March/April 2014

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The Home Front AF families and deployment planning

2013 AFSA Annual Report

AFSA. president’s commentary March/April 2014 1 • March/April agazine A M AFS ou o an AFSA Legend To To say thank you, our recruiters and retainers will be God bless all—and please never hesitate to share your I want to take a moment to personally thank Doc for his ying Thank Y a te t alu S Some of our most outstanding members are those who go maintain us help and members, new recruit to mile extra the our current members. Thanks to the efforts of these AFSA heroes, we continue to sustain the numbers we need to be on Capitol Hill! and a force effective rewarded for their efforts! Each month, anyone who either recruits or retains at least 10 members will receive a num- ber of cool thank-you gifts. We have AFSA “DOER” bottle key tags, luggage pads, mouse platform legislative openers, chains, four-pillar coins, DOER clocks, and more. In addi- any to awarded is that coin 14” in “14 new the have we tion, mem- 14 least at retains or recruits who retainer or recruiter bers in 2014. We salute our recruiters and retainers—you provide the thrust we need to achieve our critical tive legisla- agenda! Special thanks to AFSA Trustee Dale Nelson, Division President Cary Hatzinger, and International TimPresident Litherland for designing and implementing an Vice for 2014 that is second to none! incentive program only are Association—we this drive You ideas. and thoughts as strong as our members allow us to be. My email: . [email protected] S As many of our members our aware, are CEO current John “Doc” McCauslin will be stepping on down May and retiring Chief McCauslin 24th will of stay this on year. as an advisor Jacksonville, our ensure help and August of end the through Conference and FL, Convention Professional from Airmen’s 16–20 August will be second to none. We will select a new the in her or him introduce and months few next the in CEO ! next edition of AFSA Magazine long and dedicated service to our great excelled. Association. and President International Doc AFSA the as time spent As CEO, he has moved AFSA forward in many ways. We are more financiallystable than at any time in history. our The prestige of AFSA among The Military Coalition and on Capitol Hill is second to none. Doc has worked long hard and to move AFSA forward and his positive contributions and legacy will be long From a remembered. grateful Asso- ciation—THANK YOU, Chief! oom Daniel Yeomans, Yeomans, Daniel CMSgt, Retired USAF International AFSA President

Our nation is now burdened with over a $17 Trillion debt. Trillion $17 a over with burdened now is nation Our I often wonder what the value of our military benefits

the Battles L the Battles of month third into our now well are Hello, AFSA nation. We 2014, and AFSA stands ready to fight for each and every treated are Airmen brave our ensure to members our of one sacrifice. and service, patriotism, their for recognition in fairly The battle won’t be easy. However, I am confident we will win the day with each of you by our sides. Our Congress is looking for ways to reduce the deficit, and on the table. AFSA will continue to push military options are passed was that freeze COLA The pay. equitable and fair for was flat out wrong! We willrighted. AFSA believes that radical changes and cuts to our resist this change until it is military retirement system pose high risks. We will fight to preserve what our active Guard, duty, and Reserve Airmen are earning—and do our best to support our retirees who measures resist will We benefits. retirement their on depend that would reduce medical benefits or increase costsour Airmen currently serving and who for and retirees Veterans have served. We will fight to ensure that deserving Airmen the receive educational opportunities they earned for them- selves—and for their families. We will work hard to ensure reduced. the Commissary benefit is not from years 30 or 20, 10, in be will package entitlements and those finest? Will nation’s our attract to able be Willwe now. decision right the made they feel and back look served who to stay the course? Will our nation that realize the sacrifices made by those in uniform each and every day are worthy of support? AFSA is dedicated to ensuring the Air Force of tomorrow is as strong and great as the Air Force of today. However, WE NEED YOU. Your membership provides us difference. a make to need we numbers in strength the with Thank you, AFSA nation. 2014 Begins and and Begins 2014 General Offices by striving to report timely and accurate 5211 Auth Road information. The editors reserve the right Suitland, MD 20746 to edit all submissions but will never Telephone: (301) 899-3500 or materially alter the author’s viewpoint. (800) 638-0594 The opinions expressed in this publication CONTENTS Fax: (301) 899-8136 are not necessarily those of the Air Force March/April 2014 Vol. 53, No. 2 Web: www.hqafsa.org Sergeants Association or its editors. [email protected] Email: AFSA does not necessarily endorse Publisher products or services advertised in John R. “Doc” McCauslin, CMSgt (Ret.) AFSA Magazine. Executive Editor Produced in the United States of America. President’s COMMENTARY David D. Mimms, CMSgt (Ret.) ADVERTISING SALES AFSA afsa afield Dean Mather Founded in 1961 by four Air Force M.J. Mrvica Associates, Inc. enlisted people, AFSA is a non-profit, Airmen’s Forum (856) 768-9360; [email protected] tax-exempted organization representing the professional and quality-of-life eye on washington Key Staff concerns of the Total Air Force (active CEO: John R. McCauslin, CMSgt (Ret.)* duty and components) enlisted mem- CFO: Ernest Chriss bers in active, retired, and veteran amm spotlight 1 Director, Comm & Tech: David Mimms, status, and their families, on Capitol Hill CMSgt (Ret.) and in the Pentagon. Through its many final fly-by Director, Member & Field: Keith Reed, programs and worldwide chapters, 3 MSgt (Ret.) AFSA also reaches out to bases Director, Mil & Govt: Morgan Brown, and communities to help those in 4 MSgt (Ret.)* need and to raise awareness of the feature Director, Supt Ops: Melvin Boston, sacrifices, concerns, and contributions 6 MSgt (Ret.) of those who have worn or are wearing Problem or Opportunity? *Registered lobbyists enlisted chevrons. 23 AFSA, Post Office Box 50 AMF feature Temple Hills, MD 20757 An AFSA affiliate, the Airmen Memorial Fueled by the Mission 26 Foundation (AMF) provides educational Publication produced by: assistance to dependent children of the Total Air Force enlisted force. It is also feature an annual participant in the Combined ACC Warrior Airmen 12 Federal Campaign (CFC #10517). COVER STORY www.glcdelivers.com AMM An AFSA affiliate, the Airmen Memorial There and Back Again AFSA Magazine (formerly SERGEANTS) Museum (AMM), located in AFSA’s 14 (ISSN 0360-7364) is published bimonthly Airmen Memorial Building, features in January/February, March/April, May/ rotating exhibits and stands as a tribute June, July/August, September/October, to those who have served. It is also Special Edition and November/December by the Air Force an annual participant in the Combined 15 Sergeants Association. Copyright Federal Campaign (CFC #10518). AFSA’s 2013 ©AFSA 2014, all rights reserved. Annual report Periodicals postage paid at Southern IMPORTANT AFSA NUMBERS Maryland Facility, MD 20790 and at AFSA Headquarters: 16 additional mailing offices. (301) 899-3500 or (800) 638-0594 Send address changes to: Capitol Hill Update Hotline: AFSA Magazine, P.O. Box 50, (301) 899-3509 or Temple Hills, MD 20757 (800) 638-0594; Ext. 400 Membership AFSA INTERNATIONAL One year/$25, two years/$44, three EXECUTIVE COUNCIL years/$64, life membership/call AFSA President CMSgt (Ret.) Dan Yeomans; Vice Headquarters for pricing. A subscription President CMSgt (Ret.) Timothy Litherland; to the AFSA Magazine is included in Senior Advisor CMSgt (Ret.) Jeffrey Ledoux; membership dues. Non-member U.S. Air Force Uniformed Service Trustee On the Cover: Aiden Robillard smiles in the subscription rate is $27 per year. CMSgt Michael Warren; Trustee, Retired and arms of his father, Staff Sgt. Tim Robillard, Veterans Affairs MSgt (Ret.) Dale Nelson; Jan. 12, 2014, at Hurlburt Field, FL. Robillard, Editorial Statement Division Presidents: Div. 1, SMSgt (Ret.) a 801st Special Operations Aircraft Mainte- AFSA Magazine (formerly SERGEANTS) Frederick F. Dembinski; Div. 2, MSgt (Ret.) nance Squadron electric and environmental is the only magazine dedicated solely to Colin J. Gates, Jr.; Div. 3, SMSgt (Ret.) systems maintainer, was met by his wife and serving the Total Air Force enlisted corps Dale C. Lutzen; Div. 4, SMSgt (Ret.) James 27 and their families. We are obliged to serve Crissinger; Div. 5, CMSgt (Ret.) Cary son after returning home from deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. John Bainter) the interests and concerns of Air Force Hatzinger; Div. 6, CMSgt Jeffrey Foreman; enlisted personnel and our members Div. 7, SMSgt Daniel Guzman

2 www.hqafsa.org Dispatches from regional chapters and enlisted corps news afsa afield ahlem! March/April 2014 3 • March/April agazine A M AFS AFSA HQ ngd Spa Hello, - AFSA Inter During visit to Spangdahlem AB, a recent Timothy Litherland some got Vice national President live radioduringAFSA discuss to time Germanthe city’s drive-time broadcast. xcellence

s AFSAader Join

Luke AFB Chapter 1260 Trustee SMSgt Sean Siegal (left)- pres Trustee Luke AFB Chapter 1260 Airman Leadershipents the Chapter-sponsored School Academic to SrA Ryan Shipman for Class 14-1. Award Achievement Chapter 1260 Chapter Honoring E AFSA Chapter 557 President SSgt Brandon Pettersen (left) and the SSgt Brandon Pettersen 557 President AFSA Chapter Wing45th Space (right) Chief CMSgt Herman Moyer Command Wing as the 45th Space on look Armagno Brig Commander Gen Nina Force Association. Sergeants officially a member of the Air becomes Senior Le Senior Chapter 557 Chapter COLA Pros and Cons AFSA received a lot of comments about the recent deci - sion to reduce annual cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments t ions from AFSA members for working-age retirees, and the overwhelming major - ity say these cuts must be reversed. But not everyone airmen’s forum believes the COLA cuts should be reversed; a handful of individuals said these reductions are a necessary and s, opinions, and ques opinions, s, appropriate way for the country to better manage its

Though t budget problems. We appreciate the candor of every - one’s feedback—for and against the issue. Know that all views are, and will continue to be, discussed in our deliberations with congressional members.

No Reductions! Commissaries in Jeopardy “Thank you for ‘fighting the good fight’ on all of our behalf. A “I’ve picked up a rumor that Secretary Hagel’s proposed COLA reduction would be a slap in the face for the service closing all stateside commissaries. Is this true? If so, what we provided to our nation (I did enjoy my 20-plus years).” can retirees and active duty members do about it?” —R.H. —H.I. AFSA Pride “Thanks, AFSA, for all the effort you have put forward in AFSA response: We successfully fended off last year’s the last year. As an AFSA member for over 30 years, I attack against the commissary but anticipate a new effort have never been more proud to have been a member of will surface soon. That could happen in March when the this organization.” President presents his FY2015 Budget Proposal to Con- —R.U. gress. Some media outlets say DoD is mulling over an idea to cut at least $1 billion from the commissary budget over the next three years. Such a move would close most Self Preservation stateside stores if enacted, so this Association would “It is up to us to protect our pay and benefits. Looks like definitely oppose cutting off funding for this important Congress and congressional staffers don’t think we have non-pay benefit. You can help our efforts by visiting AFSA given enough to our country.” CapWiz and sending the letter, “Tell Congress, ‘Keep the —C. I. Commissaries Open’” to your elected officials.

Comments appearing in the Airmen’s Forum are culled from letters and emails sent by our members to Headquarters AFSA. The Forum serves as a platform for members to voice their opinions on a given subject, which may or may not reflect the views or positions of the Association as a whole. AFSA Magazine reserves the right to select and condense letters for publication. Send your questions and comments to [email protected].

4 www.hqafsa.org Fairness Above All “Recently there has been a lot of flak about the cut to military retired pay. I am a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force who retired with the rank of CMSgt. I do not mind the cut in cost- of-living expenses for myself; however, I feel it should be fair. If we hit the retired military, let’s also hit the retired presidents, senators, congressmen, and all other retired federal workers. This would be fair and save much more funds. I also feel this “I personally wouldn’t money saved should go toward the $17 trillion in debt, not to mind the 1 percent, more social programs we cannot afford. Fairness is all I am or whatever it was, asking for. I also think it would stop the complaining among decrease, but say- my fellow military retired personnel, and let Americans know you are serious about cutting the increasing debt.” ing so may affect all —C.S. those who NEED the increase. So I say noth- Singled Out ing. I think the whole “This hits below the belt and is irresponsible of Congress to single us out while they reap all the benefits of being in world could help out. office. How do we protest?” But then again we are —J.W. talking about a gov- ernment that over- Fiscal folly “You need to get over it. Our country is broke.” spends and wastes —D.S. beyond belief. Maybe no one wants to sacri- fice, [but] they’ll just do more damage.” Come Live with—P.M. Us! Experience hassle free living with other Air Force widows who share the common bond of military life.

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Here’s why our residents love living at the Air Force Enlisted Village: • Worry-free/no hassle living • Transportation • Camaraderie • Activities, events and socializing • Security • Spacious apartments • On-site health services & • No yard work, no maintenance Air Force Enlisted Village other conveniences • Cable TV & some utilities included 92 Sunset Lane, Shalimar, FL 32579 www.afev.us - [email protected] - 800-258-1413 Bob Hope Village • Hawthorn House • Teresa Village Lic#AL10706 4 as well. She was clearly bothered by the apparent lack of Spending Plans communication between the two Budget Committee Chairs, Approved FY14 allocations Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), and the rest of Congress, specifically Armed Services Committee have pros and cons legislators. In one other disconcerting aspect about the DoD testimony, Acting Secretary Fox was quoted as saying, “If this In early January, Congress approved the FY2014 Omnibus department is going to maintain a proper force that is prop- Appropriations Act, which, for the most part, maintains erly trained, ready, and modern, we clearly cannot maintain defense spending at current levels. It also reverses a provi- the military compensation we had in the last decade.” She sion in the FY14 budget deal, exempting medically retired then went on to say any proposed changes should be “grand- personnel (Chapter 61s) and survivor benefit plan recipients fathered” for those currently retired or serving. l Hi ll from Capito news and updates ative from having their cost-of-living benefits temporarily reduced. DoD officials prefer to wait for recommendations from

EYE ON WASHINGTON However, this plan does not include the full repeal that the Military Compensation & Retirement Modernization Legis l AFSA was seeking (for more, see “COLA Cut Exceptions”). Commission, which is scheduled to report back to Con- The $1.1 trillion package allocates a total of $486.9 billion for gress no later than February 2015. If this means leaving the DoD’s base budget and another $85.2 billion for overseas the COLA cuts in place, AFSA would take issue with that contingency actions (e.g., military operations in Afghani- course of action. This development puts resolution of the stan). Roughly $29 billion below the Administration’s FY issue beyond the November election, when retirees have little 2014 request, this deal left DoD in a better position than it or no leverage to convince members of Congress to enact would have been without some action to minimize sequestra- change. Fortunately DoD’s testimony did little to convince tion-driven cuts. It funds all areas of the federal government Senate lawmakers that reversing the COLA was unnecessary. through Sept. 30, including the military construction accounts SASC Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) along with a number and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which were lumped of other lawmakers has vowed to repeal the cuts. together in a separate area. Down $817 million from last year, the projected amount for military construction projects was set at $9.8 billion. Conversely, VA will receive $147.9 billion in funding for its health care delivery, disability, and education The COLA Fix programs—$2.3 billion more than last year. Pending legislation seeks to repeal cuts COLA Cut Exceptions By now most of our readers are aware that the compromise budget plan approved by Congress in December reduced Pentagon not part of annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increases by 1 planned cuts? percent for all retirees under age 62 as well as their survivors. As mentioned in previous updates in this section, separate Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine H. Fox and legislation rescinded these cuts for medically retired person- Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral James A. nel and survivor benefit plan recipients, but another 800,000 Winnefeld Jr., testified in a lengthy hearing before the Senate military retirees are still affected by this reduction. From the Armed Services Committee (SASC) on Jan. 28. The focus onset, AFSA has been working with congressional support- of the hearing was supposed to be on potential changes to ers who want to see this provision reversed for all retirees. the existing military retirement system, but the conversation Nearly two dozen bills—too many to list in detail here— repeatedly shifted to the recent 1 percent COLA cuts for seeking to repeal the cuts to military pensions included in the working-age retirees. budget deal signed last month by the President are pending in Although brought up before and after his time on the the House of Representatives and the Senate. Unfortunately, microphone, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) asked direct ques- nearly the same number of suggestions have been posed to tions to both Secretary Fox and Admiral Winnefeld regarding offset the cost of corrective legislation, and therein lies the the COLA cuts. According to these two top-level DoD offi- problem. While most lawmakers believe that targeting Vet- cials, Pentagon officials did not request the cuts nor were they erans for budget cuts is a losing strategy for our Nation, they consulted on them prior to passage of the Bipartisan Bud- have yet to agree on how to pay for the solution. get Deal of 2013 that included the provision. This topic also By summarily removing inflation protection from mili- seemed to draw the ire of Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), who tary retiree pensions, Congress breached the contract formed sits not only on the SASC but the Senate Budget Committee with those in uniform. Since August 2011, the President and

6 www.hqafsa.org many senior military leaders assured service members around Neither do we, Chief! And until it does end, your AFSA the world that no changes to the retirement program would team will not rest and will continue to pay regular visits to affect those currently serving or those already retired—prom- senators and representatives, urging them to repeal COLA ising that any changes would be “grandfathered.” They clearly cuts for military retirees. broke their word to America’s sons and daughters who serve with unwavering loyalty and integrity. Aside from negatively Votes were scheduled to repeal COLA cuts before this issue was sent to impacting those who previously served, one of our greatest print; check www.hqafsa.org for the current status updates. concerns with the decision to reduce COLAs rests with its impact on those yet to serve. History shows a real probabil- ity that recruiting and retention will suffer greatly if national leaders cannot be believed. Unfortunately, repairing the trust of retired Veterans is being lost in rhetoric, so we hope there is MCRMC Extended a quick end to the bureaucratic maneuvering within Congress. Recently, former CMSAF Jim Roy and five other for- AFSA awaits report but mer senior enlisted leaders spoke to Military Times on behalf expects no system changes of those who will be affected if the cuts are not repealed by Congress. “You don’t join the military to get rich,” said Roy. The 2013 NDAA-generated Military Compensation & “There are a lot of sacrifices. There are PCS moves. There are Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) was bullets flying overhead. We’re still fighting a war, and now we originally scheduled to report its recommendations to Con- are talking about reducing the COLA? I don’t get it.” gress and the President by May of 2014. However, since the

AFSA’s Manager of Military Relations Paul Grugin (left) is shown here with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Graham is among a number of senators who have been leading an effort to reverse cuts to the annual cost-of-living adjustment.

AFSA Magazine • March/April 2014 7 scope of its mission is vast and the impact very significant, the MCRMC has been granted an extension to February TRICARE Ends Admin 2015. What AFSA and our industry partners expect from this point forward is no change to the current system, at Walk-Ins least not until the Commission has the opportunity to pres- ent options, and we will fight any proposals for change until will push services via Web the MCRMC has finished its job. This expectation is based In a cost-savings measure that is predicted to save $250 mil- on the law as it is written, which includes “grandfathering” lion over the next five years, TRICARE Service Centers language for those currently serving and currently retired. (TSC) will shift their focus to online or telephone-based AFSA CEO John “Doc” McCauslin and other members customer service. Reports show 50 percent of the visits to of the AFSA legislative team have met and continue to meet TSCs are to handle administrative changes like in- or out- with the members of this committee to help effectively por- processing and requesting a change in primary care providers;

EYE ON WASHINGTON tray the negative impact such changes would have on enlisted the rest center on billing questions. DoD officials claim such members and their families. requests can easily be handled from home computers or telephones, thus eliminating the need to hire contractors at a FSA encourages its members to attend public hearings if possible roughly $50 million each year. to better understand the MCRMC discussion, as well as related “The change will not—let me repeat that—will not affect town halls to offer input. Here are the known upcoming dates: any TRICARE medical benefit or health care service,” said march 26–27: San Diego, CA Pentagon spokesman Army Colonel Steve Warren. The effective date of change is April 1, 2014, and only applies to april 16–17: Forts Benning and Gordon, Atlanta, GA the 189 TSCs in the continental United States. Due to the unique nature of assignments outside CONUS, TSCs will may 21–22: MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL remain open in overseas locations.

Super Omnibus for Vets SVAC Chairman Sanders plans comprehensive package

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Bernie Sanders (I-VT) recently compiled a “Super Omnibus” measure that addresses a wide array of Veterans issues. The AFSA- endorsed S. 1982 (formally S. 1950) contains provisions that address several key AFSA goals, including in-state tuition rates for GI bill users, retention of VA’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for widows who remarry after age 55, extending Veterans’ status to all Guard and Reserve members, and repeal- ing the COLA reduction for all military retirees. The upper chamber’s leadership hoped to fast-track this legislation, but as of press time it was caught up in the ongoing fight over the COLA cut repeal. It is, however, expected to come to the Senate floor shortly after that issue is resolved. Rare is the day we see a single bill that addresses so many of this Association’s most pressing legislative matters. It’s cor- rectly described as the most comprehensive piece of Veterans legislation in decades, and we applaud Chairman Sanders for his efforts to take care of Veterans.

Senate Veterans Affairs Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) (left) and AFSA CEO John “Doc” McCauslin pause for a photo after a strategy session on Sanders’ “Super Omnibus” Veterans bill, S. 1982.

8 www.hqafsa.org Enlisted personnel of all grades attend a recent “All Call” at Wright- Patterson AFB, OH, and listen as AFSA CEO John “Doc” McCauslin speaks All Call on Benefits about the Association’s effort to protect military pay and benefits.

Commissaries to Feel Fiscal Pinch? The budget battle with DoD continues The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) currently receives What many may not realize is the Commissary operates roughly $1.4 billion in annual funding, but ongoing dis- like a chain. Busy facilities near cities like San Antonio or cussions within the Department of Defense (DoD) have Washington, DC, produce profits to offset smaller, less fre- explored reducing that amount over a short three-year period quented facilities in more remote locations and overseas. So to roughly $400 million. closing stateside commissaries eliminates a funding source If such a measure gains traction and makes it into the for those stores left. Where would that funding then be Fiscal Year 2015 budget, which is already under develop- sourced—another line item added into future DoD budgets ment, patrons could start to see commissary closings across at the expense of some other program? Peter and Paul again. the country. Officials say that 24 remote stateside locations AFSA intends to fight tooth and nail on this one! An and those overseas would be exempt, but nearly 189 of the argument could be made that DeCA should be modeled and 247 total commissaries would be vulnerable to shutting their not dismantled. They take $1.4 billion in funding and provide doors permanently. $9 billion in benefits (nearly a 9-to-1 return on investment) One option offered by industry professionals to mitigate and employ more than 100,000 Veterans and family mem- financial burdens for the DoD is to raise the surcharge from bers. AFSA co-chairs The Military Coalition’s (TMC) 5 to 10 percent. Another suggestion has been to expand Personnel Compensation and Commissary Committee and their product line to include alcohol sales, but then DeCA is a valued associate of the Coalition to Save Our Benefit would be in direct competition with Exchanges that don’t (CSOB). Candace Wheeler, spokesperson for CSOB, said, get funding and must rely on sales to cover operations. Sav- “The military community will fight this devastating cut to ing the Commissary at the expense of the BX is a classic their earned commissary benefit. Commissaries are vital to example of “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” In either case, the helping military families make ends meet and provide much- burden is eventually shouldered by military members in all needed employment for Veterans and family members; three Components. cutting them would be another broken promise.”

AFSA Magazine • March/April 2014 9 AFSA Director of Military and Government Relations Morgan Brown (left) poses with AAFES Senior Enlisted Advisor Retiree Issues CMSgt Anthony “Tony” Pearson at the January meeting of the Exchange Retiree Advisory Council (ERAC) in Dallas, TX. The ERAC EYE ON WASHINGTON comprises members from organizations that represent the full spectrum of military retirees and their families. Selected by the AAFES CEO to serve on this panel, members meet biannually to provide advice on issues of interest to the retiree community and help to communicate the value of the exchange benefit.

a bipartisan plan to do away with the annual “Doc-Fix” ritual and tie the amount that providers make to the quality of care SGR and the ‘Doc Fix’ they provide. Spending caps would be ditched and payments Plan in place to replace to doctors would increase half of a percent annually over the next five years. Congress must still come up with a way to flawed growth formula cover its $153 billion price tag, but this is the closest Congress has come to a permanent fix in a long time. Language in the Congress passed legislation back in 1997 that sought to slow December budget deal postponed through the end of March Medicare outlays by linking spending targets for doctor pay a 24 percent cut in payments to doctors who treat Medicare to economic growth using a formula called the “Sustainable and TRICARE patients. Lawmakers have until that time to Growth Rate” (SGR). Simply put, the bill said if Medicare finalize this bill or take other action. spent more than the target in a given year, it must lower its reimbursements for physician services the next year to keep overall health care spending in check. Because TRICARE’s physician reimbursement rates are based on Medicare’s, the FY2015 Budget SGR has the same impact on military health care programs. Unfortunately, the formula they used was flawed and trig- Proposal gered large cuts in payments to doctors during each of the past 10 years, which lawmakers were convinced to block With delays, speculation on through separate legislation. Details persists We often refer to this action as the annual “Doc Fix”; note that it only became an annual exercise because Congress has Officially due on the first Monday in February, the White House been unable to find a permanent solution to the SGR. That announced in late January that the President’s FY 2015 budget could change soon. As of this writing, lawmakers announced proposal won’t be released until March 4. We’ve since learned

10 www.hqafsa.org that only top-line numbers will be made available on that date readiness levels and modernization efforts. SECAF James and detailed explanations about actual spending proposals won’t will also strive to make the Air Force more fiscally respon- be released until mid-month. With that in mind, we can only sible and hopes to be able to deliver a clean audit during her speculate on what the president’s budget proposal might contain term. In pursuit of these goals, she made it clear that every- at this point. It’s possible we will see proposals to cap or freeze thing will be “on the table” and could include difficult choices military pay raises, alter the way Basic Allowance for Housing like retiring aircraft or separating personnel. However, James (BAH) is calculated and/or paid, and, quite possibly, an effort to mentioned that monies saved from such actions would be reduce outlays for base commissaries as mentioned previously reinvested back into the Service. (see “Commissaries to Feel Fiscal Pinch?”). TRICARE fee increases are almost certain to be in the document as they have been in past years. Again, just specu- lation at this point, but the level of rhetoric we have heard Air Structure on each of these topics has been steadily increasing as of late. Each could be particularly damaging to enlisted members in Report Released every branch and component, so we hope none of these top- Calls for greater Guard and ics make it into binding legislation. Reserve roles

The National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force TRICARE Prime presented its final report to the President and Congress on Jan. 30. To sum up its recommendations, the Commission believes Correction greater reliance on the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve is the best way for the Air Force to create a less expen- FY14 NDAA service area sive force. Some missions would still have to be performed by re-enrollment fix to come the Active Component, but many others can and should be entrusted to Reserve Component forces. The panel also believes The fiscal year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act the Air Force can best maintain the ready and capable force it (Public Law 113-66) contained language that would give the needs by removing barriers to a “Continuum of Service.” 170,000-plus military retirees and family members booted Also among the Commission’s recommendations is giv- from TRICARE Prime on Oct. 1, 2013, a chance to re-enroll ing Airmen greater flexibility to leave and re-enter Active in the program, provided they continue living in the same ZIP and Reserve Components throughout their careers. Such code. DoD plans to come out with a press release soon explain- a move could help the service retain personnel in critical ing how it will unravel this situation, so stand by for news. AFSCs. As the report correctly notes, some of these barriers are contained in law, but many others reside solely in ser- vice policy, tradition, and culture. Already, the Commission’s report has received mixed reviews, and we expect to see lively SECAF Top discussion in the days and weeks ahead. Priorities James outlines goals and In-State Tuition challenges ahead AFSA-supported legislation Deborah Lee James, the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force, was clears the House sworn in by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Jan. 24, and shortly thereafter outlined her top three priorities: people, HR. 357, the “GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013” passed readiness and modernization, and fiscal responsibility. Stress- the House in early February by a vote 390-0. As written, this ing the importance of the Air Force taking care of people it legislation will provide military members and their families’ in- has and needs, the Secretary noted it won’t be easy. It’s going state tuition rates at federally supported state universities and to a “tough challenge,” she said, because recent changes in colleges—regardless of residency requirements—which is one of pay raises are expected to continue and the service may have several education-related initiatives on our current legislative to rely on voluntary or involuntary separations to get smaller. platform. AFSA has fought long and hard for this and will con- Equal emphasis will be placed on the service’s declining tinue to do so in the Senate as it considers similar legislation.

AFSA Magazine • March/April 2014 11 Senior Enlisted Perspective

Photo by Cimm used with permission.

Problem or

Whether it’s starting a workout trend or managing change on the job, success starts with your approach to the task at hand

By Jose A. LugoSantiago, Command Chief Master Sergeant, USAF

12 www.hqafsa.org Opportunity? Over a year ago, I read an excerpt from a story about the a wonderful success. For example, in a previous assignment, dance-based workout craze known as “Zumba” in Reuters we were undergoing the transformation of a very large enter- business news.1 As the story goes, Zumba started in the prise—the largest integration of base support functions across 1980s. And contrary to what you might believe, it was not three installations, as these installations were becoming one a product of deliberate strategic planning or grandiose entity, the largest Joint Base in the Department of Defense. vision—at least not at first. This transformation, of course, drove changes to routine Albert Perez (better known as “Beto”) was working as procedures. Although some felt uneasy about the changes, a street performer by day and a salsa and merengue dancer when looking across the enterprise, we also could see great in clubs by night. One day, the owner of a nearby gym asked opportunities for efficiencies. To tell you the truth, I was Beto if he could stand in for an injured aerobics teacher. He energized by the overwhelming number of opportunities I

The origin of Zumba is a great example of turning a problem into an opportunity, and the opportunity into a success story. This is a phenomenon we all have the opportunity to embrace.

agreed. Since he had never done aerobics before, Beto rushed could see rather than being overwhelmed by the thought of out and bought a copy of Jane Fonda’s Workout Book. change. Embracing the opportunities truly opened the doors Beto stuck with the job, but months later while getting to strong partnerships, thriving communities, and personal ready for a class, he forgot his aerobics music. So, instead he growth for all who were involved. The entire organization put on his own merengue and salsa tapes and improvised grew and grew together. dance moves for a workout, creating what today is known as Zumba. Choose Your Path But Zumba’s success would come later. In fact, it was not As you craft your life’s journey, you’re often faced with situa- until Beto met technology entrepreneur Albert Pearlman, tions that may appear difficult. Just like in my situation when who previously had lost his job during the dot-com bust of faced with integrating those installations—or in Beto Per- the late 90s, that Beto’s early struggles began to pay off. After ez’s situation prior to the takeoff of Zumba—you will have watching Beto teach a class, Pearlman came up with the idea to make choices along the way. And the choices you make, of creating of a fitness video for Zumba. The two even opened reflecting how you view your particular situation, will dictate a gym together. Well, the rest, as they say, is history—and a the success you will achieve. very successful story. Here are some points of view to ponder: •• If you think of a situation as a problem, that will frustrate Finding Success you and narrow your set of options. Beto Perez and the origins of Zumba are a great example •• But if you think of that situation as an opportunity, it will of turning a problem into an opportunity, and the opportu- energize you and enlarge your range of success. nity into a success story. I could not help but marvel at how The moral of these stories? If you want success, change proper thinking can transform our environment and lives. the way you think about problems: Turn “problems” This is a phenomenon we all have the opportunity to into opportunities. embrace; it’s about turning a perceived unideal situation into —Always motivated, Lugo

1. Gray, Kevin. “Zumba No Longer Just Exercise, It’s Big Business.” Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 24 June 2012. Web. 11 Feb. 2014. www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/24/us-usa-zumba-idUSBRE85N06M20120624.

AFSA Magazine • March/April 2014 13 Leadership Focus

National Reconnaissance Office communications, managing logistics, providing security, or providing personnel support—at NRO headquarters or enlisted cadre provides unpar- at mission ground stations—the enlisted force bring com- alleled support mitment, expertise, and determination that help drive the By Brigadier General Anthony Cotton, Deputy Director, NRO in current operations and towards future successes in a National Reconnaissance Office challenging environment. Daily, this talented and dedicated enlisted cadre enables us to provide unparalleled reconnais- When I became Deputy Director of the National Recon- sance support to both tactical and strategic national missions. naissance Office (NRO) last year, I looked forward to leading There are many challenges ahead, and the NRO’s enlisted the Air Force cadre for the organization whose mission is cadre is poised to meet them. It is my great honor to serve “innovative overhead intelligence systems for national security.” with these men and women who uphold the NRO values of As the Commander, Air Force Element, I manage all Air Integrity and Accountability, Mission Excellence, and Teamwork ForceF personnelueled and serve as the senior advisor to the Direc- Builtby on Respect and Diversity the. They understand the impor- tor of the NRO on all military matters. tance of our mission, the impact of what we do, whom we My upbringing helped me acquire a passion for enlisted support, and how we are helping to save lives and maintain members, and it’s my goal to help those members understand peace and freedom for our nation. and appreciate the value of diversity, proper work-life balance, and making smart choices. Being born the only child to an Brigadier Gen. Anthony Cotton assumed the assignment of Deputy Director at the NRO in July 2013. African-American father and a Japanese-American mother, I cherish my upbringing in an interracial, multicultural family. The traits my mother instilled in me—a sense of responsibility and excellence for all I do—have stood me well throughout my career, from the early days up to my current position. I always wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father, who was an Air Force Chief Master Sergeant. His tireless example of service to the nation first formed my dream to pursue a military career. That dream eventually led me to the NRO, and it is fitting that a large portion of its work- force comprises both officers and enlisted members from all branches of the military services. In the short time I’ve been at the NRO, I’ve witnessed a dedicated, talented, and motivated enlisted cadre intent on furthering our mission. Whether their assignment is pro- tecting information-technology networks, handling global 14Mi www.hqafsa.org ssion Leadership Focus

CMSgt Richard A. Parsons poses in front of the Air Combat Command headquarters at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA.

and other personnel who make our overseas operations pos- sible. Every day, about 7,000 ACC personnel are deployed to dozens of locations across the globe to various combatant commands in support of our national security strategy. ACC delivers this combat capability through 22 wings and more than 79,000 active-duty and civilian personnel stationed at 14 major U.S. bases and another 50 locations worldwide. When mobilized, our partners in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve contribute an additional 700 aircraft and 51,000 people to ACC. As the lead command for Combat Air Forces, ACC develops strategy, doctrine, concepts, tactics, and procedures for air- and space-power employment. The command provides conventional and information warfare forces to all unified commands to ensure Committed to excellence, air, space, and information superiority for warfighters and national decision-makers. ACC also can be called upon to trained and ready to fly, fight, assist national agencies with intelligence, surveillance, and and win ... any time, any place crisis-response capabilities. ACC’s main focus right now is to balance essential recap- By Chief Master Sergeant Richard A. Parsons italization and modernization within given resources while meeting our goal to develop, retain, and care for innovative, ACCI’m proud and honored to serve with some of the Air Force’s motivated, combat-ready Airmen and their families. We best and brightest Airmen. Because of them, combatant concentrate on organizing, training, and equipping them to commanders around the world can depend on the warfight- improve combat capability for current and future operations ing capabilities Air Combat Command provides. We’re well across the entire spectrum of conflict, with an emphasis on known for our pilots and maintainers who deliver combat improving operational effectiveness and increasing integra- Wairpower througharr more than 1,000 ifighter;or bomber; and tion of Air Force, Joint, Allied, and Coalition capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft. But we advanced threat environments. also provide the tactical air controllers and command-and- Our mission is a constant source of tough challenges, but control systems that integrate airpower into the Joint fight, the men and women of ACC are overcoming the obstacles to Aiand we’re a majorrmen source of the civil engineers, security forces, do what our Nation needs them to do. AFSA Magazine • March/April 2014 15 Cover Story

There and Back Again

16 www.hqafsa.org Back Again

Tips to help Air Force families manage life before, during, and after deployment By Myrna Traylor

AFSA Magazine • March/April 2014 17 Deployment: When the call comes, you must respond. As an your wishes for guardianship of your children or other depen- Airman, you will heed your nation’s call to service for a tour dents. If you die without a valid will, the courts may decide Coverof duty that S maytory last as little as four months or as long as a how to distribute your savings, real estate, or other property, as year. Sometimes your notice will be breathtakingly short, but well as who will care for your children. If you have made a will there are times when you will have a few weeks or more to previously, review it to make sure it reflects your current wishes prepare yourself and your loved ones for your departure. and is otherwise valid and up to date. Clearly, there is more to deployment than packing up and Assign power of attorney. Choose a spouse, family mem- kissing folks good-bye. Take some time—even before you ber, or other trusted person. This document will allow that receive orders—to make sure that your absence will not be person to carry out your wishes in financial or legal matters, Keep Everything Safe and Secure

• Make sure your spouse has computer decide to store valuable items ($2,500 or more) passwords, PINs, and access to online accounts. in a commercial storage facility. Secure any Make a list of key account numbers and take weapons on the property. Bite with sure you. to secure your personal property before deploying: • Secure all important documents in a safe deposit • Make sure your spouse, neighbor, or a trusted box or fire-resistant home file box and leave friend knows how to turn off home systems the keys with your parents, spouse, or a trusted such as a security alarm, the water heater, water friend. These documents include: pump, electrical panel, or gas mains. Arrange for - Wills and life insurance policies; thorough checks of these systems before your - Powers of attorney; departure. The same goes for vehicles. - Birth certificate(s)/adoption papers; - Social Security cards/passports/citizenship • If you are leaving your house or apartment papers for family members; and unattended, ask a family member or friend to - Court orders, such as divorce decrees check on the property periodically. You may or custody arrangements.

more of a hardship than necessary for your family, your per- while you are unavailable or if you are incapacitated. Power sonal financial security, and your own peace of mind. of attorney can be limited to a time period you designate By laying the proper groundwork, family stress will be (usually for the time of your deployment plus three months, minimized and you can face deployment knowing that you in case of an extension) or over specific responsibilities (such have set everyone up for success—including yourself. as care of your home or business). Plan for medical contingencies. The power of attorney can Legal and Financial Affairs extend to or be separate from a living will or advance medical Complete a Family Care Plan. A Family Care Plan outlines directives in case you are injured and are unable to make your all the legal, financial, and medical documentation you and own decisions about medical care. Make sure that the person your family will need—some of which are described later in you designate knows your wishes in the event you are severely this article. Contact your installation’s family center or Mili- or critically injured, and also be sure that he or she can access taryOneSource at 1-800-342-9647 for a complete family the living will. care plan checklist. Consider legal aid. If you have a legal advisor, he or she can Prepare a will. In case of your death during your deploy- help with some of these tasks. If you don’t have an advisor, the ment, a last will and testament will indicate on your behalf Air Force, like the other branches of service, provides help how you want any money or property to be disposed, as well as through its Legal Assistance office. Go to the Legal Services

18 www.hqafsa.org Locator of the Armed Forces Legal Assistance (AFLA) at Family members wave to returning service http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php to find the members of the 27th Fighter Squadron Oct. closest legal advisor. 18, 2013, at Langley Air Force Base, VA. More than 300 Airmen deployed in support of Pacific Additional Financial Considerations Command theater security package rotation to Kadena Air Base, Japan. While on deployment Bank smarter. Set up automatic deposits in your bank 27th FS pilots and maintainers integrated with (checking or savings) account for your pay and any special the U.S. Navy and Japanese Self Defense Force.

AFSA Magazine • March/April 2014 19 IRS Form 2848, “Power of Attorney and Declaration of Rep- More Help Online resentation,” to enable a spouse to file a joint return in your absence. You may be eligible to file a federal return electroni- cally if you are outside the U.S. on April 15. If circumstances prevent timely filing, you can request an extension with There are excellent IRS Form 4868; service members on official orders may be resources online to prepare granted an additional two months to file. Each state, how- yourself and your family ever, varies in its deadlines for filing state income taxes, so for deployment. Go to check out what those requirements are and plan accordingly. these websites for useful checklists and in-depth Taking Care of Family preparation tools. When deployment orders come in, emotions may run high in Air Force families. Your parents, spouse, and children among Air Force Personnel others will miss your presence and worry for your safety, but Center—Family Deployment other feelings and concerns may arise. A spouse may worry Awareness about having sole responsibility for the family finances and www.afpc.af.mil/library/ household. Children may experience sadness, anger, fear, familydeploymentaware or depression. Even though the emotional landscape will ness.asp undoubtedly change before, during, and after deployment, there are some practical steps that you can take to address MilitaryOneSource concerns. Deployment Resources Talk with—and listen to—your spouse. Spouses may www.militaryonesource. experience anxiety, even with second or subsequent deploy- mil/deployment ments. Loss of appetite, sleeplessness, headaches, or lack of concentration are some of the symptoms. Spouses may USAA Full Deployment be hesitant to share their worries with the service member, Checklist but keeping lines of communication open is key to find- www.usaa.com (enter ing healthy coping mechanisms. If other military spouses, “deployment” in the counselors, or a faith-based community are available to search field) help, encourage your spouse to find a healthy outlet for his or her anxieties. Also, DeploymentKids. Don’t avoid the topic of deployment with kids. Instead, com has online tools to discuss it openly with your children and set aside some one- help kids while a parent is on-one time with each child before you depart. To help them deployed. The companion cope, make sure that children keep to their routines as much site for spouses and as possible. Adding responsibilities appropriate to their age other family members is and abilities can also help them feel that they are contribut- SurvivingDeployment.com. ing members of “Team Family.” Embrace available resources. Support groups for children, spouses, and parents of service members are also a great resource. These may be found through neighboring military families, base resources, or a faith community, or through the allowances, and create automatic payments for recurring bills, Family Readiness System. Portals are set up for family mem- such as rent, mortgage, credit card, or car payments. bers of active duty Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Get insurance coverage. Airmen are eligible for VA- or Force Reserve, and can be accessed online at MilitaryOne- DoD-administered life insurance. Premiums are automati- Source.com. cally deducted from your pay. Designate your beneficiary(-ies) Set a regular schedule for communication. Whether by and record policy numbers. phone, email, or Web conferencing services (like Skype), Don’t forget about taxes. Federal and state income tax touching base will bring a lot of comfort to the folks at home. returns must be filed even while you are deployed. Fill out And to you, as well.

20 www.hqafsa.org AFSA’S MEMBERSHIP United States and BENEFITS GUIDE International Alaska, Azores, Belgium, England, ? Germany, Guam, Why AFSA Hawaii, Japan, Consider this: Korea, Netherlands, AFSA is the only Association solely dedicated to Puerto Rico, Spain,

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AMM spotlight

y March/April 2014 23 • March/April agazine A M AFS The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was employed in in employed was Liberator B-24 The Consolidated during World combat theater in every operations particularly it was range, II. Because of its great War missions in the European long, over-water for suited photo) (U.S. Force Air Theaters. and Pacific

y Sean M. Miskimins, AMM curator B arded his Purple Heart w a

ades, a WWII Veteran is finall ades, ter five dec

Af verdue Overdue ong

ognition Rec L When you speak to a veteran of WWII about his service, he will usually say, will he usually say, WhenWWII about his service, of speak to a veteran you outstand- this with was it Perhaps job.” my doing just was I “Ihero, am no called these individuals members of Brokaw Tom ing humility in mind that suchAmerican 16 million men—and After all, “The Generation.” Greatest women—helped to take down tyrants like Hitler, Mussolini, aboard a B-24 Liberator. During these missions, Ott would and Tojo, which was no small accomplishment. Despite this have many adventures and even more close calls, such as the feat, though, many of these quiet and dignified individuals time he had to walk across Yugoslavia for 16 days, while go unrecognized and don’t seek the honors and medals they avoiding the Germans, thanks to the help of local “partisans,” rightfully earned. This is the story of one such individual. after bailing out of his wounded B-24 over Hungary. But it Robert R. Ott was an “old man” of 26 when he entered was another mission, on Dec. 11, 1944, that would leave the military service in 1943. Up to that point in time, he had been strongest impression on the California native. AMM spotl i ght

The B-24 Liberator was suitable for long, over-water missions. (U.S. Air Force photo)

working in a shipyard near Sacramento, CA. But after enlist- That day, the 15th Air Force’s target was the marshalling ing, he was shipped off to Laredo, TX, where as a member of yards at Vienna and Moosbierbaum, Austria. Ott’s B-24 made the Army Air Force (AAF), he received Gunnery training. it over the yards and his crew dropped their payload, but their With the war at its height, it wasn’t long until Ott was off Liberator was badly damaged in transit, forcing the crew to to Newport News, VA, where he boarded a ship bound for make a crash landing at a British-controlled airstrip on the way Italy to do battle with Hitler’s famed Luftwaffe. The overseas back to Italy. Ott, too, sustained an injury, to his hand, during voyage to Italy took 15 days. the flight and was treated at a British aid station at the airstrip. In Italy, as a member of the 15th Air Force, TSgt Ott By the end of the war, Ott’s official U.S. WWII record began flying the first of his 60 combat missions as a gunner included surviving two crash landings and two bailouts, but

24 www.hqafsa.org since his wound from that Dec. 11, 1944, mission was treated one of their air strips. Upon confirming this bit of history, at a British aid station, there was no mention of the injury he the American V.A. rightfully exclaimed to the retired SMSgt sustained in the line of duty. now living in Paonia, CO, “Why don’t you have a Purple After the war, Ott logged land in Montana, but he also Heart medal and a medical record for your hand injury?” joined the AAF Reserves. The Air Force recalled him in The local American Legion Chapter read the 81-year-old 1948 with the Korean War looming. He again saw action in gunner’s story and got the ball rolling to rectify the situation. that conflict, braving air combat once again, this time aboard On Dec. 14, 1999, SMSgt Robert R. Ott’s Air Force record

SMSgt Robert Ott receives his long overdue Purple Heart in 2000. That formal recognition took place more than 55 years after Ott sustained an injury during WWII.

B-29s. He even made an emergency landing in Seoul, South Korea, after a bombing mission against Communist targets in North Korea. In 1953, after the war was over, Ott joined the regular Air Force before finally retiring as a SMSgt in was changed, and he was officially awarded the Purple Heart 1968 with 25 years of service. for the injuries he received on the Dec. 11, 1944, bombing Fast-forward 30 years to the late 1990s: Ott’s hand, the mission. The actual ceremony where he was given the Purple one long ago injured on the Vienna, Austria, mission in Heart didn’t take place until a month later, on Jan. 30, 2000, December of 1944, was giving him trouble. Attempting to in Colorado Springs, CO. get the hand treated at his local V.A. was difficult since the Like so many other men and women from his genera- V.A. had “no record” of Ott having injured his hand dur- tion, Ott had gone unrecognized for over five decades. And ing the war. The V.A. had to do some research, but it did while his official war record now reflects the full picture of finally check out and verify Ott’s story: British doctors had this sacrifice, Ott himself never needed a medal to know that indeed treated his hand for injuries some 55 years earlier at he had done his part.

By the end of the war, then TSgt Robert Ott’s official U.S. WWII record included surviving two crash landings and two bailouts, but since his wound from that Dec. 11, 1944, mission was treated at a British aid station, there was no mention of the injury he sustained in the line of duty.

AFSA Magazine • March/April 2014 25 ted Andrews, Orville A. Fason, Chester Le Coumpte, Franklin W. Rosser, Hazel M. Longboat Key, FL Greeley, CO Silver Lake, NH Knob Noster, MO

Arbuckle, Alvin E. Felton, Burney P. Locy, Richard D. Saporito, Joseph Warner Robins, GA Drumright, OK Mesquite, NV El Dorado Hills, CA

Arthur, Tommy F. Gage, Henry E. Madsen, Ronald F. Schilling, William H. Jacksonville, AR Houston, TX Richmond, VA Jacksonville, AR

FINAL FLY-BY Bamford, Charles A. Gilmore, Robert J. Mathis, Clarence R. Schuler, Lawrence J.

r depa Remembe r ing the newly Bangor, ME Lake Havasu City, AZ Layton, UT Gainesville, FL

Banach, Ida Goldsberry, Mary A. Mcallister, Harold D.C. Seiz, Richard C. Lisbon, ME Mineral, VA League City, TX Aurora, CO

Baudier, James J. Gosselin, Earl J.L. McKenna, Robert J. Shagen, John R. Pinehill, NM Edgewater, FL Temecula, CA Spokane, WA

Bell, Robert H. Grover, Lee K. Meados, Louis D. Sherwood, Herbert N. Keizer, OR Fort Walton Beach, FL Virginia, MN Weeki Wachee, FL

Boothman, William L. Hammer, David L. Mesick, Ralph L. Smith, Charles A. Bridgeville, PA Goose Creek, SC Vancouver, WA Springfield, OH

Burnette, Harold E. Hamrick, Thelma L. Mickel, Eugene L. Swicegood, Otis B. Hardinsburg, KY Largo, FL Winnsboro, TX Parrish, FL

Byrd, Mary R. Haws, Joan S. Moore, Jonathan C. Thomey, Donald H. Haughton, LA Thatcher, AZ Rembert, SC San Marcos, TX

Cahill, Roger J. Hayes, Billy D. Njoes, Robert A. Ulrich, Hugh F. Centerville, MA Houston, TX Henderson, NV Orlando, FL

Carpenter, Doyle R. Hill, Charlie D. Norfleet, Richard W. Underdown, Jack K. Belington, WV Summit, MS Odessa, FL Roanoke Rapids, NC

Christian, Lawrence D. Hines, Lewis F. Oughton, Richard E. Vivian, Lawrence E. Warren, MI San Antonio, TX Tucson, AZ Cibolo, TX

Couey, Edward H. Hood, Jack R. Pederson, Ole T. Warren, Irvin W. Scotts Mills, OR Lake City, FL Rose Hill, KS Boynton Beach, FL

Crameri, Thomas E. Hostetler, Robert L. Pullin, Tony R. Warwick, William A. Torrington, CT Yucaipa, CA Brookfield, OH Hoschton, GA

Czzowitz, James R. Hunter, Olga J. Purvis, Stanley J. Wentland, Gerald D. New Castle, PA Sun City, CA Yorktown, VA Sacramento, CA

DiPietra, Dante C. Ira, Victor V. Quarles, Flora M. Wildasin, Henry M. Canastota, NY Paxton, IL Fort Walton Beach, FL Elizabethtown, PA

Dowden, Huey L. Irwin, James G. Randall, Gary R. Willey, Everett W. Baton Rouge, LA Austin, TX Farmington, NH Dublin, VA

Dubay, Allison O. Jackson, Earl A. Reichel, Raymond J. Young, Robert E. North Yarmouth, ME Willingboro, NJ Winchester, KY Rochester Hills, MI

Etnire, Edgar D. Jeremiah, Charles W. Revell, Leroy A.G. Zuch, Charles D. Alamogordo, NM Willisville, IL Oswego, KS Palm Bay, FL

26 www.hqafsa.org 2013 Annual Report John R. “Doc” McCauslin

From the CEO

Your Air Force Sergeants our budgeted expenses by Association had a good quite a bit through constant and but not great year, vigilant watch over utilities and financially, in membership, miscellaneous operating business and for the Airmen Memorial expenses. All this aforementioned Building. We were projected to savings will be offset this next year have a smaller deficit budget with some big-ticket expenditures than what we actually ended to upgrade our HVAC, water with. The somewhat large deficit system, and grossly outdated that AFSA ended with was due telecom system; all are AFSA- to three things beyond our lutely necessary to maintain our control: 1) stock market-controlled headquarters building for AFSA, investment income, 2) vacant our tenants, and the Airmen AMB rental space, and 3) the Memorial Museum. Among sequestration results that hit well my main concerns and goals after PAC planning. Things could regarding the financial aspects of have been even worse except the Association are strengthening we were able to lease out a our stock market investments, large portion of our second floor increasing attendance at the late in the 3rd quarter. Finally, in 2014 PAC, and improving our December, we leased the one response to the credit card empty space on our first floor as program partnership with USAA. well, leaving only two small suites That program has gotten better, available on the second floor; as but there is certainly room for of this writing, all are leased! For a growth that would enhance AFSA little good news: We underspent financially.

2 The 2013 Professional Airmen’s Conference annual Americanism Award went to “Wreaths in San Antonio was a highlight of our year! Of Across America” to properly recognize the course, even with the Department of Defense organization’s outstanding project that each completely shutting down funded travel year during the holidays ensures that hun- and participation in our Conference due to dreds of thousands of wreaths are laid at the sequestration, we did survive and the 400- gravesites of our deceased retired military plus individuals who attended were treated to members. This is a massive undertaking, and some great events, meals, entertainment, and they have never made excuses; rather, they fraternalism. Our prestigious Excellence in Mili- made it happen, all across America. We remain tary Leadership Award went to General Phillip extremely grateful to that organization. Breedlove for his outstanding support while serving as Vice Chief of Staff and as USAFE The 2013 Professional Airmen’s Conference Commander. We wish him all the best in his went very well in spite of lower attendance On the Cover: new and awesome responsibilities in NATO. due to Air Force funding issues. The AF Hon- The United States Our L. Mendel Rivers Award went to Con- ors Banquet was highlighted by an address Capitol dome in gressman Tim Walz of Minnesota. Rep. Walz from Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Washington, DC is the highest-ranking retired enlisted mem- Fanning. Numerous awards were presented bers in Congress—he was an Army Sergeant between the Monday night AFSA Presidents Major—and most certainly supported our Dinner and the Wednesday night Honors AFSA legislative issues. His acceptance com- Banquet (see list of all personal awards that ments were outstanding and certainly lit some follows). Fraternalism was certainly exempli- inspirational fires among our attendees. The fied during this PAC!

In case you missed reading about these individual awards presented at the PAC, I’ve highlighted them again here as superb representatives of our Air Force and our Association:

Pitsenbarger Award for Heroism: SSgt Jordan Killam USAF First Sergeant of the Year: MSgt Kristopher Green USAF Military Training Leader of the Year: MSgt Tamara Knause USAF Military Training Instructor of the Year: SSgt Joshua Hite USAF Enlisted PME Instructor of the Year: SMS Keith Long USAF Base Honor Guard Manager of the Year: MSgt Mark Lyle USAF Base Honor Guard Member of the Year: SrA Dexter Tapely USAF Recruiter of the Year, AFRC: MSgt Brian Mounts USAF Recruiter of the Year, ANG: TSgt Delbert Cordie, Jr. USAF Recruiter of the Year, AD: MSgt Derick Heflin USAF Career Assistance Advisor of the Year, ANG: MSgt Mario Reeve AFSA International President’s Award: Paul Hulgan AFSA Airman of the Year: SSgt Lucas Thompson CMSgt Richard Etchberger NCO of the Year: TSgt Airica Harms-Colby AFSA Member of the Year: MSgt Nicholas Sinnott AFSA Auxiliary Member of the Year: Ms. Adeline Davidson AFSA & Auxiliary VSP Award: SrA Sonya Meaders AFSA & Auxiliary VAVS Award: Ms. Adeline Davidson AFSA Individual Legislative Award: William McMullen Four Pillars Achievement Award for Membership: Gregory Gallup Four Pillars Achievement Award for Legislation: James Lokovic Four Pillars Achievement Award for Communications: Frederick Dembinski Four Pillars Achievement Award for Fraternalism: Dian Anderson

3 John R. “Doc” McCauslin

From the CEO

Your Membership Committee, led by Chair- significantly upgraded the cosmetics of our man Cary Hatzinger, once again did a great headquarters building. ALL upgrades were job this past year! Although we did not paid for by the tenants! grow overall, we did hit our recruiting goal of 18,600 (actually garnered 18,722). We did Finally, we were a sponsor of the annual First not fare as well with retentions; we only Flight program in Kitty Hawk, NC, where achieved 62 percent of that goal (2,586 total). hundreds gather each year on Dec. 17 to com- AFSA also unfortunately experienced 1,883 memorate the historic “first flight” of powered reported deaths last year. Bottom line: Our aircraft that changed the entire world. We net losses were very close to those in 2012. partnered with the Lackland Historical Foun- dation for the Enlisted Heritage Museum Last year, we also continued to expose AFSA project. As your AFSA CEO, I was invited to anywhere and everywhere possible. “Think and actively participated in the large annual AFSA” campaigns continued throughout the Civil Air Patrol Conference in Denver and also year at the USAF Senior NCOA, thanks to presented the CAP Cadet of the Year Award Commandant Kevin Candler; at the USAF sponsored by AFSA. Another significant AFSA First Sergeant Academy, thanks to CMS attendance in 2013 occurred at the invitation Emmett Bush; at the ANG NCOA at McGhee of the Interstate Compact for Education of Tyson, thanks to CMS Don Felch; during Military Children: Our Manager of Government periodic visits to the Keesler NCOA, thanks Relations and I went to San Diego for that rea- to CMS Robert Nolen; at the Hickam NCOA, son and have since made personal contacts thanks to CMS Sarah Sparks; at the Lackland with the four state governors who have not NCOA, thanks to CMS Craig Howell; and at yet signed on to that Compact. Lastly, I cannot numerous Airmen Leadership Schools across count the number of official and unofficial the country. We also were invited to partici- visits by this CEO to members of both political pate in Retiree Appreciation Day events at affiliations in the Senate and House coupled Scott AFB, Wright Patterson AFB, and Joint with meetings with the Secretary of the Air Base Andrews. Additionally, we actively Force, Air Force Chief of Staff, Chief Master participated in the large CMS Orientations Sergeant of the Air Force, Commander and hosted by PACAF and by AFMC, and the Executive Director of the AF Personnel Center, large ANG Conferences held in our head- nearly every MAJCOM Commander and their quarters building. Command Chief, and senior industry leaders— but these many visits certainly have them all Your Airmen Memorial Building (AMB) “thinking AFSA.” remains in excellent shape! This past year, we resealed the entire roof, and that has completely stopped all leaks. We remained Respectfully, on schedule to replace and upgrade various components of our IT area, changed out exterior plants and shrubbery, and complied with a new Washington, DC, law for re-incor- poration certification in late December. With the new tenants, there was a massive internal John R. “Doc” McCauslin, CMSgt (Ret.) remodeling of most of the leased spaces that Chief Executive Officer

4 A Journey Back … While Looking Forward

Membership

I’m sure we can all recall a time when our units During a leadership conference conducted by were dreading a visit from the IG team. It really the Affinity Center International, an entire semi- did not matter how prepared the unit was; the nar was dedicated to member engagement. expectation of the inspection drove everyone According to the Center, member engagement crazy. Do you remember the long days, late directly impacts an association’s ability to sur- nights, and, of course, the weekends? Our super- vive and flourish. Associations that report higher visors would only show a little confidence after rates of engaged members also report higher the 100th time we executed the famous self- renewal rates. However, member engagement inspection checklist. Remember those days? As is local. Under our structure, member engage- exhausting as the IG prep and inspection was, ment is defined and measured at the chapter we, as a unit, could not wait for the debriefing. level. Within our chapter, understanding the vibe Remember how quiet the theater got just before and chemistry of each member is paramount. your unit was rated “outstanding” or “excellent”? By doing so, we build loyal members and brand Remember how much anticipation had built up ambassadors. If our members are engaged at inside of you as you waited with great expec- the chapter level, they will renew because they tation for your unit name to be called as an have firsthand knowledge of the value of mem- exceptional performer? bership with us. They are involved in chapter activities, and they carry the AFSA message to Wow, those were times that really engaged the their family members, friends, and colleagues on unit toward common goals. Yes, the days were behalf of the AFSA. In the end, member engage- long: We came to work, it was dark, and when we ment impacts the AFSA’s ability to work toward left work, it was dark. Let’s not mention the many its mission. weekends. Nevertheless, the unit engagement was AFSA-lutely amazing. After all, as a unit and indi- Can you imagine if 133 chapters and their vidually, we had our “stuff” together; we just had to members were as engaged as Orville and show it. As we take the journey back in time, or for Wilbur Wright were when they developed our brothers and sisters still serving, as you look their flying machine? forward to many more visitations, we do so with great memories and with greater expectations. Can you imagine if 133 chapters and their members were as engaged as the Tuskegee Just like members in a unit preparing for an Airmen were when they pushed back the IG inspection, the engagement of members forces of racial discrimination with a true of an association whose quest is to advocate spirit of dedication to God and Country? for quality-of-life benefits for America’s Airmen and their families is important. Understanding Can you imagine if 133 chapters and their member engagement is equally important. members were as engaged as the Seattle One may ask, why is member engagement so Seahawks were when they took on the NFL’s important? The answer is simple: In our quest No. 1 offense and held them to 8 points? to remain the professional military associa- tion of choice, we must understand what is It takes time, energy, and people—lots of important to our members. Our members are people—to pull off a solid advocacy campaign not all the same. It is our desire to have mem- and affect public policy. For more than 53 years, bers investing time and/or money with us in AFSA members have been and still are the key exchange for what they find of value in us. to getting the results we, collectively, desire.

5 YOUR EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS AFSA members enjoy a wide range of specialized benefits and valu- able discounts from service professionals, retailers, and suppliers. In order to receive your discounts, please inform our partners that you’re an AFSA member.

YOUR AFSA IN ACTION in scholarships have been ■■ Full-time representation awarded through AFSA’s on Capitol Hill with International Charities. elected leaders. Subscriptions ■■ AFSA provides academic ■■ Single-service orientation scholarships to members’ AFSA works for YOU. AFSA MAGAZINE dependent children under For more information, call Free subscription to AFSA age 23. AFSA Military & Government Magazine, the only publica- ■■ The AFSA Auxiliary provides Relations Office at (301) 899- tion dedicated to serving Air academic scholarships to 3500 or (800) 638-0594 x 291. Force members and their members less than 23 years families. The Enlisted Almanac of age and Education Grants issue of the AFSA Magazine is to members who are over published each January and is 19 years of age. Auxiliary the definitive source book of Education Grants are avail- enlisted information. able to Auxiliary members News & Updates to help meet professional AIR FORCE TIMES: requirements of a career TIMELY CAPITOL HILL SUBSCRIPTION DIS- change. For additional UPDATES COUNT information visit the AFSA Be the first to get the lat- Subscribe to the Air Force website at www.hqafsa.org est legislative updates and Times for only $39.95 for 52 and select “Scholarships” news for the Total Air Force issues and receive a FREE under the “About Us” tab. Enlisted Corps. Military-Style Wrist Watch! ■■ Via phone: Call (800) 638- With this exclusive offer, you’ll Bellevue University 0594 x 400 and listen to save 76% off the newsstand $1,000 AFSA Grant our Capitol Hill Update price. Air Force Times will also Bellevue University offers recorded bulletin. donate $5 to AFSA for every AFSA members a $1,000 ■■ Via the Internet: AFSA “On paid subscription. Visit www. military grant to attend Call” is a weekly, online airforcetimes.com/association/ Bellevue University as part publication that presents afsa or call (800) 368-5718. of our Military Partners current legislative, DoD, program. This applies to Air Force, Veterans Affairs, new students into a Bellevue and other news–related University program. Bellevue items in addition to AFSA University also will waive the Magazine. Other informa- application fee and provide a tion, such as photos with Education Personalized Degree Plan for Members of Congress each student. To apply for and news releases, can be AFSA Scholarships & the grant, visit www.bellevue. found on the AFSA web- Grant Opportunities edu/militarypartners and site as well. To date over $2.1 million select “AFSA” as your military

6 partner. For more infor- student: $4,500. Military Rate: online degree tuition. We mation, contact our prior 75% of the prevailing tuition feature several regionally service enrollment team at rate applicable to the loca- accredited online bachelor’s (402) 557-7632 or at military- tion they attend. Textbooks, degrees. In addition, you, your [email protected] or course materials, and fees are spouse, and children qualify [email protected]. charged at the standard rate. for a $500, one-time scholar- applications for any of these Tuition rate is $250–$280 per ship towards first-year tuition insurance plans please Columbia Southern credit hour depending on costs (textbook costs are the contact Marsh Affinity University (CSU) program and location. Appli- responsibility of the student). Group Services toll-free at Columbia Southern Univer- cation fee waived for active To learn more about your ben- (800) 882-5541 or visit www. sity, one of the nation’s top duty members of the Air efits, please visit our Learning afsainsurance.com. Coverage online universities, extends Force Sergeants Association; Partners page at www.waldorf. may vary or not be issued in a hearty welcome to Air will also provide a Personal- edu/Online/Partners/Learning- all states. Force Sergeants Association ized Degree Plan for each Partners or call 877-267-2157 ■■ Accidental Death & Dismem- as a member of the learn- student. Visit www.devry.edu/ to speak with an admissions berment Insurance Plan ing partner tuition discount admissions/military.html or representative today. ■■ Cancer Expense Insurance program! As a partner, Air call 877-894-6388. ■■ Group Dental Insurance Force Sergeants Association Free SAT & ACT Col- ■■ Long-Term Care Insurance employees and members Trident University lege Test Prep Pro- ■■ Short-Term Recovery Insur- can take advantage of a 10% Trident is a WASC accred- grams ance Plan tuition discount and applica- ited, 100% online university, In alliance with the DoD ■■ Term Life Insurance tion fee waiver (a $25 value) offering quality Bachelor’s, and supported by patriotic ■■ TRICARE Supplement through the learning partner- Master’s and Ph.D. degree NFL and MLB players, Insurance ship. Employees, along with programs, and dedicated eKnowledge is donating ■■ Life Line Health Screenings their spouse and children, military and veteran student world-class SAT and ACT ■■ Youth Life Insurance Plan can learn more about these support. AFSA members, College Test Preparation ■■ AFSA New Member Term benefits by visiting www. spouses, and dependents Programs to Military Service Life Insurance Benefit columbiasouthern.edu. benefit from a tuition dis- Members and their families. count of 15% for bachelor’s To order the free software, AFSA NEW MEMBER DeVry University degrees, and 27.5% for visit www.eknowledge.com/ TERM LIFE INSURANCE DeVry University provides to master’s/MBA degrees under AFSA. To order by telephone, BENEFIT AFSA members a Veteran’s TUI’s military tuition assis- call (951) 256-4076 and New first-time AFSA Appreciation Grant for new tance program. In addition, reference AFSA. There is a members (one-time only) and continuing undergradu- there is no cost for text- nominal charge of $13.84 under the age of 40 receive ate and graduate programs. books, the $75 application for the cost of materials, $10,000 of Term Life Students who have been fee is waived (bachelor’s and processing, distribution, and Insurance provided at no discharged from the military master’s degrees only), and a customer service. cost for 12 months. For are eligible for the Veterans pre-admissions credit trans- more information, contact Appreciation Grant, a 25% fer evaluation is offered at Marsh Affinity Group savings on prevailing tuition no charge or obligation. For Services toll-free at (800) rate. Undergraduate award more information, visit www. 882-5541 or online at www. per semester: $500 (must trident.edu. afsainsurance.com. be enrolled in 9 hours or Insurance Benefits more per semester); Gradu- Waldorf College DISCOUNT PRESCRIP- ate award per session: $250 As a member of the AFSA, Life & Health Insur- TION CARD (must be enrolled in one class you, your spouse, and ance (Marsh Affinity AFSA members & dependents per session); Undergraduate children will receive a 10% Group Services) have a Prescription Discount and Graduate lifetime cap per discount on your Waldorf For information and Benefit. Save an average of

7 YOUR EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

20% on prescription drugs divorce advice, identity theft, provider, Hyatt U.S.A. AFSA not covered by insurance and and beyond, we have your and Auxiliary members as much as 50% on select rights covered. In addition are able to book rooms at generic medication when to this prepaid legal services any Hyatt Hotel in the U.S. ordering by mail. To print your plan, you can get the experts at a discount of 5% off the prescription discount card, on your side with the Government Per Diem rate visit www.afsainsurance.com, optional Identity Theft Shield Thursday through Monday click on “Personal Insurance,” plan. Services include access and receive the Government click on Prescription to your credit report (or Per Diem rate on Tuesdays discount,” and then click consumer credit disclosure), and Wednesdays, based on on “Print a card now!” consultations, expert restora- availability. Make your reser- tion and more. To access and vations now by visiting the Home & Auto login, visit www.prepaidlegal. AFSA website; look under Protect what’s important to com/info/airforcesergeants. “Membership Benefits” and you with affordable insur- click on the “Hyatt” icon and ance from USAA. USAA AFSA USAA Rewards insert the corporate num- offers top-rated coverage at World Master Card ber: CR54933 into the box low rates. Combine that with Support the Air Force Ser- “Group/Corporate #.” Or call award-winning service—in geants Association (AFSA). the Reservation Line at (888) fact, USAA was ranked one With this card, you can 591-1234 and refer to the cor- of Business Week’s top two support AFSA’s mission to porate number CR54933. “Customer Service Champs” advocate improved quality the last four years in a row. of life and economic fair- GREAT WOLF LODGE To make it easy for you, you ness for Air Force enlisted DISCOUNT can do it all online—quote, members and their families. AFSA members get 10% buy, print ID cards, and Get low variable rates on the off Great Wolf Lodge’s best much more. Call USAA at AFSA USAF Rewards™ World available rates! Clear your (877) 499-AFSA (2372) or MasterCard® USAA Bank. calendar, pack your swim- visit www.usaa.com/afsa. The bank you’ll appreciate suit, and head to any of Also, take a look at these every day. For more infor- Great Wolf Lodge’s eleven additional resources: mation, please call USAA at Resorts. Just imagine ... ■■ Leaving Military Life? (877) 499-AFSA (2372 or visit colossal indoor waterparks, Make Sure Your Health is the AFSA website and look exciting arcade, a luxurious Covered. under “Membership Ben- spa, and fantastic restau- ■■ Traveling? 7 Ways to Help efits” and click on the “Credit rants—all under one roof. Keep Your Money Safer Cards” icon. After all, you deserve a little ■■ What a Home Inspection fun for all your hard work! Can Do for You Visit www.greatwolf.com or ■■ Market Commentary: Bud- call (800) 905-9653 and use get Battle Takes Toll on the corporate code AIRF207A. Markets Travel Discounts RENTAL CAR DIS- LEGAL SHIELD COUNTS: ENTERPRISE/ No matter how traumatic, no HYATT Hotels NATIONAL matter how trivial, whatever Discount Special discounts from Enter- your situation, we are here AFSA is thrilled to announce prise and Hertz. In most to help. From real estate to our newest member service cases, rates are lower than

8 those available with AFSA Online Shopping much more. Check out the Wirely—Wireless Cell a government ID card. Mall and Toolbar new Dell notebook colors: Phone Discounts Enterprise/National: To visit An exciting new member pink, red, black, green, Shop for the latest phones the Enterprise/National and benefit program created brown, white, and more by from top wireless carriers, AFSA partnered website, visit exclusively for the Air Force visiting the AFSA website; including Verizon Wire- the AFSA website and look Sergeants Association. Earn look under “Membership less, Sprint, and T-Mobile! under “Membership Benefits” up to 15% cash back from Benefits” and click on the Discounts from $50–$100 and click on the “Alamo or over 850 well-known retail- “Dell” icon. or more, including free Enterprise” icon. ers such as Kmart, Sears, phones and accessories, are For Hertz, visit www.hertz. Hotels.com, Hertz, Cabelas, Flowers from FTD available—with many top com and click on “Enter a Bass Pro Shop, Macy’s, HSN, AFSA members can auto- manufacturers to choose Discount or Promo Code” Walgreens, and Petsmart, to matically save 20% on florals from! Free shipping and free and enter Discount/CDP/ name a few. Whether you and gift purchases by visit- return shipping on all orders. Club Code 0010635 or call are shopping through AFSA ing the AFSA website; look Get the latest smartphones (800) 654-6511 and use mall or toolbar, you will earn under “Membership Benefits” at a discount while signing code: 10635. cash back at no additional and click on the “FTD” icon up for the plans you need cost. It’s FREE and EASY or by calling (800) SEND- including new accounts, to use! Your account will FTD and giving promo code upgrades, add-a-lines, and accumulate the cash back 4578. family plans. Don’t pay retail percentage displayed by prices any more—get your each retailer, and you will AFSA Team Gift Items discounted phones by visit- Shopping be eligible to receive your Share your AFSA pride! ing www.wirefly.com. cash back through PayPal or AFSA has a wide range of GovX through a check. very reasonably priced AFSA Start using a unique benefit caps, commemorative coins, you’ve earned! GovX offers VETs-CARS decals, medal, pins, plaques, AFSA members VIP access The Vets-Cars Group is a awards, and certificates avail- to GovX.com, where you veteran owned and operated able 24/7 by visiting the AFSA Employment get exclusive savings on the company dedicated to pro- website at www.hqafsa.org. brands you love! viding AFSA members with AFJROTC Employment ■■ 20,000+ popular tech, a respectful and superior Opportunities tactical, golf, outdoor, and automobile purchase and AFJROTC has employment active-lifestyle products ownership experience. opportunities for recently and apparel The Vets-Shield vehicle ser- retired or retiring Air Force ■■ NEW! Exclusive prices on vice contract was developed Communication members. AFJROTC cur- major league sports and as a true “For Vets, By Vets” rently operates 869 units event tickets product. It is top-of-the-line AFSA Wireless Center worldwide with expansion ■■ For every purchase you coverage, mirroring factory Save on phones and acces- plans to 955 units in the near make as an AFSA member coverage, and it is price-reg- sories at the AFSA Wireless future. To request informa- on GovX, a portion of the ulated. For more information, Center. Shop and compare tion on how to become proceeds is donated back visit www.vets-shield.com. from a vast selection of an AFJROTC instructor, to support AFSA programs carriers and products. You’ll call (866) 235-7682 (ext. Visit www.GovX.com/AFSA Dell Computers get the same great rate from 5275/5300/0261/0371) or to register for free and start Exclusive discounts and the carrier you choose, plus visit www.afoats.af.mil/afjrotc/ saving today! Questions? promotions for AFSA Mem- a better phone at a better instructors.asp for complete Call GovX Customer Support bers on Dell notebooks, mini price. Visit www.afsamobile. instructor requirements and at 888-468-5511. laptops, work stations, and org or call (866) 416-3060. application information.

9 PUBLICATIONS & INFORMATION Communication, an informed membership, and an active member- ship committee are keys to the success of an organization. AFSA fulfills these critical functions by distributing information through its AFSA Magazine, bulletins, newsletters, and other publications.

AFSA Magazine congressional representa- events, and actions affecting AFSA Magazine (formerly tives, Department of Defense Air Force enlisted members SERGEANTS) is AFSA’s and Veterans Administra- and their families. AFSA Mag- premier publication and is tion officials, and the public azine is the only magazine used to inform members, about the issues, topics, dedicated solely to Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve AFSA CEO John “Doc” McCauslin and Director of Communications and Technology David Mimms visit the Quad Graphics printing plant Command enlisted mem- in Saratoga Springs, NY, to review the November/December issue of bers—active duty, retired, and AFSA Magazine. Respectively, McCauslin and Mimms serve as the veteran—and their families. magazine’s publisher and executive editor. AFSA Magazine reports on AFSA’s legislative efforts; Air Force, VA and DoD news; AFSA member activities; and other special features to let readers know what our Airmen, of yesterday and today, did and continue to do to keep our nation safe and ensure our democratic way of life.

AFSA Magazine was pub- lished six times this fiscal year. The January/February issue was a special Enlisted Almanac that provided up- to-date information on base locations; military pay and compensation; Air Force structure and end strength; and active duty, reserve com- ponents, retiree, and veteran entitlements. Supplemented with charts and graphs, the annual Enlisted Almanac brings an understanding and perspective that no other magazine can match.

10 AFSA’s publications provide an families. A sampling of these letters can often be found on important link between AFSA the AFSA home page. International and its members. Special Publications Other AFSA Magazine issues placing calls to your congres- were printed in March/ sional representative. AFSA Fact Sheets, POW/MIA April (with the AFSA Annual Week, Legislative Awareness Report), May/June, July/ Twitter Week publications, special August, September/October, As-it’s-happening informa- booklets and brochures, and and November/December. tion releases via the social excerpted copies of congres- media service. If AFSA staff sional testimony, etc., are Other Publications and members are in the room on special publications that News Items Capitol Hill and are permit- are provided throughout ted to use smartphones, the year for AFSA activities AFSA Newsletter they’ll report live. Follow us and to key Total Air Force “On Call” is a weekly publica- @AFSAHQ. enlisted leadership. tion that presents current legislative, DoD, Air Force, CapWiz Alerts AFSA Online Veterans Affairs, and other Subscribers of AFSA Cap- AFSA’s website, www.hqafsa. news-related items that are Wiz can be alerted via a org, is the online informa- of interest to AFSA members special email service when tional source for legislative, and their families. “On Call” is it is imperative that lawmak- DoD, VA, and other Air Force a supplement to information ers hear from them on key news and actions. Members provided in the bi-monthly issues. Included in the email can also access information AFSA Magazine and is avail- is a sample (editable) mes- about member-only benefits able online each Friday. sage for members to send and the latest AFSA-related to their elected officials. To news from any computer Capitol Hill Update subscribe to this service, visit linked to the World Wide A brief synopsis of the AFSA AFSA CapWiz on the AFSA Web. AFSA members book- Newsletter’s legislative website. When you send one mark this website and revisit section is recorded so that of the current sample letters it often. members without access to members of Congress, to the Internet may call in click on “Sign me up for the Summary and listen to the information Action E-List.” affecting enlisted Airmen. AFSA’s publications provide The Capitol Hill Update Letters to the an important link between recording is updated as Administration, AFSA International and its news-worthy events occur. Congress, Depart- members. AFSA’s publications ments of Defense, inform members on the latest Email Blasts Veterans Affairs, developments within Con- A same-day email on a topic and the Air Force gress, DoD, VA, AF, and other of interest or an issue requir- AFSA Headquarters rou- agencies affecting the lives of ing your immediate attention. tinely sends letters to key enlisted members and those Be sure to keep an eye out decision-makers to influence of their families. Additionally, for these! They often contain their deliberations and deci- they serve as visible remind- recommended actions, such sions on issues important to ers of what AFSA is doing for as sending CapWiz letters or enlisted personnel and their its members.

11 Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2013

Financial report

Combined Assets Combined Revenue (in millions) (in millions)

10 5

$8.49 $8.26 $4.03 8 $3.96 $7.61 $7.58 $7.70 4 $3.72

$3.20 6 3 $2.87 ■■ Each of the 2010 figures represents an accounting year beginning May 1 of 4 2 the corresponding previous year through April 30 of that year. 2 1 ■■ The F 2011 figures represent an accounting year 0 0 beginning May 1, 2010 2010 F 2011 C 2011 C 2012 C 2013 2010 F 2011 C 2011 C 2012 C 2013 through Dec. 31, 2010. ■■ The C 2011–C2012 figures represent an accounting year beginning January and ending December. Combined Expenses Combined Net income ■■ The Air Force (in millions) (in thousands) Sergeants Association 4.0 250 has implemented a $3.82 $3.69 $3.80 $3.80 new accounting period 3.5 effective January 2011. $213 ■■ In Combined Net 200 3.0 Income, negative $2.83 values not to scale. $160 2.5 150

2.0

1.5 100

1.0 50 $39 0.5 $34

(-$654) 0.0 2010 F 2011 C 2011 C 2012 C 2013 0 2010 F 2011 C 2011 C 2012

-650 C 2013

12 Taking Care of Our Own

AFSA International Charities “Taking care of our own” is not just a slogan with AFSA members; it is a core value. AFSA members “take care of their own” by participating in the AFSA International Charities Programs. The charities consist of programs to which members and non-members can donate funds to help enhance the quality of life for enlisted Airmen and their fami- lies and to maintain the Airmen Memorial Building “monument” that stands as a tribute to Airmen of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Below is a synopsis of the programs through Dec. 31, 2013.

AFSA Scholarship Program Established in 1967, the AFSA Scholarship Program pro- vides financial educational assistance to AFSA and Inter- national Auxiliary members’ children under the age of 25 years. Since the first scholar- have awarded 154 grants/ monument to not one, but ship award in 1968, AFSA scholarships worth $149,700. to all enlisted Airmen. The members’ donations have AMB houses the Air Force supported 559 grants totaling Airmen Memorial Sergeants Association Inter- $808,600. In September 2013, Foundation Fund national Headquarters, the AFSA disbursed $23,500 for 12 Founded in 1983, the Airmen Airmen Memorial Museum, grants awarded to AFSA and Memorial Foundation (AMF) the Airmen Memorial Foun- Auxiliary member children. is a not-for-profit charitable dation, and the National and educational assistance Association of States Vet- AFSA International organization. The organi- erans Homes-DC Office. Auxiliary Education zation provides funds for Donations help ensure this Program worthy causes such as schol- enlisted memorial is main- The AFSA International arships to enlisted Airmen’s tained and operated in a Auxiliary Education Program children less than 24 years of manner in which all Airmen (AEP) provides Auxiliary age. Of special note, the AMF can be proud. members with the opportu- also manages, at no cost, nity to enhance their career other scholarship programs, The Airmen Memorial skills and educational levels such as the Chief Master Museum through educational grants. Sergeants of the Air Force Donations to the Airmen In addition, the Auxiliary Scholarship program. Memorial Museum help awards educational Scholar- the AMM present the Total ships to AFSA and Auxiliary The Airmen Memorial Air Force enlisted corps members children over the Building Fund through public exhibits and age of 19 but under 23 years Built by AFSA members, the educational research that as long as the student is in at Airmen Memorial Building concentrate on America’s least his/her second year of (AMB) is so named to rep- Airmen—their rich history, school. These two programs resent and stand as a living contributions, and traditions.

13 Airmen Memorial Foundation The Air Force Sergeants Association founded the Airmen Memorial Foundation (AMF) in 1983. What started as a museum activity evolved into the Airmen Memorial Museum (AMM) and was incorporated as a stand-alone entity in 1988. The AMF then became a leader in philan- thropic and educational endeavors focusing on current and former enlisted Air Force Active Duty (AFAD), Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) members’ dependent children.

In December 2013, approval Basic Military Training $1,500 Basic Military Training continued for AMF participa- Squadron (BMTS) 50th 50th Anniversary Scholarships, tion in the fall 2014 Combined Anniversary Scholarship a $1,000 scholarship (Audrey Federal Campaign. This was Fund, which memorializes the M. Andrews Memorial Scholar- the AMF’s 31st year as the only, contributions of basic military ship), five $1,000 scholarships all-enlisted focused charity training instructors to the Air sponsored by the United (#10517) in the national charity Force mission during the first Services Automobile Associa- drive. Funds derived from this 50 years of the United States tion, one $2,000 Academic participation will support the Air Force. Excellence Scholarship, and Foundation’s extensive educa- seven $1500 Academic Excel- tional activities. The CY 2013 AMF Scholarship lence Scholarships. These Committee met in June 2013 scholarships brought the total In CY 2013, the AMF pro- and selected 20 AFAD, ANG, AFM scholarship awards to 519 vided administrative and and AFRC enlisted members’ worth $606,500. financial management dependent children for awards services to the two Air Force totaling $29,500. The Julene In CY 2013, the CMSAFs Schol- arship Committee selected Since 1987, the AMF and its 11 AFAD, ANG, and AFRC managed funds have awarded 767 dependent children to receive scholarships totaling $14,000. awards for $958,000. These academic-excellence scholarships brought the private organizations’ educa- Howard Memorial Scholar- 26-year CMSAF program’s tional funds listed below. ship and Richard Howard cumulative total to 248 grants Scholarship, established by worth $351,500. Among the 1. The Chief Master Ser- CMSgt (Ret.) Richard Howard, major contributors to this geants of the Air Force The Sharon Piccoli Memo- worthwhile program are the (CMSAF) Scholarship Fund, rial Scholarship, established worldwide military confer- which provides scholarships to by AFSA Past President Geno ences, the graduating classes active-duty and retired AFAD, Piccoli; and the Sergeant of the Senior NCO Academy, AFRC and ANG enlisted mem- James R. Seal Scholarship, other enlisted Professional bers’ dependent children. established by Mrs. Emma Seal Military Education organiza- were the top named awards tions, and groups where 2. The Lackland AFB 737th at $2,000 each. In addition, one of the former CMSAFs Basic Military Training the AMF awarded additional conducted speaking engage- Group Top 3 Organization’s sponsored scholarships: two ments around the world.

14 Airmen Memorial Museum Founded in 1986, the Airmen Memorial Museum (AMM) proudly cel- ebrates 27 years of preserving the accomplishments of the Total Air Force Enlisted Corps. Located in the Airmen Memorial Building, 5211 Auth Road, Suitland, MD, (International Headquarters for the Air Force Sergeants Association), the Airmen Memorial Museum stands as a tribute to enlisted Airmen who have served in the Signal Corps (1907– 1918), the Army Air Service (1918–1926), the Army Air Corps (1926–1941), the Army Air Force (1941–1947), and/or the United States Air Force (1947–Present). The AMM researches, documents, and communicates many achievements and contributions by current and former Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Com- mand enlisted men and women to our nation’s air and space power. By preserving these stories, the AMM ensures that enlisted Airmen’s contributions are not forgotten and that enlisted Airmen take their rightful place in America’s military history.

Publications Magazine that are posted on Exhibits AFSA’s home page. Although The museum continues to expanded use of the Internet In the summer of 2013 the publish the AMM Spotlight in by the museum continues to AMM opened its new exhibit, AFSA Magazine and contin- be desired and discussed, it is “Base Life.” This new exhibit, ues to receive outstanding somewhat constricted by time, through the use of AMM support from the AFSA Inter- funds, and other limitations. artifacts as well as researched national Headquarters. The text, tells the tale of a by-gone AMM Spotlight is a special Signage era—immediately after WWII dedication to the achieve- when the Cold War was in its ments of enlisted Airmen In 2012, we met with Mrs. infancy. The exhibit looks at life and their aircraft. The follow- Rosie Krueger from Con- not only on Air Force bases in ing features were published gressman Steny Hoyer’s the U.S., but overseas as well. in 2013: “The Legacy of Kitty office to discuss support for Hawk – Part 2,” “Women in the AMM. During the dis- The exhibit highlights the 1950 War,” “Tubman, Spies, & Air cussions, we requested the to 1969 time period. Beginning Force Ties,” “Respect, Preci- county’s support for road with the occupancy of Japan sion, and Tradition,” and “The signage. We are happy to and Germany after the war, Advantage of Speed.” report, in the first quarter of the exhibit shows how these 2013, Prince George’s County former enemy nations quickly The AMM will continue to Department of Public Works became U.S. allies in a new make the AMM Spotlights and Transportation installed war—a Cold War against the available for viewing in the three directional road signs Soviets. USAF bases quickly digital versions of AFSA for the AMM. sprang up all over the two

15 Airmen Memorial Museum

defeated former-Axis nations. public on June 1, 2009. The “The Cheney Awards” dis- Airmen Memorial You see everything from pipes two hangars chronologically plays numerous artifacts Museum Curator and lighters from Asia to beer portray enlisted historical associated with this pres- Sean M. Miskimins steins sent home as souvenirs events, beginning with the tigious Air Force award writes the AMM from Germany. “Army Signal Corps’ Aero- presented for an act of valor, Spotlight department nautical Division through extreme fortitude, or self- that appears in the The exhibit doesn’t skip out World War II.” The unique sacrifice. The Cheney Award AFSA Magazine. on the base experience back people-centered approach has been presented to 24 stateside either. From giant to interpretive, educational enlisted recipients since its steel milk cans that were exhibitions used in the first presentation in 1927. delivered to Andrews AFB to AMM’s galleries focus on The exhibit contains award “I Like Ike” presidential cam- the people who have made artifacts from several donors, paign pins to recruitment history. as noted in the following. books dealing with the new push for female enlistees, The first hangar accurately “The Atomic Missions and visitor walking through “Base presents the enlisted history of the End of World War II” Life” get a stroll back in time. the U.S. Air Force and its pre- exhibit commemorates Hopefully, the artifacts bring decessor organizations from the end of the war and the the feeling of the 1950s and 1907 through 1947. Significant atomic missions of 1945. The ’60s more to life than, say, an changes were made to Gallery exhibit features personal episode of “Madmen.” A. Five built-in displays were items from enlisted partici- constructed to include a POW pants on both the Hiroshima On May 27, 2009, the AMM exhibit. A salute to America’s and Nagasaki bombing was honored to host the Airmen of Tuskegee, with missions. Chief Master Sergeant of video, honoring the Tuskegee the Air Force and the fam- Airmen, was also added. The “The Poignant Memories of ily of the first Chief Master new built-ins and exhibits World War II” exhibit contains Sergeant of the Air Force increased the gallery’s total rare WWII color photography Paul W. Airey (deceased) display space by 25 percent. of the late Jeffrey Ethell and during a grand opening Bob Sand. reception of Airey Hangar. One of the first exhibits is Airmen Memorial Museum’s “Reflections” honoring the The newly dedicated Airey exhibits were officially careful thoughts of our Total Hangar proudly displays reopened to the general Air Force Enlisted Corps. the CMSAF Paul W. Airey

16 American headdresses, Uniform” exhibit. The display in the 2013 calendar was busts, etc., as a symbolic rep- exhibits some of the enlisted “America’s Women in Blue.” resentation of their values of members’ uniforms from the The 2013 AMM Label Pro- integrity and courage. The early Signal Corps thorough gram celebrated and paid intent was honorable, but in today’s Air Force Service tribute to the contributions the late 1990/early 2000s, Dress Uniform. of women in the Air Force this use increasingly became On the other side of the who have served, are serv- a point of contention with Enlisted Military Uniform ing, or will someday service some Native American exhibit is “Service Before our great Nation. groups. As such, the use of Self” honoring our Total Air Native American symbols Force Enlisted and its prede- The AMM’s continued suc- was greatly decreased and cessor organizations’ Medal cess in the annual Combined eventually eliminated out of of Honor recipients. Federal Campaign #10518, as the respect for all cultures well as AFSA members’ char- exhibits. Furthermore, the and their symbolism. “The CMSAF (Ret.) Jim Finch itable support throughout Airey Hangar consists of Challenge Coin Collection” the year and responses to various exhibits depicting The anchor of Airey Hangar exhibit is eye-catching. each outreach mailing, dem- the lives of other enlisted is the “BEAR (Basic Expedi- Although many stories of the onstrate a strong interest in personnel. One such exhibit tionary Airfield Resources) origin of the “challenge coin” the AMM and its dedication is the “Orderly Room,” which Base” exhibit. BEAR Base is exist, the version that is most to “telling the enlisted story.” reminds people of the old an interactive exhibit that widely accepted by the Air The AMM receives no federal days when the orderly room allows visitors to enter and Force enlisted corps comes or state funding. was central to an organiza- get a true sense of a base. from the Vietnam War era. tion. There is a computerized It has minimum essential As the story goes, the chal- In CY 2013, the AMM database containing the facilities to house, sustain, lenge coins started in the received nine donations “duty roster,” a listing of Air and support operations to Bullet Clubs of Vietnam. from nine donors, convey- Force enlisted members include, if required, a sta- Bullet Clubs were created by ing 463 individual artifacts and their Air Force service. bilized runway, taxiways, front-line fighters; they each or library and archival Visitors steadily expand this and aircraft parking areas— carried a live, fully functional, items. The quantity and database, wherein, for a Air Force expeditionary “personalized” bullet from quality of the items being small fee, donors can com- capabilities. The exhibit is their weapon with them donated are evidence of memorate their own or a co-sponsored by USSOCOM wherever they went, espe- the Air Force enlisted com- family member’s military Deployment Cell, Alaska cially to the Hooch Bars. If munity’s support for the service to the nation. Structures. The AMM is a member was ever chal- museum’s exhibition and continuing its interior infra- lenged to produce his bullet research programs. We “The Order of the Sword” structure expansion efforts and could not do so, then he will continue to seek more display featuring the official to highlight women in ser- had to buy a round of drinks artifacts from “back in the presentation sword and vice, and the technological or drinks for the rest of the day,” but we have a greater other commemorative items and information space age. night. need right now for artifacts from induction ceremonies We are proud to announce from both the Korean War from the former Air Training the addition of the USAF F-16 Museum Outreach (1950–1953) and “current Command. Thunderbird replica, donated Collections operations.” We need to by the United States Air expand these exhibits, but In addition, there is the Chief Force’s Recruiting Service. The AMM’s 2013 calendar we have limited artifacts. If Master Sergeant of the Air was extremely well received you are interested in help- Force “Chief” exhibit. At one Another unique display in and continues to be in great ing us tell more of the Total time, Air Force Chief Master the lobby of the Museum demand as an educational Force enlisted corps’ story, Sergeants adopted Native is the “Enlisted Military tool. The Museum’s focus please contact us today.

17 2014 International Executive Council

AFSA Leadership

President, CMSgt (Ret.) Vice President, CMSgt Senior Advisor, CMSgt USAF Uniformed Trustee, Retired and Daniel C. Yeomans (Ret.) Timothy W. (Ret.) Jeffrey Ledoux Service Trustee, CMSgt Veterans Affairs, MSgt Litherland Michael Warren (Ret.) Dale Nelson

2014 Division Presidents

Div. 1, SMSgt Div. 2, MSgt (Ret.) Div. 3, SMSgt (Ret.) Div. 4, SMSgt (Ret.) Div. 5, CMSgt (Ret.) Div. 6, CMSgt Jeffrey Div. 7, SMSgt Daniel (Ret.) Frederick F. Colin J. Gates Dale C. Lutzen James Crissinger Cary A. Hatzinger Foreman Guzman Dembinski

L to R: Benny McGehee (1961–1964), Earl Lehman (1964–1965), Elmer Andrews (1965–1968), Leon Donnelly (1968–1969), Robert Long (1969–1970), John Concannon (1970–1971), Jose Rodriguez (1971–1974), and PaMikest Hammer pr (1974–1976)esidents

L to R: John Paul May (1976–1978), Walter Scott (1978–1980), Lewis Spence (1980–1982), John Hodson (1982–1984), Charles Bryant (1984–1985), John McBrien (1985–1988), Geno Piccoli (1988–1991), and Victor Bartholomew (1991–1992)

L to R: Donald Gammon (1992–1994), Claude Klobus (1994–1997), Steven Norberg (1997–2000), Michael Parente (2000–2003), Joseph Kuchera (2003–2005), John R. McCaus- lin (2005–2009), Michael R. Carton (2009–2009), and Jeffrey E. Ledoux (2009–2012)

L to R: Mary Hohman (1973–1974), Barbara Avery (1974–1976), Audrey Andrews (1976–1979), Jacqueline Hopkins (1979–1981), Willa Hyde (1981–1984), Phyllis Bartholomew (1984–1986), Gloria Pinksawa uXili(1986–1988),ary and ShirleyPast Mello p (1988–1991)residents

L to R: Peggy Stala (1991–1993), LaRene Paul (1993–1994), Barbara Beichler (1994–1997), Elaine Warner (1997–2000), Kath- ryn Oden (2000–2003), Carolyn Whitsell (2003–2007), Carol Ruholl (2007–2008), and Marie McDowell (2008–2011)

18 64508 AFSA STR Ad 1/29/14 8:44 AM Page 1

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FACT #2 TRICARE has strict criteria to qualify and does not cover home health aide, homemaker or companion services at all. ALERT! If you need more than what Medicare or TRICARE covers, you may either pay for it yourself — or go without.

The AFSA Hospital Income and Short Term Recovery Insurance Plan can help put you in charge, with CASH BENEFITS for hospital AND at-home recovery care. You’ve earned the right to comprehensive quality health care. It’s what you deserve and it shouldn’t fall apart when you leave the hospital. This plan can help pay expenses your health care plan leaves behind. # Guaranteed acceptance — # Cash benefits paid directly to you or anyone you cannot be turned down* you choose, in addition to any other coverage # Exclusive AFSA-negotiated # Use the money any way you want, group rates for members no restrictions

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS! 1-800-882-5541 Call Toll-Free: Request #: 064508-1-1-1 Go Online: www.afsainsurance.com Hearing-impaired or voice-impaired members may Underwritten by call the Relay Line at 1-800-855-2881. Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company Plan information includes costs, exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits and terms Simsbury, CT 06089 of coverage. Coverage may not be issued in some states. All benefits are subject to the The Hartford® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., and its terms and conditions of the policy. Policies underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident subsidiaries, including issuing company Insurance Company detail exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policies Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. may be continued in force or discontinued. *This policy is guaranteed acceptance, but it does contain a Pre-Existing Conditions AR Ins. Lic. #303439, CA Ins. Lic. #0G39709 Limitation. Please refer to the Certificate of Insurance for more information on exclusions and limitations, such as Pre-Existing Conditions. In CA d/b/a Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services LLC SRP-1151 A (HLA)(5229), SRP-1151 A (HLA)(5678) 64508 (3/14) Copyright 2014 Mercer LLC. All rights reserved.

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