DEL RIO CHAPTER    

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2005

President’s Forum

It has been three months since I volunteered to do the job of getting the Chapter back on it’s feet.  I don’t have any illusions about this being a difficult job.  It won’t be as easy as it was in the 1980’s.  Simply because our membership base demographic is changing from a very large veteran population to a much smaller one by attrition and downsizing of the services themselves.  What do we do?

Do we redefine the Air Force Association?  I don’t think so.  We should look hard at what our founders saw clearly.  The importance of air power hasn’t changed we simply must redouble our efforts to advocate publicly that fact.  The importance of  supporting aerospace education hasn’t changed either.  In fact technical education is not growing to meet the national requirements.  We all know this.  Therefore, we must take action to do something about it.

The Chapter, through its community partners will be providing direct support in science and technology curriculum for our local schools.  By using the USA-Today Visions program, we can provide an outstanding curriculum in the sciences to elementary school kids.  If we can interest students early, the greater the likelihood that future interest in technology will continue.  The Chapter will also be developing a scholarship program for graduating seniors. 

Finally, we will put in place a method by which the Chapter doesn’t have to re-invent itself from year to year.  By use of a board of directors, we will ensure continuity of leadership and of programs.  We have a big challenge ahead.  Burners, NOW!!!

Larry Martwig