Two AFA Chapters Partner to Support 344th Recruiting Squadron

This year, two AFA chapters—Northeast Texas (Greenville, Texas) and Sam Johnson (Dallas, Texas)—joined forces with AFA’s United Forces & Families program and the 344th Panther Organization, a private non-profit organization. Together, they developed an annual plan to fund FY26 morale and welfare events for military and family members of the 344th Recruiting Squadron, ensuring recruiters and their families receive the support they need.

Quarterly gatherings strengthen recruiter skills and foster family engagement. Because the squadron covers more than 100,000 square miles of Texas and southern Oklahoma, these events are often the only times the entire unit comes together. The grant from United Forces & Families helps cover childcare, family and spouse participation, and related expenses—critical elements that make these events possible. Both chapters are proud to support the first FY26 gathering this December and look forward to providing support throughout the year ahead.

Annual Training Conference: Building Strength & Community

In December 2025, the 344th RCS hosted its Annual Training Conference in Grand Prairie, Texas, welcoming 94 squadron members, 38 family members, 15 children, and 10 distinguished guests. Breakout sessions focused on AFRS mission objectives tailored to northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. Lt. Gen. John Campbell, USAF (Ret.), the AFA Sam Johnson President and AIMS Chair, spoke at the training conference. He shared how working with recruiters, often the only military in our area, makes us as individuals and our AFA chapters better through knowing and working with the squadrons. The Sam Johnson also provided an AFA Lifetime Membership to Chapter Airman of the Year Tech. Sgt. Manuel Gatlin.

Equally important, the conference showcased community partnerships. With support from the 344 PO, AFA, and local Boy Scout Troops, families and spouses were able to participate fully thanks to childcare and event funding. Families joined morale activities and gathered to share experiences to overcome challenges unique to geographically separated units.

Family-Focused Highlights

• Holiday Party: Coordinated by the 344 PO, this festive event featured decorations, music, refreshments, and games. For recruiters and families spread across northern Texas, it was a rare chance to celebrate together as one squadron.
• Childcare Partnerships: Boy Scouts Troop 222 (Arlington, Texas) and Troop 1920 (Keller, Texas) provided childcare, raising funds for their own adventures—Sea Base and Philmont, respectively. These partnerships not only supported military families but also advanced Scouting goals.

Thanks to AFA’s support, recruiting families could fully participate, and local youth organizations benefited from meaningful fundraising opportunities. These combined efforts strengthened both military and community ties, making the holiday season brighter for all.

Special thanks to Mrs. Leigh Choi‑Buhlman and Tech. Sgt. Torey Quinn for their contributions to this article and their dedication to the organization.