CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Spotlight
Retirement: The 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron will host a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Kenneth Mayo Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. in Building 610. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Paul Valentine at 963-5089.
Around the base
AF Ball tickets: Tickets for the 2008 Charleston Air Force Ball are on sale now for the event scheduled to be Sept. 6 at the Charleston Convention Center. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased through unit ticket representatives; contact a first sergeant to find out the representative. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by a local band, Rubberband. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Shaun Cunningham at 963-2432 or Master Sgt. Angela Powell at 963-6797.
AF Ball childcare reservations: Charleston First 6 will be providing childcare on a space-available basis at the Charleston Convention Center for the Air Force Ball Sept. 6 from 5:30 to 11 p.m. The room and volunteers can support a maximum of 50 children, ages 2 and up. The cost is $10 for the first child, $5 for each additional child with a maximum charge of $30. Snacks will be provided. To reserve a childcare slot, contact a unit ticket representative, but checks should be made out the Charleston First 6. Workers cannot accept drop-ins the night of the event -- this is a safety issue. Questions can be directed to ticket or First 6 representatives, Tech. Sgt. Regina Waring at 963-6959 or Tech. Sgt. Lisa Spicer at 963-3494.
Tops in Blue: The U.S. Air Force's Tops in Blue is offering a free night of family entertainment at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. This year's show is entitled "Deja Blue." For more information, contact Brandi Griffith at 963-3816.
Women and children's picnic: The Protestant Women of the Church is sponsoring an outreach picnic for women and children Sept. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at the base picnic grounds. All women and children are invited. Food and activities for the kids are free. For more information, contact Patriece Johnson at 475-7884 or Julie Barker 814-0549.
Half-off Disney On Ice tickets: Save 50 percent on tickets to Disney On Ice "Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey" to be held Nov. 15 at 7 p.m., Nov. 16 at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum. This military discount is available for all active duty, retired, Reserve, National Guard, Department of Defense and their family members. For more information, call the ticket office at 529-5000, or visit www.coliseumpac.com.
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.
Reduced services: Due to the Family Day Aug. 29, the A&FRC will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Investing class: Learn how to be an investor Aug. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This class is designed for people wanting to learn more about basic to mid-level investing.
SC employment services: A representative from the South Carolina Employment Services will be here Aug. 27 to meet with job seekers. Half-hour appointments will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. Individuals seeking an appointment must register online before the appointment at www.scjoblink.org.
Family pre-deployment briefing: Pre-deployment briefings are held 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.
Reintegration seminar: There are reintegration seminars every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. for individuals returning from deployment to help them reintegrate back into their family lives.
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.-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.
Consignment shop reopens: The base consignment shop has recently reopened and the hours are 10 a.m.-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 their 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 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.
Apply to SOAR: Airmen are now able to submit a package to apply for the Scholarship for Outstanding Airmen Program. The SOAR program provides squadron commanders the opportunity to recommend individuals to prepare a Reserve Officer Training Corps application package, and then the wing commander approves the package. Headquarters Air Mobility Command will then make nine selections Sept. 15. The deadline to have completed packages to the Education Center is Aug. 29. For more information, log on to www.afoats.af.mil/AFROTC/EnlistedComm/SOAR.asp. The applicant is ultimately responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the application package. The education center will assist the member in an advisory capacity only. For more information, call the Education Center at 963-4575.
Free admission to Drayton Hall: Drayton Hall is offering free admission to active-duty military members, veterans, firefighters, police officers and emergency medical service members in recognition of what they do to serve America. Free admission is available from now to Sept. 15. Participants must show their official identification cards at the front gate to receive free admission for themselves and up to four of their immediate family members. For more information, call 769-2600 or visit www.draytonhall.org.