AFSA official delivers legislative update to Edwards Airmen Published Sept. 9, 2015 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Retired Chief Master Sgt. Jim Lokovic, Air Force Sergeants Association legislative analyst and writer, gave a legislative update to local AFSA members and fellow Airmen at the base theater Sept. 3. Lokovic is the deputy executive director and the director of military and government relations for the Air Force Sergeants Association. He works for the executive director and is the association's primary liaison with Congress, the administration, the military services, and other military and veteran associations in carrying out the association's chartered mission to protect and enhance the quality-of-life benefits for military members and their families. The briefing gave Edwards Airmen an insight into the challenges that the federal government faces with budget restrictions, cutbacks in quality-of-life spending and items in the 2016 Budget that the president will review. Lokovic emphasized the importance of the fact that changes in pay, quality-of-life-programs and benefits, do not come from the military, but from Congress, and Airmen should ensure their voice is heard on such issues. Some items on the 2016 Budget that Lokovic noted are potential cuts to commissaries around the military, changes to military retirement, infertility treatment for servicemembers and others, BAH cuts for military couples and cohabitators, and reductions in TDY per diem. AFSA is a professional military organization and their primary purpose is to provide benefits and services for enlisted folks by lobbying and sharing with Congress the needs of the enlisted. The group says it works with leaders in Washington D.C. and in the Air Force to enhance and maintain the interests of all Airmen. At Edwards Air Force Base, the local chapter works with local leaders to solve issues that directly affect Airmen as well as recognize them for their many accomplishments.