Editor’s Note: The “People First” section is compiled from information from the Air Force Personnel Center, TRICARE, 56th Force Support Squadron, Airman and Family Readiness Flight, Veterans Affairs, the civilian personnel office and armed forces news services. For the complete story, go to the web address listed at the end of the story.
Nominations sought for Joan Orr spouse award
Air Force Personnel Center officials will accept nominations for the 2016 Air Force Association Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award through Feb. 1, 2016.
The award honors significant contributions made by non-military spouses of Air Force military members.
The nominee’s spouse must be an active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve member.
Organization and base-level personnel must contact their major command, field operating agency or direct reporting unit for applicable suspense dates and additional information regarding nomination procedures.
Each MAJCOM, FOA or DRU may submit one nomination.
For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to the myPers website. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website.
Strategic Sourcing: Save big bucks through JOSE
When shopping personally, many people seek ways to save money. They may use coupons, compare vendors’ prices, or buy in bulk to receive discounts.
The military also looks for ways to save money while shopping, and the Joint Office Supplies in Europe program has the capability to possibly save the Department of Defense more than $1 million per year.
This is expected to happen as the program aims to revamp how U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s and U.S. Army in Europe’s Government Purchase Card cardholders buy office supplies without taking advantage of discounts.
The idea for the program’s creation began when service component contracting offices reviewed the fiscal year 2014 office supply purchases.
During the past year, the 1,600 GPC cardholders in USAFE bought office supplies from more than 400 different vendors, effectively negating any benefits that would normally come from bulk purchases.
USAREUR’s approximate 900 GPCs were similarly spread out, making more than 9,000 purchases through 380 vendors, said Peter Deibert, 409th Contracting Support Brigade procurement analyst and acquisition planner.
http://www.ramstein.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123464605
Airman Handbook desktop icon available
Airmen will be able to access the Airman Handbook via a desktop icon slated to begin today.
The Airman Handbook is a compilation of policies, procedures and standards that guide Airmen’s actions within the profession of arms.
Each desktop will have an icon with an e-Link to the handbook for easy and immediate access.
Kevin Denter, a Profession of Arms Center of Excellence professionalism program analyst, said the handbook is a professional development tool for all Airmen: active duty, Reserve, Guard, and civilian.
“The handbook is an indispensable resource for Airmen to continue to learn, grow and propel our Air Force into the future,” Denter said. “It is a single publication that addresses important information on Air Force history, doctrine, values, customs, courtesies and much more.”
During the April 2014 biannual Enlisted Board of Directors meeting, a decision was made to combine the Professional Development Guide and Air Force Handbook into one publication so all Airmen would have a true desktop reference for the profession of arms.
“The handbook provides reference material for the Promotion Fitness Examination and U.S. Air Force Supervisory Examination,” Denter said.
Lackland spouses’ club elects male president
The Lackland Officers’ Spouses’ Club recently elected Caesar Jordan Nafrada as the club’s first male president.
Nafrada initially joined as a way to repay a group that helped him in the past. When he graduated from Kadena High School in Okinawa 20 years ago, Nafrada received aid for college from the local club.
“Years ago as a military dependent, I received an officers’ wives’ club scholarship; it was the only financial aid I received,” he said.
After deciding to join the LOSC last year, Nafrada originally served as the scholarships chairman. He then ran for the president position and was elected, and will serve in this capacity until June 2016.
“There was an opportunity there, to challenge myself to do something I never pictured myself ever doing,” Nafrada said.
With the traditional role of the military spouse adapting over the past few decades, Nafrada’s concern is providing social, community service and support programs for every officer’s spouse on Lackland.