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MAJ. GILBERTO S. PEREZ
Home State: Florida
Chapter: Hurlburt Chapter (Fla.)
Joined AFA: 2013
AFA Offices: Steele Chapter EXCOM; AFA National Membership Committee; Hurlburt Chapter EXCOM; Aerospace Education Council
AFA Award: AFA Leadership Recognition Award (AFA Virginia)
Military Service: 11 years, Active Duty
Occupation: Commander, 505th Communications Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
Education: B.S., Management, United States Air Force Academy; M.B.A., Management, University of Tampa; M.S., Military Operational Art and Science, Air Command and Staff College
How did you first hear of AFA
Lt. Gen. Michael Basla, previous Air Force chief information dominance and chief information officer, visited my local base. His official military biography was disseminated prior to his arrival, and I noticed he was a lifetime member of the Air Force Association. This was my first exposure to AFA, which led to further research about what AFA was all about.
What prompted you to join
I was captivated by AFA’s proud heritage of supporting the Air Force, from playing an integral role in standing-up an independent Air Force in 1947, founding the Community College of the Air Force, sponsoring the Outstanding Airmen of the Year, and creating the Air Force Memorial, to name a few. AFA truly stands behind us its mantra of being “The Force Behind the Force,” in both words and actions.
What do you enjoy most about your AFA membership
Joining AFA takes you beyond the Profession of Arms into an Air Force family, where airmen across the Total Force and generational lines come together for a common purpose—to educate, advocate, and support one another. The relationships developed through the years are what I truly cherish the most out of my membership.
What is your favorite AFA program, event, or project?
This is a difficult question. My AFA Top 3 would be the Wounded Airman Program, youth aerospace/STEM education programs (CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers), and professional development events (Air Warfare Symposium and Air, Space & Cyber Conference). These activities take care of airmen and prepare leaders in the defense of our nation.
How has AFA helped you
AFA provided me an opportunity to learn more about the “Air Force family business” and grow professionally. This has allowed me to be a better leader for my airmen and organizations I am a part of because of the greater understanding of Air Force history, issues, and current events. More importantly, the relationships garnered throughout the years have helped shape my perspective and given me strength on and off-duty.
How do we build awareness about AFA
Awareness starts locally from the field, where relations are fostered and AFA support is tailored to the needs of the community. Social media is a great conduit to share information, but placing an emphasis on personal interactions enables people to share an experience and see AFA benefits firsthand.
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SMSGT. SONORA L. VASQUEZ
Home State: California
Chapter: Alamo Chapter (Texas)
Joined AFA: 2016
AFA Offices: Treasurer, Alamo Chapter; National Membership Committee
Military Service: 1999-present, Active Duty
Occupation: Superintendent, Transitions Division, Air Force Personnel Center, JBSA-Randolph, Texas
Education: M.S., Human Resources, Brandman University
How did you first hear about AFA?
Through a mentor, after I requested a recommendation of a professional organization.
Why did you join AFA?
I received a free membership through the “Every Airman a Member” program several years ago. Not having an active chapter near my assigned location during that period deterred me from renewing my membership. In August 2016, I arrived at my new duty location at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, and several organizations interested me. I had been associated with several in the past and elected to commit myself to the first organization that responded to my inquiry. Debbie Landry, Alamo Chapter president, contacted me within hours of my query, and I have been an active member since.
What do you enjoy most about your AFA membership?
I enjoy the networking and professional development opportunities.
What is your favorite AFA program, event, or project?
My favorite event is the annual “Combat Breakfast” sponsored by the Alamo Chapter. It is one of a series of events hosted by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce to honor the men and women in America’s military.
How has AFA helped you?
AFA has strengthened my awareness of national policy, and provided me with a perspective and understanding of how the Air Force functions within a democratic republic.
How do we build awareness about AFA?
I would recommend connecting with current members and providing up-to-date information on upcoming events, national initiatives, etc.; continuing to utilize social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter; creating engaging, short content that quickly captures the brand and the viewers’ attention; encouraging chapters to sponsor local events; and seeking avenues to appeal to Generations X-Z (i.e., show “Generation Me” why it’s important to join).
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TSGT. CHRISTOPHER J. PINEDA
Home State: California
Chapter: John C. Stennis Chapter (Miss.)
Joined AFA: 2017
AFA Office: Chapter Secretary
Occupation: Executive Assistant to 81st Training Wing Command Chief, Keesler AFB, Miss.; Primary AFS: Computer Systems Programmer
Education: A.A.S., Computer Science Technology, Community College of the Air Force; B.S., Management Studies, University of Maryland (In progress)
How did you first hear about AFA?
Through a Google search of Air Force professional organizations at or near my base.
Why did you join AFA?
I joined AFA because when I entered the Air Force, I became an “Airman for Life.” That’s why it’s my responsibility to aid AFA in its mission of advocating for our dominant Air Force. My support helps AFA educate the public about all the good the Air Force provides 24/7/365.
What do you enjoy most about your AFA membership?
I enjoy reading Air Force Magazine because it exposes me to what is going on outside of my small corner of the Air Force.
What is your favorite AFA program, event, or project?
I admire AFA’s Wounded Airman Program. Taking care of our wounded airmen and their families is a noble cause.
How has AFA helped you?
Being involved in my local AFA chapter has introduced me to airmen across the base and rank structure. Their unique perspectives and experiences have helped me to grow as a person, thereby making me a better airman.
How do we build awareness about AFA?
Double and triple down on social media engagement. Everyone’s attention is increasingly focused on their personal digital devices, and I don’t see that changing. These devices are simply too valuable because of their ability to make our lives easier. If that’s where the eyes are, that’s where AFA needs a strong presence.
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PAUL M. HENDRICKS III
Home State: California
Chapter: Seidel Chapter (Texas)
Joined AFA: 1975
AFA Awards: AFA Medal of Merit; Exceptional Service Award
Military Service: 1970-1990, Active Duty
Occupation: Retired Program Manager
Education: B.S., Engineering, San Diego State College; M.S., Systems Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology
How did you first hear of AFA
I learned about AFA through presentations made by AFA members, which provided a description of the association and the benefits available to AFA members.
What prompted you to join
I have a strong desire to support the Air Force through coordinated efforts. I have also found it very rewarding to work and associate with members who possess similar objectives.
What do you enjoy most about your AFA membership
I appreciate the comprehensive information that is provided in Air Force Magazine. The magazine provides a good summary of worldwide Air Force activities. This information has become very insightful for a military retiree.
How has AFA helped you
AFA has provided a continuous awareness of worldwide Air Force activities and events. Additionally, the ability to advocate for specific causes to assist our Active Duty and veterans is also significant and beneficial.
How do we build awareness about AFA
Awareness starts while Air Force members are still on Active Duty. Existing AFA members should meet with Active Duty members and provide information on how AFA is supporting the Air Force, as well as the veteran community. Additionally, our community should have the ability to become aware of AFA as an element to strengthen overall support for military relations and examine the opportunities for industrial-base growth.
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JAMIE NAVARRO
Home State: Vermont
Chapter: Green Mountain Chapter (Vt.)
Joined AFA: 1988
AFA Offices: Vice President, CyberPatriot; Committee Member, Wounded Airman Program; Chapter Vice President, Community Partners
AFA Award: AFA Medal of Merit
Military Service: 7.5 years, Active Duty; 2.5 years, Air Force Reserve
Occupation: Chief Operating Officer, Invictus International ConsultingEducation: B.A. Mathematics, Syracuse University; M.P.A. (Public Administration) with concentration in National Security, Troy University; Executive Leadership Certificate, Cornell University
How did you first hear of AFA
I joined Air Force ROTC and the Arnold Air Society at Syracuse University in 1988. I became active in my local chapter when I received a letter from them after returning to the US after several years overseas.
What prompted you to join
It was a lifelong commitment to be a part of supporting the Air Force.
What do you enjoy most about your AFA membership
I appreciate the people AFA has connected me with, both in my local chapter and, now, across the US. At my first local chapter meeting, I ate lunch next to a former World War II pilot who had been shot down and had spent time as a German prisoner of war. I never get tired of hearing people’s stories of how and why they joined the Air Force and their experiences.
What is your favorite AFA program, event, or project?
CyberPatriot—but I’m a little biased because I’ve been leading our chapter’s involvement in that program for more than six years now.
How has AFA helped you
It has helped me stay connected with the Air Force and locally connect with our Vermont Air National Guard and the great airmen that are a part of—or who have retired from—that organization.
How do we build awareness about AFA
We make an impact through sponsoring and bringing great programs from our national level to our chapters, such as CyberPatriot and the Wounded Airman Program. Our chapters connect us to our local communities, each in unique ways based on where they are and who participates.
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AFA began an Emerging Leaders Program in 2013 as an avenue to secure AFA’s future. The purpose of the program is to identify, motivate, develop, and encourage emerging leaders to serve actively in AFA by providing hands-on experience and unique insights into how AFA operates and is governed. Emerging Leaders volunteer for a year. With guidance from a mentor, they participate on a national-level council, attend national leader orientations, and serve as National Convention delegates.