CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Editor's note: This is the first in a three-part series about Air Force organizations that advocate for Airmen, retirees and their families.
Anyone and everyone can be a member of a professional, nonprofit organization that supports aerospace power and presents numerous opportunities.
All active-duty Airmen, Reservists, National Guard members, civilians and retirees are eligible to become part of the Air Force Association.
"Anyone can become a member of the AFA especially if they have an interest in aerospace power," said retired Maj. Gen. Art Rooney Jr., Charleston AFA Chapter vice president. "The opportunities are almost endless for anyone based on their interests. They can help with mentoring local students, communicating, recording the history of our chapter, taking on positions within the chapter, organize a fundraiser golf tournament or many other possibilities."
The role of the AFA is to educate the public about aerospace power and its importance in defending the U.S., advocate aerospace power, and support the Air Force, the Air Force family and aerospace education.
"No matter what your occupation, it's important to be part of a professional organization like this because they advocate for you," said Mr. Rooney, a life member of AFA since 1980. "Whether or not an Airman is part of the association, they benefit from leaders in Washington who are advocating."
AFA members are currently advocating for benefits involving Tricare-for-Life, the Survivor Benefit Plan, the Veteran's Affairs program and the Wounded Warrior program, according to Mr. Rooney. They are also working to get pay raises for Airmen with increased education benefits.
"On a personal level, some young Airmen may not think too much about Tricare-for-Life now, but when it comes time to retire, it's a benefit they could really appreciate," said Mr. Rooney. "The pay raises, on the other hand, apply to everyone, so I think it should get the attention of Airmen that the AFA is here to help them."
Along with the AFA advocating to help Airmen, they also play an active role in the community. The local Charleston AFA Chapter awards scholarships to Airmen and their family members, communicates and educates the local community about the Air Force, volunteers in schools and helps with the Junior ROTC and ROTC programs.
"The state of South Carolina statistically has a high drop-out rate in schools so, when you put one of our bright, shiny Airmen in front of them to speak about their job, how they fulfilled their dreams, or even where they've traveled -- while we're not trying to get them to enlist --hopefully we inspire them to apply themselves, to study or graduate," said Mr. Rooney.
The Charleston AFA Chapter currently has about 400 members. They will be holding a general membership meeting Feb. 20 at noon in the Charleston Club. All members or interested individuals are welcome to attend. The chapter will also be hosting the State AFA Convention here May 8-9. Events will include a golf tournament fundraiser and an awards luncheon to recognize top-performing JROTC, ROTC and Civil Air Patrol members, Airmen and even teachers.
"The greater our membership and the more active our membership is, the more we can do in the community when it comes to promoting the Air Force," said Mr. Rooney.
For more information on AFA or to join the AFA, visit their Web site at www.afa.org