AFSA

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing/ Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force Sergeant's Association, also known as the "Voice of the Enlisted," was founded in 1961 by four servicemembers, with one goal in mind, to represent enlisted members at Capitol Hill and the Pentagon.

Now nearly 130,000 members strong, there is no stopping this organization. In the past several years AFSA has been successful in increasing allowances during permanent change of station moves, gaining approval of various health care benefit expansions, implementing the National Mail Order Pharmacy Program and much more.

On Tyndall Air Force Base, AFSA's numbers are growing strong, and Chapter 553 has recently been named in the top ten for highest membership. The chapter is headed by Master Sgt. Ken Kundert, Superintendant of plans and Programming at the Airey Non Commissioned Officer Academy.

"The more members we have the bigger our voice will be'" said Sgt. Kundert.

Outside of Congress, AFSA is also active in the community.

"Through fundraising we are able to donate to Children in Crisis, Boy Scouts, The Village and others who need our help," said Sgt. Kundert.

Beyond that, AFSA awards several scholarships a year to enlisted servicemembers and their families.

So why become a member?

"I joined AFSA because of what they do for us," said Master Sgt. Michael T. Hair, the First Sgt. for the 325th Force Support Squadron, and an AFSA Membership Trustee. "AFSA protects myself and my family. It also allows us to keep our benefits and guarantees our rights."

Membership is not limited to enlisted members. Family and spouses are also welcome to join. There are two ways to become a member of AFSA.

"Potential members can sign up online or through a membership trustee," said Sgt. Hair.

AFSA meets every third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. in the Community Activity Center. The meeting is accompanied by pizza and soft drinks.