JOINT BASE CHARLESTON –
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
Port of Pirates: The 437th Aerial Port Squadron presents, "Port of Pirates". Family members of active-duty military, Reserve and Department of Defense civilians can climb aboard the haunted pirate ship, the S.S. Port Dawg. Tour the shipyard and market; try your luck at "sink the ship," "man over-board," "pirate-pirate-scallywag" and other games. Learn to sing and dance like a pirate, and watch a sword-duel demonstration. Games and prizes available for all age groups and free grilled hamburgers and beverages will be provided. Dress in your finest pirate gear, or the costume of your choice. The "Port of Pirates" will open at Bldg. 178 (APS warehouse) at 6 p.m. and the "Best Dressed" costume contest will begin at 8 p.m.
628th Civil Engineer Squadron Haunted House: Everyone is invited to come out Oct. 29 and 30 from 6 p.m. to until the last group leaves, to experience the 628 CES Haunted House, which will be located at 1579 A and B Miller Ave., on the main base side. Best of all, it's free. For more information, contact the base fire department at 963-3777.
Saturday
Halloween xXtreme bowling: xXtreme Bowling gets a little scary with our special Halloween edition, Oct. 30, from 9 to 11 p.m. Everyone is invited to bowl in costume. Prizes will be awarded for best adult, child and baby costume. No RSVP needed. Just $5 per person is a hauntingly good price for two hours of bowling, shoe rental, great music and crazy lights.
Base-wide Yard Sale: Are you a bargain hunter or a yard sale junkie? Be sure to roll out of bed early this Saturday, Oct. 30, because the Air Base is holding a huge a base-wide yard sale. The sale runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Base Picnic Grounds on Arthur Dive. Admission is free and open to everyone who has unrestricted access to the base. Call 963-1732 if more information is needed.
Monday
Special bingo session: There will be a special Monday night bingo session Nov. 1. Games start at 5:30 p.m. The weekly Wednesday night jackpot, which currently totals more than $15,000, will be up for grabs. Come hungry because there's plenty of great food on the bar menu.
FreshSTART tobacco cessation class: Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. The American Cancer Society FreshSTART class can help you quit smoking once and for all. Call the Health and Wellness Center at 963-4007 to register for this class scheduled for Nov. 1 from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
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
Understanding the TSP for military: Learn about the pros, tax advantages, and how participating in the Thrift Savings Plan can help supplement your retirement income, Nov. 2 from 8 to 9 a.m. Briefing will be held at the Military and Family Readiness Center, Bldg 500. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
First time homebuyer workshop: Interested in buying a home but intimidated by the whole process? This two-hour workshop, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is packed with information and will take you through every phase of home-buying, the closing, lending, and much, much more! Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.
Lunch and Learn: Bring your lunch to the Health and Wellness Center and join the dietitian Nov. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to help you keep off the stubborn holiday pounds.
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
Wednesday
Sponsor training: Learn requirements of sponsorship and tips on being an effective and efficient sponsor Nov. 3 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Class is held at the Military and Family Readiness Center, 500. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.
Investing basics: This class, designed for beginners to learn about common terminology, the goals of investing, and the most common forms of investing Nov. 3 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Briefing will be held at the Military and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Thursday
Family night at the Club: The Charleston Club hosts a "1st Thursday Family Night" every month. The next Family Night is Nov. 4. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with a pizza and spaghetti dinner. For Club Members, the costs for the meal are $5.50 per adult and Junior Members 12 years old and under eat free. All others please add $2. Kid's Bingo with cash prizes starts at 6 p.m. and there will be free ice cream cones served after the final game. Dining reservations are not required. For more information, call the Charleston Club office at 963-3914, ext. "0."
Troops to Teachers: Receive counseling and assistance regarding certification requirements, routes to state certification, and employment leads in an effort to help eligible military & military spouses transition to a new career as public school teachers in targeted schools, Nov. 4, 1 to 2 p.m. Briefing will be held at the Military and Family Readiness Center, Bldg 500, Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Newcomer's tour: Join us for a free guided tour of Charleston's historic district, Ft. Moultrie and Isle of Palms, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy lunch on your own. Transportation will be provided from the Military and Family Readiness Center, Bldg 500. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat on the bus.
Nov. 5
South Carolina Stingrays Military Appreciation Night: A military appreciation night will be hosted by the Stingrays ice hockey team Nov. 5 for their season opener. Special military only pricing for this event will be in effect for groups of 10 or more. Pricing includes a lower-level ticket close to the ice, all you can eat buffet, a Stingrays hat, the group's name in lights during the game on the stadium video board, as well as a welcome announcement over the public address system. For ticket sales, call 744-2248.
Children's deployment line (Operation Panda Drop): Resesrve your seat no later than Nov. 5. Bring your family out for an experience of a lifetime, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bldg. 610. Your child will see what it is like to deploy. Call 963-4406 for reservations.
Nov. 6
Live entertainment at the Club next weekend: Performing a danceable mixture of pop, contemporary and soul, the First Class Band continues to be a real crowd pleaser. They will be performing at the Charleston Club Nov. 5 and Nov. 6, starting at 8 p.m. both nights. The performances are free and open to everyone.
Retiree Appreciation Fair: The annual retiree appreciation and information fair is scheduled for Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Charleston Club. For more information call the Retirees Activities Office at 963-2228.
Nov. 9
Aero Club Safety Meetings: The JB Charleston Aero Club holds safety briefings for all Aero Club members and interested individuals on the second Tuesday of every month. The next scheduled meeting is Nov. 9. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7 p.m. Call 963-5152 for more details.
Nov. 10
The 437th Air Wing will be hosting the second annual "5K Runway Run" Nov. 10 starting at 1 p.m. The starting and ending location will be adjacent to Bldg 241 on South Davis Drive near the 1st Combat Camera Squadron. There is no entry fee. A trophy and prize will be awarded to the first place male and female runners.
This run will be in memory of retired BGen. Thomas Mikolajcik, former Charleston Air Force Base commander. In 2003, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig 's disease and passed away earlier this year. This run honors his service and will help raise awareness and funds for the South Carolina ALS Association.
We are pre-selling t-shirts for $10 until Nov. 3, with all proceeds donated to the South Carolina ALS Association. A minimal amount of t-shirts will be available for purchase at the event for $13. The t-shirt color is white and will be available for pick up on Nov. 9. Please e-mail shirt size to rodney.nuckoles@charleston.af.mil, jeanette.king.2@charleston.af.mil or
peter.scheidt@charleston.af.mil.
Special Announcements:
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.
Free Golf: The Hampton Hall Men's Golf Society is pleased to invite all active duty, retired military and disabled veterans to a round of golf with complimentary green fees, Nov. 8 to 12, at the Pete Dye Golf Course at Hampton Hall, Dolphin Head and other local courses (a $20 cart fee applies). Call 815-8720 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, to book a tee time. Space is limited. Three hundred rounds are available. Military or Veterans Service Identification will be required.
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.
Great American Smoke Out: Quit Cold Turkey! Come to the HAWC Nov. 18 to make your pledge to quit smoking. All participants who make the pledge will be eligible for a free Thanksgiving turkey. For more information call 963-4007.
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 television when you could be there in person. Call 963-1732 for more details.
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 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 (ages 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 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 Building 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 Building 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 Kindergarden through eight 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 Building 503 on Hill Boulevard to the Naval Weapons Station at 2316 Redbank Road, Suite 100, Building 725, Goose Creek. 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 Building 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, Building 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 Building 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 JB-Charleston Air Base Resources Office. The Environmental Official is located in Building 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.