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Holiday message from our March ARB leadership

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As 2015 draws to a close, Angela and I join you in reflecting all we, as a team, have accomplished this year. You have made many sacrifices to keep our missions going and you have all exemplified what it means to put service before self. The holiday season is a time of celebration and fellowship, and a time to think about the coming new year. Please remember how valued you are to this wing, to your families, and to your community. It is because of amazing Airmen and Team March members like you that this base thrives, and will continue to be at the forefront of successful military operations around the world. We wish you all safe and happy holidays!

Chief Master Sgt. Timothy White, command chief, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, and Edith White (452 AMW CCC spouse)

Team March,

First and foremost, Edith and I wanted to take a moment to say thank  you for being great Americans. Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you’ve endured throughout the year.  You have served with honor and dignity, and our country is better off because of you, despite the tough roads traveled, and tougher roads ahead. All Americans, home and abroad, enjoy liberty and freedom because of the oath you uphold.

As I reflect back on 2015, I am reminded of how easy it can be to think about the things we don’t have.  As we move into 2016, I’d like to encourage everyone not to dwell on what we don’t have, rather focus and be thankful for the things we do have; family, friends, good health, and each other.

I learned long ago that you will never have enough time, make enough money, live in a big enough house, or drive a fancy enough car. For some, we may not get that promotion, assignment, pay raise or bonus that we believe we deserve.

But as long as we have friends, family, and each other, we can tackle any obstacle life presents. A wise person once said if we all put our own problems in the center of the room, took a look at the problems everyone else had, we would gladly take our problems back. As a law enforcement officer who has seen the good, bad, and the ugly in humanity, I am reminded of this every single day.

Lastly but most importantly, please take a moment to thank your family, friends, and civilian employers for their support, as none of us could do what we do, without them. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone; please do not let a day go by without letting your loved ones know how much you truly care about them.

It is an honor and privilege serving alongside of you, and I look forward to serving with you in 2016.

Merry Christmas; Happy Holidays; and have a safe and Happy New Year!

Chief.

News Briefs 12/11/2015

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OPERATION WARM HEART RUNS THROUGH DEC. 15

The 452nd Security Forces Squadron and the Air Force Security Forces Association will have their annual Christmas Toy Drive (Operation Warm Heart) at March Air Reserve Base through Dec. 15, after which all donations will be delivered to the March Field Fire and Emergency Services building. A band of volunteers will place the toys into food baskets to be given out to Team March members who are in need of a little help during the Christmas holidays.

Collection boxes will be located at the Main (Cactus) Gate and at the Law Enforcement Desk (building next to wing headquarters). The SFS and AFSFA teams agree that March members are like one big family, and families take care of their own. Thank you and have a very happy holiday season. 452nd SFS & AFSFA

OEF/OIF (SOCAL VETS) SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Full scholarships are available to Southern California OEF/OIF Veterans to learn Transcendental Meditation. If you are interested in reducing stress, improving the quality of your sleep, and enjoying better relationships, the David Lynch Foundation is offering a limited number of free courses in the evidence-based Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique to OEF/OIF veterans in Los Angeles and San Diego.

Through a generous grant from the David Lynch Foundation, you will be able to learn the technique that has been proven to relieve symptoms of PTSD and major depression, and develop greater resilience to stress. The four-day course consists of a 90-minute class each day, and then the technique is practiced for 20 minutes, twice a day. No change in beliefs or lifestyle is needed to learn TM.

Statics

• Evidence-based: More than 340 published studies document its effectiveness

• Simple to learn: Accessible to both civilian and military practitioners—standardized instruction ensures consistent results

• Easy to practice: Does not involve concentration or controlling the mind—difficult practices for those suffering intrusive thoughts and flashbacks

• Confidential and portable: Can be practiced privately, anywhere, at any time OEF/OIF veterans interested in securing a scholarship should contact Kathy Connor at Kathy@davidlynchfoundation.org or call her at 212-644-9880 ext. 209. Funding for these scholarships is limited, so applications to take advantage of this special opportunity are extremely time-sensitive.

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN EXTENDED

The Combined Federal Campaign is currently underway and has been extended to Dec. 31. To donate, visit cfcofgreatersocal.org. The online CFC site provides you the ability to look up both SoCal local charities as well as universal charities. Additionally, it allows you to place your pledge online through automatic pay deductions making the entire campaign paperless. If you have any questions regarding CFC, please go through your unit/group level CFC reps. Let’s all work together to show the community how much the 452 AMW cares!

EDUCATION & TRAINING OFFICE TO PROVIDE MASS BRIEFINGS

Beginning in December, during the Unit Training Assemblies, the March Education and Training office will conduct ongoing, mass briefings for any Tuition Assistance, GI Bill and Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) inquiries. Their schedule is as follows:

CCAF briefing:

UTA Sundays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

Tuition Assistance briefing:

UTA Sundays from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

GI Bill briefing:

UTA Sundays from 2 to 22:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

In-processing (technical school):

Monday – Friday from 2 – 3 p.m. in Bldg. 441, main office

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Brown at 951-655-4442.

BENEFEDS OPEN SEASON RUNS  THROUGH DECEMBER 14

The 2015 Federal Benefits Open Season (for the 2016 plan year) runs through Monday, Dec. 14.

If you are enrolled in the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) plan, it will automatically continue into the 2016 plan year, even if you retire. You must take action if you wish to make changes or cancel. Visit BENEFEDS.com to check the 2016 premium amounts, research plan coverage and/or make changes. For general questions, visit the Education & Support section at BENEFEDS.com.

SARC HOSTS FREE MIND BODY RESILIENCY CLASSES

Are you interested in learning more about the Mind and Body connection and how this can promote better overall health? Then come join the interactive and informational series of onehour classes based on the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine’s Resilient Warrior. Classes are scheduled on the A and B Unit Training Assemblies through September 2016. Topics for the six-part series include

– Stress Reactions and Relaxation Response

– Getting Good Sleep

– Mindfulness and a Positive State of Mind

– Yin and Yang of Resiliency

– Yoga & Journaling

– Social Connections & Communication

Time and Location:

UTA Sundays, 11 a.m. – noon

Bldg. 470, room 205

Contact frank.pavone@us.af.mil or 655-4551 for more information. No reservation required.

REGISTER FOR YELLOW RIBBON EVENTS

Upcoming dates for Yellow Ribbon events are Dec. 18-20; Jan. 29-31; Feb 19-21; and Mar 18-20. The December, January and February Yellow Ribbon events are now open for registration for eligible members. For more formation, contact 1st Lt. Shelley Lawrence, your 452nd Air Mobility Wing Yellow Ribbon representative, for details at 951-655-4615.

MANDATORY FLU VACCINATIONS

The 452 AMW Flu Vaccination Campaign has begun, and will continue through the December’s UTAs. The Flu vaccination is mandatory for all Airmen unless exempted by medical staff. Airmen not current with their Flu vaccination after the December UTAs will potentially be placed in a no-point, no-pay status.

All Flu vaccinations will be given at the base clinic.

All Airmen, Unit Health Monitors and leaders are asked to get their annual Flu vaccination at the earliest convenience, and to encourage others to do the same. Help make this year’s Flu Campaign a success. There is no vaccine available for civilians at this time. For questions or concerns, email Maj. David Haupt at david.haupt.7@us.af.mil.

MARCH EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SEEKS COUNSELORS

The March EO office is looking for ARTs/civilians interested in training to serve as Collateral Equal Opportunity counselors. This is an additional duty appointment. The Collateral EO counselors serve as a bridge between civilian employees and management for informal complaints concerning discrimination. Applicants should be at ease with oral and written communication to all pay grades, and have the ability to remain neutral while performing his or her duties. The additional duty will not exceed 20 percent of the counselor’s primary job duties.

Applicants range from GS-05 to GS-12 or equivalent. Primary supervisor concurrence required.

Training is required, with the date/time to be determined. If interested, contact Ms. Paula Greenhaw, paula.greenhaw@us.af.mil, Maj. Nixomar Santiago, nixomar.santiago@us.af.mil.

MARCH TICKETS & TOURS

Amusement Park Specials

Castle Park: $16 per person includes unlimited rides, water park access, miniature golf and the new Sky Rider.

Disney 3-Day Park Hopper military special: $130 per person (adult/child)

Discount Movie Tickets

Available for only $10 each and valid for Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres and Edwards Cinemas.

Hotel Discounts

Receive 10% off any Best Western and 15% off any Choice Hotel .

Visit the Tickets & Tours page at MarchFSS.com and download the Discount Ticket Price List for a full list of discounts tickets prices, hotel discounts and special promotions. Call Tickets & Tours at 951-655-4123 for more information.

LEARN TO FLY WITH THE AERO CLUB

The March Aero Club offers flight training (flying, private license, ground school, instrument training) at very reasonable rates including a pay-as-you-go plan with zero down. Visit Hangar 355 on base or call 951-655-3875 for more information.

OUTDOOR REC EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Outdoor Recreation has a variety of equipment for rent such as camping gear, water sports equipment, bicycles, and trailers to carry it all! Special orders for Callaway, Odyssey, Cleveland, Never Compromise, Nike, Bag Boy, Sun Mountain and Staff golf equipment are also available.

Download the full equipment rental price list at MarchFSS.com, call 951-655-2816 or come on by for more information.

FITNESS CENTER NEWS

The March Fitness Center has received the Wellbeats Virtual Group Fitness Kiosk. This kiosk allows members to participate in virtual fitness classes.

Daily Wellbeats Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 11 a.m. — REV (spin); 12 p.m. — Pilates

Tuesdays: 11:00 a.m. – Kinetics; 12:15 p.m. — Fit for Duty

Wednesdays: 11 a.m. — V.I.B.E./Strength Training; 12:15 p.m. — Core

Thursdays: 11 a.m. — REV (spin); 12 p.m. — Fit for Duty; 12:15 p.m. – Pilates

Fridays: 10 a.m. — V.I.B.E./Zumba; 11:15 a.m. — Pilates

UTA Saturdays: (A UTA) 5 p.m. — Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” (B UTA) 5-7 p.m. — Pickup Basketball

Additional opportunities for fitness:

Dec. 15: 2 x 2 Holiday Volleyball Tournament begins. Tourney runs Dec. 15-16 beginning at 11 a.m. (No Battle Ropes classes on these days)

Dec. 17: Functional Fitness Class – 12:15 p.m.

Dec. 17: Intramural Volleyball meeting, 11:30 in the gym. Volleyball season begins in February.

Dec. 18: Holiday Zumba-thon from 10 a.m. – noon

Jan. 4: Biggest “Luzer” Wellness competition begins.

Jan 14: Happy New Year 5K Run/Walk, 11 a.m., across from base ops/control tower

Mon/Wed at 11:30 a.m. – Battle ropes training (canceled on Dec. 9 & 16)

UTA weekends at 7 a.m.: Wellbeats Fit for Duty Coming in 2016: GORUCK event; Armed Forces 5K Run; annual golf tournament. Call the Fitness & Sports center at 951-655-2292 to sign up or for more information on these programs.

GRILL NIGHT AT SALLY’S ALLEY

Every Wednesday night starting at 4 p.m., Sally’s Alley is open for business with Grill Night. For more information, call them at 951-653-2121.

163rd Judge Advocate defends Airman

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163rd Attack Wing Judge Advocate General Maj. Marsha Yasuda, assisted by paralegal Staff Sgt. Adriana Stevens, defended the first California Air National Guardsman court martialed in more than a decade.

Maj. Marsha Yasuda had barely landed at the 163d Reconnaissance Wing’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 2012 when Lt. Col. Sotera Anderson assigned her one of the rarest and most important cases the unit had ever handled: the courts martial case of an airman from the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Federal Airfield.

The individual had been accused by two female airmen of entering the female side of open-bay barracks, and sexually assaulting them. For the four Article 120 specifications, the airman faced a maximum penalty of one year of civilian confinement, a dishonorable discharge, and a reduction in rank to E-1 (Airman Basic). The court martial, finally tried last February, was the first involving a California Air National Guardsman in the dozen or more years Anderson had been in the unit, she recalls. As luck would have it, Yasuda had just come to the unit—now part of the 163d Attack Wing—only months from active duty Air Force where she’d most recently served as a Deputy Staff Judge Advocate General (JAG) at the 42nd Airbase Wing, Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and had been involved in some 20 courts-martial, as both a prosecutor and a defender.

“I thought it would be in the best interests of the member we were asked to defend to have [Yasuda] represent him,” Anderson says.

But the case wasn’t going to be easy, even with her experience in litigation, Yasuda recounts. Precedents were unclear: The law had changed significantly in the years since the last California

Air National Guard (CANG) court martial, and kept evolving between the time the charges were preferred and the trial. For example, military units were now required to offer civilian courts the option of adjudicating cases; and witnesses have a new right to counsel in court-martial settings.

Yasuda adds, “the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) covers federal courts-martial; the California Military and Veterans Code adopts the UCMJ, but adds its own specific provisions regarding courts-martial.”

In addition, California courts-martial differed from the active-duty Air Force, where “the rules are pretty clear, and military appellate courts have set precedents with respect to UCMJ jurisdiction and how that all applies,” Yasuda says. “I wouldn’t say [federal laws] conflict, but California’s state laws don’t necessarily mesh well.”

Grasping the shifting sand of the law proved the least of Yasuda’s problems. “It was a difficult case because it was he said/she said,” Yasuda explains. “This is a problem with proof in a lot of sexual assault cases. These cases are not the traditional, ‘jump out of the bushes, he raped you’ type of cases. They generally involve alcohol.”

Yasuda credits Staff Sgt. Adriana Stevens, a paralegal in the 163d Attack Wing JAG unit, for helping her immeasurably in preparation for the trial. “There was so much craziness going on behind the scenes before the trial started, [Stevens] was doing the work of a full-time active duty defense paralegal assisting with witnesses, coordinating with witnesses, taking care of last minute issues and putting out fires. Also, we were up at Moffett, so her [logistical] assistance was essential. She was stellar.”

Witnessing her first court martial, Stevens said the trial represented the culmination of all she’d been trained to do. And after months of helping Yasuda during the preparation phase, Stevens was able to contribute during the trial as well. “On the outside, we give a different interpretation.I was able to sit in back and observe as if I were a jury member,” Stevens recalls. “[Yasuda] asked me several times, ‘What did you pull out of that?’ The way in which you present the evidence, and ask the questions, is huge…I feel like it worked, because when she got to her wrap up, it was awesome.”

Yasuda presented critical testimony in the accused’s defense: “There were about 20 other females in that room, and none of them heard anything. When they woke up, they were shocked to learn that there was an allegation of a sexual assault.” In the end, the airman was found not guilty of three of the four counts, and guilty of one count of sexual assault.

The airman was sentenced to a bad-conduct discharge and reduction in rank to E-3. “It was a trial by fire for me and Sergeant Stevens because it was so new and different,” Yasuda concludes, “I believe courts martial numbers in general (including active duty) have gone down because of the reduced force numbers, I believe we may see more CA ANG courts-martial if there is an increase in accusations of sexual assault, given the current climate.”

Recognizing this possible trend, the Air Force recently stood up its first Special Victims Unit, “staffed by a cadre of specifically trained senior prosecutors whose primary responsibility is to try courts martial involving sex offenses, serious domestic violence, and crimes against children,” according to a 2013 report of The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force to the American Bar Association.

Accident/incident? Keep calm and carry on

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Ironic as it is, I recently smashed my finger while putting a first aid kit into a vehicle. While preparing for a temporary duty assignment (TDY), I was transferring luggage from my personal vehicle into a government van to prepare for the drive to my TDY location.

How was I supposed to know that those middle seats were spring-loaded? Knowing that insignificant bit of information would have been helpful, but even better would have been knowing the fact that the headrests were also spring-loaded.

Imagine my complete surprise and sheer agony when I pulled the lever to slide the seat forward (to put the first aid kit behind it) and felt the head rest clamp down on my pinky. In fact, it literally clamped it into the seat itself, and until I pried the headrest up with my free hand, my pinky was securely trapped.

Once free, glaring at my bent and bleeding finger, I knew I needed to get ice on it quickly, as the swelling had already begun. Ever mindful of security, I first had to close up and secure both vehicles with the good hand, while holding the damaged pinky above my head to ease the throbbing, after which I quickly walked toward my building while searching for the door key.

My point in telling this story is to urge you to remain calm when faced with an accident or incident that causes you pain or distress.

Had I panicked, I may not have made it inside where I was able to find ice, or may have passed out from the look of my finger. There didn’t seem to be anyone else there yet, so I was on my own. But instead, I stayed calm.

Once inside, I iced my finger, which didn’t bring relief, but more pain.

Although I should have been on the road for my TDY, I knew I needed to make a visit to urgent care. In addition, I had promised to complete our submissions to the media contest before close of business in order for our reservists to earn some recognition among their peers.

I conquered the challenge of typing while holding my pinky in a cup of ice water, and although it took longer, I met my deadline for contest entries.

Off to urgent care…no x-ray technician on duty. On to another urgent care…x-ray technician to take the x-rays, but no radiologist to read them until Monday.

So, with my pinky doubled in size, black and blue and splinted, I made it to my TDY location where, between seminars, I sit in my room typing this and other content for this Beacon, sans the use of one pinky, to meet another deadline, and still waiting to hear if my pinky is broken.

To recap, I’ve learned that first aid kits can be detrimental to my well-being, headrests may be spring loaded, and an injury while on duty creates more paperwork than a Supreme Court legal case.

In spite of it all, I will keep calm and carry on.

Team March 101: American Forces Network

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Aerial views of Broadcast Center/DIMOC IM building in Riverside, Ca., Oct. 15, 2012.

About half-a-mile from the March Air Reserve Base main gate, sits the biggest broadcast network of which many Americans are unfamiliar. It’s the place with the huge satellite dishes all around. The reason many Americans have never heard of AFN is because they cannot tune into the network in the continental U.S.  (CONUS).

The American Forces Network (AFN) Broadcast Center (BC), a Team March mission partner, sends out eight TV and 10 Internet radio services via satellite for those serving overseas. The network broadcasts to U.S. military personnel, Defense Department civilians and their families stationed in more than 170 countries and U.S. territories outside the CONUS.

The AFN’s TV services include two sports, one news, one movie and four entertainment channels.  Name a popular TV show or sport and chances are AFN airs it. In place of advertising or commercials, the AFN airs topics like force protection, military news, driving conditions and command information to keep its members informed.

The AFN’s Internet radio services feature the hottest popular, country, classic rock, sports talk and news formats in the United States.

Those huge satellite dishes beam AFN’s TV and radio signals to wherever American troops are located, whether on land or on board U.S. Naval vessels serving overseas.

In addition to the AFN Broadcast Center, two other organizations operate out of the Defense Media Activity (DMA) building.

The Television Audio Support Activity (T-ASA) provides field engineering, logistics and contingency support for the DMA. The T-ASA’s mission includes supporting DOD with broadcast and audio-visual engineering and logistics. 

The third organization at DMA Riverside, the DOD Visual Information Records Center, is the official DOD visual information records center for the storage and preservation of original visual information (VI) records depicting DOD, its heritage and its current activities. Archived photographs and video may be obtained here through a formal request process.

All three DMA organizations value Team March support.

“Our workforce is composed of military and civilian personnel…many of our personnel here are veterans or military retirees, and use the wonderful services offered by March Air Reserve Base, such as MWR Outdoor Rec, the Fitness Center, Lodging, the ID card center, the Exchange and Commissary to name a few,” said Acting AFN Broadcast Center Director, Maj. Rosy Poulos.

The Defense Media Activity – Riverside, Team March member and mission partner, sending a piece of home to our folks overseas, preserving DOD history.

Cyber Security tips for holiday season

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With retailers increasing their efforts and starting earlier to entice holiday shoppers, many choose to do some, most or all of their purchasing on the internet, even starting Black Friday sales on Monday or extending Cyber Monday sales by a few days.

Cyber criminals do not discriminate. Guard yourself against becoming a victim. Whether shopping during the holidays or year round, be vigilant in guarding your private information through safe and sound cyber security practices.

The Department of Homeland Security has some helpful tips to keep you cyber-safe, not just during the holiday season, but year-round.

Visit http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect-toolkit for cyber security toolkit for cyber security resources for students, educators, parents, young professionals, older Americans, government, industry, small business and law enforcement. There you can also find a downloadable mobile security tip card, a social media guide, an Internet of Things tip car, and a Cyber Security While Traveling tip card.

Feel free to share your cyber security stories and/or practices with us at www.Facebook.com/TeamMarch.

Run, hide, fight: surviving an active shooter attack

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Remember these three steps when faced with an active shooter:

EVACUATE: Have an escape route, and an emergency action plan, in mind. Leave your belongings behind. When law enforcement arrives, keep your hands raised.

HIDE: Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view. Block entry to your hiding place, and lock the doors. Silence your cell phone and/or pager.

ACT: Move against the shooter only a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Use relentless physical aggression by, for example, throwing things at the shooter’s head and other weak spots. An active shooter may be a current or former employee. Alert your human resources department if you believe an employee exhibits potentially violent behavior. Indicators may include: increased use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs; unexplained increase in absenteeism, and/or vague physical complaints; depression or withdrawal; increased or severe mood swings, and noticeably unstable or emotional responses; increasing talk of problems at home; and an increase in unsolicited comments concerning violence, firearms and other dangerous weapons, and violent crime.

Follow these links to Air Force Emergency Management training videos:

Civilian employers recognized for reserve support

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(U.S. Air Force photo/Megan Crusher)

The Air Force Reserve is comprised of over 65,000 reservists, with the majority of those reservists being citizen Airmen, who along with their reserve career also have civilian careers that demand their time and attention.

It takes dedication and determination for reservists to successfully manage their civilian career alongside their reserve career. In order to successfully balance the two, reservists need the support of their civilian employers.

“Having the support of employers is a must in the Air Force Reserve,” said Capt. Perry Covington, public affairs director, 452 AMW, “without it our ability to accomplish the mission is much more difficult.”

Senior Airman Russell McMillan, photojournalist, 452nd AMW public Affairs, understands that necessity and presented two of his employers, Dr. Steven Jacobsen,  senior director of research, Kaiser Permanente and Annie Chen, director of research operations, Kaiser Permanente, with an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Patriot Award, at Kaiser Permanente in Pasadena, Dec. 8, because of their strong support for him when an unexpected military mission came.

“I called Annie, explained I wouldn’t be able to make it to work the next day and that was all I could say and she understood,” said McMillan. “When I received that type of support from both my employers, it spoke to me.”

McMillan went on to add how a year and a half prior he talked to his employers about how there will be a time when he won’t be able to go into work because of his military obligation and how much he appreciated their support. 

“This is one small token to say thank you to both of you because when the time did come you were there for me,” McMillan said.

Covington was in attendance along with McMillan and expressed how grateful he was for the support they gave and what an impact it had on accomplishing the mission.

“The support they provided enabled Senior Airman McMillan to focus entirely on the military mission without having to worry about his civilian job,” Covington said. “That security and support is crucial, thank you.”

The ESGR Patriot Award is given to employers for the high level of support they have shown their employee serving in the Guard and Reserve. For more information on the Patriot Award please visit http://www.esgr.mil/Employer-Awards/Patriot-Award.aspx.

Reserve recruiters offer incentives

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The Get 1 Now Program is a great way for Reservists to keep the Air Force Reserve strong by recommending qualified people with whom they wish to serve. Now, when your referrals join the Air Force Reserve, you get credit for an accession and become eligible for an award. The program is open only to actively participating Air Force Reservists and Air Force Reserve civilian employees. Visit www.Get1Now.us to enter a qualified referral (someone who you believe would make a good member of the Air Force Reserve. You can also check on the status of your referrals and update your personal account information online.

Do it for your wing… for the Air Force Reserve.. for your country!

For further information, contact the March Air Force Reserve Recruiting office at 951-655-4846 or 6969.

News Briefs 12/04/2015

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OPERATION WARM HEART RUNS THROUGH DEC. 15

The 452nd Security Forces Squadron and the Air Force Security Forces Association will have their annual Christmas Toy Drive (Operation Warm Heart) at March Air Reserve Base through Dec. 15, after which all donations will be delivered to the March Field Fire and Emergency Services building. A band of volunteers will place the toys into food baskets to be given out to Team March members who are in need of a little help during the Christmas holidays.

Collection boxes will be located at the Main (Cactus) Gate and at the Law Enforcement Desk (building next to wing headquarters). The SFS and AFSFA teams agree that March members are like one big family, and families take care of their own. Thank you and have a very happy holiday season. 452nd SFS & AFSFA.

OEF/OIF (SOCAL VETS) SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Full scholarships are available to Southern California OEF/OIF Veterans to learn Transcendental Meditation. If you are interested in reducing stress, improving the quality of your sleep, and enjoying better relationships, the David Lynch Foundation is offering a limited number of free courses in the evidence-based Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique to OEF/OIF veterans in Los Angeles and San Diego.

Through a generous grant from the David Lynch Foundation, you will be able to learn the technique that has been proven to relieve symptoms of PTSD and major depression, and develop greater resilience to stress. The four-day course consists of a 90-minute class each day, and then the technique is practiced for 20 minutes, twice a day. No change in beliefs or lifestyle is needed to learn TM.

Statics

Evidence-based: More than 340 published studies document its effectiveness

Simple to learn: Accessible to both civilian and military practitioners—standardized instruction ensures consistent results

Easy to practice: Does not involve concentration or controlling the mind—difficult practices for those suffering intrusive thoughts and flashbacks

Confidential and portable: Can be practiced privately, anywhere, at any time

OEF/OIF veterans interested in securing a scholarship should contact Kathy Connor at Kathy@davidlynchfoundation.org or call her at 212-644-9880 ext. 209. Funding for these scholarships is limited, so applications to take advantage of this special opportunity are extremely time-sensitive.

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN

The Combined Federal Campaign is currently underway and officially ends Dec. 15. To donate, visit cfcofgreatersocal.org. The online CFC site provides you the ability to look up both SoCal local charities as well as universal charities. Additionally, it allows you to place your pledge online through automatic pay deductions making the entire campaign paperless. If you have any questions regarding CFC, please go through your unit/group level CFC reps. Let’s all work together to show the community how much the 452 AMW cares!

EDUCATION & TRAINING OFFICE TO PROVIDE MASS BRIEFINGS

Beginning in December, during the Unit Training Assemblies, the March Education and Training office will conduct ongoing, mass briefings for any Tuition Assistance, GI Bill and Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) inquiries. Their schedule is as follows:

CCAF  briefing:

UTA Sundays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

Tuition Assistance briefing:

UTA Sundays from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

GI Bill briefing:

UTA Sundays from 2 to 22:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

In-processing (technical school):

Monday – Friday from 2 – 3 p.m. in Bldg. 441, main office

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Brown at 951-655-4442. 

BENEFEDS OPEN SEASON RUNS THROUGH  DECEMBER 14

The 2015 Federal Benefits Open Season (for the 2016 plan year) runs through Monday, Dec. 14. If you are enrolled in the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) plan, it will automatically continue into the 2016 plan year, even if you retire. You must take action if you wish to make changes or cancel. Visit BENEFEDS.com to check the 2016 premium amounts, research plan coverage and/or make changes. For general questions, visit the Education & Support section at BENEFEDS.com.

SARC HOSTS FREE MIND BODY RESILIENCY CLASSES

Are you interested in learning more about the Mind and Body connection and how this can promote better overall health? Then come join the interactive and informational series of one-hour classes based on the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine’s Resilient Warrior. Classes are scheduled on the A and B Unit Training Assemblies through September 2016. Topics for the six-part series include

– Stress Reactions and Relaxation Response

– Getting Good Sleep

– Mindfulness and a Positive State of Mind

– Yin and Yang of Resiliency

– Yoga & Journaling

– Social Connections & Communication

Time and Location:

UTA Sundays, 11 a.m. – noon

Bldg. 470, room 205   

Contact frank.pavone@us.af.mil or 655-4551 for more information. No reservation required.

REGISTER FOR YELLOW RIBBON EVENTS

Upcoming dates for Yellow Ribbon events are Dec. 18-20; Jan. 29-31; Feb 19-21; and Mar 18-20. The December, January and February Yellow Ribbon events are now open for registration for eligible members. For more formation, contact 1st Lt. Shelley Lawrence, your 452nd Air Mobility Wing Yellow Ribbon representative, for details at 951-655-4615.

MANDATORY FLU VACCINATIONS

The 452 AMW Flu Vaccination Campaign has begun, and will continue through the December’s UTAs. The Flu vaccination is mandatory for all Airmen unless exempted by medical staff. Airmen not current with their Flu vaccination after the December UTAs will potentially be placed in a no-point, no-pay status.

All Flu vaccinations will be given at the base clinic.

All Airmen, Unit Health Monitors and leaders are asked to get their annual Flu vaccination at the earliest convenience, and to encourage others to do the same. Help make this year’s Flu Campaign a success. There is no vaccine available for civilians at this time. For questions or concerns, email Maj. David Haupt at david.haupt.7@us.af.mil.

MARCH EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SEEKS COUNSELORS

The March EO office is looking for ARTs/civilians interested in training to serve as Collateral Equal Opportunity counselors. This is an additional duty appointment. The Collateral EO counselors serve as a bridge between civilian employees and management for informal complaints concerning discrimination. Applicants should be at ease with oral and written communication to all pay grades, and have the ability to remain neutral while performing his or her duties. The additional duty will not exceed 20 percent of the counselor’s primary job duties. Applicants range from GS-05 to GS-12 or equivalent. Primary supervisor concurrence required. Training is required, with the date/time to be determined. If interested, contact Ms. Paula Greenhaw, paula.greenhaw@us.af.mil, Maj. Nixomar Santiago, nixomar.santiago@us.af.mil. 

MARCH TICKETS & TOURS

Amusement Park Specials

Castle Park: $16 per person includes unlimited rides, water park access, miniature golf and the new Sky Rider.

Disney 3-Day Park Hopper military special: $130 per person (adult/child)

SeaWorld “Waves of Honor” special: Extended through November 11, 2015. Program provides a one-time, limited, free admission to SeaWorld San Diego per veteran service member and up to three guests. Visit WavesofHonor.com to register for and obtain your free admissions. Additional tickets are available for purchase from the Tickets & Tours office.

Discount Movie Tickets

Available for only $10 each and valid for Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres and Edwards Cinemas.

Hotel Discounts

Receive 10% off any Best Western and 15% off any Choice Hotel

Visit the Tickets & Tours page at MarchFSS.com and download the Discount Ticket Price List for a full list of discounts tickets prices, hotel discounts and special promotions. Call Tickets & Tours at 951-655-4123 for more information.

LEARN TO FLY WITH THE AERO CLUB

The March Aero Club offers flight training (flying, private license, ground school, instrument training) at very reasonable rates including a pay-as-you-go plan with zero down. Visit Hangar 355 on base or call 951-655-3875 for more information.

OUTDOOR REC EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Outdoor Recreation has a variety of equipment for rent such as camping gear, water sports equipment, bicycles, and trailers to carry it all! Special orders for Callaway, Odyssey, Cleveland, Never Compromise, Nike, Bag Boy, Sun Mountain and Staff golf equipment are also available.  Download the full equipment rental price list at MarchFSS.com, call 951-655-2816 or come on by for more information.

FITNESS CENTER NEWS

The March Fitness Center has received the Wellbeats Virtual Group Fitness Kiosk. This kiosk allows members to participate in virtual fitness classes.

Daily Wellbeats Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 11 a.m. — REV (spin); 12 p.m. — Pilates

Tuesdays: 11:00 a.m. –  Kinetics; 12:15 p.m. — Fit for Duty

Wednesdays: 11 a.m. — V.I.B.E./Strength Training; 12:15 p.m. — Core

Thursdays: 11 a.m. — REV (spin); 12 p.m. — Fit for Duty; 12:15 p.m. – Pilates

Fridays: 10 a.m. — V.I.B.E./Zumba; 11:15 a.m. — Pilates

UTA Saturdays: (A UTA) 5 p.m. — Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” (B UTA) 5-7 p.m. — Pick-up Basketball

Additional opportunities for fitness:

Dec. 8: 2 x 2 Holiday Volleyball Tournament begins. Tourney runs Dec. 8-9 and 15-16 beginning at 11 a.m. (No Battle Ropes classes on these days)

Dec. 10: Holiday 5K Run/Walk, 11 a.m., across from base ops/control tower

Dec. 17: Functional Fitness Class – 12:15 p.m.

Dec. 17: Intramural Volleyball meeting, 11:30 in the gym. Volleyball season begins in February.

Dec. 18: Holiday Zumbathon from 10 a.m. – noon

Jan. 4: Biggest Luzer Wellness competition begins.

Jan 14: Happy New Year 5K Run/Walk, 11 a.m., across from base ops/control tower

Mon/Wed at 11:30 a.m. – Battle ropes training (canceled on Dec. 9 & 16)

UTA weekends at 7 a.m.: Wellbeats Fit for Duty

Coming in 2016: GORUCK event; Armed Forces 5K Run; annual golf tournament

Call the Fitness & Sports center at 951-655-2292 to sign up or for more information on these programs.

GRILL NIGHT AT SALLY’S ALLEY

Every Wednesday night starting at 4 p.m., Sally’s Alley is open for business with Grill Night. For more information, call them at 951-653-2121.