Florida Region

Florida is both a State and a Region within the AFA. With just under 10,000, members belong to 13 different chapters throughout the state. Some of the chapters support bases where state-of-the-art satellites are launched, F-22 training is conducted, and F-35 joint service training is planned. Other chapters are involved with the State Capitol activities in Tallahassee, supporting two 4 star joint commands in Tampa and interfacing with 1st Air Force who plays a key role in the air defense of the continental United States. We are in the process of opening a new chapter. The Sarasota/Manatee will be up and running by the end of this year (2011.) All 13 Chapters, no matter where they are located, practice the AFA motto of Advocate, Educate and Support.

The Florida chapters are the key to the State’s successful support of the AFA mission. Each chapter is different. Some are led by former officers, some are led by veterans who only served one term back in the Vietnam era, some are led by retired NCOs and one is led by a former marine! All are successful and help the AFA carry out its mission throughout Florida.

The Florida AFA divides the state into Five Regions with an appointed Vice-President in each region who resides in the area. The vice president helps lead and administer the chapters in their regions. They are AFA veterans, normally past chapter presidents, who help chapters by answering questions, recommending different types of events, reviewing award packages, and generally being sounding boards for issues that only one chapter or area may have. The area vice-presidents are the key to our successful state operation.

Florida chapters have numerous activities that keep their members engaged. Numerous chapters sponsor teacher workshops. These workshops give teachers hands-on activities they can bring back to their classrooms to help motivate students to learn, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Numerous other chapters support airmen recognition activities on the different active duty, reserve and guard bases in our state. One chapter hosts the prestigious black-tie Air Force Gala in Orlando every February. Another chapter gives unparalleled support to its veterans by participating in the World War II Honor Flights which bring WW II veterans to Washington to see the WWII Memorial. Finally, many chapters support Junior ROTC (JROTC) units at local high schools and ROTC Units at Florida colleges. The units JROTC and ROTC members receive mentoring from AFA members who “have been there”. The chapters get to meet the future members of the USAF and the AFA. It is a “Win-Win” for both groups.

It would be difficult to prove, but I am sure Florida has most of the oldest ten and the youngest ten members of the AFA. We span the age gap from high school freshmen in JROTC to retired Army Air Corp vets. We remain viable because we have something for everyone. Many of our members are supporting Cyber Patriot, both locally and nationally. We are engaging local and state governments to remind them of what the USAF and the AFA does for our country. We are proud of our accomplishments and our members.

In 2011, we held our state convention in Ocala, FL. U.S. Congressman Cliff Stearns (an active member of the Red Tail Chapter 136) served as our luncheon speaker. We spent the day discussing current issues: AFA State and national elections; the opening of a new chapter, the Sarasota/Manatee chapter ; Cyber Patriot (three very qualified members were selected to head the program in three different areas of the state); the history and role of the RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft); how to conduct a Boy Scout Aviation merit badge workshop using a USAF aircraft; the Air Force role in Haiti after the devastating earthquake plus numerous other state activities. At dinner that evening, we had a briefing on the QDR and were treated to have as dinner guests four WASP (Women Air Service Pilots.) One was 88 years old, one was 90, and the other two were 92. Their stories of what they and their fellow WASPs went through were spell-binding. This day had something for everyone. Just like the Florida AFA … Something for Everyone!

Submitted by Michael Emig
Region President, Florida

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