JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
To submit a news brief, send an e-mail to patriot@charleston.af.mil. Make the subject line "NEWS BRIEFS." Submissions must be received no later than close of business the Friday prior to publication.
April 27
Retirement Ceremony for Kathy Perry: The Airman & Family Readiness Center will hold a retirement ceremony for Kathy Perry, Joint Base Charleston Casualty representative, April 27 at 3 p.m. at the JB Charleston - Air Base Chapel Annex. Please respond to Kaitlyn Zito at 963-8873 or email Kaitlyn.Zito@us.af.mil.
April 28
Chamber Music Charleston: The Chamber Music Charleston is producing a special Classical Kids Concert at Memminger Auditorium, April 28 at 1 p.m. The concert is free with military I.D. Tickets will be available at will call. Contact Sandra Nilolajevs at Sandra@chambermusiccharleston.org to reserve tickets.
Initial Key Spouse Training: This event is for newly appointed Key Spouses, April 28 from 8:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kaitlyn Zito at 963-8873.
May 1
Unleashing the Power of a Budget: Learn to create a budget and how it can help you accomplish your financial goals, May 1 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 2
Spouse Introduction to JB Charleston - Air Base: A fun & fast-paced introduction to JB Charleston - Air Base for military spouses. Meet other newly-arrived spouses, connect with your sponsor's unit Key Spouse and learn where to shop, dine and play in the Lowcountry. Call 963-4406 for more information.
Newcomer's Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of Charleston's historic district including the Citadel Military College, Ft. Moultrie and Isle of Palms, May 2 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tour bus departs from and returns to the A&FRC. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 4
VA Workshop for Disability Compensation Claims: A VA representative covers the VA claims & filing process, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members must sign-up at the medical records section at JB Charleston - Air Base clinic no later than Monday prior to the workshop. For information, contact George Ferguson at 963-5187.
VA One-On-One Disability Claims Assistance: Speak one on one with a VA representative, May 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. For information, contact George Ferguson at 963-5187.
May 8
Federal Employee of the Year luncheon: The Federal Employee of the Year Awards luncheon, hosted by the Federal Executive Association of the Greater Charleston Area will be held May 8 at 11:30 a.m. at the RedBank Club. Everyone is welcome to support the 628th Air Base Wing civilian nominees. For more information, contact George McDowell at 963-5518.
Educational Opportunities Counseling: These half-hour, one-on-one sessions allow you to meet with an expert who will help you reach your educational goals, May 8 from 10 to 11:30 am. Call 963-4406 for more information.
Investing Made Easy: Learn how to get started, make a financial plan and get an overview of financial markets and fraud, May 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 9
My New Space: This workshop is specifically designed for individuals moving out of the dorm and addresses tips for financial success, May 9 from 8 to 9 a.m. Call 963-4406 for more information.
Workforce Specialist: Half-hour appointments are available to meet with a workforce specialist who will provide one-one-one job referrals as well as a basic resume and interview assistance, May 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. Available to active duty, retirees, their dependents and DoD civilians. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 10
Deployed Spouse Appreciation Dinner: Held at the JB Charleston - Air Base picnic grounds, all spouses of deployed military members are invited, May 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Come out and join us for great fellowship, support, activities and good food ... all on us. Bring the children because we will entertain and astound them. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 15
Homeschool Overview Workshop: This workshop investigates the homeschooling world by answering questions and meeting other families who home school, May 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn how to get started, the type of curriculum required and support for homeschooling efforts. Contact Cicely McCray at 963-5444 for more information.
Transition Assistance Program (Tap) Workshop: Learn how to transition from the military to civilian life with ease, May 15 through 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 16
Creating Your High School Resume: Learn how to build a resume based on classes, activities and skills, May 16 from 9 a.m. to noon. For information, contact Amanda Ambrose at 963-5780.
Spouse Employment/Scholarship Orientation: Learn about free available job resources, services, resumes, the local job market, scholarships and other job search issues, May 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Call 963-4406 for more information.
All You Need to Know about Building, Maintaining and Repairing Credit: Whether you want to build, maintain or fix your credit and score, this class will cover every aspect of the credit report and credit scoring, May 16 from 2:30 to 4 p.m., Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 17
Troops to Teachers: Counseling and assistance to help eligible veterans and their spouses transition into a new career, May 17 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Certification requirements, routes to state certification, and employment leads will be discussed. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 18
National Transportation Week Golf Tournament: The 437th Aerial Port Squadron is hosting a four-player, Captains Choice golf tournament May 18 at 10 a.m., at the Wrenwoods Golf Course. For more information contact master Sgt. Wimmer at 963-4898, Master Sgt. Burkhart at 963-7144 or Lt. Hayes at 963-3071.
May 23
Ten Steps to A Federal Job (Resume): Learn the process for landing a federal job, May 23 from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 24
Deciphering The Career Status Bonus (CSB/Redux): Individuals must select between two retirement systems between their 14 ½ & 15 year mark of service. This brief workshop explains the financial of impact of both, May 24 from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 29
Making Sense of The Tsp (Both Civilian & Military): Simplified language to help the novice investors understand the purpose of the TSP, whether it's a good choice, strategies to use when investing in the TSP, and more, May 29 from noon to 1 p.m. Call 963-4406 for more information.
Field Grade Officer Notification Training: Training for FGOs in the notification process for casualties, May 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 30
Smooth Move: Learn from numerous experts, such as Finance & TMO, on how to PCS smoothly, May 30 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Call 963-4406 for more information.
May 31
Exceptional Family Member Program Support Group: Support Group for families enrolled in the exceptional family member program, May 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. For information, contact Okereta (Reta) Mills at 963-4411.
Special Announcements:
The base Honor Guard team is recreating their Heritage Hall and is accepting contributions of any and all old air force uniforms, coins, flags, pictures, items etc. These items can be dropped off at the Honor Guard Bldg. 4450 New Mexico Ave, Hunley Park Base Housing Area, or they will pick them up. Call 767-2134. They will also be gathering names of the individuals who donate so they can be invited to the unveiling of the new Heritage Hall when it is complete.
LEAN Awareness Class: Learn how to create a more efficient and effective environment in the workplace and learn proven techniques and methods to eliminate waste in processes. The Lean Awareness Class is held every Tuesday in Bldg. 16,000, Mission Support Group Conference Room from 8 to 11 a.m. Call George McDowell at 469-8378 for more information.
Over Pricing (ZOP) Program: Per Air Mobility Command, everyone that orders parts through the Department of Defense stock system is requested to file a report when large discrepancies in prices exist for parts received. An example would be a $5 part that costs $500. All personnel should contact the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Customer Service office to file a complaint. For questions, concerns or further instruction on ZOP, contact Staff Sgt. Charles Brown at 963-4831.
Workforce Specialist: A workforce specialist is now available by appointment on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The specialist can help with job referrals, resume and interview assistance and provide information about educational opportunities for active duty, retirees, dependents and Department of Defense civilians. Call 963-4406 to schedule an appointment.
Girl Scouting: Girls in kindergarten through eighth grade are invited to join Girl Scout Troop 895 at the Chapel Annex on the second and fourth Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Contact Patti Donahue at 618-363-5230 or pdonahue@sc.rr.com for more information.
Story Hours at the Library: The Base Library has two fun story hours every week. Mondays at 10 a.m., is the home day care story hour. Please call ahead each week to sign-up your group for this day. Tuesdays is the toddler open story and craft hour starting at 10 a.m. Reservations are not required for this session. Both sessions are free. Call 963-3320 to sign up.
Tennis Lessons: Lessons are held at the Outdoor Recreation tennis courts. Children six through 17 and adults can enroll for one-hour sessions, twice a week for $80 per month. Lessons are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
Spouse Introduction to Joint Base Charleston: Held the first and third Wednesday of each month, this is a fun and fast-paced introduction to JB Charleston for all military spouses who have recently moved here. Meet other newly-arrived spouses, connect with your sponsor's unit Key Spouse and learn where to shop, dine and play in the Lowcountry. Get the information you need to make this your family's best assignment ever. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to register.
Coupon exchange: The AFRC has a coupon exchange that is open to all ranks. Bring in your unused coupons between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday and help yourself to coupons for you and your family. For more information on the coupon exchange, call 963-4408.
Stress coping workshops: Learn how to cope with life's stresses without pulling your hair out. Workshops meet the second Wednesday of every month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Health and Wellness Center classroom and are open to everyone. Call 963-4007 to sign up.
Sleep habits: Learn effective sleep habits and how to get your best Z's during this workshop which meets the fourth Wednesday of every month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the HAWC classroom. This class is open to everyone. Call 963-4007 to sign up.
Healthy Thinking Workshop registration: Do you find yourself feeling angry or stressed more often than you would like, or regret how you act when you are upset? Do you wish you could express yourself more clearly and be more assertive? Consider registering for the Healthy Thinking Workshop. The workshop is divided into four, 90-minute sessions held on consecutive Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., with a new group beginning the first Wednesday of every month. To sign up or for more information, contact Family Advocacy at 963-6972.
Palace Chase, Palace Front briefings: The in-service recruiter conducts Palace Chase and Palace Front briefings at 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month in Bldg. 503, Room 201. Air Force Instruction 36-3205 mandates eligible Airmen who are separating to be informed about the benefits and opportunities available to them within the Reserve, such as cross training, continued service, retirement, education, medical insurance and promotion. For more information, call 963-4499.
Trespassing notice: The small arms firing range is located at 125 Range Road near the munitions operations area and explosive ordnance disposal building. Do not trespass into the surface danger zones; they are identified by posted warning signs. Trespassing is not only illegal; it is dangerous because of gunfire. Personnel requesting entry into firing range impact zones must contact the security forces combat arms noncommissioned officer in charge at 963-1121 or via e-mail at 437sfs.catm@charleston.af.mil.
Airman's Attic in need of donations: The Airman's Attic needs household items, children's clothing to size eight, appliances, food and furniture. If anyone has items that have been gently used, consider donating them to the attic. Donations can be dropped off at Bldg. 500, Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Betsy Crump at 963-4411.
Online legal assistance: The Air Force Legal Assistance website can be viewed at www.aflegalasssitance.com. Airmen, their families and retirees have access to this website to complete worksheets for wills, advance medical directives and powers of attorney. The 628th Air Base Wing Legal Office provides notary services from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on normal duty days. In addition, the office provides attorney consultation on a walk-in basis Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. for active-duty members in uniform, and 1 to 3 p.m. for all others.