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:
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 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 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 28, 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.
Airman Leadership School instructor position opening: The Charleston Airman Leadership School has an opening for a Professional Military Education Instructor in January 2011. Are you highly motivated and dedicated staff sergeant with a Community College of the Air Force degree? Can you multi-task? If so, this could be the job for you! ALS Flight Instructors provide the Air Force's future leaders with the skills necessary to fulfill their supervisory responsibilities within the enlisted force structure and lead our Airmen of tomorrow. This is a 4-year controlled tour which will allow you the stability to reach your professional and personal goals. Please contact the ALS Commandant, Master Sgt. Joe Adams at 963-4074 for application instructions. He also be reached via e-mail at joseph.adams.2@charleston.af.mil Deadline to submit packages is Sept. 15.
Miracle League Military Appreciation Day: The Summerville Miracle League is non-profit organization that provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball, regardless of their disabilities. The league will be hosting a military appreciation day along with their fall season opening day Saturday, Sept. 11. For more information on the event, contact Master Sgt. Mark Montrose at 963-4406.
Events:
Friday
Teens take over library: Calling all teens! The Base Library will open its doors on a Friday night just for you! Join us, Sept. 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. for an opportunity to play video games, board games, use the Library's computers and enjoy some good food. Library material will not be able to be checked out at this event. Prior registration is required to attend. Stop by or call the Library at 963-3320 to sign up.
Saturday
Youth League Coordinator Needed: The upcoming Bowling Youth League that starts Sept. 11 is in need of two responsible youth coordinators. The league will meet at 10:30 every Saturday. Duties include assisting children with lane assignments, scoring, awards, prize fun payment and track lineage. Please contact Dave Muse at 963-3315 for more information or if interested.
Tuesday
Little heroes ceremony: A special medal presentation designed for children age 4-12 who have experienced a parent's deployment will be held Sept. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration required. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Educational opportunities counseling: Meet monthly one-on-one with an expert who will help you reach your educational goals. Consultations will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Call 963-4406 for an individual appointment.
Wednesday
Pinch your pennies: Learn how you can have a good quality of life on a budget during a class Sept. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.
CSB redux: Learn the pros and cons of the retirement choice by attending this briefing Sept. 15 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. If you joined the military Aug. 1 1986, or later, a decision must be made between the two retirement plans between the 14.5- and 15- year mark in the military. Briefing will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.
Time management class: This class is geared for teens and young adults, but anyone can benefit from the information and techniques presented Sept. 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This fun-filled interactive class covers tips for maximizing time, identifying time stealers and wasters, and identifying and establishing priorities. Call the 963-4406 to register.
Thursday
POW/MIA 24-hour run, luncheon and retreat: Joint Base Charleston is hosting a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action 24-hour run, luncheon and retreat. The 24-hour run will start Sept. 16 at 3:30 at the base track. Please contact Senior Master Sgt. Jenny King at 963-2904 to register your team. On Sept. 17 from noon to 2 p.m., members can eat lunch with a former POW. The cost is $16 for non-members and $14 for members. Please contact Master Sgt. Donny Leydig at 963-2768 to sign up. That afternoon, there will be a Retreat Ceremony starting at 3:30 p.m. at the base flag pole. For more information on this event, contact Tech. Sgt. Steven Thompson at 963-3777. For any other questions contact Master Sgt. Jeff Faretra at 963-7154.
Troops to teachers: A briefing will be held Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for counseling and assistance regarding certification requirements, routes to state certification and employment leads in an effort to help eligible military members to transition to a new career as public school teachers in targeted schools.
Sept. 19
The Hurt Locker Charity Golf Tournament 2010: The Navy and Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal Association Charleston Chapter Six is hosting a Charity Golf Tournament Sept. 19 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Redbank Golf Course on the Naval Weapons Station. Cost is $65 per player and the tournament will be open to the first 25 teams of four players. Proceeds will go to the EOD Memorial Foundation and Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation. For more information, contact Tuck LaBree at eodtuck@aol.com.
Sept. 20
Personnel office hours change: The Military Personnel Section in Building 503 will change customer service hours starting Sept. 20. The new hours will be 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. It will no longer close at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for training. The new hours are standardized to allow daily consistency and customer convenience, as opposed to different hours on different days. This is a growing trend across the Air Force as MPS's have sustained a 40 percent manning cut Air Force wide. For more information, call the MPS at 963-0677.
Sept. 23
Spouse Appreciation Dinner: Joint Base Charleston will host its Quarterly Spouse Appreciation Dinner for spouses of deployed members Sept. 23 at the base chapel annex from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The night will be free for spouses to take a night off and join for fellowship, networking, support and food. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Top 3 Association Scholarship Program: Air Force members between the ranks of airman basic to technical sergeant can now pick up and submit application packages to the Education Center for the Top 3 Association Scholarship Program by Sept. 23. Winners and their sponsoring senior noncommissioned officers will be requested to attend the Top 3 meeting in October for the presentations. For further information, please contact Master Sgt. Evelyn Serafica-Beam at 963-6885.
Oct. 1
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.
Education and Training:
Education tuition assistance fiscal year cutoff date: The Education and Training Section will discontinue accepting Military Tuition Assistance application by the close of business Sept. 17 for classes beginning Sept. 20 through 30. Ensure your application for tuition assistance is received by the Education and Training Section on or before Sept. 17. If you are having difficulties with the application process while in the Air Force Virtual Education Center, you should contact the Education Office at 963-4575 immediately or visit them to apply for tuition assistance. The Education Office will not be able to make any exception once they determine their final financial obligations for the fiscal year.
Funding change to testing: Effective Nov. 20, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) will only fund a military member's initial examination fee for each subject College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST (previously known as the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) and Excelsior College Examinations (ECE) 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. The next game is Saturday, Sept. 11 versus Miami University. 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:
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.
Retiree activities office now at new location: The Joint Base Charleston Retiree Activities Office has moved to Building 503, Room 122. The hours of operation remain 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. For more information, call 963-2228 or e-mail rao@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.