Air Force Sergeants' Association: Caring for Airmen since 1961

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Military pay, health care, education and retirement topics of interest that come up in major discussions about potential budget cuts, which may not be a number one thought for the average Airman, but one day they could be taken away.

According to an article from the American Forces Press Service, talks of budget sequestration, "a maneuver which would trigger massive, across the board cuts in defense spending" many of these benefits are being threatened. The Air Force Sergeants' Association is fighting for your rights to keep these benefits.

According to the AFSA website, it is a federally chartered non-profit organization that was founded in 1961, and represents the interests of military members, retirees, veterans and their families. It is respected by members of congress, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"AFSA's primary mission is to promote the care of military people while serving on active duty, reserve or guard as well as during retirement," said Master Sgt. Tommy Reid, AFSA Chapter 1551 president.

AFSA has come to be known as "the voice" of the military on Capitol Hill. AFSA has been instrumental in protecting members' benefits by educating lawmakers on the importance of military presence as well as honoring the sacrifices of veterans and their families in support of the nation's defense. By doing so, AFSA advocates on issues such as health care, education benefits, pay increases and more.

"There isn't a thing that AFSA doesn't touch; they fight for your pay, your medical, your retirement, and it doesn't just benefit its members, it affects everyone," said Reid.

Not only does AFSA influence a number of legislative bills geared toward its members, the organization also serves as "watch dogs" to ensure changes in existing Air Force and military benefits are minimal or remain unscathed.

"It's a very straight forward organization," said Master Sgt. Robert Poole, AFSA Chapter 1551 senior advisor. "They are very public about what they fight for, AFSA doesn't discriminate and doesn't care if you're a member or not. They are going to make sure that you get taken care of."

AFSA's accomplishments would not be possible without the effort and contribution of its supporters. The organization relies solely on its members and volunteers to continue taking care of Airmen.

In addition, AFSA members can enjoy a range of members' only benefits accessible through their website. Some of these benefits include affordable health, life, home and auto insurance plans, tuition discounts, mobile phone discounts and more.

Currently, there is an AFSA team lobbying for an increase in funding for housing, fitness centers and child development centers. They are also working hard to prevent attempts to modify the current active duty military retirement system.

The AFSA official website also states that support of the Air Force and its programs has always been the major focus of their organization. The association sponsors countless awards and Air Force programs.

Each year, AFSA supports every Major Air Command Awards Program, every graduation of the Air Force Senior NCO Academy and those of the Air Force First Sergeant Academy.
Additionally, each month, AFSA supports all 55 Fisher Houses, which care for military members and their families during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

The organization's contributions also extend to dependents, as well as the local community.

Each quarter Chapter 1551 offers a $300 scholarship to any active duty Airman who holds the rank of E-6 and below assigned or attached to Yokota. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA to qualify.

Anyone interested in joining the AFSA's Yokota Chapter 1551 can attend the next general membership meeting, in the Top 3 Lounge on July 24 at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend the meeting or individuals can visit an information booth available every Friday at the Enlisted Club from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.