CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Spotlight
Change of command: The 15th Airlift Squadron will have a change of command ceremony today at 10 a.m. in the Charleston Club. For more information, contact Capt. Bryan Wetzel at 963-2177.
Retirement: The 81st Aerial Port Squadron will host a retirement for Senior Master Sgt. Willie Hudson Sunday at 1:15 p.m. in Building 60. For more information, contact Capt. Thomas Klauer at 963-5407.
Retirement: The 16th Airlift Squadron will host a retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. Steve Wright April 18 at 10 a.m. in the 16 AS auditorium. For more information, contact Chief Master Sgt. Steven Woodside at 963-7130.
Retirement: The 437th Security Forces Squadron will host a retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. John Gunther April 18 at 3 p.m. in the base theater. For more information, contact Master Sgt. Tony Mullins at 963-3643.
Around the base
Free tax preparation assistance: Free tax preparation services are available through Military One Source to active-duty military members and their families. Contact MOS online at www.militaryonesource.com or call 1-800-342-9647 for more information.
Career Fair: The Airman & Family Readiness Flight in cooperation with the Naval Weapons Station Charleston's Fleet and Family Support Center is hosting their semi-annual Joint Air Force and Navy Job Fair Thursday. More than 90 representatives from local, national and international companies have confirmed their attendance. A variety of career fields will be represented: aircraft, retail, public safety and law enforcement, engineering, management, sales, government and information technology -- just to name a few. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Space and Warfare Systems Conference Center, Naval Weapons Station Charleston. Only valid military identification cardholders may attend. If you do not have a base sticker or decal you must stop by the Naval Weapons Stations Visitors Center to get a vehicle pass. For a list of companies that will be attending or for more information, contact George Ferguson or Amanda Ambrose from the A&FRF at 963-4406.
2008 Community Assessment survey: Notification cards for the 2008 Community Assessment will be sent out during April to selected active-duty Airmen, Reservists and spouses. The survey is sponsored by the Air Force Integrated Delivery System and the results are used in community action planning at the Air Force, major command and installation levels. For more information, contact Capt. Jonathan Frank at 963-6740.
Help create a new Carolina: Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is looking for some innovative people to help create a "New Carolina." To help in this endeavor, people can participate in the New Ideas for a New Carolina. Those needed are people with a new idea for a business, a job or a process to help bring innovation and new technology to South Carolina. Those with a new idea can submit them to www.newideassc.com before May 1 under one of the following categories: engineering, information technology, bioscience, environmental sustainability and the wild card category. Within each category, the idea will be judged based on the viability, innovation and vision and profit and revenue potential. A grand prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the best idea, four first prizes of $2,500 and five runners up of $1,000. Winners will also receive a scholarship to FastTrac entrepreneurial training programs, and the grand prize winner will have access to a team of mentors to help cultivate their ideas.
Kenny Chesney discount tickets: Military discounts are being offered for tickets to the Kenny Chesney stadium show scheduled for April 26 at 4 p.m. at the Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. The buyer will be able to receive $20 off the top two ticket prices; $89.50 tickets would cost $69.50, and $69.50 tickets would cost $49.50. To receive the discount, servicemembers must go to www.thecolonialcenter.-com/promotions and type "USA" as the password for more information contact Abey Coker at 803-576-9072.
All classes and briefings sponsored by the Airman and Family Readiness Flight will be held at Building 500 unless otherwise noted. If interested in signing up for an event, call 963-4406.
Transition assistance program: A three-day workshop will be held from Tuesday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to help military members who are transitioning from the military. Meet with experts from finance, Veterans Association, South Carolina Job Services and more to learn the tools needed for a successful transition into the civilian sector.
SC employment services: A representative from the South Carolina Employment Services will be at the A&FRF Wednesday 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.
Family pre-deployment briefing: There are pre-deployment briefings held every Tuesday and Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the A&FRF 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: The A&FRF offers a reintegration seminar every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. for individuals returning from deployment to help them reintegrate back into their family lives.
315 AW Health and Wellness Center Fair: Reservists, active-duty Airmen, retirees, family and friends are invited to come out to 315th Airlift Wing Health and Wellness Fair Saturday. Starting at noon there will be a Red Cross blood drive. There will be a 5,000 meter run starting at the Fitness and Sports Center at 2 p.m.; squadrons will need to bring their guidons. This will be considered an alternate duty location. Shortcuts will be available for those who desire a shorter run. The 5K run will be followed by age-group awards and refreshments. From 2 to 5 p.m. there will be health screenings, running gait analysis, message therapy, health clinic on running, biking and weight lifting, and shoe and fitness equipment vendors in the Hurricane Gym. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Michael Bunting at 963-4633.
DEFY youth applications now being accepted: 2008 Drug Education For Youth is a self-esteem building program that provides children with the tools they need to resist drugs, gangs and alcohol. A year-long two-phase program, DEFY begins June 9 and runs through June 20. This two-week leadership camp is followed by a year of monthly mentoring workshops. This program is for any military, retired or DOD employee's children ages 9 to 12. There is no cost to parents or guardians for their child to participate in the program activities and field trips. Each child receives a youth workbook, T-shirts, a ball cap, a backpack, two meals and snacks each day. The second phase includes mentoring workshops one Saturday morning a month during the months of September to April 2009 with graduation planned for a Saturday in May 2009. Registration for youth is required and applications are due April 30. For more information contact Evelyn Knight at 963-6849 or Master Sgt. Randolph Scott at 963-3247. Youth applications can be picked up at Building 1000, Room 155.
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.
Pharmacy renovation: The pharmacy is undergoing a major renovation project until June, but the pharmacy will continue with full services throughout the project. Patients may experience extended delays during this process. For more information, contact the pharmacy at 963-6569.
Volunteer delivery drivers needed: The Airman's Attic is in need of volunteers to pick up donated items. Volunteers are eligible to participate in an incentive program that provides free or reduced-priced items at places like the golf course, bowling alley, club, car wash and more. Anyone who has an hour or two to spare on an as-needed basis, contact the A&FRF at 963-4406.
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.