CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
To submit a news brief, send an e-mail to airlift.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.
4th Of July Celebrations:
Mount Pleasant: 13th Annual 4th of July Blast at Patriot's Point 4 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $5 after 5 p.m. for ages 5 and up. Fireworks are scheduled to begin just after 10 p.m.
North Charleston: 4th of July celebration at the Riverfront Park located on the former Charleston Naval Base. Admission is free and events are scheduled to take place from 3 to 9 p.m.
Summerville: Red, White and Blue on the Green, in Summerville's Town Square. Events are scheduled to take place from 4 to 7 p.m.
Isle of Palms: The city hosts a 4th of July fireworks display located over the ocean near 14th Avenue.
Folly Beach: Events are scheduled to take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Spotlight
Airman Leadership School commandant position opening: The Charleston AFB Airman Leadership School is accepting applications for the commandant position. Master sergeants with managerial experience may apply for the ALS commandant position. The report no later than date is set on or before Jan. 4, 2010. Packages must be submitted no later than the close of business July 10. Contact Master Sgt. Beth Dickens, ALS commandant, at 963-4074 for any questions, or via e-mail at beth.dickens-02@charleston.af.mil.
AMC seeks 2009 Air Force Marathon participants: The annual Air Force Marathon will be held Sept. 19 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. An Air Mobility Command sponsored active-duty team will be selected upon submitting an AF Form 303. Submit forms to the Fitness and Sports Center by July 3. All others interested in competing are encouraged to do so at their own expense. For more information, call the Fitness and Sports Center at 963-3347.
Airman and Family Readiness Center events are held at Building 500 unless otherwise noted. To sign up for an event, call 963-4406.
Heart link spouse orientation: Spouses of military members can learn Air Force culture, traditions, military language, benefits, services and mission, all while making friends July 25. Reserve a seat no later than July 18. Childcare issues will be addressed at time of registration.
The career status bonus, is it a wise choice?: If you joined the military on Aug. 1, 1986 or later, you must make a choice between two retirement plans between your 14 ½ and 15 year mark in the military. Attend the briefing July 7 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. to help make the right choice.
Investing 101: Learn the basics of investing July 8 from 8 to 10 a.m. This class is for beginners only.
Resume I and cover letter: Learn the purpose of a cover letter, what it should contain as well as formats for a resume and cover letter July 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.
S.C. employment service: Meet with a S.C. job services representative July 8 from 10 a.m. to noon for limited resume assistance and help in your job search. Individuals seeking service must register online and identify job leads before arriving for the appointment.
Budget your way to financial freedom: Learn how budgeting can be the tool you need to become financially sound July 9 from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Newcomer's tour: Tour key locations outside of Charleston AFB such as the Citadel and the famous Charleston Market and Battery July 9 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tour is free and transportation is provided.
Credit and it's impact: Learn how to build and keep good credit, protect your credit and your security clearance July 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. Also learn how to separate fact from fiction and how to avoid scams that offer empty promises.
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.
Parenting workshop classes are held from m. to 12:30 p.m.
Time management and organization for teens: Brown bag lunch workshop for parents and teens June 29 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn to balance and organize responsibilities with time for having fun.
Effective discipline for school-age children ages 6-9: Learn effective tools for setting guidelines, shaping behavior, and discipline July 6 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Effective discipline for pre-teens and teens ages 10-17: Learn effective guidelines for setting rules, limits and consequences July 13 from 11 a.m. ti 12:30 p.m.
Parent and child communication: Arm yourself with the tools to develop healthy communication habits that reinforce strong parent and child bonds July 20 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Children and separation issues of deployments: Learn how to focus on the positive aspects of separation and ways to strengthen long distance relationships July 27 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Around the base
Captains Choice Golf Tournament: The 437th Security Forces Squadron is hosting a Captain's Choice Golf Tournament July 10 with sign-ups and the driving range opening at 7 a.m. Shotgun start at 8 a.m. and prizes and lunch will be given. Contact Tech. Sgt. Gary Reash at 963-1308 or Mr. Dwayne Gunther at 963-3630 to sign up or for further information.
Fall sports and school physicals: The 437th Medical Group will conduct fall sports and school physicals July 29 on youth dependents ages 9 to 19. Call 963-6880 to make an appointment. Additional physical appointments will be made available depending upon the demand.
Fall culture class: Enrollment for the Fall Introduction to Culture class starting Sept. 7 is currently open. Registration started June 8, through the Air University Portal Web site. Air University is looking to enroll 320 students. For any questions regarding the course, call Katie Gunther at 334-953-9017 or Olin Goodhue at 334-953-7197.
Protect employees against workplace bloodborne pathogen hazards: The Air Force and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration require military workplaces whose personnel are at risk for occupational exposure to blood and body fluids to establish a Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan. This includes workplaces such as the fire department, aerospace medicine, air evacuation, security forces and mortuary affairs. A written Exposure Control Plan, mandated by law, aims to prevent disease caused by bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B and C by instituting workplace policies, environmental controls and personal protective equipment designed to limit exposure and prevent infection with these harmful pathogens. For assistance in developing a new plan or strengthening an existing plan, contact the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight at 963-7949 or 963-7953 during Unit Training Assemblies or by e-mail to damon.mazyck@charleston.af.mil . OSHA's website (www.osha.gov) also provides helpful information.
Fetal Protection Program; strengthening the health of pregnant women and the unborn: To protect pregnant women and the unborn from workplace hazards, Air Force Reserve Command Instruction 41-104, Pregnancy of Air Reserve Personnel, states commanders and supervisors are responsible for ensuring pregnant members have been cleared by the medical facility before participating in any military duties and directs Reserve members, upon confirmation of pregnancy from a licensed health care provider, to inform their supervisors that they are pregnant. Supervisors must be informed no later than the Unit Training Assembly immediately following pregnancy confirmation. Supervisors are to immediately direct the pregnant member to report to the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Flight Medicine Clinic and Public Health on Saturday at 8 a.m. with, their medical record (pick up record at 315 AMDS Medical Records), a letter from their health care provider documenting their estimated date of delivery and any duty restrictions. Whenever possible, pregnant Reserve members should also immediately fax their pregnancy confirmation letter from their private health care provider to the 315 AMDS; Attention: Master Sgt. Dana Berry at 963-6859. For additional information or questions Sergeant Berry can be reached at 963-6625.
Unprotected exposure to hazardous noise causes hearing loss: Hazardous noise, or sounds that causes hearing loss, is one of the most pervasive occupational health problems in the U.S. Simply put, failure to wear hearing protection when exposed to hazardous noise will result in hearing loss. Generally speaking, a hazardous noise environment exists when you must raise your voice to talk to someone within arm's length of yourself because of loud background noise. Under these conditions, whether at work or play, wear hearing defenders such as ear plugs or muffs to protect your hearing. The 315th Airlift Wing Air Reserve Technicians desiring additional information about hearing loss or to arrange hearing conservation training for supervisors assigned to their unit should contact the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and Public Health at 963-7943 during scheduled Unit Training Assemblies.
More storage available: The recreational vehicle storage lot has available spaces for boats, campers or trailers not exceeding 30 feet in length for individuals living on or off base. The fee is $35 per month or $360 per year. For more information, contact the Outdoor Recreation Center at 963-5271.
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 3-12.
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 Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Betsy Crump at 963-4411.
Airman's Attic needs volunteers: Volunteers are needed to help at the Airman's Attic located in the Airman and Family Readiness Center Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to sort donations and assist customers. There is also a need for individuals who own a truck or a trailer to volunteer as delivery drivers. Volunteers are eligible to participate in the base Recognizing Achievement and Volunteer Excellence program, which provides monthly incentives based on the number of hours volunteered. For more information, call 963-4408.
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.
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.
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. Keep in mind that members must meet eligibility criteria and they must pay tax on any amount that is transferred into a Roth IRA for the year of the transfer. For more information, see the "Questions and Answers" on the TSP Web site or the TSP tax notice "Important Tax Information About Payments From Your TSP Account," available from 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. RACHAP makes hearing aids available at significantly reduced costs to retired military service members. The program is available for those who are under 65 years old and enrolled to a primary care manager at NHCC or to the 437th Medical Group. Those receiving 10 percent or more disability from the Veteran's Administration are not eligible for hearing aids through RACHAP. Anyone interested in obtaining a hearing aid through RACHAP should call the Naval Health Clinic directly at 743-3709. Those wishing to change their primary care enrollment to NHCC should call 800-444-5445 or visit the TRICARE Service Center at the Naval Health Clinic on Rivers Avenue. For more information on the services available at NHCC, go to www.nhchasn.med.navy.mil.
Interest rates on federal education loans to drop July 1: Persons considering a federal student loan consolidation of their variable-rate loans should seriously look into doing so immediately after July 1. At that time, interest rates on these consolidations will drop to a historic low and will be "locked in" for the life of the loan, potentially saving thousands of dollars in interest for borrowers. Federal student loans that were taken out before July 1, 2006 have variable rates. Interest rates on federal consolidation loans are capped, meaning they cannot go higher than 8.25 percent. Borrowers who have variable-rate federal loans who consolidate them after July 1 can lock in these new low rates:
· Stafford Loan Consolidation (In-School/Grace Period): 2 percent
· Stafford Loan Consolidation (Repayment Period): 2.50 percent
· PLUS Loan Consolidation: 3.38 percent
Some of the important aspects of this initiative are:
· Borrowers who have already consolidated their loans cannot take advantage of the drop in interest rate.
· Persons with loans originated after July 1, 2006 are not eligible for the new lower rate.
· Private student loans cannot be included in a federal consolidation loan.
· Borrowers who are still in school cannot consolidate their loans until they graduate, as Congress repealed the early repayment status loophole in 2006.