Airmen gather at AFSA Conference

  • Published
  • By Kandis West
  • Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs
Issues facing enlisted Airmen was the focus of this year's Air Force Sergeants Association conference Aug. 19 in Orlando, Fla.
   Major command chief master sergeants, former chief master sergeants of the Air Force, first sergeants, career enlisted advisors and other non-commissioned officers from around the world met for the week-long conference.
   Tinker's AFSA Chapter 985 conference delegate, retired Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Bennett, said he was looking forward to learning new ways to promote the enlisted quality of life. He said he most enjoyed the former chief master sergeant of the Air Force panel.
   "It gave the audience of about 15,000 people the chance to interact with the former chiefs," said Mr. Bennett, AFSA Chapter 985 President Pro Temp. "They offered witty commentary and insight into enlisted force achievements and where we're going."
   Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney McKinley said the conference was an excellent opportunity for today's Airmen to meet with knowledgeable, experienced veteran Airmen to discuss topics and issues important to Airmen and the mission.
   "By bringing our MAJCOM command chief master sergeants and other senior enlisted leaders together to participate in discussions and hear topics from briefers across the Air Force Spectrum, we better enabled our senior enlisted leaders to address top Air Force issues from a timely and relevant perspective," Chief McKinley said.
   AFSA is an international organization comprised of Air Force enlistees, both active and retired, of all grades, including Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. It is a federally chartered, non-profit organization representing the professional and personal interests of active duty and retired enlisted members of the Air Force.
   "Air Force professional organizations are important to Air Force people and the mission," said Chief McKinley. "These organizations enhance the professional development of our Airmen and provide visibility for our air, space and cyberspace missions at a grass roots-level around the nation."
   During the week, first sergeants also came together for their 13th annual worldwide First Sergeants Conference.
   "The First Sergeants Conference enhances cross-communication to these senior enlisted leaders who are key to the morale, welfare and leadership of our Airmen," said Chief McKinley. "Subject-matter experts brief total force first sergeants on upcoming changes in the Air Force, leadership challenges, quality-of-life, health, morale and welfare matters."
   Throughout the week, the first sergeants and Airmen met daily to be updated on different programs such as enlisted professional military education, Air Force Aid, Air Force Enlisted Village, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center and professional development.
   Mr. Bennett said he looks forward to apply what he learned at the conference here at Tinker.
   During the conference, several Team Tinker members received national awards.
   The Exemplary Achievement Award was presented to Tech. Sgt. Kristi Binard, Tinker Airman Leadership School instructor and AFSA Division 9 trustee, Chapter 985. The award honors exemplary achievement in education, training, recruiting, management, community and public relations, career development or other programs of benefit to AFSA and auxiliary organizations.
   Chapter 985 received the Lee R. Thompson Award of Excellence. The award is special recognition to a field activity whose contributions had a major impact on unit growth, retention, management or community service. The chapter also received this award in 2005.
   Chapter 985 was also awarded the Field Organization Legislative Award, which recognizes significant contributions to the AFSA/AFSA Auxiliary legislative program. This is the third consecutive year Chapter 985 has won this award.
   In addition, the chapter was named the runner-up for the AFSA Web Site of the Year Award.
   Master Sgt. James S. Howard, 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron, was runner-up for the AFSA Individual Legislative Award, which recognizes an individual's significant contributions to the AFSA/AFSA Auxiliary legislative program.
   (Airman 1st Class Nicholas Pilch, 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story)