On-Final News Bulletin - Feb. 10, 2019

  • Published
  • By 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

 

ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – Feb. 10, 2019 (Vol 39, No. 2)

 

KC‐46 arrives for combat training (Click link for photos and story)

Reserve Citizen Airmen of the 730th Air Mobility Training Squadron here, dignitaries and Air Force leaders accepted the new KC‐46A Pegasus during a historic arrival celebration Feb. 8. Reservists in the 730th AMTS are charged with training aircrew in the C‐17 Globemaster III, KC‐135 Stratotanker and the newest aerial refueling aircraft, the KC‐46A Pegasus. The Reservists work next to active duty Airmen of the 97th Air Mobility Wing, training aircrew members for Air Education and Training Command.

 

507th SFS defenders return home

A small group of Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 507th Security Forces Squadron arrived at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jan. 23, 2019, to reunite with family and friends after a six month deployment.

 

CCAF no longer required for promotion

Due to an update to the enlisted personnel handbook, an associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force is no longer required for promotions, however, master sergeants still have to keep education in mind for their enlisted performance reports.

 

Keeping your eye on the doughnut

The 507th Medical Squadron welcomed its new commander, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Alvin Bradford, during an assumption of command ceremony Feb. 9, 2019, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

 

507th ARW February enlisted promotions (Click on link)

Congratulations to all enlisted members selected for promotion in February.  Click on the link for specific names.

 

Automated system combats Guard and Reserve evaluation backlog

Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center, Buckley Air Force Base, CO, has implemented an innovative new system to reduce the processing time for officer and enlisted performance reports. Since coming on-line in the fall of 2018, this automated system, created by developers from the Future Operations and Integration Directorate (DPX) at HQ ARPC, has processed nearly 20,000 officer and enlisted performance reports.

 

Air Force makes updates to enlisted evaluation policies

The Air Force recently updated evaluation policies for enlisted Airmen, refining the process and requirements for enlisted performance reports. The revised policies are in response to feedback from the field and are geared towards increasing flexibility for commanders and empowering performance within the enlisted corps.

 

CY20 EDEB Invitation to Apply available online

The CY20 Air Force Reserve Enlisted Developmental Education Board (EDEB) will convene 14-18 May 2019, at the Air Reserve Personnel Center, Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. The “Invitation to Apply” can be found here or via the myPers scrolling banner.

 

Annual Awards Banquet to be held March 2-RSVP by Feb. 15

RSVP by Feb. 15 for the 507th ARW 2018 Annual Awards Banquet, to be held March 2, 2019. POC: Master Sgt. Lindsay Newton, 405-626-6013, Alt POC: Master Sgt. Jeremy Scoles.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Every UTA , 2019--Finance hosting travel assistance; sign up via SharePoint link

Financial Management is scheduling members for both RTS and DTS assistance in 30 min increments starting at 0730 until 1400. Please use the link below to schedule a time. Walk-ins will be helped as usual; however, members who schedule a time will have priority.

NOTE:  Paper Vouchers - Bring all receipts, a copy of orders and completed checklist.   

NOTE:  DTS Vouchers – Scan and upload all receipts and orders to your DTS authorization under “Other Expenses” or “Substantiating Documents”.


Feb 11-15, 2019--Want a green belt to improve your unit?

Continuous Process Improvement Green Belt Training will be held Feb 11-15, 2019, in the 507th Security Forces training classroom. This FREE class is open to all members of the 507th ARW, 513th ACG and 730th AMTS with approval from member’s supervisor or commander. Contact Kimberly Howerton at (405) 734-9732 for more information.

 

Feb. 21, 2019--FERS Financial Guidance Seminar

The next FERS Financial Guidance Seminar (ETMS Course number CE-BA 2080) will take place from 8-12 on 21 Feb 19 at Rose State College in the Professional Training and Education Center (PTEC), room 114.  The PTEC is at 1720 Hudiburg Dr., Midwest City, OK 73110. The FERS Financial Guidance seminar/course is a 4-hour class covering basic FERS benefits, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions, financial/estate planning, debit/credit card reduction and investing for the future. The target audience for this course is FERS employees with 1 to 5 years of service. The goal is to provide earlier education on retirement/investment planning. Please contact Javier at 739-7538 for more information.  

 

Feb. 24, 2019—Vanwey Dining facility scheduled to close for renovations

The dining facility is scheduled to close for renovations Feb. 24, 2019. The staff will be serving limited meals (grill and deli items) until the closure Feb. 24. Please pass along to your units for expectation management. Forward your questions to Chief Master Sgt. Shakeisha Perkins, 72nd Force Support Squadron Superintendent.

 

Feb. and March UTA—‘Military Saves’ Week

‘Military Saves’ is an annual opportunity for installations and organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for service members and their families to assess their own saving status. 

For February and March UTAs, Airman and Family Readiness will have a table set up outside our office with brochures, pamphlets, stress balls, and an opportunity to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card. 

We are also setting up a class for Sunday of the March UTA with the base Professional Financial Counselor; location and time TBD. For more information: contact Master Sgt. Jo De Lorenzi. https://militarysaves.org/organizations/military-saves-week

 

MESSAGE FROM AIR FORCE LEADERS 

One suicide is too many 

By Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, Gen. David L. Goldfein, and Chief Master Sgt. Kaleth Wright  

Teammates, We have lost 11 Airmen over the last 4 weeks and more than 100 Total Force Airmen in 2018. Despite our collective efforts and responsibility for their well-being, suicide remains the leading cause of death for Airmen. These losses know neither grade, AFSC, status nor unit boundaries. They represent all of us. 

One suicide is too many. Each of us must act now to drive our Total Force suicides down. Our ultimate goal is ZERO. Suicide has devastating effects on individuals, families, units, communities, our readiness and our nation. We must collectively work toward preventing those who are in despair from dying by suicide. 

Suicide prevention is really about a culture shift. Culture is our collective beliefs, actions and values; the things each of us say and do contributes to our Air Force culture. We need an Air Force culture where it is more common to seek help than to try to go at it alone. We expect each of us to know what resources are available, help those in need, and stand alongside our Wingmen throughout a crisis or challenge. No one is alone and we are all valued members of our Air Force family. 

Please read the attached “What I Can Do Today” to learn how else you can arm yourselves in the pursuit of ZERO suicides and visit www.resilience.af.mil for more prevention tools. Additionally, we have several innovative programs at a number of installations (Task Force True North, Zero Suicide Systems Approach, Wingman Connect/Sources of Strength) aimed at increasing resilience and the understanding that seeking help is considered a strength. We encourage you to open up and share your own stories of struggle and triumph; use this experience to help others. If you want more information about these initiatives, contact your installation Community Support Coordinator. 

Suicide is a difficult and complex issue but it is preventable. It requires each of us to be involved and steadfast in our commitment to stop suicides. We expect each and every one of you to join our efforts in creating an environment where every Airman and family member can thrive.