Fairchild briefs Published March 4, 2009 FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The following is a list of upcoming Fairchild events and education briefs. Highlighted Events: Heart Link Heart Link, a spouse's orientation to the military lifestyle class, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 13 at Club Fairchild. The class will help spouses learn military acronyms, protocol, rank, benefits and entitlements, resources on base and local area information. This is also an opportunity to meet and network with other spouses. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and childcare will be reimbursed. To register, call 247-2246. Prescription Re-fills Stop by the Main Pharmacy one week prior to the Operational Readiness Inspection to stock up and fill all necessary prescription medications. Call 247-5568 for more information. Finance Lobby Hour Change In preparation for the upcoming Operation Readiness Exercise the Finance Lobby will change its opening hours from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Friday during February and March. Contact Master Sgt. John Green at 247-8167 for additional information. Upcoming Events: March 10: Paper embriodery class The Arts and Crafts Center is having a paper embroidery class from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Participants will learn to sew different patterns into paper by first piercing it and then threading with metallic thread. March13: Budget Family Night From 5 to 8 p.m. Club Fairchild will be serving all you can eat Ale House fish. Photo frames and a child friendly movie will be available for children who attend. March 14: Second Harvest and Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Food Drive As part of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Second Harvest and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick are partnering to host a food drive for the hungry in our community. 12 volunteers are needed to assist with parade line-up and traffic control in the parade assembly area located in the parking lot across from the Spokane Arena on Boone. Volunteer shifts begin at 9 a.m. and end at approximately 1 p.m. All volunteers will receive a St. Patrick's Day volunteer t-shirt and pizza will be served to volunteers in the parade assembly area at 1 p.m. Report to Julie at the white tent in the parking area on Boone at 9 a.m. March 17: St. Patrick's Day Lunch Club Fairchild is celebrating St. Patrick's day with a feast. FAN plate special will be corned beef with cabbage. The meal cost $7 for FAN members and $9 for non-members. Children ages three to 10 eat for half price. Children under the age of three eat for free. March 19: Core Strength and Dynamic Stability Workshop Learn the basics of core strength and how to incorporate the techniques learned to create a more effective fitness program. For more information contact the Fitness Center at 247-2791. Ongoing Notifications: Document Automation and Productive Service For all 92 ARW print request such as posters, storyboards, graphics, logos, pamphlets, factsheets, booklets, magazines, large photos, and document conversion, contact DAPS in the following areas: DAPS Puget Sound, Bremerton, WA. (360)476-2640 DAPS Bangor, Silverdale, WA. (360)315-4005 DAPS Fort Lewis, Fort Lewis, WA. (253)967-4544 DAPS Walla Walla, Walla Walla, WA. (509)527-7231 DAPS EDMS DDPW Puget Sound, Puget Sound NSY, WA. (360)476-8606 Plan ahead and allow a five to ten business day turn around. May 15 and 16: Relay for Life The theme for the 25th anniversary Relay for Life is "Go for the Gold" Team registration fees are $100, which pays for the team t-shirts. Teams are nine to fifteen members. If you would like to be a sponsor for the event, the $100 fee is waived. Teams and Survivors can register at www.relayforlife.org/cheneywa. Any questions, contact Lori Ruff at 235-8441 or 299-6035 and Carol Golden at 235-2905. Airmen's Diaries The Airmen's Diaries program is intended to directly link deploying Airmen with U.S. based media outlets in their hometowns or communities surrounding their current duty station. This direct connection allows Airmen to tell their stories in an incremental dialog format. The concept relies on submissions in a journal entry format, which can be published in newspapers or blogs in order to share Airmen's personal deployment stories. Deployed Airmen are valuable Air Force communicators and their missions and experiences provide excellent opportunities to build public trust and support. Any Airmen interested in this program is required to work with the public affairs office prior to being involved with the program for operations security and media guidance. For more information or to get involved, contact the 92nd ARW Public Affairs Office at 247-5705. "Flash the Tail" competition Team Fairchild is looking for a new tail flash showcasing the 92nd and 141st Air Refueling Wing association both at home and abroad. In the past, tail flashes have represented the base through mascots, significant geographic features and/or a historical figures, however, participants are encouraged to be creative in their design. Markings should be in good taste and represent Team Fairchild, our local community and Washington State. Per AFI 21-105, table 4.6, tail flash designs shall fit in between two black stripes spaced 12" from top to bottom. The dimensions are 92.50" at the top of the rectangle and 97.25" on bottom. Designs should be limited to three basic colors--black, grey, red, blue, green or white, for example. For more information contact David Liberti at 247-2261 or by e-mail at david.liberti@fairchild.af.mil. Submissions must be made by March 11. 6S Swap Meet AFSO 21 has a large inventory (approximately 18,000 square feet worth) of office furniture for 92nd Air Refueling Wing organizations to use. Furniture can be picked up at Hangar 1023 on Feb. 19, 20, 24 and 26 at varying times. For more information call the AFSO 21 office at 247-9363 or 247-9418. Wood Craft Center closure Effective Feb. 17 the Wood Craft Center will be closed for structural repairs until further notice. For more information call Richard Hummer at 247-5189. Teen Aviation Camp The Air Force Services Agency, in conjunction with the United States Air Force Academy is offering the 10th Air Force Services Teen Aviation Camp from May 30 - June 4, 2009 at the USAFA in Colorado Springs, CO. This camp is for high school students entering their Sophomore or Junior year in the fall of 2009, who are interested in Aviation, Leadership or the USAFA. All lodging, meals and program costs are at no cost to participants. Selectees will be required to fund their own transportation to and from the camp. An application, interview and familiarization exam are required. Pick up application materials at the Teen Center. Application deadline to Youth Programs is March 13. For more information call John Smith at 247-5531, or the Teen Center at 247-8043. Air Force Space Camp The Air Force Services Agency is offering the Air Force Space Camp from July 26 to Aug. 1, at Huntsville, Alabama. The camp is a residential six-day program that shows youth firsthand what it takes to be an astronaut. Activities include simulated space shuttle missions, training simulators, rocket building and launches, scientific experiments, and lectures on the past, present, and future of space exploration. More information on the camps is available at www.spacecamp.com. The camp is divided into two age divisions: ages 12 to 14 for the regular camp and ages 15 to 18 for the advanced camp. All lodging, meals and program costs are at NO COST to participants. Selectees will be required to fund their own transportation to and from the camp. An application, interview, educational transcripts, and resume are required. Please pick up application materials at the Teen Center. Application deadline to Youth Programs is April 10. For more information call John Smith at 247-5531, or the Teen Center at 247-8043. 2009 officer spouses club scholarship To acknowledge outstanding high school seniors, the Officers' Spouses Club is offering college scholarships. High school seniors who have earned a 3.2 grade point average or higher should apply for the scholarship through an application with the OSC at Fairchild by March 6. For more information contact Libby Moore at 995-1226. Sing up for British Soccer Camp British Soccer Camps is the largest soccer camp provider in the US and Canada. Over 100,000 players will learn the "Challenger Way" in camps and clinics this year. "The Challenger Way" focuses on challenging players to improve with maximum participation, maximum touches on the ball, and maximum fun. There are no line drills, no long speeches and lots of encouragement. Sing up now to participate in the 2009 Aug. 17-21 season. Visit http://www.challengersports.com for more information Story tellers wanted The Deel Community Center is looking for volunteers to read stories to children Tuesdays afternoons. If you are interesting in volunteering, contact Tad Miles, Deel Community Center Director, at 247-2619. Free: Learn a new language Rosetta Stone Online Language Learning Center accounts are currently available for active duty personnel assigned to Fairchild. Rosetta Stone gives you the flexibility to fit language learning into your life whenever it's convenient. There are more than 30 languages, including the "investment" languages, like Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Persian, Hindi and Pashto, that the U.S. Department of Defense deems critical to national security. Visit the Base Library, call 247-5556 or email brian.gaw@fairchild.af.mil for more information. FunSpot skate park now open Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly passes are available. The skate park is for ages 8+ only. Children 12 and under must have adult supervision at all times. Call the FunSpot at 247-2422 for details. American Red Cross is Back at Fairchild A Red Cross representative is now available at the Airman & Family Readiness Center. Office hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by and learn more about the Service to Armed Forces program, check out volunteer opportunities or sign up for one of the free classes offered in February. Call 326-3330 for more information or stop by the A&FRC during posted hours. Free: Preschool Story Time at the Library Every Wednesday, starting at 10 a.m. the Library will be offering free Preschool Story Time. For More information call 247-5556. Pet care requirements for on-base housing With the significant changes in our local weather, owners are reminded of their responsibilities for pets that are allowed outside. Fairchild Air Force Base Instruction 31-101 paragraph 8.20.5.3 states: Keep the pet properly fed, sheltered and watered. Pets must have continual access to water throughout the day. Pet owners will provide an adequate weatherproof shelter appropriate for the season. Black watch cap now authorized in blues The 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander has temporarily authorized the wear of the black watch cap with blues and appropriate outer garments; however, grade insignia will not be worn. Children's story hour every Tuesday at the Family Oasis Enjoy a good book with the children every Tuesday at the Family Oasis 10 to 11 a.m., where storytellers will share their favorite books and adventurous stories with the kids. Contact the Deel Community Center at 247-2619 for details. Playgroup time at the Family Oasis Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday the Family Oasis will host a free kids playgroup between 3 to 4:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. Call 247-2619 for more information. Make the most of your money The Personal Financial Counseling Program offers a variety of free financial services to Airmen and their families. The program includes family budgets, spending plans, credit management, debt liquidation, taxes, veteran's benefits and more. Normally $150 for each session, the program is offered free to all military members and families. For more information, contact Steve at 247- 2246. Scholarships for Military Children program The Scholarships for Military Children program is celebrating its ninth year of outreach to the military community. Each year the program, which is supported through the military commissary system and administered by the Fisher House Foundation, awards hundreds of scholarships to qualified high school seniors planning to enroll in a four-year program of studies the following fall or to college students already enrolled in a four-year program. The application period for 2009 opened Nov. 3 and applications must be returned to any commissary Feb. 18. Gas Mask fit testing Bioenvironmental Engineering hours for gas mask fit testing are Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to bring your mask and eyeglass inserts. For fit testing under the Base Respiratory Protection Program, fill out the Medical Evaluation Questionnaire, Fairchild Air Force Base Form 227. Fit testing and training is held the first and third Thursday of every month 1:30 to 4 p.m. Do not smoke for two hours prior or eat or drink (except water) 30 minutes prior to a fit test. For appointments call 247-2391. 92nd LRS mobility and weapons name change The 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron mobility and weapons have changed their name to Personal Protective Equipment. If you require personal protective equipment bags or weapons drop in Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., or Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon. For short-notice deployment requirements, unit deployment managers should call 247-4930 or 247-2154 for appointments noon to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Webcams for deployed spouses The Airman & Family Readiness Center now has operational Web cameras in the Discovery Center. Family members can talk directly to loved ones in some deployed locations. Stop by from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week or call the A&FRC at 247-2246 to schedule an appointment during after-hours use. They also have Web cameras to check out for home use. Readiness and deployment information is available for your family needs. Fairchild swim teams Be a part of one of the two Fairchild swim teams. Practices are held at the indoor pool; all levels of experience are welcome and swim all year. The Aqua Aviators Novice Swim Team meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. Participants are 18 years and under. The monthly cost is $30. The free Masters Swim Team meets Monday and Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants must be over the age of 18. Call Cherese McCoy at 247-2991 or stop by the pool during practice times for more information or to sign up. Brazilian Jujitsu every first and third Tuesday Brazilian Jujitsu lessons are available at the Survival Fitness Center every first and third Tuesday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Classes are $20 monthly and are available to members and dependents of Fairchild age 16 and older. For more information call Staff Sgt. Aaron Kuckovic at 247-2301 or Tech. Sgt. Gregory Karlis at 247-5394. Public Health walk-in hours for pre-deployers In an effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the pre-deployment medical process, Public Health has established walk-in hours for medical processing of pre-deployers every Monday through Thursday from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Customers will continue to be seen outside of these hours Monday through Friday by appointment only. Appointments can be made in person or by calling 247-8486. Thrift Shop accepting consignments and donations The Thrift Shop is currently accepting consignments and donations for spring and summer clothing. Thrift Shop hours are: Mondays, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and the first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call the Thrift Shop at 247-5913 for more information. Attention all Fairchild communication systems users The use of government communication systems such as, but not limited to, telephones, fax machines, computers, computer networks (including internet access), cellular phones, PDAs, Blackberrys and hand-held radios constitutes consent to monitoring. Also, please ensure that all government owned and issued telephones, fax machines, PDAs, Blackberrys, cell phones, hand held radios and standalone computers have an attached DD form 2056. For more information call David Brown at 247-4583. Education Briefs: Online CLEP/DANTES New CLEP/DANTES online preparation materials have been added to this site: http://snipurl.com/1mpnm. See 'testing' under Programs and Services for the latest test descriptions, open courses, video lectures, audio streamline, outlines and quizzes on multiple subjects. Leadership Skills Class Develop your leadership skills through Force Development Education courses offered free of charge every month at the Base Education Center. FDE offers an opportunity for your personal growth with courses in career management, effective communication, productive relationships, giving effective feedback, understanding leadership growth and developing cooperative learning in training programs in the workplace. The class is open to all military and civilian personnel; however, some courses are limited to certain ranks. Contact Dennis Ottmar at 247-4209 or email dennis.ottmar@fairchild.af.mil with any questions about enrollment. Park University On-site and Internet classes for the second spring term will begin March 16. Registration is in progress for online and onsite classes. Be sure to register early for Internet courses. More information may be found on the Park University Website at www.park.edu/fair or contact the Park University, Fairchild Campus Center, at 244-2020 or by e-mail at fair@park.edu. The Park Student Success Center is a one-stop center where students, staff, faculty and other University constituents can phone or e-mail to have questions answered, receive help, and/or be directed to the appropriate resource. The PSSC goal is to provide excellent customer service in a timely and consistent manner, and it will serve all undergraduate online and extended Campus Center students from initial recruitment, through admissions, academic advising and graduation. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Central Standard Time. Contact the Center at (877) 505-1059, pssc@park.edu, or via fax at (816) 584-2150. On base Community Colleges of Spokane classes Fairchild's Spring classes will begin March 23. They are offering general education and computer and math Labs. Registration began Feb. 11. Register early to ensure class availability. To schedule an advising appointment with a counselor or to ask questions, please call 533-8937. Web registration will be available for current students. Credit classes are offered by the Institute for Extended Learning and are accredited through Spokane Falls Community College and follow the curriculum adopted by and standards established by SFCC.