New AFSA chapter president aims for more recruitment, fundraising, volunteering

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jake Richmond
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Blue, first sergeant for the 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, hasn't wasted any time since being elected president of the Air Force Sergeants Association's local chapter.

Since he took over April 16, Sergeant Blue has already conducted two membership drives, which netted a combined 40 new members. With Chapter 1261's membership totaling more than 1,200, he's not ready to stop there.

"What would be awesome is if even half of these members recruited or retained one more person," Sergeant Blue said.

In addition to increasing recruitment, which benefits AFSA as a whole, the local chapter raises funds for on-base functions, too, like quarterly awards ceremonies and the Airman Leadership School icebreakers. Members also routinely look for opportunities to volunteer in the local community. The broader purpose, though, is contributing to an association that's been committed to improving quality of life for the Air Force enlisted force since 1961.

Over time, AFSA has become a steady and well respected lobbying force in Washington, dedicated to increasing pay and expanding benefits for enlisted Airmen.

"The best part of AFSA membership is being part of an organization that I know has my back in every possible aspect of my Air Force life, whether on active duty or in retirement," Sergeant Blue said. "Basically, everything that they're doing translates to rewards on an individual level. They're fighting every day to increase our benefits in multiple ways.

"The tangible factor I can always point to is how much more money I make as an indirect result of the lobbying AFSA has done. From 1997 to 2008, the paycheck for an E-8 has increased by more than $900 per month."

The local chapter will continue to solicit more members. Active-duty and retired enlisted Airmen, plus Reservists and Air National Guardsmen are eligible to sign up. The chapter meets at the Mirage Club on the third Thursday of every month at 12:15 p.m.

To find out more or become a member, contact Master Sgt. Alvin Sanders at 228-2268, or go to www.hqafsa.org and specify Chapter 1261.