Air Force Sergeants Association offers benefits, scholarships to enlisted participants Published Feb. 12, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Malmstrom's Air Force Sergeants Association is always looking for new enlisted members to join and have their thoughts and ideas heard. Many have heard of and know about AFSA, yet not many elect to join the organization. AFSA is the voice of the enlisted force, from airman basic to chief master sergeant, from monthly meetings to Capitol Hill. With more than 2,800 enlisted people assigned to Malmstrom and eligible to join, only 650 have registered as part of the association, and only 30 members are technically active. But why should you bother? "Not only do you have the opportunity to be part of the organization that helps ensure we get our voice heard, our pay raise every year, increased benefits and retirement benefits, you get to be part of the organization that supports and defends us at the government level and supports the community," said Master Sgt. Timothy Hezel, career assistance advisor and president of Malmstrom's chapter of AFSA Meetings are held each month and focus on ways the help the community, legislative issues, fundraising and current initiatives happening through the AFSA Web. After that the floor is open for discussion, Sergeant Hezel said. Other benefits AFSA offers include insurance, scholarships, career opportunities, banking, identity theft protection and discounts. Insurance benefits include accidental death and dismemberment, cancer expense, dental, long-term care, short-term recovery, term life, TRICARE supplement and youth life insurance. AFSA also offers home and auto insurance, providing GEICO eligibility and options. Since AFSA's inception, more than $2.1 million in scholarships have been awarded to members and family members under the age of 23, as well as members' spouses. They also award grants to members over the age of 19, according to the Web site, www.afsahq.org. As far as banking, the Pentagon Federal Credit Union, AFSA Banking Center and the AFSA/Bank of America credit card are available. Members are also given 20 percent off the cost of LifeLock identity theft programs for life. Discounts from computer companies such as Apple and Dell are another benefit of being an AFSA member. FTD Flowers, car rentals and ADT home security also offer discounts. From representation on Capitol Hill to saving money on insurance, there are many opportunities and incentives to take advantage of by becoming a member of AFSA today. AFSA meets at 3:30 every second Wednesday of the month at the Grizzly Bend Club. Stop by a meeting or call Master Sgt. Hezel at 731-4766 for more information. Scholarships available through AFSA AFSA and the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force join together annually to conduct a scholarship program to financially assist the undergraduate studies of eligible, dependent children of the Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command enlisted members and AFSA members in active, retired or veteran status. To date, the AFSA Scholarship programs have granted 1.5 million to dependents of the Air Force enlisted. Dependent youth who have a great point average of 3.5 or higher and a minimum combined SAT score of 1650 or minimum combined ACT score of 24 are encouraged to submit an application. More criteria and application package information is available on the AFSA website. All completed application packets must be received at AFSA Headquarters no later than Monday, March 31. Incomplete packages of ineligible for the competition. AFSA promotes enlisted concerns to enhance their quality of life, assures the preservation of entitlements earned through service and sacrifice, and maintains a vigilant presence on Capitol Hill. AFSA is a partner in enlisted members' careers and their lives. AFSA Scholarship Program This program began in 1968 with one $1,000 scholarship. Since then the program has been a key source of funding for AFSA and Auxiliary members' children attending institutions of higher learning. AFSA has since awarded 480 scholarships to the AFSA members' family members. The AFSA Scholarship Program, open only to dependent youth of AFSA or AFSA Auxiliary members, is funded by donations from AFSA and AFSA Auxiliary members and field activities. AFSA's most prestigious awards are the Frace C. Fini, Hardy B. Abbott, Claude Klobus and James Stanton scholarship valued at $2,500 each. CMSAF Scholarship Program The Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force Scholarship Program was created in 1987 upon the death of the third CMSAF. Recipients are selected from among Air Force enlisted members, dependent youg meeting the eligibility requirements and participating in the Airmen Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program. The CMSAF Scholarships are granted in varying amounts. Funding is provided from contributions by individual Airmen, officer and enlisted, donated CMSAF (retired) Speaking honorariums and in particular, Senior NCO Academy, NCO Academies, Airman Leadership Schools, First Term Airman Center classes, AFSA chapters, Chiefs and Top Three groups, and a wide variety of other Air Force enlisted activities. A unique aspect of the CMSAF Scholarship Program is the opportunity for an applicant to submit additional information he or she believes should be taken into consideration by the selection committee. Examples include: student disabilities, parent POW/MIA/KIA, extreme financial hardship, parent disabled and unemployed, or other similar extenuating circumstances. This fund is governed by a committee appointed by the incumbent Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Single 1988 the CMSAF has awarded over $237,000 in scholarships. AMF Scholarships The AMF Scholarship program awards funds to the dependent youth of Air Force enlisted personnel who meet the eligibility criteria. AMF Scholarships are funded by contributions received through the annual Combined Federal Campaign, the AFSA Parade of Checks and other donations. AFSA International Auxiliary Education Grant Program AFSA International Auxiliary conducts a program to financially help AFSA Auxiliary members with a valid need of assistance to enhance their income potential through formal education and or training. The AED program is designed for AFSA Auxiliary members to obtain effective education or training to acquire improved marketable skills. Sine 1990, the AFSA Auxiliary has awarded grants and scholarships totaling over $117,000. Grants are awarded based on available funds, but will not exceed $2,000 per person. Grant funds will be mailed to the applicant's school with instructions for sue. The monies may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies, child care, meals and transportation to and from school. The funds are not transferable from one school to another at any time during the semester or term. For more scholarship information, visit www.afsahq.org.