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
FSS Holiday Hours for November:
Aero Club Office
Nov. 25: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nov. 26 and 27: Closed
Airman & Family Readiness Center
Nov. 29 and 27: Closed
Arts & Crafts Center
Nov. 26 and 27: Closed
Auto Hobby
Nov. 26 to 28: Closed
Base Library
Nov. 25: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 26: Closed
Charleston Club
Nov. 23 to 28: Closed
Child Development Center
Nov. 26 and 27: Closed
Education & Training Center
Nov. 26 to 27: Closed
Family Child Care Office
Nov. 25 to 27: Closed
Fitness Center
Nov. 25: 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. 26: Closed
Nov. 27: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Gaylor Dining Facility
Nov. 26 - Thanksgiving Day
Midnight meal: 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Breakfast: 5:30 to 8 a.m.
Thanksgiving meal: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dinner : 4 to 6 p.m.
Human Resources Office
Nov. 26 and 27: Closed
Manpower & Personnel Flight
Civilian Personnel Section
Nov. 26 and 27: Closed
Manpower & Organization Section
Nov. 26 and 27: Closed
Military Personnel Section
Nov. 26 and 27: Closed
Outdoor Recreation Center
Nov. 25: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nov. 26 and 27: Closed
Starlifter Bowling Center
Nov. 25: 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 26: Closed
Nov. 27: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Private Animal Care Clinic
Nov. 26 and 27: Closed
Wrenwoods Golf Course
Nov. 26: Closed
Youth Programs
Nov. 25: Close at 6 p.m.
Nov. 26 to 28: Closed
Lambs Elementary School gate closures: Security forces personnel currently open the Lambs Elementary School gate three times each day to accommodate varying school schedules. While opening these gates, it has been noted to installation leadership that no children have entered the gate from 4 to 4:15 p.m. In response, beginning Dec. 1 security forces personnel will no longer provide services at the Lambs gate between 4 to 4:15 p.m. 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.
Free shipping material from the USPS for deployed members: The U.S. Postal Service is providing free packing material to anyone 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 of address labels
· Eight Customs FORM 2976-A
· Eight Customs FORM 2976-E
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.
Heritage of America Band performance: The Air Force Heritage of America Band presents "Celebrating the Holidays Around the World" Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. The concert features their 40-piece concert band, several smaller ensembles, many Holiday songs and a sing along to cap off the evening. Free tickets, with a limit of six per request, must be ordered in advance by sending a self addressed, stamped envelope to Tickets, City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, P.O. Box 190016, North Charleston, SC 29419-9016. Ticket holders must be seated by 6:45 pm. Unclaimed seats will be released to non-ticket holders at that time.
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 Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. to meet with job seekers. Individuals seeking an appointment must register online before the appointment at www.scjoblink.org.
Special Education Q & A Workshop: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism, Individual Education Plans (IEP's), 504 plans, parents rights and responsibilities under the Special Education Law, and how to work with the schools are just a few of the topics that will be discussed at a Special Education Q & A Workshop Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 12;30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Pro-Parents of South Carolina, a training and information source for families of children with special needs, will conduct the workshop.
Individual graduation plan conferences: Tri-county area public schools are conducting annual Individual Graduation Plans throughout November. Beginning in 8th grade, South Carolina students work with their parents and guidance counselors to develop IGPs which reconcile their academic and post-graduation goals. IGPs are adjusted annually to allow for a student's continued academic growth and career exploration through high school. Parents will be notified by their child's school of the date and time of the conference. Parental involvement is crucial for a child's academic success. For more information, visit www2.scpathways.org/glossary.html#IGP or call Elsa Summers at 963-4406.
Free tutoring services: According to the 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.
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.
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.
Around the base
Charleston AFB clinic laboratory now accepting off-base provider orders: The 437th Medical Group Laboratory is pleased to announce that effective immediately 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 and is pleased to be able to offer this new service. Please contact Capt. Daryl White, dary.white@charleston.af.mil, chief of Laboratory Services; Master Sgt. Jimmy Davenport, jimmy.davenport@charleston.af.mil, NCOIC of Laboratory Services; or Ms. Susan Young, susan.young-02@charleston.af.mil, chief, Medical Technologist with any questions about this newly offered service at 963-6982.
Consignment Shop relocation: The base Consignment Shop has been relocated from its Building 203 to Building 636. For more information, contact Marie Leydig at 963-3294.
Annual awards program cover contest: The Charleston AFB 2009 Annual Awards Committee is seeking ideas for its program cover. The theme is "Guardians of Freedom ... Airmen of Distinction." Based on the theme, the committee is looking for an eye-catching representation for the program cover. Individuals with skill in PowerPoint or graphics are desired. A $25 gift certificate from the Base Exchange will be awarded to the winner. For questions and submissions, e-mail Tech. Sgt. Nicole Bishop at nicole.bishop-02@charleston.af.mil no later than Nov. 30.
ATM Now Located in Passenger terminal: There is now an ATM provided by Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union for your convenience in the Charleston Passenger Terminal, Building 164. Access to this machine is 24/7. Any questions can be directed to 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.
Outdoor Recreation Center events: The following is a list of upcoming Charleston AFB Outdoor Recreation Center events. Call the Center at 963-1732 for additional details or visit www.437services.com.
· Jacksonville Jaguars home game, Dec. 13
· Christmas at the Biltmore Estate, Dec. 5 and 6
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.