CHARLIE JONES: Air Force Sergeants Association needs membership boost

It is the season for Christmas greetings and gift-giving, and the public should know who is providing some of the giving. For more than 40 years The Air Force Sergeants Association, Albany Chapter 451 has been buying and collecting small toys, candies, treats, personal care items and other essentials to fill more than 70 Children’s Christmas Stockings each year to be distributed by the local Salvation Army to needy children.

The Turner Field, Albany Chapter 451 of AFSA was founded in 1974 by a group of Air Force veterans and retirees, many of whom were previously stationed at the now closed Turner Air Force Base. The chapter’s membership has been supporting with financial contributions, time and personal efforts many charitable and community enhancement projects and programs. The chapter has partnered with other groups to support such activities as the Wheelchair Ramp Building Crews, Habitat for Humanity home builders, and fundraisings for the Heart Association, Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, the local Alzheimer’s Outreach Center and many more worthy causes.

Sewing and making Cuddly Bears for stuffing the Children’s Christmas Stockings and distribution to hospitalized patients is an ongoing project. In past years the chapter was donating and collecting canned and boxed food items and paper goods for the St. Clare’s Community Center. The chapter continues to provide monetary and personal support to our military veterans’ organizations and visits the Dublin VA Hospital to host Bingo games and provided treats and personal care items for patients. Chapter members provide volunteer services for Phoebe Putney Hospital and some schools, and give awards to Air Force JROTC cadets at three schools. Chapter members are involves in many other community activities.

The goals of AFSA Chapter 451 are to continue these worthy projects and maintain a voice and Air Force presence in Albany and Southwest Georgia. The chapter’s abilities are being impacted by declining membership numbers and the aging of members who try to carry on the chapter’s activities. Membership to the AFSA is open to all Air Force active-duty members, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserves, veterans, retirees, spouses and widows. New members are needed and most welcomed. Point of contact is Charlie Jones at (229) 878-6475. The schedule and location for chapter meetings are published each month in The Albany Herald’s Community Calendar column. The chapter wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

CHARLIE JONES

Albany

EDITOR’S NOTE: Charlie Jones is president of Air Force Sergeants Association, Albany Chapter 451.