AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 178! QUARTER 4, 2011

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In This IssueIt has been an awesome

quarter in the Paul Revere chapter, and we’re pleased to share several success stories with you.

We have raised thousands of dollars for charity, we’ve grown our membership, expanded our industry partner roster, and gained several new VPs of programs.

We’ve also continued partnering with sister Air Force organizations to help spread the Air Force message and further give back to the community.

You’ll read all about these and more in the pages that follow, and we hope you’ll be inspired to share these successes with your family and friends. If your membership has expired and you’d like to renew, we’d love to see you again: http://bit.ly/azjAg9

-Paul Revere Chapter, AFA

AFA Paul RevereQuarterly Chapter Newsletter... The Force Behind the Force

On October 14, 2011, Paul Revere AFA Chapter President Mr. Keith Taylor presented a check for $300 to Hanscom's Top-3 organization, on the occasion of ESC's and Hanscom's latest MSgt Promotion ceremony.

"We never want to fa lter in supporting the enlisted troops, as

they continue to be a backbone in educating and supporting our Air Force community," Keith noted on behalf of the AFA.

Pictured, Mr. Taylor presents a check to MSgt Elizabeth Burrell, President of the Hanscom Top-3. To the left is ESC First Sergeant MSgt Gene Brandt.

SECOND ANNUAL VETERANS DAY FUN RUN AT THE BEDFORD VA

On November 11th, to commemorate Veterans Day and to raise funds for deployed troops and their families, the Paul Revere Chapter held its 2nd Annual Fun Run. The event was hosted by the Bedford Veterans Administration Hospital, and was led and managed by Paul Revere Chapter members Ryan Lafferty and Lt. Erin Kendall, and Bedford VA Public Affairs Officer

Kristin Pressly.

Events included a 10K and 5K run and a 5K walk and stroll. The day started with crisp temperatures, and as race time approached and the starter prepared the 365 walkers and runners, a wonderful buzz of excitement overcame the athletes and cheering fans.

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 178! QUARTER 4, 2011

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AFA FUN RUN, CONT’D...

Keith Taylor, Paul Revere Chapter President, helped to welcome the crowd, along with Christine Croteau, Acting Director of the Bedford VA Hospital. The runners and walkers were ready to go to test their personal records and simply enjoy the day recognizing our Veterans.

The event was again a great success, with more participants and many repeat runners from 2010. A grand total of $12,045.15 was raised for deployed troops and their families, $5,000 of which we presented at the annual Holiday Party (see article on next page). The remainder will be donated by the chapter soon.

Our leaders, Ryan, Erin, and

Kristin did a superb job organizing this event in the six months leading up to it.

Additional appreciation and thanks go out to Mr. Steve Fuss, agenda coordinator; Ms. Mary Zeger, registration assistant, and to the Bedford Police and Veterans Administration law enforcement team. For more coverage, readers can see “The Steve Katsos Show” at the following internet location: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pww80xjRC_4

Great event, great turnout! Runners, walkers and strollers: get ready for the 3rd Annual AFA Fun Run next year!

NEW ENGLAND CENTER FOR HOMELESS VETERANS (NECHV)

Overall 5K Race Results can be found at http://bit.ly/yLy1pN

Top: 10K Runners Line Up Bottom: Race Directors Ryan and Erin LaffertyPictured on Previous Page: Kara Haas, 5K Winner

AIR FORCE TRIVIA Until the term "airman" came into use, Air Force enlisted personnel were called "soldiers." Who was the Air Force chief of staff who directed that change?

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! (See next page for Answer)

In November, Ron and Karen Adams represented our chapter at the NECHV’s 9th Annual “Leave No One Behind” dinner and auction at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. Mr. Adams, pictured far right presenting a check to NECHV CEO Andy McCawley, is the MA State Treasurer for AFA and a member of our local Paul Revere Chapter. Pictured at far left is Mr. Milt Coon, Director of Annual Giving at the NECHV.

In December, a local business offered the Center a challenge donation of $2,500; if the shelter could raise $1,000, that business would donate $2,500. Our chapter met this challenge and donated $1,000 to NECHV’s rental assistance program, which helps Veterans find and secure permanent housing.

The Center’s mission is to extend a helping hand to homeless men and women veterans. We look forward to a continued great relationship with NECHV and the Veteran men and women it serves.

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 178! QUARTER 4, 2011

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

Annual Chapter Holiday PartyDecember 2nd 2011

The annual chapter holiday party was held December 2nd at the Doubletree Bedford Glen Hotel in Bedford, MA. This event was attended by 190 AFA members, and guests

included industry partners and members from Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom AFB, MA. Guests enjoyed entertainment provided by singer Rick Larrimore.

Chapter President Keith Taylor recognized outgoing President, Mr. Joe Magnone, for his two years of successful leadership. Joe was presented a leather flight jacket, compliments of the chapter.

Lt General C.R. Davis, ESC Commander, took the

time to thank the Paul Revere Chapter for their

many hours of service, and for their financial support donated back to the men and women at Hanscom AFB. It was noted that, on average, over $45,000 annually is donated by the chapter into Veterans programs, scholarships and other initiatives supporting Hanscom and the community. Chapter vice president Amanda Gustafson presented a $5,000 check to 66th Air Base Group Commander Col Stacy Yike for Hanscom's deployed troops. This money was raised at the November fun-run.

The chapter reminded all guests that proceeds and donations from the holiday party would be used to fund the December Veterans holiday party two weeks later in Lowell, Ma (see article below).

Great credit and appreciation go out to Heidi Aronofsky, Northrop Grumman, and Marian McGovern for planning, managing and making this party a huge success. Thank you Heidi and Marian!

On December 14th, the Paul Revere Chapter held its annual Christmas party for service Veterans at the Walker-Rogers VFW Post No. 662 in Lowell, MA. Seventy-five Veterans and caregivers were served a delicious, hot Italian lunch, complete with

salad and dessert. The Walker-Rogers VFW hosts this warm get together each year.

AFA Chapter members and members from the Hanscom AFB Sergeants Association distributed warm jackets and hats and gloves wrapped in large, red stockings, to the veterans. The entire AFA leadership team and many members of the executive committee were in attendance. Cynthia Yeager, Manager from the Veterans Administration,

thanked all the volunteers in attendance for preparing and working this event. She recognized all the Veterans to wish them a Merry Christmas, and the event closed out with a joyous round of Christmas carols, led by Santa Claus himself!

This year, Tommy Appleby, from Hanscom AFB, Ma played the part of the “senior elf,” pictured at left.

AIR FORCE TRIVIA: ANSWERGen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg directed the change in 1950. Over time, the term has evolved to refer to all uniformed members of the Air Force, including officers.

(Trivia Content Courtesy of airforcetimes.com)

VETERANS CHRISTMAS PARTY AT LOWELL, MA VFW

Pictured, Left to Right: Chapter Secretary Jamie Thurber, Chapter President Keith Taylor, Chapter Treasurer Paul Zauner, Chapter Vice President Amanda Gustafson

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 178! QUARTER 4, 2011

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ANNOUNCING THREE NEW VICE PRESIDENTS OF PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

We are proud to welcome our three new Vice Presidents of Programs to our Chapter!

"If our air forces are never used, they have achieved their finest goal."

- General Nathan F. Twining, 31 March 1956

Mr. Jeffrey W. Katz, Senior Business Development Manager at Lockheed Martin IS&GS Defense, Northeast Representative, is our chapter’s new VP of Leadership Development.  

As VP of Leadership Development, I’m charged with establishing a program to provide a forum for the development and mentoring of young AFA members to become the leaders for the Air Force Future, both military and civilian.

Ms. Jenny Hopewell, Business Development Manager at Intertek Testing Services Aerospace and Defense Division, a leading provider of technical and advisory services including EMC, performance testing, and safety certification marks for global market access, is our Chapter’s new VP of Membership. 

'Many hands make light work.’ I am committed to increasing chapter membership so that we may continue making a meaningful impact in service to our active service men and women, honored veterans, and in support of the local community.  

VP of Government Relations, Mr. John Nunziato

As VP of Government Relations, Mr. Nunziato is responsible for developing a network of government AFA members and to develop and maintain a close personal liaison with the local government staff.

In November, Ms. Judy Haberman, COO of BMK Consultants, was recognized as a new chapter industry partner. BMK is a certified HubZone and Woman-Owned Small Business that provides subject matter expertise to support both the Government and Commercial work spaces in the areas of DoD Acquisition Management, Biomedical Research and Development, Construction Management, and Business Solutions Management.

Pictured, Left to Right: Ms. Irene Biddy, VP of Community Partnerships, presents a new Community Partners Plaque to Judy Haberman, COO of BMK Consultants. Chapter President Keith Taylor is on the right.

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 178! QUARTER 4, 2011

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Chapter OfficersPRESIDENT

Chapter President Keith Taylor

VICE PRESIDENT Chapter Vice

! ! President ! ! Amanda ! ! Gustafson

TREASURERChapter TreasurerPaul Zauner

Upcoming EventsApril 2012Membership Event. Details Forthcoming!

30-31 May 2012Chief of Staff Scholarship Eventwith the Association of Old Crows, Patriot’s Roost Chapter

June 2012

Leadership Event. Details Forthcoming!

August 2012C2ISR SymposiumMore Details to Come!

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SECRETARY

ChapterSecretaryJamie Thurber

AFA National Seeks Qualified AFA Members for National Office

The AFA National Nominating Committee will meet on 21 April 2012 to select candidates for AFA national officer and national board of director positions, to be presented to the delegates to the AFA National Convention in September for election.

AFA’s Board focuses on setting policy and strategic direction for three organizations: AFA, the AFA Veteran Benefits Association (AFAVBA) and the Air Force Memorial Foundation (AFMF). It is particularly important that the Association find candidates with the following characteristics:

• A capacity to govern with vision• A willingness to give freely of their time and talent• An understanding of and ability to work in a hybrid

organization• An understanding and appreciation of the AFA mission,

vision, values and history

Anyone who plans to run for one of these offices MUST indicate their intention to do so not later than February 28th and submit their name and other required materials to the AFA Nominating Committee. A one sentence e-mail or letter to the Committee through the staff (mnauheimer@afa.org) stating their name and the position for which they intend to run is sufficient. This will help the Nominating Committee conduct both its search and deliberative functions efficiently and in a timely manner. You can read more at: http://bit.ly/wqABXy

JOIN OUR MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETINGSIf you’ve been involved only “from a distance” lately, we would love to host you at our next chapter meeting! We meet monthly at Hanscom AFB, and our chapter events are open to the public. All meeting dates and times are posted publicly on our chapter website, www.paulrevereafa.org.To learn more, please contact our VP of Membership, Ms. Jenny Hopewell, at jennifer.hopewell@intertek.com.

STAY UP-TO-DATE!To ensure you don’t miss these newsletters, and to stay current

on all AFA events, please make sure your contact information is up to date with AFA National. You can provide your updates at http://www.afa.org/AboutUs/memben/address.asp Thanks for your help, and we’ll see you soon!! ! ! ! - The Paul Revere Chapter