Shogun-AFSA president

Retired Chief Master Sgt. John McCauslin, Air Force Sergeants Association international president, briefs enlisted members during his PACAF tour Nov. 8, 2007, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. He was on a PACAF tour briefing the enlisted populace on legislative matters affecting enlisted members. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Darnell T. Cannady)

Shogun-AFSA president

AFSA president visits Kadena

Published Nov. 14, 2007
By Senior Airman Nestor Cruz
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Air Force Sergeants Association international president spoke with Kadena Airmen Nov. 13 about their rights and benefits as enlisted members.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. John McCauslin talked with AFSA members, Airmen Committed to Excellence and others about current issues AFSA is working on their behalf in Washington.

Topics ranged from education, health care and issues pertaining to the Guard and Reserve. In his speech, Mr. McCauslin cited numerous House of Representatives bills affecting military benefits. He equipped Airmen with information to help them understand the decisions being made by policy makers.

"Chief McCauslin spoke on how Airmen can make an impact by using our voice to lobby Congress for change," said Airman 1st Class April Anders, ACE president. "This event was truly a momentous occasion for ACE and Kadena."

During his 32 year active-duty career in the Air Force, Mr. McCauslin served as 5th Air Force Command Senior Enlisted Advisor at Yokota AB, Japan.

As an AFSA member, Mr. McCauslin has served as AFSA International Trustee, Retired/Veterans Affairs; trustee of the Ramstein AB, Germany, chapter; and on the Awards, Scholastic, Budget and Finance Committees of Chapter 1075, also in Germany.

"I'm here speaking to you as a volunteer because I'm passionate about making things better for all of you serving our country," said Mr. McCauslin, a lifetime AFSA member since 1977. "When I joined the Air Force in 1955, we didn't have a voice in Washington. Through AFSA, there are now people out there, including myself, fighting for your benefits."

Mr. McCauslin encouraged Kadena Airmen to actively participate in professional organizations including AFSA and voice their opinions on issues concerning military benefits.

"Take advantage of all the opportunities the Air Force has to offer," said the AFSA president. "If you pass them by now, you won't see them when you retire."