Text Box: From The President:

As I take the helm from Grant Hicinbothem, I want to thank you and him for the support.  Grant has long been a force in Utah Air Force Association activities.  He left the state in a great shape, and continued the great legacy of Utah State AFA Presidents.  He will continue to serve us in various roles, including being inline to take over next year as the Regional President. 
As we reach the end of 2008, we can reflect on our many successes.  Grant talked about just a few of these activities in our last newsletter.  We want to especially thank our many supporters and community partners for your contributions to our efforts.  We could not do the many programs we do without the continued support of our community family.
Even with the great successes, we face a lot of challenges as we look to the future.  First, we are looking for ways to better serve and utilize our community partners.  We are creating a committee to evaluate our current community partner program.  Grant has volunteered to lead this effort, and we have asked each chapter and organization to offer representation on this committee, but if any you desire to help, we welcome your participation.
Second, we will look at ways to reverse the trend in lost members.  As we enter 2009, and a look to a new federal administration, it is vital that through our strength we continue to get the message out to our community and government leaders about the importance of airpower in the role of a strong national defense.  
Tied to membership is the need to continue to grow leadership for the future.  All of our organizations and chapters are looking for members who want to step up in the service through participation in some of our outstanding programs.  If you have been sitting on the fence, and are thinking it is time to take the plunge, we need you to make a difference.  Get in touch with your state or chapter leaders and volunteer your expertise.  I assure you we can find a place for anyone, no matter the area of interest, or the time you may have to give.  If you get involved, I do have to warn you that you might get addicted, have a little fun, and meet some great people!
I got addicted 13 years ago.  When I arrived in Utah after I retired, I started teaching JROTC.  Not long after starting, I received a check from the AFA for my program.  I knew that it was time to get involved, because I owed back, not just for the money, but for the role the AFA played in the development of the Air Force during my career.  That is why we should all belong, and all get involved.  In Utah we play a big role in supporting Hill AFB; we do a lot to support our veterans; we play a major role in preserving our Air Force history and heritage; and we help to fund the future and the young minds who will be leading us there.  Sounds like a pretty important place to get involve.
Hope you all have a merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season, however you celebrate.  We hope you continue to make the AFA a part of your New Year resolution.  We need your help!  Please feel free to contact me with your ideas and desires at utafapres1@yahoo.com.

Text Box: Visit the State AFA Website At 
http://www.utahafa.org
Text Box: Utah State AFA
Newsletter
Text Box: 5 December 2008

 

 

Northern Utah
Chapter #235

2

Ute-Rocky Mtn
Chapter #237

2

Salt Lake City
Chapter #236

3

Community
Partners

4

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Presidents Message

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