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.
ADC Update: The Office of the Area Defense Counsel has issued an update to clarify the duty titles of its staff. Capt. Zaven Saroyan currently serves as the Area Defense Counsel and Staff Sgt. Robert Shearer serves as a Defense Paralegal - "The Area Defense Counsel's office works for you, not the command."
Events:
Friday
S.C. Job service for veterans only: Meet with S.C. job services reps who will help veterans in their job search and provide limited resume assistance March 19 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.
Saturday
Base-wide yard sale: Just in time to help you with your spring cleaning and trying to figure out what to do with all the stuff you've accumulated, the Arts and Crafts and Outdoor Recreation Centers are holding a base-wide yard sale Saturday, March 20, at the base picnic grounds. For $20 a space, you can display just about anything you think someone else would be interested in buying. Set-up time begins at 7 a.m. and the sale runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Space will be limited and registration for the sale at the Outdoor Recreation Center ends Monday, March 15. For more details, call 963-1732.
Crafter's Fair: In conjunction with the base-wide yard sale being held at the base picnic grounds Saturday, March 20, the base Arts and Crafts Center will host a Crafter's Fair. Innovative vendors and individuals who create art, jewelry, pottery and other fine arts are invited to sell their crafts at the fair. Vendor spaces are $20 each and can be reserved at the Arts and Crafts Center on Stewart Avenue. For more information, call 963-4936.
Heart Link: Make new friends and create a support system in a fun-filled environment by learning what benefits you are entitled to as a military spouse. Break the code on the military language and learn exactly what you got yourself into by attending Heart Link at the Airman and Family Readiness flight, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This orientation is held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. For more information or to register call 963-4406.
Monday
Bestselling author reading: Doug Stanton, bestselling author of In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis and Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of U.S. Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan, will be giving a reading at Ashley Hall March 22 at 7:30 p.m. This event is open to the public free of charge. For more information, contact Dr. Nick Bozanic at 720-2855.
Tuesday
Records management base-wide shred day: There will be a base wide shred day on March 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the base theater parking lot. This is for unclassified material only. Also please make sure that you remove all documents from binders, document protectors and remove paper clips. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Staff Sgt. Cornelious Cunningham at 963-0022 or Mrs. Nonie Page at 963-3273.
Attention unit security managers: The 1st Quarter, Security Managers Meeting, will be held on March 23 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the 628 LRS Auditorium, Bldg. 610. As a reminder, in accordance with Air Force Instruction 31-401, the primary or alternate security manager must attend. If neither is available, a representative from your unit must attend.
Family craft night: Enjoy a free hour of creativity March 23 at the Arts and Crafts Complex. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. and prior registration is required. The next free family crafts nights will be April 20 and June 8. The Family Craft night on May 11 costs $10 a person. This is a special "Make something for Mother's Day" event and advance sign-up is required. Call 963-4936 for additional information.
Wednesday
Earth Day Volunteers: The 628th Civil Engineer Squadron is looking for volunteers to assist with Earth Day March 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call Mr. Keith Thompson at 963-4020.
Credit repair solutions: Learn about credit scores, building credit and how to protect your credit on your own without spending a dime March 24 from 8 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. For more information or to sign up for the program contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 963-4406.
S.C. employment services: Meet with a S.C. job services rep who will help you in your job search and provide limited resume assistance March 24 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.
March 26
Retirement: The 437th Maintenance Operations Squadron will host a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Noble Bradshaw in the Yonkie Auditorium in Building 54 at 10 a.m. March 26. For more information, contact Master Sgt. David Simmons at 963-3037.
March 31
How to stay committed during deployments: The base chapel, in conjunction with the base Military and Family Life consultant, is sponsoring a 1-hour seminar for couples on how to stay emotionally connected while geographically separated. Two opportunities for this event are provided. The first will be March 31 from 11 a.m. to noon. The second opportunity will be April 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. Both events will be held in the chapel annex with free lunch and dinner provided. Pease call 963-2536 to register.
S.C. employment services: Meet with a S.C. job services rep who will help you in your job search and provide limited resume assistance March 31 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.
April 1
Newcomer's tour: Join the Airman and Family Readiness Center on a free guided tour of Charleston's historic district, Fort Moultrie and Isle of Palms April 1 from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Anyone attending the tour will be on their own for lunch and transportation will be provided from the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 500. Call 963-4406 to reserve your seat on the bus or to receive further information.
Fort Johnson career day: Volunteers are needed for the Fort Johnson Middle School Career Day April 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information contact Thomas Kistler in the Public Affairs office at 963-8235.
April 4
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 Belgium waffles and 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, age 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.
Education:
FIRNA military spouse fellowship for accredited financial counselor program: Applications for the 2010 FIRNA Foundation 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.
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.
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.
Commissary/BX advisory council: The next quarterly Commissary/BX Advisory Council will convene April 1 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the 628th Mission Support Group Conference Room. Minutes from the last advisory council will be forwarded at later date and available during the council meeting. Contact Ed Wigim, Chief, Community Services Flight, at 963-6255, directly if you have any items or issues for discussion or recommendation.
Closures and Updates
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.
Base ski shop now open: The base ski shop located in the Outdoor Recreation Center is now open. Rentals for skis, poles, boots, ski bibs, big feet, little feet, snow blades and snowboards are available. The shop stocks top brand names such as Salomon, Rossignol and Burton. All equipment can be rented by the day, weekend or week. Ski tuning and waxing of personal skis is available. Call 963-1732 for more details.
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 Monday 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m, Wednesday 9:30 to 11 a.m., and Friday 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 Bldg. 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.