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.

Dec. 5

Investing Demystified: This class, Dec. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m., explains the most common types of investments and simplifies terminology for a better understanding of investing. Call the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at 963-4406 to sign up.

Dec. 6

Annual Cookie Drop: The Team Charleston Spouses Club is hosting their annual Cookie Drop Dec. 6 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Base Chapel Annex. TCSC will be accepting cookie donations all day and is looking for volunteers. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sarah Jensen at (253) 590-7995 or Gloria Bishop at (803) 464-3554.

Medical Group Clinic: The clinic will be open Dec. 6, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will be closed Dec. 13 and reopen Dec. 14 at 7:30 a.m.

Dec. 7

The TSP Simplified for Civilians and Military: Learn how the Thrift Savings Plan can help supplement your retirement income and how to invest based on the lifecycle financial planning concept, Dec. 7 from 8 to 9 a.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to sign up.

Spouse Employment Scholarship Orientation: Learn about free available resources, services, employment, resumes, the local job market, scholarships and other job search issues, Dec. 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to sign up.

Dec. 9

Master Sgt. McMillin retirement: A retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Patrick McMillin will be held in the Bldg. 709 auditorium, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.

Dec. 13

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Workshop: Learn how to transition from the military to civilian life with ease, Dec. 13 through 16. The first three days are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the fourth day is from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to sign up.

Managing Job Stress: Learn to define stress and its effects, Dec. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to register.

Dec. 14

Credit Repair Solutions: Learn what it takes to improve your credit score without paying a service to do it for you, Dec. 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to reserve your seat.

Dec. 16

Exceptional Family Member Program Support Group: Civilians and military members who are enrolled in the EFMP and their dependents are invited to participate in this support group to discuss concerns, share ideas and gain support Dec. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to register.

Budget Your Way to Financial freedom: Learn how something as simple as budgeting can help you get organized financially and accomplish your financial goals, Dec. 16 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Call the A&FRC at 963-4406 to register.


Special Announcements:

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 PCS'd here. Meet other newly-arrived spouses, connect with your sponsor's unit Key Spouse, 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 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, Master Sgt. Robert Denehy, 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, contact Sergeant Denehy at 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.

North Auxiliary Air Field hunting permits: Hunting permits for the recreational hunting program at North Auxiliary Air Field can now be purchased at the JB CHS - AB Resources Office. The Environmental Office is located in Bldg. 247 on the first floor. The hunting program is open to active-duty, Reserve and retired military, as well as Department of Defense civilian employees. Permits can only be issued to hunters who have a valid South Carolina hunting license and big game permit. The fee for a hunting permit for NAAF is $20. For more information, call the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron at 963-4020.

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.Zero