S.C. Air Force Association to hold convention at Shaw Published April 16, 2008 By David Hanson 20th Operations Support Squadron SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The South Carolina Air Force Association is holding its annual state convention here May 9-10. There are four active chapters of the Air Force Association in South Carolina: Clemson, Columbia, Shaw and Charleston, representing over 2,500 members. The convention is a two-day event with a golf tournament May 9 and an awards luncheon May 10. The mission of the Air Force Association is to educate the public about the critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation; advocate aerospace power and a strong national defense; and support the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force family. The local chapter of the Air Force Association is the Swamp Fox Chapter comprised of more than 500 members and has been the top chapter in S.C. for the past nine years. The awards luncheon will recognize the top squadron, logistician, aircraft technician, aviator and mission support person in the state from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Shaw AFB and Charleston AFB. The top ROTC, top Junior ROTC, and Civil Air Patrol units in the state will be recognized along with the AFA state teacher of the year. The speaker for this year's awards luncheon is Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, Air Force Material Command vice commander and the highest ranking female officer in the Air Force. The theme of this year's convention is "Keeping Air Force Weapons Systems Ready for War." Mr. Bob Largent, Air Force Association chairman of the board, is also scheduled to attend. AFA is led by volunteer leaders at the national, state and local levels. There are more than 230 AFA chapters in the United States. For more information or to register, contact David Hanson at 895-2451 by April 25.