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.
Feb. 4
Chiefs Recognition Ceremony: The Joint Base Charleston Chief's Group is hosting the Annual Chiefs Recognition Ceremony, Feb. 4 at the Charleston Club. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. Uniform for military is mess-dress/semi-formal; civilian is equivalent attire. Contact Chief Master Sgt. Jeanette King at 963-5410 for more information.
Feb. 7
Interviewing Techniques: Learn and practice the skills needed to have a successful interview, Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to register.
Unleashing the Power of a Budget: Learn how to create a budget and how it can help you accomplish your financial goals, Feb. 7 from 3 to 4 p.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to register.
Feb. 8
Spouse Employment/Scholarship Orientation: Learn about free available resources, services, employment, resumes, the local job market, scholarships and more, Feb. 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to register.
Feb. 11
Joint Base Charleston Valentine's Banquet: For all military, DoD civilians and their guest, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 5055 International Blvd, North Charleston. Join us for fine dining, music (DJ) and dancing. Dress is casual to formal and free on-site childcare will be provided (no food). For more information or to purchase tickets, call the JB Charleston - Air Base Chapel at 963-2536 or the JB Charleston - Weapons Station Chapel at 764-7222. RSVP by Feb. 6.
Feb. 14
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Workshop: Learn how to transition from the military to civilian life with ease during this four day workshop, Feb. 14 to 16 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 and Feb. 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to sign up.
Feb. 25
Heart Link - Charleston Spouse Orientation to the U.S. Air Force: If you are a new Air Force spouse, join us and learn about the Air Force mission, culture, traditions, military language, benefits and services while making new friends, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Childcare issues will be addressed at time of registration. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to register. RSVP by Feb. 12.
Special Announcements:
Clinic Announcement: The Health and Wellness Center has changed phone numbers. To contact the HAWC, call 843-963-4087.
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.
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.
Meetings and Registrations:
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.
Updates and Closures:
NAF HRO satellite office: The NAF Human Resource Office has a satellite office available on JB CHS - AB in Bldg. 322, Room 222. The office is open Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m. on a walk-in basis and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon on an appointment basis. This is part of an effort to reach all potential customers, since the main Human Resource Office has moved to the Naval Weapons Station, Bldg. 725, next to the Fitness Center. The commercial phone numbers at the Naval Weapons Station are 764-7065 or 764-7068. Most transactions, including job searches and applications, can be done by visiting www.NAFjobs.org and selecting Charleston from the drop-down box. Call 963-7068 for more information.
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.