Local AFSA Airman represents Peterson internationally Published June 5, 2009 By Thea Skinner 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A Peterson Airman and Air Force Sergeants Association member was recently selected to represent the local AFSA district in its 2009 annual conference. In May, Senior Airman Bartholomew Dietrick, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron, was named the AFSA 2008 First Term Airman of the Year for the district. Airman Dietrick became involved in AFSA to improve quality of life issues for fellow Airmen. The local district, division 11, encompasses eight chapters in five states. AFSA, which has more than 113,000 members, is a professional organization that fights for the benefits and rights of active and retired enlisted personnel. "(AFSA) helped me get involved in the base community - for the betterment of the Air Force enlisted," he said. "There is always room for improvement, so that we don't get left behind. With the budget cuts we are susceptible to quality of life issues. (AFSA) gives you that direction and facilitates getting attention brought to an issue." AFSA is a private organization chartered to operate on Peterson AFB and has championed many issues on behalf of Airmen. "By attending the conferences Airmen can support the movers and shakers that are trying to provide support," he said. In his AFSA role Airman Dietrick serves as Airmen activities coordinator at Peterson, in which he recruits Airmen for AFSA. "He was able to bring in more of the junior enlisted. He is the first person to say this is what else I came up with and asks what he can do," said Tech. Sgt. Melissa Hargis, AFSA senior advisor and awards trustee. "A senior (noncommissioned officer) will brief Airmen on being a part of a professional organization and the Airmen can relate by hearing from a senior Airman." Airman Dietrick, a bioenvironmental engineering technician in Occupational Health and Emergency Response, enlisted about two years ago - Peterson is his first assignment. At the same time Airman Dietrick has been participating in AFSA he has earned a Masters of Business Administration and Finance and is working towards a graduate certificate in Homeland Defense through North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command. Job performance, self improvement and volunteerism are key, Airman Dietrick said. "Do the best you can in your career field and learn the most you can - make the sacrifice to continue your education," he said. Airman Dietrick advocates involvement in the local AFSA chapter at The Club on Peterson to support initiatives. His voice represents the division in August at the AFSA 2009 International Professional Airmen's Conference in Atlanta.