17 to $26, then rise annually by another $2 ing the full cost of your over the next several years until it reaches $45 by 2024. Non- medication. formulary drugs from retail outlets, which presently cost a This new Pilot pro- beneficiary $44 at retail pharmacies, will only be available gram requires TFL via mail order. Co-pays for a three-month supply of these beneficiaries living in medications would rise to $51 in January and incrementally the United States who rise each year thereafter to $90 by 2024. fill select maintenance Co-pays for brand name, formulary drugs obtained via medications at a retail mail order would double from $13 to $26 on Jan. 1, 2015, then pharmacy to switch increase from $2 to $4 per year until they reach $45 by 2024. these prescriptions to Beneficiaries can continue to have prescriptions filled for TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or a military pharmacy. free at base pharmacies, and generic drugs will continue to Maintenance drugs are those that you take regularly for a be provided at no charge by mail order until 2019 when the chronic condition such as high blood pressure or high choles- beneficiary will be charged $9 for a 90-day supply. The cur- terol. If one of your medications is on the list, you need to take rent $5 co-pay for generic drugs at retail pharmacies would be action. To find out if your drugs are covered by the pilot, call increased $1 per year beginning in 2015 and reach $14 in 2024. Express Scripts at 1-877-882-3335 or visit the Pilot website: Also of note, the FY 2013 NDAA (PL112-239) directed www.tricare.mil/tflpilot. DoD to initiate a test program requiring TRICARE for Life If one of your medications is on the list, the easiest option for users to acquire their maintenance medications through mail you is to transfer your medication from a retail pharmacy ($51 order for at least a year. That project went into effect earlier for a 90-day supply of a brand-name drug) to Home Delivery this year, but the draft Senate bill looks to take that project ($13 for a 90-day supply). Home Delivery is convenient, safe, one step further by requiring all military retirees and family and cost-effective. With Home Delivery, maintenance medi- members, regardless of age, to use mail order or base pharma- cations are delivered to your home at a cheaper cost than filling cies for their maintenance medication needs. your prescriptions at a retail pharmacy. Plus, with Worry-free

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 7 Fills®, refilling your medications is easy. For more than three years, 96 percent of surveyed benefi- ciaries who use Home Delivery reported they were satisfied. It’s easy to make the switch to Home Delivery. You can call Express Scripts Member Choice Center at 1-877-882-3335. You can also make the switch online by logging in to your account on the TRICARE website. (Once you log in, look for the “Prescriptions” sections on your home page. Then click “Transfer to Home Delivery.”) You can also have your doctor fax your prescription to 1-877-895-1900. Visit www. tricare.mil to explore all your options. AFSA Director of Military & Government Relations Remember: If one of your medications is covered by Morgan Brown talks about Association concerns

EYE ON WASHINGTON the Pilot and you haven’t switched to Home Delivery or a

LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND UPDATES FROM CAPITOL HILL FROM CAPITOL NEWS AND UPDATES LEGISLATIVE with VA health care during a roundtable discussion military pharmacy after two fills, you’ll be responsible for with House Democrats. Starting near the bottom left 100 percent of the cost if you continue to receive your pre- side are Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME), House Minority scription from a retail pharmacy. Make the switch to Home Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Sanford Bishop Delivery today. With the convenience and cost savings, you’ll (D-GA), Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Rep. Mark be glad you did. TakanoHOUSE (D-CA). ROUNDTABLE MIC3 UPDATE members, veterans, and their family members and/or survivors SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS MADE remains a constant goal for this Association. As such, AFSA The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, also stands ready for whatever’s next in the educational arena. also known as the MIC3 or just the Interstate Compact, has assisted in the transition of military children when they move from school to school due to a PCS move. Issues faced IMPORTANCE by military children include but are not limited to: basic enrollment, special-needs program placement, extracurricu- lar activities like sports and music, and most importantly OF VOTING eligibility for graduation. These issues exist universally for all YOUR RIGHT—AND DUTY— military families regardless of school district, be it DoDEA or public sector. AS A CITIZEN Since the MIC3’s inception in 2008, AFSA has worked We often urge our members to communicate with their alongside the commission and other organizations with the elected officials and to present their case as a voting-deter- singular goal of having all 50 states signed on as members. Six minant issue. This means that elected officials should know years may seem like a long time for an issue to reach a legislative where you stand, what you expect of them, and the condi- conclusion, but in this business it’s really not. If you imagine a tions upon which you will agree to vote for them in the future. map of the U.S. during election coverage where red and blue It is important that military members realize that they, too, represent a candidate’s hold on a state, for MIC3 we’re trying are full citizens. They, too, have every right to communicate to get all 50 to go one color. It’s hard enough sometimes to get with their elected officials to present their individual prefer- a simple majority, let alone 100 percent. ences and to make their individual demands as citizens. One Coming into 2014 with 46 MIC3 partners, only Min- very powerful tool that each citizen—including every mili- nesota, New Hampshire, New York, and Oregon remained. tary member—has is the power of the ballot box. However, AFSA refocused efforts by sending our lobbyists to hearings this power cannot be implemented or wielded if the citizen at State Legislatures and are happy to report that Oregon does not care enough to register to vote and to take the time entered as a member of the compact in February, followed by to go to the polls. Minnesota in April, and most recently New Hampshire and This November, every member of the House of Represen- New York in June. tatives faces an election contest. One-third of the senators We’re not done yet, though. Some administrative actions in the United States Senate similarly face re-election. It is pertaining to these four states and bills must still be com- incumbent on all AFSA members and all current and past pleted, but we’re as close to completion as we’ve ever been on military members, their eligible family members, and their this issue. Improving educational opportunities for all service survivors to go to the polls, to state their case, and to do their

8 www.hqafsa.org part to elect members of the House and Senate who will best arts and crafts, aquatic centers, golf courses, and more. It also is represent their (our) interests. a major employer of military families. Approximately 24 per- An active citizen who cares enough to shape the present cent of the Exchange’s associates are military family members; laws and the future of our nation will regularly communicate another 10 percent are Veterans; and 2 percent are Active Duty, with Congress and instruct the members what issues to sup- Guard, or Reserve personnel working part-time in Exchanges port; be a registered voter; and, most important, vote. during their off-duty hours. In an association like AFSA, voting is an important part Unfortunately, Congress is relatively unaware of what the of the legislative program. How so? Although voting is not a Exchange does for the military beyond providing products legislative effort per se, elected candidates carry out the will and services. At a time when military retail benefits are under of the people through the legislative process. It is, therefore, the threat of the budget scalpel, that concerns us. Truth be important that AFSA officials at all levels take the lead in told, AAFES delivers services to the department, such as getting military members registered to vote, and encourage providing safe drinking water and school lunches overseas, all members to exercise the vote of their individual choice. that would have to be contracted out otherwise. It is incum- AFSA legislative officials then do our best to continue to bent upon all of us to make clear the importance of this communicate the will of our members and to continue to non-pay benefit to members of Congress. Next time you talk educate those serving in Congress. We strongly encourage all to your representatives in their local offices, take along a copy current and past Air Force enlisted members, their families, of the chart below entitled, “The Exchange By the Numbers.” and survivors to vote at their local polling places. For those The chart provides a great snapshot of the Exchange ben- who will be away from home this November, visit the Federal efit—how much and the types of support provided to the Voting Assistance Program or Overseas Voting Foundation Army and Air Force each year. websites for absentee ballot information. From time to time, users of the Exchange may have con- AFSA Chapters are encouraged to hold awareness events cerns pertaining to their Exchange benefit or with the store and registration drives to help spread awareness of the impor- closest to them. Where and whenever possible we encour- tance of voting by military personnel and their families. Your age members to raise these issues directly with their store base Voting Assistance Officer can assist you and should be manager. But there is another venue to make certain your consulted as you plan your Chapter’s activities. voice is heard: The Director’s Exchange Retiree Advisory Council (ERAC). This special advisory panel is made up of members from organizations that represent the full spec- AAFES SERVES YOU trum of military retirees and their families. It is composed of people nominated as official representatives of their respec- MORE THAN A BASE STORE tive organization or association and selected by the Exchange With annual sales revenues of $8.3 billion and a staff of more Director/CEO. They advise AAFES leadership on issues of than 40,500 civilian and military personnel, the Army & Air interest to the retiree community and help to communi- Force Exchange Service is the 43rd largest retail organiza- cate the value of the exchange benefit. AFSA serves on the tion in the U.S. The Exchange operates retail and convenience ERAC, so if you don’t feel your message is getting through stores, gas stations, restaurants, theaters, vending, and other at the local level, share your thoughts and concerns with our businesses on military installations in all 50 states, five U.S. ter- Military & Government Relations directorate, and they will ritories, and more than 30 countries. AAFES does more than see to it the message is passed on to the appropriate office. bring a taste of home to those stationed around the world: Associates deployed to combat Earnings FY 2013 Roughly two-thirds of 4,345 zones since 9/11 $332 MILLION its earnings are paid to Dividend to Soldiers, Airmen and Revenue FY 2013 Army and Air Force $8.3 BILLION $208 MILLION their families in FY 2013 Services programs. In Exchange Credit Program account Exchange associates who are mili- the past 10 years alone, 2.2 MILLIONTHEholders EXCHANGE BY THE24% NUMBERStary spouses and family members AAFES has contrib- uted more than $2.4 Exchange Associates connected to Providing bakery goods/bottled 36% 7 PLANTS billion to quality-of- military water to support military overseas life improvements 535 Wounded Warriors hired since 2010 4 MILLION School lunches served every year including youth ser- Facilities 50 states/ Combat uniforms outfitted in FY vices, Armed Forces 2,817 worldwide 33 countries 1.3 MILLION 2013 Recreation Centers,

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 9 Deborah Lee James assumed the office of Secretary of the Air across the components—active, Guard, Reserve, and civilian. Force in December of 2013. Great challenges came with the To balance today’s readiness with tomorrow’s moderniza- position, not the least of which were defining and mitigating tion, we must return Air Force readiness to higher levels, and COVERthe impacts STORY of sequestration and finding an appropriate size I’m committed to doing that. We owe it to every Airman— for today’s force. uniformed and civilian—to have the right level of training, Now, a little more than six months into her tenure, Sec- the right equipment, and the right supplies and support to retary James talks to AFSA Magazine about specific issues successfully do what we ask them to do. Tomorrow’s readi- affecting today’s Air Force, including balancing readiness ness means modernizing our platforms with the KC-46A and sustainability, drawing down the force, and the future of Pegasus, the F-35A Lightning II, and the long-range strike enlisted Professional Military Education. bomber (LRS-B). These new platforms will provide the Air Force the capabilities to remain the best Air Force in the world. It is the honor and privilege of my lifetime In making every dollar count, we add value for the tax- to be the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force. My favorite part payer by delivering the best capability at the best price tag. ofHOW the ARE job hasYOU been ENJOYING seeing our THE Airmen JOB SO in FAR?their work envi- That means being a good steward of the taxpayers’ dol- ronmentsSEC. JAMES: … whether it’s at their home station or deployed lars through accountability of funds and by ensuring that down range, in an office, or on a flightline … our Airmen are programs stay on budget and on schedule. It also means providing incredible airpower for America. leveraging new ideas from our innovative Airmen to find bet- So far, I’ve visited 29 bases in 19 states, as well as a visit ter ways of doing business—to be more efficient, minimize to the AOR to include Ramstein, Germany, the Middle East, redundancy, and protect our limited resources. For example, and Afghanistan. It is very exciting to meet so many of our our maintainers are now using hand-held scanner devices to Airmen—active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian. Every- track parts and reference tech orders. Having this capability where I go, I do All Calls. I want to tell them a little bit not only gives the user updated information faster, but it also about what is going on in Washington. But more importantly eliminates the need for printing, which saves money.

I want to hear what’s on their minds and see what I can do to help alleviate their concerns. I don’t see my role being any different from ASmy Apredecessor’s. WOMAN, DOES We YOURare all ROLEcharged AS with SECRETARY being responsible OF I actually have three priorities for the Air THEfor the AIR affairs FORCE of DIFFERthe Department FROM YOUR of the PREDECESSOR’S? Air Force, includ- Force. They are taking care of people, balancing today’s SEC.ing the JAMES: organizing, training, equipping, and providing for the readinessWHAT ARE with YOUR tomorrow’s PRIORITIES modernization, FOR THE and AIR making FORCE? every welfare of its more than 690,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve, dollarSEC. count JAMES: so we have the very best Air Force that we can and civilian Airmen and their families. possibly have at the best value for the taxpayer. Job one for me is taking care of people. An awful lot In taking care of people, we must ensure a climate where of my career has been focused on people issues, and cer- everyone is treated with dignity and respect. There must be tainly that was my focus on Capitol Hill. In the Pentagon at a focus on recruiting, retaining, and shaping the force for Reserve Affairs, it was not exclusively people issues, but it’s the near future and the long term. This includes compensat- a heavily “people” business. Even when I was in industry ing people fairly, growing leaders, and developing “diversity and working on delivering technology and service solutions of thought” throughout the ranks. Family members are an to the government, it was all about the right people in the right integral part of the Air Force family, so developing family job and making sure that we were delivering. So I deeply programs and helping maintain work-life balance are also believe that good people fuel great organizations. That’s key. As we begin to get smaller, we must balance our talent huge for me.

10 www.hqafsa.org CHALLENGE MSgt Gabriel Lausen, of the 33rd Fighter Wing, briefs Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James on the F-35A Lightning II’s stealth coating Feb. 19 at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. James’ visit focused primarily on the joint strike fighter with visits to the Academic Training Center and reprogramming lab and meeting with pilots and maintainers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE DEBORAH LEE JAMES DISCUSSES PRIORITIES FOR THE AIR FORCE

No. 2, if we get all the way through the process and these various things are blocked, we also have to step back and say all right, if Congress didn’t allow this, how does Congress tell YOU CAME TO THE AIR FORCE FROM THE CORPORATE us to pay for it? They’re dealing with the same overall budget WORLD, BUT YOU’VE ALSO SPENT A CONSIDERABLE numbers that we are. AMOUNT OF TIME BEHIND THE SCENES IN For example, a decision to stop the A-10 has a certain CONGRESS, WHERE POLICY IS ESTABLISHED VERSUS ramification in FY15, but it has greater ramifications over LEGISLATION No. IMPLEMENTED. 1, we’ve got to HOWcontinue DO YOUto communicate, FEEL THE the next five years. We think in five-year increments; Con- we’veAIR FORCE got to COULDcontinue IMPROVE to tell our IN story THESE and TWO explain AREAS why INthe gress tends to think in one-year increments, so having this decisionsVIEW OF weTHE put UNCERTAINTIES forth are sensible decisions.THAT SURROUND We have to US? pro- mismatch is unfortunate. But if Congress blocks one thing, videSEC. a JAMES:complete picture of all the other things we looked at how are they going to pay for it? and the value of these decisions. So we’ve got to keep that What General Welsh and I have continuously said is, up; that’s No. 1. “Please do not pay for it out of readiness.” As a former House

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 11

ACCEPTED staffer, I can tell you that readiness accounts are the easi- est thing to cut. There aren’t many advocates, companies, or constituencies calling for robust funding of operations and maintenance accounts. People like us talk about the impor- WHAT INCENTIVES Just to WILLbe clear BE on OFFERED the numbers, TO THOSE the FY15 COVERtance of trainingSTORY hours and flying hours. But this is the SEPARATINGBudget submission EARLIER contains THAN a proposal THEY to ORIGINALLY reduce by 16,700, bread-and-butter of readiness. So we have said in the stron- WANTED?of which 12,000 are enlisted. Earlier figures used the higher gest possible words, don’t cut readiness. Make another hard SEC.number JAMES: projection of “up to 25,000” for both officers and decision. Or what’s your idea on the table? But don’t just take enlisted. Under the Air Force force management programs, it out of the O&M readiness account. So we have to continue enlisted Airmen in overages career fields are being offered to press and press and press that. the following voluntary programs: •• Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA), which authorizes enlisted Airmen with more than 15 years but less than 20 years of total active-duty service to apply for early retirement with a reduced amount of retire- HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE DRAWDOWN OF ment pay; APPROXIMATELY 25,000 ENLISTED MEMBERS •• Voluntary Separation Pay (VSP), which authorizes vol- IN THE AIR FORCE EVEN THOUGH THE OVERALL untary separation pay with a 1.25 multiplier to enlisted MANDATED MISSION FOR THE DEFENSE OF Airmen with more than six years but no more than 20 AMERICA HAS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY CHANGED? years of total active-duty service; ARE WE MAKING THE SAME MISTAKES WE MADE •• Expanded PALACE CHASE, which facilitates trans- FOLLOWING THE “RESIZING” AFTER THE KOREAN fer of enlisted Airmen from active military service to an AND VIETNAM CAMPAIGNS WHEN THE AIR FORCE Air Reserve Component (AF Reserve and Air National HAD TO DO MASSIVE REDIRECTION OF ENLISTED Guard); and MEMBERS IN AND OUT OF THEIR PRIMARY AFSC? •• Limited Active Duty Service Commitment (LADSC), WE EXPERIENCED SEVERE LOSSES IN EXPERIENCE which allows eligible enlisted Airmen to request a waiver AND RETRAINING We’re SITUATIONS on our fifth BACK drawdown THEN. since IS World for certain previously incurred service commitments in WarIT POSSIBLE II—World THATWar II, WE Korea, ARE Vietnam, OVERREACTING the Cold War,AND and order to separate or retire. nowMOVING this one.TOO Force FAST reductions TO THE following FUNDING the SITUATION? Korean conflict We are trying to use as many voluntary incentives as wereSEC. short-lived, JAMES: and 1958 looked much like 1953. Follow- possible with the bulk of the reductions in FY15, a few in ing the Vietnam War, defense spending was reduced, which FY16, which take time to implement. We want to give peo- drove manpower reductions of nearly 35 percent while trying ple time to think about it and then act on it. We’re going to to retain active units. be a smaller Air Force over the next five years, but we’ve got As costs associated with maintaining the all-volunteer to retain the right people for that force. That doesn’t mean force increased, it became harder to balance spending for everybody in the force, but it means the right people, the operations (readiness) and spending for personnel and pro- best people. curement (sustainability). As a result, many deployable units I’ve gone through downsizing when I was in the private were underfunded and not combat-ready—what we call a sector. I’ve experienced downsizing through a slow process, “hollow force.” because we convinced ourselves that dragging it out over five What makes this current round of reductions unique years would be better for people because it would be a more is that it has begun before the war is over and the pace of gentle slope and managed better. But you know what? If you reductions are particularly sudden and steep. So, not wish- take five years, people will worry about it for five years. If you ing to return to the days of a hollow force, force-structure take one year, people will worry about it for one year. So we reductions were chosen to reduce outlays, rather than trying made a conscious choice to draw down as quickly as possible to spread limited resources too thin. and get it behind us. No leader likes to tell their people that some of them will have to leave, but as was the case during previous drawdowns, balancing readiness and sustainability will impact people. We are trying to reshape the force for its current missions without a massive redirection of personnel between AFSCs. FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, DoD SOUGHT While this is a period of great uncertainty, by next summer ANOTHER ROUND OF BASE REALIGNMENT AND we expect to have completed force shaping and have our Air CLOSURE (BRAC) ACTION AS A WAY TO REDUCE Force be about the right size. COSTS. MANY OF OUR SENIOR AIR FORCE LEADERS SUPPORT REDUCING THE FOOTPRINT OF OUR 12 www.hqafsa.org INFRASTRUCTURE. WHAT HAVE YOU AND AIR FORCE SENIOR LEADERSHIP OFFERED UP AS constrained budgets it is becoming more and more challeng- ing to maintain programs at the levels they were funded at in prior years, and some programs will be reduced or cut. These programs help the Air Force maintain a resilient, mission- ready force, and not being able to COVERsustain these programs STORY may negatively impact future readiness and unit cohesion. To miti- gate the impact of fewer available dollars, the Air Force has prioritized the Airmen and family support programs most in need from an enterprisewide perspective. Our core programs (fitness, child care, food services, and warfighter and family support programs) will continue while many of our non-core programs (clubs, community and skills centers, and golf ) may not. This priority listing has been vetted at the senior levels of the Air Force with the Air Force corporate structure detail- ing funding considerations and support for the out years. Part of our strategy to meet the Service’s evolving demographics and demands under the funding challenge is to tailor services Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James is briefed on the command of quarters procedures by Tech Sgt Christian where appropriate and capitalize upon community resources Pagan-Guzman and Staff Sgt Dennis Weiss, both military training to help gain efficiencies where possible. The Air Force will instructors with the 323rd Training Squadron, during a tour of remain focused on caring for Airmen and families! the 323rd Training Squadron facilities Jan. 31, 2014 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Marissa Tucker/Released)

WHAT AFFECT WILL THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED The Air Force needs another BRAC round REDUCTION IN ARMY STRENGTH HAVE ON THE AREASto be able TO to BEadjust CONSIDERED our physical infrastructureFOR CLOSURE to aOR more effi- AIR FORCE INAs TERMS the military OF AIRFRAMES draws down after REQUIRED two decades MISSIONcient footprint, CONSOLIDATION? but we have not looked at any specific areas ofFOR war, TROOP all of MOVEMENT,the Services are COVER taking FROM inventory ABOVE on what FOR to SEC.to consider; JAMES: that would be considered pre-decisional. We bringGROUND to the OPERATIONS, fight today and ETC.? are asking what we should bring do, however, strongly support the FY15 President’s Budget toSEC. the JAMES:fight tomorrow. The Air Force is the one Service that request for a round of BRAC in 2017. all other Services depend on. Our five core missions comple- Presently—without BRAC—the Air Force reduces ment and in many ways are foundational to the joint fight. excess infrastructure through demolition and divestiture of One of those missions is rapid global mobility. People and individual facilities and systems. We are also partnering with cargo don’t get from Point A to Point B just by magic; it hap- other federal agencies, public interests, and the private sector pens largely through our mobility forces. to make efficient use of, or create value from, underutilized The Air Force’s required capacity for strategic and tacti- Air Force land, facilities, and infrastructure. cal troop movement is derived primarily from operational plan Additionally, we work to reduce installation and infra- requirements and is not directly based on military end-strength structure costs in other ways: centrally managing our asset levels. So, we do not anticipate any changes to airframe require- investments, reducing facility energy intensity, and using ments as a result of Army end-strength reductions. the Energy Conservation Investment Program to cut energy demand. Demolition and divestiture, partnering with communities, and managing our assets does yield savings for the Air Force. However, the Air Force still needs another BRAC round. THERE HAVE BEEN SOME VERY ONEROUS PUBLIC RELATIONS ISSUES OF LATE, INCLUDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT/ASSAULTS, CHEATING BY OFFICERS IN NUCLEAR AFSCS, CHEATING AT THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY, AND POOR JUDGMENT EXERCISED BY HOW ARE YOU The ADDRESSING Air Force remains THE QUALITY-OF-LIFE committed to provid - SENIOR OFFICERS AND NCOs. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN ingISSUES the best AND support CONCERNS possible toTHAT help COMEbuild and ALONG maintain WITH ready, TO CLEAN UP While THIS these MISTRUST issues have BY received THE AMERICAN media atten - resilientA DRASTICALLY Airmen and DIMINISHING families. However, BUDGET? under continuous PUBLICtion, the AirmenAND MAKE involved “GREATNESS represent a OUTvery smallOF A percentageGREAT SEC. JAMES: MESS”? SEC. JAMES:AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 13 of our force. Ninety-nine percent of our Airmen are doing Lastly, it should be noted this transformation began out what’s right and adhering to the Air Force core values— of a desire to develop a better educated and equipped NCO Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We corps and not because of the current financial landscape. We COVERDo—which STORY should always be our guiding principles. will see some budget benefit, but, again, this was not the driv- When problems have been identified, we’ve held those ing factor in our transformation goals. In my opinion, our involved accountable. We’ve also directed resources to help current direction provides a far superior education than any crime victims get the services and support they need. In the of our past programs. case of our nuclear force, we’ve also dedicated resources to get back on track. While some progress has been made, we can’t rest on our laurels. We have to keep working every day with persistent focus and persistent leadership. The American people entrust us with their sons and A PERCEPTION EXISTS AMONG THE RANK AND daughters—our nation’s most valuable resource—and we FILE OF OUR 110,000 MEMBERS THAT THERE IS owe it to them to regain and keep their trust. GROWING FRUSTRATION WITHIN THE CURRENT FORCE THAT SENIOR DoD LEADERS ARE NOT SPEAKING OUT ON BEHALF OF SERVICE MEMBERS IN THEIR DISCUSSIONS WITH CONGRESS AND THE ADMINISTRATION. HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS ON DEVELOPING THE THIS AND WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO TO IMPROVE ENLISTED FORCE VIA PROFESSIONAL MILITARY TRANSPARENCY IN COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING EDUCATION AVENUES, SPECIFICALLY REFERRING FORCE SHAPING, From PROPOSED day one, I vowedCHANGES to be IN the Airmen’s TO THE SENIOR NCO ACADEMY, FIRST SERGEANT andPERSONNEL the Air Force’s POLICIES, biggest AND advocate. COMPENSATION And I know thatWITH the ACADEMY, AND NCO ACADEMIES AROUND THE restTHE of ACTIVE-DUTY the Air Force leadership MEMBERS? team feels the same way and CONUS, ALASKA, We oweHAWAII, it to ourOKINAWA, people to AND provide GERMANY? the right areSEC. actively JAMES: advocating for every Airman and the Air Force. AREtraining WE and SACRIFICING education so QUALITY they can beEDUCATION effective and AND efficient General Welsh, General Spencer, Mr. Fanning, Chief Cody, NETWORKINGin performing the FOR jobs FINANCIAL we ask them SAVINGS? to do. and I have either testified or spoken on Capitol Hill on SEC.Enlisted JAMES: Professional Military Education (EPME) is a numerous occasions and on a variety of issues. vital piece of the development continuum for our enlisted We walk people through the different portfolios of the corps and will become even more critical in future years as Air Force, all the offsets and hard choices we’ve made. We tell our force structure evolves. We will continue to invest signifi- them, “If you want that back you’ve got to find money from cantly in the education of our members by taking advantage of someplace else outside the Air Force.” The word we’re hear- emerging technologies while providing a more dynamic and ing from the Hill is they’re starting to look at some offsets relevant experience at every level of EPME. In fact, almost for us that might come from outside of the Air Force budget. two years ago, we began to transform our EPME structure For example, the Air Force had $40 billion in “bills” for into a blended learning concept where students will complete the FY15 budget. That is substantially more than the other the applicable Distance Learning (DL) course followed by three Services combined. So the narrative there is clear to me, an opportunity for a comprehensive resident experience. and I think clear to others. What the other Services want, This new blended concept is a time-in-service model certainly what the combatant commanders are asking for in designed to provide more progressive and effective educa- the overall DoD budget is more Air Force, be it ISR, mobil- tion earlier and more frequently in a member’s career. One of ity, etc. the key benefits of this transformation is to accomplish basic- In order to fulfill those requirements, we must continue level learning objectives in DL to facilitate more opportunity to communicate that we cannot provide everything being for team-building and collaboration in the resident course. requested with the current budget. For example, the new Advanced Learning Experience (ALE) Course taught at the Air Force Senior NCO Academy com- pleted two small-scale tests, and the positive feedback from students was overwhelming. Many of the students said that Increasingly we see how fundamental Air ALE was the “best learning experience of their career, and the ForceWHAT space DO YOUcapabilities ENVISION are to FORall phases THE of FUTURE military operations.OF OUR chance to work challenges with team members was outstanding.” AsAIR the FORCE space domainSPACE growsPROGRAMS? more congested, competitive, and This is just one example of the impact we expect our efforts at contested,SEC. JAMES: it is vitally important that we protect our space transformation to yield in the education of the enlisted corps. capabilities as needed to maintain this foundational freedom

14 www.hqafsa.org of action. In line with our 2013 Air Force Space Policy, we will continue to provide space capabilities COVER STORY and forces, take measures to protect our capabilities, and prepare our forces to sustain air, space, and cyberspace operations should these capabilities be degraded.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James greets Airmen during a walking tour at the 380th ARE YOUR GREATEST Air Expeditionary Wing March 19, 2014, at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force CHALLENGES SHORTBy far, the photo/Staff Sgt. Michael Means) TERManswer ANDhas to IN be THE the budget LONGand its RUN?impact to force man- SEC.agement JAMES: and force structure. But today, we’re in a precarious position. Per capita costs If we have to go back to sequestration-level funding, for an Airman have grown over 40 percent since 2000. We we can’t afford to upgrade our legacy equipment and invest feel it’s necessary to at least try and create some savings. If in new capabilities that the Air Force needs to meet future we’re not willing to make some tough calls, our Air Force will and emerging threats. Simply put, it would be too much of a be neither ready to fight today nor viable against the threats compromise for our national security. of tomorrow. If we do have to return to sequestration-level funding, Slowing the rate of pay increases, gradually reducing we would retire up to 80 more aircraft, including the KC-10 BAH rates relative to the market, reforming Tricare, and tanker fleet. We would choose to defer upgrades to the reducing commissary subsidies will hurt. But if the proposed Global Hawk Block 30 that are necessary to bring it to par- compensation reforms are rejected, the Air Force will be ity with the U-2. We would have to retire the Global Hawk forced to cut $8.1 billion from readiness, modernization, and Block 40 and slow the purchase of the F-35A. We would infrastructure accounts over the next five years. More than also only be able to provide 45 combat air patrols with our anything else, we owe the nation, the Joint team, and our remotely piloted aircraft, rather than 55. We couldn’t invest Airmen the training and tools necessary to fight, win, and in the next-generation engine program, and we would prob- survive as we deal with both a changing security environment ably have to re-evaluate the combat rescue helicopter and a and declining budgets. whole host of other things.

HOW CAN THE AIR FORCE SERGEANTS ACCORDING TO A RECENT DoD STUDY AND ORAL ASSOCIATION WITH ITS GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP OF TESTIMONIES OF SENIOR LEADERSHIP TO HOUSE ACTIVE DUTY, I AIRreally NATIONAL think the wayGUARD, AFSA AIR can FORCE best serve SUBCOMMITTEES, TODAY’S ENLISTED FORCE theRESERVES, Air Force isRETIREES, to continue toAND support VETERANS our efforts BEST as we shape ENJOYS AN 85 PERCENT ADVANTAGE IN TERMS theSERVE future YOU of ourAND Air THE Force. AIR AFSA FORCE? has always used its wide OF PAY AND ALLOWANCES OVER THEIR CIVILIAN networkSEC. JAMES: to support change, and our Air Force benefits from COUNTERPARTS WITH SIMILAR EXPERIENCE that support. AND EDUCATION. Fair WHATpay and IS YOURcompensation OPINION is OFan THEimpor - It’s important to stay informed and to understand the CURRENTtant part of PAYtaking AND care PROPOSED of people. Our COMPENSATION Airmen have earned real impetus behind the decisions we have to make and why RATESevery penny OR FREEZESthey’ve made FOR over OUR the ENLISTED past two decades FORCE? while we are moving out in a certain direction. Stay informed, and SEC.maintaining JAMES: an extremely high operations tempo, deploying then communicate with your membership. The better we are routinely, and performing spectacularly well. with these efforts, the stronger our Air Force will be.

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 15 OUTLINING AN APPROACH TO THE CHALLENGES BEFORE US

FEATURE

by Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody

We have a crucial mission in our Air Force, a resolute prom- as they fought. Not a single one was killed by an enemy air- ise to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace. It is, craft. Truly, we are a dominant airpower. We strengthen the above all other demands, what we must accomplish for our team by focusing internally and caring for our Airmen and nation. If we fail to complete this mission, we fail … period. families. We spend time together, look out for each other, and We can never lose sight of that solemn responsibility, or we offer support to Airmen and families in need. And we shape put our Air Force, our Airmen, and the Nation at risk. the future by taking action and making decisions today to We accomplish our mission by focusing on winning the ensure we continue to deliver the world’s greatest airpower fight, strengthening the team, and shaping the future. We tomorrow. The three focus areas are equally important, but talk about these focus areas often and use them as a launch- perhaps none more challenging than the third and final area: ing point for roll calls and group discussions. We win the shaping the future. fight every time we operationalize the world’s greatest air- power. Since April of 1953, roughly 7 million American service members have deployed to combat and contingency The air superiority America has enjoyed for more than operations all over the world. Thousands of them have died 60 years is not an accident. We’ve pushed through many SHAPING THE FUTURE FUTURE16 www.hqafsa.org VISION Chief Master Sgt of the Air Force James A. Cody shakes hands with Airmen assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port and Logistics Readiness Squadrons during a visit to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, April 13, 2014. (Photo by: Air Force Staff Sgt V)

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 17 challenges to build that advantage over time, and maintain- ing it into the future will not be easy. It requires trained, proficient, and ready Airmen and a FEATUREcredible, capable fleet of technologi- cally superior aircraft. We cannot get there unless we purposefully shape the future to meet those requirements. In a dynamic landscape with shifting demands, waning budgets, and rapidly advancing technology, we are forced to make tough decisions to main- tain a balance between being ready to do the nation’s business today and being capable of doing it 10, 20, or 50 years from now. It is an incredibly challenging undertaking, but one our leadership has readily embraced. As you look across our Air Force you can see shaping the future in action. Our senior leadership is mak- ing very difficult decisions that are garnering a lot of discussion, particu- When speaking with Airmen, CMSAF James A. Cody larly with regards to the budget. In March, Air Force Chief encourages them to stay informed on issues that affect of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III released an “Airman to them and and their families, the Air Force, and the Nation. Airman” video in which he outlined the current fiscal situ- ation and the driver behind many of the budget decisions. He explained that 55 percent of the entire Air Force budget goes to our people—things like military and civilian pay, the best of the tough decisions. It is a necessary challenge benefits, retirements, installations, and facilities. The other they must undertake as we shape our future Air Force. 45 percent goes towards force structure (Airmen and air- At the end of the current force management programs, we craft), readiness (exercises and flying hours to prepare for will be the smallest Air Force we’ve been since we became real-world operations), and modernization (efforts to ensure a separate service in 1947. As we downsize, we have to our force is capable and credible to confront the threats of take additional steps, unrelated to the budget, to deliver a the future). As it stands today, our Air Force can only cut powerful Air Force in the future. We will we have to make spending from the 45 percent; the other 55 percent is pro- deliberate decisions to ensure we properly develop our Air- tected by law. Unless the law changes, every dollar we need men and put the right Airman in the right place at the right to cut over the next five years—roughly $8 billion—must time. An initiative like Master Sergeant Promotion Boards, come from force structure, readiness, and modernization. which we plan to implement next year, is one example of a Every fiscal decision stems from discussions based in change driven by shifting demands. The roles and responsi- this reality. Our Airmen are clearly not overcompensated. bilities of a Master Sergeant have evolved dramatically over We greatly cherish all of our airframes. We still strongly time, so we have to evolve the system to ensure we can put value a well-manned force. But the Air Force has a bottom the top performers in those positions first. line it has to meet, and a primary mission its Airmen have The most dramatic and anticipated change is the evolu- to accomplish. What Secretary of the Air Force Deborah tion of the Enlisted Evaluation System. Every month we Lee James and Gen. Welsh owe the nation, the joint team, move one step closer to finalizing new performance reports and our Airmen, more than anything else, are the training and updating the Weighted Airman Promotion System to and tools necessary to accomplish that mission today and cultivate a culture that drives and rewards performance first. tomorrow. Each decision they make—compensation pro- In June we released the Airman Comprehensive Assessment, posals, fleet divestitures, or force management programs—is the most important element of a strong evaluation system. made with that in mind. They look at all the options, run Meaningful feedback is the only way we can provide our Air- each one through an operational analysis, and come to men a path to success; they must know what we expect of

18 www.hqafsa.org bringing more states into the Interstate Compact on Educa- tional Opportunity for Military Children. AFSA has always used its network of Airmen to develop and share ideas that support the evolution of our force. You don’tFEATURE need to be in front of Congress to make a difference; you can support Air Force initiatives and drive change from your local installation. If you stay informed, communicate and lead by example, you can take action today to define the Air Force of tomorrow. Today, it is extremely easy to arm yourself with the most updated, factual information from Air Force leaders. It is all available for free online. Articles are posted to the Air Force Portal and AF.mil daily. Many include updates on current initiatives or messages direct from senior leaders. You can read the latest Roll Calls and watch the latest Airman to Air- man or CHIEFchat videos all from your workplace. All the information you need is there. If you want to drive change, you have to know what is going on in your Air Force, and you have to know why we are moving in a certain direction. Once you have that information, you can truly shape the future by communicating with your fellow Airmen. Communication is vital as we shape our future. While senior leadership does continually look to improve and find the best avenues to communicate down through the chain of command, nothing can replace the power of direct, face-to- face communication with each other. We have to continually communicate and articulate the impetus behind decisions so we can all work from the same page. AFSA members can be them. We owe them direction and guidance so they can reach that voice and help our team through uncertainty. Whether their fullest potential and capitalize on opportunities. If we it is a local training course, a newsletter, or simply a monthly fail at feedback, we fail our Airmen. It’s that simple. meeting, you can lead a push to communicate throughout our Each of these steps, and many more, are taken with an eye force so Airmen can better understand why we are heading towards the future. We established Developmental Special in a certain direction. Duties to ensure we have the right Airmen in positions to It is equally important that our AFSA members lead by impact our entire force. We have moved to blended learn- example. If you want to lead through change, you have to be ing for our NCO and SNCO Enlisted Professional Military the change. Your actions set the tone and create the climate Education courses to provide the highest quality education that can support or obstruct our advancement. As we shape for our Airmen. The blended approach is not about limiting our future and push through challenges, we rely on Airmen face-to-face interaction, but about improving the quality of to lead with poise, positivity, and pride. We rely on Airmen the interaction. It is the proven best method of learning and who instill confidence in those around them. You have the used at top universities around the world. It will propel our influence to make a difference and propel our Air Force for- enlisted force to a higher level of education and development. ward. You have the opportunity to lead from the front. We need to reach that level in the future, and we will. This Shaping the future is a challenging task, but it’s abso- investment in our Airmen will always pay the highest return. lutely necessary if we are to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace well into the future. The steps we are taking today will greatly impact our Air Force tomorrow—and every Air- Every Airman has a vital role as we shape our future. The Air man has a role. It’s a fascinating time to be in our military Force Sergeants Association has been a powerful voice and a and a great time to be an American Airman. Athena and I YOUchampion HAVE for A ourROLE enlisted force. In the 1960s it was AFSA continue to be extremely proud of who you are and what you members who helped propel the development of WAPS and and your families do for our country. Your Air Force leader- ensure a fair promotion system for all Airmen. It was AFSA ship is proud, your government is proud … and the American members who just last year helped our Air Force families by people are proud. We are humbled to serve beside you.

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 19 FEATURE

NOT A CHOICE, AN OBLIGATION

by Senator Robert J. Dole

Perspectives on the need to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities PROTECTINGFor public servants, there are few opportunities to materially improve the lives of a broad cross section of people on both a national and global level. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)—an international treaty that would help advance the fundamental rights of individuals with disabilities from the United States and throughout the world— AMERICA’Sis such an opportunity. It would allow the U.S. to participate in formal conversations with over 100 ratified nations about how to effectively implement disability rights legislation. In essence, it would give us a seat at the table to influence disability policy on a global level. Right now, we are sitting this out. WOUNDEDThis disability treaty is personal to me. I have been an advocate of the treaty for years, in large part because I believe Josh Wege, a Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team player, it will improve conditions abroad for Americans with dis- pops a ball into the Northwest Florida Military Softball Team’s abilities—including a group very close to my heart, wounded outfield at the Morgan Sports Center in Destin, FL., Nov. 3, 2012. veterans. It is important to understand what this treaty does, The two teams played to raise awareness of the sacrifices and WARRIORSand does not do. This treaty would: resilience of military members. (U.S. Air Force photo/Randy Gon) 20 www.hqafsa.org •• Provide veterans with disabilities, and all Americans, a In 2006, President George W. Bush took U.S. leadership greater opportunity to work, study, and travel abroad. on this issue to a new level by negotiating and supporting That is why 21 veterans groups support the ratification approval of the CRPD. On the anniversary of the ADA in of the CRPD. 2009, President Barack Obama signed the treaty—a land- •• Enable the U.S. to maintain our leadership role in elimi- mark document that commits countries around the world to nating disability discrimination throughout the world. affirm what are essentially core American values of equality, •• Create a level playing field for U.S. corporations by justice, and dignity. requiring businesses abroad to meet accessibility require- The CRPD, in a way that is both telling and unique, ments similar to those we require in this country and by attracts the support of a rare variety of groups: Republicans providing a broader market for accessible devices (many and Democrats, veteran organizations, disability groups, of which are manufactured in the U.S.). businesses, and religious organizations. In this day and age, Importantly, this treaty would not require a single change to one could not hope for a more diverse array of supporters. I U.S. law or relinquish any authority whatsoever over U.S. law. believe this treaty enjoys such wide appeal precisely because Late last year, when the Senate first considered it, the of its protection of human dignity—the basic principle that CRPD failed to pass by just five votes. Protection and expan- each life is special, that each mind has potential, and that sion of the rights of those with disabilities are typically not each soul is divinely inspired. controversial items of debate on the Senate floor or else- The men and women who proudly wear our nation’s uni- where. At that time, however, treaty opponents in the Senate form are owed a debt of gratitude from those of us who benefit expressed concern that the CRPD would diminish American on a daily basis from their tremendous sacrifices. When a ser- sovereignty—somehow allowing the United Nations to be vice member is wounded and subsequently disabled, he or she able to supersede U.S. law, even by interfering with American deserves the same opportunities enjoyed by any other mem- parents’ right to home-school their children. ber of society. We are, and have always been, a grateful nation This treaty contains reservations, under- when it comes to our veterans. We live by an often unspoken standings, and declarations (RUDs) that rule of gratitude toward those who risk their lives for our free- explicitly describe how the treaty will and dom—able-bodied and disabled veterans alike. will not apply to the U.S. Members of Con- Disability is a reality for many of us here in America. gress are working now to improve the RUDs However, we live our lives in the same fashion as anyone so that the concerns raised in the last round else—that is, making the most of every day and living up are finally put to rest. Soon, I believe sena- to our potential. We, as Americans, have defined that word tors will have a chance to vote on this treaty. “potential” the same way for all our people, whether disabled I can only hope that political differences will or not. Our society rightly believes that physical or mental be put aside in favor of bipartisan teamwork challenges should not stifle one’s opportunities. to benefit a greater good. Expanding this same protection around the world is When Congress passed the Americans the right thing to do, for our own citizens and for those with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, it was from other countries. I encourage all of you to call or write not only one of the proudest moments of my your Senators and urge them to support this very important career, it was also a remarkable bipartisan treaty. This is not a Republican or a Democrat issue. It is one achievement that made an impact on millions of civil rights. of Americans. The simple goal was to foster Robert Joseph “Bob” Dole is an attorney and retired United independence and dignity, and its reasonable States Senator from Kansas (1969–1996), who served part of that accommodations enabled Americans with time as United States Senate Majority Leader, setting a record as disabilities to contribute more readily to our the longest-serving Republican leader. He was the Republican nominee in the 1996 U.S. Presidential great nation. election but lost the election to Bill Clinton. He was the After passage of the ADA, America led Republican vice-presidential nominee in the 1976 U.S. Presidential the world in developing disability policy and election but lost the election to Walter Mondale equality. In ratifying the treaty, the knowl- Dole is special counsel at the Washington, DC, law firm of Alston & Bird. edge and experience we have gained as a In 2007, President George W. Bush appointed Dole as a co- nation can be used on a global scale to bet- chair of the commission to investigate problems at Walter Reed ter the conditions for our own citizens who work and travel Army Medical Center, along with Donna Shalala. Dole is married abroad, as well as the millions of individuals living with a to former cabinet member and former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Hanford Dole of North Carolina. disability in another country.

AFSA Magazine • JULY/AUGUST 2014 21 The Disabilities Treaty: Opening the World to Americans with Disabilities

ap photo State Dept photo State Dept photo State Dept photo

In four simple words, the treaty says to other countries that don’t respect the rights of disabled people: Be more like us. - Secretary of State John Kerry, USA Today, July 22, 2013

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (“Disabilities Treaty”) is an international agreement that will help protect the rights of Americans with disabilities when they leave our shores. Too many countries have not done what the United States did 23 years ago when we passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We need to change that -- and we can. But it requires American leadership so that the more than 50 million Americans living with a disability can serve, study, work, and travel anywhere in the world with the same dignity and respect they enjoy here at home.

Ratification is the single most important step the United States can take to promote our accessibility standards internationally. Here’s how:

Providing Opportunities for Americans Wanting To Serve, Study, Work, and Travel Abroad • Ratification will help lift other countries to our gold standard for disability rights, and it will help provide the same protections globally that the ADA does here at home. • Ratification will mean greater access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities to participate fully in the global economy.

Promoting American Businesses • Ratification will create new markets for U.S. businesses as other countries raise their standards and need our accessible products, technologies and expertise to meet their goals. • Ratification will help level the playing field for U.S. companies locked in competition with foreign counterparts that are often not required to meet strong accessibility standards.

Reinforcing America’s Global Leadership • Ratification will reinforce America’s global leadership, putting us in the strongest position to advance disability rights worldwide. • Ratification is not about changing America. It’s about getting the rest of the world to raise their accessibility standards to our level. It’s that simple.

Protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, ANY persons, is not a political issue. It is a human issue, regardless of where in the world a disabled person strives to live a normal, independent life where basic rights and accessibilities are available. Disability rights and protections have always been a bipartisan issue and ratifying this treaty should be no different. - Prepared statement of Senator John McCain before SFRC, July 12, 2012

Now is the time to reaffirm the common goals of equality, access, and inclusion for Americans with disabilities - both when those affected are in the United States and outside of our country’s borders. I urge you to support U.S. ratification of this important treaty. - Letter from Senator Bob Dole to the SFRC, July 12, 2012

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE • BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS • WWW.STATE.GOV August 2013 AFSA AWARDS 2013 AFSA MEMBER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Division 1 Division 2 Division 3 Division 4 SSgt MSgt Mark Diehl MSgt Chad R. Lee SMSgt Christopher M. Gradel Shandralehka S. Carlos Ch 460, Ch 872, Ch 1076, Ch102, Moody AFB, GA Scott AFB, IL Lackland AFB, TX JB Andrews AFB, MD

Division 5 Division 6 Division 7 MSgt Colin S. Crandall SMSgt Jessie Castillo MSgt William V. Ceglar Ch 1156, Ch 1163, Ch 1674, Malmstrom AFB, MT Hill AFB, UT Ramstein AB, Germany

AFSA INTERNATIONAL AUXILIARY MEMBER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Division 3 Division 4 Past President, Mrs. Chasitey A. Turner Kathy Oden Ch 1054, Ch 804, Kansas City, MO Sheppard AFB, TX

AFSA Magazine • July/August 2014 23 THE CMSGT RICHARD L. ETCHBERGER AWARD NOMINEES

Division 1 Division 3 SSgt Eric J. Meyers SSgt Nicole R. Brown Chapter 102, Chapter 872 JB Andrews AFB, MD Scott AFB, IL Staff Sergeant Eric Myers Staff Sergeant Nichole AFSA AWARDS AFSA is the NCOIC of Fire Truck Brown is a 3S051 and the Maintenance assigned to Commander’s Support CMSGT RICHARD L.CMSGT ETCHBERGER AWARD the 11th Logistical Sup- Staff NCOIC assigned to port Squadron, joint Base the 375th Communica- Andrews, Maryland. Ser- tions Squadron, Scott AFB, geant Myers managed four Illinois. Sergeant Brown Hazardous Material pro- filled an E-8 position dur- grams, identifying 30 errors ing a 40 percent manning and enforcing program shortfall, where she led compliance. Sergeant Myers supervised four Airmen in upgrade audits on 3.8K records for AMC’s General Officer Manage- training, overseeing completion of 99 core tasks with two Air- ment Level Review panel, correcting over 200 errors. Sergeant men upgraded to 5-level three months early. Sergeant Myers Brown coordinated with MAJCOM Functional Managers and serves as the Base 5/6 advisor for fundraising and volunteered the AMC Command Chief on 49 SKT/PFE rewrites. Sergeant with his Squadron Booster Club. Sergeant Myers serves his Brown built 21 tables/benches and painted areas of a local local AFSA Chapter as part of the Member Drive team and by YMCA saving $7.2K in contractor costs. Sergeant Brown mentoring Airman Trustees. Sergeant Myers led a POW/MIA serves AFSA as her Chapter Vice President as well as Division fundraiser, a POW/MIA awareness run for the base, and coor- 3 Secretary. Sergeant Brown led 37 volunteers on a training dinated a POW/MIA recognition ceremony featuring a former facility/homeless shelter restoration and also recruited 43 new POW guest speaker. members and retained 57.

Division 2 Division 4 TSgt Brian Hamilton SSgt Thomas M. Forsthoefel Chapter 444 Chapter 1076 Maxwell AFB, AL Lackland AFB, TX Technical Sergeant David Staff Sergeant Thomas Hamilton is a 6F071 Finan- Forsthoefel is a T3P051 cial Analyst assigned to the Security Forces Apprentice Holm Center, Maxwell AFB, Course Instructor assigned Alabama. Sergeant Hamilton to the 343rd Training Squad- expertly managed the South ron, Lackland AFB, Texas. East region’s $475K budget, Sergeant Forsthoefel was enabling mission execu- deployed as Fire Team tion for 39 Geographically Leader where he managed Separated Units despite 75M gallons of fuel, 63 mil- a 20 percent mid-FY reduction. Sergeant Hamilton filled a lion pounds of cargo, and secured $2 billion in assets over a SNCO billet while deployed as Budget Chief, saving $32 mil- 24 km perimeter. Sergeant Forsthoefel led an AFSO21 event lion. Sergeant Hamilton aided fundraiser across six Group level as Security Forces Exercise evaluator, identifying and correct- organizations, netting $650 for Wing morale events. Sergeant ing findings that garnered an “excellent” ORI rating. Sergeant Hamilton painted the Airmen’s Attic new food pantry and also Forsthoefel was Humanitarian Support Organization’s Vice volunteered at a deployed spouse’s dinner. Sergeant Hamilton President, organized six Fisher House drives and was also serves his local AFSA Chapter as an Executive Council mem- the deployed Honor Guard Activity Coordinator. Sergeant ber where his efforts netted over $2K to finance VA visits and Forsthoefel serves his local AFSA Chapter as Membership accounted for 41 percent of the Chapter’s new recruits. Trustee; his stewardship fueled 2.8K recruits.

24 www.hqafsa.org Division 5 Division 7 SSgt Jeremy S. Stover TSgt Yusef A. Saad Chapter 1553 Chapter 1657 Kadena AB, Japan Aviano AB, Italy Staff Sergeant Jeremy Sto- Technical Sergeant Yusef ver is a 3EX1 Water & Fuel Saad is a 2F071 and NCOIC System Maintenance Crafts- of Fuels Distribution assigned man assigned to the 18th to the 31st Logistics Readi- Civil Engineer Squadron, ness Squadron, Aviano AB, Kadena AB, Japan. Ser- Italy. Sergeant Saad drove geant Stover directed design the flight’s largest section, efforts on a state-of-the-art leading 35 airmen and $4 AMC refueling system, set- million of assets in delivery ting a PACAF benchmark of 8 million gallons of fuel in support of a $40M project. He led 2.5K maintenance hours to power 6.4K NATO aircraft sorties. Sergeant Saad piloted his on airfield fuel systems and service stations worth $84 million, training program that was benchmarked as his Wing’s #1 pro- extending their lifecycle by 20 years. Sergeant Stover piloted a gram where he coordinated 25 courses over 1.3K hours resulting squadron book drive, managing 23 volunteers and acquiring in 17 Special Experience Identifiers being awarded. Sergeant over 1K books to enrich education opportunities for students. Saad rallied 95 volunteers to contribute 1.2K hours for Post Sergeant Stover served his local AFSA Chapter by organizing a Office, Angel Tree and POW/MIA efforts. Sergeant Saad serves POW/MIA breakfast, supporting a 5K Santa Run, and by pro- AFSA as Chapter President where he organized a Spring bazaar, viding instruction guides to the recruiting team; essential to 10 revamped membership programs, and guided 10 drives that net- different members earning “13 for 13” honors. ted 315 new members.

Division 6 SSgt Johnny O’Hagan Chapter 1252 Nellis AFB, NV AFSA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR OVER 500 NOMINEES Staff Sergeant Johnny Division 1: Ch 751, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH O’Hagan is an 8T000 Airman Division 2: Ch 460, Moody AFB, GA Leadership Scholl Instructor Division 3: Ch 872, Scott AFB, IL assigned to the 99th Force Division 4: Ch 1076, Lackland AFB, TX Support Squadron, Nel- Division 5: Ch 1156, Malmstrom AFB, MT lis AFB, Nevada. Sergeant OTHER NOMINEES Division 6: Ch 1252, Nellis AFB, NV O’Hagan challenged junior leaders, supported 6 Wings, taught 1.2K academic AFSA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR hours in qualifying 485 Air- UNDER 500 NOMINEES men to supervise and coordinated seven ALS graduations. He Division 3: Ch 964, Grand Forks AFB, ND streamlined the records management program, identifying and Division 6: Ch 1180, USAF Academy, CO correcting 25 file plan discrepancies that resulted in “zero” find- ings during a Staff Assisted Visit. Sergeant O’Hagan led a 72 member park cleanup with North Las Vegas Mayor, removing AFSA CHAPTER NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR Division 1: Ch 751 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH graffiti, trash, and weeds, saving the city $3K in labor. Ser- Division 2: Ch 460, Moody AFB, GA geant O’Hagan conducted 75 AFSA briefings, recruiting 547 Division 3: Ch 984, Offutt AFB, NE members, setting a Chapter record, and becoming the No. 1 Division 5: Ch 1551, Yokota AB, Japan recruiter in Division 6. Division 6: Ch 1379, Moffett Field, CA Division 7: Ch 1669, RAF Lakenheath, UK

AFSA Magazine • July/August 2014 25 AIRMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEES

Division 1 Division 3 AIRMAN OF THE YEAR A1C Gregory L. Orlando SrA Jordan Wentzel Chapter 751 Chapter 872 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH Scott AFB, IL Airman First Class Gregory Senior Airman Jordan AFSA AWARDS AFSA Orlando is a 6C031 Con- Wentzel is a 3D053 Com- tracting Specialist assigned munications Security to the 771st Enterprise Accountant assigned to Sourcing Squadron, Wright- the 375th Communica- Patterson AFB, Ohio. tions Squadron, Scott AFB, Airman Orlando managed Illinois. Airman Wentzel a $1.2 billion Civil Engineer managed AMC’s largest portfolio delivering lifecycle COMSEC program con- acquisitions to 92 bases. sisting of 98 accounts, 220 He dissected 3,000 lines of contract data to uncover $15 million managers, and 12K items worth $2.5 million. He drove prepa- in savings potential for a spend analysis. A1C Orlando stepped rations for an Information Assurance inspection by mitigating up as Unit Deployment Manager for two short notice taskings, 47 findings—key to his Communications Group’s garnering of processing personnel with zero issues. Airman Orlando volun- AMC’s best large unit of 2013. Airman Wentzel organized the teered over 110 hours at the USAF Security Forces Museum, base Honor Guard’s blood drive, collecting 80 units to support the Air Force Marathon, the WPAFB Airman’s Attic, and at a warfighters. As SAFB First Four Treasurer, he also oversaw local youth Science Fair. A1C Orlando served his AFSA Chapter four fundraisers that raised $5,000 towards Airmen programs. as Trustee by delivering legislative briefings, setting up New- Prior to election as Ways & Means Trustee, Airman Wentzel comer’s Orientations, and recruiting 25 members. served his AFSA Chapter as Airman Activities Coordinator.

Division 2 Division 4 SrA Amanda Love SrA Zachary K. Bartlett Chapter 553 Chapter 652 Tyndall AFB, FL Keesler AFB, MS Senior Airman Amanda Senior Airman Zachary Love is a 1C551 Aerospace Bartlett is a 4A131 Medi- Control & Warning Systems cal Logistics Technician Journeyman assigned to the assigned to the 81st Medical 337th Air Control Squadron, Support Squadron, Keesler Tyndall AFB, Florida. As a AFB, Mississippi. Airman lead Pilot Simulator instruc- Bartlett supported a medical tor, Airman Love taught 42 staff of 1,700 with an annual missions over 93 academic budget of $67 million. Air- hours and created additional man Bartlett purchased training plans certifying 16 Pilot Simulator personnel and raising 9.5K medical supply orders, filling $945K in requirements—key manning 20 percent. Airman Love led 40 workcenter details, to winning AETC’s Medical Logistics Large Account of 2013 overseeing a $24 million asset as building manager and also honors. Airman Bartlett led four members in a local school inventoried her unit’s $170 million electronics account with “zero” program, tutoring six special needs children in state testing write-ups in the Wing Staff Assisted Visit. SrA Love serves her preparations and also volunteered at the Armed Forces Retire- local AFSA Chapter as Sergeant At Arms; in this role, she orga- ment Home. Airman Bartlett serves his local AFSA Chapter as nized a gas-pumping fundraiser and also marched 3.5 miles in Airman Activities Coordinator; in this role, he piloted a dorm a Veterans Day parade. She also served as Sergeant at Arms “Chill n Grill” gala, spearheaded weekly membership briefings, for the Division 2 convention. and established a quarterly movie night.

26 www.hqafsa.org Division 5 Division 7 SrA Jonathan M. Bailey SrA Edward C. Walker Chapter 1156 Chapter 1674 Malmstrom AFB, MT Ramstein AB, GE Senior Airman Jona- Senior Airman Edward than Bailey is a 4B051 Walker is a 3D052 Enterprise Bioenvironmental Engineer- Service Desk Technician ing Technician assigned to assigned to the 690th Net- the 341st Medical Opera- work Support Squadron, tions Squadron, Malmstrom Lackland AFB, Texas. Air- AFB, Montana. Airman man Walker supported the Bailey spearheaded a $1K $21 billion DoD Information Hazardous Material trailer Grid, serving 267 bases in improvement project, ensur- 10 MAJCOMS, and contrib- ing federal compliance, and conducted an Occupational Health uted to an 81 percent customer first-call fix rate. Airman Walker Inspection where he found and fixed 105 issues safeguarding repaired the 341st Missile Wing’s server root access, providing 2K personnel. Airman Bailey volunteered with the first Annual security and control over 150 ICBMs in nine countries. Airman Healthy Kids Camp, the Wing’s haunted house food drive, and Walker promoted cultural awareness by organizing five local lit- worked with a local family’s autistic child. Airman Bailey was eracy events and mentoring 15 first-graders with the African elected as his AFSA Chapter’s membership Trustee where American Heritage Council. Airman Walker served his local he surpassed recruiting goals by 28 percent and managed AFSA Chapter by briefing on 13 occasions to over 300 per- retentions of 640 members. Airman Bailey also partnered the sonnel. He also led two road cleanups with 67 volunteers and Chapter with homes for abused/neglected youth, raising $17K. organized two base blood drives netting 122 units.

Division 6 A1C Vanessa Lopez Chapter 1201 AFSA DIVISION Kirtland AFB, NM NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR Airman First Class Vanessa NOMINEES Lopez is a 4N031 Aero- Division 3: Omaha, NE space Medical Services Division 4: Randolph AFB, TX Apprentice assigned to the 377th Medical Operations OTHER NOMINEES Squadron, Kirtland AFB, AFSA CHAPTER New Mexico. Airman Lopez WEBSITE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES assisted with 37 minor clinic Division 1: Ch 751, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH procedures, arranging for Division 3: Ch 872, Scott AFB, IL pre/post-op education and Division 4: Ch 1075, Randolph AFB, TX saving the Medical Group $42K in referral costs. Airman Lopez Division 5: Ch 1451, Portland IAP AGS, OR screened 1K patients, performing five phenylketonurias, eight Division 6: Ch 1372, Beale AFB, CA rapid throat cultures, and 13 visual exams vital to a 38 percent enrollment increase. Airman Lopez volunteered with Kirtland AFSA DIVISION Elementary School, the MLK Jr. Luncheon, the Road Runner Food Bank, as well as with the NM Veterans Integration Cen- WEBSITE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES ter. Airman Lopez served her local AFSA Chapter as Trustee Division 1: Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and later as Airman Activities Coordinator; in this role, she Division 3: Omaha, NE briefed at FTAC six times, recruiting 30 new members. Division 4: Randolph AFB, TX Division 6: Hill AFB, UT

AFSA Magazine • July/August 2014 27 AFSA AFSA AFSA VSP OF THE YEAR NOMINEES LEGISLATIVE AWARD COMMUNITY SERVICE Division 2: TSgt Jacqueline Haro, (CHAPTER) NOMINEES AWARD NOMINEES Ch 460, Moody AFB, GA Division 3: Ch 985, Tinker AFB, OK Division 1: Ch 751, Wright-Patterson AFB, Division 3: Ms. Helen R. Hatz, Ch 804, Division 4: Ch 1075, Randolph AFB, TX OH Kansas City, MO Division 5: Ch 1156, Malstrom AFB, MT Division 2: Ch 460, Moody AFB, GA Division 4: TSgt Thomas L. Goerner, OTHER NOMINEES AFSA AWARDS AFSA Division 6: Ch 1252, Nellis AFB, NV Division 3: Ch 985, Tinker AFB, OK Ch 615, Barksdale AFB, LA Division 4: Ch 615, Barksdale AFB, LA Division 5: MSgt Henry Ayala, Ch 1156, AFSA Division 5: Ch 1553, Kadena AB, Japan Malmstrom AFB,MT Division 6: Ch 1252, Nellis AFB, NV Division 6: SSgt Jennifer Marrott, LEGISLATIVE AWARD Division 7: Ch 1674, Ramstein AB, GE Ch 1163 Hill AFB, UT (INDIVIDUAL) NOMINEES Division 7: MSgt Nichole E. Reynolds, Division 1: CMSgt (Ret) William C. McMullen, Ch 1674, Ramstein AB, GE Ch 201, Dover AFB, DE Division 3: CMSgt (Ret) Mark R. Clark, AFSA Ch 804, Kansas City, MO Division 5: TSgt Kristi M. Jordan, VAVS AWARD Ch 1551, Yokota AB, Japan Division 3: Ms. Barbara L. Veach, Division 6: MSgt Todd Westhaver, Ch 804, Kansas City, MO Ch 1163 Hill AFB, UT Division 4: MSgt William Braidwood, Division 7: SMSgt Keith D. Custer, Ch 615, Barksdale AFB, LA Ch 1674, Ramstein AB, GE

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AMM SPOTLIGHT

their cargo. The sheer The sheer their cargo. Rishel collection, AMM) collection, Rishel doomed from the start. doomed from ( B-24 Liberators let loose let loose Liberators B-24 July/August 2014 29 • July/August bombs meant Italy’s Regia Regia bombs meant Italy’s volume of AAF planes and and of AAF planes volume Aeronautica (Air Force) was was (Air Force) Aeronautica had developed no armor-piercing developed no armor-piercing had everybombs—something other major They even militaryWWII had. of force suchto fuel and planes, lackedpilots, an extent that they performed no air during missions their reconnaissance North African- early in the war. years based Italian air units even lacked engines. sand filters for their planes’ would seem to be a basic need for This America’s Given desert-based aircraft. - and the produc resources economic capabilitiestion such of companies as and Consolidated, North American, could accurately you predict Boeing, happen when the AAF what would did collide and the Regia Aeronautica disaster for Italy. in the skies of war: AFSA Magazine THE AAF VERSUS THE REGIA AERONAUTICA Sean M. Miskimins, AMM Curator By Aircraft production numbers Aircraft production military of the 1930s was, simply put, a simply put, military of the 1930s was, The country’s- econ force. second-rate largely had been agriculturallyomy and centuries, not if forbased decades, military spending and technology had This is clearly visible been neglected. analyzingwhen force—the air Italy’s AeronauticaRegia America’s versus (the AAF). Army Air Force severely lop- 1940 to 1943 are from While America over produced sided. Italy only managed planes, 157,000 than 15-1. 10,389—a ratio of more had Aeronautica rudi- The Regia mentary at best and no bombsights such as true aircraft, ground-attack They also B-26 or P-47. America’s

Italy’s militaryItaly’s at the dawn of

WWII the past did nothing to evoke memories of the formidable Roman The Italian Legions past. of Italy’s Anyone who has ever had a little who has ever had Anyone knows or been a little brother, brother, can little brothers heap that sometimes outsized older their upon adoration impress and the need to male siblings, canor to be like an older brother be by made a driving in decisions force With this dynamic the little brother. military some historians have in mind, dictator Benito likened Italian Fascist with WWII relationship Mussolini’s something as Hitler Adolf Germany’s of a historical little-brother–big- relationship. brother ELITE AIR ELITE With America’s late start in WWII, and Italy’s early exit, there are actually not a lot of incidents where the two Air Forces met in battle. The epic “end” of Italy with the invasion of Sicily in July 1943 did provide some air contact between the two groups. Operation Husky, as it was called, was the joint American-British assault on the island just off the coast of the “toe” of Italy’s boot-shaped peninsula. Italy’s military as a whole was definitely worn down by this point in the war, but, as always, when you are defending your homeland, you put AMM SPOTLIGHT forth your best effort. (However, I don’t know if you could even call this effort by the Italians “one good punch.”) Operation Corkscrew, the massive aerial assault that would precede Husky’s beach landings of July, actually began in May 1943. Corkscrew went on for more than a month with, in some cases, round-the-clock assaults on Sicily and other Axis airbases and targets near the island. The Ameri- cans did most of the day raids, while England’s RAF (Royal Air Force) handled most of the night missions. AAF B-17 Super Fortresses and B-24 Liberators pounded Sicily and nearby targets. The AAF especially targeted Axis airfields as well as docks and supply bases. From June 7–11, 1943, the AAF battered the Italian island with over 3,700 sorties in which over 5,300 tons of bombs were dropped. The Italians on the ground would eventually see even more concentrated Gunner Sgts Rodent Dillon, left, and John Schaus, right, of the destruction; on June 6, 1944 (D-Day) alone, the AAF bomb- 484th Bomb Group, pose in front of their crew tent in Cerignola, ers conducted 1,700 sorties in the skies above Sicily. Italy, in 1944. By the time this photo was taken, Italy had left the With that kind of money, manpower, and firepower even Axis and was out of the war. (Dillon collection, AMM) a young historian might ask, “Did the Italian air force really have a chance?” To answer this question you first have to look at both how much and what the Regia Aeronautica had; I When the Regia Aeronautica launched units to attack will start with the second part. The names of the Italian air- Belgium in 1940 to help support Germany’s invasion of Bel- craft producers of WWII will sound familiar to us all. While gium, the Aeronautica lost 38 aircraft on that mission due Fiat and Alfa-Romeo have long produced excellent sports to, “fog, ice, rain, and navigational problems.” These wartime cars, they did not excel at aircraft production in WWII. Alfa- losses are excessive to say the least. They hadn’t fared much Romeo, for example, was only able to produce 74 DB-601 better when they aided the invasion of France earlier that engines in all of 1941. This engine was used in Axis fighter year. The Regia Aeronautica’s own record there reads, “negli- aircraft. While both funding and resources were definitely in gible results while considerable wear and tear on aircrews and short supply in Italy, their research and technology compo- planes.” Italian fighter Ace Ugo Drago’s air record by 1941 nent also seemed to be grossly incompetent. helps illustrate the point of how handicapped the Italian air force was in terms of supplies and funding. Drago stated that by March of 1941 he was only given enough fuel to average 45 hours of flight time per month. That would have been a week’s work for an American pilot or aircrew in General Lewis Brereton’s 9th Air Force—the very unit that was assaulting Sicily. The hammering Sicilians were receiving from the AAF bombers in June wasn’t their

A crashed Savio Marchetti SM-79 plane in Italy: Italy’s lagging industrial capacity meant that their pilots not only lacked a large number of planes but proper technology as well, such as bomb sights or high- quality fuel. (Hoggatt collection, AMM)

30 www.hqafsa.org only problem; the AAF also Numerous AAF bombs tumble from bombers and head through the clouds had another thing the Regia toward the beaches at Sicily in July 1943. Aeronautica greatly lacked— Aircraft of the 718th Bomb Squadron transport planes. While the snapped these action photos. (Parillo Aeronautica often had trou- collection, AMM) bles moving men and supplies forward to proper areas, the AAF had ample fuel and craft will state, rightly so, that Germany to perform such tasks. On the was foolish for taking on America, night of July 9, 1943, to sup- England, and the Soviet Union. That port the beach invasions for being said, Germany produced over the next day, fleets of 9th Air six times the number of aircrafts Force C-47 Skytrains rolled in annually than Italy produced from over Sicily. The Skytrains were 1940–1943—and Germany’s numbers delivering their cargo—para- were still completely inferior to those troopers. The 226 C-47s came of the Allies. Germany’s production in that night after AAF planes was not even 40 percent of what the had already flown over drop- U.S. was capable of producing. So for ping “chaff ” in order to jam this historical question, the answer or distort Italian radar on the is clear mathematically: The Regia island. The numerical superi- Aeronautica and Luftwaffe (Ger- ority of the AAF was helping man air force) never had a chance to put the last nail in the coffin against the vaunted Army Air Force for both Italy and its air force. of America. Numbers prior to Opera- tions Corkscrew and Husky stated that the Regia Aeronautica Sources Consulted: had slightly more than 1,100 operational planes in its total Regia Aeronautica—an Operational History by Chris Dunning service—not just for Sicily but for its entire war effort. Con- Hitler’s Italian Allies by MacGregor Knox versely, the AAF’s 9th Air Force alone had more than 2,500 Sicily 1943 by Steven Zologa planes in its service fleet by June 1943. Needless to say, by the end of Operation Husky, the British and American forces held the island; all of Italy—not just its air force—was doomed. Some numbers indicate that during June–July 1943 the Aeronautica had lost more than 400 aircraft on or over Sicily. Other statistics say it was left with only 80 planes. Whether these losses had been 400 or 1,000 it mattered little; Mussolini had doomed Italy from the start. The ego- tistical man who wanted so badly to impress, if not be like, Adolf Hitler had failed miserably. He had failed because he did not see the reality of the situation—not just for his air force but for his military overall. It takes money and matériel to wage war. And even if you have those two things, it also takes trained men. Italy had very few of these key compo- nents by the mid-1930s when World War II began. I am no fan of Germany when it comes to WWII, but I do think they at least had a military production model and training organization that set them up for a far bet- ter chance of victory than Italy. Most historians though

Sgt Deane Bartlett, WWII Bronze Star recipient, poses in his high- altitude flight gear. Bartlett saw action over Italy during the war. As opposed to bringing home war souvenirs from Italy, Bartlett chose something different—an Italian bride. (Bartlett collection, AMM)

AFSA Magazine • July/August 2014 31 Agger, John Class, Ralph M. Ginoza, Leonard H. Keenan, John E. McLoud, Ellen S. BELLEVILLE,IL APPLE VALLEY, MN HONOLULU, HI ERIE, PA KEIZER, OR Aguilar, Jose Clements, Wayne L. Grams, Norman A. Kelleher, Cornelius H. Meeks, Dewey H. LAS VEGAS,NV N LITTLE ROCK, AR CONNEAUTVILLE, PA SOUTH HADLEY, MA KIMBERLING CITY, MO Allendorf, Albert H. Colson, Billy J. Greene, Archie E. King, John R. Mendenhall, Giles N. BLAIRSVILLE,GA NORTHPORT, AL SAN ANGELO, TX PINE CITY, NY DALZELL, SC Amedy, Alfred J. Corbin, Frances L. Gregory, Ivan Knight, Thomas J. Miller, Robert G. GREENSBORO,NC GROOM, TX BONNE TERRE, MO MC GREGOR, TX NEW BRAUNFELS, TX FINAL FLY-BY Anderson, George R. Cox,Bobbie C. Guzzetta, George J. Knutson, Joan C. Montville, Charles A.

REMEMBERING THE NEWLY DEPARTED REMEMBERING THE NEWLY FORT WORTH, TX CARTHAGE, NC NICEVILLE, FL WAUPACA, WI MIDDLETOWN, NJ Anderson, Martin F. Cumoletti, Vincent H. Harris, Joseph W. Koplin, James Moore, Clarence R. FRANKFORT, KY SACKETS HARBOR, NY FORT PIERCE, FL HOUSTON, TX HARTFORD, SD Anderson, Joseph P. Dannelley, John E. Harris, Lynn E. Lackey, William Myers, Donald PALM CITY, FL AURORA,CO SCOTTSDALE, AZ AUBURN, WA LACEY, WA Atchley, Norman D. Davis, Frederick G. Hartman, Betty J. Landry, Mamie C. Neal, George W. MOUNTAIN VIEW, MO STEVENSON RANCH, CA OTTUMWA, IA JEANERETTE, LA MADISON, WI Bain, Dale B. Deatrick, James L. Hawkins, L. N. Leaird, Lee W. Nelson, Jimmie D. BURNSVILLE, MS MOUNT JULIET, TN CHATTAROY, WA MOBILE, AL COLVILLE, WA Baker, Wayne H. DeBerardinis, Carl A. Higby,Jamie,Marie, Ledbetter, Ward B. Newman, James R. ELIZABETH CITY, NC LAS VEGAS, NV MONTGOMERY,AL PAHRUMP, NV FREDERICKSBURG, VA Barnes, Elmer L. Desmarais, Origene P. Hines, Curt Litton, Hillard Norris, James C. GARNER, NC ANNISTON, AL PANAMA CITY, FL RACINE, WI UPTON, WY Behnke, Russell Deveaux, Merle Hobbs, J. P. Logan, Floyd Obert, Noel E. SIOUX FALLS, SD ZEPHYRHILLS, FL ROSE HILL, VA LAS VEGAS, NV BILOXI, MS Bille, Curtis A. Ditomassi, Ronald P. Hodgdon, Carlton R. Long, Jason Michael Page, Norman P. LUCK, WI ROCKFORD, IL LEVANT, ME MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA PORT CHARLOTTE, FL Bodoh, Jerry C. Donnelly, John J. Hoffman, Lawrence E. Luppa, Wolfgang G. Pierce, Ralph J. EMPIRE, MI HENDERSON, TN PHOENIX, AZ PLATTSBURGH, NY BEACH PARK, IL Booher, Allen D. Duff, Edward Holmes, Ida B. Mahon, Charles A. Pijanowski, Lawrence COLUMBIA, MO RIVERSIDE, CA FOXWORTH, MS VACAVILLE, CA DELAWARE, OH Botkin, Thomas G. Dunford, William Holmes, Clifton Marcinko, George Pippin, John B. JACKSONVILLE, FL MABSCOTT, WV FOXWORTH, MS MC KEES ROCKS, PA SPRINGFIELD, IL Braniff, John P. Fletcher, Lewis E. Hood, John H. Masse, Peter C. Priester, Richard V. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK KEY LARGO, FL PANAMA CITY,FL BRUNSWICK, ME WALLA WALLA, WA Brinson, Samuel Forehand, Margaret E. Hudson, George H. Mcadams, Robert L. Quesenberry, Kleyon SAVANNAH, GA RALEIGH, NC ALBUQUERQUE, NM POWELL, OH JACKSON, TN Burgoon, Harry W. Forrest, Alfred D. Hudson, Dominique McArthur, Dorris M. Raffa, Gloria A. CENTRALIA, KS HOLDEN, MA DECATUR, IL SANTA MARIA, CA EASTHAMPTON, MA Burks, Elmo, L. Foster, Virginia F. Hunter, James J. Mcclung, Robert A. BURLESON, TX TISHOMINGO, OK ATLANTA, GA EWA BEACH, HI Please call Cannon, William M. Fracalossi, Robert Jarvis, John H. Mcdade, Joseph E. 1 (800) 638-0594, Ext. 288, to GIG HARBOR, WA GREENWOOD LAKE, NY MEDICAL LAKE, WA MOUNT SAVAGE, MD report the death Carroll, Calvin E. Fulghum, Eugene S. Jirik, Margaret J. McKinley, Effie A. of an AFSA DULUTH, MN ROME, NY HARRISBURG, PA MOUNTAIN HOME, ID member and give final honors in Cassidy, Gerald D. Fulton, Printiss Jordan, William M. McKinny, Thomas E. the Final Fly-By. ZEPHYRHILLS, FL SMYRNA, TN VALDOSTA, GA MILAN, TN

32 www.hqafsa.org FOR AFSA MEMBERS Think you’re covered?

ou likely carry some type of health plan to help protect yourself and your family in case of an injury or illness. YBut the truth is, these plans don’t cover every expense.

The high cost of cancer The risk is all too real Battling cancer takes the best doctors and the best Anyone can develop cancer, and the risk increases as care—expensive care—that can leave you financially you age.* You may already know someone affected by vulnerable when you need protection the most. cancer, either personally or through friends and family. Most health plans don’t cover things such as copays That’s why the Air Force Sergeants Association is and deductibles, and have policy limitations and offering members the AFSA Cancer Cash Insurance maximums that limit what the plan pays for, such as Plan to help cover the expenses of cancer treatment with hospitalization, chemotherapy and drugs—all the things up to $500,000.00** in maximum lifetime cash benefits needed to treat cancer. paid directly to you. Then there are the indirect costs that no health plan This plan also pays you, sick or well, every year, to have pays for. Things like lost income, child care, gas and 1 of 6 cancer screening tests, up to the maximum benefit. expenses for traveling to doctor appointments and All with guaranteed acceptance as long as you haven’t treatments, and non-prescription medications. had cancer in the last 5 years (12 months in TX, 6 months in CA, 2 years in GA) and no long forms to complete. The high cost of treating cancer can quickly surpass Plus, you will never be canceled from this plan as long the coverage provided by most health plans. as your premiums are paid and you are an active Make sure you have “extra” coverage in place member of AFSA. And, your plan can never be to help you if you’re diagnosed with cancer. canceled because of your age.

o learn more and take advantage 1-800-882-5541 of this important benefit available or visit www.afsainsurance.com T to AFSA members, please call today. (Request #064599-1-1-1) *Cancer Facts & Figures, 2014 MERCER **Total maximum policy benefit limit. THIS IS A CANCER-ONLY POLICY. The AFSA Cancer Cash Plan is underwritten by Monumental Life Insurance Company, a Transamerica company, Cedar Rapids, IA. This policy has specific exclusions, limitations and reduction in benefits. Please contact the AFSA Insurance Plans Administrator for complete details. Benefits may vary by state. Coverage may not be issued to residents of all states. AR Ins. Lic. #303439 CA Ins. Lic. #0G39709 In CA d/b/a Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services LLC 26485317 64599 (7/14) Copyright 2014 Mercer LLC. All rights reserved.

64599 AFSA Cancer Ad2.indd 1 5/22/14 8:55 AM AIR FORCE SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 50, Temple Hills, MD 20757 AFS-019–July/August 14 AFS-019–July/August

Scan this code with your smart- phone to go to the AFSA website: Please keep AFSA informed of any address changes. www.hqafsa.org.