CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
To submit a news brief, send an e-mail to 437aw.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.
Spotlight
Annual Awards Banquet: The 437th Airlift Wing Annual Awards Banquet will be Jan. 6 at the Charleston Club. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be James Hunter, author of "The Servant," with music provided by The Blue Aces U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band. Cost is $22 for club members and $24 for non-club members. Checks are payable to the Charleston Top 3. Military dress is mess dress or semi-formal and coat with tie for civilians. Reservations can be made until Dec. 18 with Tech. Sgt. Scott Mills at 963-7155 or at https://einvitations.afit.edu/AnnualAwards352/anim.cfm.
Change of Command: The 437th Operations Group will host a change of command ceremony Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. in Nose Dock 2. For more information, contact Chief Master Sgt. Keith Geltz at 963-2205 or 963-4286.
FSS Holiday Hours
Aero Club Office
Dec. 24: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 31: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed
Airman & Family Readiness Center
Dec. 24 and 25: Closed
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1: Closed
Arts & Crafts Center
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 28 to Jan. 1: Closed
Auto Hobby
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 26 to Jan. 3: Closed
Base Library
Dec. 21 to 23: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 24 and 25: Closed
Dec. 28 to 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1: Closed
Charleston Club Dining & Bar
Dec. 21 to Jan. 3: Closed (excluding special events)
Charleston Club Office (for New Year's Eve ticket sales)
Dec. 21 to 23: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dec. 28 to 31: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Child Development Center
Dec. 25: Closed
Jan. 1: Closed
Education & Training Center
Dec. 24 and 25: Closed
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1: Closed
Family Child Care Office
Dec. 21 to Jan. 1: Closed
Fitness Center
Dec. 24: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 31: 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Jan. 1: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gaylor Dining Facility for Dec. 25
Midnight meal: 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Breakfast: 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Christmas meal: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dinner meal: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Human Resources Office
Dec. 24 and 25: Closed
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1: Closed
Civilian Personnel Section
Dec. 24 and 25: Closed
Dec. 31 Jan. 1: Closed
Manpower & Organization Section
Dec. 24 and 25: Closed
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1: Closed
Military Personnel Section
Dec. 24 and 25: Closed
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1: Closed
Note: The MPS will have minimal manning, Dec. 21 to 23 and Dec. 28 to 30.
Outdoor Recreation Center
Dec. 23: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dec. 24: Closed
Dec: 25: Closed
Dec. 30: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dec. 31 and Jan. 1: Closed
Starlifter Bowling Center
Dec. 24: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 31: 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (Jan. 1)
Jan. 1: Closed
Private Animal Care Clinic
Dec. 24: Closed
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 31: Closed
Jan. 1: Closed
Wrenwoods Golf Course
Dec. 25: Closed
Youth Programs
Dec. 24: Closing at 6 p.m.
Dec. 25 and 26: Closed
Dec. 31: Closing at 6 p.m.
Jan 1 to 2: Closed
Retirement: The 437th Force Support Squadron will host a retirement ceremony for Kerry Barnett Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. in the base chapel. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Debra Rogers at 963-8929.
Appointment of summary court officer: Second Lt. Michael DeFeo from the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is detailed as summary court officer to secure and make proper disposition of the personal effects of recently departed Senior Airman Joshua Zwick. Anyone having knowledge of claim for or against the deceased estate may contact Lieutenant DeFeo at 568-4378, 963-6097 or michael.defeo@charleston.af.mil.
New MPS phone number: In an ongoing effort to improve customer service, the 437th 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.
Free shipping material from USPS for deployed members: The U.S. Postal Service is providing free packing material to anyone who would like to send care packages to deployed service members. A free military care kit is available and designed specifically for military families and loved ones sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by calling 800-610-8734. Dial option one for Priority Mail supplies. Postage for shipping ranges from $10.35 to $11.95 to an Army Post Office, or APO, address. Military care-package kits contain:
· Eight flat-rate boxes
· Nine address labels
· Eight Customs FORM 2976-A
· Eight Customs FORM 2976-E
Airman and Family Readiness Center events are held at Building 500 unless otherwise noted. To sign up for an event, call 963-4406.
SC employment services: A representative from South Carolina Employment Services will be here Dec. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. to meet with job seekers. Individuals seeking an appointment must register online before the appointment at www.scjoblink.org.
SC employment services for veterans who attended TAP only: A representative from South Carolina Employment Services will be here Dec. 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet with job seekers. Individuals seeking an appointment must register online before the appointment at www.scjoblink.org. Walk-ins begin at 10 a.m.
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.
Reintegration seminar: There is a reintegration seminar held Tuesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. for Airmen returning from a deployment to help them reintegrate back into their family lives.
Transition assistance program: This three-day workshop for military members who are transitioning from the military will be held Dec. 15 to 17 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meet with experts from finance, Veterans Administration, South Carolina Job Services to help give you the tools you need for a successful transition into the civilian sector.
Family pre-deployment briefing: Families of Airmen deploying within the next 30 days can meet Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m. The briefing gives information about deployments and tips for a successful deployment for Airmen and their families.
Around the base
Excess furniture at the Health and Wellness Center: The HAWC will be getting new furniture during the next few weeks. Stop by to take a look at old furniture available for use in on-base work areas. Items include book cases, a magazine rack, side chairs, swivel chairs and stacking chairs, tables with rollers, file cabinets, round tables, and wooden storage cabinets. Mark the items with name, office and a contact number and receive a call when the items are available for pickup. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Brooks at 963-4007.
Lambs Elementary School gate closures: Security forces personnel will no longer provide services at the Lambs gate between 4 to 4:15 p.m. effective Dec. 1. For any questions or concerns, contact Tech. Sgt. Chad Murphy at 963-8246.
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 437th 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.
Charleston AFB clinic laboratory now accepting off-base provider orders: The 437th 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 Charleston AFB 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.
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.
ATM now located in Passenger Terminal: There is now an automated teller machine provided by Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union in the Charleston AFB Passenger Terminal, Building 164. Access to this machine is 24/7. For questions, contact Master Sgt. Maggorino Tamietti at 963-7007.
Girl Scouting on Charleston AFB: Girls in grades four to six, or six to seven are eligible for membership in the Girl Scout troop on Charleston AFB. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lost and found: The 437th 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.
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.
Lower cost hearing aids available for military retirees: Naval Health Clinic Charleston is now participating in the Retiree At-Cost Hearing Aid Program. Anyone interested in obtaining a hearing aid through RACHAP should call the Naval Health Clinic at 743-3709. For more information on the services available at NHCC, go to www.nhchasn.med.navy.mil.
Officials Announce 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.