Air Force Sergeants Association

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Anthony Grass
  • 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As a recruiter for Liberty Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 1669, I am frequently asked, "why should I join AFSA?" There are a number of reasons to join AFSA and attend the meetings, but the two reasons that stand out most to me are the camaraderie and the professional development opportunities. Such an opportunity presented itself in the form of the AFSA Division 16 33rd Annual Convention and Professional Airmen's Conference ... what a mouth full!

Most of the Airmen I know have questions about their future. As the Air Force continues to "force shape" our military, those that are left have to deal with a lack of leaders and worse, a lack of mentors. It is important for today's Airmen to seek out every opportunity available to develop their skill set. The AFSA Professional Airmen's Conference (PAC) is one of the ways Airmen can do just that. What other opportunity do airmen have to sit down with three command chiefs from Air Force bases United States Air Forces in Europe wide? The guidance that the chiefs provided will stick with me long after I leave RAF Lakenheath, and I am sure it will do the same for all others that attended the PAC.

This conference allowed members from 11 installations to come together for one purpose: to further the AFSA platform. We, as an organization, are only as strong as our members, which are the very columns that AFSA stands on. It is through conferences such as this one that Air Force members can gain insight into why AFSA is important and what it is doing to ensure our stability in the military. Beyond that, it is an opportunity to bond as AFSA members and to build espirt de corps unlike any other organization in the Air Force.

Personnel in attendance for the four-day PAC were treated to two superb dinners, a trip to Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, and educational/information briefings that spanned from "Colors Personalities" to "Generational Leadership."

Colors Personalities looked into what color each person would be assigned based on their personality. Allegedly, your color will aid you to make behavior choices. If you are an orange, then you are competitive in nature and love to win. Blues are much calmer and very creative. While red is enthusiastic, and green is assertive. Each color has potential, and as with any crayon box, you need all the colors to make a good picture! This was the neatest exercise; it really provided great insight into what the make-up of group dynamics could possibly be.

The Professional Airmen's Conference was a wonderful opportunity to grow as an individual and I strongly recommend all Lakenheath members attend the 34th Annual Conference next year. You don't have to wait for top notch mentorship though, join Lakenheath AFSA Chapter 1669 today to find out what you've been missing.

For more information visit the AFSA website at http://www.afsadiv16.org/