05/03/2026
Happy 65th Birthday AFSA!
Air Force Sergeants Association – History & Top 25 Accomplishments
History: "The Voice of the Enlisted Force"
Founded: May 3, 1961
Founders: Four USAF NCOs — Benny McGehee, Lee Thompson, Virgil Perry, and Don Ward. They saw that enlisted Airmen had no dedicated advocate with Congress and DoD.
Why it matters:
1961: McGehee became the first representative of an all-enlisted organization to testify before the House Armed Services Committee Congressional Charter: AFSA holds a federal charter under Title 36, U.S. Code — one of the few military associations authorized to lobby Mission: "Quality of life through advocacy and education for the improved quality-of-life and economic fairness to support the well-being of military service members and their families"
Who AFSA represents: ∼111,000 active, retired, guard, reserve, veteran enlisted Airmen, Guardians, and their families. When AFSA wins on Capitol Hill, it benefits all enlisted services
How AFSA works:
Testifies yearly before House/Senate committees
Works with White House + Pentagon staff to ensure total force concerns are heard Hosts annual Professional Airmen’s Conference for direct access to senior leadership
Publishes AFSA Magazine and the Enlisted Almanac — called the definitive reference for enlisted stats
Top 25 AFSA Accomplishments Since 1961
Based on legislative history, member reports, and DoD impacts:
Legislative & Pay Wins
3.9% Military Pay Raise, 2009: Won 0.5% above admin request — required by law
Stopped Pay Freeze, 2013: Averted pay freeze during sequestration
Annual COLA Protection: Consistent advocacy to keep military pay tied to civilian wage growth
Family Separation Allowance: Secured second FSA when dual-military parents deploy simultaneously
10-Day Paternity Leave: Won paternity leave for married members after childbirth
Benefits & Healthcare
Resisted TRICARE Fee Hikes: Blocked increases to TRICARE payments for active/retired
Commissary/BX Protection: Prevented reduction in commissary + Exchange privileges
SBP/DIC Offset Elimination: Key coalition partner ending the “Widow’s Tax”
Post-9/11 GI Bill Defense: Protected tuition assistance + GI Bill cuts during sequestration
GI Bill Transferability: Fought to enhance education benefit transfer to family members
Quality of Life
Weight Allowance for Spouse: Won 500-lb allowance for spouse’s professional books/equipment during PCS
Capital Gains Tax Relief: Eliminated capital gains on home sales due to PCS moves
Commissaries Stayed Open: Kept commissaries open during 2013 sequestration
Su***de Prevention Framework: Advocated community-based approach — AF Su***de Prevention Program contributed to 33% reduction 1997-2004
Military Retirement Protected: Kept military retirement system intact during budget cuts
Recognition & Professional Development
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force: AFSA’s Airmen’s Council asked USAF to create CMSAF role in 1964; appointed 1967
Outstanding Airmen Program: Born at AFA convention 1956 — AFSA chapters heavily support recognition
AFSA Awards Program: Created Pitsenbarger Award for heroism, plus JROTC, CAP, Mark Hamilton Spirit Award
Professional Airmen’s Conference: Annual PAC gives enlisted direct access to senior leaders
Enlisted Almanac: Publishes definitive DoD enlisted statistics annually
Veterans & Survivors
Congressional Testimony: Regular testimony before House/Senate VA Committees on veteran issues
Yellow Ribbon Program Fixes: Advocates to correct survivor eligibility limits
Funeral Honors Mandate: Supported 1999 law requiring 3-person honor guard for veteran funerals
State Tax Protection: Helped pass 1995 law preventing states from taxing military retiree income
Organizational Impact
125+ Chapters Worldwide: Provides grassroots professional development, community service, fraternalism.
AFSA Chapter 985, Tinker AFB
AFSA Division 3
Air Force Sergeants Association
