CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
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Spotlight
Retirement: The 437th Airlift Wing Safety Office will host a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Michael Kyser Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. in the 15th Airlift Squadron auditorium. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Susan Edmonds at 963-7052.
Retirement: The 437th Maintenance Squadron will host a retirement ceremony for Tech. Sgt. Richard Greenwood Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. in the Building 72 auditorium. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Amanda Lynch at 963-6081.
Around the base
Blood drive: The 437th Civil Engineer Squadron will sponsor a blood drive Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fitness and Sports Center on base. Potential donors need to register online at www.givlife.org. Those who donate will receive a Chick-Fil-A coupon and will have a chance to win $1,000. For more information, contact Airman 1st Class Daigerrys Leon at 963-7620 or Airman 1st Class Brian Ferguson at 963-3777.
All classes and briefings sponsored by the Airman and Family Readiness Center will be held at Building 500 unless otherwise noted. If interested in signing up for an event, call 963-4406.
Uniformed TSP briefing: Learn about the pros, tax advantages and how participating in the Thrift Saving Plan can help supplement retirement income Dec. 12 from 8 to 9 a.m.
CSB redux retirement choice briefing: Learn the pros and cons of the retirement choice by attending the briefing Dec. 12 from 9 to 10 a.m. If a service member joined the military Aug. 1, 1986, or later, a decision must be made between the two retirement plans between the 14.5- and 15-year mark in the military.
Transition assistance program: This three-day workshop for military members who are transitioning from the military will be held Dec. 16-18 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meet with experts from finance, Veterans Administration and South Carolina Job Services and more, to help give the tools needed for a successful transition into the civilian sector.
Heartlink spouse orientation: Learn Air Force culture, traditions, military language, benefits, services and mission while making friends during a briefing on Jan. 24, 2009, from noon to 5 p.m. This class is only open to spouses of military members. Childcare issues will be discussed at time of registration.
Reintegration seminar: There will be a reintegration seminar every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m., and every Thursday from 2 to 3 p.m. for individuals returning from deployment to help them reintegrate back into their family lives.
Family pre-deployment briefing: Families of individuals deploying can meet every Tuesday and Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. for individuals preparing for a deployment within the next 30 days. The briefing provides information on all realms of deployment, and there will be tips for a successful deployment for both the member deploying and his or her family.
SC employment services: A representative from the South Carolina Employment Services will be here every Wednesday at 10 a.m. to meet with job seekers. Half-hour appointments are held from 10 a.m. to noon. Individuals seeking an appointment must register online before the appointment at www.scjoblink.org.
MFLC Program: The A&FRC now has a Military Family Life Consultant who is available by phone at 609-8717, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can be available on weekends as well. The service is free and confidential with some restrictions and no kept records or documents. The MFLC consultant can also meet with Team Charleston members on base or in a public setting such as a library or a restaurant. The consultant acts as a "life coach" in preventing issues from becoming problems and work with a wide variety of issues including relationships, anger and stress management, communications, parenting, work-related stress, decision-making skills, issues related to deployments and other "life adjustments."
New HAWC class: There will be an "Eating to Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides" class held the first Friday of every month from 8:30 to 10 a.m. or every fourth Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. by appointment at the Health and Wellness Center. Participants will be taught heart-healthy eating principles, self-care tips and will receive a package of take-home informative materials. For more information or to make an appointment, contact the HAWC at 963-4007
Consignment shop reopens: The base consignment shop has recently reopened and the hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Consignments and donations are also accepted during these times. For more information, contact Julie Brady at 963-3294.
TSP transfers to Roth IRAs: Separated TSP 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 IRA 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 ThriftLine at 1-877-968-3778.
Airman's Attic in need of donations: The Airman's Attic is in need of 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 Monday through Friday 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 A&FRC Monday-Friday, 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.
Horse stalls available: Marrington Stables, located on Naval Weapons Station Charleston, has horse stalls now available for rent. For space availability, contact the Information, Tickets and Travel office at 764-2120. For specific questions concerning the stables operations, contact Nikki Merriott at 277-0442 or e-mail nikkibabu@hotmail.com.