Chief Master Sgt. (Ret) James Lokovic visited Buckley Jan. 27 to speak with base personnel about the Air Force Sergeant’s Association and their “voice” on Capitol Hill.

     “We were very excited to have Chief Lokovic visit the base,” said Master Sgt. Kevin Hale, AFSA’s local president. “It gives our troops the chance to ask questions about areas that impact their lives. We definitely appreciate his dedication to the enlisted force and his commitment to speaking on our behalf.”

     More than 100 troops filled the Colorado Air National Guard Dining Facility to hear Chief Lokovic address areas such as future changes in military pay, bonuses, health care, veteran’s benefits and the legislative process.

     “There are three types of people in this world,” said Chief Lokovic. “Those that make things happen, those that watch things happen, and those that wonder what just happened. Do not be a passenger in life. Each person can work to make things happen.”

      Chief Lokovic said most quality-of-life changes begin with the troops. He encouraged audience members to contact their local congressman and senators to let them know that you appreciate their support.

     “Most individuals don’t realize what a potential impact they have,” said Senior Master Sgt. Wayne Bishop, 460th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant. “It was great that the chief was able to educate the troops as to how some quality of life changes in the military come about.”

     As the deputy executive director and director of military and government relations for the AFSA, Chief Lokovic is regularly called upon to testify before Congress as a registered lobbyist. The AFSA is an international organization dedicated to speaking out on behalf of enlisted Air Force personnel and today, with nearly 135,000 AFSA members, the voice of the enlisted is strong on Capitol Hill.

Kristen Speck, 460 SW Public Affairs