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.