Advocating to inspire military service is a team effort!
This year, two AFA chapters—Northeast Texas (Greenville, TX) and Sam Johnson (Dallas, TX)—joined forces with the AFA National F2 Grant Program and the 344th Panther Organization (344 PO [501(C)3]), a private non-profit organization. Both chapters and the 344 PO are focused on supporting the military and family members of the 344th Recruiting Squadron (344 RCS). Together, they developed an annual plan to fund FY26 morale and welfare events, ensuring recruiters and their families receive the support they need.
Quarterly gatherings strengthen recruiter skills and foster family engagement. Because the squadron covers more than 100,000 square miles of Texas and southern Oklahoma, these events are often the only times the entire unit comes together. The F2 grant helps cover childcare, family and spouse participation, and related expenses—critical elements that make these events possible. Both chapters are proud to support the first FY26 gathering this December and look forward to providing support throughout the year ahead.
Annual Training Conference: Building Strength & Community
The Annual Season is a highlight across the Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS). Annuals are week‑long training conferences that reinforce recruiting strategies while celebrating mission accomplishments. They also provide rare opportunities for families and friends to connect and recharge for the year ahead.
In December 2025, the 344 RCS hosted its Annual Training Conference in Grand Prairie, Texas, welcoming 94 squadron members, 38 family members, 15 children, and 10 distinguished guests. Breakout sessions focused on AFRS mission objectives tailored to northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. Lt Gen (ret) John Campbell, Sam Johnson President and AIMS Chair spoke at the training conference and shared how working with recruiters, often the only military in our area, makes us as individuals and our AFA chapters better through knowing and working with the squadrons. The Sam Johnson Chapter also provided an AFA Lifetime Membership to Chapter Airman of the Year TSgt Gatlin.
Equally important, the Annual showcased community partnerships. With support from the 344 PO, AFA, and local Boy Scout Troops, families and spouses were able to participate fully thanks to childcare and event funding. Families joined morale activities and gathered to share experiences to overcome challenges unique to geographically separated units.
Family-Focused Highlights
- Holiday Party: Coordinated by the 344 PO, this festive event featured decorations, music, refreshments, and games. For recruiters and families spread across northern Texas, it was a rare chance to celebrate together as one squadron.
- Childcare Partnerships: Boy Scouts Troop 222 (Arlington, TX) and Troop 1920 (Keller, TX) provided childcare, raising funds for their own adventures—Sea Base and Philmont, respectively. These partnerships not only supported military families but also advanced Scouting goals.
Thanks to AFA’s support, recruiting families could fully participate, and local youth organizations benefited from meaningful fundraising opportunities. These combined efforts strengthened both military and community ties, making the holiday season brighter for all.
Special thanks to Mrs. Leigh Choi‑Buhlman and TSgt Torey Quinn for their contributions to this article and their dedication to the organization.
We also extend heartfelt appreciation to AFA National F2 Grant Team for enabling Chapters to provide this kind of support. By partnering with local organizations, recruiters and families found creative solutions—like leveraging Scouting Troops for childcare—that benefit everyone involved.
Lt Col Steven LeMaire and the entire 344th Recruiting Squadron are making a difference, and the Northeast Texas and Sam Johnson chapters are excited to support them. Airmen and Guardians only come from one place: Air Force Recruiting Service!
