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AFSA, making a difference

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — Many military installations have private organizations on base to help people get involved in and make a difference. What if there was an organization that not only made an impact on base, but also made an impact on a much greater scale?

The Air Force Sergeants Association is an international, professional organization that can impact Airmen, military installations and the Air Force as a whole.

Shaw’s AFSA chapter creates opportunities for Team Shaw to be a part of something on base, meet new people and have an impact worldwide.

“Being part of AFSA is about being involved with something that is bigger than myself as an Airmen. It’s about joining a powerful association of over 100,000 of my fellow members who serve, and have served”, said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Hoglund, 20th Fighter Wing command chief. “It’s about influencing and effecting more than local organizational change. AFSA allows individuals, to have a voice to Congressional members and Air Force leaders on behalf of the total enlisted force.”

AFSA is split into seven divisions across the U.S., and breaks down into chapters. Team Shaw is part of the South Eastern region which is responsible for two chapters. Within the chapters there are approximately 1,000 members.

Council members are updated on current events and relay the information to members. Policy changes or critical issues that need to be brought to the attention of enlisted members are discussed and voted on, then the council member representing that chapter takes the groups decision to division and international councils. Congress knows exactly how many votes each chapter accounts for by the number of members registered.

Every 25 members counts as one vote towards key issues and concerns to be fought for on Capitol Hill. With these key battles fought AFSA has had many victories, such as dual military Basic Allowance for Housing funding.

“While the local chapter of AFSA certainly impacts changes for the Shaw Airmen, they can also have both regional and global reach,” said Hoglund. AFSA bridges the gap between our congressional representation and the enlisted force.” “I would ask anyone interested to come sit down and listen to what the chapter is about, their vision, goals and purpose. This isn’t about paying dues or being a card carrying member. This is about being part of a professional organization and something much bigger than yourself.”

Anyone interested in becoming a member can join, including enlisted members from any branch, officers, retirees and civilians.

For more information about AFSA visit www.hqafsa.org or contact Staff Sgt. Christian Arvelo, Shaw’s AFSA chapter president, at 803-895-4600. Meetings are scheduled to be held at the Carolina Skies club the third Wednesday of each month at noon.