SPECIAL NOTICES

ON THE MEANING OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

In response to an AFA request, Dr. Alan Gropman produced an extensive essay on Black History Month which ended with the following:
"If dear reader, you were unaware of the 5,000 black patriots who fought for American independence, or the large percentage of blacks in the 18th and 19th centuries’ United States Navy, or the more than 240,000 black Union Army soldiers, or of the glorious record of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and 24th and 25th Infantry, or of the six Medals of Honor earned by black soldiers during the Spanish American War, or the heroism of the 369th Regiment in World War I, or of the victories of the Tuskegee Airmen, then you understand the meaning of Black History Month."

YEAR OF THE AIR FORCE FAMILY

Airmen and their families are encouraged to visit a website showcasing its "Year of the Air Force Family," which runs to July 2010: http://www.af.mil/yoaff/index.asp. The site details service-wide initiatives supporting the effort, which the Air Force leadership launched to address areas of concern facing Air Force families and highlight the service's commitment to all airmen, married and single; spouses; children; Air Force civilians; extended families and retirees.

WATCH CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS LIVE

Michael Dunn, AFA president/CEO, writes that Congress has made it easy to "attend" hearings online. Early this month, from his desk as he worked, he was able to watch and listen to testimony by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and CJCS Mike Mullen. Go to the following websites: House Armed Services Committee, http://armedservices.house.gov/ and click on "Live Hearing Webcasts." For the Senate Armed Services Committee, http://armed-services.senate.gov/ and click on "Live Webcasts of Hearings."

CHAPTER MEMBERS WELCOME AT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS

All chapter members are invited to attend monthly meetings of the Chapter's Executive Council. The meetings are held at 4 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the Club Five Six's Barcelona Room. Info: 623-853-0495.