Local AFSA chapter aides enlisted force for lifetime Published Oct. 25, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Timothy R. Capling 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- An Airman 1st Class from Tyndall Air Force Base may be speaking to Congress today. While the Airman is not going to be literally standing in the room or even be in Washington D.C., the Air Force Sergeants Association and Tyndall AFB's local AFSA chapter allows enlisted personnel of all ranks and retirees to get their voices heard to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. AFSA was formed in 1961 to take on issues such as pay, cost of living allowance, commissary privileges and issues that affect the enlisted force. The organization's lobbyists speak to Congress regularly about these issues and fulfill AFSA's role as the "voice of the enlisted." The local AFSA chapter is Chapter 553, also known as the Paul W. Airey chapter, named after the first chief master sergeant of the Air Force, who is a member and lives in the local area. In addition to the traditional AFSA mission, chapter 553 supports a multitude of local enlisted and youth programs. Programs supported in the past include: airman leadership school leadership awards, NCO academy awards, Community College of the Air Force graduations, Civil Air Patrol, Tyndall AFB annual and quarterly awards, local high school Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs, Boy Scout Pack 388, Tyndall AFB Venturing Crew, Sunland Retirement Home Christmas party, Empty Stocking Fund, Chapter 553 Scholarship, Tyndall AFB Elementary, POW/MIA Committee and the Air Force Enlisted Village. Most recently, the Airey chapter hosted the first First-Term Airmen of the Year luncheon to recognize and honor 16 of Tyndall AFB's outstanding Airmen and to encourage them to continue with their desire to be exceptional representatives of the Air Force and country. The successful event was attended by more than 200 people, including Chief Airey, and is slated to be an annual ceremony. Master Sgt. Robert Todd, Airey NCO Academy superintendent of plans and programs, has been the local chapter's president for more than a year. Sergeant Todd said the greatest thing about AFSA is, "being part of a team that directly impacts our entire enlisted force." "AFSA is here for all of us," he said. "They're our direct link to Capitol Hill and they get out there and voice our needs to the men and women that make the very policies that affect our lives." Senior Airman Jessica Nix, 325th Communications Squadron voice networking journeyman and chapter membership trustee, said she also joined to contribute to the enlisted voice. "AFSA means a lot to me as an Airman," she said. "I plan to make a career out of the Air Force and AFSA allows me to take part in some of the decisions that will affect me and my family now and during retirement." Airman Nix encourages all Airmen to join. "I think all young Airmen need to get involved," she said. "The more members we get, the more influence we'll have on Capitol Hill." With more than 130,000 members, may Airmen choose to continue their membership after they retire. "AFSA is one of the only professional organizations that will have an impact on you from the day you enter service, until long after you retire," Sergeant Todd said. For more information on AFSA or to join, visit http://www.afsahq.org or contact Sergeant Todd or Airman Nix via email. For more information on chapter 553, visit www.afsa553.org.