As the snows begin to melt, and the trees start to bloom, it’s once again time for past and present members of the Air Force to come together and discuss the important issues at hand, “Remembering our Past, Looking to our Future.”

Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 1179 is hosting this year’s Division 11/12 Convention, April 21-23, in Denver, CO, at the Radisson Hotel, I-225 and Parker Rd.  CMSAF (ret) Sam Parrish, the eighth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force will highlight this year’s annual event as the guest speaker for the First Term Airman of the Year Awards Banquet, on Saturday night.

Participants can begin registering between noon and 5 o’clock on Thursday,      with Division 11 and 12 Executive meetings taking place from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., and a First Term Airman Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

“About 90 delegates are registered from the 2-Division, eight state area,” CMSgt (ret) Robert Tomlinson, Chapter 1179 member, and this year’s convention manager said.  “It should be a plenty of time for AFSA business but more important time to build camaraderie and lasting friendships.”

Thursday night’s festivities for all Division 11/12 members will begin at 7:00 p.m., with an Ice Breaker in the Hospitality Suite, and the official functions start 8:00 a.m. Friday morning with an opening Breakfast, where CMSgt Rene Simard, Command Chief, 460th Space Wing, will be the guest speaker.  Click here for bio.

After an afternoon of business meetings, and training classes, the evening will give way to a 1970’s theme party.  Members can enjoy reminiscing about days gone by, play trivia games, and don’t forget those bell bottom jeans, platform shoes, and wide collared, button opened shirts, because there will be a prize for the best 1970s outfit.

Saturday will begin with business meetings, First Term Airman Boards, and move into a free afternoon, where participants can take a few planned trips to tour the city.  The evening will climax with a social hour, beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Awards Banquet, and a gathering in the Hospitality Suite, for a few more hours of remembering, and looking to next year.

This Convention, as well as all other AFSA Conventions, would not be possible without the hard work and support of the many members throughout the Chapters and Divisions.  It is because of you, the people who came before us, and the ones that will follow, that there is a “Voice” on Capital Hill.

MSgt David A. Bamburg