Due to the government shutdown, this website is not being updated.

AFSA CEO visits Kirtland AFB

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew Rush
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  The chief executive officer of the Air Force Sergeants Association, retired Chief Master Sgt. John R. McCauslin, visited Kirtland Air Force Base on July 11, and spoke about the organization's purpose and benefits.

AFSA is a federally chartered non-profit organization representing the professional and personal interests of active-duty, retired and veteran Total Air Force Airmen and their families. It has 111,000 members and is open to all ranks. Membership is not limited to Air Force active-duty, but is open to all ranks, including Air National Guardsmen and Air Force Reservists. Members of other services may also join as associates.

McCauslin spoke about his areas of emphasis in leading the association.

"My top priority is taking care of our people. AFSA focuses on education, medical care, family/survivor benefits, and the Guard and Reserve, by interacting with members of Congress and the administration. I spend most of my time working on these issues in the House and Senate."

He also explained how NCOs benefit from joining AFSA.

"We are their advocate on Capitol Hill. I can go and say things to members of Congress, the administration, the President, the Vice President and cabinet members, that you in uniform can't," he said.

Other perks include education, travel discounts, and property and casualty insurance, he said.

The retired chief talked about his reason for joining the association while serving on active duty.

"I have been a life member since 1977, because we needed somebody to be an advocate for us in Congress and the Pentagon to fight for our benefits. That is so easy for folks up there to just wipe away."

McCauslin conducted several briefings to groups of enlisted Airmen on what is happening in Congress. He talked about how certain bills affect NCOs, such as the survivor benefit plan, retirement, child development centers and military pay and allowances, among others.