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.
Events:
Friday
Family Fun Night: In honor of the Month of the Military Family, join the Library for a free Family Fun Night, Nov. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. This will be a night of games, food and lots of fun! Advance sign-up is required. For more information or to register, call 963-3320.
Free comedy show for military: One of the hottest new comedians working the road will be appearing at Summerville's Firewater Grille on Friday, Nov. 12. Comedian Timmy Sherrill, a finalist at the 2009 North Carolina Comedy Festival and crowd favorite at the 2010 Charleston Comedy Festival, will be performing at 10 p.m. Seating for dinner begins at 8:30 p.m. All military and their guests will receive free admission.
Saturday
Chimney Rock hiking excursion: Dig out your hiking boots from under the bed and make plans to witness some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Southeast when you join the Outdoor Recreation Center for a trek through Chimney Rocks and DuPont State parks Nov. 13-14. Just two of the highlights on the first day of this trip are the view you'll get from the top of Chimney Rock and the majesty of Hickory Nut Waterfalls at more than 400 feet tall. The following day, you'll wander through DuPont State Forest and discover three sets of breathtaking waterfalls. The $95 per person cost includes transportation; one night's lodging based on double occupancy, and park admission to Chimney Rocks and DuPont State Park. Space is limited on this adventure so register as early as possible. For more details, call the Outdoor Recreation Center at 963-1732.
Monday
437th Airlift Wing 2nd Annual Commander's Golf Tournament: Enter your team in the 437th Airlift Wing Commander's Golf tournament, Nov. 15 at Wrenwoods Golf Course. Shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Price is $41 per player, $31 for members and includes brunch burrito and post-golf appetizers. The Commander's Cup Trophy will be awarded to the winning team. Contact MSgt. Kyle Gayan at 963-6727 or 437oss.osw@charleston.af.mil
High-intensity training class: Meet the first four Mondays in November at 4:30 p.m. at the Globemaster Court in the Fitness and Sports Center for an intense circuit training workout with the Health and Wellness Center and fitness center staff. Call the HAWC at 963-4007 to register.
Tuesday
Transition Assistance (TAP) workshop: This three and a half day workshop, Nov. 16 through 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. is for military members who are transitioning from the military. Meet with experts from finance, the VA, South Carolina Job Services (and more) to help give you the tools you need for a successful transition into the civilian sector. This workshop will be held at the Military and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500, Joint Base Charleston-Air Base. Call 963-4406 to register.
Commissary grocery store tour: Meet the HAWC's registered dietician at the entrance of the commissary for an educational grocery tour 10 to 11 a.m. Learn about food labels, portion sizes, organic versus non-organic and how to shop for healthy meals. Register by emailing Greer.Gowen.ctr@charleston.af.mil.
Become a child care provider: The Family Child Care Program is looking for individuals (on and off base) to become licensed providers. This work-at-home employment opportunity has a lending program where providers can check out everything that is needed to provide quality day care in their home free of charge. These items include sleeping mats, car seats, high chairs, toys and outside play equipment. Providers can earn from $125 to $160 per week for each child they provide care for in their home. The next two-day licensing class to become a provider is Nov. 16 and 17, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the FCC Office at 2373 White Circle. If you are interested in becoming a provider, call Sherian Vickers, the FCC Coordinator, at 963-2546.
Wednesday
The Career Status Bonus: If you joined the military on Aug. 1, 1996 or later, you must make a choice between two retirement plans between your 14-and-a-half and 15-year mark in the military. A briefing will be held Nov. 17 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. at the Military and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500, Joint Base Charleston-Air Base. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.
Pinching your pennies 'til they squeal': Learn how you can have a good quality of life on a budget. Briefing will be held Nov. 17, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Military and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500, Joint Base Charleston-Air Base. Call 963-4406 to sign-up.
Thursday
Great American Smoke Out: Quit cold turkey! Come to the Health and Wellness Center Nov. 18 to make your pledge to quit smoking. All participants who make the pledge will be eligible for a raffle drawing for a free Thanksgiving turkey. For more information call 963-4007.
Ready, set, parent: New or expecting parents are invited to attend this interactive workshop, Nov. 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and discover the hardest job you will ever love: parenting. Topics include: Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, infant care, baby playtime, TRICARE issues, and budgeting. Each parent is given a "Bundle" from the Air Force Aid Society containing receiving blanket, hooded towel, cribbing, three-pack of Onesies, etc. The briefing is held at the Military and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500, Joint Base Charleston-Air Base. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.
Holiday greeting card contest: Joint Base Charleston organizations and activities are invited to make a 4' by 8' plywood greeting card that will be displayed along Hill Boulevard for the annual holiday greeting card contest. There is no cost to enter the contest and the Arts and Crafts Complex is providing the plywood that can be picked Tuesdays through Fridays until Nov. 18. All completed cards are due back no later than Nov. 18 to the Arts and Crafts Complex. Cards will be judged Dec. 1., and the winners will be announced at the Base Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony that evening. Proud local sponsors for this year's contest are Santee Cooper, Medcare Express, Boeing and Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union. (No federal endorsement of sponsors implied or intended.) For more information on the Holiday Greeting Card contest, stop by the Arts and Craft Complex or call 963-4936.
Nov. 21
NFL trip to Charlotte: Jump on the team bus with the Outdoor Recreation Center Nov. 21, to head to Charlotte, N.C., for a fun afternoon of Sunday NFL action when the Carolina Panthers take on the Baltimore Ravens. The cost per person is $98, which includes transportation and one game ticket. Openings are limited, so don't get left staring at the game on the television when you could be there in person. Call 963-1732 for more details.
Special Announcements:
Riverfront Race Festival Volunteers: Volunteer opportunities are available for the Riverfront Race Festival, Jan. 15 to 16. The marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5k road races benefit Youth Endowment for the Arts. For more information, e-mail Volunteer Coordinator Marsha Alterman at marsha@charlestonmarathon.com or go to www.riverfrontracefestival.com.
Riverfront Race Festival Charleston Youth Marathon: For children ages 7 to 17 and in good health, the Riverfront Youth Marathon is a modified marathon where your child can run or walk 25 miles prior to the actual Riverfront Race Festival. On Jan. 24, 2011, the children will then run or walk the last 1.2 miles of the race course. Children must keep a log of the miles they run prior to the event. For more information contact Mike Campbell at mike@charlestonmarathon.com or go to www.charlestonmarathon.com.
Become an MUSC Research Hero: The Pediatric Metabolic Syndrome Study is recruiting overweight children, teens and young adults, age 4 to 21, to assess risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. Participants will receive a free state-of-the-art assessment including a nutrition analysis, labwork, body composition, metabolic rate and heart ultrasound. Parking is free and compensation is available. Contact Janet Carter, 792-4717 or e-mail catjan@musc.edu.
Charleston Concert Association: The CCA is offering active-duty military and their families a 50 percent discount on classical music shows this concert season. Performances are held at the Gaillard Auditorium in downtown Charleston. To obtain tickets, active-duty military members must call 727-1216 and offer the discount code, 20101001. For more information, visit www.charlestonconcerts.org.
Free golf clinic: Kiawah Island Golf Resort is pleased to announce a complimentary golf clinic as a thank you for military service. The clinic will be available to the first 10 active-duty members to register. The clinic will be from 5 to 6 p.m., Nov. 30 at Turtle Point Golf Club. To register, contact Josh Wagaman at 266-4054 or e-mail at josh_wagaman@kiawahresort.com.
Education and Training:
Funding change to testing: Effective Nov. 20, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support will only fund a military member's initial examination fee for each subject College Level Examination Program, DSST, previously known as the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, and Excelsior College Examinations exams. Due to the change, all military members taking CLEP, DSST or ECE examination on or after May 20 will be informed they will not be allowed to retest with DANTES funding, on that specific exam, if they do not obtain their desired passing score. However, re-testing will continue to be available on a personally-funded basis. Individuals who took a test prior to May 20 must retest prior to Dec. 11. For additional background and details, call 963-4579.
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 new 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.
Girl Scouting: Girls in grades kindergarten through eighth grade are invited to join Girl Scout Troop 895 at the Chapel Annex on the second and fourth Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Come join us to have fun, experience new activities and meet new friends. Contact Patti Donahue at 618-363-5230 or pdonahue@sc.rr.com for more information.
Updates and Closures:
New website debut: The Military Airman and Family Readiness Center has a new site on the web at www.jbcharleston.com/family/afrc. Whether single or married or an immediate family member and regardless of branch of service, the MAFRC serves all active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retirees and civilian employees.
NAF Human Resources Office relocated: The Non-appropriated Fund Human Resources Office has moved from Bldg. 503 on Hill Boulevard to the Naval Weapons Station at 2316 Redbank Road, Suite 100, Bldg. 725. This building is in front of the theater and the pool. The new number for the NAF Human Resources Office is 754-6569.
NAF HRO opens satellite office: The NAF Human Resource Office now 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.
Military News:
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 628 CES at 963-4020.
Base Shredder: For members who would like to make an appointment to shred unclassified documents using the base shredder, please use the sign-up sheet on Joint Base Charleston's Enterprise Information Management, EIM website at https://eim.amc.af.mil/org/628cs/RecordsManagement/default.aspx. Hours of operation are Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Upon completion of using the shredding area, members must take their shredded material with them and place it in the recycling bins on base, being sure to empty the bags.
Civilian Force Development Reference Center: The Civilian Force Development Reference Center is now on the Air Force Portal for civilians and supervisors to learn about CFD framework, tools and programs designed to help professional development. The reference center is accessed through the AF Portal > Life & Career > Force Development > Civilian Force Development Reference Center. Contact Joint Base Charleston Employee Development Specialist, Kathyann Hopkins at 963-4493 with questions.
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.
Retraining opportunity: The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is seeking exceptional staff sergeants and technical sergeants with less than 12 years of service. Airmen must have an outstanding military record, be able to qualify for a top secret clearance, and have a stable personal and financial situation. AFOSI is a Federal Law Enforcement and Military organization. AFOSI investigates felony level crimes, frauds and counterintelligence violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and federal law which negatively impacts Air Force operations worldwide. Airmen who think they are up to the challenge should visit the AFOSI homepage at www.osi.andrews.af.mil and call 963-3248 to set up an appointment.