JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
News Briefs Highlight: An installation commander's call will be held Friday, April 30, at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Base Theater, featuring Comedian Bernie McGrenahan performing his "Happy Hour" comedy show. This tour has military members rolling in the aisles with laughter. To find out more information, go to www.happyhourcomedy.com. Note: Mandatory for military but highly encouraged for spouses and Department of Defense civilians.
Events:
Friday
S.C. employment services: Meet with a S.C. job services representative who will help you in your job search and provide limited resume assistance April 23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individuals seeking service must register online and identify job leads before arriving at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. This is a first-come, first-serve service. Walk-ins begin at 10 a.m. Call 963-4406 to register for service.
Latin Night: The Charleston Club will host a Latin night April 23 at 9 p.m. Don't know how to dance the Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Merengue or Bachata? We'll teach you! Music is provided by the area's top Latin DJ, Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove. There is a $7 cover for the night. The kitchen will stay open until 10 p.m. and there will be drink service until 2 a.m. call 963-3914 for additional information.
Tuesday
Fund your retirement: Learn ways and options to fund your retirement years in a class April 27 from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Airman and Family Readiness Center. For more information, call 963-4406.
Resume II and cover letter class: A one-on-one class will be offered April 27 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to noon to learn how to finalize a resume and cover letter.
Retirement ceremony: The 628th Medical Group will host a retirement luncheon and ceremony April 27 for Rich Wiedenhoeft from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome. Come out and wish Mr. Wiedenhoeft well after more than 40 years of combined Air Force and Federal Civil Service. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Carolyn Kolva at 963-6673.
Wednesday
Credit repair solutions: Learn about credit scores, building credit and how to protect your credit on your own in a class April 28 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Separate fact from fiction and how to avoid scams that offer empty promises. Class will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Smooth move: Meet with experts who will give you the tricks of the trade of making your next move a smooth one April 28 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The briefing will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to sign-up.
S.C. employment service: Meet with a S.C. job services rep who will help you in your job search and provide limited resume assistance April 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. Individuals seeking service must register online and identify job leads before arriving at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. This is a first-come, first-serve service. Walk-ins begin at 10 a.m. Call 963-4406 to register for service.
Pinch your pennies until they squeal: Learn how you can have a good quality life on a budget in a class April 28 from noon to 1 p.m. The class will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 963-4406.
Free youth golf program: Registration is now underway for youth ages 7 through 12 to take part in the First Tee program. This free introduction to the game will be held April 27 - May 19 at the Charleston Youth Center. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Class size will be limited to the first 12 children who register. First Tee is a national organization with more than 200 chapters in North America. The local chapter is located at Patriots Point Golf Links in Mount Pleasant. Call Youth Programs at 963-5684 for more details.
April 28, 29 & 30
EIM site owner and Air Force Portal training classes: There will be an EIM Site Owners training class taught by AMC/A6XX trainer April 28 through 29. April 30, he will teach an Air Force Portal site owner class. If you would like to sign up for either of the classes, go to https://eim.amc.af.mil/org/628cs/RecordsManagement/default.aspx?PageView=Shared and click on the class signup listing on the left hand side under View All Site Content/Documents. If you have any questions, please contact Staff Sgt. Cornelious Cunningham at 963-0022.
April 30
Special duty briefing: The Air Education Training Command Special Duty Team is hosting a special duty briefing April 30 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Bldg. 247, 3rd Floor. This briefing will be hosted to Airmen between the ranks of Airman 1st Class, with at least 24 months time in service, through technical sergeant, with less than 17 years of total active federal military service, who are interested in becoming an Air Force recruiter, military training instructor, military training leader or a professional military education instructor. For further information on the AETC Special Duty Team contact the Wing Career Assistance Advisor, Master Sgt. Donny Leydig at 963-2768.
Retirement ceremony: The 628th Medical Group will host a retirement ceremony April 30 at 4 p.m. for Capt. Anthony Wiggins in the Charleston Club. Capt. Wiggins is retiring after 22 years of combined active-duty service to both the Air Force and Navy, as both an officer and enlisted personnel. For more information, contact 1st Lt. Nina Linnehan at 963-6870.
May 2
315th Airlift Wing Community College of the Air Force Graduation: The 315th Airlift Wing will hold its annual Community College of the Air Force Graduation Ceremony May 2 at 2 p.m. in the Base Theater. The guest speaker will be Chief Master Sgt. James Pepin, vice commandant of the Community College of the Air Force.
Education:
FINRA military spouse fellowship for accredited financial counselor program: Applications for the 2010 Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Military Spouse Fellowship for the Accredited Financial Counselor Program are being accepted March 1 through April 30 for military spouses. Information about the program can be found at http://www.militaryfamily.org/get-info/support-family/spouse-employment/financial-counselor-fellowships.html. Please notice that the application period has been extended through April 30.
Free tutoring services: According to federal law, parents of students enrolled in a Title I School which has been identified as "in need of improvement," as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act, must be provided an opportunity to request free tutoring services or Supplemental Educational Services from one of the state-approved SES Providers. Charleston County Schools will pay $1,535 per student to an approved SES Provider to tutor eligible students in an afterschool, before-school, or Saturday school program. Services may be provided on the school campus, at the provider's site, or at home. To be eligible for services, students must be enrolled at one of the eligible Title I schools and must qualify for the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch program. For more information, contact Elsa Summers at 963-4406.
Educational resources available: Parents of school-age children can access educational resources to support their child's math and reading skill development by registering for a free account at www.soarathome.org. For parents who are relocating, the site offers a test students can take on state learning standards and directs students to a tutorial that will improve their skills if needed. Student Online Achievement Resources cover skills in math, reading and language arts for students in grades 3 to 12.
Meetings:
Attention unity security managers: There will be a security managers training class held May 20 from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., in the 315th Security Forces Squadron conference room, Bldg. 256. All security managers who have not completed the initial formal training class must attend within 90 days of being appointed this additional duty. Those trained security managers who require refresher training may also attend. For more information contact Mr. Andrew Gancarz at 963-3621.
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 that eligible Airmen who are separating 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, learning badges and getting to meet other girls her age. Please contact Carolyn Kolva at 743-5020 for more information.
Updates and Closures
Attention Team Charleston: Each Wednesday afternoon, the 628th Air Base Wing Information Protection Office will be closed for training. The 628 ABW information protection office has initiated a by appointment only fingerprinting service effect April 1. The fingerprinting service is provided for security clearances or background investigations only. To schedule an appointment please contact your unit security manager or the 628 ABW information protection office at 963-7478 or 963-3616.
Paintball action continues: The 2010 "Combat Zone" paintball season is getting an upgrade during April. Starting April 3, the base range will be open for action every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. The field fee each day is $8, and the rental fee for a mask, marker and propellant is $8. Purchase 500 paintballs for $10. To be sure there are enough supplies and range marshals, reservations are required one week in advance for each day. For more information, call 963-1732.
Gaylor Dining Facility opens to retirees: As a result of a local policy change, retirees and their immediate family members are now welcome at all scheduled meals at the Joint Base Charleston Enlisted Consolidated Dining Facility on Davis Drive. Serving times are: 5:30 to 8 a.m. for breakfast; 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch; 4:30 to 7 p.m. for dinner; and 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. for midnight meal.
Civilian Personnel Office closure: The APF Civilian Personnel Office, located in Building 503, will be closed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in March. For immediate assistance, please contact 963-4501. For any APF Civilian Personnel services, walk-ins are welcome Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or appointments can be made, as needed. Please contact 963-4501 with any questions or concerns.
Consignment Shop relocation: The base Consignment Shop has been relocated from Building 203 to Building 636. For more information, contact Marie Leydig at 963-3294.
New MPS phone number: In an ongoing effort to improve customer service, the 628th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section has developed a single phone number which will route all calls to the appropriate offices. For all military personnel issues, contact 963-0677.
Retiree activities office now at new location: The Joint Base Charleston Retiree Activities Office has moved from Bldg. 246, Rm. 116, to Bldg. 503, Rm. 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.
Pharmacy prescriptions must be picked up within seven calendar days: Due to space constraints, filled prescriptions can only be stored in the pharmacy for seven calendar days before being returned to stock. If there are special circumstances and the pharmacy needs to hold a prescriptions a little longer, call the pharmacy at 963-6808.
ID Registration: Persons over the age of 16 issued a Department of Defense identification card are required to register in the new Defense Biometric Identification System at the Visitor Control Center or the 628th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section, Building 503, weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and weekends at the VCC from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 963-7807.
628 MDG enhances patient services: The 628th Medical Group clinic has recently enhanced its services in order to better serve TRICARE beneficiaries. The new service, FONEMED, is an after-hours nurse triage telephone line. This new triage line can be accessed by calling the normal clinic number 963-6880. All calls are automatically redirected to this service when patients call after-hours or on weekends and holidays. Once the call has been directed to the triage line, a live person will answer the call. Highly qualified nurses are staffing this service and will assist with taking proper medical actions. This telephone service is especially helpful for questions regarding appropriate home care, or for advice on appropriate actions to take for urgent conditions which cannot wait until the next duty day. The nurse triage telephone service cannot answer questions regarding lab results, prescription refills, on-going care or future appointments at the clinic. As always, for emergencies call 911. For any questions, contact Capt. Merritt Brockman at merritt.brockman@charleston.af.mil.
628 MDG clinic laboratory now accepting off-base provider orders: The 628th Medical Group Laboratory announced that lab orders from off-base providers for all eligible beneficiaries will be accepted. A copy of the lab's Test Requisition Form can be obtained by having the doctor's office contact the laboratory at 963-6982. A signed prescription or other provider laboratory request form with the required laboratory tests is also acceptable. All laboratory results performed at Joint Base Charleston will be faxed to the requesting provider upon completion. The clinic laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists to offer this new service. Contact Susan Young with any questions about this service at 963-6982.
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.
After-School Care: Registration continues for the After-School Program at the Youth Center. This program is accredited and a leader in the community and is open to children ages 5 (and in Kindergarten) to 12. Transportation for after-school care will be provided from Hunley Park, Riverbend, Lambs, Fort Dorchester, Eagles Nest and Oakbrook elementary schools. Registration is accepted daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Shot records and leave and earning statements must be available at time of registration. Call 963-5684 for additional details.
Lost and found: The 628th Security Forces Squadron maintains lost and found items. Call 963-3605 or 7266 to inquire about a lost item. In accordance with Air Force Instruction 31-206, security forces will not take custody of property, besides weapons, left with another installation agency.
Public address support and equipment: For public address support or public address equipment, call the 628th Communication Squadron at 963-2666 to open a ticket for the requirement. The squadron will return the call once a ticket has been opened and will support equipment needs for all retirement ceremonies. The squadron will also provide loaner equipment and training for squadron-level events or below, but cannot provide manpower. All events need at prior notice of least two business days. Tickets opened after 4:30 p.m. will not be acknowledged until the next business day.
Military News:
Retraining opportunity: The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is seeking exceptional staff sergeant and technical sergeant's with less than 12 years of service. You 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 unique Federal Law Enforcement and military organization. For members who think they are up for the challenge, review the AFOSI homepage at http://www.osi.andrews.af.mil and call 963-328 to set up an appointment.
Online legal assistance: The Air Force Legal Assistance Website was created to provide a way to expedite the process of obtaining various legal documents and can be viewed at www.aflegalasssitance.com. Beginning Feb. 1, Airmen, their families and retirees will have access to this Web site to review information in areas of the law affecting military members; complete online worksheets for wills, advance medical directives and powers of attorney; and submit customer feedback about their office experience. To increase client's convenience and satisfaction, the Web site will minimize the number of trips and reduce the amount of waiting time at the legal office to obtain common legal documents. 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.
Military Family Needs Assessment: Commissioned by Navy Cmdr. Quinn Skinner, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Military Community and Family Policy, the Military Family Needs Assessment Web-based survey is available to all military and family members. During Year of the Air Force Family, the survey offers an opportunity to collect feedback directly from military members and families about what is working, and what is not, regarding military family education, support and overall adjustment during and after deployment. Information will be provided to policy makers and service providers as a complement to ongoing assessment efforts. The survey is voluntary, confidential and may be accessed at https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1253631402808.
Homeowners Assistance Program details: Defense Department officials announced this week the details for distributing $555 million available under the Homeowners Assistance Program. The program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in February, and is designed to partially reimburse those whose service to the nation has required them to relocate and sell their primary residence at a loss. Those eligible include active and former service members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. It also includes Defense Department and Coast Guard civilian employees and non-appropriated fund civilians. For more information, see http://hap.usace.army.mil.
Military Spouses Residency Relief Act: President Barack Obama signed into law Nov. 11 the MSRRA. The act amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide certain protections for military spouses with regard to residency, voting and taxation. Spouses will have the option to adopt the state in which they resided or the service member's state of residence. Under the act, military spouses will not lose the right to vote or register to vote in a state as a result of a military move. They could decide to register to vote at their new locations or keep their voting registrations in the old states, even if they don't plan to return. Another benefit is that a spouse will not have to change a driver's license or vehicle registration when moving to another state. Regarding taxes, a spouse will neither lose nor acquire a residence for tax purposes by entering or leaving a tax jurisdiction while accompanying a service member who is moving as a result of military orders, as long as the residence is the same for husband and wife. This applies to income taxes and personal property taxes. In some case, this means couples no longer will need to hire accountants specifically to work out paying income taxes or property taxes in multiple states. The entire law can be reviewed at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s111-475.
TSP transfers to Roth IRAs: Separated Thrift Savings Plan participants and active participants eligible for age based in-service withdrawals now have the option to transfer all or part of TSP withdrawal payments to a Roth Individual Retirement Account as well as to traditional IRAs or other eligible employer plans. For more information, see "Questions and Answers" or "Important Tax Information About Payments From Your TSP Account," available on the TSP Web site, www.tsp.gov, or by calling the Thrift Line at 877-968-3778.
Records management shredding: Record management shredding schedule is Mondays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m.; and Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Appointments can be made on the Enterprise Information Management Web site under the shredding sign-up sheet. Be sure to arrange a way to take the bags with you when shredding is complete. No more than five boxes at a time and no classified documents are authorized to be disposed of at this shredder. For any questions or concerns please contact Airman 1st Class Francisco Bastian at 963-8270 or Airman 1st Class Miguel Batista at 963-3289.
Records management training: Records management training schedule is 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 Web site. For any questions or concerns please contact Airman 1st Class Francisco Bastian or Airman 1st Class Miguel Batista at 963-8270.