ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – July 31, 2020

ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – July 31, 2020 (Vol 40, No. 8)

(Click headline to follow link to story and photos)

Okies keep aircrews safe amid COVID-19
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 507th Operations Group leadership ensured the Okies refueling mission continued while keeping aircrew and maintainers safe by implementing new operating standards in order to conduct daily missions refueling aircraft from Alaska to Texas.

Reservist, civilian fire chief responds to COVID-19 crisis
At the beginning of 2020, it was unclear how devastating the COVID-19 pandemic would become. During these uncertain times, first responders voluntarily work in harm's way in order to help others.

Air Force building more inclusive culture through dress and appearance updates
The changes, as outlined in an Air Force Guidance Memorandum dated July 1, 2020, include the removal of subjective language and other rules that may have been creating unintentional or unfair barriers for Air and Space Force uniformed members.

Air Force update for COVID-19
In an effort to minimize the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, modifications have been made.

NASCAR, driver salute new Air Force Reservist
When LaToya Freeman got a call July 22 saying her name was going to be painted on Jimmie Johnson’s car as part of NASCAR Salutes for the Super Start Batteries 400 race at the Kansas Speedway, she was in disbelief.

507th ARW August enlisted promotions

Fiscal Year 2021 UTA schedule available
August UTA Dates (Contact your leadership for more information)

UTA “A”: Aug. 1-2, 2020   //  UTA “B”: Aug. 15-16, 2020

MESSAGES FROM AIR FORCE LEADERS

Over the past year we worked together to enhance the Department of the Air Force’s culture of understanding, appreciation and commitment to protecting critical operational information from unauthorized disclosure and adversary collection and exploitation.  We made great strides, but OPSEC is a mindset that we must continually reinforce.  In his “Reinforcing Operations Security and the Importance of Preventing Unauthorized Disclosures” memo, the Secretary of Defense directed us to reinvigorate our focus on OPSEC to improve our security practices and remain vigilant with our colleagues and ourselves.

Within 45 days of this memorandum all Department of the Air Force personnel and on-site contractors will complete training to meet Secretary Esper’s intent.  Procedures and material for training requirements and additional Air Force OPSEC and security background information will be available on the Air Force Portal.  Individuals may complete the required training in either one of two ways: by taking the online training listed in the attached memo or by commander authorized in-person or virtual training sessions using Department of the Air Force authorized presentations located on the Air Force Portal.  Training completion will be accounted for by all Air and Space Force personnel via the Advanced Distributed Learning Service.

The Department of the Air Force remains accountable to the American people.  We will continue to robustly pursue public communication and engagement in order to enhance understanding and trust of our people and missions, but we will pursue it with steadfast commitment to protecting our critical information.  Thank you for your vigilance and for all you do every day to increase the lethality of the most powerful Air and Space Forces on the globe.

Barbara Barrett  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Family Day 2020, Sept. 12, 2020 - CANCELED

Back to school brigade
Aug. 1, 2020, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Drive- thru school supply event at the Tinker AFB Youth Center, 4460 McNarney Ave. Tinker AFB, OK 73145. Register at myOperationHomefront.org

507th ARW book drive
Look for donation bins around the wing or bring donations to the Airman and Family Readiness Center in Bldg 1043. Donations benefit VA agencies in the OKC metro area. Books only, no magazines.

Yellow ribbon date and location
If you received a call to Active Duty in support of a deployment for 75+ days or more, which resulted in separation from your family for the majority of the deployment, you are eligible to attend one pre-deployment event and two post-deployment Yellow Ribbon Events. For more information, call Master Sgt. Katie Johnson at 405-734-7207 or email katie.johnson.10@us.af.mil
Postponed until further notice

Vanwey Dining Facility – Open for business
Operating Hours – No Dine-in Service …. Carry out ONLY

Silver Squadron Breakfast
Sept. 26, 2020 (Saturday) Silver Squadron Breakfast – 0730 to 1030
Dec. 5, 2020 (Saturday) Silver Squadron Breakfast – 0730 to 1030
March 6, 2021 (Saturday) Silver Squadron Breakfast – 0730 to 1030

The quarterly breakfast events are hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary at the Del City Post located at 5000 SE 24^th Street (405-670-9128) from 0730 to 1030. The cost is $8 per person or $1 if you only want to drink coffee and socialize. Several of the attendees bring pictures and mementos to share. Okie vets that own their own businesses can also set up a table and get information out about their services. Consider attending and please pass the info along to other former Okies that may not receive the e-mails and/or these newsletters. Thanks.

VA DISABILITY SERVICE OFFICER ATTENDS OKIE BREAKFASTS: Del City Post Service Officer Gordon Wheeler may attend the Okie breakfast on June 6^th. Gordon will have a table off to the side to answer questions of veterans about filing disability claims and VA information. Gordon is also at the Post (5000 SE 24^th Street) every Wednesday from 1 to 3 pm. Enter through the south door on the west side of the building. Spread the word and bring your questions/concerns. He’s one of the best if not THE best Service Officer in OK.

GROUP PICTURES: Pictures will be taken at approximately 9 am and again at around 10 am at the breakfasts. Some attendees like to arrive early and leave early, while others arrive later and leave at the end of the event. This way we can hopefully capture everyone.

Big Okie Reunion (tentative)
Sept 25-26 (Friday-Saturday)
SH OKIES 10^th REUNION 2020: Tentatively scheduled for Friday and Saturday September 25-26, 2020. For more information keep an eye on the official website of the SH OKIES:  http://www.shokies.com/

If you would like to submit information or photos to the On-final, email us at 507arw.pa2@us.af.mil.