AFSA council, a successful team Published Aug. 21, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Ave I. Young 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Team Shaw belongs to Chapter 377 of the Air Force Sergeants Association's and currently has 860 members, part of AFSA's 111,000 membership base. AFSA serves as a voice to Congress for Air Force members and their families. AFSA's presence on Capitol Hill is powered by its membership. "Lots of people believe that the Air Force Sergeants Association is only for sergeants, because of the name, but it isn't. They have spouses and officers too," said Mary Urbanek, AFSA Auxiliary member, Chapter 377. Urbanek is an Air Force spouse who joined AFSA in the early 1980's. According to AFSA's official website, membership is available to any Air Force member whether active duty, or who have formerly served. Airmen of all grades and components; Active Duty, Guard and Reserve, are eligible to join. Family members (spouses, children, parents and siblings) can be granted membership in the AFSA Auxiliary. Even friends of Air Force members can be associated members of AFSA. "I would encourage Airmen and spouses to join, because without AFSA they wouldn't get some of the benefits they're getting now," said Urbanek. A few of the benefits AFSA has lobbied for include the post 9/11 GI Bill, tuition assistance, cost of living allowance and an annual pay raise. AFSA also does more than just lobby. Here at Shaw AFB, AFSA is sponsoring the upcoming POW/MIA events, as well as an upcoming Airman's Volleyball Tournament and the 20th Force Support Squadron Parking Wars Fundraiser. "A few advantages to being an AFSA member include AFSA scholarships, free SAT and ACT preparation programs, grant opportunities and shopping discounts online," said Master Sgt. Adam Weinberg, First Sergeant, 20th Force Support Squadron. "You are welcome to attend Shaw's AFSA meeting, held every third Wednesday of the month at noon, inside Carolina Skies", Weinberg added. For information on how to become a member visit www.hqafsa.org/ ,or you can contact any of Shaw's Executive Council members: President: SMSgt Frank Graziano Vice President: TSgt Thyiatira Singleton Legislative: MSgt David Miller Treasurer: SSgt Trisha Braga Secretary: A1C Sara Glover Membership Trustee: MSgt Adam Weinberg Communications Trustee: SSgt Samantha Alba Military Civic Affairs: SSgt Diane Flowers Plans and Programs Trustee: Vacant Sergeant At Arms: MSgt Mark Garman Senior Advisor: SMSgt Ellen Jones Airman Activities Coordinators: SrA Amanda Miolan & A1C Alek Albrecht