History of the AFSA

The Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) was founded on May 3, 1961, by four visionary Air Force non-commissioned officers: Benny McGehee, Lee Thompson, Virgil Perry, and Donald Ward. Established in San Antonio, Texas, the organization was born out of a critical need for an enlisted voice in the halls of power. At the time, while various military associations existed, none were dedicated solely to representing the unique professional and personal interests of the Air Force’s enlisted corps to America’s elected and military leaders.

In its early years, AFSA focused on establishing legitimacy and building a grassroots network across the Air Force. A major milestone occurred when Benny McGehee, serving as the association’s first president, became the first representative of an all-enlisted organization to give testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. This set a precedent for the association’s role as a primary advocate on Capitol Hill, shifting the perspective of lawmakers who had previously focused their interactions almost exclusively on commissioned officers and senior military leadership.

Throughout the late 20th century, AFSA expanded its mission to include the “Total Air Force,” welcoming members from the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, as well as retirees and veterans. In recognition of its significant contributions and professional standing, the organization was granted a federal charter by the U.S. Congress under Title 36. This charter cemented AFSA’s status as a premier Veteran Service Organization (VSO), allowing it to work directly with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to shape policies affecting military pay, healthcare, and housing.

The association’s historical legacy is defined by its legislative “wins” that have profoundly impacted the quality of life for Airmen. Over the decades, AFSA has been instrumental in securing annual pay raises, protecting the commissary and exchange systems, and advocating for the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills. More recently, AFSA played a key role in the passage of the PACT Act of 2022, which expanded healthcare benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, and has consistently fought for increased Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and family support programs.

Today, AFSA stands as a global organization with over 75,000 members and more than 120 chapters worldwide. Headquartered in the Airmen Memorial Building in Suitland, Maryland, it continues to honor its heritage through the Airmen Memorial Museum and various scholarship programs. While the technology and structure of the Air Force have evolved since 1961, AFSA remains committed to its founding principle: ensuring that the men and women who serve in the enlisted ranks always have a seat at the table when their benefits and futures are being decided.