Home Blog Page 29

News Briefs

0

PLACE FLAGS TO HONOR VETS

If you are interested in helping place flags on the graves of Veterans prior to Veteran’s Day, please join us. We plan to meet at Riverside Evergreen Historical Cemetery (4414 14th St., Riverside, 92501) on Saturday morning, Nov. 7, 8 a.m. to place American flags on the graves of more than 1,000 Veterans (to include the gravesite of Col. Cornelius Cole Smith, United States Army, the cemetery’s only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient) in honor of Veteran’s Day, twhich is Nov. 11. All American flags are provided. Any and all volunteers are welcomed to participate. The flags will remain in place through Veteran’s Day. Make it a family day and hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux after you are done placing flags. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. John Morris at 951-655-3622 or 951-746-0416.

NAF SALE OCT. 15-16

The 452nd Force Support Squadron will hold a Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) sale for the March Inn on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 15-16, in the Fitness Center parking lot between Bldgs. 400 and 456, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day (closing from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch). Available items are sofa sleepers, desks, dining chairs, end tables, lamps, pictures, color TVs, DVD players, lounge chairs, TV armoires, dressers, headboards, bed frames (queen), drapes, desk chairs, and much more! The sale is open to all base ID card holders – CASH ONLY – No sales tax!

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.

Please remind your fellow Airmen to attend our mass immunization site at Bldg. 355 (2355 Graeber St.) during the October and November UTAs.

Schedule for October/November UTAs is: Saturdays 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Additionally, there will be a mobile vaccination site at the Wing Commander’s Call during the November UTAs. Starting in December, 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.

VA BENEFITS BRIEFING OCT 25

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s Airman and Family Readiness office is offering VA Benefits Briefing I and II on the October Unit Training Assembly, Sunday, Oct. 25.

They will be held in the 452nd Mission Support Group Conference Room, Bldg. 2313, 1261 Graeber Street. Show time is 7:30 a.m. and the briefing ends at 3:30 p.m. There will be a lunch break included. This briefing is mandatory for all personnel coming off of 180 days of consecutive orders (for any reason). It is also beneficial for all personnel who were prior service and who want a “refresher” of their VA Benefits. Reservations are required by calling 951-655-5350. Did you know that if you plan to transfer any or all of your GI bill to dependents, you must do so while you still have at least four years retainability (exceptions may apply) or you will be unable to do so? Learn about this and much more at the briefing. Don’t be left in the dark and miss out on some of your VA benefits because you didn’t think any of this was applicable to you!

KEY SPOUSE INITIAL TRAINING OCT. 24

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s Airman and Family Readiness director will conduct Initial Key Spouse Training on Saturday, Oct. 24, in the Mission Support Group Conference room, 1261 Graeber Street, Bldg. 2313, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Prior to attending, interested volunteers must be interviewed and appointed by their unit commanders. Key Spouses are responsible for assisting families in finding and using available base and community resources. They also provide support to military families during their sponsor’s deployment. Reservations are required. Please call the A&FRC at 951-655-5350 for more information and to reserve your seat.

BACK STREET TRANSFORMATION

The Hap Arnold Club is looking for “Team March” specific items/memorabilia to decorate the walls of the new Backstreet Café! Bring items the bldg 434 admin. office.  Any unused items will be returned. Call 951-655-2801 for more information.

NAF TEAM JOBS AVAILABLE

Nonappropriated jobs are available at various locations throughout the USAF. View available positions at www.NAFJobs.org.

INSTALLATION VOTING ASSISTANCE OFFICER

With the onslaught of political debates in the news, it’s time to consider your right to vote. Are you registered? Do you understand military and federal employee guidelines for participating in a political rally or event? Are your social media postings getting political? The March Air Reserve Base Installation Voting Assistance Officer, Maj. Jessica Ditson, can help you find the information you need. She can be reached at Jessica.ditson@us.af.mi l or by calling 951-655-4551. Don’t wait until your state’s deadline to register. Choose to make your vote count!

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

HAP ARNOLD CLUB

The Back Street Café is temporarily operating in the Grande Ballroom at the Hap Arnold Club and serving breakfast and lunch.  Most of your Back Street favorites are available, such as breakfast burritos, French toast, fried chicken, March Burger, salmon sandwich and more!  Download the full menu with pricing at MarchFSS.com. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday: 6:30-10 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for lunch.

UTA operating hours are 5:30-9 a.m. for breakfast (Sat & Sun); 11-1 p.m. for lunch (Sat & Sun), and 4-8 p.m. for dinner (Fri & Sat).

MARCH TICKETS & TOURS

Amusement Park Specials

Knott’s Scary Farm tickets are here!! Prices range from $38 to $48 depending on the date. Visit MarchFSS.com for more information.

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 ADVENTURE TRIPS

March Outdoor Recreation plans the following trips for the remainder of the fiscal year:

September 19 – Skydive in Perris for $50 per person

September 26 – Three-hour Alpine horseback tour in Big Bear for $42 per person

Call them at 951-655-2816 for further details or to sign up.

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.

BACK STREET CAFÉ TEMPORARILY OPERATING IN BALLROOM

Breakfast and lunch are available in the club’s Grande Ballroom. Most of your Back Street favorites are available such as Breakfast Burritos, French toast, fried chicken, March Burger, salmon sandwich and more! Download the full menu with pricing at MarchFSS.com. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 6:30-10 a.m. for breakfast; 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for lunch. UTA operating hours are 5:30-9 a.m. for breakfast (Sat & Sun); 11-1 p.m. for lunch (Sat & Sun), and 4-8 p.m. for dinner (Fri & Sat).

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 Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 6 a.m. — Virtual Fusion Yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. — Intro TRX; 11 a.m. —Virtual Spin

Tuesdays: 11 a.m. — Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Circuit Training

Wednesdays: 6 a.m. — Virtual Fusion Yoga; 11 a.m. — Zumba; 12:15 p.m. — Virtual Fusion Yoga; 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Battle Ropes Circuit Training

Thursdays: 11 a.m. —Virtual Spin; 12:15 p.m. — Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Circuit Training

Fridays: 10 a.m. — Zumba; 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. — Intermediate TRX; 11:15 a.m. — Virtual Cardio

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

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. Sally’s Alley is also now open every Pre-UTA Thursday at 4 p.m. For more information, call them at 951-653-2121.

THE 452ND AIR MOBILITY WING’S 2015 MILITARY BALL

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s 2015 Military Ball is scheduled for Saturday, November 21. This year’s location remains the Riverside Convention Center, and this year we will have a Holiday Theme. This will be a fantastic evening and one you do not want to miss. Ticket prices dropped to $60 per person. See your first sergeant to purchase tickets or contact SMSgt. Griffey at 951-655-3999. There are 40 rooms available at the Marriott for $123 each, and 50 rooms available at the Hyatt Place for $105 each (the Hyatt Place price includes breakfast). When you call to make a reservation, mention the 2015 Military Ball to get the correct rate. You can contact The Marriott at 1-800-228-9290 or (951)784-8000 for reservations and The Hyatt Place at 1-888-553-1300 or (951)321-3500. ROOM RATE INCREASE-The Marriott Hotel advises that the room rates for the 2015 military ball were increased from $110 to $123 due to the FY 16 military per diem rate change that was recently released.

AirFest 2016: Thunder over the Empire!

0

Save the dates, April 16-17, 2016 for March Field’s first air show since 2012! Admission is free and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be the headliners! Please help us spread the word that these dates were recently changed to accommodate the Thunderbirds’ schedule, but that these new dates are firm. We will soon be announcing social media sites, created specifically for the air show, where you can get all the current information, tips on what to bring, a list of things you cannot bring, ask questions, and voice concerns. Watch The Beacon for the announcement or watch for it at www.facebook.com/TeamMarch or on Twitter @March_ARB. In the meantime, if you have any air-show-specific questions, please email them to 452amw.paworkflow@us.af.mil.

Happy 240th birthday, U.S. Navy!

0

As the Navy approaches its 240th year of operating both at home and forward (October 13th), focus is brought once again to people platforms, and partnerships. The Navy can respond faster, remain on station longer, and carry out mission without needing anyone else’s permission.

In addition to the Navy turning 240, this year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Chief of Naval Operations and the Navy Reserve Force. The theme of this year is Ready Then, Ready Now, Ready Always.

Ready Then:

Throughout history, the U.S. Navy has deployed in peace to protect the sea lanes of communication and to advance and safeguard America’s relationships and ideals. In conflict, they have defeated determined enemies at sea, in the air and ashore. Their forward-deployed naval presence delivers security, influence, and responsiveness unmatched by any other service or platform.

Ready Now:

Time and again the U.S. Navy has proven themselves to be the most immediate, the most capable and the most adaptable option when a crisis develops. More than ever, today’s Navy is demographically representative of the nation they serve, which is critically important both to the quality of its all-volunteer force and to fulfilling the principles of the republic they defend.

Ready Always:

Today’s Navy faces a myriad of demands from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, to working with partners and allies, to dealing with multiple threats and potential conflicts. They meet these demands, and many more, using talented and resourceful people, superior platforms and equipment, demonstrating the versatility and flexibility that is the hallmark of their force.

Defend your waistline with football tailgating favorites

0

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — Football season is finally here, which means it’s time to huddle around the big screen or kick off with your tailgating game-time favorites.  Super bowl Sunday is the second biggest food day of the year behind Thanksgiving according to the USDA.  And per the Calorie Control Council, cheering for your favorite teams each week may pack on the pounds with game time munchies adding anywhere from 1,200 to 2,400 extra calories including fan favorites such as chips, wings, pizza and beer. Tackle weight gain this football season with some game-day tips to defend your waistline.

Use your “safeties” by including healthy favorites with a twist

Offer healthy favorites with a unique twist such as a veggie tray with a chipotle ranch dip made with Greek yogurt or a fruit tray with chai spice Greek yogurt dip.

Be the quarterback and execute a successful pass by lightening game day favorites

Pass on the delivery pizza and wings that are high in calories, fat, and sodium.  Make changes to typical plays and offer a make their own mini pizza bar or zesty homemade chicken tenders!

Make like a defensive lineman and keep foods away from the TV

By placing foods in another room you block or decrease the opportunity for mindless eating during the game.  This requires guests to fill up a plate before sitting in front of the tube and be more cognizant of how much they have consumed.

Think about “special teams” for your game-day brew

Mix up your drinks during the game – alternate between beer and calorie free beverages to kick excess calories in half.

Join the game and add some activity

Every time your team has a first down, do 10 jumping jacks; each field goal do 10 squats; did your team score a touchdown? Stand up and do your celebratory dance!  Create friendly competition by keeping a scorecard – loser does the dishes!

Football games are a great time to get family and friends together; score big points this football season with these healthy tips come game-day.

  

Veggies & Chipotle Ranch Dip

INGREDIENTS:

•Assorted sliced veggies

•16 oz. fat-free Greek yogurt

•1 packet of Ranch dip

•1 Tbsp. chipotle Tabasco or more as desired

DIRECTIONS:

1. Slice up your favorite veggies such as carrots, celery, sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes

2. Mix Greek yogurt, ranch dip, and Tabasco

Fruit & Chai Spice Yogurt Dip

INGREDIENTS:

•Assorted sliced fruit (if you slice apples, squeeze lemon juice or orange juice on top to prevent browning)

•16 oz. vanilla Greek yogurt

•1 tsp cinnamon

•1/4 tsp cardamom

•1/4 tsp ginger

•1/4 tsp nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

1. Slice up your favorite fruit into bite size pieces

2. Mix yogurt, with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg

Build Your Own Mini pizzas

INGREDIENTS:

•English muffins or sandwich thins

•BBQ sauce or tomato pasta sauce

•Cheese

•Veggies (mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, spinach, onion, etc.)

•Proteins (chicken, peperoni, Canadian bacon)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Set oven to 375 degrees or grill hot

2. Slice muffin in half

3. Add sauce and spread

4. Sprinkle cheese

5. Choose toppings

6. Bake in oven for 10 min or until cheese is melted

(Find the YouTube-version of this article at https://youtu.be/w9KvHAHuFx4.)

Another important rule to remember is the 40-140 rule. Keep cold foods at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and keep hot foods at or above 140 degree Fahrenheit.

For more food safety tips when preparing for game day or when serving over an extended amount of time, visit foodsafety.gov or call the meat and poultry hotline at 1-800-MPhotline (1-800-674-6854).

DOD conducts reserve workplace, gender relations survey

0

WASHINGTON — Air Force reservists and members of the other reserve components are being asked to participate in the 2015 Workplace and Gender Relations Survey of Reserve Component Members.

The 2015 WGRR is voluntary and confidential. Completion deadline is close of business today.

Results from the 2015 WGRR will provide information to leaders of Congress and in the Department of Defense components about members’ experiences of unwanted, gender-related behavior.  The final report is due to the DOD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office in March 2016.

About 487,300 reserve component members – 150,300 women and 337,000 men – will take part in the largest survey fielded on this topic for reservists. Members can see if they are included in the survey by logging onto the Defense Manpower Data Center website – www.dodsurveys.mil – and providing the requested information.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates disabled American workers

0

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities—past and present.

The theme for this year—which marks 70 years since the first observance—is “My Disability is One Part of Who I Am.”

This month-long observation dates back to the return of service members with disabilities from World War II, sparking public interest in the contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace.

In 1945, President Harry S. Truman approved a Congressional resolution declaring the first week in October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” The word “physically” was removed in 1962 to include individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.”

Upon its establishment in 2001, the Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since.

People with disabilities are a mixed group that includes people with sensory, physical, and mental conditions.

People with disabilities cross lines of age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

It is a group anyone can become a member of at any time. Almost all of us will encounter a disability at some point in our lives. By increasing awareness for all members of the workforce, we build a culture that embraces diversity and inclusivity.

The Defense Department (DOD) recognizes its vital role in advancing disability awareness in the workplace with an ongoing commitment to an inclusive Total Force, where qualified men and women of all walks of life can pursue their full potential.

Helen Keller

Helen Keller overcame the adversity of a childhood illness that left her blind and deaf, to become one of the 20th century’s leading humanitarians.

In 1915, she and George Kessler founded the Keller International organization, devoted to research in vision, health and nutrition. She was also a tireless advocate for women’s suffrage.

In 1920, she helped to found the American Civil Liberties Union.

During her lifetime, Keller received many honors in recognition of her accomplishments, including the Theodore Roosevelt Distinguished Service Medal in 1936, the highest civilian award in the United States—the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964, and election to the Women’s Hall of Fame in 1965.

Enlisted Evaluation System roadshow unveils process

0
U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kevin Mitterholzer

Airmen were introduced to the new Enlisted Evaluation System at one of two briefings given here, Sunday, Oct. 4. The new system, which became effective Oct. 1, is designed to more easily recognize outstanding Airman. Under the old Enlisted Performance Report system, scores were easily inflated, making it more difficult to distinguish between exceptional and average Airmen.

“The evaluation system for the Air Force has significantly changed over the last year,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michelle Thomas, A-1 superintendent, Air Force Reserve Command. “There are reservist-specific issues that we have to address when it comes to evaluations. I wanted to make sure the reserve-specific bases got the information, as well as everybody else,” Thomas said. “We have three teams that are going to March, Niagara, Pittsburgh, Grissom, and all of the bases that are Reserve only. We’ll be back here for the B UTA.”

Each hour-long briefing started with Power Point slides to show everyone what the new form looks like and to familiarize Airmen with the new process and included question and answer sessions.

The new EES gives the ratee an opportunity to self-assess on personal responsibility and accountability. It gives the rater the responsibility to assess his or her subordinate on primary duty performance, followership and leadership capabilities, and the whole Airman concept based on a cumulative performance record. There is also the ability to identify promotion potential based on that record.

In addition, there is a mandatory, midterm Airman Comprehensive Assessment (ACA) that includes supporting documentation. This ACA has a direct correlation to the new Enlisted Performance Report forms.

Other changes include aligning closeout dates by rank for a fair and equitable evaluation of peer groups, and the elimination of Change of Reporting Official reports, 59-day extension requests and minimum days of supervision requirements.

“I wanted to make sure we explained to everyone why we actually made these changes,” said Thomas. “We want everyone to have a good comprehensive understanding of what we’ve done and why, and I think we accomplished that today.”

To learn more about the process, contact your unit first sergeant, superintendent or command chief.

Hispanic Heritage Month ends October 15

0

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 – October 15 to celebrate the contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

This year’s theme, “Hispanic Americans: Energizing Our Nation’s Diversity,” was chosen by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Managers and invites us to reflect on Hispanic Americans’ vitality and meaningful legacy in our Nation’s cultural framework.

America’s diversity has always been one of our nation’s greatest strengths. Hispanic Americans have long played an integral role in America’s rich culture, proud heritage, and the building of this great nation.

The Beacon recognizes and honors a long and proud heritage through the years. In this issue, the 2000s and 2010s.

2000s

Ronald Rabago becomes the first Hispanic to be promoted to Rear Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard.  Additionally, he plays a critical role in initiating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs for economically disadvantaged high school students.

Sonia Sotomayor becomes the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice and the third woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Alfred Rascon is awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic service in Vietnam at a White House ceremony with the men he had saved looking on.

Second Lieutenant Emily Perez, a West Point graduate and the military academy’s first female minority Cadet Command Sergeant Major, is the first female West Point graduate to be killed in Iraq. She posthumously received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action badge.

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis becomes the first Hispanic female Cabinet member.  She was also the first woman to receive the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for her pioneering work on environmental justice issues.

Angela Salinas becomes the first Hispanic woman to hold the rank of Brigadier General.  She is also the first woman in Marine Corps history to lead one of its two recruit training facilities.

2010s

Maria Contreras-Sweet is nominated by President Barack Obama to join his Cabinet as head of the Small Business Administration. She becomes the 24th Administrator.

Julie Chávez Rodriguez, granddaughter of César Chávez, becomes Deputy Director of Public Engagement at the White House. In this role, she coordinates the White House’s efforts surrounding immigration reform and outreach to the Latino community.

President Obama corrects a historical act of discrimination when he awards the Medal of Honor to 24 Hispanic, Jewish, and African-American veterans who were passed over because of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. It is one of the largest Medal of Honor ceremonies in history.

These individuals—along with many other Hispanic Americans—have energized our nation’s diversity. Hispanic Americans continue to shape our country in a myriad of areas through their strong commitment to family, faith, ingenuity, hard work, and public service.

News Briefs

0

NAF SALE OCT. 15-16

The 452nd Force Support Squadron will hold a Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) sale for the March Inn on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 15-16, in the Fitness Center parking lot between Bldgs. 400 and 456, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day (closing from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch). Available items are sofa sleepers, desks, dining chairs, end tables, lamps, pictures, color TVs, DVD players, lounge chairs, TV armoires, dressers, headboards, bed frames (queen), drapes, desk chairs, and much more! The sale is open to all base ID Card holders – CASH ONLY – No sales tax!

VA BENEFITS BRIEFING OCT 4 AND 25

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s Airman and Family Readiness office is offering VA Benefits Briefing I and II on the October Unit Training Assemblies, Sunday, Oct. 4 and 25.

They will be held in the 452nd Mission Support Group Conference Room, Bldg. 2313, 1261 Graeber Street. Show time is 7:30 a.m. and the briefing ends at 3:30 p.m. There will be a lunch break included. This briefing is mandatory for all personnel coming off of 180 days of consecutive orders (for any reason). It is also beneficial for all personnel who were prior service and want a “refresher” of their VA Benefits. Reservations are required by calling 951-655-5350. Did you know that if you plan to transfer any or all of your GI bill to dependents, you must do so while you still have at least four years retainability (exceptions may apply) or you will be unable to do so? Learn about this and much more at the briefing. Don’t be left in the dark and miss out on some of your VA benefits because you didn’t think any of this was applicable to you!

KEY SPOUSE INITIAL TRAINING OCT. 24

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s Airman and Family Readiness director will conduct Initial Key Spouse Training on Saturday, Oct. 24, in the Mission Support Group Conference room, 1261 Graeber Street, Bldg. 2313, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Prior to attending, interested volunteers must be interviewed and appointed by their unit commanders. Key Spouses are responsible for assisting families in finding and using available base and community resources. They also provide support to military families during their sponsor’s deployment. Reservations are required. Please call the A&FRC at 951-655-5350 for more information and to reserve your seat.

BACK STREET TRANSFORMATION

The Hap Arnold Club is looking for “Team March” specific items/memorabilia to decorate the walls of the new Backstreet Café! Bring items the bldg 434 admin. office.  Any unused items will be returned. Call 951-655-2801 for more information.

NAF TEAM JOBS AVAILABLE

Nonappropriated jobs are available at various locations throughout the USAF. View available positions at www.NAFJobs.org.

INSTALLATION VOTING ASSISTANCE OFFICER

With the onslaught of political debates in the news, it’s time to consider your right to vote. Are you registered? Do you understand military and federal employee guidelines for participating in a political rally or event? Are your social media postings getting political? The March Air Reserve Base Installation Voting Assistance Officer, Maj. Jessica Ditson, can help you find the information you need. She can be reached at Jessica.ditson@us.af.mi l or by calling 951-655-4551. Don’t wait until your state’s deadline to register. Choose to make your vote count!

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

HAP ARNOLD CLUB

The Back Street Café is temporarily operating in the Grande Ballroom at the Hap Arnold Club and serving breakfast and lunch.  Most of your Back Street favorites are available, such as breakfast burritos, frenchtoast, fried chicken, March Burger, salmon sandwich and more!  Download the full menu with pricing at MarchFSS.com.Hours of operation are Monday through Friday: 6:30-10 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for lunch.

UTA operating hours are 5:30-9 a.m. for breakfast (Sat & Sun); 11-1 p.m. for lunch (Sat & Sun), and 4-8 p.m. for dinner (Fri & Sat).

MARCH TICKETS & TOURS

Amusement Park Specials

Knott’s Scary Farm tickets are here!! Prices range from $38 to $48 depending on the date. Visit MarchFSS.com for more information.

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.

BACK STREET CAFÉ TEMPORARILY OPERATING IN BALLROOM

Breakfast and lunch are available in the club’s Grande Ballroom. Most of your Back Street favorites are available such as Breakfast Burritos, French Toast, Fried Chicken, March Burger, Salmon Sandwich and more! Download the full menu with pricing at MarchFSS.com. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 6:30-10 a.m. for breakfast; 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for lunch. UTA operating hours are 5:30-9 a.m. for breakfast (Sat & Sun); 11-1 p.m. for lunch (Sat & Sun), and 4-8 p.m. for dinner (Fri & Sat).

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 Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 6 a.m. — Virtual Fusion Yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. — Intro TRX; 11 a.m. —Virtual Spin

Tuesdays: 11 a.m. — Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Circuit Training

Wednesdays: 6 a.m. — Virtual Fusion Yoga; 11 a.m. — Zumba; 12:15 p.m. — Virtual Fusion Yoga; 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Battle Ropes Circuit Training

Thursdays: 11 a.m. —Virtual Spin; 12:15 p.m. — Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Circuit Training

Fridays: 10 a.m. — Zumba; 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. — Intermediate TRX; 11:15 a.m. — Virtual Cardio

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

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. Sally’s Alley is also now open every Pre-UTA Thursday at 4 p.m. For more information, call them at 951-653-2121.

THE 452ND AIR MOBILITY WING’S 2015 MILITARY BALL

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s 2015 Military Ball is scheduled for Saturday, November 21. This year’s location remains the Riverside Convention Center, and this year we will have a Holiday Theme. This will be a fantastic evening and one you do not want to miss. Ticket prices dropped to $60 per person. See your first sergeant to purchase tickets or contact SMSgt. Griffey at 951-655-3999. There are 40 rooms available at the Marriott for $123 each, and 50 rooms available at the Hyatt Place for $105 each (the Hyatt Place price includes breakfast). When you call to make a reservation, mention the 2015 Military Ball to get the correct rate. You can contact The Marriott at 1-800-228-9290 or (951)784-8000 for reservations and The Hyatt Place at 1-888-553-1300 or (951)321-3500. ROOM RATE INCREASE-The Marriott Hotel advises that the room rates for the 2015 military ball were increased from $110 to $123 due to the FY 16 military per diem rate change that was recently released.

Air National Guard teaches Airman civilian trade

0
Courtesy photo

California Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Jessica Abrego has a valuable skill set, which is an asset to her unit while paying dividends in her civilian career.

“I joined the Air National Guard because I had a rough childhood and it was my way to do something better for my future,” said Abrego.

Abrego, of the Riverside-based 163rd Civil Engineer Squadron, chose to be a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) and refrigeration specialist. “I knew everyone had a refrigerator and a water heater, and if they didn’t have air conditioning they would want it,” she said. “I knew I’d always have a trade to fall back on. It has catapulted my career in the civilian sector.”

She works on anything that heats or cools water or air; everything from water heaters to cooling towers to freezers. Her Air Force specialty is key to maintaining constant functionality on Air Force and Air National Guard facilities.

In September, she returned home from Silver Flag, a training course held at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, where she trained alongside Air Force Reservists and active duty Airmen.

“The morale of our class was very high,” said Abrego. “We all worked hard, took care of one another and we didn’t have anyone complain. When work needed to be done, we did it. When it was time to be laid back and take a breather, we did that as well.”

During the six-day Silver Flag course, civil engineers, communications, force support and finance personnel learned how to build, maintain and operate a bare base. Students practiced a variety of combat and survival skills, such as repairing bomb-damaged runways and setting up base facilities. The students received expeditionary training, which gives their combatant commander a highly trained and skilled emergency response force.

The Silver Flag training course is required every 30 months for civil engineer Airmen to hone their emergency response force skills. The training provides the students with skills for overseas operations as well as stateside emergency disaster response.

During Silver Flag, Abrego’s team was responsible for ensuring that a Field Deployable Environmental Control unit and HVAC equipment were installed in the base’s dining facility, mortuary and sleeping tents. The team hooked up a refrigeration system to the mortuary and a water heater to the shower tent.

Additionally, her team worked on an airplane arresting system, a minimum operating strip (MOS) system and a runway arresting system, which are installed to catch planes when their brakes do not work or when there is airfield damage. They also trained on heavy construction equipment.

With her training at Silver Flag done, Abrego returned to her civilian job. She was one of only two HVAC controls project managers for the Carrier Corporation in San Diego before recently taking her current job as a project manager for a large solar panel company located five minutes from her house.

“I purchased a home earlier this year and remodeled my entire bathroom, to include demo, electrical, plumbing and tile work all by myself,” she said. “It was such an accomplishment, but I wouldn’t have known how to do any of it if it weren’t for the Air National Guard.”

Abrego served four years in the Hawaii ANG and the last six in the California ANG.

“I love working in the civil engineer squadron. We are all so diverse with different backgrounds,” she said. “I’m proud to be in the Air National Guard and I’m proud to be an Airman. (Although) my civilian job requires me to be behind a computer most of the time, being in the Air Guard has allowed me to stay proficient in my trade and allows me to teach others and guide them to success.”