The Towner-Schafer Report (TSR), formerly (T-S Report), is the official newsletter of the Society of Air Force Physician Assistants (SAFPA), established in Summer 1978 by SAFPA President, William “Bud” Holefelder. Recognizing a critical need to unite dispersed military PAs, his first action as president was establishing a permanent, reliable, and professional forum for communication.
The very first editor of the T-S Report was an enthusiastic, Ernest “Ernie” Riggs, who worked to compile an ambitious bi-monthly, 8-page newsletter. The T-S Report published articles consisting of SAFPA BOD reports, summarizations of AAPA newsletters, medical tips and pearls, CME opportunities, employment opportunities, announcements, letters to the editor, and many more. While Ernie ensured the newsletter was packed with professional value and peer connection he also remained true to the military tradition of balancing intense dedication to a healthy sense of humor. He published the legendary sign off of the first T-S Report, “Larry really looks good in a hula skirt.”
Today, the TSR is more than just a newsletter, it serves as a record of the people, achievements, and milestones that have shaped SAFPA and the Air Force PA profession. The SAFPA BOD is committed to maintaining the spirit of intent of the TSR and is continually seeking feedback from its members.
Lt. Gen. Alonzo Towner, Air Force Surgeon General from 1970–1972, played a pivotal role in establishing the Air Force Physician Assistant profession. With the approval of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health and Environment, General Towner established an Ad Hoc Committee on Physician Assistants on September 29, 1970, and subsequently directed the development of an Air Force PA training program.
Lt. Gen. George E. Schafer, who later served as Air Force Surgeon General, played an important role in advancing the Air Force PA profession during its formative years. As the Air Force worked to establish PAs as commissioned officers, General Schafer’s leadership helped move the profession toward the status Air Force PAs hold today.
The Towner-Schafer Report was named in recognition of these two leaders and their contributions to the development of Air Force PAs. Their legacy represents more than the beginning of a career field—it reflects the vision, advocacy, and persistence required to establish a new profession and advance it within military medicine.
Each edition of the TSR provides an opportunity to showcase the diverse experiences and accomplishments of SAFPA members.
A Day in the Life — See what it is really like to serve in unique PA roles and assignments.
Beyond the Clinic — Spotlight out-of-the-box career opportunities and nontraditional roles for Air Force PAs.
Member Spotlights — Get to know the people behind the profession.
Professional Milestones — Celebrate promotions, retirements, awards, graduations, certifications, and other accomplishments.
Mission & Service — Highlight humanitarian efforts, operational medicine, deployments, community involvement, and service around the world.
PA Perspectives — Share lessons learned, professional experiences, and insights that can benefit fellow PAs.
SAFPA Updates — Keep members informed about organizational activities, initiatives, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to get involved.
Through these stories, the TSR helps demonstrate the breadth, versatility, and impact of Air Force PAs across clinical, operational, leadership, educational, and humanitarian environments.
CME — Certain articles that meet requirements by AAPA can apply for category 1 CME.
The TSR also has a special connection to the annual SAFPA Awards through the TSR Publishing Award.
This award recognizes exceptional PA authorship and encourages SAFPA members to share meaningful stories, professional knowledge, and experiences with the broader PA community.
By encouraging members to write and contribute, the TSR helps create a culture of professional engagement, knowledge sharing, and recognition.
Every edition of the Towner-Schafer Report is archived on the SAFPA website, creating a lasting record of the Society and its members.
Over time, these newsletters become more than organizational updates. They become a historical record of:
People. • Places. • Missions. • Milestones. • Memories.
From promotions and retirements to deployments, humanitarian missions, professional accomplishments, and changes within the PA career field, the TSR helps preserve the story of Air Force PAs for those who serve today—and those who will follow.
The TSR is your newsletter, and its strength comes from the stories and contributions of SAFPA members.
Have a unique assignment?
Achieved a professional milestone?
Know a PA doing something extraordinary?
Want to share an A Day in the Life?
Have a story that showcases what Air Force PAs can do?
We want to hear from you. Submit articles to [email protected]
Your story could become part of the next edition of the Towner-Schafer Report—and part of the history of Air Force Physician Associates.
Know the History. Celebrate the Present. Shape the Future.
