JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
This is an especially busy time around Joint Base Charleston. Nearly everyone on the Air Base is focused on preparing for the Operational Readiness Inspection that begins Nov. 29. Many Weapons Station commands are as busy as I've ever seen them with a wide variety of challenges that range from major inspections, demanding operations and complex construction projects.
Although you probably don't have much time to spare, there are some important events going on around the base and around our community that I encourage you to support where you are able - each is a reminder that we take pride in serving our nation and community. Here are some examples of the many opportunities available:
1. Support our 2011 Combined Federal Campaign. Established 50 years ago by President John F. Kennedy, this is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. It gives each of us a chance to specify which local, state, national or international organizations will receive our contributions. The local campaign raised more than $1.5 million across the Lowcountry last year and is an important lifeline for many. If you have not already been contacted, watch for your command's campaign in the coming weeks.
2. Celebrate Veteran's Day. Although the actual holiday is observed Nov. 11, the annual Charleston Veteran's Day Parade will be conducted on Sunday, Nov. 6. Many Joint Base commands will have contingents marching in the parade. Sponsored by the Ralph H. Johnson Veteran's Administration Medical Center, the event will start at 1:55 p.m. at the corner of Concord and Market Streets in downtown Charleston. The route continues south on East Bay Street to Broad and continues west on Broad to end at Colonial Lake. A C-17 fly-over during the parade is planned.
3. Run the Runway 5K Nov. 11 at 8:30 a.m. This race is held each year in honor of Brig. Gen. Mikolajcik, who commanded the 437th Airlift Wing from July 1991 through June 2004 and died in April 2010 at age 63 from Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). This annual race to raise ALS awareness is run on parts of the flightline and is open to military, DoD civilians and the local community. To register, go to
www.active.com and search for Run the Runway 5K.
4. Support the blood drive being hosted at the Naval Operational Support Center Charleston Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This drive supports the Armed Services Blood Program which helps provide a sustained, secure and safe blood supply for military members and their families in both peace and war. NOSC Charleston is located in Bldg. 3370 on the southern part of the Weapons Station near the intersection of 10th Street and Avenue A.