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Message from the Chapter President
Dear Gabriel Chapter and AFA Members and Friends,
As this is the end of September already, we are finishing the AFA year and I am completing my first year of a two-year term as Chapter President. Over the past few weeks my wife, Ann, and I, along with a number of other officers, members, and spouses, represented our Chapter at the AFA National Convention, the AFA Field Awards Dinner, the AFA Air Space and Cyber Conference, and the AFA's Air Force 70th Birthday Dinner. I was honored to receive a number of National awards for our Chapter and our members at the AFA Annual Field Awards Dinner. As you will see in this newsletter, the Gabriel Chapter continues to run many programs and events to achieve the mission of the AFA to EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, and SUPPORT.
As we enter a new AFA year, there are also a few changes to report in the Chapter Executive Committee (EXCOM). Due to work commitments requiring long term extensive TDY travel, Pat Rocke had to resign as Chapter Vice President. Under our Chapter Constitution, I have appointed Mike Winters to fulfill the remainder of the Chapter Vice President term. I have also appointed Jack Diamond to replace Mike Winters and fulfill the remainder of his term as Chapter Secretary. Pat Rocke, as an AFA Past Chapter President, will stay on in as a Member of the EXCOM and will continue to serve as the Chairman of our Chapter Wreaths Across America event. I have also appointed the following Chapter Offices: Sam Shelton, to Chapter Vice President of Communications, Lisa Richter, to Chapter Vice President of Aerospace Education and Ron Cournoyer, to Chapter Vice President of Community Partners. I would like to thank each of them for agreeing to serve as leaders in the AFA.
I ask that you please consider how you can serve the Chapter, by attending an event or helping at one of many program activities we have going on in the National Capital Region. You can also help with recruiting, by asking a friend or coworker to join AFA. How many of us have friends or coworkers who are on active duty in the Air Force, in the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve, Civil Air Patrol, are an Air Force Civilian employee, contractor, retiree, or veteran? Ask them if they are in AFA. If they are a member, tell them about the great activities we have going on in the Gabriel Chapter. If they aren’t a member, ask them to please consider joining us.
We also still have vacancies on our EXCOM and always can use help on our committees. Many hands make light work. Our ability to serve the chapter membership and the goals of the Association are only as great as those who volunteer. I would also like to thank our great Community Partners and Corporate Sponsors, who continue to provide the financial
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Volume 2017, Issue 3
Air Force Association
General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter Quarterly Newsletter
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support to the Chapter that allows us to run our many programs supporting the total Air Force family and aerospace education here in Northern Virginia.
Our next Chapter luncheon will be Wednesday, October 18th at Falcons Landing in Sterling, Virginia. Our guest speakers will be General (ret) Larry Spencer, President of the Air Force Association, and Lieutenant General Arnie Bunch, SAF/AQ. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.
Joe Burke
President General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter Air Force Association
AFA Breakfast Series on Capitol Hill 2017 Schedule October 17, 2017
Gen Lori J. Robinson is Commander, US Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command. USNORTHCOM partners to connect homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation to defend and secure the US and its interests. NORAD conducts aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning in the defense of North America.
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Gabriel AFA Community Partner Program
During these times of constrained resources and new emerging threats, our Air Force needs the Air Force Association to educate the public on the importance of air power and strong national defense. One of your AFA tools to help spread the message is the Community Partner Program. I strongly encourage each AFA Gabriel Chapter member help the Chapter actively recruit new Community Partners. As a chapter member you do business in the local community. Identify those businesses that you support and ask them to become a community partner with the Gabriel Chapter. Here are the top 10 reasons for a business to become a community partner: 1. $90 A YEAR is affordable and your money supports Grants and
Scholarships for local schools to promote science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) – a national priority.
2. You become part of an Organization with volunteers dedicated to
connecting with active duty military, veterans, and their families thru
events, activities, and networking!
3. Your local AFA Chapter provides you advertising in publications,
events, activities, newsletters to the local AFA members.
4. Your business will have opportunities to advertise at local, regional and
National AFA events!
5. Your business receives a plaque to hang up, a decal for your entrance -
use your Membership in local advertising (print, radio, television); the
Military likes doing business with those who support them!
6. Your business will be recognized for your support and involvement in
the local area
7. Your business becomes a supporter of key National Programs such as
Pilot4aDay, Cyber Patriot, STEM, ROTC
8. Your business becomes a Strategic Partner in our National Defense
thru Aerospace Education and Advocacy
9. You save hundreds of dollars with discounts and savings visit:
www.afavba.org or visit [email protected]
10. You get AFA Magazine, Chapter Newsletter, and email updates
Bottom Line: Being an AFA Community Partner is an opportunity to increase business and make a tremendous difference in the local community at the same time!
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Chapter Activities
Air Staff Director of Military Force Management Policy Speaks at Gabriel Chapter July Membership Luncheon
The AFA Gabriel Chapter Monthly Membership Meeting and Annual Awards Lunch was held July 12, 2017, at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks in McLean, VA. Our guest speaker was Brig Gen Aaron M. “Brain” Prupas, Director of Warfighting Operations Support to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon. Brig Gen Prupas is the functional lead for current warfighting manned and unmanned Air Force ISR capabilities. He leads implementation of ISR policy and guidance, provides functional expertise on ISR capabilities and oversees the operational planning, allocation, integration and employment of current warfighting Air Force ISR assets.
Brig Gen Prupas fascinated members of the Gabriel chapter with the vision for ISR articulated by Lt Gen Veralinn “Dash” Jamieson, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for ISR. Prupas’ described the problem of making sense of the volumes of data collected by sensors and systems in air and space. According to Prupas, the Air Forces must automate the collection and processing of this data and permit human operators to interpret the resulting information and make decisions
that achieve militarily relevant effects. Automation is the key to speed and precision that will achieve dominance over our enemies.
Chapter President Joe Burke presented General Prupas with a Gabriel Chapter challenge coin, in appreciation for his well-received presentation.
Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy Mixes Academics and Baseball for DC Youth
At the July Membership Meeting and Luncheon, the Gabriel Chapter hosted Rose Broberg, with the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, who spoke to the AFA Gabriel Chapter about volunteer opportunities working with the children at our Academy. The goal of the Academy is to use the sports of baseball and softball as vehicles to foster positive character development, academic achievement and improved health among youth from underserved communities in Washington, D.C. Scholar-Athletes participate in a year-round program that includes academic enrichment, baseball and softball programs, and food education.
WNYBA is seeking volunteers who are able to bring their energy for an hour or more daily, weekly, or monthly, and the benefits range from fun events with the kids to volunteer prizes to making a difference. They also offer a Day Of Service for groups to come spend a day at the Academy working with the kids and doing team building exercises. The Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy believes that all
Brig Gen Aaron “Brain” Prupas spoke about the future of Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and
challenged industry to bring new technolocies to bear. Prupas accepts a Chapter challenge coin from Gabriel President Joe
Burke. Chapter President Joe Burke presents Ms. Rose Broberg with a Gabriel Chapter Challenge Coin in appreciaiton for her
presentation about volunteer opportunities with the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy.
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children can succeed when they are supported in every way. The Academy's work is guided by the cornerstones of youth development and the belief that every child has the ability to thrive when they are provided the right tools for success and growth. The Academy's mentoring program uses baseball as a vehicle to teach Scholar-Athletes about problem-solving, teamwork, communication, critical thinking and character development. Partnering with the Science of Sport and the University of Arizona, Scholar-Athletes participate in a STEM program called the Science of Baseball, where they learn about key mathematical and scientific principles through the game of baseball. Scholar-Athletes conduct hands-on experiments that allow them to learn about geometry, algebra, physics and engineering while having fun on the baseball field.
If you are interested in contributing your time or treasure to this organization or are interested in organizing a Gabriel Chapter event with the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, use the contact information below.
Washington Nationals Youth Baseball
Academy: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/you
th-baseball-academy/ If you would like to organize or participate in
a Gabriel Chapter Day of Service event with WNYBA, contact:
Gabriel Chapter August Membership Luncheon Features Presentation on New Global Strike Command Networks
The Gabriel Chapter Monthly Membership Meeting was held August 9, 2017 at McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks in Tysons Corner. Twenty-five members attended to listen to a presentation from our guest speaker, Mr. Arthur G. “A.G.” Hatcher, Jr., who is a member of the Senior Executive Service. Mr. Hatcher is Director of Cyber Capabilities and Compliance, Office of Information Dominance and Chief Information Officer in SAF/A6 in the Pentagon. Hatcher has a broad set of duties to manage, analyze and facilitate resource and policy decisions for the Air Force IT system portfolio. He is also responsible to validate and report
compliance with all federal, DoD, and Air Force IT policy, Congressional mandates and other legal obligations. He is responsible for producing prioritized and executable resource investment options, collecting and reporting the $7 billion Air Force information technology (IT) presidential budget, developing and implementing results-oriented governance. He is the C4 representative to the Air Force Corporate Board, alongside the other Deputy Chiefs of Staff.
Mr. Hatcher spoke briefly about current funding challenges facing the Air Force as the Service balances operational demands against a budget that is too small to meet strategic priorities. At the same time, the Service is sustaining an aging IT infrastructure that is too large for the force structure that has been funded.
Hatcher fascinated the membership with his account of revamping the processes and governance of the nuclear command and control enterprise as the Chief of Information Officer for the fledgling Global Strike Command (GSC). At Headquarters GSC, Hatcher led the reorganization of the Command’s communications capabilities and planned a sustainment and modernization program to maintain confidence in the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
Chapter President, Joe Burke, congratulated Mr. Hatcher for his presentation and thanked him for his service revitalizing the NC2
(L-R) Gabriel Chapter President Joe Burke, General (ret.) John A. Shaud, former chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and former Executive Director of the Air Force Association, and Mr. Arthur “A.G.” Hatcher, guest
speaker at our August Membership Luncheon.
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enterprise. Burke presented Mr. Hatcher with a Gabriel Chapter Challenge Coin in appreciation for his presentation to the Chapter.
FINALLY! Second Lieutenant Eric Burke is Commissioned in the USAF
On August 21, 2017, Gabriel Chapter member Eric C. Burke received his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, through the Officer Training School. He will be assigned to Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio as an Acquisition Officer.
2Lt Burke was the Gabriel Chapter Member of the Year and the Virginia AFA Member of the Year in 2016. He was recognized in 2017 with a Virginia AFA Leadership award for his efforts supporting the Gabriel Chapter and the Virginia State Meeting in 2016.
Eric is the nephew of Chapter President Joe Burke, who attended the commissioning
ceremony at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, with Chapter Treasurer, Dallas Kennedy, who is a retired AF colonel. At the early morning ceremony, Dallas administered the oath of commissioning and Uncle Joe assisted in pinning on the gold bars denoting Lieutenant Burke’s new rank.
Later that evening, Joe and Dallas joined Eric and his parents, John and Betty Burke, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, at the OTS Awards Banquet.
Gabriel Chapter Members Recognized with National Awards at AFA Annual Convention
At the 2017 AFA National Convention Field Awards Banquet, Gabriel Chapter members were recognized with National-level awards. Chapter President Joseph Burke was presented the Arthur C. Storz Award in appreciation for providing above and beyond service through promoting exceptional membership retention for the Air Force Association In addition, Gina Giles, and Dallas Kennedy were each recognized with the AFA National Medal of Merit (MOM). The MOM is awarded for exceptional services in the national field and denotes great initiative on the part of the recipient for specific achievements.
As Chapter President, Joseph Burke has been instrumental in invigorating the activities and membership of the Chapter. Moreover, he
Second Lieutenant Eric C. Burke, USAF
Gabriel Chapter President Joe Burke pins on the gold bars for his nephew, 2Lt Eric Burke. Eric was Gabriel Chapter and
Virgina State Member of the Year for 2016.
Second Lieutenant Eric C. Burke, USAF, celebrates his commissioning with family and friends (L to R) John and Betty
Burke, Eric’s Parents; 2Lt Burke; Gabriel Chapter President “Uncle” Joe Burke; and Gabriel Chapter Treasurer Dallas
Kennedy
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personally recruited more than 100 new members and nearly a dozen new Community Partners for the Chapter, offsetting declining membership.
During the past year, Regina (Gina) Giles has continued to work tirelessly to enhance Aerospace Education and STEM in Northern Virginia. As a former high school math teacher and retired AF colonel, Gina brings a commitment to education and to developing young leaders. Her enthusiasm and dedication to science and math instruction and advocacy for AF issues have been inspirational. Gina’s enthusiasm and personal involvement contributed to expanding STEM activities, and helped create a true sense of community among AFA members, parents, faculty, and students. She has shown continued to provide a wide-range of support to the teachers and students at Chantilly High School and Chantilly Academy, Marshall High School, Battlefield High School most recently Saint Joseph School. Gina’s boundless energy inspires others to join her in every effort. She has recruited several Chapter members as coaches and mentors and has been instrumental in coordinating education activities with the D.W. Steele Chapter across Northern Virginia. She promotes the merits of the AFA and the Gabriel Chapter at every opportunity, encouraging participation in any form, especially from the younger generation.
Gina’s strong dedication to the AFA and her energetic commitment to STEM education has delivered results at the local, State, and National levels for the individual student, community, and the Air Force Association. Gina
continues to make valuable contributions to the success of the Gabriel Chapter and Virginia State AFA.
Dallas Kennedy has continued to serve the Chapter and AFA. After four years as Chapter President, Dallas serves simultaneously as Chapter Treasurer, acting Vice President for Chapter Events, and Newsletter Editor, while also serving as Virginia State Vice President for Aerospace Education.
Please offer congratulations to Joe, Gina, and Dallas on their achievement!
Gabriel Chapter Recognized for Membership Retention
At the 2017 AFA National Convention and Field Awards Banquet, the General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter was honored with a Special Recognition Award highlighting the best Overall Membership Retention in the year 2016-2017 for Chapter Size Larger than 1,100 Members.
Gabriel Chapter Aerospace Education Activities Honored at AFA National Convention
For the fifth consecutive year, the General Charles A Gabriel Chapter earned the AFA Aerospace Education Achievement Award. The annual award recognizes Chapters who fulfill specific Aerospace Education achievement objectives, including outreach to JROTC and CAP, public education outreach programs, and selecting a teacher of the year. This honor reflects the on-going efforts of VP Aerospace Education, Brad Wilkins, along with the long-standing efforts of Aerospace Education
Gabriel Chapter President Joe Burke accepts the Arthur C, Stolz award for individual efforts in recruiting and retention flanked by AFA Chairman of the Board, the Hon. Wht Peters (left) and AFA
Vice Chairman for Field Operations, Gavin “Mac” MacAloon.
Gabriel Chapter President Joe Burke receives the Membership Retention Award flanked by AFA Chairman of the Board, the
Hon. Whit Peters (left) and AFA Vice Chairman for Field Operations, Gavin “Mac” MacAloon. This is awarded to the Large Chapter, with membership greater then 1,100 with the
best overall retention rate.
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Committee member, Gina Giles, to develop the CyberPatriot and science fair programs at Chantilly Academy in Chantilly, Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Marshall High School in Falls Church, and Thomas Jefferson High School in Fairfax.
Gabriel Chapter Delegates Attend National Convention
The General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter sent a full complement of delegates to the AFA National Convention at the Gaylord Convention Center at National Harbor, Maryland. Gabriel Chapter delegates joined more than 300 AFA members from all 50 states for the 2-day Convention, Saturday and Sunday 17-18 September 2016. Delegates conducted business receiving reports from AFA Fields and Operations Staff, voted on changes to the Association rules and procedures and elected new members to the AFA Board and Field leadership. Many thanks to the delegates for giving up their weekend and exercising the franchise on behalf of the membership of the Gabriel Chapter. Representing the Chapter as official delegates were:
Joe Burke, Head of Delegation
Jack Diamond
Bob Austin
Charles Heflebower
Dallas Kennedy
Rick Larson
Lisa Richter
Mike Winters
Gina Giles and Jim Holt were alternate delegates and were not able to attend the Convention.
USAF Missileers Gather at AFA Conference
As AFA Gabriel Chapter President, Joe Burke hosted Air Force Missileers, including a number of Missileer leaders past and present in the Virginia AFA Hospitality Suite at the AFA Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Tuesday, 19 September 2017. Joe is a former Nuclear and Missile Operations Officer, who was assigned as a Missile Combat Crewmember at Vandenberg AFB, CA and Minot AFB, ND, and served with a
number of the officers who attended this gathering.
Joe Burke was assigned as a student missileer and graduated from Minuteman III CDB Initial Qualification Training at the 4315th Combat Crew Training Squadron (CCTS), Vandenberg. AFB, California. After Initial Qualification Training (IQT), he served in Missile Operations as a Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander, Stan/Eval Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander and Missile Combat Crew Commander in the 91st Strategic Missile Wing (SMW) and the 741st Strategic Missile Squadron (SMS) at Minot AFB, ND. Joe served with Maj Gen Tony Cotton, current Commander, 20th Air Force, as 741st SMS "Gravel Haulers.” They both served in Stan/Eval in 91st SMW/DOV. Brig Gen (ret) Russ Anarde, former Director of Plans and Programs for AFSPC was Commander in the 741st SMS when he was a lieutenant colonel.
Many of the men and women who attended the AFA Conference served as Missileers in Strategic Air Command (SAC) and are also members of the Association of Air Force Missileers. A number of colonels who attended the Conference were not able to be present for the picture, including Col (ret) Tom Cullen, who was an instructor in the 4315th CCTS when Joe Burke was a student Missileer. These are just a few of the leaders who made Flag Rank in the missile career field.
Missile Leaders gather in the Virginia Hospitality Suite. (L-R) Gabriel Chapter President Joe Burke, Maj Gen (ret) Sandra Finan, Maj Gen Fred Stoss, Maj Gen (ret) Everett Thomas, Maj Gen Tony Cotton, Brig Gen Wayne Monteith, Brig Gen
Chris Cofelt and Brig Gen (ret) Russ Anarde.
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Gabriel Volunteers Support Virginia Hospitality Suite
About a dozen volunteers from the Gabriel Chapter were among the Virginia AFA members who supported the Virginia AFA Hospitality suite at this years’ National Convention. JC Conner, the Hospitality Suite Chairman from the DW Steel Chapter, organized the effort and solicited support from Chapter as across the State. JC reported that by all accounts, the Virginia AFA Hospitality Suite was a huge success. Although the final bills were not in at press time, we believe the State will exceed its goal for this year. The sponsorships from various contributors and hard word of volunteers will make a significant impact on the Aerospace Education programs in primary and secondary schools throughout Virginia, e.g., AFJROTC, AFROTC, CAP and others. Thanks again for supporting the VA AFA Hospitality Suite.
The positive sentiments were echoed by our own Rick Larson, who volunteered with his wife Karla to act as host and hostess for the suite. Here’s what Rick had to say:
BLUF—Next year we’re signing up again to work the Virginia State Hospitality Suite. It was a blast.
Karla and Rick Larson had the pleasure of serving as hosts in the Virginia State Hospitality suite during the most recent AFA National Convention. We had the 1600 to 1900 shift on Monday night and helped set-up and then serve to guests from the military, the commercial sector and fellow Association members. It was entertaining to meet and talk with our guests as well as fellow AFA members who helped run the room. An added benefit was arriving early and touring the display area. I got an update on Arnold Air Force Station.
Karla, at her first convention, was amazed at the displays at the Air Space and Cyber Conference Expo and scored a hat, a shopping bag and a blank journal. We had conversations with uniformed members from several states that were enlightening and educational.
We’re signing up early next year and look forward to seeing you there. Maybe she'll buy me this plane.
Upcoming Events
Save the date for these upcoming Chapter activities for the next quarter:
Wednesday, 18 October 2017, 1130-1330, Chapter Lunch Meeting, speaker is Lt Gen Arnie Bunch, Military Deputy, and Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition (SAG/AQ). Location: Falcons Landing AF Retirement Community, Sterling, VA
Wednesday, 08 November 2017, 1130-1330, Chapter Lunch Meeting, speaker is Ms. Sheryl F. Thorpe, Deputy Chief, and Enterprise Capabilities Collaboration Team for Multi-Domain Command and Control. Location: McCormick & Schmick’s, Tysons Corner, VA
Wednesday, 13 December 2017, 1130-1330, Chapter Lunch Meeting and Holiday Party, speaker is Brig Gen Scott Goldstein, Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, 24th Air Force and Commander, Air Forces Cyber, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Location: McCormick & Schmick’s, Tysons Corner, VA
Next Chapter EXCOM meeting Wednesday, 04 October 2017, 7:00-8:00 PM.
Chapter Council Vacancies
We are looking for volunteers to fill other vacancies on the Chapter Council, as well. Interested members should contact Chapter President Joseph Burke at [email protected] or any member of the Chapter Council.
Karla Larson enjoyed her visit to the AFA Air Space and Cyber Conference and poses before a model of the aircraft she plans to
surprise Rick with for Christmas. Rick and Karla can’t wait to volunteer at the Virginia AFA Hospitality Suite next year.
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VP Chapter Events – Vacant
VP Awards and Recognition – Vacant
VP Wounded Airman Program – Vacant
Honoring Our Fallen Comrades
This section of our newsletter is to recognize the service and sacrifice of our fellow airmen and Gabriel Chapter members, who have gone to their final reward. If you would like to recognize a fallen comrade or family member in these pages, please send information to our VP Communications at [email protected]
Other Items in the News AFA and Virginia Veterans
Your AFA is represented by Governor’s appointment to the Joint Leadership Council (JLC) of Veterans Services Organizations. This Council gives one voice to the interests of more than 840,000 Virginia veterans. The JLC supports the Department of Veteran Affairs and provides direct input to the Governor and General Assembly for annual budget items and legislation to further the interests of veterans and their families in Virginia. The stated goal is to make Virginia the most “veteran friendly state in the union.” Major programs of interest are the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (not to be confused with the national Wounded Warrior Project), the construction of two new Veteran Care Centers (one in Hampton Roads), the maintenance of three Veteran Cemeteries (one in Suffolk), support for the Virginia War Memorial, and specific programs like the Veterans, Education, Training and Employment. For questions about the JLC or to make input, contact Gabriel Chapter VP for Veterans Affairs, Bob Austin [email protected]
Wounded Airmen
The Wounded Airman Program’s MOU was signed in October, 2013, and since then we’ve been spreading the word about the program, reporting our efforts to the Air Force, fundraising, and supporting Airmen where there’s need. Our partnership with the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program continues to strengthen. The
AFW2 Program, the program works hand-in-hand with the Air Force Survivor Assistance Program and Airman and Family Readiness Centers to ensure Airmen receive professional support and care from point of injury, through separation or retirement, for life. Chapters have taken it upon themselves to fundraise and plan for the year ahead based on events, need, and Airmen in their local areas. They have also responded financially, and with time, manpower, and other resources when called upon, to reach out in their local communities. We continue to build guidelines to best work together. The Gabriel Chapter is looking for volunteers to help build our own program to support the work of AFW2. If you are interested in helping develop this program for the Chapter, contact [email protected]
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Many Thanks to our Corporate Sponsors
Chapter Corporate Sponsors
In recognition of designation at the Bronze-Level, Chapter Corporate Sponsors receive:
Identification as a Community Partner of
the Gabriel Chapter with a Cherrywood
plaque and two individual memberships to
the Air Force Association
Recognition as a Chapter Corporate
Sponsor on the Chapter Website afa-
gabriel.org
Invitations to all Chapter events and
Chapter membership meetings
In addition, Silver-Level Sponsors receive:
One reserved seat at monthly membership
luncheons
Gold-level sponsors receive:
Two reserved seats at monthly
membership luncheons
Platinum-level sponsors are recognized with :
Four reserved seats at monthly
membership luncheons
If you would like more information on the Gabriel Chapter Corporate Sponsor program, contact [email protected]
Highlight on Community Partners: South Riding Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
The Gabriel Chapter welcomes Dr. Carl Steger and the South Riding Cosmetic and Family Dentistry practice as a new Community Partner. Dr. Steger is an Air Force veteran and Air Force Association member. After graduating with honors from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry in Richmond, he served three years of active duty as a captain with the United States Air Force, and completed an advanced education general dentistry residency at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, Louisiana. He also served two years at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he received
Gabriel Chapter
Platinum Sponsor
Gabriel Chapter
Bronze Level Sponsor
Gabriel Chapter Silver Level Sponsors
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additional training in radiation safety, forensic dentistry, and combat casualty care. In 2002, Dr. Steger received the Air Force Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service and moved back home to begin private practice.
Dr. Carl Steger, Dr. Anna Murphy, Dr. Malini Abrol, and the SRCFD team take pride in being exceptional and committed professionals and among the top dentists and cosmetic dentists in the business. Each member of the team is highly experienced in every facet of general dentistry, including:
• cosmetic services
• periodontics
• endodontics
• implant restoration
• restorative care
• Philips Zoom! teeth whitening
Their goal is to help you maintain optimal dental health.
South Riding Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is located in the South Riding, Virginia, community, just minutes away from Stone Ridge, Brambleton, Aldie, Arcola, Centreville, and Chantilly. The team provides outstanding dental care for adults, teenagers, and children in a comfortable and professional dental environment.
Highlight on Community Partners: Trace Systems
Trace Systems Inc. provides a comprehensive range of mission critical telecommunications, enterprise information technologies, and cybersecurity services and solutions to the Department of Defense and its mission partners. Their capabilities span the globe and the entire lifecycle of support from design, engineering, and installation, to operations and maintenance. Trace Systems personnel live and work alongside many of their military customers in austere, hazardous, and tactical ‘down-range’
contingency environments such as Iraq and Afghanistan. With their cloud and virtualization technologies, Trace Systems supports their customers in the Mission Partner Environment. Trace Systems adopts their customer’s mission as their own and works to ensure their success.
Gabriel Chapter Community Partners
By affiliating with AFA, our Partners join with other AFA members worldwide to support policies and programs that provide the Air Force with the trained men and women and the modern weapon systems needed to fulfill its missions and help assure America has a deterrent force sufficient to ensure this nation’s peace and security. Partners’ designated members receive AFA’s
monthly publication, Air Force Magazine. The magazine allows them to keep abreast of AF matters through an informative and entertaining mix of articles on a wide variety of subjects, including new weapons and aircraft, national defense issues, legislative reports, first-person accounts of air operations, book reviews, and much more.
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Chapter Finances
Gabriel Chapter Treasurer, Dallas Kennedy, reports on the Chapter’s Finances: Chapter Financial Activity *Current values are as of date of newsletter publication*
Inflow:
AFA Quarterly Rebate**
Chapter Membership Meetings
Chapter Sponsors and Community Partners ** AFA Field Ops notified Chapters of an
overpayment which will be recouped in Q4 Outflow:
Chapter Membership Meetings
Computer Purchase for CAP Squadrons
Administrative Expenses
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Gabriel Chapter Top Ten Tips for Recruiting and Retaining Members
The General Charles A. Gabriel Chapter has been recognized for a successful retention program. AFA Field Operations asked Chapter President Joe Burke for his secrets to success. Here are ten tips that Joe shared with our AFA National Field Operations Staff. How has the Chapter been so successful at growing new members and retaining existing members? Joe said, “My usual answer is that there is no magic to retention, that it just takes some commitment and to remember it’s a contact sport.”
Here are the Gabriel Top Ten Tips for Retention:
1. Chapter Programs and Events That Offer Value to Members - People join the Association for different reasons and have varying interests in AFA programs. Retention starts with running balanced Chapter programs that advance the AFA mission -- Advocating for Airpower, developing Aerospace Education and supporting Airmen and Families – while offering “something for everyone.” Our membership events bring active duty and reserve component speakers who present on topics that serve the AFA mission. We have at least one Chapter social event a year and we run monthly meetings in different locations throughout our AOR to make it easier for members to attend.
2. Communicate with our Membership. We have a great communications team with VP for Communications, Jack Diamond, and VP for Social Media, Sam Shelton. Every week we notify members about upcoming Chapter events through our Quarterly Newsletter, Chapter website, Facebook page, and Constant Contact email notifications.
3. Reach Out to First Year Members and Transfers – We download the Chapter membership roster monthly (or whenever it’s updated by national) and contact new members to make sure they know we are their Chapter and are ready to help them get active in our Association.
4. Don’t Take Attendance -- We understand that they can’t get to some or even most of our events due to active duty, work or family commitments. We make it clear that if they can participate in only one of our events, they are still making a difference. Even for our Executive Committee Members, we consider participation voluntary – whatever time they can commit is valued and appreciated.
5. Track Status with AFA Provided Reports - We download our Roster from the AFA website when it is updated around mid-month. The Update Roster lists all members who are coming up for renewal or whose memberships are expiring. The roster also tells us whether or not a member we previously contacted about re-upping has actually renewed his or her membership.
6. Watch the AFA Retention Training Module - The Retention training module on the AFA website goes through the entire process, including the how to use the rosters for Chapter retention.
7. Assign a Chapter Lead for Membership – Our Chapter VP for Membership is currently vacant. Nevertheless, one person needs to lead the Retention effort. So our Chapter President has stepped in, assisted by other Executive Committee (EXCOM) members. The Chapter President owns and leads our program. It takes a group of people to implement, but one person is responsible.
8. Retention is a Contact Sport – We personally contact each member. Usually the member has already been contacted by AFA National, with letters and emails. We assign a real person to reach out with personal contact – by telephone or email -- to each member who is up for renewal.
9. Retention is Also a Team Sport – Whenever possible; we make sure that the person who recruited the member, or who knows him or her best, reaches out to make the contact. For all others, we divvy up the list among the EXCOM. In the end, an assigned sponsor (retention committee or a member who knows them) contacts the member and provides that personal touch.
10. Follow-up – Every month our VP for Membership audits the membership roster to see who renewed. We follow-up with any disconnects and confirm the member’s status. Sometimes a member confirms that they renewed their membership even though they do not show up on the roster. So we have to call AFA HQ membership and resolve the issue. AFA HQ is always ready to assist us!
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The Air Force Association is proud to announce that we are furthering our partnership with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to promote aerospace education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers. "The partnership between AFA and CAP offers a great opportunity for members from both organizations to stay connected and advocate for the future of our Air Force," said General Larry Spencer, AFA President. "Education is one of AFA's top priorities, and we believe this relationship supports that mission by granting our members access to invaluable information on the rich history of our great Air Force." As a thank you to AFA members, CAP is extending a special opportunity for AFA members to become involved as "Friends of CAP" for $15 instead of the usual $35 cost. AFA "Friends of CAP" pay $15 as a tax deductible gift to further support Civil Air Patrol without volunteer membership obligations. Friends will receive the Civil Air Patrol magazine twice a year, as well as periodic emails with updates from the national staff and development office. Friends are also eligible to take advantage of member benefits and discounts. To become an AFA Friend of CAP click here and use discount code AFACAP on page two of the online form. If you know of any CAP members who are not currently AFA members, please encourage them to join AFA at a special price for new CAP members. Click here for more info. We look forward to partnering with CAP and working together to promote aerospace education and a dominate Air Force.
Air Force Association
1501 Lee Highway Arlington, VA 22209-1198 AFA.org Phone 703-247-5800 Toll Free 800-727-3337
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Update Your Information Please visit the Chapter web site at http://www.afa-gabriel.org/ to update your contact information and gain access to additional information on the Gabriel Chapter’s history, meetings, and events.
Suggestions? Do you have a suggestion for the newsletter or a Chapter initiative? Please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Executive Committee
President Emeritus Gen (Ret.) Ralph “Ed” Eberhart
President Joe Burke [email protected]
Vice President Mike Winters [email protected]
Treasurer Dallas Kennedy [email protected]
Secretary Jack Diamond [email protected]
VP Membership and Community Partners
Ron Cournoyer [email protected]
VP Salute and Military Affairs Rick Larson [email protected]
VP Aerospace Education Brad Wilkins [email protected]
VP Chapter Events VACANT
VP Chapter Communications Samantha Shelton [email protected]
VP Leadership Development VACANT
Webmaster Filip DaSilva [email protected]
VP Awards and Recognition VACANT
VP Veterans Affairs Robert Austin [email protected]
VP Government Affairs Lee Rizzo [email protected]
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