Introduction:

This was the first AOG Chapter President's Conference hosted by the AOG in many years. Presidents and/or their representatives from 25 chapters attended. The conference was purposely held during Parent's Weekend, which afforded an opportunity to be in a joint session with the presidents of various parent's clubs throughout the country for the briefings by the USAFA Senior Staff. The main purpose of the conference was to provide assistance to the chapters by the AOG with information from the AOG, plus the information and lesions learned from the attending chapters. Chapter development to include both operations and growth was discussed. The briefings from the USAFA Senior Staff, lunch with the Cadet Wing in Mitchell Hall and a tour of the newer facilities complimented the briefing and information provided by the AOG. The three superb social events hosted and attended by AOG Staff members complimented the information exchange done during the formal presentations.

USAFA Senior Staff Presentations:

1. Presentations were received from: Superintendent, Lt Gen Mike Gould; Command Chief, CMSgt T. Salzman; Commandant, Brig Gen R. Clark; Dean, Brig Gen D. Born; Athletics, Dr. H. Mueh; Prep School Commander, Col. B. Weiss; Diversity, Mr. M. Stewart; Admissions, Col C. Benyshik; and Base Commander, Col T. Gibson.

2. The thrust emphasized by each of the speakers was focused on producing the best possible leaders for the US Air Force. Many leadership development initiatives were presented and examples given. One example was the fixing of a bomber in Afghanistan by a Cadet on his summer training program.

3. After the formal briefings, a question and answer session was held. Interesting to note that there were no questions regarding the previous problems regarding sexual assaults or religion.

Association of Graduates Presentations:

1. The AOG presented the following:
• Best practices on networking
• Use of social media to engage alumni
• Web page development
• Dues vs. non-dues
•Tax exempt status
• Keeping your constituents engaged
• What the AOG can do to assist/help

2. During each of the above topics there were discussions and the result was that there is no "one-fits-all". However by using available networking resources, several chapters have improved chapter operations. Most of the chapters attending have websites and regarding dues, it appears that there is no right answer. The same could be said for organizing as tax-exempt, non-profit or not-for-profit.

3. The AOG can assist chapters by; providing information on graduates in their area, arranging for speakers at an event and providing an on-line reservation service for local events. The AOG will be providing an ID card for access to the Academy for those graduates who do not have a military ID.

What should we, the Las Vegas Chapter do?

• More focus on events that active duty grads can attend
• Seek out individual members to organize an event
• Reach out to the Parent's Club, ALO's and new appointees
• Investigate possibility for Tri-Service Academy graduates functions
• Consider another survey of graduates in the area for their preferences

Conclusion:

The opportunity to interact with; other chapter's grads from the Class of '59 to '04; the AOG and Senior USAFA Staff at the Academy made this a very worthwhile experience. All the arrangements made by the AOG Staff were excellent.

Pat Russell, '68
Webmaster
Las Vegas Chapter, AOG