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AIR FORCE SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 951 Legislative update

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AIR FORCE SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 951 Legislative update

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    1. Good morning Congratulations on reaching this point in your USAF Senior NCO Academy journey! Hopefully you have enjoyed this 7+ week experience Developed some new friendships Acquired a few new leadership skills Sharpened other tools you brought with you Shared your perspective with your peers and the Air & Space Basic Course LTs Eagerly return to your duty sections ready to put this to work as you take care of & inspire those you lead I’m Jon Hake - delighted to be with you 15 years ago – I was member of Class 93-C Would like to briefly share with you what your AFSA is doing for you Good morning Congratulations on reaching this point in your USAF Senior NCO Academy journey! Hopefully you have enjoyed this 7+ week experience Developed some new friendships Acquired a few new leadership skills Sharpened other tools you brought with you Shared your perspective with your peers and the Air & Space Basic Course LTs Eagerly return to your duty sections ready to put this to work as you take care of & inspire those you lead I’m Jon Hake - delighted to be with you 15 years ago – I was member of Class 93-C Would like to briefly share with you what your AFSA is doing for you

    2. Recently changed the slides… Previously at this point few slides detailing the history of AFSA AFSA was incorporated 47 years ago on May 3, 1961, by three NCOs Virgil Perry; Don Ward & Benny MCGehee In July 97, AFSA was federally chartered by the 105th Congress with Amendment 728 to S. 936 Introduced by Sen John McCain, Arizona Today, your association has just under 130,000 members 48% are retirees and veterans Remaining 52% (67K) are AD, ANG and AFRC enlisted Airmen from a total possible population of over 310,401 (21.5%) So, why the can of peaches? Marketing Department – Cassie – why eating out of the can, why not? Start by looking at gains made in NDAA 2008 Recently changed the slides… Previously at this point few slides detailing the history of AFSA AFSA was incorporated 47 years ago on May 3, 1961, by three NCOs Virgil Perry; Don Ward & Benny MCGehee In July 97, AFSA was federally chartered by the 105th Congress with Amendment 728 to S. 936 Introduced by Sen John McCain, Arizona Today, your association has just under 130,000 members 48% are retirees and veterans Remaining 52% (67K) are AD, ANG and AFRC enlisted Airmen from a total possible population of over 310,401 (21.5%) So, why the can of peaches? Marketing Department – Cassie – why eating out of the can, why not? Start by looking at gains made in NDAA 2008

    3. First, something near and dear to all military members, PAY This year, a 3.5% pay increase was approved and went into effect on 1 Jan 08. DD fm 214 is now stored at the Dept of VA in DC and at the VA in their home state Chapter 61 retirees can now file for Combat Related Service Connected injuries through their respective branches of services, i.e. AF Personnel Center, this is only for disabilities that are combat related Sen Chambliss, D-GA; inserted language to reduce retirement age eligibility 3 months for every 90 days served supporting a contingency; flaw in the wording; only considered service after enactment – 25 Jan Earlier this month (9 Apr 08), Sen Chambliss introduced S. 2836, to count all service since 9/11; currently has 14 co-sponsors Those 100% disable and unemployable will be fully compensated starting 1 Oct 2008, rather than phased in through 2014 like others receiving concurrent receipt; payment will be retroactive to 31 Dec 2004 if they were 100% disabled and 100% unemployable on 31 Dec 2004 or on a date since then and now. This could mean a tax-free check for as much as $30,000.00 and full disability and full retirement starting 1 Oct 2008. First, something near and dear to all military members, PAY This year, a 3.5% pay increase was approved and went into effect on 1 Jan 08. DD fm 214 is now stored at the Dept of VA in DC and at the VA in their home state Chapter 61 retirees can now file for Combat Related Service Connected injuries through their respective branches of services, i.e. AF Personnel Center, this is only for disabilities that are combat related Sen Chambliss, D-GA; inserted language to reduce retirement age eligibility 3 months for every 90 days served supporting a contingency; flaw in the wording; only considered service after enactment – 25 Jan Earlier this month (9 Apr 08), Sen Chambliss introduced S. 2836, to count all service since 9/11; currently has 14 co-sponsors Those 100% disable and unemployable will be fully compensated starting 1 Oct 2008, rather than phased in through 2014 like others receiving concurrent receipt; payment will be retroactive to 31 Dec 2004 if they were 100% disabled and 100% unemployable on 31 Dec 2004 or on a date since then and now. This could mean a tax-free check for as much as $30,000.00 and full disability and full retirement starting 1 Oct 2008.

    4. Military will still be able to carry a leave balance of 75 days at least till 2010; 15 days above the previous cap of 60 days Section 584 of NDAA protects service members against default judgment and stay of proceedings, to include child custody proceedings, similar to financial issues covered by the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act Section 594, provides consistency for all services; permitting members of the Armed Forces and veterans present, but not in uniform, to render a military salute when hoisting and lowering the U.S. Flag and as it passes in a parade Section 586, directed the SECDEF to establish procedures to ensure adequate family care plans are in place for single parents and dual military when the member(s) may be deployed in an area where imminent danger pay is authorized; also would allow member to request a deferment in the case of an unforeseen circumstances Military will still be able to carry a leave balance of 75 days at least till 2010; 15 days above the previous cap of 60 days Section 584 of NDAA protects service members against default judgment and stay of proceedings, to include child custody proceedings, similar to financial issues covered by the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act Section 594, provides consistency for all services; permitting members of the Armed Forces and veterans present, but not in uniform, to render a military salute when hoisting and lowering the U.S. Flag and as it passes in a parade Section 586, directed the SECDEF to establish procedures to ensure adequate family care plans are in place for single parents and dual military when the member(s) may be deployed in an area where imminent danger pay is authorized; also would allow member to request a deferment in the case of an unforeseen circumstances

    5. Bring it full circle to pay again This year a 3.4% raise based on the Employment Cost Index (ECI); this is required by law Good news on the horizon, a friend of AFSA, Rep Gus Bilirakis, FL, introduced H.R. 5481 on 25 Feb 08 to provide an additional .5% increase to ensure at least a minimum pay increase of 3.9 percent for members and to further narrow the pay gap between military and private sector pay scales. Believe this will gain more support during this election year So why am I on this stage on your next to last day of class? Bring it full circle to pay again This year a 3.4% raise based on the Employment Cost Index (ECI); this is required by law Good news on the horizon, a friend of AFSA, Rep Gus Bilirakis, FL, introduced H.R. 5481 on 25 Feb 08 to provide an additional .5% increase to ensure at least a minimum pay increase of 3.9 percent for members and to further narrow the pay gap between military and private sector pay scales. Believe this will gain more support during this election year So why am I on this stage on your next to last day of class?

    6. I see as an aspect of the profession of arms curriculum and enlisted professional development Not here to recruit you, rather share with you what professional military associations, and in particular Air Force Sergeants Association, does for you As you can see membership is a responsibility all enlisted members share as outlined in the Enlisted Force Structure Our primary focus in Q-O-L, not weapon systems or policy debates, quality of life for you and those you lead and their family membersI see as an aspect of the profession of arms curriculum and enlisted professional development Not here to recruit you, rather share with you what professional military associations, and in particular Air Force Sergeants Association, does for you As you can see membership is a responsibility all enlisted members share as outlined in the Enlisted Force Structure Our primary focus in Q-O-L, not weapon systems or policy debates, quality of life for you and those you lead and their family members

    7. Why are PMAs even needed, because Q-O-L benefits are created by public law – Congress Not DoD – not because senior leaders don’t see importance – they understand and appreciate – they are tasked with mission accomplishment So if we rely on Congress; let’s look at those legislatorsWhy are PMAs even needed, because Q-O-L benefits are created by public law – Congress Not DoD – not because senior leaders don’t see importance – they understand and appreciate – they are tasked with mission accomplishment So if we rely on Congress; let’s look at those legislators

    8. 100 in Senate; 435 in the House of Representatives What percentage have military experience? This is less than 10 or 20 years ago, but don’t confuse a lack of military experience as a lack of patriotism. While many legislators (over 78%) lack first-hand military experience, the vast majority, like those in uniform, are inclined to a life of service and they deeply appreciate the service and sacrifice of those in our Armed Forces. Many rely heavily on AFSA lobbyists to provide candid insight to and feedback on what quality of life issues are most important to those serving on the front line in this long war, whether here at home or abroad, Active Duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command. 100 in Senate; 435 in the House of Representatives What percentage have military experience? This is less than 10 or 20 years ago, but don’t confuse a lack of military experience as a lack of patriotism. While many legislators (over 78%) lack first-hand military experience, the vast majority, like those in uniform, are inclined to a life of service and they deeply appreciate the service and sacrifice of those in our Armed Forces. Many rely heavily on AFSA lobbyists to provide candid insight to and feedback on what quality of life issues are most important to those serving on the front line in this long war, whether here at home or abroad, Active Duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command.

    9. That feedback/insight is often provided and sought It takes many forms following a typical legislative year Begins late in the calendar year, writing to committee chairs – offering insight and asking for opportunity to testify on issues of mutual interest President delivers State of the Union in Jan, followed closely by the budget Lobby legislators to express support for bills introduced; offer tweaks Generate support from members; through weekly electronic newsletter and calls to action Work with 34 other Veteran Service Organizations, NCOA, MOAA, AUSA, VFW, AMVETS…this collective organization represents 5.5 Million…don’t always agree, but when consensus can be achieved, education, healthcare or whatever it can make a huge difference That feedback/insight is often provided and sought It takes many forms following a typical legislative year Begins late in the calendar year, writing to committee chairs – offering insight and asking for opportunity to testify on issues of mutual interest President delivers State of the Union in Jan, followed closely by the budget Lobby legislators to express support for bills introduced; offer tweaks Generate support from members; through weekly electronic newsletter and calls to action Work with 34 other Veteran Service Organizations, NCOA, MOAA, AUSA, VFW, AMVETS…this collective organization represents 5.5 Million…don’t always agree, but when consensus can be achieved, education, healthcare or whatever it can make a huge difference

    10. Quickly share with you a few hot topics Some may have seen the rally on Capitol Hill yesterday for S. 22, Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act, intoduced by Sen Webb, D-VA; 56 co-sponsors Built on premise of WWII GI Bill; transition assistance Challenge is there are at last count 21 different bills introduced during the 110th Congress related to education; everyone seems to want to do something to help those serving Push back from VA and DoD; cost, retention and other factors AFSA has long sought transferability – believe it could be a retention tool Advocate at every opportunity the need to eliminate the $1,200 enrollment ($2,700) Nearly 500K in last 8 years have declined Some progress in H.R. 5684, Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008, by Rep Herseth-Sandlin, R-SD; extends payment to 24 months Quickly share with you a few hot topics Some may have seen the rally on Capitol Hill yesterday for S. 22, Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act, intoduced by Sen Webb, D-VA; 56 co-sponsors Built on premise of WWII GI Bill; transition assistance Challenge is there are at last count 21 different bills introduced during the 110th Congress related to education; everyone seems to want to do something to help those serving Push back from VA and DoD; cost, retention and other factors AFSA has long sought transferability – believe it could be a retention tool Advocate at every opportunity the need to eliminate the $1,200 enrollment ($2,700) Nearly 500K in last 8 years have declined Some progress in H.R. 5684, Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008, by Rep Herseth-Sandlin, R-SD; extends payment to 24 months

    11. Administration proposed budget cut $10.5M from military accounts for medical care; offset to this was a recycled idea to increase TRICARE enrollment fees In some cases, doubling and tripling fees over the next few years We have assurances from congressional leaders on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, this simply won’t see the light of day – election year dynamic – will be a concern next year Medical care costs continue to go up at a difficult to sustain rate Presidential commission on the National Guard and Reserve recently released its final report 40 recommendations; some reflect what AFSA has long advocated – reduce the age Guard and Reserve members can receive retired pay - CNGR here proposal suggest all components should be under the same retirement system Administration proposed budget cut $10.5M from military accounts for medical care; offset to this was a recycled idea to increase TRICARE enrollment fees In some cases, doubling and tripling fees over the next few years We have assurances from congressional leaders on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, this simply won’t see the light of day – election year dynamic – will be a concern next year Medical care costs continue to go up at a difficult to sustain rate Presidential commission on the National Guard and Reserve recently released its final report 40 recommendations; some reflect what AFSA has long advocated – reduce the age Guard and Reserve members can receive retired pay - CNGR here proposal suggest all components should be under the same retirement system

    30. To wrap up my briefing; why join and support Slide speaks for itself Won’t beat that drum; simply ask for your consideration And in the words of my co-worker, CassieTo wrap up my briefing; why join and support Slide speaks for itself Won’t beat that drum; simply ask for your consideration And in the words of my co-worker, Cassie

    31. WHY NOT? WHY NOT? Thank you for your attention Close with this: First, congratulations on completing this course Second, never underestimate the value of what you do for America Your service, your leadership, the sacrifice you and your family make each and every day ensures freedom for all Americans As a benefactor of your efforts – THANK YOU! Pending your questions, this concludes my briefing, thank you. WHY NOT? Thank you for your attention Close with this: First, congratulations on completing this course Second, never underestimate the value of what you do for America Your service, your leadership, the sacrifice you and your family make each and every day ensures freedom for all Americans As a benefactor of your efforts – THANK YOU! Pending your questions, this concludes my briefing, thank you.

    33. QUESTIONS? www.afsa951.org

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