Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy gives opening remarks at the 2012 Professional Airmen's Conference welcome breakfast in Jacksonville, Fla., Aug. 12, 2012. The Professional Airmen's Conference is the flagship event for the Air Force Sergeants Association and is held annually at a location within the 48 contiguous United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs)
Retired Col. John Bowley gives an account of his career at the 2012 Professional Airmen's Conference welcome breakfast in Jacksonville, Fla., Aug. 12, 2012. Bowley is the former commander of the College of Enlisted Professional Military Education. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs)
Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Binnicker speaks about the Enlisted Village at the 2012 Professional Airmen's Conference in Jacksonville, Fla., Aug. 12, 2012. Binnicker, the ninth CMSAF, now serves as the president and chief executive officer of the Air Force Enlisted Village, a non-profit charity located in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. The Enlisted Village provides a home for the surviving spouses of enlisted military personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs)
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy gives opening remarks at the 2012 Professional Airmen's Conference welcome breakfast in Jacksonville, Fla., Aug. 12, 2012. The Professional Airmen's Conference is the flagship event for the Air Force Sergeants Association and is held annually at a location within the 48 contiguous United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs)
by Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
23rd Wing Public Affairs
8/14/2012 - JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AFNS) -- More than 1,300 U.S. Air Force enlisted Airmen gathered here to kick off the 2012 Air Force Sergeants Association Convention and Professional Airman Conference, Aug. 12.
The convention is held annually, and is comprised of a number of smaller conferences and meetings, all sponsored by AFSA. This year's convention takes place from Aug. 11 to 16.
"This is going to be a great week," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy. "You know, AFSA has been at this for a lot of years now. Fifty-one years as a veterans' service organization and the responsibility that comes along with that title. We're certainly honored to be a part of that. That is our organization, this is our organization. And as I look out over the group, I see over a thousand people out here today. Thank you for participating in this."
AFSA is a federally chartered, non-profit organization that works closely with the White House staff and the Department of Veterans Affairs. AFSA represents the professional and personal interests of all Airmen and their families.
"AFSA was started by four individuals on May 3, 1961. Our focus is on the voice of the enlisted force," said Jeff Ledoux, AFSA international president. "We work toward the quality of life of all enlisted. We protect benefits, by legislative means and educating lawmakers. We work to improve and maintain the quality of life of the enlisted, things like TRICARE, education and retirement, anything that has to do with quality of life."
In addition to actively working to maintain and enhance the benefits of all Airmen, AFSA also supports 55 Fisher Houses and 141 state veterans' homes. Fisher Houses, usually located near major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers, provide free housing to families of wounded service members while they receive treatment.
"We stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us," said the Air Force's highest ranking enlisted leader.
Roy also revealed during the opening remarks that the new Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh III is scheduled to speak at the convention later in the week.
"If you don't know this, this will be his first TDY as the new chief of staff of the Air Force," Roy said. "That's a big deal. What is he doing? He is coming all the way down here to talk to us, the enlisted corps of this great United States Air Force."
Throughout the week, Airmen will have the opportunity to attend conference sessions regarding benefits such as education, retirement benefits, and leadership skills.
Comments
8/20/2012 11:29:00 AM ET The AFSA supports a constitutional amendment that bans flag burning. That is a no-go in my book.
Analyst, USAFA
8/16/2012 9:00:48 PM ET PB The AFSA Legislative platform does not state prohibit as you put in your post it states protect. While I can't speak for AFSA HQ I will speak for how I feel as a veteran Airman and lifetime AFSA member. It is the responsibility of all Airmen to respect protect and display the flag in accordance with public law and AFI. While I agree it is the right of any American citizen to desecrate the flag if they so desire it is not the right of any American Airman to desecrate the flag. As with many of your other rights you gave this one up when you raised your right hand. Please feel free to reread the new AFI 1-1 to refresh your responsibilities on this subject area. I think it is appropriate for a membership of current and former Airmen to state that they will protect the flag from desecration.
Gary Swanson, Illinois
8/16/2012 9:14:28 AM ET PB, can you provide the specific example you're citing? An excerpt of their mission, vision or some documentation that verifies AFSA's position on the topic you mention? Would hope that it would be spelled out carefully and in very specific terms since AFSA is such a large organization.
AM, IL
8/15/2012 1:19:56 PM ET It's important to note that AFSA does not necessarily represent the interests of the entire Air Force enlisted corps. Its stance on prohibiting desecration of the U.S. flag is particularly troublesome as the courts have found that to be protected speech under the First Amendment. Airmen swear to defend the Constitution and without the freedoms enshrined therein the flag is worth less than the cloth from which it's made.
