CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Spotlight
Retirement: The 437th Communications Squadron will host a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Kevin Broughton Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Building 60 auditorium. For more information, contact Staff Sgt. John Kingsley at 963-8333.
Around the base
ORI Pep rally: Join the 437th Airlift Wing commander, Col. John "Red" Millander and the 805th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, Col. Joseph Mancy, Aug. 1 for an operational readiness inspection pep rally at 3 p.m. at the base theater. Attendance is mandatory.
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.
Building a happy relationship class - for couples: The Family Advocacy Program will offer a couples' communication class, starting on 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.
New AADD phone number: The AADD phone number has been changed to 963-AADD, or 963-2233. To prevent mishaps during transition, the old number will transfer to the AADD phone until Sept. 30. After Sept. 30, the old number will be obsolete. Any questions can be referred to Tech. Sgt. Kenneethia Fox at 963-3662, or Tech. Sgt. Marlon Jackson at 963-5512.
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, 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.
Sponsor training: Learn the keys to being a good sponsor by attending this training class Aug. 6 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Training is mandatory for first-time sponsors and those who have not trained in the last year.
Get the "Credit" you deserve: Learn how to build, improve, maintain credit scores and correct errors on credit rating during this class Aug. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m.
SC employment services: A representative from the South Carolina Employment Services will be here Aug. 6 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.
Newcomer's tour: Enjoy a free guided tour of Charleston's historic district, Ft. Moultrie and Isle of Palms Aug. 7 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be the responsibility of the participants, but transportation will be provided by the A&FRC.
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.