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386th AEW stands up first AFSA chapter

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Petosky
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing officially stood up the Rock’s first Air Force Sergeants Association chapter following a Veteran’s Day retreat ceremony Nov. 11, 2014.

AFSA Satellite Chapter 1674 has three core objectives, according to Senior Master Sgt. Jon Green, 386th Expeditionary Operations Group Airfield Manager and Lead Trustee for the chapter. The inaugural team of trustees will focus on increasing membership, spreading legislative awareness, and building leaders.

“When I first got here, I noticed there were other professional organizations, but not an AFSA chapter,” Green said. “I thought, ‘Why don’t we start one, and let Airmen here know there are people on the Hill fighting for their benefits every day?’”

Green gathered a group of volunteers and sought endorsement from AFSA Division 7 in Europe. The division approved the satellite chapter of Chapter 1674 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and Green’s team held the first planning meeting Oct. 27. Approximately 20 members discussed volunteer opportunities, formed subcommittees, assigned leadership roles, and planned fundraising events.

“At home station, many Airmen don’t participate in professional organizations because there is no time,” Green said. “I hope we can reach as many Airmen as possible, and have those Airmen share information with their peers and subordinates.”

According to their website, AFSA’s mission is to, “advocate improved quality of life and economic fairness that will support the well-being of the Total Air Force enlisted personnel and their families.” Formed in 1961, AFSA represents 110,000 members worldwide to Congressional members and Air Force leaders.

“AFSA has been our voice for over five decades now,” said Master Sgt. Melissa Pridgen, 386th EOG commander’s support staff and financial trustee for the new satellite chapter. “I think it's exciting to have the AFSA satellite chapter here. Numbers matter, and the more members we have, the bigger our impact will be. It's important that we have people to advocate on our behalf.”

(Some information courtesy of the Air Force Sergeants Association website.)