About AFA

The Air Force Association (AFA) is an independent, nonprofit, civilian education organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA publishes Air Force Magazine, conducts national symposia and disseminates information through outreach programs. It sponsors professional development seminars and recognizes excellence in the education and aerospace fields through national awards programs. AFA presents scholarships and grants to Air Force active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members and their dependents; and awards educator grants to promote science and math education at the elementary and secondary school level. Additionally, AFA publishes a wide range of materials on www.afa.org.

The Air Force Association educates the public about the critical role of aerospace power in the defense of our nation; advocates aerospace power and a strong national defense; and supports the United States Air Force and the Air Force Family.

AFA is led by volunteer leaders at the national, state and local levels. AFA's state organizations and more than 230 chapters hold elections and conduct programs to increase public understanding of key national security issues in their communities. Programs range from luncheon and dinner activities to symposia and legislative roundtables with Congressional leaders. National officers and directors are elected by convention delegates attending the national convention in September. Delegates are chosen at the state and chapter levels to represent AFA's varied membership and vote on AFA policies. When finally adopted at the convention, AFA policy takes the form of an overall "Statement of Policy" and "Top Issues".

AFA’s leadership team for 2006-2007:

  • Robert E. "Bob" Largent, Chairman of the Board
  • Joseph E. Sutter, Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations
  • Boyd Anderson, Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education
  • Judy K. Church, Secretary
  • Steven R. Lundgren, Treasurer

Further, AFA is divided into 14 geographic regions, each led by a Region President:

  • Skip Williams, Central East Region (Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia)
  • Michael Peters, Far West Region (California, Hawaii, Guam)
  • Emil Friedauer, Florida Region (Florida, Puerto Rico)
  • William Howard, Jr., Great Lakes Region (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio)
  • Marvin Tooman, Midwest Region (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)
  • Joseph P. Bisognano, Jr., New England Region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont)
  • James W. Simons, North Central Region (Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin)
  • Maxine Donnelly, Northeast Region (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania)
  • Ernest L. Hansen, Northwest Region (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington)
  • Karl McCleary, Rocky Mountain Region (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming)
  • Leonard Vernamonti, South Central Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee)
  • Bush Hanson, Southeast Region (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina)
  • Bob Herculson, Southwest Region (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico)
  • Edward W. Garland, Texoma Region (Oklahoma, Texas)

AFA is also represented overseas by Special Assistant Gary L. McClain (Pacific).