CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Spotlight
Change of command: The 1st Combat Camera Squadron will have a change of command ceremony Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. in the Charleston Club. For more information, contact Paula Baker at 963-3454.
Around the base
ORI out-brief: There will be an operational readiness inspection out-brief Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. in the base theater. For more information, contact David Hunt at 963-5036.
Post-ORI picnic: There will be a picnic following the ORI out-brief Aug. 15 at the Charleston Club. This event is open to all, including family members, to congratulate Team Charleston for a job well done. There will be free food, drinks and entertainment. For more information, contact Laura Abell at 963-3809.
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. For more information, contact Julie Brady at 963-3294.
Sign up for classes: Registration is currently underway for term I 2008. Term I dates for on-base colleges are as follows: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Aug. 4 to Oct. 6; Webster University Aug. 18 to Oct. 17; Park University Aug. 18 to Oct. 12; Southern Illinois University Aug. 21 to Nov. 23. Students can apply or complete their tuition assistance forms up to 30 days prior to the start of the class online through the Virtual Education Center Web site: https://www.my.af.mil.
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.
Building a happy relationship class for couples: The Family Advocacy Program will offer a couples communication class starting Aug. 19 and meeting for six consecutive Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To register, call Jim Hernandez at 963-6504.
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.
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, then the wing commander approves the package. Headquarters Air Mobility Command will then make nine selections Sept. 15. 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.
Teen leadership camp: The Fleet and Family Support Center Career Development and Support Program is sponsoring the first Teen Leadership Camp for military teens ages 13-16 from Aug. 4 to 8 at the Naval Weapons Station Charleston. Training will be held at Building 755 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Teens can arrive as early as 7 a.m., and pick up can be as late as 5 p.m. Parents, this training is free. Teens will have fun while learning the basics of personal financial management, career choices, team building, communication skills and volunteerism. Teens should bring a bag lunch, however, snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the day. Space is limited, so register today at 764-7480. For more information, call Melanie Branham at 764-7478.
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.
Educational opportunities: There will be half-hour appointments for people with questions regarding advanced education Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet with an expert one-on-one who will provide information and assistance in completing the free application for federal student aid, referrals to General Education Development and Adult Basic Education services, and university, college, vocational and technical information.
SC employment services: A representative from the South Carolina Employment Services will be here Aug. 13 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.
Spouses to Teachers: This program held Aug. 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. provides support to spouses in pursuit of K-12 teaching positions. Those eligible consist of spouses of active-duty military members, Selected Reserves, National Guard, and Individual Ready Reserve members recalled to active duty.
Back to school: Area schools are gearing up for the 2008-2009 school year. First day of classes for Berkeley County students is Aug. 18, Charleston County students return to school on Aug. 19 and Dorchester County students return Aug. 21. For information on area schools, contact the school liaison at the A&FRC at 963-4406.
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. 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.
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.