Fairchild Briefs and Education Briefs Published Nov. 27, 2007 FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The following is a list of upcoming Fairchild events and other pertinent 92nd Air Refueling Wing information. Education briefs are located at the bottom of the page. Coming soon: Nov. 28: Town Hall Meeting rescheduled The Town Hall meeting previously scheduled for Nov. 15 has been rescheduled for a Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the base theater. Topics of discussion will include housing privatization, snow season responsibilities, fall and winter house preparations, youth sports, family member support update, security forces update, and a Medical Lake School District update, among other things. Nov. 30: OSH holiday party at carousel Operation Spokane Heroes is hosting a holiday party Nov. 30 for families of deployed Airmen, complete with free food, carrousel rides and a visit from Santa Claus. The party will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the carrousel in Riverfront Park in Spokane. Pizza and soft drinks will be served. Santa is scheduled to arrive in a U.S. Army Bradley Fighting vehicle. A military I.D. card is required to attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the party. For more information contact Shawn Mayo with Operation Spokane Heroes at 299-7670. Jan. 17: Tops in Blue Tops in Blue, the Air Force's expeditionary entertainment unit, is scheduled to perform at the Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights, Wash., Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Tops in Blue is an all active-duty special unit comprised of 35 talented vocalists, musicians and dancers. Upcoming Events Nov. 28 - Dec. 4: Nov. 29: Holiday tree lighting There will be a holiday tree lighting ceremony near the base's main gate Nov. 29 at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 29: End of the Month of the Military Family The final event for the Month of the Military Family will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot dogs, drinks and cake will be served. There will also be drawings for various tickets, gift cards and gift certificates. The drawings will take place at approximately noon. Contact the A&FRC at 247-2246 for more information. Nov. 29: Information Technology and Trade Show The will be an Information Technology/Trade Show, hosted by the 92nd Communications Squadron, at the Club Fairchild on Nov. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event will have major technology companies demonstrating the latest, fastest and "best of show" computers, related hardware and accessories. These shows are the perfect forum for IT users, buyers and planners to discuss requirements and future IT challenges with knowledgeable Federal Sales Representatives. This event is free and open to everyone. There will be catering provided during the event. Nov. 30: Free Family Fun Night Party The FunSpot will host a free Family Fun Night Party Nov. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be free bowling, skating, mini-golf, batting cages, and pizza and soda while it lasts. Contact the Funspot for more information at 247-2422. Nov. 30: Education Opportunities Galore There will be a Fall Education Fair at the base Education Center and Library Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair is open to military personnel and civilians and will include a Troops to Teachers briefing from 8 to 9 a.m. and a Montgomery GI Bill and VA briefing from 10 to 11 a.m., both in Room 113. Various educational representatives from the local community and beyond will be present. Nov. 30: Wing promotion ceremony There will be a wing promotion ceremony Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. in the base theater. Dec. 2: Holiday Card Contest There will be a "Holiday Card" contest for which materials can be picked up at the Self Help in Bldg. 2451. Cards will be on display from Dec. 2 - Jan. 3. Judging will take place on Dec. 17. Winners will be announced at Dec 19. First place will receive $100 Services Bucks, second place will receive $50 Services Bucks and third place $25 Services Bucks. You may receive the Rules of Engagement from the First Sergeants. Ongoing Events: Base access for foreign nationals All foreign nationals must go through the foreign disclosure system prior to gaining access to a military installation. The process requires a sponsor for the guest. Also, foreign nationals must contact the foreign disclosure officer and fill out the required documentation which is sent to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations detachment and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. A background check will be done and the wing commander will approve or disapprove the request. This process takes no less than two weeks. Please plan accordingly for hosting future guests at the base. For more information contact the foreign disclosure officer, Bo Smith, at 247-2127. In case of inclement weather Reminders, advisements and warnings are being spread throughout the region with winter weather on its way. In the case of inclement weather this winter, call 247-5100 for base information regarding closures and manning issues. Month of the Military Family Events The Airman and Family Readiness Center will sponsor free weekly prize drawings during November, the National Month of the Military Family. Holiday party reservations Services is standing by for holiday party reservations. There are a variety of venues, dates and options for holiday parties at Club Fairchild, the Final Point, 247-2616; Funspot, 247-2422; and the Aquatic Center, 247-2242. Family and kids' parties are welcome. Ski Blow Out The Outdoor Recreation Connection has started its winter ski blowout sale. Used adult and junior skis and bindings from $75 to $100 will be available. Buy your winter skis while supplies last. Call 247-2511 for details. AADD looking for volunteers Airmen Against Drunk Driving is looking for volunteers to fill treasurer and secretary positions. The treasurer is responsible for tracking and settling all debts and assets, and the secretary is responsible for scheduling meeting and publishing meeting minutes. Email Chief Master Sgt. Paul Sikora, 92nd Air Refueling Wing command chief, at Paul.Sikora@fairchild.af.mil to volunteer. Education Briefs Park University -Park University's Fairchild Campus Center will be offering the Writing Competency Test Dec. 4. Call 244-2020 to schedule an appointment to take the WCT. -Park University students receiving Pell Grants or student loans, please be aware the process of dropping a class may change your eligibility for them. Before dropping classes, please check with Student Financial Services to determine if your loan or grant eligibility will be affected. For information call 244-2020. -All consortiums and visiting student agreements must be approved by the host institution Registrar and home institution Registrar and received in the Student Financial Services Office, Park University before the beginning of the term for which aid is being requested. Students are also responsible for ensuring the Registrar at the host institution completes and forwards the form in a timely manner. Call 244-2020 for information. Southern Illinois University Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers an accelerated-format Bachelor of Science degree program at Fairchild. No associate degree is required to start the program, and up to 44 semester hours can be granted for work experience and technical training. Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education and Development. Classes begin Jan. 12. Call 244-3356 or 244-3789 for information. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers Bachelor and Masters Degree programs and an AMT Type 65 certificate for those seeking an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license. Courses may be completed either in class or through distance learning. To find out more, call the Spokane Campus at 244-3832 or online at www.erau.edu/spokane.