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AFSA does more than fight for our benefits, ask Chapter 1462

  • Published
  • By Fairchild Air Force Sergeant's Association
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  "They fight for our benefits on Capitol Hill." That's what most people say when they're asked about the Air Force Sergeant's Association. Trouble is, the local chapter at Fairchild would have you believe differently.

"They're right, our main goal is to protect benefits like our pay, TRICARE, tuition assistance and retirement, but that's not all you should think about when you think of AFSA. We want you to know just as much about what we do on base and in our local community," said Airman 1st Class Jason Firmin, Chapter 1462's Publicity and Awards Chair. So what have they done?

In the past twelve months alone, Chapter 1462 has contributed more than $1,800 and countless hours hosting and sponsoring events, volunteering in the local community and briefing Airmen on professional development. Do you like video games? AFSA sponsored two tournaments, with over 100 people in total attendance. As a result, Air Mobility Command's Comprehensive Airman Fitness program was inspired to fund the wing more than $9000 worth of games and equipment, and these aren't the only things the chapter supports.

"Many people don't realize they annually sponsor the most coveted award in Airman Leadership School...that's right, we're speaking of the Levitow Award, and the local chapter has been doing so for years," Firmin said. "Additionally, they donate to the United Service Organizations, the Combined Federal Campaign, the Fairchild Non-Commissioned Officer Academy room and the Spokane Veteran's Affairs Medical Center.

Simply giving money is not all that they are about either. The Spokane VAMC also gets to see the chapter's smiling faces at least once a month. As part of their Veterans outreach, the local chapter coordinates monthly bingo games at the hospital. Bingo callers and card assistants are just some of the volunteer duties members hold as they spend time with the vets, and in the summer, you can smell the scent of barbeque. In July, Chapter 1462 organizes burger burns to give the vets a chance to spend time with their families and Fairchild airmen.

Then again, veterans aren't the only people with whom they spend their time. Beyond informing anyone that crosses their path on the latest legislative and local issues, AFSA devotes time to the next generation of leaders. For each First-Term Airman Center (FTAC) and ALS class that comes through Fairchild AFB, chapter members brief them on the importance of involvement in professional organizations and how their membership strengthens our voice on Capitol Hill. In May, Chapter 1462 hosted the Division 14 conference, with representatives from 13 bases and all of Fairchild was invited. More than 100 attendees showed to participate in leadership seminars and to get abreast of the issues of the day. Retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sam E. Parish, was featured as one of the guest speakers.

"So the next time someone asks you about AFSA, it might be best to remind them what they do on base, before you explain what they accomplish in Washington D.C., Firmin said.

For more information, afsachapter1462@gmail.com, or visit us on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AFSAChapter1462?sk=wall