AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION THE FORCE BEHIND THE FORCE

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION THE FORCE BEHIND THE FORCE Peterson JEA Thursday 13 May

Our Definition of Professional Development • To better oneself professionally –A true professional Never stops learning • Search for every possible opportunity to learn how to improve yourself; your job; your unit, our Air Force –Professional Military Education –CCAF –Facilitated Learning Opportunities –Consultation, Coaching, Mentoring, Lessons Learned, Study, Reflective Supervision and Technical Assistance

My AFA story

Why does AFA Matter to me? • Not just for retirees! • Another way to expand your professional network –Meet great mentors –Serve as a chapter officer or state delegate • Always need volunteers for local events such as: –AF Ball –Space and Cyberspace Symposium –Veteran events –Special Projects –Awards and recognition

AFA Mission • EDUCATES the public about the critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation • ADVOCATES aerospace power and a strong national defense • SUPPORTS the United States Air Force – Air Force family – Aerospace Education

AFA Vision To become the premier professional military association in the United States – dedicated to aerospace pre-eminence and a strong national defense.

How AFA is Involved • Publish AIR FORCE Magazine & Daily Report to educate the membership and the public • Publish independent, policy relevant studies through the Gen Billy Mitchell Institute • Conduct national symposia and disseminate aerospace issues through outreach programs • Sponsor professional development seminars and recognize excellence in –Aerospace Education (AE) –Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

How AFA is Involved • Present scholarships and grants • Award educator grants & promote STEM • Sponsor Cyber. Patriot National High School Cyber Defense Competition • Support the Grassroots organizations of 125+ AFA chapters • Recognize the 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year (since 1956) • See www. afa. org for more

Coalition of Professional Aerospace Organizations

Our Local Chapter Lance P. Sijan AFA Chapter • 2600+ members – 3 rd largest AFA chapter • 1 of 4 chapters in Colorado – Mile High Chapter (Denver) – Gen Robert E. Huyser Chapter (Grand Junction) – Mel Harmon Chapter (Pueblo) • 4 major AF installations in our AOR –Peterson AFB –Schriever AFB –Cheyenne Mountain AFS –USAF

Our Local Chapter Lance P. Sijan AFA Chapter • Meet the second Tuesday of every Month • 0730 -0830 at the Armed Forces YMCA • Next Meeting: Tuesday 15 June www. afasijan. com

Why AFA Now? • By becoming a member as a Junior Airman you… –Encounter many professional development opportunities early in your career –Have the chance to serve in a leadership role outside of work –Meet and network with members from all careers and walks of life –Travel to events; AFA National Convention and multiple symposia –Expand your knowledge of the Air Force and its history The AFA is your professional development link now and in the future!