January 2017
In This Issue
Wingman
Field Operations Update
Happy New Year! As we enter 2017 there are plenty of challenges on the horizon, there are too opportunities to evolve our organization into one that is both vibrant and relevant for our membership and the Airmen we support. 
 
In two months' time our Fresh Look teams will present their ideas to the Board of Directors. Many of you have shared your ideas with the teams and we appreciate it. But the work is just beginning, the Fresh Look teams will not solve all our problems. Rather they will make recommendations that then must be socialized among us all. We will need field leaders continued voice as we discuss the pro's and con's of many options. One area that you must come up voice on is the discussion on who we are, what our mission is and why we exist. Many field leaders say that we exist to "...educate, advocate and support." But that is really what we do, not who we are. In discussions with AFA's President down thru several Emerging Leaders it is clear to me that we have no clear mission statement. I agree with many, that unless we figure this out we will ultimately get nowhere.

The search/nominating committee has begun gearing up. There is always room for some fresh ideas and leadership. We need field leaders to step up make a difference. As we go forward into the next few years we will define what kind of organization we are in the future! We will be filling several Board of Directors positions and a National Secretary. Consider being part of the team that will lead us into the future. Contact any member of the Nominating Committee if interested, here's the link: http://www.afa.org/about/afaleadership/afacommittees/newitem7

It's not all doom and gloom, there is plenty of goodness going on too. Our HQ staff just worked a deal with the Gaylord that will increase exhibit space at our national convention ultimately offering us an opportunity to raise revenue. Several programs administered by AFA are becoming self-sufficient. Our IT upgrades are progressing well and on track to give you enhanced tools to support the field. On the Field Counsel, we are starting a new sub-committee to gather best practices for raising revenue for chapters. Our plan is to capture things, ideas and programs that are working in the field and share ideas with everyone. Our advocacy sub-committee is working feverishly to develop tools for chapters to use to assist you with your local efforts such as draft op-eds and suggestions for other media and congressional engagements. 
 
In the first quarter of my watch I have learned that sometimes this job is like herding cats! But when it comes down to it, you are all great American Airman who care deeply about what we do. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it isn't the train. Contact me anytime at  vcfield@afa.org , it's in honor to serve with you all!!

Mac MacAloon 
Vice Chairman, Field Operations
Annual Plans Deadline Extended
The deadline for the submission of 2017 annual plans has been extended. The new deadline for submission is January 31st. This is a one time extension and it is only for the Annual Plans. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact field@afa.org.  
2017 Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition 
The Air Force Association's 33rd Annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition will take place March 1-3, 2017 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Invited speakers to the Symposium will include the Secretary of the Air Force or Acting Secretary of the Air Force (dependent on changes coming from the new administration), Chief of Staff of the Air Force David L. Goldfein, incoming Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright, and other top Air Force leaders. Click here for more information, including information on registration and hotel room reservations.
Aerospace Education Council Update 
There have been some changes with Aerospace Education programs. Please click here for some quick reminders on AE programs for 2017. 
Submit Your Design for AFA's "Airmen for Life" Logo Contest
Calling all artists and graphic designers! The Air Force Association is soliciting logo ideas for our " Airmen for Life " campaign. We've all heard the saying "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." Well AFA is the connective tissue that enables us (Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, Officer, Enlisted, Civilian, Retired, Civil Air Patrol, students, cadets, and family members) to become "Airmen for Life." 
 
General Jimmy Doolittle built AFA in 1946 in order to "keep the gang together" in fear that they would lose touch after World War II, encouraging these Airmen to stay connected to their Air Force roots for life. Even though today's Air Force has changed drastically since WWII, one fact remains unchanged: American Airmen fight for a common mission to promote aerospace power for our nation. This is a mission that will not falter and will not fail. AFA calls on all Airmen to maintain their bond to this mission. Become an "Airmen for Life" today.
 
Help AFA create a logo that exemplifies the "Airmen for Life" culture.  The contest will run from Jan. 17 - Feb. 17, 2017.The winning logo will be unveiled at AFA' Air Warfare Symposium on March 2, 2017 in Orlando, Florida.  The winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card. Additional details on contest requirements can be found here

Travel Policy Guidance 
The Executive Committee recently approved an updated version of the AFA Travel Policy.  Although the new policy is very similar to the previous policy, several areas have been clarified and in some cases internal procedures have changed. 

AFA must ensure compliance with this policy.  Travel reimbursements are audited for this compliance.  Staff carefully reviews all requests for the reimbursement of travel to ensure that they are in compliance with IRS regulations, federal grant requirements, and AFA policies and procedures.  We also check to see that the forms have been completed correctly.

For the full travel policy guidelines, please click here
2017 Scholarships
The 2017 Air Force Association Scholarships are open! See the details about each of the scholarships here on our website.  Please help promote AFA scholarships throughout your Air Force community! If you have any questions please contact, Whitney Distaso at wdistaso@afa.org.


Training Subcommittee Update
Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you're ready to hit the ground running--or already have.
This month we have three modules for you to review.
Recruiting New Members, Part 2, is first on the list. This module is for ALL Chapter officers and most State officers and deals with the factors you need to consider in building your new-member recruiting plan.
Leadership Planning, Recruitment, and Retention, Part 2 focuses on actually recruiting those new leaders for your Chapter. If you're a Chapter, State, or Region President, Vice President, or VP for Membership or Leader Development, this module is for you.
And finally, AFA Organization, Part 3, introduces you to our State and Region structures: the officer positions at each level and how the States are grouped into Regions. This module is especially for new Chapter and State officers.
While the training subcommittee continues to develop new modules, we're also looking into new ways of presenting them to you, including the possibility of live, web-based seminars, or webinars. This is a capability some new software AFA will be employing, and it presents some exciting possibilities. Stay tuned for more news.
AFA and CAP Partnership 
The Air Force Association is proud to announce that we are furthering our partnership with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to promote aerospace education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

As a thank you to AFA members, CAP is extending a special opportunity for AFA members to become involved as "Friends of CAP" for $15 instead of the usual $35 cost. AFA "Friends of CAP" pay $15 as a tax deductible gift to further support Civil Air Patrol without volunteer membership obligations. Friends will receive the Civil Air Patrol magazine twice a year, as well as periodic emails with updates from the national staff and development office. Friends are also eligible to take advantage of member benefits and discounts. To become an AFA Friend of CAP click here and use discount code AFACAP on page two of the online form.

If you know of any CAP members who are not currently AFA members, please encourage them to join AFA at a special price for new CAP members. Click here for more info.

We look forward to partnering with CAP and working together to promote aerospace education and a dominate Air Force.
CyberPatriot Update 
CyberPatriot IX State Round set for Jan. 13-15

Open and All Service Divisions teams are gearing up for the State Round, scheduled for Jan. 13-15. Teams have now been sorted into tiers based on their performance in the qualifying rounds, and will compete for a chance to advance to the Regional Round next month. The top three Open Division teams overall in each state will be given AFA State Awards based on their State Round score and the the top three All Service Division teams overall in each state, regardless of category, will be given AFA State Awards based on their State Round score. Further information about award presentations will be shared with AFA Field leaders at a later date.

The Middle School Division will also compete in the State Round. This score will be added to Round 1 and 2 scores to determine advancement to the Semifinals next month.

For more information on advancement and competition structure, please visit our website at www.uscyberpatriot.org, or contact the CyberPatriot Program Office at info@uscyberpatriot.org.
Field Spotlight
This past December the Salt Lake Chapter supported the Snowball Express at the Salt Lake Airport. Snowball Express is a program that remembers those fallen heroes who served our country and serves the children of these heroes who will never be reunited with their mom or dad. The Salt Lake Chapter provided over 100 teddy bears which were given to these Gold Star kids that boarded an American Airline flight to a retreat in Dallas. American Airlines provided the aircraft with volunteer crew and allowed the chapter to participate in this very heart warming event. If you would like to know more about the Snowball Express, click here. Thank you Salt Lake Chapter for this amazing effort!
Community Partner Spotlight      
Young Eagles Aviation Program 
This month we highlight a new Community Partner Young Eagles Aviation Program located in Puerto Rico.  The Young Eagles Aviation Program was recruited by the Eglin Chapter . The Young Eagles Aviation Program is the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. The program has flown over 2 million kids with the help of EAA's network of volunteer pilots and ground volunteers. We would like to thank Young Eagles Aviation for all they do and welcome them to AFA! To learn more about the program, click here.
 
From AFA's Facebook Page
AFA is thrilled to announce our #70for70 campaign! In celebration of the Air Force's 70th Birthday, we will be highlighting 70 diverse heroes who have made significant contributions to our United States Air Force.

 We launched our #70for70 campaign by recognizing Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James for her tireless work of breaking barriers through innovation. Thank you, Secretary James, for everything you do for our Air Force.

Stay tuned as we feature different heroes over the next several months #WeAreAFA

Explore AFA on Social Media!