DEL RIO CHAPTER    

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2006

President’s Forum

The Chapter now has a new constitution, and a new tax identity.  Part of the Air Force Association's plan is to adapt  to the realities of organizational survival.  By becoming a 501-3C organization, more support is possible from our communities without limitations that previously hampered our operations.  This tax exempt status brings with it certain changes in membership rules. 

In order for these changes to be effective, a new constitution was developed that changes membership rules and the conduct of chapter business.  The tax status requires that there are no limitations on who can be a member and that veterans status is no longer a prerequisite.

Previously only the veteran members could vote on issues.  Every single full member, whether individual or community partner, is able to make a difference on any issues facing each chapter as well as the state and national level.  This is absolutely a plus for AFA and this chapter. 

Armed with this knowledge we can be more aggressive in fund raising and community partner memberships.  A test of this will be the September AFA Scholarship Golf Tournament.  We will be starting the planning this month and looking forward to another successful event. 

I have been providing the First Term Airman classes with copys of the Air Force Magazine along with my presentation of AFA as a professional military association (PMA).  But we need a more active program to encourage membership.  We will be pursuing this goal actively over the next quarter.   

Been a member before or has your membership lapsed?  RENEW.  It is easy online.  Your chapter affiliation is automatic, just keep up your magazine subscription.

Larry Martwig, Chapter President

Some Saturday morning, stop by the Laughlin Heritage Museum on Main Street a couple doors down from the Cafe Central and accross from the old courthouse.  A lot of great stuff to see and learn about the important place in History that Laughlin has.