Chapter 984 Oct Newsletter-Reduced

7/27/2019 Chapter 984 Oct Newsletter-Reduced

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AFSA Chapter 984CMSAF #6 James M. McCoy Chapter

Important DatesPresidents Corner.

AFSA Chapter 984 September/October 2013, Issue 8

AFSA Chapter 984CMSAF #6 James M. McCoy Chapter

Find out how to get a $1000 grant!

If you are attending Bellevue

University or want to, see how

you can receive a $1000 grant!!!

See page 5.

General Membership

Meeting @ 1130,Bowling Alley Lounge

Mark your calendar: General Membership meeting, 9 October 2013 @ 1130 hours atthe Bowling Alley Lounge. MSgt (Ret) Merle Spaulding donates pizzas for the

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

Presidents Corner.

Oct 9

Bingo Night w/ENVH1830-1930

Oct 7

Oct 17

Chapter 984 Members,

As your executive council enters the final quarter of the year, I wouldlike to highlight some things the Chapter has accomplished so far thisyear. Starting with only $195 at the beginning of the year, thefundraiser team worked extremely hard to raise money for theChapter. With their hard work we were able to donate over $2500 toour Airmen by sponsoring different events. We were able to

purchase Annual Awards for our Winners and buy recognition itemslike Coins and the Presidents Chip to recognize our great members.We were able to have our 1st Membership appreciation night paid bythe chapter. Membership we were able to recruit and retain moremembers in three quarters than what we did all of last year. Wereached to Top 13 in total members out of AFSA. Communicationshave improved as we are sending monthly newsletters out to ourmembers. We also launched our new website and updated ourFacebook page. Our Veteran Affairs have improved as well as wecontinue to sponsor lunches and bingo night, but we also provided atour to our Vets that went overall very well. For events we were able

to pull off the first Division 3 conference and our 19th AnnualPOW/MIA Remembrance luncheon. As we have done so muchmore during the first three quarters I cant say how proud I am of thiswonderful Chapter 984 team. We enter the fourth quarter with a lotmore work to finish out a great year. We thank everyone that hashelped and helping Chapter 984 into greatness for 2013.

Oct 2 Right Start 0900-1000

Oct 19

Oct 31 Lunch w/ Vets at ENVH1100-1200

Adopt-a-Highway FallCleanup @ 1000

Ralston Arena, Lancersgame @ 1700

Oct 20 Start Thanksgiving FoodDrive at the Commissary

Oct 12 Donation of new animals

to the Childrens Hospital


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AFSA Chapter 984 October2013, Issue 8

Chapter 984 WebsiteOur new website has arrived. The website will be www.afsa984.org or scan QR code. If you haveany ideas to improve our communications or to join their team contact TSgt Alfredo Davila [email protected].

Facebook Page

Ralston Arena:17 Oct 13: Lancers Game @ 1905 hours contact

A1C Colby, Naomi for more information

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

Werner Park

Season Over! We thank everyone that volunteered theirtime to help out this past summer!

HQ AFSA WebsiteAFSA has a great site for your viewing pleasure.

You can see what AFSA is currently fighting, yourbenefits as a member. To login in you need yourmember number and register. Go to the followingsite:https://www.hqafsa.org//AM/Template.cfm?Sect

AFSA APP for Apple & Android

Did you know that your local Chapter has aFacebook 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

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

a Chapter 984 fundraiser contact TSgt Mitchell [email protected].

Upcoming Fundraisers!

AFSA App for Apple and Android users are nowavailable for download. If you have feedback toimprove or see something on the application e-mailCP Melenka. To download for Apple use followinglink: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/air-force-sergeants-association/id705853597?mt=8

To download for Android use the following link:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=commobiledev.afsa.

Adopt-a-Highway ProgramIt is that time again to conduct our Fall Cleanup foAdopt-A-Highway. Chapter 984 is responsible tconduct two cleanups out of the year. Our locatiofor the cleanup is off of Fort Crook adjacent to OffuAFB perimeter. The date scheduled for the cleanuwill be on 19 October 2013 @ 1000 hrs. We need aleast 25 volunteers for this community event. If yowould like to volunteer for the event, contact SSgChris Mishler from 55 ISS for more information.

- November: Thanksgiving food drive starts in OctoberPOC: TSgt Bettencourt, Scott

- December: Looking to do Christmas Wrapping at theBX for the holidays. Also, looking into doing an iPad

Mini or Xbox drawing for the holidays.POC: TSgt Saienni, Amber


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Presidents Drawing

Chapter 984 Membership Leaderboard:MSgt Melenka: 101 (4 ret) MSgt Wilson: 100 (2 ret)

TSgt Sidel: 48 (Retentions) A1C Finch: 29

CMSgt (ret) Parente: 17 SSgt Therrien: 16

A1C Walker: 9 SSgt Parker: 8

Membership Team Seeks Motivatedpersonnel!

SSgt Vanns membership committee is looking for

a 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. Contact

SSgt Vann at [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 will have one event in October.

26 October 2013 @ 1000 to 1300

Chapter 984 has moved into the Top 13 Chaptersall of AFSA with total members. This is the ftime 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 a

his executive council to recruit 13 new members

2013 to go along with HQAFSA initiative of

recruits in 13. If you hit 13 in 13 you will receiv

coin from the International President. CP Melen

offered the same incentive to the members who m

this challenge. They will also receive a Chap

Coin.

Chick-Fil-A MembershiChapter 984 just teamed up with Chick-fil-A Bellevue NE, for a monthly membershsponsorship. For the remainder of the year Chicfil-A, will buy a membership for an outstandinE-6 non-AFSA member. They will also providefree meal to the recipient of this award. AnChapter 984 member can nominate an individuwithin their workplace.


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Animals from AFSA UpdatThe Animals from AFSA was an initiative cre

by the Executive Council. Chapter 984 created

initiatives back in August. The first initiative soliciting donated used stuff animals to be donfor less fortunate children. As of today Chapterhas collected over 1,500 used stuff animals todonated to the Open Door Mission. The teamcurrently boxing up these animals to deliver in eOctober. We would like to Thank everyone for thdonation of these animals.

AFSA ELECTIONS!!!AFSA Chapter 984 Elections are coming upduring our December general membership

meeting. The positions that will be open arePresident, Vice President, and (3) TrusteePositions. Other positions that will be appointed

by the new executive council would Secretary,Treasure, Airman Activity coordinator, possibletrustee positions, Membership chair, & Way andMeans chairs. October 1st, Senior Advisor Sidelwill send an email out to the general membershipabout how to be nominated and what you need todo to run for a position. All applications will bedue to TSgt Sidel by 1 December 2013. Also,

nominations can come from the floor at theDecember meeting. If want to know more infoabout elections contact TSgt Travis Sidel [email protected].

Donates towards dorm BBQAFSA Chapter 984 donated up to $1,000 for theAirman dorm residents on Offutt AFB. The BBQwas held on 22 Sep 13 and had a great turnout.The Airmen enjoyed the music, the food, the

dunking booths, the bouncy castles and so muchmore. There were also a bunch of raffles givingaway during this BBQ as well. The Airmanenjoyed the day and thanked Chapter 984 forsponsoring this event for them.

Thank You to CMSgt (ret)Muthard

Our 2nd initiative started off slow with our Anifrom AFSA. As our time was coming closecollect new stuff animals for the Omaha ChildHospital. The chapter needed about 75 new anifor all the children that reside at the hospital receive treatment. Early September the Chaptershort by 45 new animals. CP Melenka sent ouemail to the membership asking for help. The day he received a phone call from CMSgt Mutsaid he would like to donate. The Chief don

enough to buy 45 new build a bear type of animals from Noahs Workshop. The chaptlooking to donate these animals to the hospitalhelp them build them with the children inmiddle of October. Thank you Chief Muthard!!


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Brush Up NebraskaOn 17 August 2013, Chapter 984 with 15 chaptermembers sponsored a house during the 25thAnniversary of BRUSH UP NEBRASKA, Paint-A-Thon. Chapter 984 Team Captain (A1C)Brianna Stanley stepped up for the Chapter andtook on this difficult task. She went to themeetings to gain all the information of what thechapter needed to sponsor a home during thisevent. During the meeting the board of directorsfrom BRUSH UP NEBRASKA, met with A1CStanley and let her know that the house that wasselected for AFSA, Chapter 984 was 73 year oldGene Rose an Army Veteran.

She managed over 25 volunteers for threedays/20+ hours to finish the house from start tofinish. Gene continue to thank us for all the helpto make this happen. He even said he didn'tthink the house would be that bright, but Chapter984 did a great job with his house. It is with mygreat pleasure as Chapter President of Chapter984 to see such a young Airman to step up andmake this happen. This could not have beenaccomplished without her leadership. Great Job

A1C Brianna Stanley and to her team!!!

BRUSH UP NEBRASKA was established in1989. In 24 years, over 2,500 homes have beenpainted by the volunteers participating in BRUSHUP NEBRASKA Omaha-metro area.

Civil Air Patrol Presentatio

On 4 August 2013, Chapter 984 member MSgtJason Moore from 55th Security ForcesSquadron presented the Air Force SergeantsAward and Medal to CAP NCO Skylar Kennedyassigned to the Gage County CompositeSquadron in Beatrice NE.

CP Melenka presents a $1000 check to MSgJennifer Maitland the CMSAF #6 James MMcCoy Airman Leadership School CommandantFor there class project they conducted a fundraiseat Werner Park which raised $700. Chapter 98donated an extra $300. This money will go ttheir medallions.

ALS Donation


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Veterans AffairsWe sponsor numerous monthly and quarterly

events at the ENVH in Bellevue. If you are

interested in volunteering or being part of the VAteam contact Trustee TSgt Therrien @[email protected].

Next Events at ENVH:7 Oct 13: Bingo Night/55th WG

31 Oct 13: Lunch with VETS4 Nov 13: Bingo Night/1ACCS

11 Nov 13: Veterans Day

2 Dec 13: Bingo Night/97th IS

Ten volunteers went out to the Ralston Arena foranother outstanding fundraiser for the Air ForceSergeants Association Chapter 984! The teamworked the concession stand from selling food todrinks. The sold over $2000 of concessionsduring the night.

Chapter 984 at Ralston Arena

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

Bellevue University GrantsFor AFSA Members

New Chapter 984 QuarterlyScholarships

BINGO NIGHT at ENVHEvery first Monday of the month Chapter 98sponsors Bingo night with the veterans at thEastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue. Thresidents always have a great time when we comout and play Bingo. Some of the residents goverprotected of their bingo cards but they sure dlove their .50 cents when they win. SSgt JustiZamora led his team from USSTRATCOM/J2 tsponsor the September AFSA Bingo night. Pictur

below consist of residents from ENVH and thUSSTRATCOM team: SSgt Winter Braman, A1Adriene Anderson, A1C Casey Holmes, SrA JacoTilton and SSgt Justin Zamora.

Beginning 4 Quarter of 2013, your chapter

will be giving away TWO $100 scholarshipsfor AFSA members or Family members thatare attending college courses. If you areinterested in submitting an application,contact Trustee MSgt John Wilson.Submissions are due by 8 Oct 2013 and willbe awarded to the winners at our Octobergeneral membership meeting on 9 Oct 13from 1130-1230 at the Offutt Bowling Alley.


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Legislative:

Keep Military Pay Flowing if

Government Shutdowns: The House hasput forth their version of a Continuing Resolution(CR) that will keep the country running while

buying Congress time to come up with a morepermanent solution. Unfortunately, they havechosen to attach a provision requiring adefunding of the Affordable Care Act, also

known as the ACA or Obamacare.

The Senate has already expressed staunchdisagreement with this provision and it will likelyinstigate a contentious meeting between theupper and lower chambers of Congress.

Regardless of how you feel about the ACA, thispolitical maneuvering carries with it somepotentially devastating collateral damage. If thetwo chambers of Congress are unable to reach

agreement in the upcoming CR conference, it islikely that the federal government would shutdown for financial reasons.

If this does actually occur, military personnelmay see a change in their pay, hopefully only atemporary delay, but it carries obviousimpacts. Rent or mortgage, child care, groceriesand a host of base support activities stand to benegatively affected.

Take action now by sending your elected officialsthe letter on Capwiz. Click on link above and

Use CapWiz at:http://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/h

ome/

Take action now toprotect our benefits!!!

The CAPWIZ Effect. In previoubulletins we have highlighted the ease aneffectiveness of the AFSA-sponsored Capwprogram to communicate with your electeofficials. During the recent AFSA InternationConvention and Professional AirmenConference, AFSA Director of Military anGovernment Relations provided a vecomprehensive, valuable legislative briefing. Onitem he highlighted is that when the servicstopped tuition assistance earlier this year, AFSmembers and supporters sent 14,000 Capwletters in 10 days to Congress and the WhiHouse urging that the program be reinstated. Theffort was successful. For the sake of those whdid not read earlier bulletins, below is a recap how to use this great e-mail-based communicativprogram.

Capwiz Template Letters. As the legislative cycproceeds through the year, AFSA Director Military and Government Relations (M&GMorgan Brown and his team will provide timepre-written "template" letters for you tailor/adjust to your needs and to send to youelected officials. You can access these ahttp://www.capwiz.com/hqafsa/issues/?style=D


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The 19th Annual POW/MIA Remembrance Luncheon

On 27 September 2013, Chapter 984 hosted the

19th Annual POW/MIA RemembranceLuncheon on Offutt AFB. Each year the chapterinvites former POWs or family members offormer POWs or comrades still missing in action.This year they brought out Captain (ret) BillRobinson to be their guest Speaker. CaptainRobinson enlisted in the USAF in 1961. Afterthree assignments in the continental United Statesand a long tour at Osan AFB, Korea he wasreassigned to Grand Forks, ND. Only spendingfour months stateside, A1C Robinson was

deployed to Thailand with the 38th Air Rescueand Recovery Unit.

On September 20, 1965 while on a rescue missionover North Vietnam his HH43B Aircraft was shotdown and everyone on board was captured. Hespent the next 7 years as a Prisoner of War inNorth Vietnam.

Upon his release and return to the United Statesin 1973, now MSgt Robinson was one of threeenlisted men to receive a direct commission toLieutenant in the Air Force approved byPresident Richard M. Nixon. Captain Robinsonalong with Neil Black were the longest heldenlisted POWs in American History. He wasalso one of the first Enlisted men to receive theAir Force Cross.

Captain Robinson served honorably 23 total yearsof service to his country and the United States AirForce, retiring in 1984.

What a great event it was. There were a total ofEIGHT former POWs or family membersrepresenting their loved ones during theceremony. Thank you to MSgt Jesse Penningtonand A1C Jack Finch for chairing this event forthe Chapter. Your team worked hard the last 6months to pull this event off. Thanks to everyoneinvolved to make this event a Success!!!

Above: CP Melenka presents Captain BiRobinson a token of appreciation for being thguest speaker. They presented him the 201POW/MIA Medallion along with a engravepaver in his name that will be installed on thparade grounds at Joint Base San AntonionLackland AFB, Texas.

Below: CP Melenka and Captain Bill Robinsotakes a photo shoot with the former POWs ofamily members representing their loved onesEight POWs or Family Members came out to thluncheon.


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Membership Appreciation NightOn 31 August 2013, Chapter 984 held its membership appreciation nightWerner Park during an Omaha Stormchasers game. The Chapter gave

away over 140 tickets to the game to its members. They also had a tailgaparty before the game serving food and gave away numerous prizes. Thiwas our way to say thank you to the members of Chapter 984.

Below is a picture from the membership night. Chapter

984 members enjoying the tailgate party before the game.

Picture to the left: CP Melenka presentsthe Presidents Chip to SSgt AmandaGallegos from 55 FSS for putting on theevent for the Chapter 984 members,without her support this event wouldhave not happened. Below: Membersfrom Chapter 984 playing in the on-fieldgames during the game.

Below: CP Melenka and newest member AFernandez getting prepared to throw out the pitch before the game.


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Chapter 984 Oct Newsletter-Reduced

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