Malmstrom Chapter 1156 of the Air Force Sergeant's Association shares history Published Oct. 14, 2011 By Senior Airman Courtney LaDue 341st Medical Support Squadron MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- If it happens in AFSA, it starts at the chapter level. Now, more than ever, AFSA needs participants to uphold the quality-of-life for all Airmen and their families. Malmstrom's local Chapter has 350 members and they are heavily involved in programs such as: Adopt a Highway on Interstate 15, Missouri River bed clean-up, Operation Warm Heart, Rescue Mission drives and hosting events such as the POW/MIA Day and WWII Veterans visits. Chapter 1156 also goes out into Montana and assists the local Air Force Junior ROTC schools who benefit from AFSA mentorship; presenting awards and medals every year to distinguished graduates. AFSA also donates locally approximately $2,000 a year for various scholarships and base functions. What is AFSA? AFSA is a congressionally chartered professional military organization, founded and incorporated in 1961, and dedicated to the people who have worn and are currently wearing Air Force enlisted chevrons. These are the men and women behind the high-tech machinery, the military protocol--the ones getting the job done every day. We are dedicated to these people who have invested and are investing their lives in the case of America's freedoms. We are a not-for-profit organization that represents the professional and personal interest of the Total Air Force enlisted members in active, retired, or veteran status and their families. Vision Statement To be the professional military organization of choice for all Total Air Force enlisted personnel; active, retired, and veteran. Leaders have the responsibility of communicating the vision regularly, creating narratives that illustrate the vision, acting as role models by embodying the vision, creating short term objectives compatible with the vision, and encouraging others to craft their own personal vision compatible with that of the organization. AFSA Mission Statement To advocate improved quality-of-life benefits and economic fairness that will support the well-being of Air Force enlisted personnel and their families. AFSA's Mission Statement is its sole reason for existing. Literally everything we do is focused on meeting our mission. If you could highlight the one thing this mission statement speaks to, it would be the legislative actions from grassroots activity in the chapters all the way up to the lobbyists on the Capitol Hill. History Prior to the formation of the Air Force Sergeants Association, Air Force enlisted personnel did not have an independent voice capable of influencing legislation and governmental policies. This came at a time when Congress was questioning its promises to service members about education benefits, health care, pay and a fair quality-of-life -- all while we were waging a Cold War. During the post-Korean War era, U.S. Armed Services were cut to the bone and attacks upon the military were made by members of Congress, the press, and even the American public, resulting in promotion freezes, low pay and allowances, inadequate housing and many other inequities. Life in the military was rough and much unappreciated. Enlisted life was the roughest. Many enlisted personnel began to talk about starting an association and DoD feared the unions would try to get involved. Of course, unionization was not an option; but there remained the needs to educate lawmakers about enlisted life. Four enlisted visionaries from Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., decided to accept the challenge. Master Sgt. Benny W. McGehee, Tech. Sgt. Virgil Perry, Staff Sgt. Donald Ward and Tech. Sgt. Lee Thompson applied to the District of Columbia for a charter as a non-profit association, which was approved on May 3, 1961. Objectives · To maintain within the United States Total Air Force, a highly dedicated and professional Corps of enlisted personnel · To uphold fair and equitable legislation and departmental policies and influence by lawful means, departmental plans, programs, policies and legislation affecting enlisted personnel of the United States Air Force to include the active-duty, reserve and guard, these component retirees, and other Air Force enlisted veterans · To actively publicize the roles of enlisted personnel in the United States Air Force · To participate in the civil and military activities, youth programs, and fund-raising campaigns of benefit to the United States Air Force · To provide for the mutual welfare of members and their families · To assist in recruiting for the United States Air Force · To assemble together for social activities · To maintain a superior aerospace defense for our beloved country · To devote ourselves to our fellow Airmen · To loyally serve the nation and the U.S. Air Force, and to do all else necessary to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States Today AFSA is a leading member organization in The Military Coalition. Additionally, AFSA is one of the largest associations affiliated with the Council of Military Organizations and the Ad Hoc Committee. AFSA is highly respected and well recognized on Capitol Hill, within the White House, and by community leaders, commanders, and senior commissioned and noncommissioned leaders at all levels. AFSA is an international organization with chapters located in the United States, Europe and the Far East. The International Headquarters is located in the Airmen Memorial Building at 5211 Auth Road, Suitland, Md., 20757. Want to sign up? If you are E-4 and below, you can sign up now for $25 for two years (first time sign-up). E-5s and above pay $25 a year or $350 for a lifetime membership. With membership come great benefits and discounts to include: rentals cars, hotels, flowers, Dell and Apple products, scholarships, 10 percent discount on tuition for Columbia Southern University, vacations, travel and a link to 600 retailers with discounts. Most important is the peace of mind yo'll receive knowing someone is lobbying daily for you and your benefits. Remember, the local Chapter and those representatives are only as good as the active memberships within AFSA. Chapter 1156, here at Malmstrom AFB, would like to extend an invitation to all active-duty personnel, National Guard members, retirees and veterans, to participate and voice your opinion at the monthly gatherings. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month at the Grizzly Bend starting at 4:30 p.m. For membership or general meeting information, please contact Master Sgt. Steve Doll at 731-7238; Master Sgt. Cynthia Boots at 731-3104 (cynthia.boots@us.af.mil); or Senior Airman Courtney LaDue at 731-2539 (courtney.ladue@us.af.mil).