Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Columbia University Students for Discussion on Public Health Leadership
NEW YORK, Dec. 24 [Category: Health Care] -- The New York Health and Hospitals posted the following news release:
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Columbia University Students for Discussion on Public Health Leadership
Event connected Metropolitan Hospital's senior leadership with 40 soon-to-be graduates of the Mailman School of Public Health
Discussion highlighted community-based care, hospital leadership, and public service within the nation's largest public health care system
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan announced today that it hosted 40 Master of Public Health
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Dec. 24 [Category: Health Care] -- The New York Health and Hospitals posted the following news release:
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hosts Columbia University Students for Discussion on Public Health Leadership
Event connected Metropolitan Hospital's senior leadership with 40 soon-to-be graduates of the Mailman School of Public Health
Discussion highlighted community-based care, hospital leadership, and public service within the nation's largest public health care system
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NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan announced today that it hosted 40 Master of Public Healthstudents from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health to connect soon-to-be graduates for a Public Health Fireside Chat with the hospital's senior leadership. The conversation, facilitated by Metropolitan Hospital's Chief Executive Officer, Julian S. John, MPA, Chief Operating Officer Elsa Cosme, MBA, and Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary President Betsy Mendez White, MPH, covered the importance of community-based care, hospital leadership, innovation, and public service within the nation's largest public health system.
The event provided students with firsthand insight into the role of a safety-net hospital within a larger public health care ecosystem. Metropolitan leadership discussed the daily operational and strategic decisions that shape care delivery, particularly in an under-served community like East Harlem where residents have higher rates of preventable health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, HIV, certain cancers, as well as lower rates of healthcare access and insurance coverage.
"Exposing students to community-focused care models allows them the opportunity to better understand the realities of localized care and the responsibility we share in improving health outcomes locally and nationally," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Executive Officer, Julian S. John, MPA. "Public service is a privilege and mentorship is critical. We are happy to offer students the chance to learn from those who have navigated healthcare leadership and offer insights that can help shape their careers."
"This event allowed Metropolitan to show students firsthand what hospital operations and the journey to leadership truly looks like at the local level, and the lasting impact it can have on patients, communities, and their own careers," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Operating Officer, Elsa Cosme, MBA.
"Supporting the next generation of public health leaders is central to Metropolitan's mission, and we are proud to welcome students who are committed to understanding community needs and serving with purpose," said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Hospital Auxiliary President, Betsy Mendez White, MPH.
The discussion also explored what qualities it takes to lead in the health care field: resilience, vision, and heart. Leaders shared their personal journeys, offering students valuable insights into navigating the challenges of today's healthcare climate. The conversation allowed students the unique opportunity to engage directly with senior hospital leadership, asking questions to inform their careers,including how to best apply their passion for public service in an evolving industry.
As one of New York City's oldest public hospitals and with a 150-year legacy of empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders, Metropolitan Hospital supports a range of educational programs including medical residencies, nursing and allied health professional trainings, pre-collegiate and direct to workforce programs, as well as a robust volunteer network to help develop future healthcare professionals and strengthen local pathways to careers in public service.
MEDIA CONTACT : Domonique Chaplin, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, (212) 423-7782
#232-25
About NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan is a 338-bed facility serving East Harlem and surrounding communities. Known historically as the primary health care provider in El Barrio, Metropolitan delivers high-quality, compassionate care to over 400,000 clinic visits and more than 60,000 emergency room visits annually. The hospital is a designated Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Center of Excellence and a recognized "Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign. Since 2021, the hospital has been ranked #1 in New York State for health equity and inclusivity across all categories by the Lown Institute. Metropolitan has earned numerous honors, including the AORN, Beacon, Lantern, and Pathway to Excellence with Distinction awards, and national recognition in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals list. With a legacy spanning 150 years, Metropolitan maintains the nation's oldest municipal hospital-medical school affiliation through its longstanding partnership with New York Medical College.
https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/locations/metropolitan
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health planall supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Original text here: https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/pressrelease/nyc-health-hospitals-metropolitan-hosts-columbia-university-students-for-discussion-on-public-health-leadership/
U.S. Chamber Responds to Foreign Price Control Proposals on Medicare Treatments
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Business] -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce posted the following news release:
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U.S. Chamber Responds to Foreign Price Control Proposals on Medicare Treatments
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WASHINGTON - Neil Bradley, executive vice president, chief policy officer, and head of strategic advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement regarding recent proposals that would impose foreign-country reference pricing on certain Medicare medicines:
"Importing foreign price controls into the U.S. healthcare system would harm patients by limiting access to new, life-saving
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 [Category: Business] -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce posted the following news release:
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U.S. Chamber Responds to Foreign Price Control Proposals on Medicare Treatments
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WASHINGTON - Neil Bradley, executive vice president, chief policy officer, and head of strategic advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement regarding recent proposals that would impose foreign-country reference pricing on certain Medicare medicines:
"Importing foreign price controls into the U.S. healthcare system would harm patients by limiting access to new, life-savingmedicines and reducing their choices. The Chamber has long opposed price controls, which stifle innovation and jeopardize the economic contributions of the life sciences sector. Such policies threaten to undermine the $500 billion life science companies are currently investing in the United States - investments that drive groundbreaking research and create high-paying jobs. Instead, we support voluntary, market-based arrangements that foster collaboration and preserve the innovation ecosystem that has made America a global leader in medical advancements. We urge the Administration to carefully reconsider and reject these harmful proposals and focus on market-driven solutions that protect patients, jobs, and the economy."
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Original text here: https://www.uschamber.com/health-care/u-s-chamber-responds-to-foreign-price-control-proposals-on-medicare-treatments
Military Officers Association of America: New USPHS Commissioned Corps Leader Seeks Fitter Force, Greater Awareness
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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New USPHS Commissioned Corps Leader Seeks Fitter Force, Greater Awareness
By Tony Lombardo
The new leader of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps launched a new fitness initiative this month aimed at improving the health and readiness of the force while promising to elevate the branch's role and recognition among the uniformed services.
"As public health service officers and servicemembers, it is our job to lead by example. If we're asking the American public to focus on their
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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New USPHS Commissioned Corps Leader Seeks Fitter Force, Greater Awareness
By Tony Lombardo
The new leader of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps launched a new fitness initiative this month aimed at improving the health and readiness of the force while promising to elevate the branch's role and recognition among the uniformed services.
"As public health service officers and servicemembers, it is our job to lead by example. If we're asking the American public to focus on theirhealth, our servicemen and women should be leading the way," said Adm. Brian Christine during his Dec. 12 swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C., where he became the Department of Health and Human Services' 18th assistant secretary for health and the chief of the USPHS Commissioned Corps.
The all-officer corps has 5,500 servicemembers with jobs that include doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, clinical and rehabilitation therapists, dietitians, engineers, environmental health officers, scientists, veterinarians, and more. They serve at home, along our borders, and overseas, often alongside armed services personnel.
Christine, a urologist and surgeon, earned his doctor of medicine degree from Emory University and completed his residency in urology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
He announced the new PHS Mission Fit program on Dec. 12. It will include:
* Clear expectations for physical fitness and consistent training. Beginning April 1, officers will complete two physical fitness tests (PFTs) annually.
* Holistic support and resources across physical, mental, nutritional, and sleep health.
* Weekly structured exercise opportunities.
* Motivational challenges to build camaraderie and engagement.
Christine has already promised to share his own PFT score and encourages all members of the Corps to try and beat him.
"I'll be traveling to different duty stations," Christine said. "When I do, we're going to work out together. We're going to do PT together."
During his swearing-in, Christine addressed officers in the room, noting he'd heard feedback that USPHS officers feel like they serve in an "invisible corps" - a branch whose role and service is unknown to the general public. He pledged that he would make sure they are the "visible corps."
"At every opportunity, be seen in your uniform," he told officers. "When someone says 'Thank you for your service,' use that time to explain who you are, what you are, what Public Health Service officers do to make your country healthy."
Christine said he will also seek to better unite the Commissioned Corps with other services.
"We're going to be interfacing with the other branches of service more frequently and more intensely," he said. "We are moving to bring the U.S. Public Health Service Commission Corps into better alignment with the other uniformed services, while always maintaining our unique identity and our unique garrison."
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About the Author
Tony Lombardo
As MOAA's Director of Content & Engagement, Tony Lombardo manages the content team tasked with producing The MOAA Newsletter, editing Military Officer magazine, operating MOAA's social media accounts, and supporting all communications efforts across the association.
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/recommended-reads/new-public-health-service-leader-seeks-fitter-force,-greater-awareness/
[Category: National Defense]
Long-Sought Fix for Combat-Wounded Veterans Takes New Path in Congress
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Long-Sought Fix for Combat-Wounded Veterans Takes New Path in Congress
By Jen Goodale
The Major Richard Star Act, a bipartisan effort to fix a long-standing injustice in the military retirement and disability compensation system, has taken a significant procedural step in Congress as lawmakers look to move the issue forward before the end of the year.
The MOAA-supported bill (H.R. 2102 | S. 1032) eliminates a dollar-for-dollar offset faced by servicemembers whose combat-related injuries force
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Long-Sought Fix for Combat-Wounded Veterans Takes New Path in Congress
By Jen Goodale
The Major Richard Star Act, a bipartisan effort to fix a long-standing injustice in the military retirement and disability compensation system, has taken a significant procedural step in Congress as lawmakers look to move the issue forward before the end of the year.
The MOAA-supported bill (H.R. 2102 | S. 1032) eliminates a dollar-for-dollar offset faced by servicemembers whose combat-related injuries forcethem to medically retire before the 20-year mark. Ending this "wounded veteran tax" would allow eligible veterans to receive both full retirement pay and full disability compensation.
In a strategic shift to advance the legislation in this session of Congress, Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have filed the text of the bill as an amendment to House-passed appropriations legislation (H.R. 4016).
That House bill contains five of the 12 annual funding bills often viewed as must-pass legislation for federal operations, including money for:
* Defense
* Commerce, Justice and Science
* Interior
* Labor/Health and Human Services
* Transportation/Housing and Urban Development
By offering the Major Richard Star Act as an amendment to this package, sponsors hope to give members of both chambers an opportunity to vote on the issue in the context of essential federal spending legislation.
Why This Matters Now
Attaching the legislation to must-pass funding bills represents a key shift in advocacy strategy as the first session of 119th Congress winds down. Because the standalone bills have faced procedural hurdles over the past seven years, leveraging the appropriations process may provide the best remaining opportunity to secure floor consideration and a recorded vote in the coming weeks.
MOAA continues to highlight that this reform carries modest budgetary impact relative to its importance to veterans' families and supporters, and stresses that military retirement pay and disability compensation are distinct entitlements earned through service and sacrifice.
How MOAA Members Can Help
MOAA's advocacy remains focused on passing the Major Richard Star Act. We need your help to urge members of Congress to support inclusion of the bill's language as an amendment to the appropriations legislation, and to oppose procedural barriers that could derail progress. Grassroots engagement remains critical to maintaining momentum.
Send a message to your lawmakers today, and keep track of this and other MOAA legislative priorities at our advocacy news page.
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About the Author
Jen Goodale
Goodale, a Marine Corps veteran, is MOAA's Director of Government Relations for Veteran and Retired Affairs.
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/advocacy/long-sought-fix-for-combat-wounded-veterans-takes-new-path-in-congress/
[Category: National Defense]
HARDI Applauds Quick EPA Action to Deprioritize Federal Enforcement of Installation Prohibitions in Technology Transition Rule
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 23 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI Applauds Quick EPA Action to Deprioritize Federal Enforcement of Installation Prohibitions in Technology Transition Rule
Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) applauds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for releasing a new statement that deprioritizes federal enforcement of the January 1, 2026, installation prohibitions contained in the Technology Transition Rule Reconsideration. This action signals
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 23 -- The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International issued the following news release:
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HARDI Applauds Quick EPA Action to Deprioritize Federal Enforcement of Installation Prohibitions in Technology Transition Rule
Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) applauds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for releasing a new statement that deprioritizes federal enforcement of the January 1, 2026, installation prohibitions contained in the Technology Transition Rule Reconsideration. This action signalsa significant shift in how the Agency will apply its limited enforcement resources as the law is expected to change.
"This is welcome news for distributors and contractors going into the new year," said HARDI CEO Talbot Gee. "We heard from our members the need for certainty, and HARDI submitted an official request to the Agency earlier this month to provide relief to distributors and contractors before the final rule is released."
The Technology Transition Rule, finalized under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, includes an installation date prohibition that has been widely criticized by contractors, distributors, and manufacturers as unworkable and disconnected from how projects are planned, permitted, and built. Earlier this year, the EPA released a proposed rule to repeal the January 1, 2026, prohibition on installing residential and light-commercial air conditioners and heat pumps using R-410A refrigerant. HARDI submitted comments in support of this change and asked the EPA to expand the repeal of installation dates to include remote condensing units used in commercial refrigeration and equipment in cold storage warehouses, but the regulatory process is expected to take several months before a final rule is released.
"The EPA recognizes that repeal won't help the industry until the rule is finalized," said Alex Ayers, Vice President of Government Affairs for HARDI. "This new statement makes clear that federal enforcement of these installation prohibitions is not a priority while the Agency completes its reconsideration. This provides much-needed certainty for businesses planning projects and managing inventory during the transition."
By deprioritizing enforcement of the Technology Transition Rule's installation prohibitions for residential and light-commercial air conditioners and heat pumps, remote condensing units used in commercial refrigeration, and refrigeration systems used in cold storage warehouses, EPA acknowledges that aggressive federal enforcement in this area would create disruption without advancing long-term policy objectives, particularly given the likelihood of regulatory changes.
This action does not repeal or amend the Technology Transition Rule, and EPA's enforcement discretion applies only to federal enforcement. States and local governments retain authority to enforce applicable requirements under state law, building codes, and permitting programs, and contractors must continue to comply with those obligations. However, the new statement significantly reduces the likelihood of EPA-initiated federal enforcement actions related to installation timing during this transition period.
"EPA's decision confirms what industry stakeholders have long argued: the installation prohibition is flawed, impractical, and poorly suited for enforcement," Ayers added. "While the rule remains on the books, EPA will now focus its enforcement efforts on higher-priority violations that present more significant concerns, like the illegal import of refrigerants and maintaining the R-410A manufacturing prohibition on non-repair components."
HARDI will continue to urge Congress to provide a permanent legislative fix that eliminates all future installation dates set by any agency, providing clarity and certainty for contractors, distributors, and manufacturers.
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Original text here: https://hardinet.org/posts/press-release/hardi-applauds-quick-epa-action-to-deprioritize-federal-enforcement-of-installation-prohibitions
[Category: Air Conditioning/Refrigeration]
Better Access to Your Health Care Benefit: A Look at the Military CARE Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Better Access to Your Health Care Benefit: A Look at the Military CARE Act
By: Kevin Lilley
A bipartisan House bill introduced Dec. 17 would require the Pentagon to establish a digital system designed to improve access to care at military treatment facilities (MTFs) by providing greater data and transparency on beneficiary access challenges - a key MOAA legislative priority.
The Military Care Access, Reporting, and Evaluation (CARE) Act (H.R. 6796) mandates a system that:
* Allows all TRICARE
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Better Access to Your Health Care Benefit: A Look at the Military CARE Act
By: Kevin Lilley
A bipartisan House bill introduced Dec. 17 would require the Pentagon to establish a digital system designed to improve access to care at military treatment facilities (MTFs) by providing greater data and transparency on beneficiary access challenges - a key MOAA legislative priority.
The Military Care Access, Reporting, and Evaluation (CARE) Act (H.R. 6796) mandates a system that:
* Allows all TRICAREbeneficiaries to submit and track a complaint about MTF barriers to accessing care.
* Sends access complaints to the proper patient advocate.
* Aggregates those complaints for use by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to help officials address widespread problems.
"Without reliable data and transparency, access-to-care problems in the military health system remain unseen and unresolved," MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), said in a press release announcing the bill's introduction. "The Military CARE Act ensures beneficiary experiences are captured, tracked, and reported - giving leaders and Congress the visibility needed to identify systemic issues and drive meaningful, lasting improvements for military families."
The bill, sponsored by Reps. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), also requires reports on the most common access-to-care complaint filed at each MTF, along with deeper looks into specialty and pediatric care. It also mandates each facility provide "a summary of steps taken ... to reduce access to care complaints by covered beneficiaries."
The Military CARE Act is the result of grassroots efforts - MOAA took this issue to Capitol Hill as part of the 2025 Advocacy in Action event. MOAA members from across the nation converged on Washington, D.C., in April to meet with lawmakers and advance our legislative agenda, including improving access to health care for military families.
Why This System Matters
Military families face multiple hurdles navigating a complex health care benefit - everything from frequent PCS moves to an unstable military health system. Many reach a new duty station only to be greeted by MTF appointment shortages and referral delays ... and patient-advocacy resources at these facilities vary widely across the force.
The establishment of a systemwide digital platform would help all beneficiaries know where to go with their complaints, ensure their issues are forwarded to individuals who can help them secure their earned health care benefit, and compile data to help DHA leaders and Congress address problems - whether it's a single MTF facing a series of challenges or a forcewide issue faced by beneficiaries in multiple locations.
Congress mandated a similar system in 2019 to address military family housing concerns amid increased reports of hazardous living conditions. The DoD Housing Feedback System offers a centralized database for tenant complaints, landlord responses, and actionable data that can shed light on widespread problems.
"This bipartisan bill gives military families a real voice, gives providers the tools to respond quickly, and gives Congress the oversight needed to ensure servicemembers and their loved ones are never left behind," Horsford said in the press release. "When we support our families, we strengthen the entire force."
Existing systems, such as the Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) application, may field some TRICARE access-related complaints, but they are used infrequently, lack consistency in how submissions are handled, and have few reporting mandates. The establishment of a complete, transparent reporting platform will offer beneficiaries the tool they need to ensure their service-earned benefit is fully provided.
"Our military families deserve timely care and a clear path to raise concerns when the system falls short," Bacon said in the release. "The Military CARE Act gives servicemembers and their families a direct line to report care access issues and track their resolution, while ensuring Congress has the data needed to identify and fix systemic problems across the military health system."
Alongside MOAA, the bill is supported by military and veterans organizations such as AMVETS, the National Military Family Association, the TRICARE for Kids Coalition, and Vietnam Veterans of America. You can add your voice to the cause by reaching out to your House member today via our Legislative Action Center and asking them to back the Military CARE Act.
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About the Author
Kevin Lilley
Lilley serves as MOAA's digital content manager. His duties include producing, editing, and managing content for a variety of platforms, with a concentration on The MOAA Newsletter and MOAA.org. Follow him on X: @KRLilley
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2025-news-articles/health-care-and-earned-benefits/better-access-to-your-health-care-benefit-a-look-at-the-military-care-act/
[Category: National Defense]
AFA's 10 Key Milestones in 2025
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 23 [Category: National Defense] -- The Air and Space Forces Association posted the following news release:
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AFA's 10 Key Milestones in 2025
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What a year! Thanks to supporters like you, AFA had a real impact on 2025. Here are 10 ways your Air & Space Force Association made a difference for our Air Force and Space Force family over the course of the past 12 months.
1\. An Old Tradition, a Brand New Headquarters
AFA welcomed more than 120 distinguished guestsincluding Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman and then-Chief of Staff of the Air Force
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Dec. 23 [Category: National Defense] -- The Air and Space Forces Association posted the following news release:
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AFA's 10 Key Milestones in 2025
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What a year! Thanks to supporters like you, AFA had a real impact on 2025. Here are 10 ways your Air & Space Force Association made a difference for our Air Force and Space Force family over the course of the past 12 months.
1\. An Old Tradition, a Brand New Headquarters
AFA welcomed more than 120 distinguished guestsincluding Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman and then-Chief of Staff of the Air ForceGen. David Allvinfor the grand opening of our new HQ, celebrated in conjunction with AFA's annual Doolittle Raiders Memorial Toast. Hundreds more tuned in online, and around the world, with many chapters holding their own Raiders Memorial Toast. Here's to the Raiders, AFA, and the future!
2\. Turning Heads, Changing Policy
With the fate of the Air Force's E-7 early warning and battle management aircraft suddenly in doubt, AFA and the Mitchell Institute rallied 16 four-star generalsincluding six former Air Force Chiefs of Staffto co-sign an AFA letter warning against the move. Led by AFA's President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), and Dean of AFA's Mitchell Institute Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), the collective action voiced by these experienced leaders had an impact: Within weeks, the House of Representatives voted to support funding for the E-7 program, legislation that has since become law in the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The E-7 Wedgetail continues!
3\. Fighting for Families
AFA rallied in support of Airmen, Guardians, federal civilians, and Families as the government shutdown ground on and some families faced severe financial hardships. In less than a week, AFA members contributed more than $17,000 and AFA pledged thousands more to help fund AFA Chapters' efforts around the nation, supporting food banks and other quality-of-life projects at Tinker AFB, Shaw AFB, Buckley SFB, Dobbins ARB, Bolling AFB, Duluth ANGB, and many more.
AFA's United Forces & Families program has more to give. Chapters can apply for $1,000 grants here.
4\. Building Coalitions and Influence
The cosigners of AFA's letter included the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), the Marine Corps Association (MCA), the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), the Reserve Organization of America (ROA), and Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). The six associationsrepresenting a combined 1.8 million membershighlighted the impact of the month-long funding lapse across the defense community in the letter to the House and Senate, and during an AFA-hosted press event a few days before the government reopened.
5\. "Building Better Leaders"
AFA's Doolittle Leadership Center launched a new podcast, rapidly connecting with top leaders past and present. Among the first dozen episodes launched in 2025, are interviews with:
* Gen. Anthony Cotton, then-Commander of U.S. Strategic Command
* Gen. Kevin Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces
* Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, USSF (Ret.), the first Chief of Space Operations
* Chief Master Sgt. Tina Timmerman, Command Sr. Enlisted Leader U.S. Space Forces - Space
Watch and listen to all 12 episodes here, or on your favorite platform:
6\. Connecting with Leadership
Air & Space Forces Magazine scored the first on-the-record interview with new Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, who laid out his history and strategic vision for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Interview opportunities like this, along with opportunities to cover invitation-only events, like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's addresses to America's generals and to the defense industry, underscore that AFA's news reporters and products are trusted at the highest levels of government and industry.
7\. Notching STEM Records
AFA's CyberPatriot, the world's largest youth cyber education program, has now helped prepare 250,000 students for futures in science, technology, engineering and math. Among them, more than 100,000 CyberPatriot alumni have pursued degrees and/or careers in cybersecurity or computer science, helping to reduce our nation's deficit in cyber defenders by 15%.
Meanwhile, AFA's StellarXplorers space education program is growing as well, registering more teams for its national space design competition in 2025 than any of its 11 seasons before!
8\. Going the Distance
A record 270 riders joined the 350-mile bicycle ride from the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kitty Hawk, N.C., to the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., this year. Together, they raised $73,000, well more than this year's goal, for AFA's Wounded Airmen & Guardians Program.
9\. Complex Wargaming
Bringing warfighters together from Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Air Mobility Command (AMC), U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), and Air Force Futures, allied participants from the Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Self-Defense Forces, and also members of the global defense industry, AFA's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies used the wargame to assess how differing future force structures measured up to the demands of peer competition in the Indo-Pacific.
10\. Farewell and Welcome
Outgoing AFA Chair of the Board Bernie Skoch completed his tenure as AFA's 51st Chair of the Board by handing the gavel to his successor, Kathleen Ferguson, on October 1. Under Skoch's stewardship, AFA membership grew to 130,000 and prominent leaders including former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and former Chief Information Security Officer of the U.S. Greg Touhill to the Board.
Ferguson's deep roots as a career civil servant, military spouse, and longtime AFA leader, give her an ideal profile to guide AFA through a pivotal erastrengthening the Association's advocacy, supporting its families, amplifying its voice, and building a vibrant future....and get ready for so much more in 2026!
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Original text here: https://www.afa.org/afas-10-key-milestones-in-2025/
