Former CMSAF Connects with UTA, TCU Students at AFA AIMS Events

Retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force #19 JoAnne Bass recently participated in a series of impactful events in North Texas as part of AFA’s recruiting initiative, Advocates to Inspire Military Service (AIMS). Over the course of two days, Bass visited the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) in Arlington, and Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, engaging with students, educators, ROTC cadets, and Air Force recruiters to promote military service and inspire the next generation of leaders.

On November 6, Bass attended an AFA-supported event at UTA where she met with university leaders and addressed an audience of about 100 students from the engineering and nursing departments. Organized by the 342nd Recruiting Squadron, the event highlighted the importance of education, critical thinking, and service. Bass delivered a 90-minute talk covering topics such as national security, emerging threats, and the need to safeguard air, space, cyber, and information security. She also addressed student questions on topics such as strategies to address declining military eligibility among youth, the challenges of driving organizational change within the military, and concerns about disinformation and deepfakes, while emphasizing the critical role enlisted and officer personnel play in safeguarding national security.

Bass also filmed a video for the AFA AIMS initiative, aimed at educating and inspiring youth about the benefits of military service. The event highlighted the ongoing partnership between the Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS) and AFA to build bridges between the military and communities.

The following day, November 7, Bass visited the 344th Recruiting Squadron (RS), where she engaged with delayed-enlistment Airmen and Guardians, AFRS recruiters, and AFA members. She spoke about the critical role recruiters play in national security and shared her insights on work-life balance, leadership, and the unique responsibilities of her former role as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.

During the visit, AFRS leaders, including Lt. Col. Steven LeMaire, Chief Master Sgt. Stan Franklin, and AFA AIMS Co-Chair Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke, USAF (Ret.), shared their own inspiring stories, emphasizing the value of service and leadership. Bass’ words resonated deeply with the audience, fostering a renewed commitment to the recruiting mission.

Later that day, Bass traveled to TCU, where she met with ROTC cadets and senior university leaders, including Dr. Sonja Watson, dean of TCU’s AddRan College of Liberal Arts. Bass reflected on her upbringing as an “Army brat” and discussed ways to inspire military service among youth. Outdoors, she addressed more than 100 ROTC Army and Air Force cadets, inspiring them with her message about the importance of their training and the impact they can have on national security. She also participated in the cadets’ annual “Frisbee Turkey Bowl” and took time to connect with students.

These visits showcased AFA’s commitment to fostering connections between senior military leaders and future generations.

Learn more about AFA AIMS and how you can get involved at www.afa.org/aims.