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AFSA Chapter 211 attends 2011 Professional Airmen Conference

  • Published
  • By Staff Sergeant Francis Lalic
  • 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Commemorating the 50th Air Force Sergeant Association anniversary, members from AFSA Garden State Chapter 211 represented Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst during the 2011 Professional Airmen's Conference and International Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

"The PAC is a great opportunity for all Airmen to attend and learn about real issues that the Air Force is currently facing and you feel that you can make a difference," said Staff Sgt. Derek Carson, 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron and chapter repsentative. "I was glad to have the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event and represent my AFSA chapter."

During the conference, the AFSA international non-profit organization conducted general membership business. The delegates, general membership and international committees shared invaluable information, discussed and ratified AFSA's legislative platform for the coming year and other goals and objectives.

"My PAC experience was an eye opening behind the scenes look at the dedication, hard work and professionalism that goes into making such a great event possible," Carson said.

For Tech. Sgt. Jessica Mohney, 87th Force Support Squadron, the PAC is the event to look forward to all year.

"It is an amazing opportunity to understand our senior leadership's perspectives and meet some of the leaders whom I wish to emulate," Mohney said.

Carson said the most important thing while attending the 2011 PAC would be a first-hand point of view of leadership's vision of the future for the Air Force.

Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley; Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy were among the guest speakers during the CMSAF's Awards Banquet and AFSA international president gala.

Six former CMSAF were also present to show support to the organization.

"I was able to feel the motivation and determination in the voices of our leaders - a much better overview than reading about it in the Air Force Times or a squadron email," Carson said. "I learned what it felt like to be a member of a driving force fighting for all military members on Capitol Hill."

In addition, AFSA conducted the various military professional conferences, including first sergeants, career assistant advisors, and auxiliary members, spouses and enlisted education instructors' seminars and professional military education symposiums.

"As expected, the PAC was fast-paced and full of professional development as well as camaraderie with my fellow enlisted professional military education instructors," said Mohney. "I was able to catch up with long-time friends, make new contacts and learn from some of the most motivated and driven NCOs I have known."

"During the PAC, I also have many hours per day dedicated to sharpening my skills as an Enlisted Professional Military Education Airman Leadership School instructor, an opportunity which I reflect on the rest of the year," Mohney said. "I developed my respect and pride in our heritage through the former CMSAF panel. The conference also helped me understand professional development planning and innovations within Air Education Training Command."

According to the AFSA website, the conference convened simultaneously with the AFSA organization to discuss Air Force-specific business. However, these separate conferences come together during professional development hours. AFSA managed the forums with coordination through many of the military conferences. The forums consist of keynote addresses from senior congressional decision makers, Department of Defense and Air Force senior leadership, war historians and other professional speakers. Each speaker provides a rich insight to the Air Force's past, its present and its future. Moreover, these forums continue to build on the strong solid foundation of our professional Total Air Force enlisted corps.

"I recommend the PAC to Airmen of all ranks," Mohney added. "The professional development alone is incredible. The opportunity to meet and learn from senior leadership is unlike any other event I have attended. From the inspiring welcome breakfast to the honors banquet and every seminar in between, the events were motivating and educational."

Mohney said that the EPME seminars provided the chance for instructors from around the world to network and share best practices.

"Every time I attend, I become a stronger instructor and NCO and bring back positive change for our school and students," she said.

Tech. Sgt. Timothy Tracey, 373rd Training Squadron and chapter president, said the AFSA is a congressionally chartered organization which allows them to fight for what we as an enlisted force require to stay healthy and free of un-needed stressors while performing our daily missions.

Tracey's involvement with AFSA begun several years ago when a family member had to go through medical conditions and not one cent was taken out of his pocket.
The AFSA's main objective at headquarters level is to advocate improved quality of life and economic fairness that will support the well-being of Air Force enlisted members and their families.
Tracy realized that AFSA is the driving force behind the enlisted force.

"I understand it is the only means for us as an enlisted force to voice our thoughts to Capitol Hill," Tracey added. "I feel our benefits are something that is deserved for what we do on a daily basis. While I understand that budget cuts do have to be made in our current climate, I can rest assured that AFSA leadership has our best interest in mind when testifying at different hearings on the hill."

To date, AFSA consists of 142 active chapters with 111,000 members worldwide.
Established in 1961, AFSA is the Air Force enlisted organization dedicated solely to the people behind the stripes. From all enlisted grades of Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command to retired, veteran and family members. AFSA has led the way on both Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon and in the White House. AFSA is dubbed as "Voice of the Total Air Force Enlisted Force."