Paula Roy Joins AFA Staff, Heads Airmen and Family Programs

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paula Roy, spouse of retiring Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy, joins the staff of the Air Force Association, as the Director of Airmen and Family Programs, a newly established initiative. This program will help AFA expand the support provided to Airmen and families.

This will include exploring new opportunities, coalition building and launching new programs.

These varied programs are vital but core to AFA's long-term health and significance because they tangibly demonstrate the Association's commitment to Airmen, spouses, and the greater Air Force family.

"In an effort to better support our Airman and their families, AFA is launching an Airman and Families Program initiative and they have asked for my assistance," said Paula Roy. "What a better way for me to be able to continue to serve and support those who are fighting for the freedoms I enjoy every day!  I'm truly grateful for this opportunity!"

Paula has been a chief supporter for spouses for years, giving many a voice to address their concerns. During her husband's time on active duty, Paula took a strong interest in airmen and their families. Over the past 3.5 years, she has visited U.S. bases around the world where spouses have been able to discuss with her the issues they face. She has also advocated for the Key Spouse program, in which each unit commander designates a spouse as the liaison between families and senior leadership.

"We'll be highlighting the men and women behind the planes and their missions, their spouses and children at home, and how AFA can play a better role in those communities," said George Muellner, AFA's Chairman of the Board. "At its core, AFA has always been a grassroots organization with chapters across the country dedicated to the AFA mission, and we will continue to work with and empower that network to help provide more care for our Air Force family."

"We are so fortunate to bring onboard a person with such great experience in the Air Force community and exceptional ties to Air Force heritage," said Craig McKinley, President of AFA. "Paula knows firsthand some of the issues that need to be addressed in providing better services to the Air Force family. Her insights will be instrumental in the development and implementation of this new initiative, and our staff is excited to welcome her to the team as we move into 2013."

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage.  To accomplish this, we:

• EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security.
• ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education.
• SUPPORT the Total Air Force family and promote aerospace education.

AFA has 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 105,000 members.  Visit AFA at www.afa.org.

Learn more about AFA! Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AirForceAssociation) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/AirForceAssoc).

SOURCE Air Force Association