AFSA Chapter 1657 surpasses 1,000-member milestone

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 1657 reached a significant milestone July 24, reaching its 1,000th member mark.

This achievement makes them the second largest chapter in Division 16, which encompasses Europe, and reflects a 79 percent membership increase since Jan. 1, going from 580 members to 1,012 today.

"This is an incredible accomplishment by our chapter and one that every chapter member can take pride in," said Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Niznik, AFSA Chapter 1657 vice president. "Everyone has been working really hard to recruit and retain members, and that coupled with a solid group of leaders who believe in what AFSA stands for, and the continued support of wing leadership, we are just going to continue to grow and reach new milestones."

AFSA Chapter 1657 has 68 active recruiters, including three "sky high" members who have recruited more than 100 members each for the organization. Three out of the top 10 international recruiters are also part of AFSA Chapter 1657 as well as the top four recruiters and number one retainer for Division 16.

"Recruiting is essential to the health and survival of AFSA," said Sergeant Russo, AFSA Chapter 1657 president. "With AFSA's World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans getting older, it's imperative that we aggressively recruit new members. Fortunately, we have an excellent product, and a straightforward message. Our legislative platform has initiatives that affect everyone, from the first term airmen to the retired chief master sergeant. "

"This chapter's recruiting success led by Senior Master Sgt. Steve Herb has turned a lot of heads across AFSA International, and people want to know our secret," he said. "I tell them it's a disciplined, methodical approach as well as the enthusiasm of our volunteer recruiters. I'm extremely proud Chapter 1657 is leading the charge."

As part of the recent 1,000-member celebration, a special congratulations was also extended to Senior Airman Shenett Camacho of the 31st Fighter Wing command post, who recruited the chapter's 1,000th member, Airman 1st Class Michael Crowder of the 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Airman Camacho, who has been an AFSA member for just over four months, will be presented a commemorative AFSA wristwatch during the chapter's general membership meeting on Aug. 19 for being the recruiter who "inked" the 1,000th member.

"I joined AFSA because I wanted to be a part of all the changes and benefits they are fighting for," Airman Camacho said. "They're not only proposing changes to benefit the enlisted force, but these changes are going through and that's something I knew I had to be a part of."

"Chapter 1657 is now over 1,000 members strong and I feel a great sense of achievement and pride in saying that I contributed to the cause," she said.

One of the benefits to AFSA Chapter 1657's recent surge in membership is the approximately $11,500 it has raised for AFSA International's mission as well as quality of life initiatives for the Aviano community, said Sergeant Russo.

These funds have helped with such local programs and events as the Memorial Day retreat, Prisoner of War/Missing in Action observance, Veteran's Day activities, Operations Yellow Ribbon, Senior NCO Recognition, Quarterly and Annual Awards programs, Angel Tree, college scholarships, and numerous other charitable causes.

The chapter is also the recipient of the AFSA Division 16 Large Chapter of the Year Award for 2007.

"AFSA Chapter 1657 has demonstrated what commitment and being engaged AFSA members are all about," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Litherland, AFSA Division 16 president. "No one person can do it... it requires a team effort."

AFSA is an international organization dedicated to speaking out on behalf of enlisted members who have served and who continue to serve. Today, with nearly 120,000 members across the globe, AFSA has led the way on both Capitol Hill and in the Pentagon and has earned the recognition and respect of Washington's leaders for its sustained role as the "Voice of the Enlisted", according to the official AFSA Web site.

AFSA lobbyists continue to inform members of Congress of the sacrifices those who wear and have worn the uniform (and their families) make on a daily basis for the protection of the American way-of-life, said AFSA leaders. From fighting for full pay raises for those still wearing the uniform, to full on-time cost of living allowances for retirees, AFSA continues to lead the way to preserve and improve the quality-of-life for its members.

In recent years, AFSA was a major player in lobbying for and solidifying Medicare improvements for the Patients and Providers Act of 2008; increased pay raises for fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009; increased household goods weight allowances for enlisted personnel; 100 percent replacement value for damaged, destroyed or lost household goods; an increase in basic housing allowance to reduce out of pocket housing expenses and an increase in family separation and imminent danger pay, according to Sergeant Russo.

Those interested in learning more about AFSA or becoming a member, can visit www.hqafsa.org or contact Senior Master Sgt. Steve Herb, AFSA Chapter 1657 membership trustee, at 632-2049 or any AFSA Chapter 1657 member.

"AFSA isn't just open to enlisted members either," Sergeant Niznik added. "Officers and civilians can become associate members and family members can become auxiliary members. Each role is vital to the organization."

AFSA Chapter 1657 meets the third Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Bella Vista Club in Area F.

"The bigger our organization is, the louder our voice is on Capitol Hill," said Sergeant Niznik. "We invite anyone interested to at least come and check out one of our meetings and learn about all the great benefits that come with being an AFSA member."