| Customs special agents just keep on giving
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For several years, U.S. Customs has benefited from the support of a unique organization with strong ties to the agency: the Association of Former Customs Special Agents, or AFCSA. Examples of the support that AFCSA provides the agency include the monetary donations the group has made to the Customs Explorers Scholarship and Roger Von Amelunxen Foundations.Incorporated in 1994, AFCSA is comprised of retired, former, and currently active special agents and other Customs employees. According to the group's executive director, Robert Guthrie, the non-profit group was formed to promote the worldwide enforcement and investigative mission of the U.S. Customs Service and to foster communications and camaraderie between former and present agents and employees of the Service.AFCSA currently has approximately 580 members, and is growing by about 50 new members each year. "I hope we can expand our group to 1,000 members in the next few years," jokes Guthrie, "before I get too old."AFCSA holds national and regional meetings each year, at which members can renew friendships and establish new relationships with former comrades. At each national conference, attendees participate in a variety of activities and committees to further the organization's mission.In addition, the organization holds raffles, auctions, and other fundraising activities, from which the proceeds go to supporting such worthy causes as the Von Amelunxen and the Explorers funds. The Von Amelunxen fund, established by the family of Customs CPO Roger Von Amelunxen, who was killed in the line of duty in 1980, provides assistance to Customs employees and their families nationwide. The Explorers fund, which is also supported by sales in the Customs gift shop, provides scholarship funds to graduating high school seniors who have participated in their local Explorer troop activities.Another service AFCSA offers is a clearinghouse for post-retirement employment for its members. With the specialized skills and knowledge that many special agents and other Customs employees have developed during their careers, many are finding new organizations to which they can contribute.The organization is membership-driven, with elected officers and regional directors, as well as a number of chapters that have and continue to form around the country. This year, the group has also unveiled its new Web site (www.afcsa.org), on which it lists upcoming events and initiatives. The site also includes contact information for its leadership and committees. |
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