AFSA celebrates annual awards Published April 20, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Francis Lalic 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- More than 70 members of the Air Force Sergeants Association Garden State Chapter 211 participated in the 2010 AFSA annual awards and installation banquet at the Tommy B's Community Activity Center here. "The event was spectacular and had a great turnout," said Tech Sgt. Thomas Lyons, 305th Aerial Maintenance Squadron, the chapter's newly-elected president. "I know everyone had a good time." "The annual awards ceremony is a time to recognize our local chapter's outstanding members," he added. "It is a place to shine a light on the members who really put a lot of time and effort into making the chapter a success throughout the year." The honors banquet was held to induct the new executive council and present the AFSA International First Term Airman of the Year award, in addition to recognizing individual accolades. Lyons stressed the importance of being part of a professional organization. "AFSA can catapult one's career to new heights," he said. "AFSA protects our benefits and lifestyle through lobbying on Capitol Hill." This year, the chapter executive council would like to continue boosting membership and raise more legislative awareness, but ultimately, it wants the chapter to have fun. "I want our members to volunteer for the chapter events, keep their memberships current and show up to meetings," Lyons said. "Most importantly, I want them to let me know their ideas. I am always open to suggestions and new ideas. If they have them I would like to hear them." The highlight of the event was when AFSA Division II President J.P. Monahan inducted the executive committee. Chief Master Sgt. Fitzgerald Hentz, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center command chief, was the guest speaker and shared personal AFSA experiences with the attendees. "The Air Force Sergeants Association has garnered many successes because of the diligent work of great leaders at the international, divisional, as well as local levels," said Hentz. "Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst's Chapter 211 is no exception." "Its members - some who are being recognized tonight - have achieved significant milestones, making Chapter 211 a vital contributor to the long-term care and welfare of our Airmen and their families," he said. For Master Sgt. Suzanne Roe, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, and outgoing AFSA president, the honors banquet was a great night. "It was bittersweet for me," she said. "I will miss being president, but I know that Sergeant Lyons has great ideas and the drive to keep the chapter strong." "I enjoyed my two years as president and look back with fond memories of the chapter's hard work, achievements and the friendships made over the years," Roe said. Several awards were distributed at the ceremony: First Term Airman of the Year was awarded to Senior Airman Jennifer Palmer-Hill, 87th Aerospace Medicine Squadron; Noncommissioned Officer of the Year was awarded to Staff Sgt. Yarie Velez, 87th Logistic Readiness Squadron; and AFSA Member of the Year was awarded to Tech. Sgt. Laura Heffer, 87th Force Support Squadron. The chapter was also recognized for its Web site which will compete for "Web site of the year" category at the divisional level. Master Sgt. Tamara Isaac, 305th Aerial Port Squadron, spearheaded putting the Web site together. The award recipients will represent Chapter 211 in Dover, Del., on the last weekend of May to compete for the AFSA Division II honors at the organization's convention, which includes chapters from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Established in 1961, AFSA is a federally-chartered and international nonprofit association that represents Air Force active-duty enlistees and retirees, including Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. The organization voices the professional and personal interests of active duty and retired enlisted members of the Air Force. Visit www.afsa211.org for more information.