Since 1949, the Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons has been a social and professional focal point for active duty surgeons in the USAF. Our history is rich, and our accomplishments many. Yet, under recent leadership, the society has progressed to play a more active role in voicing our needs and working for the changes vital for us to be able to appropriately serve our country. We thank them. These changes are and have been critical to our performance during Operations Iraq Freedom and Enduring Freedom. It is also the catalyst for the initiation of recent programs and modifications within our professional practices working for improvements in readiness, competency and currency. There is no doubt, we can either view the glass as half full or half empty, when we consider surgery in the Air Force. Indeed, we have been working our way through many issues since 1996 with initiation of TriCare for military beneficiaries, and movement away from specialty care and ancillary support. However, Iraq and Afghanistan have again proven how rudimentary surgery is to military medical care, and in particular, to the Air Force as we incredibly treat AND evacuate patients. Due to the efforts of those engaged in the Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons, we should be encouraged by recent developments such as C-STARs, STARS-P, SAMMC construction, and joint USAF/VA activities such as those involving David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB, CA, Keesler AFB/Biloxi VA, MS and the Mike O’Callaghan Federal Hospital facilities, Nellis AFB, NV. Yes, encouraged, but not satisfied. Our goal must be to continue to push for understanding of just how integral surgery and surgeons are to the Air Force mission. This requires commitment from senior leaders within the medical corps, the line of the Air Force and from us. Today, I believe, we can say we are in a good place in this regard. Our meeting this past year in San Antonio was highly successful and well attended. It was reinvigorating for us. We are now, an independent, non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, allowing us greater flexibility. This year’s meeting will be in Biloxi, MS at the IP Casino Resort and Spa, April 10-14, 2011. We will be “REFLECTING ON AIR FORCE SURGICAL HISTORY WHILE FOCUSING ON OUR FUTURE SURGICAL RESIDENTS!” While we continue the above efforts for current surgical improvement within the Air Force, we must encourage and aggressively seek all surgeons and specialties to participate. AND, we must highlight our clinical and research endeavors as we strive to mentor and facilitate our residents and medical students to continue into the future. A highlight of recent meetings has been a dedicated time to spend with our Commanders and Surgeon General and we will continue focusing on them this year. Historically, our commitment to the future, and passion for military medicine is evident. On behalf of the SAFCS, we look forward to seeing you in Biloxi and reflecting on our purpose, profession, and camaraderie. Your Advocate W. Darrin Clouse, Lt Col, USAF MC 2010-2011, President, The Society for Air Force Clinical Surgeons. 2009-2010 SAFCS President's Message 2008-2009 SAFCS President's Message 2006-2008 SAFCS President's Message 2004-2006 SAFCS President's Message 2003-2004 SAFCS President's Message 2002-2003 SAFCS President's Message 2001-2002 SAFCS President's Message 2000-2001 SAFCS President's Message