AFSA represents Eielson

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Periodically congress meets to discuss topics that directly affect servicemembers and their families.

Instead of allowing the opinions and preferences of Airmen to go unheard, Eielson's Air Force Sergeants Association is one path Airmen here can take to show their involvement and potentially influence the decisions of congressional delegates.

Eielson's chapter represents the Air Force's enlisted men, women and their families keeping Icemen abreast of areas of interest for congress members at Capitol Hill.

Key topics include retirement benefits and the availability of the Base Exchange and Commissary, two areas of great interest to the military community.

"In this case numbers are important. We need more participation in our chapter on Eielson. Support Eielson's AFSA chapter," said Tech. Sgt. Jessica Clark, 353d Combat Training Squadron NCO in charge of advanced programs. "AFSA lobbies for all of our benefits and the more members there are, the more likely these benefits will not be cut."

Members of AFSA can attend monthly meetings that serve as a tool to stay informed and active in the group and receive newsletters that identify changes that have been made and topics being discussed.

"AFSA is on our side whether they are working to add or keep benefits," said Master Sgt. Brad Eveland, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of training. "It's important to know how AFSA is litigating for our efforts and to improve and protect benefits so they get the message out to Capitol Hill and our benefits don't disappear."

AFSA also provides the opportunity to volunteer in the community or at AFSA sponsored funding.

AFSA is open to active duty, Guard and Reserve servicemembers, retirees and dependents, who are considered auxiliary members.

"I have been a member for a while and did not foresee myself being President of AFSA but I am thankful for this opportunity because I've been able to see how things work and how much we make a difference," said Clark.

The political representation of AFSA is valuable to servicemembers so congress members can make decisions while having the perspective of servicemembers in mind.

For more information speak with any AFSA member or contact Senior Master Sgt. Juliet Gudgel at 377-3537.