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.

Monday
Investing Demystified: This course is ideal for the first-time investor and explains the most common types of investments and simplifies terminology for a better understanding of investing. The briefing is May 2 at the AFRC, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to sign up.

Wednesday
Thrift Savings Plan simplified: For civilian and military. Learn about the pros of enrolling in the TSP, what it can do to help supplement your retirement income and how to invest based on the lifecycle financial planning concept, May 4 from 8 to 9 a.m. at AFRC. Call 963-4406 to sign up.

Thursday
Military Spouse Appreciation Day - Spring Tea: You don't want to miss this one! Army Wives actor, Terry Serpico (Frank Sherwood) will be our guest. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy special tea recipes, finger foods, crafts, have your hair, nails or make-up done and receive surprises while being with other military spouses. Event is May 7 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the AFRC. Call 963-4406 to register.

May 11
Credit Repair Solutions: Learn what it takes to improve your credit score without paying a service to do it for you. Briefing is at the AFRC, Bldg. 500, May 11 from 10 to 11 a.m. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.

Spouse Employment/Education Orientation: Learn about free available resources and services regarding employment, resumes, the local job market, scholarships & other job search issues, May 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Briefing is at the AFRC. Call 963-4406 to sign up.

Stress-free Extended National Spouse Appreciation Day: Enjoy free manicures, up-does and makeovers in a relaxing environment, May 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the AFRC, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to register.

Special Announcements:
Spouse Orientation to Joint Base Charleston - Air Base: Along with attending Quick Start with their Sponsor, spouses are invited to this orientation specifically geared for them. Briefing will be held at the AFRC, Bldg. 500. Call 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.

Sleep habits: On average we spend one third of our lives asleep. Shouldn't you know more about it? Learn effective sleep habits and how to get your best zzzzz's. Workshop meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the HAWC classroom and is open to everyone. Call 963-4007.

Education and Training:

Records management training: Records management training is scheduled the last Tuesday of every month in the conference room of the 2nd floor in Bldg. 302 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Members can sign up on the Enterprise Information Management website. For any questions or concerns, contact Airman 1st Class Francisco Bastian or Airman 1st Class Miguel Batista at 963-8270.

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, will be conducting 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 Joint Base Charleston 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. The commercial phone number is 963-7068. 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 on www.NAFjobs.org then selecting the Charleston from the drop-down box. Call the main HRO for more information.

Trespassing notice: The small arms firing range is located off Arthur Drive on 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 Joint Base Charleston-Air Base Resources Office. The Environmental Official 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.