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:

Blue Star Museums free admission: The National Endowment for the Arts along with the non-profit Blue Star Families has started a new summer program called Blue Star Museums, a partnership with more than 750 museums across America to offer free admission to all active-duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. To obtain a list of participating museums in the area, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. Click a state on the map to see a list of museums.

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 843-727-1216 and offer the discount code, 20101001. For more information visit www.charlestonconcerts.org.

Events:

Friday
Friday night bowling special: Military and family members can bowl as much as they want every Friday night in August from 10 p.m. to midnight for $1 a game during Starlifter Lanes' "Friday Night Owl Special." Shoe rental is free. For more information call the Starlifter Lanes at 963-3315.

Sunday
Learn to ride the waves: Learn to ride the waves with this no-stress beginners surfing class Aug. 29. Cost is $40 per person, which includes transportation, parking fees, surfboards, instruction, open water safety and equipment maintenance. This program is designed for people ages 16 and older who have basic swimming skills and can tolerate moderate physical activity. Class size is limited. Call 963-1732 for more information.

Open Ocean Surf Kayaking Class: Looking for something a little different in the way of water sports? Why not try surfing the ocean waves in a kayak? The Outdoor Recreation Center is offering an ocean surf kayak class Aug. 28. Attendees will learn surf kayaking concepts and basic techniques, as well as how to read the current weather, how tides and currents affect the waves, along with beach and waterfront safety. The $40 per person cost includes transportation, kayaks, paddles, safety gear and instruction. This program is designed for people ages 16 and older who have basic swimming skills and can tolerate moderate physical activity. Optional wet suits are available for rent at the ORC. Class size is limited. Call 963-1732 for more information.

Monday
BX Opening: The long awaited New Mall and Food Court opens Aug. 30. Burger King will open for breakfast at 7 a.m., Charley's will open at 10 a.m. and Anthony's will open at 11 a.m. The Barber Shop, Beauty Shop, Laundry Dry Cleaning, Alterations and GNC will open at 9 a.m. Military Clothing and Sales will relocate at a later date.

Wednesday
Youth Dance Classes: Registration is now underway at Youth Programs for the next session of dance classes which start Sept. 1. Types of dances available for this 12-week session include creative movement, pre-ballet, ballet and jazz. Class ages range from 3 to 17. Dance classes are held on Wednesdays at the Youth Center and prices are according to the type of dance program taken. The cost per student is $40 for Youth Programs' members and $50 for non-members. Stop by to register or call 963-5684 for more details.

Sponsor Training: Learn the keys to being a good sponsor by attending this training class Sept. 1 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Class is held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat.

Sept. 2
Retirement ceremony: The 437th Maintenance Group will host a retirement ceremony for Col. Tammy Livingood Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. in Building 700. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Earl Wellman at 963-5956.

Top 3 Golf Tournament: The Charleston AFB Top 3 is hosting a Golf Tournament Sept. 2, at Wrenwoods Golf Course. What is better than starting off a long weekend with a round of golf? The tournament cost is $40, which includes a hot lunch after completing the course. The tournament will begin at 8 a.m., with free range balls starting at 7 a.m. Contact Master Sgt. Donny Leydig at Donald.Leydig@charleston.af.mil with your team of four. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact any of the Top 3 Council Officers.

Investing Basics: Learn about common terminology, the goals of investing and the most common forms of investing Sept. 2 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This class is held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center and is for beginners only. Call 963-4406 to sign up.

Sept. 8
Youth Tae kwon Do Classes: A new season of Tae Kwon Do will begin Sept. 8 at Youth Programs. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Boys and girls ages 7 to 18 are welcome to attend. The cost of the class is $45 per month and all students are required to be Youth Programs members and have a current physical exam on file. Drop by the Youth Center to register or call 963-5684 for additional information.

Sept. 9
Third Annual Welcome Home Event: All veterans and their family members are cordially invited to attend the Third Annual Welcome Home Event for returning combat veterans, sponsored by the Ralph Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Hospital. The free event will be held Sept. 9 on the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information and services will include Veterans Affairs enrollment, eligibility and benefits information, readjustment services, health screenings, women's health services, health and education benefits information. For more information, contact Jan Bolger at 789-7373 or Patrick O'Leary at 789-6648.

Newcomer's Tour: Enjoy a free guided tour of Charleston's historic district, Ft. Moultrie and Isle of Palms Sept. 9 from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be the responsibility of the participants, but transportation will be provided by the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Sept. 10
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.

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. 23
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.

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:

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 JBC. 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 Nonappropriated 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.

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:

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.

NAAF 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 http://www.osi.andrews.af.mil and call 963-3248 to set up an appointment.