KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland's chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Association is seeking new members.

The association works to help protect and enhance the quality of life benefits for active duty and retired military members.

Master Sgt. Benito Rodriguez, 377th Security Forces Group training manager and president of the local chapter said there is a renewed push for more members throughout the Air Force. That's because a larger membership increases the efficacy of lobbying on Capitol Hill.

"We want Airmen to join. We need them to join," he said. "That's the only way we can make progress on Capitol Hill. The more people you have in your association, the stronger your voice."

AFSA is a non-profit organization representing the professional and personal interests of active, retired and veteran enlisted members of the Air Force and their families. It promotes enlisted concerns to enhance their quality of life, assures the preservation of entitlements earned through service and sacrifice and maintains a vigilant presence on Capitol Hill.

Because membership has slipped below 100,000 worldwide, the Air Force is engaged in a campaign to recruit new members. Dues are normally $24 for a year, but for a limited time, a five-year membership is only $25.

"It's a huge savings," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Clarke, new vice president of the AFSA Kirtland chapter. "There has never been a better time to join."

Rodriguez said many people don't fully understand what AFSA does.

"We really want people to understand what we are doing for them," he said. "Our benefits do not come from the Air Force. The Air Force has to pay for them and Congress tells the Air Force how much they will spend on benefits."

Another misconception is that the AFSA is only open to sergeants. The association is open to any U.S. citizen 18 years or older. Voting members must be active duty or retired enlisted, but officers and even dependents can join.

Rodriguez said AFSA reaches all the way to the President of the United States, while the reach of other groups or organizations extends only to Kirtland and its surrounding communities.

"Airmen need a lobbyist group on Capitol Hill that lobbies Congress on our behalf for the things we need to maintain and enhance our benefits, and AFSA does that," he said. "AFSA has a massive impact on the lives of enlisted and retired Airmen and it works hard to ensure they get the care and services they need and deserve."

The Kirtland charter looks at legislative proposals to determine what may have an effect on local Airmen, and is also involved with the local community. It sponsors quality of life events throughout the year to improve morale for Airmen stationed here.

Rodriguez is helping to sponsor AFSA's first-ever installation-level recruiting activity. It will be on March 13 at 5 p.m. at the Mountain View Club. For more information about the event or about joining AFSA, call Rodriguez at 846-6349 or Clarke at 846-5372.