Episodes will focus on professional development, career transition, and advice for Airmen navigating their Air Force careers during and beyond their time in uniform.
AFA Offers New Member Benefits
Oct 24, 2017
Show notes
Honor Airmen This Spring
AFA is pleased to present the Soaring to Glory rose celebrating the 70th Birthday of the Air Force by saluting, honoring and celebrating Airmen - past, present and future. Be sure to purchase your very own specialty rose to plant this spring, here!
AFA Introduces New Member Benefit
AFA is proud to have partnered with Tommie Copper, the originator of comfortable compression gear to help people live comfortable, healthy, happy, lives and introducing “Wearable Wellness.” Only Tommie Copper comfortable compression products are engineered with their exclusive patented Copper Znergy® technology. Unlike competitors, their innovative technology lasts the lifetime of the garment. Their proprietary 4D stretch fabric conforms to your body for targeted compression and support where you need it most. The moisture wicking capabilities keep you cool and dry. Their patented copper and zinc technology is encapsulated in the fibers providing natural and permanent anti-odor technology by eliminating the growth of odor causing microbes. Plus, UPF 50+ protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Wearing the right compression gear supports your muscles and joints. Tommie Copper intentionally designs all of their comfortable compression apparel and sleeves to help relieve everyday aches and pains by enhancing recovery and supporting your moving body, every day. Pursue new physical challenges, while encouraging improved circulation, reducing pain, muscle soreness, swelling and fatigue.
We want you to feel good. Begin your wellness journey today.
Shop Tommie Copper byclickinghereor use code AFA30 to enjoy 30% off your purchase.
TRICARE Changes Toolkit
Oct 24, 2017
Show notes
Are you ready for new TRICARE changes coming in 2018? Review the changes checklist, here!
Note from the President
Oct 02, 2017
Show notes
AFA Supports Dignity and Respect For All
Last week the Air Force endured an unfortunate incident. Someone in the Preparatory School at the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) wrote racial slurs on several room white boards of fellow cadets. Fortunately, the USAFA Superintendent, Lt Gen Jay Silveria, acted swiftly and decisively, while addressing students and faculty about the issue, watch the video, here.
As a young Airman, I endured a similar incident. While assigned to Pope AFB in NC, I played on my squadron’s flag football team. During a particularly tough game, a fellow teammate, in a moment of frustration, yelled out a racial slur toward the opposing team. Having grown up in Southeast Washington, D.C. I had heard those words before. However, never had I heard those words expressed with such venom and never had I heard those words from a fellow Airman, aimed toward fellow Airmen. The good news is the referee of the game, a senior NCO, overheard the comments and immediately ejected him from the game. Also, the Airman’s commander and first sergeant held a meeting the following day and apologized to both teams. To this day, I can still recall the hurt I felt when I heard those Airman’s words. However, the swift rebuke of the Airman and his behavior convinced me I had made the right decision joining the US Air Force.
Those of us who have served in uniform swore an oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said, “In the eyes of government, we are just one race. It is American.” Regardless of where Airmen grew up. Regardless of what religion Airmen practice. Regardless of what gender Airmen are. Regardless of what color or ethnicity Airmen are. None of that matters. What matters are integrity, service and excellence. America’s Air Force is the best and most feared in the world because of its Airmen—ALL of its Airmen. I pray that the incident at the USAFA was an isolated one. However, if not, we all should respond swiftly and decisively. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." America’s Airmen matter. Our voices matter.
Sincerely,
Larry O. Spencer
President
Air, Space & Cyber 2017 Breaks Records
Oct 02, 2017
Show notes
AFA held its annual National Convention, September 16-17 and Air, Space & Cyber Conference, September 18-20, in National Harbor, Md. This year’s conference was one of the most successful events hosted by AFA, breaking registration and attendance records.
The conference registered over 9,000 attendees for the first time ever, a 24 percent increase from the previous year. The event featured 137 exhibiting organizations, displaying their latest technological advancements throughout the 100,000 square foot exposition hall.
Over 100 distinguished speakers participated on 31 panels, including keynote addresses provided by Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, Air Force Chief of Staff General David Goldfein, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright.
Secretary Wilson announced that the Air Force will be conducting a year-long Science and Technology review to update its research priorities and strategy by identifying high priority research areas, evaluating how the Air Force can more productively partner with non-federal research areas and guide the Air Force in adjusting ways to remain technologically dominant in the future.
The theme for this year’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference was “Breaking Barriers: Heritage to Horizons.” AFA celebrated the Air Force’s 70th birthday by highlighting seven decades of breaking barriers through heritage, innovation and teamwork.
AFA honored the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the office of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force by holding a tribute panel featuring several former CMSAFs.
AFA’s 34th Annual Air Warfare Symposium will be held February 21-23, 2018 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, FL. Registration is slated to open in early November 2017. To learn more about sponsorship and exhibit opportunities, please contact Fred Ullman at fullman@afa.org.
The 2018 Air, Space & Cyber Conference will again be hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, September 17-19, 2018. Information regarding exhibit opportunities and registration can be found at www.afa.org.
Gen Mark A. Welsh III Portrait Unveiling
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
USAF Photo
On September 14, 2017 a portrait of Gen Mark W. Welsh III, USAF (Ret.) the 20th Air Force Chief of Staff, was unveiled at the Pentagon. The portrait will be on display in the Pentagon’s Arnold Corridor alongside the portraits of other former Air Force chiefs of staff. AFA, together with the Air Force Sergeants Association sponsored the painting. The painting captures Gen Welsh’s devotion to his family with pictures of his wife and family featured prominently in the portrait.
2017 AFA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
Each year AFA recognizes groups or individuals for their lifetime of achievement in the advancement of aerospace power. Four recipients for 2017 were honored at the Air Force 70th Birthday Dinner on September 18th, these individuals have accomplished so much throughout their lives. This year’s winners are Gen Ronald Fogleman, USAF (Ret.), Col Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, USAF (Ret.), Elinor Otto, and the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Foundation.
General Fogleman served as the 15th Chief of Staff of the Air Force. A command pilot and a parachutist, he amassed more than 6,800 flying hours in fighter, transport, tanker and rotary wing aircraft. He flew 315 combat missions and logged 806 hours of combat flying. He was a high-speed forward air controller in Vietnam and Thailand. He commanded an Air Force Wing, Division, numbered Air Force, Major Command and a Unified Command.
Colonel Anderson is a World War II Triple Ace. During the war, he was the highest scoring ace in his P-51 Mustang Squadron. Anderson flew two tours of combat against the Luftwaffe in Europe while with the 363rd Fighter Squadron, and was the group’s third leading ace with 16 ¼ aerial victories. His P-51 Mustang, nicknamed the “Old Crow” carried him safely though 116 missions without being hit by enemy fire. After the war, Anderson became chief of the fighter test section at Wright Patterson, where he flew many models of the early jet aircraft as a test pilot.
Elinor Otto is one of the original Rosie the Riveters, who worked to build airplanes for 50 years. She began work at Rohr Aircraft Corp during World War II, manufacturing airplane parts. Over the years Elinor worked for Ryan Aeronautical, Douglas Aircraft Company, and finally at the Boeing Company. In 2014, Elinor retired at the age of 95, earning the title of “America’s Longest Working Rosie”. As of 2014, she had worked on every single C-17 aircraft built at Boeing. Elinor is a “Spirit of ’45 Day” National Spokeswoman, and helps to promote awareness of the role women played during World War II.
The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Foundation commemorates the American volunteer pilots who gave their lives during World War I, under the French Colors. They became an active unit of the French Air Service a year before the United States Congress declared war. The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Foundation, created in 1930 has raised the funds necessary to repair and preserve the memorial. Over the years, the memorial had fallen into disrepair, but the foundation was instrumental in coordinating with the American Battle Monuments Commission so the memorial will be preserved well into the future.
AFA National Convention Election Results
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
Congratulations to AFA’s new leadership! Elections were held during AFA’s National Convention, September 16-17.
The following National Officer was elected for a one year term:
National Secretary: Ross Lampert (Hereford, AZ)
The following National Directors were elected for three-year terms:
National Director at Large: Mark Tarpley (Oklahoma City, OK)
National Director at Large: Rick Hartle (Layton, UT)
National Director, Central East Area: Tyler Johnson (Hampton, VA)
AFA Celebrates the Air Force's 70th Birthday
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
#70for70 honorees attending AFA's Air Force Birthday Dinner join Harris CEO and AFA Leadership on stage. September 18, 2017.
Thank you to everyone who followed along with our #70for70 social media campaign over the past several months! In celebration of the Air Force’s 70th birthday, AFA highlighted and recognized individuals who have made a significant impact on Airpower over the past 70 years in diverse ways. This social media campaign culminated at AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference during the Air Force 70th Birthday Dinner on Monday, September 18, 2017, when a few of the individuals in attendance joined Bill Brown, the CEO of Harris Corporation on stage to be recognized, representing all 70 individuals. AFA wants to thank Harris Corporation for their generous support as the campaign’s sponsor.
In September, AFA highlighted a few outstanding individuals who have broken barriers in our Air Force over the past seven decades.
At 102 years old, Lt Col (Ret.) Dick Cole is the last surviving member of the Doolittle Raiders and has been a big supporter of the Air Force Association since its founding in 1946.
Capt Lance P. Sijan, a Vietnam War hero, risked his own life on multiple occasions to prevent other Airmen from being shot down by enemy forces. Sijan was captured as a prisoner of war twice, where he later died in a Vietnamese prison camp. He was presented with the Medal of Honor, which his family accepted on his behalf.
Maj Gen Billy Mitchell, the namesake for AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, began advocating for the importance of airpower in World War I that pioneered the way for the establishment of the US Air Force we know today. Mitchell was promoted to Major General by President Roosevelt after his death.
Chief Master Sergeant Paul Airey was appointed as the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) in 1967. The Air Force Association played an integral role in establishing the office of the CMSAF to ensure the voices of our enlisted force were always heard. This year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of this milestone.
Our final #70for70 was the one and only, General Jimmy Doolittle. Doolittle was famed as the leader of the Doolittle Raiders during World War II and founded the Air Force Association as a way to “keep the gang together” in 1946 – a year before the Air Force was established. Doolittle’s spirit inspired AFA to create the Airman for Life campaign in order to keep all Airmen – past and present – connected to their Air Force roots and their Air Force story.
Thank you for joining us along this journey of 70 years of airpower dominance. AFA looks forward to seeing our Air Force continue to dominate over the next 70 years.
To learn more about the #70for70 campaign and see a list of all individuals recognized over the past year, click here.
AFA Honors the 50th Anniversary of the CMSAF
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
USAF Photo
This year, the Air Force Association honored the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the office of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF), a role the Air Force Association played an influential part in helping to create. The first CMSAF was appointed in 1967, 20 years after the creation of the US Air Force as an independent military branch.
Following a series of initiatives intended to increase retention and quality of life for our enlisted force, the Air Force Association advocated to congress for the position. The Air Force then established the office of the CMSAF to allow enlisted personnel to freely express their opinions and recommendations on matters ranging from mission effectiveness to personnel concerns.
On April 3, 1967, Chief Master Sergeant Paul Airey was appointed as the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. Now, 50 years and 18 CMSAFs later, AFA salutes the tremendous impact and commitment to service the 18 individuals who have held this position have had.
At AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference, AFA held a special tribute panel featuring former CMSAFs including Chief Eric Benken, Chief Jim Finch, Chief Gerald Murray and Chief Jim Roy and honored all 18 CMSAFs, including our current CMSAF Kaleth Wright, by presenting custom medals commemorating the momentous milestone. The medals symbolized 50 years of distinguished and inspirational service to those who serve on the front lines every day.
Outstanding Airmen of the Year
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
During the Air, Space & Cyber Conference, AFA recognized and honored the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (OAY). In 1956 the Air Force Association began the Outstanding Airmen program to honor the hard work and dedication of the Air Force’s enlisted force.
In its inaugural year, the program honored 19 Outstanding Airmen representing each major Air Force command and operating agency. Although the program was only intended to be a one-time event, the program thrives to this day as the Air Force Association and the United States Air Force continue to honor and recognize 12 Outstanding Airmen from across the Air Force.
The Airmen who are presented the Outstanding Airman of the Year Award display superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements over the preceding 12 months.
Jenny Schuelke, a guest of one of the OAY recipients, commented that over the course of the week, “we met the smartest, sharpest, and most sincere Airmen this world has ever seen. When they say they've been breaking barriers for 70 years--they aren't lying! Thank you all for a remarkable and unforgettable week!”
AFA is honored to have the opportunity to work alongside such deserving Airmen. Learn more about the 12 OAY recipients and their accomplishments, here.
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