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 Breakfast Series: Capitol Hill Update
May 31, 2017
Show notes
AFA is pleased to announce that The Honorable Heather Wilson will now be the June speaker for the inaugural Capitol Hill Edition of the AFA Breakfast Series beginning on June 5th at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C. Secretary Wilson will discuss her top priorities as the 24th Secretary of the Air Force. Register and learn more about the AFA Breakfast Series: Capitol Hill Edition, here.
Upcoming AFA Breakfast Schedule
July 11: Gen James M. "Mike" Holmes, Commander, Air Combat Command
July 26: Gen David Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the Air Force
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thanks to our AFA Breakfast Series sponsors: General Dynamics, Harris Corp., Lockheed Martin, Orbital ATK, and Pratt & Whitney.
The Breakfast Series is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to meet, greet and listen to senior Air Force decision makers. Unique sponsorship opportunities are available for these events. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Fred Ullman at fullman@afa.org or 703-247-5842.
Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge 2017
May 31, 2017
Show notes
AFA held its first annual Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge on May 20th in an effort to raise funds toward AFA’s Wounded Airmen and Family Programs. The challenge took place at CycleBar, an indoor cycling studio, in Arlington, Va.
Early on, AFA set a goal to raise $50,000 in direct support of our wounded Airmen. AFA was thrilled to announce that over $54,000 was raised thanks to our generous donors, sponsors, and riders who wanted to show their love for our Air Force and Airmen.
“Our first annual Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge exceeded all of our expectations,” said General Larry O. Spencer, AFA President. “This was a wonderful event that provided an opportunity for AFA staff, Chapter members, supporters and donors to get together to show their support for our wounded heroes. It is crucial now more than ever that we give a voice to our wounded Airmen and make their stories known.”
The event began with an hour-long spin class lead by a CycleBar professional instructor and concluded with a reception presented by Technica.
AFA’s Wounded Airmen and Family Programs have provided over $300,000 in direct support of wounded Airmen since it became a formal program in 2013. Support includes donating recumbent bicycles, ramps, financial support, and aid to wounded Airmen and their families.
“This program saves people’s lives, repairs families and mends broken bodies,” said Ashley, an Air Force Wounded Warrior. “Thank you for allowing my soul to breathe blue for one more camp and one more day.”
The first annual fundraiser had nearly 400 donors and 17 generous sponsors who helped AFA exceed the fundraising goal. Generous event sponsors include Lost Dog Café, IST, Rocklands Real Barbeque, Keller Benefit Services, Giant, Kumak, DirectMail.com, Military Times, Technica, William Jeffrey’s Tavern, James G. Elliot, National Trade Productions, C-Ink, Robert Irvine Foundation, Dominion Paper Products, Inc., The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and AFA’s Nation’s Capital Chapter, Gen Charles A. Gabriel Chapter, Ramstein Chapter, Alamo Chapter, Thunderbird Chapter, and Frank Luke Chapter.
Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
May 31, 2017
Show notes
On May 29th, we took time to reflect and observe Memorial Day. Every year since the first organized Memorial Day in 1868, we have paused to remember our service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving our country whether in battle, in support of combat operations or having died in the line of duty just doing their jobs. This is a day of gratitude for all that was given on our behalf by our fallen Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, knowing they served their country with honor and distinction.
This is a time for all Americans, alone or with family and friends, to honor those who died for a cause bigger than themselves. It is sacred and noble holiday in that we share remembrance and we connect in solidarity as Americans.
This year’s Memorial Day held special meaning for the Gold Star parents, families, loved ones and friends of all our Airmen who served and were killed in military operations overseas since last year’s observance.
We must never forget the meaning of Memorial Day and can’t lose sight of the proud patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of liberty's blessings.
Mitchell Institute Releases New Forum Paper
May 31, 2017
Show notes
USAF image
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to announce the release of its latest Mitchell Forum paper, Reclaiming the Initiative: Organizing the Air Force for Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power, by Col Tom Ruby, USAF (Ret.). Ruby, a veteran intelligence officer and former chief of ISR doctrine, believes the US Air Force should act now to reorient its organization and structure to better prepare for the wars of the future, or risk becoming outmoded. He suggests the service should embrace sweeping reform of its fundamental structures—its major commands (MAJCOMs), which are the entities responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the service’s forces, from satellite operations to combat aircraft.
But rather than build organizations around domains (air, space, and cyber) or platforms (aircraft, satellites, bombers, and other assets), Ruby argues the service should look to organize along the lines of the three articulated “ends” the US Air Force provides for the defense of the United States of America: Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power. Organizing commands along the lines of platforms and domains demands Airmen “use valuable time and resources to explain a construct that is not helpful in presenting, planning, tasking, and commanding airpower," he writes.
With limited exceptions for missions such as training or sustainment activities, the service should move to reorganize into three distinct major commands: US Air Force Global Power Command, Global Reach Command, and Global Vigilance Command, instead of domain and function-based organizations. By doing so, Ruby argues, the Air Force could achieve long lasting results for the service’s future by “allowing it to cease thinking in terms of platforms and domains, and instead think about capabilities to achieve effects.” But the Air Force should not wait, as less desirable changes could be foisted on the service from outside. Embracing this reorganization concept would help the Air Force “reclaim its place as the service most agile in thought, not only in capability."
The Mitchell Forum series provides a venue for authors with ideas, concepts, and thoughts on national defense and aerospace power to engage with current and emerging policy debates and issues. For more information on the series, and inquiries about submissions, contact Mitchell’s Director of Publications Marc V. Schanz at mschanz@afa.org or visit our website, at www.mitchellaerospacepower.org.
AFA CyberCamps Begin June 5th
May 31, 2017
Show notes
AFA’s CyberPatriot program will have 106 CyberCamp hosts across 160 campsites in 34 states and the Virgin Islands this summer, a 20 percent increase from 2016. CyberCamps give students the opportunity to learn about topics in STEM regardless of their previous knowledge, experience or education in cybersecurity.
AFA CyberCamp hosts receive software and hands-on curriculum kits designed to teach students cyber safety, cyber ethics, and critical network security skills and tools. Each AFA CyberCamp will culminate in an exciting team-based competition that puts the campers in the role of IT administrators tasked with finding and addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in simulated network environments. 2017 CyberCamps begin June 5th and run through August 4th. Information regarding approved CyberCamps may be found here.
Redskins Salute to Service
May 31, 2017
Show notes
From left: AFA Wounded Airman Program Staff, Whitney Distaso; Air Force Wounded Warrior Program Staff, Theda Franklin; SSgt Raphael Holmes and SSgt Jessica Gutierrez and AFA President, Gen Larry Spencer at the Redskins Salute May 20, 2017.
On May 24th, the Washington Redskins organization, Redskins Salute, honored 150 members of the Armed Forces at an exclusive event at Redskins Park. In partnership with AFA’s Wounded Airman Program and Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, AFA President, Gen Larry Spencer, escorted SSgt Raphael Holmes and SSgt Jessica Gutierrez from Walter Reed National Military Hospital to attend the event where the two Airmen had sideline access to watch the NFL team practice, meet several Redskins players and enjoyed well-deserved recognition for their tremendous service and sacrifice. Watch the MilitaryTimes video on the Redskins Salute, here.
Get to Know Your AFA Membership
May 31, 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.
Member Benefit Spotlight
As you prepare your family for an ever changing future, help make sure they are protected from future uncertainties. Buying a home, having a baby, sending a child to college, caring for an aging relative, life is always changing.
By protecting your family’s financial future with the AFA Group 10-Year Level Term Life Insurance Plan, you can take advantage of some things that won’t change. This plan is available to AFA members under the age of 65 and their family members. Learn more about AFA’s insurance benefits here.
Note from the President
Apr 25, 2017
Show notes
April is proving to be the month of STEM education for AFA, with both our CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers Programs hosting their National Finals Competitions. Once again, I had the privilege of traveling to Baltimore to see the CyberPatriot Finals in person, where the top 28 Finalists out of over 4,400 original teams competed for the national championship title. These National Finals Competitions are world-class events hosted by AFA, and I was truly impressed by the talent of the students. They are competitive and laser focused on the competition at hand, yet their collegial demeanor toward one another was truly inspiring.
The StellarXplorers competition was also a booming success. This year’s event highlighted the ten best teams in the nation out of a field of more than 330 teams. Held in Colorado Springs, the competition addressed a challenging space system design problem and the competitors worked very hard to solve this complex problem. I am very proud of the work AFA does in support of STEM education, and its best days are ahead.
We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo with a wreath laying ceremony on April 18th at the Air Force Memorial, published an op-ed by the son of SSgt David Thatcher, and our Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies honored Lt Col Dick Cole, the sole surviving raider, at a special dinner in his honor.
In this 70th birthday year of our Air Force, we are also observing the 70th anniversary of Arnold Air Society and 65th anniversary of Silver Wings. As President Ronald Reagan said, “People who say there are no more heroes just don’t know where to look.” These professional, honorary service organizations comprise the best students and AFROTC cadets and have supplied the Air Force with outstanding leaders. They held their annual National Convention in Orlando, FL, in April and AFA Chairman of the Board Whit Peters attended as keynote speaker.
I was grateful to attend the Langley Chapter Symposium at Langley Air Force Base this month, and it was a tremendous success. Chapter President Mark “Buster” Douglas really knows how to put on a show! While doing research for my remarks, I learned that AFA played a key role in getting the Dual Compensation Act of 1964 repealed. This law dictated that retired military members who go to work for the federal government will have their retired pay deducted from their federal pay, with the employee receiving the remainder. AFA worked to have this repealed in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Other accomplishments included repealing the Source Tax, which allowed states where a military member had once resided to tax a portion of their retired pay. This repeal went all the way to the Supreme Court for resolution. The bottom line is many are unaware of the plethora of accomplishments by AFA on behalf of the Air Force. Please join me in spreading the word as you go out and speak on behalf of AFA.
I recently had an op-ed published on the importance of Congress passing a budget and met personally with several members of Congress. You can read the op-ed here. Congress has until April 28th to either finalize the Fiscal Year 2017 budget or pass another continuing resolution (CR). Unfortunately, CRs have become the norm and are antithetical to good government. A yearlong CR would be devastating to our Air Force and military. As it looks today, we anticipate Congress will pass yet another short-term CR to keep the government running and then complete a DoD Appropriations Bill – we certainly hope that is the case.
Our staff is hard at work preparing for our 2017 Air, Space & Cyber Conference and Technology Exposition. This year’s event will be a special one as we recognize the 70th birthday of our Air Force and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force position.
You may also be aware that in recognition of the AF 70th anniversary we have a Recruit-70 initiative to sign up as many new AFA members as possible. As an incentive, eMemberships are offered at a 50% discount. Please join us by signing up a new member today here.
Finally, we have just pushed past the halfway mark toward our goal to raise $50,000 in support of Air Force Wounded Airmen. We are hosting a Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge and are asking those who can to participate as a cyclist and others to donate toward our goal. To cycle or donate, please click here.
Thank you to our dedicated members, partners, volunteers and staff who make all of this possible. We continue looking forward to a big year ahead and hope you can join us at many of our upcoming events.
Best Regards,
Larry O. Spencer
President
AFA Honors Doolittle Raiders
Apr 25, 2017
Show notes
Photo by Caroline Sheen
April 18th marked the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid. AFA Executive Vice President Denise Hollywood spoke at a wreath laying ceremony honoring the Doolittle Raiders at the Air Force Memorial. Also speaking were Mr. Tim Holbert, executive director, American Veterans Center; Ms. Wang Yuehong, counselor, Chinese Embassy; and Ms. Mae Krier, co-founder, National Rosie the Riveter Day.
On April 20th, in Washington, D.C., our Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies inaugurated its first Airpower Heritage Salute. This year’s honoree was retired Lt Col Dick Cole. Best known as Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot on the famed April 18, 1942, raid against Japan, Cole and his fellow flyers put everything on the line as their B-25 Mitchell bombers took off from the deck of USS Hornet and headed for Japan. Following this daring mission, Cole pioneered air supply over the Himalayas critical in keeping China in the war. His final combat assignment saw him fly with the First Air Commando Group in the aerial invasion of Burma that marks the birth of Air Force special operations. After World War II, Cole continued to serve in the newly established US Air Force, retiring in 1966. To those of us looking back on this incredible life marked by dedication to duty, one word stands above all when seeking to describe Cole: hero. Appraising the situation himself, he notes that he was just doing his job.
AFA has a rich history with the Doolittle Raiders. Lt Col Cole announced the name of the newest B-21 bomber, Raider, honoring his colleagues at our Air, Space & Cyber Conference last fall. Our AFA Headquarters building is named the Doolittle Building because of the legacy of Doolittle and his Raiders.
AFA salutes the Raiders and their historic mission and will continue to preserve their legacy by highlighting the dominance of Airpower.
The Next Generation
Apr 25, 2017
Show notes
Photo by Cadet Isaac McDermott
Earlier this month, Arnold Air Society (AAS) and Silver Wings (SW, formerly Angel Flight) members from across the country gathered in Orlando, FL, for their 67th annual National Conclave (NATCON). Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings are collegiate service organizations of Air Force ROTC cadets and civilian student leaders and airpower advocates serving their communities across college campuses nationwide. The two sister organizations serve a joint mission to build the next generation of Air Force and civic leaders through countless professional development events and impact communities with over 100,000 service hours each year.
This year, Arnold Air Society celebrated their 70th anniversary and Silver Wings celebrated their 65th at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Throughout the conclave, over 900 cadets and students engaged in professional development workshops conducted by the Air Force’s Profession of Arms Center of Excellence (PACE), learned how to be future leaders with Lt Gen Charles “CQ” Brown, and furthered the impact our Air Force Association makes on countless Airmen every day with Secretary Whit Peters, AFA’s Chairman of the Board, at an AFA hosted luncheon.
“NATCON is a showcase for the talent of the young men and women of Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings,” said Peters. “With support from some AAS/SW graduate volunteers, the sponsoring detachments organized and managed a four-day event for some 1,000 attendees. The result this year was spectacular and professional in all respects. Unquestionably the members of AAS/SW are ready to lead our Air Force and the nation in the coming decades.”
Brig Gen (Ret.) Dick Bundy, AFA Chairman of the Board for Aerospace Education and Secretary Whit Peters, AFA Chairman of the Board, present Ms. Ashley Kinsey with the AFA Diane O'Malley Silver Wings Outstanding Service Award.
Photo by Cadet Isaac McDermott
Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings (Angel Flight) have been valued partners of AFA since 1950. Each member of Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings is also a member of AFA and serves as a premier source for building future leaders.
“The Air Force Association and Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings share nearly 70 years of history, and our partnership has never been stronger,” said Brig Gen Dan Woodward, USAF (Ret.), Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings executive director, “When you bring 900 of AFA's youngest and most energetic members together at one of our Conclaves, there is simply no doubt the future of both our organizations – and our nation – are in great hands!”
Throughout the four-day conclave, attendees heard from several distinguished speakers on a variety of topics. It was hard to find a dry eye in the room as Col Ed Hubbard, USAF (Ret.), described his six years spent as a Vietnam War prisoner of war and discussed how something as simple as changing his perspective and building a community strengthened his will to live. One of the most memorable moments for many during the conclave occurred as a wave of patriotism swept over the cadets and civilian students when Col Hubbard led them to sing “God Bless America.”
The 67th National Conclave culminated with the presentation of The Air Force Scroll of Appreciation, a Secretary of the Air Force-level award reflecting years of dedicated service to building great Air Force officers and airpower advocates. The prestigious award was presented by Silver Wings and Angel Flight alum, Lt Gen Stayce Harris, at the USAA Military Banquet on April 17th.
This extraordinary group of future Air Force and civilian leaders is paving the way for the next generation of our Air Force. They are true Airmen for Life. To learn more about Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings and the impact they make on our Air Force and communities nationwide, click here.
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