AFA in Action
A Message from the President
October 1, 2025

Friends,
Another historic Air, Space & Cyber Conference is in the books, a new Air Force Chief of Staff is nominated, and—as I write this—much of the government is in shutdown. There is no shortage of topics of concern, in and out of the Pentagon.
We have so much to report on this month but one headline deserves special mention: Today, October 1, AFA’s Chair of the Board Bernie Skoch handed his gavel over to his successor, Kathleen Ferguson.
Bernie’s lasting impact on AFA will be with us for years to come. From founding CyberPatriot, to stewarding AFA’s major events, to his volunteer leadership of our Board of Directors, Bernie has been a leader, mentor, advisor, and source of wisdom for countless individuals. On behalf of 130,000 AFA members, thank you, Bernie Skoch!
We are excited to see Kathleen take the Chair at the head of our Board. She brings more than three decades of experience as a career civil servant, military spouse, and AFA leader to the table. Bernie is leaving big shoes to fill, and we are confident Kathleen will fill them most ably.
Stay vocal. Stay informed.

Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.)
President & CEO

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