AFSA: Voice of our Airmen

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Travis tonight we'll recognize our local Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter's Best of the best for 2008; Airman and NCO categories. Recognizing these proud Americans will stimulate professional pride in both them and those that witness celebration. These Airmen have demonstrated their ability to foster improvements in our Air Force, Team Travis and our local communities. They accomplish this through their actions, leadership and the support of AFSA. 

Air Force Professional Military Associations are important to our Air Force and our mission. PMAs foster camaraderie, encourage military professionalism and help preserve our military heritage. I'm particularly fond of AFSA because of what they accomplish on behalf of our Airmen and their families. Founded in 1961, they have led the way on both Capitol Hill and in the Pentagon earning the recognition and respect of Washington's leaders for its sustained role as the "voice of the enlisted." Although being recognized as the "voice of the enlisted" is great, in reality this renowned organization is the voice of Airmen. 

Unfortunately, often times AFSA and other PMA are not on our minds until we're approaching retirement; then we begin to heed the importance of their activities. AFSA has been influencing our lives since the day each of us swore to protect this majestic land against all enemies foreign and domestic; advocating for improved quality-of-life and economic fairness. I recall reading a motivational piece, "Courage isn't always heard in a loud roar; it's often found in those quiet little words, I will try again tomorrow." 

This quote is emblematical of AFSA. Every day they fight, and they lobby trying to ensure this great institution hold true to its promise. Regrettably the vast majority of our Airmen have no idea AFSA exists or what they do on our behalf.

I knew a couple that lived very modestly; his wife sewed or knitted his shirts. One day the husband returned home from work after a 12-hour day; this particular time he was without his shirt. His wife inquired about the shirt and he replied I tore it beyond repair and threw it out. This went on for a couple of weeks and his wife became suspicious. 

The next day she followed him to work and waited for him to get off. He departed work on his journey home traveling down an alley filled with homeless people. As he had done several times before, without breaking stride, he took off his shirt and gave it to a homeless person. Watching this unselfish act of kindness from afar his wife couldn't restrain the tears as they welled in her eyes. Filled with pride she hurried home to begin knitting another shirt. He arrived shortly afterwards, she looked up and said I'll have your new shirt done before you leave for work tomorrow. AFSA walks the halls of congress advocating for us; no expectation of gratitude, they just do it. Yet, its membership is declining rapidly. Team Travis we need to begin knitting more shirts; our local chapter membership is a little more than 500 members; we can do better. 

Enjoy your weekend and as always; be safe make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.