Air Force Association Chapter 342

The Air Force Association presented Captain Thomas Hanes with an Instructor Grant of $250 to take the cadets on a "Curriculum-In-Action" trip.  Capt Hanes took 15 cadets to the Thomas P. Strafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma February 19th.

December 7th, was a beautiful winter Sunday afternoon as the citizen in Altus, Oklahoma gathered to watch this year's Christmas parade.  The sun was out with light breeze of cold air, it was evident the winter season is upon us.  The temperature was warm enough, so if you had a sweat shirt or a Christmas sweater on, there was no need for a coat.  It began with the wonderful sound of music made by the Altus Band from Altus High School.  There were many floats to see this year, some throwing out candy others handing out coupons.  We had the sirens going off from the fire department of Altus and Olustee Oklahoma and the police force.  The 4-H team had their horses a few rode their horse backwards.  There were even antique tractors representing the agriculture aspect of this territory.  The parade seem to be longer this year then last, not sure, but there were no gaps in the line-up.  Sadly there were not too many skits performed, but we had plenty to see and enjoy.

As you can see Captain Thomas Hanes leading his group of troops in the JROTC.  They did perform a wonderful skit in the center of the parade strip, in front of the Altus Chamber of Commerce and the City of Altus, along with honored guest from Altus Air Force Base.

JROTC Recent Activity

Drill Meet in Denton, TX in September

Adopt-A-Highway in October

Drill Meet in Arlington, TX in October

Habitat for Humanities in November

Harvest for the Hungry in November

Drill Meet in Fort Worth, TX in November

They have a recycle paper drive that is on going throughout the high school and the city library. So far they have collected over 3,300 pounds of paper and 1,100 pounds of plastics.

By Riq Baldwin, President AFA Chapter 342

On 12 November, 2008 AFA Chapter 342 held its annual Community Partner Luncheon at Club Altus, Altus AFB. The purpose of the Luncheon was four-fold. First and foremost, was our thanking our AFA Community Partners for the support they have given Altus AFB and the Air Force Association over the years.

Secondly, Col Noel Zamot updated the Community Partners on the recent and future endeavors of Altus Air Force Base. Of particular note, was the end of year budget close-out where Altus AFB culled over 20 Million dollars in funding for construction, demolition, and storm repairs. Altus is recognized at the best in AETC at garnering end-of-year funding, do to their extraordinary efforts in laying the extensive contracting groundwork required to qualify for funding. Col Zamot also outlined the benefits to the City of Altus in the form of the large number of contractors that will be in the local area for the duration of the contracts.

Thirdly, Chapter 342 used this meeting to elect the new executive officers for the Chapter. Riq Baldwin (President), Gary Beach (Vice President), Rich Knapp (Secretary) and Dottie Bobo (Treasurer) were reelected to retain their positions for the next year.

Finally, the Chapter selected Jackson County Memorial Hospital (JCMH) as its new Community Partner of the Year. Mayor T. L. Gramling accepted the award on behalf of JCMH. Chapter 342 will submit JCMH as its nomination for the State AFA Community Partner of the year. The State AFA Community Partner of the year will be announced in July, 2009.

AFA Chapter 342 would like to thank Club Altus, Ms Barb Bailey, Altus AFB Public Affairs, Altus AFB Chapel, Mr Gary Beach, Ms Dottie Bobo, Mr Bob Beers and Maj Wanda Norris for making the luncheon a tremendous success. We also extend our thanks to Col Zamot, our Community Partners and members of Altus AFB whose attendance made the event both meaningful and memorable

On 4 November, Altus AFB matriculated its Fall 08 Class of the Community College of the Air Force. For more than 40 years, the Air Force Association (AFA) has worked to support the education goals of the Air Force family through various scholarships, awards and fellowships across the nation.

The Pitsenbarger Award is at the heart of the AFA’s efforts to encourage Air Force enlisted members to continue their education and on this date, Riq Baldwin, President of AFA Chapter 342 was most pleased to present a check for $500 and a certificate of achievement to SSgt Jason McQuarrie, on behalf of the AFA.

Additionally, AFA Chapter 342 recognized a second outstanding graduate with an award in the name of Colonel Aaron C. “Burly” Burleson, a huge leader in the Altus community, and charter member of the local AFA chapter. Riq Baldwin presented this check for $200 and the accompanying certificate of achievement to Tsgt Rhonda Foster

Congratulations to all of our Fall 08 CCAF graduates…and award winners, on a job well done!

The Air Force Association’s Chapter 342 proudly congratulates all the below personnel for their fine work and dedication. Additionally, the chapter offered each of the winners a free 1-year membership to the AFA…we look forward to adding them to our ranks!

The Altus AFB quarterly awards luncheon took place on 23 October 2008 at the Altus AFB Freedom Community Center. The following folks were recognized for outstanding professional achievement in their respective categories as the 97^th Air Mobility Wing Quarterly Award winners for the period including July through September, 2008:

Karen Knowles, 97 MDOS: Junior Level Civilian of the Quarter

Kevin Marshall, 97 MX: Mid Level Civilian of the Quarter

Keith Barclay, 97 MX: Senior Level Civilian of the Quarter

Steven Foreman, 97 SFS: Supervisor of the Quarter

Maj Michael Prodeline, 97 AMW: FGO of the Quarter

Capt Karen Ashton 97 FSS: CGO of the Quarter

1LT Jessica Lesher, 97 FSS: Jr. CGO of the Quarter

MSgt James Hilton 58 AS: SNCO of the Quarter

TSgt Jason Higgins, 97 CES: NCO of the Quarter

A1C Mark Donahue, 97 MDOS: AMN of the Quarter

A1C Jerrod Mann, 97 OSS: Honor Guard Member of the Quarter

TSgt Rodney Nuckoles, 97 TRS: Volunteer of the Quarter

November 12 at 11:30 at Club Altus on Altus AFB.  For ticket information contact Major Wanda Norris.

Below you will find a list of events different active member and/or council members have been attending in representing the AFA 342 Chapter.  If you are a member of AFA and have recently PCS-ed to Altus AFB, we encourage you to have your membership changed to Altus AFA local chapter and become active members.  Your participation is vital to the success in achieving this chapter's goals and purpose.

(July 14, 2008) Farewell for Chief Topper  -  Dottie and Eva Letha

(July 18, 2008) Chamber of Commerce Open House and Ribbon Cutting for new office - Eva Letha, Jim Norris, and Bob Beers

(July 28, 2008) Col Zamot change of command and introduction - Dottie, Eva Letha, and Jim Norris

(July 31, 2008) Col Allvin and MAC social - Dottie, Eva Letha, and Jim Norris

(August 19, 2008) Lawton Chamber of Commerce function at Fort Sill - Dottie 

(August 19, 2008) The Committee of 100 New-Comers Dinner - Eva Letha, Dottie, Jim, Bob and Gary

(August 25, 2008) Honorary Change of Command at Altus - Eva Letha and Dottie

Dottie became the new Honorary Med Group Commander 

Eva Letha became the new Honorary Command Chief

(August 26, 2008) Change of Command for Honorary Commanders - Dottie and Eva Letha

(September 9, 2008) Riq gave an AFA briefing to the First Term Airman Center

Currently the Altus AFA 342 Chapter meets every 3rd Wednesday off base at Luigi's, you are welcome to attend.

September 15-17, 2008 * Washington, DC

Announcement sent by Michael Dunn, Lt Gen (Ret), AFA President/CEO

It's not too late to register and be a part of a one of a kind professional development event.

Highlights from The 2008 Schedule includes:

Dale Brown, New York Times best selling author, participating in a panel on success after service.

Google's Product Manager discussing what Google is doing to combat emerging cyber-threats on the web.

A panel of former senior Air Force leaders on the lessons learned from the Vietnam air war.

Register online at AFA's 2008 Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition Registration page.   To find out more details about hotel reservation, the Technology Exposition, the Exhibitors, the delegates, and the award recipients click here.

Register and be a part of a unique learning experience designed for the aerospace professional.

By Riq Baldwin, President AFA Chapter 342   (Revised Sept 2, 2008 with additions in yellow)

The Altus Chapter of the Air Force Association (AFA) went to the Texoma regional AFA Convention, held at Tinker AFB on 12 July, with thirteen nominations for the 2008 Oklahoma AFA State-Level awards. The following individuals earned their nominations by winning the 2008 Altus AFA Leadership Award on Armed Forces Day in a morning ceremony at Club Altus:

Airman Category - SrA Justin Cummings. NCO Category - TSgt Richard Martin. Sr. NCO - MSgt Dean Zoet. Company Grade Officer (CGO) - Captain Michael Morales. Civilian Supervisor - Richard Kennerson, Jr. Civilian Tech - David Van Fossan. Military Unit - 97^th Operations Squadron. Teacher - Elizabeth Wallace, of WOSC. Jr. ROTC Cadet - Cadet Timothy Golden. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet - Cadet Charles Wolff. CAP Unit - Jackson County Composite Squadron. Jr ROTC Unit - Altus High School’s OK-941. And AFA Community Partner - Southwest Technology Center.

On 12 July, the above nominees went on to win over half the awards for which they were eligible at the state level…the big winners were:

- MSgt Richard Martin (2008 Oklahoma AFA NCO of the Year)

- Capt Michael Morales (2008 Oklahoma AFA CGO of the Year)

- Richard Kennerson, Jr. (2008 Oklahoma AFA Civilian Supervisor of the Year)

- 97^th Operations Squadron (2008 Oklahoma AFA Military Unit of the Year)

- Cadet Charles Wolff (2008 Oklahoma AFA Civil Air Patrol Cadet of the Year)

- Jackson County Composite Squadron (2008 Oklahoma AFA Civil Air Patrol Unit of the Year)

- Southwest Technology Center (2008 Oklahoma AFA Community Partner of the Year)

- Maj Wanda Norris and Gwenn McElwee (2008 Oklahoma AFA Medals of Merit) 

All members of Altus AFA Chapter 342 wish to extend a hearty “CONGRATULATIONS” to all the local and state-level 2008 AFA award winners!

Wanda, my apologies in not placing the announcement of your award.  Riq had kept the last part out due to wanting to surprise me since I was involved.  Thank you for that Riq.  I was so shocked and speechless.