Episodes will focus on professional development, career transition, and advice for Airmen navigating their Air Force careers during and beyond their time in uniform.
Joint Base Andrews Air Show
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
Joint Base Andrews hosted their bi-annual Air Show on September 15-17 in Maryland. The air show was a part of the Air Force’s 70th Birthday celebration and featured aerial performances by the Thunderbirds, Golden Knights, and F-22 Demo Team among others. AFA staff were on-hand to tell the thousands of attendees about AFA’s mission to promote a dominant Air Force. Staff members also stayed busy throughout the weekend selling AFA’s merchandise including the very popular 70th Birthday t-shirts and coins. If you are interested in purchasing any AFA apparel you can do so here.
AFA Member Benefits
Sep 28, 2017
Show notes
Are you getting the most out of your AFA membership? From insurance to shopping and travel discounts, AFA offers countless benefits to help you through every phase of life. Click here to learn more about all the benefits AFA offers our members. Below are a few examples of benefits our Members receive.
Health21 E-Magazine
AFA hopes you enjoyed your first issue of Health21 Magazine earlier this month. AFA is partnering with Health21 to deliver our members the most up to date and pressing information on topics related to health. This new member benefit will automatically be sent to your inbox each month. For more information, please contact our membership department at membership@afa.org.
Support AFA through USAA
USAA has been a valued partner of AFA for several years. USAA offers valuable financial services including banking, financial advice and investment planning.
Did you know? It’s now easier than ever to support AFA through your USAA membership. All USAA credit card holders can now donate $10 directly to AFA for every 1,000 reward points they have earned. Learn more about the USAA reward points donation program here.
Note from the President
Sep 01, 2017
Show notes
AFA offers our thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by Hurricane Harvey. We stand by you and we stand with you.
We are running at full speed preparing for our annual Air, Space & Cyber Conference which is just around the corner on September 18-20. This year’s event promises to be one of the biggest ever. We are on track to break registration records and will have more top defense companies showcasing their latest technology developments on our exposition floor than in recent memory.
The conference theme is “Breaking Barriers: Heritage to Horizons” in celebration of the Air Force’s 70th Birthday. Over 80 speakers will join us for panels and sessions focusing on how the Air Force has broken barriers in heritage, innovation and teamwork.
This event comes at a turbulent time in national security. Our Air Force is short pilots and maintainers, operates the oldest aircraft and ICBM systems in its history and is stretched thin. Concurrently, demands on the Air Force are growing and the operations tempo is at a critical high.
We plan to tackle these issues head-on at our conference. We are honored to have Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis as a keynote speaker. His expertise and vision will be valuable in this trying time for our nation. We are also fortunate to have Admiral Michael Rogers and General (Ret) Michael Hayden to discuss the top issues facing cybersecurity.
This year, we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force position, a role AFA is proud to have helped establish. CMSAF Kaleth Wright will discuss the importance of taking care of Airmen and their families and we will also have several former CMSAFs join us on stage to discuss what they learned in their time in leadership. We are also partnering with the Air Force Sergeants Association for a focus on our enlisted force on Wednesday.
We have new sponsorship initiatives underway for our Airmen & Family and Wounded Airman Programs. AFA is seeking corporate sponsors to join fellow Defense Industry leaders like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, GE Aviation, General Dynamics, Rockwell Collins, Rolls Royce, Thales, Bell Helicopter and Elbit in sponsoring our Wounded Airmen at SkyBall this year. SkyBall is the largest event in the United States to support our nation’s military, wounded service members from all services, veterans, and families of fallen military heroes. It is truly, a one-of-a-kind experience that takes place in an American Airlines Hangar in Dallas, TX over Veterans’ Day weekend (Nov 9-11, 2017). Sponsorships help support the children of our fallen military heroes; help amputee and burn survivors transition to civilian life; provide advanced technology “smart” homes to severely wounded service members and so much more! Please see details here.
In addition, we also initiated our “Road to Gold” sponsorship package to support our Aerospace Education Program, which provides aerospace educational opportunities for our total force Airmen, their families & America’s youth. Our program is building the pipeline of future STEM leaders; supports cadets and future military leaders; and is helping teachers instill a sense of excitement in young students about STEM programs. Please see details, here.
Should you be interested or know of anyone interested in pursuing any of our new sponsorships, please contact our Director of Corporate Relations, Fred Ullman at fullman@afa.org.
I also wanted to give you an update on an exciting new benefit we will provide for our 90,000-plus members. AFA is pleased to announce a new partnership with AMSUS, the Society of Federal Health Professionals, who has created the Health21 E-magazine. Health21 supports a new vision of wellness and health care for the 21st Century. The magazine provides thought leadership articles, encourages civilian and military interoperability and shapes the future direction of health for all. I hope our members enjoy this new E-magazine, which we plan to send to our members, free of charge, starting this September.
Lastly, so that we can get a better understanding of our members’ interests, we plan to send two electronic surveys to our members in September. With many of our members shifting from reading hard copy to digital magazines, the first survey will be a survey asking if you would prefer to “Opt out” of receiving the hard copy magazine. This is our way of going “green,” while saving the cost of printing and mailing the magazine, so please help us by completing the short survey.
The second survey is geared at learning more about our readers’ interests and demographics. This type of information helps us better target advertisers for our AFA publications. Please be on the lookout for both surveys from our Membership Department next month.
We have a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks and into the fall. If you haven’t registered for Air, Space & Cyber yet, we encourage you to do so, here. This year’s conference will be one you will not want to miss. We look forward to seeing you in National Harbor, MD, in just a few short weeks!
Sincerely,
Larry O. Spencer
AFA President
AFA on the Issues
Sep 01, 2017
Show notes
USAF Photo
AFA Sends Thoughts and Prayers to Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey has caused turmoil in Texas as thousands of individuals have been displaced, seeking refuge from the storm. Texas has activated its entire National Guard to respond to the disaster, sending nearly 12,000 Air and Army Guardsmen to participate in search and rescue missions. Learn more about the catastrophic situation in our Air Force Magazine.
AFA has 12 local chapters in the Texas area and our members are working diligently to support relief efforts for those in danger. You can help, too. Making a donation to organizations like American Red Cross and Lighthouse Charity Team provides support to those who need it most during this trying time.
Fiscal Year 2018
As Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) comes to a close at the end of September, and Congress moves closer to passing the Defense Authorization bill for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18), the Air Force Association has been diligently advocating to ensure the needs of our Air Force are heard and reflected in the bill. It is increasingly important now for AFA to continue advocating for every Airman by helping the Air Force receive the necessary funding for FY18. Read more about this process and how we expect it to go in AFA’s August Legislative Update, here.
Addressing the Pilot Shortage
One of the topics of debate involving our Air Force recently has been the pilot shortage. To help address this issue, Gen (Ret.) Larry Spencer, AFA’s President, published an op-ed in early August in Defense News discussing the national issue. “Today, the Air Force and our nation are in crises because we don’t have enough pilots,” wrote Gen Spencer. Also in the article, Gen Spencer discussed the importance of replacing the Air Force’s aging equipment. Read more about how this affects our efficacy in the full article, here.
Concerns Over Another Continuing Resolution
The Air Force Association has been consistently voicing concerns for another Continuing Resolution (CR). As the Defense Authorization bill proceeds through authorizations in the House and Senate, AFA has communicated the adverse implications of a CR and the crippling effects to readiness. A CR prohibits the Air Force from budgeting and executing a predictable and stable budget. A CR affects current readiness, wastes valuable resources by maintaining programs that should be halted, and prevents the start of new programs that are needed by the warfighters. If congress surrenders to a long-term CR for appropriations, it maintains the previous year’s budget allocations for the Air Force while the force structure has increased.
The efforts of AFA throughout the month of August have centered on informing congress of the Air Force’s readiness issues and how to take steps toward recovering. Through various op-eds, letters, the Air Force Association is speaking out on behalf of the needs of the Air Force so that we are better equipped to Fly, Fight, and Win. It is through these various outlets that AFA is able to articulate the inefficiencies and developing issues of the Air Force.
Save the Date! AFA Breakfast Series on Capitol Hill
Sep 01, 2017
Show notes
AFA’s Breakfast Series on Capitol Hill has been a tremendous success. AFA is proud to have hosted several outstanding speakers in front of sold-out audiences, discussing the top issues facing national security and national defense. Previous speakers included Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, General Mike Holmes, Commander, Air Combat Command, and General David Goldfein, Air Force Chief of Staff.
Mark your calendars for our next AFA Breakfast Series on Capitol Hill that will take place on October 17, 2017 with General Lori Robinson, Commander, US Northern Command. An email with registration instructions will be sent out soon.
Additional upcoming speakers include General Darren McDew, Commander, US Transportation Command, and General Paul Selva, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
A special thank you to our event sponsors: Aurora Flight Sciences, General Dynamics, Harris Corp, Lockheed Martin, Orbital ATK, Pratt & Whitney, The Roosevelt Group, and SAAB.
The AFA Breakfast Series on Capitol Hill is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to meet, greet and listen to senior Air Force decision makers. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Fred Ullman at fullman@afa.org or 703-247-5842.
AFA's #70for70 Social Media Campaign
Sep 01, 2017
Show notes
In celebration of the Air Force’s 70th Birthday, AFA has been highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to the Air Force and aerospace industry through our #70for70 social media campaign, generously sponsored by Harris Corp.
Throughout August, AFA highlighted several outstanding individuals who continue to break barriers through heritage, teamwork and innovation in our Air Force. First, AFA recognized Mrs. Tonya Wright, wife of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth Wright. Mrs. Wright is committed to ensuring our Air Force families are always taken care of.
AFA also recognized MSgt Ivan Ruiz, a pararescueman who was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Heroism for his courageous acts in combat against enemy forces in Afghanistan in 2013.
Cadet Garrett Andrews is a member of Arnold Air Society and will commission as an officer through Air Force ROTC in March 2017. Andrews was the 2017 recipient of the Henry “Hap” Arnold Sabre, an award presented to Arnold Air Society’s most outstanding Area Commander. All members of Arnold Air Society are members of AFA, learn more about the organization, here.
Col Al Tucker, a World War II pilot and surviving prisoner of war, was honored for his heroism, courage and resilience during challenging times.
Molly Mae Potter, a former Air Force Captain, an AFA Emerging Leader Program participant and the 2016 Ms. Veteran America, was highlighted for her unwavering mission and commitment to supporting female veterans.
Maj Gen (Ret.) Claude Bolton was a pilot and acquisitions officer by trade and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and was a 2016 recipient of the AFA Lifetime Achievement Award. Maj Gen Bolton was honored for his innovative spirit in the field of acquisitions during wartime.
An Air Force F-16 pilot, Heather Penney was honored for her bravery on September 11, 2001. Penney was ordered to fly a ramming mission on 9/11 in order to prevent an attack on Washington, D.C. and was prepared to complete the mission in order to protect her nation. Penney will also join AFA at Air, Space & Cyber Conference on the “Breaking the Gender Barrier” Panel.
An original “Rosie the Riveter,” Elinor Otto, retired at 95 years old after a successful career manufacturing airplane parts. Otto is a Spirit of ’45 spokeswoman and has been promoting awareness of the role women played during World War II. Otto was also selected as one of the 2017 AFA Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. See all of the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients here.
View all of the #70for70 recipients honored throughout 2017 so far, here. Follow along with AFA on social media @AirForceAssoc to view the remaining recipients through Air, Space & Cyber Conference held September 18-20, 2017.
Air, Space & Cyber 2017 - Important Information
Sep 01, 2017
Show notes
As AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference quickly approaches, we wanted to remind you of a few changes to this year’s event. In honor of the 70th Birthday of the Air Force, AFA has switched the night that the Air Force Anniversary dinner, renamed this year to the Air Force 70th Birthday Dinner. The Air Force 70th Birthday Dinner will now take place on Monday, September 18, so that it falls on the Air Force's birthday. The Outstanding Airmen of the Year Dinner will now take place on Wednesday, September 20th.
To register or learn more about the conference, click here.
AFA's Mitchell Institute in the News
Sep 01, 2017
Show notes
AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies provides thoughtful insight and research into some of the defense and aerospace industry’s most pressing topics. Take a look below at the Mitchell Institute’s latest news coverage:
AFA Announces 2017 National Teacher of the Year
Sep 01, 2017
Show notes
Benjamin Barkey, left, with student.
AFA is proud to announce Benjamin Barkey of the Warsaw Community School System in Warsaw, Indiana, as the 2017 National Teacher of the Year Presented by Rolls-Royce. As part of AFA’s mission to encourage education in Aerospace Education and STEM, the Teacher of the Year program ensures America’s aerospace excellence by supporting the teachers that carry out that mission in the classroom.
“We congratulate Mr. Benjamin Barkey on his recognition by the Air Force Association for exemplary efforts to further Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education,” said Phil Burkholder, Rolls-Royce President of Defense Aerospace, North America. “STEM is crucial not only to the future of the US Air Force, but also to Rolls-Royce, as we design and manufacture some of the most advanced propulsion systems in the world. We are proud to sponsor the AFA National Teacher of the Year program and offer our sincere thanks to all the teachers around the US who work every day to educate the engineers of tomorrow.”
Barkey’s passion for STEM education was instilled by his own childhood teachers. Now, he is a dynamic STEM educator and mentor to everyone in his school system, students and teachers alike. Numerous STEM opportunities are now available to the Warsaw Community Schools because of Barkey’s enthusiastic efforts, to include; a mobile STEM Laboratory that takes STEM learning to all elementary schools in the district.
“Ben is a consummate professional. He has made contributions as a leader, a teacher, a mentor, a role model, a coach, and a partner in our system and community. As the educational environment continues to respond to new challenges, Mr. Barkey develops creative approaches so that students continue to achieve excellence in the years ahead. His service to our schools has led to the creation of a roadmap of K-12 STEM education through the Washington, D.C. Smithsonian Institute, which will impact many future generations,” said Warsaw Community Schools Superintendent, Dr. David Hoffert. Dr. Hoffert has dubbed the growth of STEM education in the school system as the “Ben factor”.
Teaching middle school science and math is where Barkey’s 15-year educational career began. His inquiry-based instructional style yielded impressive student achievement results, leading him to become the lead facilitator for the transformation of a K-8 school into the first Indiana STEM certified school, Washington STEM Academy (WSA).
While at WSA, he was the STEM Instructional Coach where he mentored students and teachers in a variety of new STEM programs and helped them integrate project-based learning into their classrooms.
“Teachers need not be masters of content, but, rather, masters of learning. Teachers need to be facilitators of learning and model their own learning for students; they need to take risks and join their students in exploring new things that interest them. STEM is not just a four-letter acronym—it is an educational style; the tool for today to prepare for tomorrow,” said Barkey.
While Barkey has lead 5 student teams in AFA’s CyberPatriot Program and 72 F.I.R.S.T Robotics Lego League teams, he is dedicated to training other educators to become team coaches and integrate STEM into their curriculums. Some of the programs he provides guidance and training for include: Lego, F.I.R.S.T., and Vex Robotics; 3D printing integration throughout curriculums; Projects Lead the Way, Wet, and Wild; Hoosier River Watch; Vernier Probes; Lego Simple Machines; Apple iPad Creativity; Aleks; and Dreambox.
The top three AFA National Teachers of the Year presented by Rolls-Royce are as follows:
Benjamin Barkey
2017 AFA National Teacher of the Year
L.D. Bell Museum Chapter 411, IN
Caroline Little
First Runner Up
General E.W. Rawlings Chapter 213, MN
Nancy Parra-Quinlan
Second Runner Up
Frank Luke Chapter 151, AZ
The Air Force Association is grateful to Rolls-Royce for their continued sponsorship of the AFA Teacher of the Year program, allowing the program to continue honoring educational innovators in STEM. The AFA Teacher of the Year program dates back to the early 1990’s where the mission to recognize classroom teachers (K-12) for their innovative and successful instructional programs originally began.
Get to Know Your AFA Member Benefits
Sep 01, 2017
Show notes
Are you getting the most out of your AFA membership? From insurance to shopping and travel discounts, AFA offers countless benefits to help you through every phase of life. Click here to learn more about all the benefits AFA offers our members. Below are a few examples of benefits our Members receive.
Health21 E-Magazine
AFA is partnering with Health21 to deliver our members the most up to date and pressing information on topics related to health with content focusing on the Air Force. Starting soon, each month members will receive this e-magazine as an additional member benefit.
Medical Air Services Program
Medical Air Services Association (MASA) enables AFA Members to enroll in the premier worldwide emergency assistance program. You can have the peace of mind of knowing that your transportation home is covered wherever you travel in the world at no cost to you, with no deductibles, no co-pays, no dollar limits on air transport costs, and no claim forms. Instead, you just pay MASA annual dues which will never be raised and which are discounted for AFA Members! Learn more about MASA, here.
Support AFA through USAA
USAA has been a valued partner of AFA for several years. USAA offers valuable financial services including banking, financial advice and investment planning.
Did you know? It’s now easier than ever to support AFA through your USAA membership. All USAA credit card holders can now donate $10 directly to AFA for every 1,000 reward points they have earned. Learn more about the USAA reward points donation program here.
Exclusive Worldwide Hotel Discount Program
Tired of checking five or six different sources for hotel savings? AFA makes it possible for you to make one call or visit to our Exclusive Worldwide Hotel Discount Program website to check multiple hotel reservation networks at once and find the best rates offered.
Our analysis shows savings averaging 10% to 20% better than online travel agents. Some members saved as much as 50%! In fact, the AFA rate beat the leading online discount sites 98.6% of the time.
Next time you need to book a hotel anywhere in the world, book with confidence through AFA. Learn more about these amazing deals, here.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
