JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
To submit a news brief, send an e-mail to 628abw.dispatch@charleston.af.mil. Make the subject line "NEWS BRIEFS." Submissions must be received no later than close of business the Friday prior to publication.
Special Announcements:
JB CHS Inaugural Open House: Joint Base Charleston will officially become something new and completely different than it has ever been before Oct. 1. Bring family, friends, loved ones and neighbors to the Redbank Club on the Naval Weapons Station for an afternoon of entertainment, food and fellowship. Opening remarks and the presentation of the Commander's Cup will begin at 11 a.m. with festivities immediately following.
Redbank Club Events
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Introductions/Remarks/Open House
1 - 1:30 p.m. - Presentation of Commander's Cup
1:30 - 3 p.m. - Open House/Food/Entertainment
· Medal of Honor Tent
· Live music
· Sponsors
· Military Displays (EOD, Working Dogs, Ravens, MRAPs, etc.)
· Educational Displays
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.
Disney on Ice: Disney On Ice Princess Wishes will be performing at the North Charleston Coliseum, Oct. 21 through Oct. 24. Military Personnel and family members can save up 50 percent on full price tickets for five performances when purchasing tickets in person, online and by phone. In addition, there is a pre-show tour of Disney Princess gowns and treasures that is free to ticket holders. The tour is hosted by one of the Princesses. For additional information, call Group Tickets USA at 888-770-1876, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free golf clinic: Kiawah Island Golf Resort is pleased to announce a series of complimentary golf clinics as a thank you for military service. Each clinic will be available to the first 10 active-duty members to register. The clinics will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 26 and Nov. 30 at Turtle Point Golf Club. To register, contact Josh Wagaman at 266-4054 or e-mail at josh_wagaman@kiawahresort.com before noon the Monday prior to the clinic.
First Term Airmen Center NCOIC Position Opening: Joint Base Charleston's Professional Enhancement Center is seeking a highly motivated Staff Sergeant or Technical Sergeant to fill the FTAC NCOIC. Applicant must: Be a volunteer and have commander's recommendation; at least a staff sergeant with 12 months time in grade with a minimum of five years time in service or a technical sergeant (master sergeant selects will not be considered for FTAC duties); Graduate of Airmen Leadership School; Be outstanding in appearance, military bearing and conduct both on/off duty; Meet Air Force Fitness Standards having a passing score of 75 or higher; Have a rating of no less than five on the last three EPRs; Ability to speak distinctly and communicate well with others; Meet all Air Force standards and other quality factors. This is a two-year, controlled tour. Contact the FTAC NCO in charge, Tech. Sgt. John Busco at 963-2896 or by email at john.busco@charleston.af.mil for application instructions. Deadline to submit package is Oct. 13, 2010.
Port of Pirates: The 437th APS presents, "Port of Pirates" on Oct 29. Family members of Active Duty military, Reserve, and DoD 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. If you're brave enough, run the "it's-a-pirate's-life-for-me" obstacle course. Games and prizes will be 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.
Events:
Friday
Clinic closure: The 628th Medical Group will be closed Oct. 1 for the Joint Base Charleston Inaugural Ceremony. The clinic will resume normal business hours Oct. 4.
Retirement ceremony: A retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Maria Gunther will be held Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. in the base education center. For more information, contact Senior Master Sgt. Allan Perry at 963-3773.
Saturday
Fishing derby postponed: The free fishing derby at the Air Base Pool scheduled for this weekend has been postponed. It has been tentatively rescheduled for November.
FMP Support group social: A social gathering at "Chuckie Cheeze" for families with special needs members will be held Oct. 21 at 3 p.m.
Chief Master Sgt. Futrell Farewell 5K: Come out Oct. 2 for a farewell 5K, free massage therapy, health screenings and education by Trident Health Systems, clinics on diet, running, biking and strength training, treadmill gait analysis and the Bod Pod. There will also be a first sergeants push-up contest at 2 p.m. with a $100 prize. The 5K starts at 3 p.m. with age group awards.
Armed Forces blood drive, bone marrow registration drive: Armed Forces Donor Program supplies critically low blood directly to our deployed troops. Come out to donate from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. While there, register on the Department of Defense bone marrow donor list. This event is open to all reservists, active duty, DOD civilians, retirees and families. The event will be held at the Fitness and Sports Center. This will be designated as an alternate duty location from 2 to 4 p.m. by the 315th Airlift Wing commander. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Mike Bunting at 963-4633.
Citadel Military Appreciation Day: Join the Citadel Bulldogs for Military Appreciation Day as they take on the Western Carolina Catamounts Oct. 2 at Johnson Hagood Stadium. Kickoff time is scheduled for 1 p.m. The Army's 28nd Airborne is scheduled to parachute in the game ball and there will be a giveaway to the first 1,000 fans through the gate. For discounted group tickets, please contact Jeremy Helms at 843-953-6812.
Sunday
Chapel-sponsored Ecumenical picnic: The Chapel invites Joint Base Charleston adults, children, and youth to the base picnic grounds on Sunday, Oct. 3 at noon for an afternoon of fun, food, fellowship and games. If there is inclement weather festivities will be held at the base chapel. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Tansa Ayazgok at 963-2536.
Monday
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 Oct 4 and 6 from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Call the HAWC at 963-4007 to register.
Tuesday
Understanding the TSP for Military: Learn the pros, tax advantages, and how participating in the Thrift Savings Plan can help supplement your retirement income Oct. 5 from 8 to 9 a.m. Briefing will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Heart Link: Learn Air Force culture, traditions, military language, benefits, services and mission while making friends! Childcare issues will be addressed at time of registration. This orientation is held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500, Oct. 5 from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. RSVP at 963-4406.
Wednesday
1st time homebuyer workshop: Interested in buying a home but intimidated by the whole process? This 2-hour workshop, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is packed with information and will take you through every phase of home-buying by explaining terminology, forms, whether you are ready to buy a home, the closing, lending, and much, much more! Briefing will be held at the Airman & Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.
Resume I & cover letter: Learn the purpose of a cover letter, what it should contain as well as formats for a resume and cover letter. Briefing will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Sponsor Training: Learn requirements of sponsorship and tips on being an effective and efficient sponsor Oct. 6 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Class is held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.
Thursday
Investing basics: This class is for beginners only. Learn about common terminology, the goals of investing and the most common forms of investing. Briefing will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500 Oct. 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Newcomer's tour: Enjoy a free guided tour of Charleston's historic district, Ft. Moultrie and Isle of Palms Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch is on your own. Transportation provided from the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat on the bus.
Oct. 8
Open House: Stop by the Heath and Wellness Center before or after the Commander's Run to meet the HAWC staff, see the facility, learn about our services and get some free food. Doors will be open until 10 a.m.
Retirement ceremony: A retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Rodney Rutz will be held Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. in the 16th Airlift Squadron auditorium, Building 705. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Jeff Faretra at 963-7154.
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.
Nov. 6
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.
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:
Ohio State football: The Ohio State Alumni Club of Charleston would like to invite all Ohio State Alumni and fans to join this season for Ohio State football. The club meets on game days at The Three Lion's Pub located in Blackbaud Stadium, 1990 Daniel Island Dr., Charleston. Join us to cheer on the Buckeyes. Call Barry Thomas at 963-8241for more details.
After school care: Registration is now underway for the 2010 through 2011 After School Program at the Youth Center. Transportation for the after school care will be provided from Hunley Park, Riverbends, Lambs, For Dorchester, Eagles Nest and Oakbrook elementary schools. The program is open to children ages 5 (and in kindergarten) to 12. Shot records with current H1N1 vaccination and LES/pay statements must be available at time of registration. Call 963-5684 for additional details.
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 on Joint Base Charleston: Girls in grades four to six, or six to seven are eligible for membership in the Girl Scout troop on JB CHS. Meetings are held at Building 245 on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. for fun, earning badges and getting to meet other girls. Please contact Carolyn Kolva at 743-5020 for more information.
Updates and Closures:
New web site debut: The Airman and Family Readiness Center has a new 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 AAFRC serves all active duty, National Guard, reservists, retirees and civilian employees.
Urinalysis for civilians in testing designated positions: Effective Sept. 1, the urinalysis specimen volume required for all civilian employees in TDPs will increase from 30 ml to 45 ml. This is in accordance with new guidelines in Air Force Instruction 44-107, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, paragraph 1.16.1.11. Please contact Selwyn Stephens at 963-6849 with any questions or concerns.
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:
Career Assistant Advisor notes: Have you ever thought of retraining? Are you looking to leave Charleston? Would you like to become a better writer? Are you not sure of all you're benefits in the Air Force? Well you're base Career Assistant Advisor, Master Sgt. Donny Leydig, can help you answer these questions. Visit Joint Base Charleston's Professional Enhancement Center where you can find the answers these questions, sign up for professional development classes and view many other areas related to your career. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 963-2768.
North Auxiliary Air Field hunting permits: Hunting permits for the recreational hunting program at North Auxiliary Air Field can now be purchased at the Charleston AFB 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/CEAN 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 EIM web site 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.