AFA Note from the Chairman

First, one of the greatest values of democracy is the right to vote. Voting is one of our most important rights and responsibilities of citizenship. It is a right that has been passed down to us by generations of Americans who guaranteed this right through their sacrifice. So, please don’t take this right for granted, exercise your stake in the country and vote come Election Day.

The second issue, last week, the Air Force released a Request for Proposal for a new Combat Rescue Helicopter replacing the Reagan era HH-60 Pave Hawk. The average age of our current fleet is about 22 years and about 5,000 flying hours. The missions of this air vehicle include the recovery of personnel from hostile or denied territory, as well as the execution of humanitarian missions, civil search and rescue, disaster relief, casualty and medical evacuation, and non-combatant evacuation operations. The Air Force doesn't just use its resources to serve combat missions, it also uses them to serve mankind in any type of recovery, rescue and humanitarian mission.  It is our solemn, moral obligation to rescue downed or stranded personnel of all services. And for years, we have advocated for the recapitalization of this fleet as it nears the end of its service life and lacks the survivability, operational utility, range and payload required for today’s combat operations.

The third issue, Veterans Day is less than two weeks away – a day that celebrates the service of the men and women of all branches of our Armed Forces. Each year there are services held throughout the Washington, DC area, including one at our Air Force Memorial. We are again co-hosting a wreathlaying ceremony with Air Force Sergeants Association and the two speakers for the service are General Newton (EVP of AFA) and CMSgt (Ret) David Popp, AFSA’s deputy CEO. If you are in town, please do attend; it is open for all and begins at 11AM.

Finally, AFA’s annual Global Warfare Symposium in Los Angeles will be held November 15 – 16 this year. This symposium focuses on the global role of the Air Force in the world today and will cover an array of topics, including the Pacific, China, Cyberspace, Industry, and Space. We have an exceptional line-up of speakers and hope to see many of you there. (The agenda can be found here: http://www.afa.org/events/NatlSymp/2012/GWS2012_agenda.asp)  

For your consideration.

George

George K. Muellner
Chairman of the Board
Air Force Association