outreach
Dear Members,
The second quarter of 2009 has been an eventful one for the Pioneer Valley Chapter of AFA. Chapter members have continued to support our local community through several outreach events and I am pleased to have the opportunity to highlight a few of these occasions. On May 1, chapter President Major Luis Nunez was honored as a guest at the annual Dining Out by Air Force ROTC Detachment 370 from the University of Massachusetts. Major Nunez shared that he was encouraged to see the high quality of young men and women that are studying to be the Air Force’s newest commissioned leaders. On a similar note, I had the chance to recognize some of our younger future leaders during the quarter as well.
Through our partnerships with local JROTC detachments, I had the pleasure of presenting national AFA awards to outstanding cadets at several local high schools. Students were honored at Central and Putnam Vocational Technical High Schools in Springfield, MA and at Chicopee High School in Chicopee, MA. These cadets were selected on the basis of their academic performance, leadership abilities, and military bearing. It was quite inspiring to see the large numbers of cadets, all sharply dressed in their JROTC service dress uniforms, as they were recognized for their hard work during the school year. I was especially impressed with the ceremony at Springfield Central High School; I watched as over 300 cadets marched into the school’s auditorium. Each cadet displayed both perfect drill movements and exemplary military bearing. During the ceremony, I was extremely pleased to learn that the vast majority of these students consistently earned high honors in both their traditional academic courses and their JROTC studies. A significant number of the graduating seniors had plans to continue their education in college and one young cadet was even awarded a full ROTC scholarship to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University! Colonel Thomas Cleland and his staff of ROTC instructors have done a superb job in preparing these students to make positive contributions to society. I am sure that these cadets will succeed greatly whether they choose to serve our nation in the military or apply their talents in the private sector.
On May 23 and 24, the chapter provided support for the Civil Air Patrol’s Northeast regional drill and rescue competition. This event drew about 250 Civil Air Patrol members from all six New England states, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. AFA members provided manpower and assisted in giving tours of Westover’s C-5 aircraft, mainly to the young cadets. I participated in these tours and also had the opportunity to give a more in-depth, personalized tour to the CAP squadron from Stratford, CT. The cadets had many questions about the Air Force and the C-5 and I was happy to be able to answer as many as possible. I later received feedback from the squadron officers that the cadets were ecstatic about the tour and many commented on their eagerness to return next year.
On a more sober note, the chapter also had the opportunity to contribute to a worthy charitable cause during the quarter. Frankie Flora is a 5 year old boy who was mauled by a pit bull in April 2009. He required more than 1,000 stitches to close the lacerations on his face and scalp. He will also need numerous long-term reconstructive surgeries. Frankie is the son of a single mother and does not have health insurance. Medicaid has only covered those operations deemed necessary for survival; they will not cover the many cosmetic surgeries that Frankie will need to avoid disfigurement. In response to this tragic event, a fund has been created to raise money for Frankie’s medical care. Major Nunez has made a generous contribution to this fund on behalf of the chapter and I encourage any members who would like to make personal donations to visit www.frankiefund.com for more information.
In closing, please feel free to contact me with any outreach ideas. I am always looking for ways that the AFA can assist our local communities. I wish all chapter members a happy and safe summer.
Very Respectfully,
SrA Alan W. Fairey
Vice President – Community Outreach
(914) 403-8112
Alan.Fairey@gmail.com