AFSA membership drive catches base tuna Published May 8, 2013 By James Bolinger Air Force Sergeants Association VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 990's "100 in 2013" membership drive was highlighted in April when Cols. Darren James, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, and John Wilson, the 71st FTW vice commander, became the first AF officers to join the chapter. Membership in AFSA was opened to officers, spouses and family members, as well as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen in early 2013. "I was pleased to find that I could be an association member as an officer," said James, who found out by visiting the AFSA website, www.hqafsa.org. Adding officers and family members is one of the main missions for Chapter 990 recruiters this year, said Tech. Sgt. David Weaver, the membership trustee. "We want to add 100 new members in 2013," he said. "And, right now we are in the middle of our 75 day membership drive. " One way AFSA recruiters are drafting new members is by educating people on the benefits AFSA fights to preserve. "I became a member largely because of the service that AFSA provides for the active duty Air Force as well as the Reserve and Guard," said James. "The organization advocates for programs that affect all Airmen, whether enlisted or officer. Being a member also allows me another opportunity to interact with the Airmen of Team Vance. "As we seek to develop professional Airmen, participation in professional organizations is extremely important," he said. "Membership in AFSA allows all members to broaden their knowledge and remain in touch with issues affecting our service and nation." For folks outside of the Air Force: parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, veterans and others, Chapter 990 is supporting a program called "Give the Gift of AFSA." "This allows an AFSA member to purchase a membership for someone, like their mother or father," said Weaver, who is the NCO in charge of the customer support section of the 71st Comptroller Squadron. "The new member will receive a formal letter from Chapter 990 informing them their membership in AFSA was a gift purchased by their family member." The Chapter 990 treasurer has high hopes for the "Give the Gift of AFSA" membership drive. "I plan to purchase a membership for my father and father in law," said Senior Master Sgt. John Horton, the 71st Flying Training Wing career assistance advisor. "It can be hard to find a gift for father's day, and an AFSA membership is a way for them to relate to my life, as neither are veterans." "100 in 2013" is the goal, and with programs like "Give the Gift of AFSA" Chapter 990 trustees are confident that goal will be met, said Weaver. For more information on joining the Air Force Sergeants Association, contact Tech. Sgt. David Weaver.