AFSA presents members with annual awards Published April 22, 2014 By Senior Airman John Washburn 412th Communications Squadron EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- If you're familiar with The Enlisted Force Structure, commonly referred to as "The Little Brown Book," it states it's an Airman's responsibility to join and participate in a professional organization. For some Airmen looking for an organization to join, the Air Force Sergeants Association may be the right fit. AFSA's purpose is to represent the professional and personal interests of active-duty personnel, retired veterans and their families. The AFSA is a professional military organization and their primary purpose is to provide benefits and services for enlisted folks. The AFSA 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 organization works hard with local leaders to solve issues that directly affect Airmen as well as recognize them for their many accomplishments. Retired Chief Master Sgt. James Lokovic, the AFSA Division 6 Legislative Affairs Trustee, will tell you that, "The success of any and all [AFSA] Chapters and Divisions is achieved by recognizing and rewarding the volunteer members that make our association strong. Our [114K] volunteer members are our most important resource and it is incumbent upon us to thank them by recognizing their contributions." The Edwards AFSA Chapter 1328 Executive Council takes that responsibility very seriously. Lokovic joined Chief Master Sgt. Brian Randolph, 412th Test Wing command chief, in recognizing each of Edwards' local AFSA award winners April 18, whose award nominations were slightly different and highlighted a varying scope of achievement and leadership. For instance, the Airmen and Non-commissioned Officer of the Year are recognized and honored for having outstanding junior Airmen or junior NCO leadership and for their exceptional representation on behalf of the United States Air Force, the AFSA and the community. However, the purpose of the Member of the Year award is to recognize the AFSA member for their exceptional meritorious service and achievement solely on behalf of the Air Force Sergeants Association. Although there are many that make up the Edward's AFSA team, we could only select three individuals that best represent that which makes the AFSA 'Spaceway' Chapter 1328 shine brightest amongst the division's 22 other chapters and 18,500 members spread across eight different states in the Southwest region. It gives us, Chapter 1328, great pleasure to announce our 2013 annual award winners: Airmen of the Year Airmen 1st Class Andrew Pietszak, 412th Communications Squadron Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hill, 412th CS Member of the Year Staff Sgt. Michael Burd, 412th CS