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.
Events:
Saturday
Free children's festival: Youth Programs is hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt and Month of the Military Child Festival April 3. The Easter Egg Hunt starts at 11 a.m. Children from ages 1 through 12 are invited to this free event. Start times will be separated by ages: 1-2 year olds at 11 a.m.; 3-4 year olds at 11:15 a.m.; 5-7 year olds at 11:30 a.m.; and 8-12 year olds at 11:45 a.m. Easter baskets are not provided, so remember to bring them along. The Month of the Military Child Festival events begin at noon and end at 2 p.m. There will be free food, drinks, games, activities and giveaways. This festival is for all children up to age 17 for military, civilian employees, retirees and their families. Prior registration is not required. Call 963-5684 for more information.
Bowling tournament: The next nine-pin, no-tap tournament is scheduled for April 3 at the Starlifter Lanes. Bowling starts at 7 p.m. and the cost is $20 per person. The competition format and prize money will be based on the number of bowlers participating in the tournament. Non-league members are always welcome. Sign-ups will be taken on the day of the tournament. Call 963-3315 for additional details.
Sunday
Easter Sunday buffet: The Charleston Club is now taking reservations for its famous, sumptuous Easter Sunday buffet. The menu for the April 4 feast features Belgian waffles, made to order omelet stations, a breakfast bar, carving station featuring roast lamb and beef, entrée selections of salmon fillets, chicken breast Sidewise and crab cakes complimented with seasonal vegetables and gourmet salads and desserts. Members' price is $18.95, to include eligible guests and juniors. Ages 5 through 12 is $10.95. All others add $3. Children under 5 years old are complimentary. Reservation times are 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m. Call the Charleston Club at 963-3914, ext. "0" to make reservations.
Tuesday
Step-parenting: Learn how to understand blended family issues, common complaints from adults and kids, stages of adjustment, characteristics of a successful blended family and household rules April 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Also learn how to establish new traditions, as well as things to do or not do. Couples only - no children please. A light snack will be provided. To register, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 963-4406.
Wednesday
Sponsor training: Learn the keys to being a good sponsor by attending this training class April 7 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Training is mandatory for first-time sponsors and those not trained in the last year. Training will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center in Building 500. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Resume I and cover letter class: Learn how to put together a resume during a class April 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. Learn the purpose of a cover letter, what it should contain as well as format for a resume and cover letter. Briefing will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center in Building 500. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
S.C. Employment Service: A representative from South Carolina Employment Services will be on base April 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet with experts from finance, Veterans Affairs, South Carolina Job Services and more to help provide the tools for a successful transition into the civilian sector. Services will be offered at the Airman and Family Readiness Center in Building 500. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
Thursday
Making a good marriage better: Learn to define a healthy marriage, how temperament impacts a healthy marriage, and how to maintain a healthy marriage by developing communication, negotiation and conflict resolutions skills April 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Couples only - no children please. A light snack will be provided. This class will be offered at the Airman and Family Readiness Center in Building 500. Call 963-4406 to sign up.
April 9
Retirement ceremony: A retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Timothy Kelly, Joint Base Charleston's career assistance advisor, will be held April 9 at 10 a.m. at the 17th Airlift Squadron Auditorium, Building 709. Reserve a seat by March 31. For more information, contact Staff Sgt. John Busco at 963-2896.
April 12
Free Club members breakfast: All current Charleston Club members are invited to the club for a free breakfast buffet April 12 from 7 to 8:30 a.m., and be sure to enter the drawing to win a 32-inch flat screen television during the meal.
Citizens of the World: Inspired by tennis legend Arthur Ashe, this free event is aimed at opening the doors of tennis to all citizens April 12 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Daniel Island. Events include the City of Charleston's Touch-a-Truck program, a military flight simulator, military aircraft displays, a meet-and-greet with various cast members from the Lifetime show Army Wives, and an autograph signing with professional tennis athletes.
Battle of the Branches: Earn bragging rights for your military branch while on-site during the Citizens of the World event. While there, members should register their attendance. The military branch with the most members present will win the "Battle of the Branches" and will be presented with a championship trophy and a shout-out ad in Post & Courier. Come out and represent your branch.
April 13
Dave Ramsey discount tickets: Nationally renowned personal finance expert Dave Ramsey offers special discounted tickets to Charleston's local military members for his Total Money makeover Live presentation April 13 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum. Join America's trusted source for financial straight-talk, Dave Ramsey, for a high-energy, interactive and fun evening on financial principles. To receive the military discount when purchasing tickets, visit www.daveramsey.com, select "See Dave Live," then select "get tickets," then in the coupon code block enter the letters: CAFB.
April 16
Official mail class: An official mail class will be held April 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron auditorium in Building 610. This training is an annual requirement for all personnel authorized to receipt for accountable and highly recommended for personnel who handle official mail for their unit.
April 27
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.
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:
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
Charleston Club closure: The Charleston Club will be closed April 5, the day after Easter Sunday, for all business. Visit the Globemaster Grille or Starlifter Lanes Bowling Center for lunch meals.
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.
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.
Air Force Assistance Fund: The 2010 AFAF Campaign for Joint Base Charleston will run March 8 through April 16. Unit project officers will send volunteer workers to distribute brochures and forms to active duty members. The AFAF was established to provide for an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affiliates which provide support to the Air Force family in need. These organizations help Air Force people with aid in an emergency, with educational needs, or to have a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance. Contact Maj. Lee Warlick at 963-6732 or Senior Master Sgt. John Bush at 963-4724 with any questions or concerns.
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.
Tax Center now open: Tax processing on base began Feb. 8 and will last until April 15 at the following location:
Aircrew Flight Equipment Training Center
200 E. Simpson St, Bldg 580
The hours of operation excluding weekends, holidays and Wednesdays are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday hours are 1 to 3 p.m. To properly prepare taxes, bring the following documentation: W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, social security cards for all persons, bank account information such as a voided check, and proof of identity. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Lawrence Williams at 963-5502.
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:
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 Joseph Shewmaker 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 at 963-8270.