So what do they do for me? Published Oct. 30, 2009 By Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Norm Marous Vandenberg Retiree Activities Office director VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Annually they sponsor and present more than 40 awards for exceptional service and/or performance to Vandenberg Airmen, civilians, family members and organizations. They provide at least six college scholarships to Vandenberg Airmen each year and host an annual charity golf tournament that has raised tens of thousands of dollars for military and local charities. They join with 40 community partner businesses in providing support to programs which benefit base personnel. They raise and dispense more than $10,000 each year on programs that exist exclusively for the benefit of Vandenberg's people. They help fund Operation Kids Christmas, Airman's Attic, the Global Hearts program for deployed family members, care packages and phone cards for deployed troops, Civil Air Patrol Cadet programs, ROTC activities and numerous other programs and events for Team Vandenberg. Additionally, as part of a national organization, they support programs which benefit the total Air Force, across the country and around the world. So who are the people who do all of these great things at Vandenberg? They are a group virtually everyone on base has heard of, but likely give little thought to. Virtually every member of the Vandenberg community is eligible to be a member (including active duty, Guard, Reserve, retired, civilian employees and family members), while only about 550 here actually are members. The organization is the Air Force Association (the Robert H. Goddard Chapter 266 here) and it is looking for new and old members alike to help continue the aforementioned programs. People who get involved in this organization can gain leadership experience, earn recognition that will benefit their career development and education, and also win awards for their own service; but most importantly, they can make valuable contributions to their community and receive the satisfaction that comes from knowing they are making a real difference. AFA is the only organization in which all members are completely equal partners and equally eligible for leadership roles, regardless of status or rank (enlisted commissioned, civilian, family member or contractor alike). Vandenberg's Goddard Chapter of AFA will host an 'Appreciation Mixer' from 5 - 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Pacific Coast Club Ballroom. We encourage you to come out and enjoy free heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages and some good old fashioned camaraderie, while you learn more about your local AFA chapter and the people who make so many things possible for Team Vandenberg. Make Reservations by Nov. 3 by calling 606-7416 or e-mailing paulette.taylor@vandenberg.af.mil. Learn more about how to become an active part of these great programs at this pressure free friendly forum. For more information call Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Norm Marous, Chapter 266 Vice President, at (805) 606-5474.