Vice Commander

AFA: The Air Force Association is an organization with great resources which many squadrons do not utilize enough. There are local chapters near most squadrons and all are eager to help AAS squadrons. This partnership has to work both ways though. I feel it is not too much to ask for a representative from each squadron to attend AFA chapter meetings and AFA doing the same. Thanks to the 2005-06 National Staff, the Arnold Air Society now actively sits on the National AFA board. There is no reason this relationship should not continue down the chain of command. Meetings and official business should not be the end of the partnership either. Social events such as golf outings and squadron induction ceremonies would be even better with AFA support. Many members of AFA represent the history of our great Air Force all with experiences which can only help AAS, the future of our great Air Force.

AFROTC Affairs: The cadets of AFROTC know the most about the tools needed to make the program better. Many, however, wish they could have a say in any changes made. Those same cadets do not know about the AF Affairs committee. Changes have been made in the past directly due to the AF Affairs committee. Raises in book money and updating to cadet PT uniform happened in large part due to what cadets said. I feel the best way to improve cadet’s participation in the affairs committee is to make it much easier to make suggestions. First, Squadron deputy commanders need to make their detachments aware of the process and the part cadets have in it. Beyond that accountability on the squadron’s part, an online submission forum will greatly reduce the turn around time on improvements.

Silver Wings: Silver Wings is our sister organization and is always present for decisions which affect Arnold Air Society on the national level. Silver Wings leadership is always eager to do so but the main problem is the lack of Silver Wings chapters. Many Arnold Air Squadrons are without a local chapter to aid in their projects and decisions. Chapters are easy to start and the benefits can be seen immediately. I will offer help needed to aid squadrons in starting chapters and reward many that take the initiative.

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