Chapter 984 Dec Newsletter

8/13/2019 Chapter 984 Dec Newsletter

1/10

AFSA Chapter 984CMSAF #6 James M. McCoy Chapter

Important Dates:Inside this issue:

Chapter 984 Website!

AFSA Chapter 984 November/December 2013, Issue 9

AFSA Chapter 984CMSAF #6 James M. McCoy Chapter

PlayStation 4 Drawing!

Get a PlayStation 4 just in time

for the holidays. For more

information see page 3.

General MembershipMeeting @ 1130,Bowling Alley Lounge

Mark your calendar: General Membership meeting, 11 December 2013 @ 1130 hoursat the Bowling Alley Lounge. MSgt (Ret) Merle Spaulding donates pizzas for the

meeting, come join us for lunch. Door Prizes will be given away!

Dec 11

Bingo Night w/ENVH1830-1930

Dec 11

Jan 6

Dec 2

Elections for 2014

Dec 2013

PlayStation 4 Drawing

Ralston Arena, VictoryFighting Championship@ 1700

Jan 8

Presidents Corner

Dec 11

Dec 14

www.afsa984.org

Bingo Night w/ENVH1830-1930

General MembershipMeeting @ 1130,Bowling Alley Lounge

Jan 2014

Page 2

Ways & Means Page 3

Membership Page 4

Page 6

Page 6

Page 5

Page 7

Communications

Veterans Affairs

Successes

Legislative

Additional Info Page 8

Awards &Recognition

Leadership

Page 9

Page 10
http://www.afsa984.org/http://www.afsa984.org/


2/10

2

AFSA Chapter 984 November/December2013, Issue 9

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 wastough, 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!

New Chapter T-ShirtsFront Design

Back Design

Division 3 Trustee Gary Swanson has designed ournew chapter 984 t-shirt. You can order these t-shirtsin pink, white, gray and many more from his website.Cost is only $10.00 per t-shirt. If you would like to

order the new chapter t-shirt go to the followingwebsite:

http://www.gstshirts.com/store/#!/~/categ

ory/id=4468302&offset=0&sort=normal

Chapter and CMSAF CoinsIf you interested in Chapter or CMSAF coins contactMSgt Nicholas Melenka. Also, have some left over 2013POW/MIA Coins left. All coins are $10.00!
http://www.gstshirts.com/store/#!/~/category/id=4468302&offset=0&sort=normalhttp://www.gstshirts.com/store/#!/~/category/id=4468302&offset=0&sort=normalhttp://www.gstshirts.com/store/#!/~/category/id=4468302&offset=0&sort=normalhttp://www.gstshirts.com/store/#!/~/category/id=4468302&offset=0&sort=normalhttp://www.gstshirts.com/store/#!/~/category/id=4468302&offset=0&sort=normal


3/10

3


At Ralston Arena and Werner Park AFSA, Chapter 984works in the concession stands and makes profit on totasales. Usually an event takes 8-14 people to runsmoothly. Below are the dates scheduled for the RalstonArena & Werner Park. To signup use the links below.

Ralston Arena:

14 Dec 13: Victory Fighting Championship @ 1905hours contact, A1C Colby, Naomi for more information

Sign up @:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AEA92EA3

1-ralston5

Werner ParkSeason Over!

LEAD A FUNDRAISER!If you would like information on how to help or spearhea

a Chapter 984 fundraiser contact MSgt Mitchell at

[email protected].

Fundraisers!

Ways & Means: Chairs MSgt Mitchell & A1C Finch

PlayStation 4 BundleDrawing!

Events!

Please help the Chapter finish strong for oneFINAL fundraiser before the New Year. ThePlayStation Drawing just began and tickets will

be sold until the December General

Membership Meeting on 11 Dec 13. If youwant a chance for a PS4 before the Holidays, itis time to get your ticket before the drawing.Tickets are $5.00 for one ticket or $20.00 for sixtickets. If you would like to be a POC to selltickets in your squadron for this drawingcontact SSgt Sean Foley to be added to the list.You do not have to be present for your chanceto win the drawing. The PS4 Bundle has anextra controller, the game counsel, and comeswith one game. Get your tickets NOW!

LEAD AN EVENT!If you would like information on how to help or lead an

event for Chapter 984 contact A1C Jack Finch [email protected].

Ralston Arena & WernerPark Concessions!

2014 Calendar!

Fund Raiser (Open) x2 Jan-MarChief Lokovic Visit FebDivision 3 PAC MarAdopt-A-Highway MaySoftball Tournament MayGolf Tounament June

Fund Raiser (Open) x1 Jul-SepAir Show Program Sales AugInternation PAC AugPOW/MIA Ceremony SepFundraiser (Open) x1 Oct-DecAdopt-A-Highway OctThanksgiving Baskets Nov

There are no other events scheduled for the restof 2013. The 2014 Calendar on the left are justa general calendar of events the Chapterconducts every year. All events andfundraisers are open. If you would like to leadany or have any ideas to begin a new fundraiseror event contact the Ways & Means Chairman.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AEA92EA31-ralston5http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AEA92EA31-ralston5http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AEA92EA31-ralston5mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AEA92EA31-ralston5http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AEA92EA31-ralston5


4/10

4


Presidents Drawing

Chapter 984 Membership Leaderboard:MSgt Melenka: 101 (4 ret) MSgt Wilson: 101 (2 ret)

TSgt Sidel: 53 (Retentions) A1C Finch: 47

CMSgt (ret) Parente: 17 SSgt Therrien: 16

A1C Walker: 9 SSgt Parker: 8

Membership Team Seeks Motivatedpersonnel!

SSgt Vanns membership committee is looking fora representative from each squadron to join ourmembership committee! Come join ourmembership team to recruit & retain members intothe Air Force Sergeants Association. You will betrained how to recruit & retain. You will learnhow 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. ContactSSgt Vann [email protected].

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.

BX Membership Drives!Come out and help Chapter 984 recruit & retainmembers. We have no scheduled events comingup!

Chapter 984 has moved into the Top 13 Chapter

all of AFSA with total members. This is the time in years our chapter has been in the Top 15.

We need to continue the momentum to the endthe year. Our next goal is for 1,700+ members. Chapter 984!!!

TOP 13 IN AFSA!!!

Membership ChallengeCP Melenka challenged the general membership and

his executive council to recruit 13 new members in

2013 to go along with HQAFSA initiative of 13

recruits in 13. If you hit 13 in 13 you will receive a

coin from the International President. CP Melenka

offered the same incentive to the members who meetthis challenge. They will also receive a Chapter

Coin.

Chick-Fil-A MembershipChapter 984 just teamed up with Chick-fil-A iBellevue NE, for a monthly membershi

sponsorship. For the remainder of the year Chickfil-A, will buy a membership for an outstandinE-6 non-AFSA member. They will also provide free meal to the recipient of this award. AnChapter 984 member can nominate an individuawithin their workplace.

Membership: Chair SSgt Vann

Total Chapter Members:1,637

New Members in 2013374
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


5/10

5


Take action now to protect ourbenefits!!!

Legislative: Trustee MSgt Herndon

Misleading Data Used by GovernmentOfficials to Steer Congress on Military

Personnel Program Decisions.We often saythat one of the great strengths and missions of theAir Force Sergeants Association is that it works toensure Congress gets the entire story about quality-of-life programs so that it makes the right decisions

based on facts. It can be documented thatgovernment officials often try to persuade Congressto 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 underattack based on specious claims. One can assumethe reason for the exaggeration is that presentingthe facts would not achieve the ends (which are areflection of political philosophy) desired by thesegovernment officials.

An article in by Army Times publishing reports,Its become a common refrain: Military personnel

costs are soaring, changes are needed. And, oh bythe way, that will probably mean less money goingto the men and women in uniform.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel sounded thealarm about military compensation and personnelcosts as a major problem during a recent speech toan influential Washington think tank. He said,Without serious attempts to achieve significantsavings in this area--which consumes roughly halfof the DoD budget and is increasing every year--werisk becoming an unbalanced force ... one that is

well-compensated, but poorly trained andequipped, with limited readiness and capability,Hagel said Nov. 4.

To read the entire article, go to:

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131124/

BENEFITS02/311240019

From that perspective, personnel costs are actuallyshrinking as a share of the entire defense budget.

Last Chance to Influence

Senate on 2014 Pay Raise!Under normal circumstances and inaccordance with current law, service

members would be entitled to a 1.8% raise for thecoming year. The House-approved version of theNational Defense Authorization Act passed inJune allows service members the full 1.8% payraise but a Senate plan will soon be considered,

conforms to Administration wishes that next yearsraise be capped at 1%. This may be your lastchance to influence Senate lawmakers on thismatter. If you agree with AFSA that servicemembers deserve a full pay raise, go to thefollowing site to write your senators:

Urge Your Senators to Support These

Amendments to the Senate NDAA.

After more than five months of waiting, the Senatehas resumed work on its version of the FY 2014National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).Several lawmakers plan to introduce amendmentsthat address key Association goals like ensuringmilitary service members get a full pay raise,expanding concurrent receipt and repealing theSBP/DIC offset.

Other amendments seek to restore TRICAREPrime to certain beneficiaries and make AppliedBehavior Analysis (ABA) therapy a covered

TRICARE benefit for active and retired servicemembers.

Now is the time for users of CapWiz to engagewith your two senators on key issues.

http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/issues/alert/?alertid=63004856
http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131124/BENEFITS02/311240019http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131124/BENEFITS02/311240019http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131124/BENEFITS02/311240019http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/issues/alert/?alertid=63004856http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/issues/alert/?alertid=63004856http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/issues/alert/?alertid=63004856http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/issues/alert/?alertid=63004856http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/home/http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131124/BENEFITS02/311240019http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131124/BENEFITS02/311240019


6/10

6


Chapter 984 WebsiteOur new website has arrived. The website will bewww.afsa984.org.If you have any ideas to improve ourcommunications or to join their team contact TSgtAlfredo Davila [email protected].

Facebook PageHQ AFSA WebsiteAFSA has a great site for your viewing pleasure. Youcan see what AFSA is currently fighting, your benefits asa member. To login in you need your member numberand register. Go to the following site:https://www.hqafsa.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

AFSA APP

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

http://www.facebook.com/Afsachapter984

Division 3 WebsiteCheck out our Division 3 website. Go to the followingsite:http://www.afsadiv3.org

AFSA App for Apple and Android users are noavailable for download. If you have feedbackimprove or see something on the applicationmail CP Melenka. To download for Apple u

following link:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-force-sergeants-association/id705853597?mt=8

To download for Android use the following linhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?idcom.mobiledev.afsa.

Communications: Trustee TSgt Davila

Veterans Affairs: Trustee TSgt Therrien

Veterans AffairsWe sponsor numerous monthly and quarterly

events at the ENVH in Bellevue. If you areinterested in volunteering or being part of the VAteam contact Trustee TSgt Therrien @[email protected].

Next Events at ENVH:2 Dec 13: Bingo Night/97 IS

6 Jan 14: Bingo Night/STRAT3 Feb 14: Bingo Night/Open20 Feb 14: Quarterly Lunch

3 March 14: Bingo Night/Open

Every first Monday of the monthChapter 984 sponsors Bingo night withthe veterans at the Eastern NebraskaVeterans Home in Bellevue. Theresidents always have a great time whenwe come out and play Bingo. Some ofthe residents get overprotected of theirbingo cards but they sure do love their.50 cents when they win. If you wouldlike to sponsor a Bingo event or any newideas to bring to the ENVH, makecontact with Trustee TSgt Therrien.

BINGO NIGHT at ENVH
http://www.afsa984.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.hqafsa.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Homehttps://www.hqafsa.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Homehttps://www.hqafsa.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Homehttp://www.facebook.com/Afsachapter984http://www.facebook.com/Afsachapter984http://www.afsadiv3.org/http://www.afsadiv3.org/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-force-sergeants-association/id705853597?mt=8https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-force-sergeants-association/id705853597?mt=8https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiledev.afsahttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiledev.afsamailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiledev.afsahttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobiledev.afsahttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-force-sergeants-association/id705853597?mt=8https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-force-sergeants-association/id705853597?mt=8http://www.afsadiv3.org/http://www.facebook.com/Afsachapter984https://www.hqafsa.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Homehttps://www.hqafsa.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Homemailto:[email protected]://www.afsa984.org/


7/10

7


The Animals from AFSA was an initiative createdby the Executive Council. Chapter 984 created twoinitiatives back in August. The first initiative wassoliciting donated used stuff animals to be donatedfor less fortunate children Chapter 984 has collectedover 600 pounds of stuff animals that equals to over2,000 animals that were donated to the Open DoorMission in October animals.

The second initiative did not start off with a banglike the first. Within the month there were only

about 15 new animals donated to the chapter.CMSgt (ret) Robert Muthard donated $500 towardthe rest of the animals. With his donation theChapter was able to purchase 64 new build a bearsfrom Noahs Workshop online.

After all animals were purchased, SSgt Ramseyformed a team to assemble the animals. On 20 Nov13, twelve members visited with patients anddelivered over 90 new stuffed animals on behalf ofChapter 984, to the Omahas Children Hospital.

These animals included an internal pouch wherepatients could place a star after making a wish.Complete story at:http://www.offutt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=1233717201720

Chapter 984 Successes!Animals from AFSA Update! Below: A1C Brianna Stanley is awarded with a

$100 scholarship by Trustee MSgt John Wilson.

Thanksgiving Day Baskets!TSgt Scott Bettencourt led this yearsThanksgiving Day baskets. His team was able tocollect food from the Commissary and purchase250 Turkeys. With all donations the Chapter

was able to build 290 boxes for families assignedto Offutt AFB. Thanks to the following donors tothe Chapter: Offutt Officers Spouses Club,Offutt TOP III, MDG TOP III and the 1stSergeants Council. This could not happenwithout any of you!
http://www.offutt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123371720http://www.offutt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123371720http://www.offutt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123371720http://www.offutt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123371720http://www.offutt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123371720


8/10

8


AFSA ELECTIONS!!!AFSA Chapter 984 Elections will be held at our December general membership meeting on11 December 2013. The positions that are available for the 2014 Executive Council will includePresident, Vice President, and (3) Trustee Positions. Other positions (Secretary, Treasurer, Ways &Means, Sergeant of Arms, Airman Activity Coordinator) will be appointed by the new executivecouncil. All applications for positions will be due to TSgt Sidel by 2 December 2013. Nominationscan come from the floor during the December meeting. If you would like more information about theelections contact TSgt Travis Sidel [email protected].

Additional Information!

Chapter 984 QuarterlyScholarships

Air Force Sergeants Association and BellevueUniversity has a partnership for AFSA members.AFSA members can get a $1,000 military grantwhen they enroll as a new student at BellevueUniversity. AFSA members must use the portalat www.bellevue.edu/militarypartners to qualifyfor the grant.

CORRECTION: About a couple of months agowe briefed the membership on the Bellevue Grant.After further clarification this grant is only for newstudents enrolling at Bellevue University.

Bellevue University Grants forAFSA Members Correction!

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

Chapter 984 will continue to give away two$100 quarterly scholarships to their membersor family members that are attending collegeclasses. If you are interested in submitting anapplication, contact Trustee MSgt JohnWilson. Submissions are due by 31December 2013 and will be awarded to thewinners at our January general membership

meeting on 8 January 2014 from 1130-1230at the Offutt Bowling Alley.

Chapter 984 is working on a plan to bring CMSgt (ret) Lokovic in February 2014. His briefingsfocus on the source of quality-of-life benefits, understanding the budget deficit and the nationaldebt and their impact on Airmen, how an annual Defense Bill is produced, understanding the roleof private military associations, how Airmen have a great deal of power and influence over theirown 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 benefitprograms (e.g., compensation, education benefits, retirement, commissaries and exchanges, etc.),howmilitary pay raises and military retiree cost-of-living adjustments are determined, why privatemilitary 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 resultof these briefings (for enlisted and officers who attend) is a better understanding of military benefitprograms and a military career.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.bellevue.edu/militarypartnershttp://www.bellevue.edu/militarypartnershttp://www.bellevue.edu/militarypartnersmailto:[email protected]


9/10

9


Presidents Chip for ExtraordinaryPerformance

Outstanding Chapter membersthat go above and beyondand demonstrateextraordinary performance toour Chapter will receive thePresidents chip.

During the October general membership meeting MSgtJesse Pennington received the Presidents Chip forleading the 19th Annual POW/MIA remembranceluncheon in September.

TSgt Scott Bettencourt received the Presidents Chipfrom CP Melenka for leading the Thanksgiving Basket.

Tom Diehl the owner of Chick-Fil-A in Bellevwas recognized by the Chapter with a Plaque his continued support to Chapter 984.

SSgt Justin Zamora was recognized by tChapter President for his continued support to tChapter. He has led numerous events at ENVH


10/10

10

AFSA Chapter 984 November/December2013, Issue 9Your Chapter LEADERSHIP

President MSgt Nicholas Melenka

Vice President TSgt Amber SaienniLegislative Trustee MSgt Ronald Herndon

JROTC Trustee MSgt John Wilson

Communications Trustee TSgt Alfredo Davila

Veterans Affairs Trustee TSgt Stephanie Therrien

Ways & Means (Fundraisers) MSgt Don Mitchell

Ways & Means (Events) A1C Jack Finch

Membership SSgt Amanda Vann

Treasurer & Senior Advisor TSgt Travis Sidel

Secretary SrA Zorisha Barnes

Airman Activities SrA Tamra Helm

Sergeant of Arms TSgt Noland Noble

Presidents Contact Info:Anytime you need to contact the President of

Chapter 984 or provide feedback please use thefollowing info:

HP: 210-452-9322 WP: 402-294-6593Home E-mail:[email protected] e-mail:[email protected]

Visit us on

facebook @afsachapter984

twitter @AFSA984

www.afsa984.org
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Documents

Chapter 984 Dec Newsletter