AFSA Chapter 984

January/ February 2014, Issue 10

AFSA Chapter 984

CMSAF #6 James M. McCoy Chapter
Welcome New Executive Council Members!
During the General membership meeting on 8 January 2014, all new executive council members were sworn in.

Inside this issue:

Presidents Corner Page 2 Ways & Means

Important Dates:
Jan 2014
Jan 6 Jan 8 Bingo Night w/ENVH 1830-1930 General Membership Meeting @ 1130, Bowling Alley Lounge

Page 3

Membership
Legislative Communications Veterans Affairs Successes Additional Info Awards & Recognition Leadership

Page 4
Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10
Dec 11 Dec 14

PlayStation 4 Drawing Ralston Arena, Victory Fighting Championship @ 1700

Chapter 984 Website!

Feb 3 Feb 12

Bingo Night w/ENVH 1830-1930 General Membership Meeting @ 1130, Bowling Alley Lounge

Feb 2014

www.afsa984.org

Mark your calendar: General Membership meeting, 19 February 2014 @ 1130 hours at the Bowling Alley Lounge. MSgt (Ret) Merle Spaulding donates pizzas for the meeting, come join us for lunch. Door Prizes will be given away!

AFSA Chapter 984

January/February 2014, Issue 10

Presidents Corner
Chapter 984 Members,
THANK YOU! As we enter our last couple of weeks as your executive council for Chapter 984, we just want to say thank you for your continued support. I want to personally thank my executive council for meeting my tough timelines and meeting the goals we set in the beginning of the year. With their hard work we were able to accomplish a lot for our Chapter in 2013. I want to personally thank all the members that stepped up to lead our events and fundraisers that our Chapter held. Finally, I want to thank all the volunteers that came out to help during these events. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and leadership you all have shown. So I applaud you all!!! This past year as the Chapter President I have learned so much and a lot of it was on the run. At times it was tough, but with the team I had made it that much easier. They did not accept failure. As we have accomplished a lot this past year, I still believe we still have work to do to improve our membership, all areas of the Chapter and educate all on the Air Force Sergeants Association mission. So with that being said on December 11th, I will run for a second term of Chapter President of 984. I will not campaign for this position and if given the chance I will be honored to lead this Chapter into 2014 with the same passion as I did in 2013. If not re-elected, I will continue to support this great Chapter and Association because I believe in it so much. This Association is here to protect you and your family with your pay and benefits. These volunteers work hard for you each and every day. Again, as we have done so much more during the year, I cant say how proud I am of this wonderful Chapter 984 team. We enter the final month of our duties to finish out this great year for our Chapter. We thank everyone that has helped Chapter 984 back into greatness. Now, let us take this momentum and make us greater in 2014!

Items for Sale

Division 3 Trustee Gary Swanson has designed our new chapter 984 t-shirt. You can order these t-shirts in pink, white, gray and many more from his website. Cost is only $10.00 per tshirt. If you would like to order the new chapter t-shirt go to the following website:

New Chapter T-Shirts

Chapter 984 Coins

http://www.gstshirts.com/store/#!/~/category/id=4468302 &offset=0&sort=normal Back Design

Front Design
T h i s 2

Another way to help the Chapter to raise funds is purchasing a new Chapter 984 coin. The cost is $10.00 per coin. If you would like a coin please contact personnel: MSgt Nicholas Melenka.

AFSA Chapter 984

January/February 2014, Issue 10

Ways & Means: SrA Naomi Colby

Fundraisers and Events
Cell Phone Recycling Program
We collect old cell phones and turn them in for reprogramming. We get $1 for each phone we turn in. When we get to 100, we send them in. The money we gain is donated to the Bellevue Food Pantry!

Ralston Arena & Werner Park Concessions!

At Ralston Arena and Werner Park AFSA, Chapter 984 works in the concession stands and makes profit on total sales. Usually an event takes 8-14 people to run smoothly. Below are the dates scheduled for the Ralston Arena & Werner Park. Ralston Arena: None Scheduled Werner Park None Scheduled

First Quarter Fundraisers

There are no fundraisers currently scheduled for the first quarter of 2014. We are looking for 2 fundraisers to get 2014 started off right! If you have any ideas, or would be willing to lead a fundraiser please contact SrA Colby at naomi.colby@us.af.mil

LEAD A FUNDRAISER OR EVENT!

If you would like information on how to help or spearhead a Chapter 984 fundraiser or event contact SrA Colby at naomi.colby@us.af.mil.

2014 Calendar
Fund Raiser (Open) x2 Chief Lokovic Visit Division 3 PAC Adopt-A-Highway Softball Tournament Golf Tounament Fund Raiser (Open) x1 Jan-Mar Feb Mar May May June Jul-Sep Air Show Program Sales Internation PAC POW/MIA Ceremony Fundraiser (Open) x1 Adopt-A-Highway Thanksgiving Baskets Aug Aug Sep Oct-Dec Oct Nov

AFSA Chapter 984

January/February 2014, Issue 10

Membership: Chair MSgt Wilson

Membership Team Seeks Motivated personnel!
MSgt Wilsons membership committee is looking for a representative from each squadron to join our membership committee! Come join our membership team to recruit & retain members into the Air Force Sergeants Association. You will be trained how to recruit & retain. You will learn how to talk in front of large groups about AFSA. Membership team briefs at ALS, NCOPME, SNCO induction, Right Start, and many more! Only skill required is MOTIVATION. Contact MSgt Wilson at john.wilson.39@us.af.mil.

Chapter 984 Membership Leaderboard:

MSgt Melenka: 101 (4 ret) TSgt Sidel: 53 (Retentions) CMSgt (ret) Parente: 17 A1C Walker: 9 A1C Enzor: 6 MSgt Wilson: 101 (2 ret) A1C Finch: 47 SSgt Therrien: 16 SSgt Parker: 8 SrA Helm: 5

TOP 13 IN AFSA!!!

Chapter 984 has moved into the Top 13 Chapters in all of AFSA with total members. This is the first time in years our chapter has been in the Top 15. We need to continue the momentum to the end of the year. Our next goal is for 1,700+ members. Go Chapter 984!!!

Chick-Fil-A Membership
Membership Challenge
CP Melenka challenged the general membership and his executive council to recruit 14 new members in 2014 to go along with HQAFSA initiative of 14 recruits in 14. If you hit 14 in 14 you will receive a coin from the International President. CP Melenka offered the same incentive to the members who meet this challenge. They will also receive a Chapter Coin. Chapter 984 just teamed up with Chick-fil-A in Bellevue NE, for a monthly membership sponsorship. For the remainder of the year Chickfil-A, will buy a membership for an outstanding E-6 non-AFSA member. They will also provide a free meal to the recipient of this award. Any Chapter 984 member can nominate an individual within their workplace.

Presidents Drawing
Every month at the general membership meeting if you bring an E-4 below non-member they are entered into the Presidents drawing to win a free $25.00 two-year membership. So bring your Airmen to get them involved and a chance at a FREE membership! Winner for Drawing in August is below with CP Melenka.

Total Chapter Members: 1,629 New Members in 2014 01

AFSA Chapter 984

January/February 2014, Issue 10

Legislative: Trustee MSgt Herndon

Take action now to protect our Last benefits!!! Chance to Influence
Senate on 2014 Pay Raise!
Under normal circumstances and in accordance with current law, service members would be entitled to a 1.8% raise for the coming year. The House-approved version of the National Defense Authorization Act passed in June allows service members the full 1.8% pay raise but a Senate plan will soon be considered, conforms to Administration wishes that next years raise be capped at 1%. This may be your last chance to influence Senate lawmakers on this matter. If you agree with AFSA that service members deserve a full pay raise, go to the following site to write your senators: http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/home/

Misleading Data Used by Government Officials to Steer Congress on Military Personnel Program Decisions. We often say
that one of the great strengths and missions of the Air Force Sergeants Association is that it works to ensure Congress gets the entire story about quality-of-life programs so that it makes the right decisions based on facts. It can be documented that government officials often try to persuade Congress to accept hyperbole and exaggeration as justification for congressional decisions. Accordingly, programs such as commissaries, military retiree healthcare, education programs, military retirement, military pay, etc., come under attack based on specious claims. One can assume the reason for the exaggeration is that presenting the facts would not achieve the ends (which are a reflection of political philosophy) desired by these government officials. Its become a common refrain: Military personnel costs are soaring, changes are needed. And, oh by the way, that will probably mean less money going to the men and women in uniform.

Urge Your Senators to Support These Amendments to the Senate NDAA. An article in by Army Times publishing reports,
After more than five months of waiting, the Senate has resumed work on its version of the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Several lawmakers plan to introduce amendments that address key Association goals like ensuring military service members get a full pay raise, expanding concurrent receipt and repealing the SBP/DIC offset.

Other amendments seek to restore TRICARE Prime to certain beneficiaries and make Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy a covered TRICARE benefit for active and retired service members.
Now is the time for users of CapWiz to engage with your two senators on key issues. http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/issues/alert/?ale rtid=63004856

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel sounded the alarm about military compensation and personnel costs as a major problem during a recent speech to an influential Washington think tank. He said, Without serious attempts to achieve significant savings in this area--which consumes roughly half of the DoD budget and is increasing every year--we risk becoming an unbalanced force ... one that is well-compensated, but poorly trained and equipped, with limited readiness and capability, Hagel said Nov. 4. To read the entire article, go to: http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131124/BE NEFITS02/311240019 From that perspective, personnel costs are
5 budget.

actually shrinking as a share of the entire defense

AFSA Chapter 984

January/February 2014, Issue 10

Communications: Trustee A1C Hernandez

AFSA has a great site for your viewing pleasure. You can see what AFSA is currently fighting, your benefits as a member. To login in you need your member number and register. Go to the following site:

HQ AFSA Website

Did you know that your local Chapter has a Facebook page? Click the following link:

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/Afsachapter984

https://www.hqafsa.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=H ome
Check out our Division 3 website. Go to the following site: http://www.afsadiv3.org

Twitter
Did you know that your local Chapter is now on Twitter? Follow us @AFSA984 or click the following link: https://twitter.com/AFSA984

Division 3 Website

Our new website has arrived. The website will be www.afsa984.org. If you have any ideas to improve our communications or to join their team contact A1C Evelyn Hernandez at evelyn.hernandez@us.af.mil.

Chapter 984 Website

AFSA APP
AFSA App for Apple and Android users are now available for download. If you have feedback to improve or see something on the application email CP Melenka.

Programs: Trustee MSgt Mitchell

Veterans Affairs
We sponsor numerous monthly and quarterly events at the ENVH in Bellevue. If you are interested in volunteering or being part of the VA team contact Trustee MSgt Mitchell at donnail.mitchell@us.af.mil

BINGO NIGHT at ENVH

Every first Monday of the month Chapter 984 sponsors Bingo night with the veterans at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue. The residents always have a great time when we come out and play Bingo. Some of the residents get overprotected of their bingo cards but they sure do love their .50 cents when they win. If you would like to sponsor a Bingo event or any new ideas to bring to the ENVH, make contact with Trustee MSgt Mitchell.

Next Events at ENVH: 6 Jan 14: Bingo Night/STRAT 3 Feb 14: Bingo Night/Open 20 Feb 14: Quarterly Lunch 3 March 14: Bingo Night/Open 7 April 14: Bingo Night/Open

AFSA Chapter 984

January/February 2014, Issue 10

Chapter 984 Successes!

Animals from AFSA Update!
The Animals from AFSA was an initiative created by the Executive Council. Chapter 984 created two initiatives back in August. The first initiative was soliciting donated used stuff animals to be donated for less fortunate children Chapter 984 has collected over 600 pounds of stuff animals that equals to over 2,000 animals that were donated to the Open Door Mission in October animals. The second initiative did not start off with a bang like the first. Within the month there were only about 15 new animals donated to the chapter. CMSgt (ret) Robert Muthard donated $500 toward the rest of the animals. With his donation the Chapter was able to purchase 64 new build a bears from Noahs Workshop online. After all animals were purchased, SSgt Ramsey formed a team to assemble the animals. On 20 Nov 13, twelve members visited with patients and delivered over 90 new stuffed animals on behalf of Chapter 984, to the Omahas Children Hospital. These animals included an internal pouch where patients could place a star after making a wish. Complete story at: http://www.offutt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=1233 717201720 Below: A1C Brianna Stanley is awarded with a $100 scholarship by Trustee MSgt John Wilson.

Thanksgiving Day Baskets!

TSgt Scott Bettencourt led this years Thanksgiving Day baskets. His team was able to collect food from the Commissary and purchase 250 Turkeys. With all donations the Chapter was able to build 290 boxes for families assigned to Offutt AFB. Thanks to the following donors to the Chapter: Offutt Officers Spouses Club, Offutt TOP III, MDG TOP III and the 1st Sergeants Council. This could not happen without any of you!

AFSA Chapter 984

January/February 2014, Issue 10

Additional Information!
Bellevue University Grants for AFSA Members
Air Force Sergeants Association and Bellevue University has a partnership for AFSA members. AFSA members can get a $1,000 military grant when they enroll as a new student at Bellevue University. AFSA members must use the portal at www.bellevue.edu/militarypartners to qualify for the grant. (new students only)

Chapter 984 Quarterly Scholarships

Chapter 984 will continue to give away two $100 quarterly scholarships to their members or family members that are attending college classes. If you are interested in submitting an application, contact Trustee MSgt Don Mitchell. Submissions are due by 31 March 2014 and will be awarded to the winners at our April general membership meeting on 9 April 2014 from 1130-1230 at the Offutt Bowling Alley.

Your Chapter is planning for CMSgt (ret) Jim Lokovic to visit!

Chapter 984 is working on a plan to bring CMSgt (ret) Lokovic in February 2014. His briefings
focus on the source of quality-of-life benefits, understanding the budget deficit and the national debt and their impact on Airmen, how an annual Defense Bill is produced, understanding the role of private military associations, how Airmen have a great deal of power and influence over their own careers, information about the 113th Congress, how to properly communicate with Congress (and what you can and can't do in this regard), current Administration proposals concerning benefit programs (e.g., compensation, education benefits, retirement, commissaries and exchanges, etc.), how military pay raises and military retiree cost-of-living adjustments are determined, why private military associations are critical to maintaining your benefits, information about lobbying, testifying before Congress, grassroots support, and coalition action with other military associations; and targets that AFSA and the Military Coalition are currently pursuing on Capitol Hill. The result of these briefings (for enlisted and officers who attend) is a better understanding of military benefit programs and a military career.

AFSA Chapter 984

January/February 2014, Issue 10

Your Chapter LEADERSHIP

President Vice President Legislative Trustee

MSgt Nicholas Melenka MSgt Sara Gordon TSgt Stephanie Therrien

JROTC Trustee
Communications Trustee Programs Trustee Membership Trustee Ways & Means Chair Treasurer Secretary Airman Activities Sergeant of Arms
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MSgt Jesse
Pennington A1C Evelyn Hernandez MSgt Don Mitchell MSgt John Wilson SrA Naomi Colby TSgt Joshua Giles A1C Briana Stanley Amn Evan Rios MSgt David Becker

AFSA Chapter 984

January/February 2014, Issue 10

Visit us on Facebook afsachapter984 Instagram afsa984 Twitter @AFSA984 Website www.afsa984.org

Presidents Contact Info:

Anytime you need to contact the President of Chapter 984 or provide feedback please use the following info: HP: 210-452-9322 WP: 402-294-6593 Home E-mail: chapter984president@cox.net Work e-mail: nicholas.melenka@offutt.af.mil

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