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Show NEWS Association dedicated to the Air Force by Donna Davis Hilltop Times staff writer Formed at the end of World War II because a group of citizens wanted to prevent the disarmament that occurred after World War I, the Air Force Association is dedicated to the maintenance of a and Air Force, said Utah AFA president Dan Hendrickson. "We won the gulf war in a few days instead of the six years it took to win World War II," he said. "We can't forget after the hostility is over that we still live in a hostile world. "Belonging to the AFA reminds me of being back in elementary school in Boulder City, Nev.. when I said the Pledge of Allegiance. I get chills up my spine when I stand up for a strong America in"a public forum." said Mr. Hendrickson. well-equippe- d, well-manne- d well-traine- d n May 171 Through strong local chapters, the AFA provides members information concerning activity in Congress that could require a grass-root- s response. Every major command in the Air Force has a civilian representative on the national council to inform the AFA about civilian concerns. "Members go right to the top." said Jack Price, the national chairman of the board, who lives in Clearfield. "Access to the national presence through the local AFA chapter is, in my opinion, the most powerful reason a civilian employee of the Air Force should join the AFA," said Mr. Price. A top priority of the six Utah chapters is an initiative to assist local schools in increasing student interest in scientific and technical subjects. Even at elementary school levels, the chapters have developed curriculum packages on aviation and space programs. The enhancement of relationships between military installations and the business community is also a goal facilitated through forums involving local contractors. Hill AFB employees and the AFA. Through localized community service, each chapter addresses problems at home, including troubled teens, the homeless and illiteracy. All local chapters have strong programs to involve active duty personnel with veterans and high school and college ROTC activities. "I'm in a community with a strong Air Force, so an interest in my community combined with an in H.Htcp'Tiities 5 terest in a strong defense led me to service in the AFA," said Mr. Hendrickson. who donates two or three evenings a week to AFA activities. Although not registered as a lobby, the AFA. as a veterans' organization, is allowed to lobby Congress on personnel issues. Last year, the AFA lobbied Congress on the new Sonny Montgomery GI bill written to replace the expiring G I bill. It allows enlisted people to donate funds uhich are matched dollar for dollar for education after leaving the service. The AFA also provided testimony before Congress on the need for national support of the industries involved in defense-relateactivities, such as and research in exotic development in micro-chipd s materials. The Utah AFA has contributed more than $5,000 to the Air Force Assistance Fund each year for the past several years and has provided more than $35,000 in scholarships to local students attending Utah colleges. They helped construct the Hill AFB Heritage Museum. Mr. Hendrickson is most proud of certain awards programs to recognize outstanding performance by both military and civilian members of the Hill team. "I urge everyone to sign up. because we need their help." said Mr. Hendrickson. There are six chapters in the state. For more information, call Jon Shivelv at Ext. 53125. NEWS BRIEFS Program offers teens experience Teenagers out of school for the summer have the opportunity to gain valuable job training, experience and references by serving in volunteer positions at Hill AFB. The "volunteen" program helped more than 55 young people do just that last summer, while at the same time saving the Air Force $41,000, said Diana Wiggins, volunteer resources coordinator at the base's Family Support Center. "The types of settings and the opportunities are just limitless," she said. In addition, schedules are flexible. The program begins June 3 and continues through Aug. 16. But teens don't have to begin on June 3; some are takvacation before beginning. ing a For more information about the volunteen program, call Ms. Wiggins at two-wee- k 777-4681573- 5. Fillings aren't a health risk WASHINGTON (AFNS)-Den- tal amalgam fillings pose no health risk to patients despite reports on CBS "60 Minutes" that linked the use of mercury in the fillings to various diseases, said experts in the office of the Air Force Surgeon General. "Dental amalgam, which has been in use for 150 years, remains a safe and effective material," said Maj. Gen. Donald J. Butz, Air Force assistant surgeon general for dental services. "Good dental care will continue to depend on amalgam restorations and there is no reason to consider replacing old fillings at this time," he said. The "60 Minutes" report said the mercury used in amalgams can cause health problems such as arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Air Force people should be reassured that, while some people have been known to be allergic to mercury, this is a very rare condition, officials said. WeP roudly Salute You on Armed Forces Day! Thank You to All of Our Troops and Your Families. To show our appreciation we offer a n (flQSCQDDBG with your valid military 'EFIKirO j I j u i ri r 1 1 OD13D17S J o CE, UBS S&&PGS, GEdBP's eims khsgsf to) DZ7fifs i y ($3so7 ID. rd)f(L ys)iw2 |