Our AFSA legislative briefing was presented this week to the 346 SNCOA graduates this week at the SNCOA on Gunter AFS.
AFSA efforts continue to pay off regarding more co-sponsorship for H.R. 816, the “TRICARE Premium Freeze.” There are now 161 cosponsors of this very important legislation that affects every member of our total military force (AFAD, ANG, AFRC, military retirees, and their families). We are also continuing to urge co-sponsorship on H.R. 1695 to reduce the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60-55 years. You too, can help by contacting your elected Representative regarding co-sponsorship of H.R. 816 and H.R. 1695.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AND NEWS
New Bills Introduced Since Last Report. The following “bills of interest” were introduced since last report. To view the text or see the status of a bill, click on the bill number.
H.R.2898: the “Wounded Warrior Caregiver Assistance Act,” by Rep. Deborah Halvorson, D-IL, will amend title 38, United States Code, to provide support services for family caregivers of disabled veterans.
H.R.2912: by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL, concerns the President awarding the congressional Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Felix Sosa-Camejo.
H.R.2926: by Rep. Glenn Nye, D-VA, to direct Veterans Affairs to provide, without expiration, special care for certain Vietnam-era veterans exposed to herbicide and veterans of the Persian Gulf War.
H.R.2928: by Rep. Thomas Perriello, D-VA, to provide for an apprenticeship and on-job training program under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
H.R.2931: the “Kyle Barthel Veterans and Service Members Mental Health Screening Act,” by Rep. Harry Teague, D-NM, to provide for screenings of active duty to detect mental health conditions (PTSD/TBI) for the purpose of reducing the incidence of suicide.
H.R.2960: by Rep. Mark Steven Kirk, R-IL, will authorize additional assignment special pay for serving in Afghanistan for up to six years or the duration of the U.S. mission in that country.
H.R.2968: by Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-AZ, to eliminate the required reduction in the amount of the accelerated death benefit payable to certain terminally-ill persons insured under SGLI..
H.R.2970: by Rep. Rob Bishop, R-UT, to increase the maximum age limit for appointment to Federal law enforcement officer for individuals who have an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces.
H.R.2974: by Rep. John Campbell, R-CA, will amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals eligible for veterans health benefits to contribute to health savings accounts.
H.R.2980: by Rep. Bob Filner, D-CA, to reduce the period of time for which a veteran must be totally disabled before the veteran's survivors are eligible for the survivor benefits.
S.1285: the “Detainee Photographic Records Protection Act of 2009,” by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-CT, certain photographic records relating to the treatment of any individual engaged, captured, or detained after September 11, 2001, shall not be subject to disclosure.
S.1296: by Sen. Mark Pryor, D-AR, will increase numbers of non-dual ANG technicians employable by the National Guard.
S.1302: the “Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009,” by Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY, introduces pay-for-performance compensation into contracts between the VA and outpatient clinics.
S.1310: by Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-HI, will authorize major medical facility projects for the VA, in fiscal year 2010, and for other purposes.
To view the full text of the following news articles, click on the title.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
“Letter to Airmen” Highlights Joint Teamwork: In his current Letter to Airmen, the secretary of the Air Force highlights how the joint team works together to create success by telling the story of a combat controller.
Student flies last T-37 training mission: SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- A familiar noise was missing from the 80th Flying Training Wing's aircraft parking ramp at about 2:30 p.m. June 17, one that has been prevalent in the Air Force's pilot training mission for 50 years -- the high-pitched screech of the T-37B Tweet.
PCS policy changes promote stability, quality of life: RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Air Force officials have modified two permanent change of station policies to give Airmen more flexible assignment options and force development opportunities.
Air Force Reserve unit hosts IRR muster in Alaska
Air Force Reserve Command gets new command chief: ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- Chief Master Sgt. Dwight D. Badgett was selected as the Air Force Reserve Command's new command chief master sergeant.
VETERANS’ FOCUS
Defense Department Launches ‘Real Warriors’ Campaign: The Real Warriors campaign centers on warriors who admitted they needed help and now are pursuing successful military careers.
New Mobile Vet Center To Be Unveiled In California: June 22nd, US Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA) and Veterans Affairs officials "will help unveil the new Veteran Center Community Outreach Vehicle
Committee Approves Funding For New VA Hospital: The Congressional Veteran Affairs Committee approved funding for the new Veterans Affairs hospital being built near Lake Nona, FL.
First Burials Scheduled For Next Week At New Veterans Cemetery: The first burials at Alabama's newest veterans cemetery in Montevallo will be June 25.
VA’s Suicide Prevention Message Carried on 21,000 Buses: The telephone number for the suicide prevention “lifeline” of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA is now being carried on more than 21,000 city buses in 124 communities across the United States..
Shinseki In California To Outline Plans For Streamlining VA
VA Approaching Million Mark In Unprocessed Claims: The agency's website shows more than 722,000 current claims, along with more than 172,000 appeals..
VA Offering Wounded Soldiers Next-Generation Prosthetic Hands: Cpl. Josh McCart likes it when kids notice his right hand and ask about it. 'I tell them I am really Iron Man,' he joked, waving around his lifelike i-LIMB Hand prosthesis in the Active Duty Rehabilitation Unit in the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center. ... Cpl. McCart is one of a relatively small number in the U.S. to receive the i-LIMB Hand, a next-generation prosthesis.
AIRMEN IN ACTION
Airman’s Roll Call:
Thanks to AFSA, Special Duty Assignment Pay increase approved for MTIs.
Civil engineers plan Afghanistan's future foundation: FORWARD OPERATING BASE FINLEY-SHIELDS, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Nangarhar Province is seeing a rush of construction projects due in large part to the vision and planning of an Air Force civil engineer team here.
Airmen mentor Afghan counterparts to provide care: FORWARD OPERATING BASE HUGHIE, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Air Force medics here are working hand-in-hand with their counterparts from the Afghan National Army, to provide mentoring on medical equipment, administration and military medical care.
COMMENTARY
Living the Air Force Core Values: On a personal level, they probably mean something different to each individual. But, as long as we embrace the spirit of the core values, we will succeed in taking care of the mission and our people.
President acknowledges military fathers’ sacrifices, contributions: President Barack Obama recognized in his Father's Day proclamation the sacrifices military fathers make every day, and hosted the Military Father of the Year June 19 at the White House for a town hall session on fatherhood.
AFSA MEMBER BENEFITS
Your Exclusive AFSA Member Benefits: Member service provider partnerships are vital to the success of our organization. Some partners provide direct monetary support that is used to fulfill our mission and enables the Air Force Sergeants Association to keep membership dues at a reasonable rate, while other providers offer special services through discounts and incentives to AFSA members. AFSA members enjoy a wide range of specialized benefits and valuable discounts from service professionals, retailers, and suppliers to create exclusive members-only discounts and extended services. For a complete list of all member service providers visit the AFSA website www.hqafsa.org.
Your could Win a FREE Cruise -- click HERE and register for your chance to win! Winner will be announced August 18th at the Professional Airmen's Conference in Atlanta (winner need not be present). Administered by Brennco Travel, a leader in the travel industry with top accounts with every major cruise line and all the top touring companies.
AFSA SERGEANTS Magazine: We can help get your message to your Air Force active duty, veteran and retired target market. Published bimonthly, SERGEANTS is the only publication dedicated solely to serving Air Force enlisted members and their families. For advertising rates and information, please contact
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AFSA CONFERENCE SPECIALS
Fly AirTran to our AFSA Conference and SAVE 10% Are you planning to attend the Air Force Sergeants Associations Professional Airmen’s Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on August 15 - 19? Choose AirTran and receive a 10% discount on the lowest available fare. To make your reservations contact the AirTran Airways EventSavers Desk at 1-866-683-8368 and provide the AirTran booking agent with the following Event Code: ATL081509 - THE PROF AIRMEN’S CONFERENCE. Air Tran serves over 50 cities across the country. And everywhere they go, low fares follow. For specific flight/route information visit: www.airtran.com.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY: Savings for Atlanta Attractions: Take advantage of special discounts and offers for AFSA and Conference members at many local Atlanta attractions, as well as, shopping, dining/nightlife, and theater opportunities. Visit these websites: Georgia Aquarium, Southern Hospitality Savings, and Coca Cola.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Sponsoring AFSA’s 2009 Professional Airmen’s Conference provides a mutual benefit for your company, our honored guests and members. Our working partnership offers new, expanded ways to increase customer loyalty to your company’s products or services within the military community while offering opportunities to enhance vital professional career development and services AFSA provides to deserving service members who protect our great nation. In addition, your partnership will highlight your support for today’s American Heroes -- our Airmen and their families. To take advantage of this unique marketing opportunity -- and to receive our Sponsor Packets -- contact Andrea Sanford, Marketing & Public Relations (301) 899-3500 x232, or email to
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OTHER INFO
As a reminder, in the event of a change in address or email, please update your record by login on the AFSA web site and updating your personal information or by calling Member and Field Relations at 1-800-638-0594 Ext 228.
CMSAF Paul W. Airey Legacy Coin are available at www.CMSAFCOIN.com with all proceeds going to the CMSAF Scholarship fund. Dependents of enlisted members are eligible for these lucrative grants.
