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Legislative/Chapter News>
AFSA Newsletter October 31, 2008
November 5, 2008
Projected 2010 Pay Raise.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Employment Cost Index (ECI) measurement reflecting the growth in private-sector wages since last year and it stands at 2.9 percent. This measurement will be used by the government to determine the military pay raise for the following year—in this case, January 1, 2010. Current military pay law states the annual raise will be equal to the ECI, and administrations have typically followed that guidance since it was enacted. While it may seem unusual to base a pay raise on economic statistics measured 15 months in advance, this procedure allows the President time to include it in the defense budget plan and for Congress to incorporate the pay raise in defense authorization language for 2010.
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CSAF, CMSAF Visit Central Command AOR.
Chief of Staff General Norton A. Schwartz and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley recently visited the men and women of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia.
Wrapping up the visit to Southwest Asia, General Schwartz and Chief McKinley praised the work of Airmen emphasizing, the need to “do the right things right.”
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Veterans Day.
On November 11, this nation will observe Veterans Day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring all who have served in America’s Armed Forces. In 1918, the armistice to mark a temporary cessation of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. In the following year, President Wilson proclaimed the first celebration of “Armistice Day” to mark the end of the “war to end all wars.” In June 1954, the observance was expanded to include American veterans of all wars with President Eisenhower providing the first “Veterans Day” Proclamation.
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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
USAF Global Strike Command.
The USAF has announced it will stand up a new major command to manage its nuclear enterprise. Air Force “Global Strike Command” (AFGSC) will include both the 8th and 20th Air Forces. It will manage the nuclear strike force and intercontinental ballistic missiles.
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Financial Readiness Challenge.
To help military families deal with the effects of today’s economy, during the first week of November, installation commanders and DoD will begin conducting “Financial Readiness Challenge” events nationwide. These events will bring a full range of local, state, and federal resources to help military personnel and their families manage their finances effectively, officials said.
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Enlisted Force Development Panel.
A new panel that will meet a few times each year will help shape the enlisted force of the future. Chaired by Mr. Joseph McDade, force development director for the deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, this panel will examine and make recommendations on the training and education cycle of those who wear stripes.
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AFPC Handles Records for VA Claims.
Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) has begun a new process that promises to improve accountability of medical records and aid in the timely processing of veterans' disability claims. AFPC will collect and then transfer Health Treatment Records (medical and dental records forwarded together) to the servicing Department of Veterans Affairs location of retired and separated Airmen who left the Air Force after Sept. 1, 2008.
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November is Warrior Care Month.
During this month, DoD will seek to educate the military, military families, and veterans about the many resources, initiatives and support available, and to increase awareness of DOD’s Warrior Care programs and issues.
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U.S. Air Force Band Showcases America’s Veterans.
During a Veterans Day extravaganza, the U.S. Air Force Band symphony orchestra and Singing Sergeants join celebrities and recording artists in a tribute to those who make freedom possible. Band members will perform with two-time Grammy winner Patti LaBelle, country western singer Clint Black, Academy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson, and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. The program entitled "America's Veterans: A Musical Tribute" debuts November 9 on national public television and will also be broadcast on American Forces Network Prime Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. for servicemembers and their families stationed overseas. In anticipation, Air Force Band commander Col Dennis Layendecker added, "What a great opportunity this is to remember the sacrifices our veterans have made to ensure America's freedom. . .”
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Enhanced VA Mortgage Options Now Available for Veterans. Veterans with conventional home loans now have new options for refinancing to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed home loan. These new options are available as a result of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008, which the President signed into law on October 10, 2008. “These changes will allow VA to assist a substantial number of veterans with subprime mortgages refinance into a safer, more affordable, VA guaranteed loan,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. “Veterans in financial distress due to high rate subprime mortgages are potentially the greatest beneficiaries.”
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Air Force Enlisted Village residents return from ‘honor flight’ If they didn’t understand they were heroes before, they couldn’t escape knowing it today. Five residents of the Air Force Enlisted Village were part of a group of 101 World War II veterans who recently spent a 14-hour day traveling from Pensacola, Fla., to Washington, D. C., and back to participate in the Emerald Coast Honor Flight program.
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AND NEWS
Congress to Hold Hearings on VA Shredding.
Because of widespread reports of VA employees improperly shredding important veterans’ disability claim and medical documents, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs plans to hold hearings after the November elections. Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., said he was outraged by reports of the destruction of papers crucial to deciding disability claims. He said, "This completely shatters confidence in the whole VA system. These documents are matters of life and death for some of these veterans." Chairman Filner said he will hold the hearings the week of Nov. 17, when a lame-duck session of Congress is expected to convene to consider an economic stimulus package.
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Post 9/11 Veterans Education Benefit Hearing.
Majority and Minority staffs of House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees are closely monitoring Veterans Affairs efforts to implement the new ‘GI Bill.’ Another hearing will be held November 6, 2008.
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GENERAL NEWS
Airman’s Roll Call.
This week’s Roll Call focuses on Native American Heritage Month. For the last 18 years, Americans have observed November as Native American Indian Heritage Month. Many Airmen take this time to recognize the contributions of Native American Indians to American history and military culture through observances and events held on bases across the Air Force.
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CSAF Reenlists Crew Chief.
In an event of a lifetime, a senior airman crew chief raised his right hand and repeated the oath spoken by Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton A. Schwartz. This unique reenlistment was done at 30,000 feet above Southwest Asia in a C-17 Globemaster
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Airmen Earn Spurs.
Twenty-nine Airmen from Detachment 3, 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron built Forward Operating Base Hunter in Iraq. In recognition of this important work, the Army squadron commander who will lead at FOB Hunter presented the Airmen with spurs—symbolic of cavalry service in a combat zone.
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America Supports You: Game Show Honors Servicemembers. Despite having an air show the next day to prepare for, Air Force Master Sgt. Robin Brooks decided to play the odds of becoming the “next contestant on ‘The Price is Right,’” and it paid off.
"Having my named called was music to my ears," said Brooks, first sergeant for the Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s air demonstration squadron, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Brooks was part of an audience made up of Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, military retirees, disabled veterans and family members for a special taping of the CBS daytime game show Sept. 10.
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Memorial to Show "Vietnam Nurses with Dana Delany" Nov. 9
The Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation and the Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation are hosting a special showing of the Emmy Award-winning documentary Vietnam Nurses with Dana Delany, on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Women’s Memorial. The showing is free and open to the public but seating is limited.
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Golden Corral Restaurants Salute America’s Heroes with Free Dinner on Military Appreciation Monday, November 17, 2008, from 5 to 9 pm. All 485 Golden Corral restaurants across America will offer any person who has served in the United States Military (including National Guard and Reserves) a free “thank you” dinner buffet and beverage - no identification required. This will be the eighth annual “thank you” dinner for our nation’s heroes from Golden Corral restaurants, who have provided over 1,835,000 complimentary meals to military personnel over the history of the event. Golden Corral with their local media partners, guests and the Disabled American Veterans’ organization have raised over $2,540,000 in contributions for the DAV state and local chapters.
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McCormick & Schmick’s Tribute to Veterans
McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants around the country will salute veterans Sunday, Nov. 9 by offering a free entrée from a special menu. Veterans are encouraged to make reservations and bring proper ID to present to your server. Proper ID includes retired military ID cards, membership card in a veterans’ organization or a copy of your DD-214 discharge papers. Most restaurants will not be able to seat parties over six people in order to accommodate more veterans.
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All About Team.
An NCO from the US Air Force Expeditionary Center writes about success and the importance of teamwork.
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Keeping the Balance.
An expeditionary support squadron commander in Southwest Asia talks about maintaining “flight discipline” in all of our endeavors.
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Mentoring: A Forgotten Art.
The 387th Expeditionary Security Forces commander in Southwest Asia reflects on the need for good mentors, and the need to become one yourself—especially by the example your actions communicate to others.
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MEMBER AND FIELD SPOTLIGHT:
Are you SKYHIGH or HIGHFlier?
This is the opportunity for you to do your last push to achieve these tremendous recruiting goals. In order to be inducted into this elite group, you must recruit (SKYHIGH) or retain (HIGHFlier) 100 members in one calendar year. Now is a great time to recommend GIFT MEMBERSHIPS as the holidays are approaching. Your efforts in recruiting ensure the longevity and effectiveness of our organization. Achieving either of these prestigious levels will result in a free registration to next year's Professional Airmen’s Conference and special recognition at the event. Check your current recruiting position by logging into your membership account on our website www.hqafsa.org or call Member and Field Relations at 1-800-638-0594 ext 288. Good luck in your recruiting effort!
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Support the Airmen Memorial Foundation (AMF: #10517) and your Airmen Memorial Museum (AMM: #10518) in the Combined Federal Campaign
The AMF is committed to improving the quality of the life for our Total Air Force families through our AMF Scholarship Program which awards funds to the dependent youth of Air Force enlisted personnel who meet the eligibility criteria. The AMF also administers the Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force (CMSAF) Scholarship Program as a community service. Since 1987, the AMF and its managed funds have awarded $685,500 in scholarships/grants. Please support the Airmen Memorial Foundation (AMF) in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). National designation #10517.
Founded in 1988, the Airmen Memorial Museum (AMM) stands as a tribute to enlisted Airmen who have served in the US Air Force, US Army Air Corps, and the US Army Air Forces. The AMM is dedicated to collecting, documenting, preserving, and sharing the success stories of our Total Air Force Enlisted corps. Help us share the heroic stories and archives of our enlisted Airmen and preserve the memories for generations to come. Support your Airmen Memorial Museum today. CFC National Designation #10518.
AFSA LAPEL PIN and other AFSA and Auxiliary Gifts Now Available at www.hqafsa.org
AFSA Recruiters... are you looking for a great gift idea for new recruits?
Division/Chapter President's... is it time to recognize AFSA members who go above and beyond?
AFSA members... would you like an inexpensive way to show your AFSA pride, or share a custom crafted gift with AFSA friends.
We are pleased to present our new professional quality -- yet extremely affordable -- AFSA lapel pin. Priced at only .99 cents each (with a minimum order of 25). This antiqued silver and blue enameled lapel pin is perfectly sized (1" width) for your tie, jacket lapel, or dress shirt/blouse.
To order the new AFSA Lapel Pins, please visit your AFSA website www.hqafsa.org sign in and click on the "store" icon. Or contact a Member and Field representative 301-899-3500, 800-638-0594. Pins are available in packs of 25.
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AFSA Member Services/Benefits
Your Air Force Sergeants Association has partnered with a wide range of service providers, retailers, and suppliers to create exclusive members-only specials and extended services.
Take advantage of the benefits of your AFSA membership today! Log onto www.hqafsa.org for a complete list of "Exclusive Member Services"
Powerful Savings on Powerful Systems: Dell Computer Discounts for AFSA Members
Congratulations! The Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) and Dell have teamed up to offer you the benefit of participating in the Dell Employee Purchase Program. This is great news for you, since Dell EPP offers award-winning technology, flexible financing options, service and support, and much more. For additional information and to shop on-line visit the AFSA website www.hqafsa.org sign-in and click on "member services" To order by phone, call a Dell sales representative at 1-800-695-8133 to assist you with your purchase. If calling, please be sure to mention your Member ID: CS51720024 to ensure you get your special discount.
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