ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – Nov. 16, 2019 (Vol 39, No. 11)
(Click headline to follow link to story and photos)
OSU shoots video with 507th ARW
An Oklahoma State University video crew visited the 507th Air Refueling Wing and took footage of their military appreciation uniform with and in a KC-135R Stratotanker Oct. 9, 2019, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
Okie forges his way to victory
A maintenance supervisor in the 507th Air Refueling Wing here was crowned champion in the History Channel’s bladesmithing competition show, Forged in Fire, October 23, 2019.
Public Affairs releases first On-Final Anthology
The On-final Anthology Vol.1 is out now! Read all about the wing, the KC-135 and all the amazing things that Okies do every day.
507th ARW November enlisted promotions
Click the link above to see the 507th Air Refueling Wing’s newest enlisted promotees.
Air Force Chief of Staff outlines risks of budget uncertainties
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein warned Nov. 6 that budget uncertainties could affect dozens of programs ranging from F-35 Lighting II upgrades to those addressing the pilot shortage, while also complicating longer-range efforts to reshape the force to meet future threats.
Senate confirms Barrett to be Air Force secretary
The Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Barbara Barrett to be the 25th Secretary of the Air Force, Oct. 16, clearing the way for the experienced pilot and former ambassador to lead the service as it faces new threats globally and in space.
Required financial readiness training for Reserve coming in November
Beginning Nov. 15, financial readiness training will be required for all Reserve Airmen at defined key points throughout their military career.
Time to act: TRICARE Open Season, Federal Benefits Open Season
It’s that time of year again. Open season for TRICARE and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program opened Nov. 11, 2019. You’ll have until Dec. 9, 2019 to enroll in a plan or make changes to your existing plan. The changes that you make will become effective Jan. 1, 2020.
Computer Language Self-Assessment gives Reservists unique opportunities
Reserve Citizen Airmen with computer language knowledge now have the opportunity to put their coding skills to use for the Air Force.
Seasoning training helps Reservists stay mission-ready
Reserve Citizen Airmen must be mission ready and trained to the same standard as their active duty counterparts which is facilitated by the seasoning training program that helps Reservists to meet their initial mobilization requirement and skill level.
Air Force announces new officer development categories
In an effort to enhance the officer talent management system and enable tailored and agile development, the Air Force is expanding the single Line of the Air Force promotion category into six distinct developmental categories, senior officials here announced Oct. 21.
Air Force on schedule with new uniform issue timeline
When Air Force officials announced last year they were adopting the Army OCP as the official utility uniform, they developed a three-year rollout timeline across the force for the entire changeover. Last week put them on target for issue to new recruits entering BMT.
Military Exchanges halt vape sales
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service and the Navy Exchange have stopped selling vape-related products.
Air Force Recruiting Total Force Enterprise makes FY19 goal
Air Force Recruiting Service had a successful performance in fiscal year 2019 as each of its components met their goals for the year.
UPDATE: Reserve dining schedule
Golden Corral, new location at 1501 S Sooner Rd.
Fiscal Year 2020 UTA schedule available
MESSAGES FROM AIR FORCE LEADERS
Memorandum from the Secretary of the Air Force
To the Airmen of the United States Air Force,
One hundred ten years ago this month, Wilbur Wright gave the first flying lesson to a military member, Lt Benjamin Foulois. Fifty years ago, Airmen Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins were part of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. Today, test pilots like Maj Rachael Winiecki are developing the F-35 into our newest weapon system to connect the Joint Force across Air, Space, and Cyberspace.
This is an exciting and historic time for the Department of the Air Force! My predecessors, along with General Goldfein and CMSAF Wright, charted a bold course toward the Air Force We Need: a modern, connected force capable of winning any fight, any place, at any time. Now, we must increase the thrust behind that vector and make sure you have everything required to accomplish the mission.
Equally important is how we conduct ourselves. Integrity, Service, and Excellence… these are part of Airmen’s DNA. Our nation demands that we live by these values, and you can expect no less from me as your Secretary. We will do the right thing, the right way.
Thank you for volunteering to serve this great nation during a time of war. Whether Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, Civilian, or our Air Force families, everyone is critical to ensuring we remain the world’s greatest Air and Space Force. There is much to be done, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work alongside you. Aim High!
Sincerely,
Barbara Barrett
Secretary of the Air Force
Memorandum from the Secretary of the Air Force
To the Airmen of the United States Air Force,
We pause on 11 November each year to honor veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States, through peace and in conflict, in uncertain times and at war. These are our families, friends, neighbors, and heroes who have answered our Nation’s call.
One of our very own, Eileen Collins, reminds us what being an Airmen is all about. Colonel (Retired) Collins was the first female to command a shuttle in space. During her distinguished career, she taught students how to fly, expanded our capabilities as an Air Force test pilot, and inspired countless Americans by shattering barrier after barrier. Airmen like her created pathways for others to follow where none existed.
We thank all who donned the uniform, defended our homeland, and demonstrated the essence of service that provides the liberty we enjoy today. On this special day, join us in thanking our veterans and their families. Their sacrifices have defined this Nation.
Those of you who serve today are tomorrow’s veterans—it is you who will continue to secure freedom for America’s citizens, and forge new trails for those that will follow. We are entrusted with this sacred duty and honored to serve by your side.
Barbara Barrett David L. Goldfein
Secretary of the Air Force General, USAF
Chief of Staff
Kaleth O. Wright
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
UPCOMING EVENTS
Yellow Ribbon Dates and Locations Released for Nov., Dec. and Jan.
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
- November 22-24, Orlando, Fla.
- December 20-22, Orlando, Fla.
- January 24-26, Costa Mesa, Calif.
Annual Civilian Employer KC-135 ESGR/Boss Flight
Members of the 507th Air Refueling Wing have the opportunity to nominate your boss to fly on a KC-135 Stratotanker training flight on 12 Dec 2019. If you want to show your civilian employer what you do while in Reserve status and showcase why it is so important, then please nominate your employer. This outreach is great to help bridge the gap between our civilian employers and our military service. It is sponsored by us here in the 507th Air Refueling Wing and the Oklahoma Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
Please input your nominee on Sharepoint NLT 5 Dec 2019 at: https://afrc.eim.us.af.mil/sites/507ARW/Wing%20Staff/PA/SitePages/Nominations.aspx
Space is limited, and we will choose employers fairly from submissions across the wing.
Unfortunately, government service (GS/AcqDemo) employers/bosses cannot be nominated for this flight. Thanks!
If you have any questions, please email 507arw.pa2@us.af.mil.
- Dec. 5, 2019 – Deadline to nominate your boss to fly
- Dec. 12, 2019 – Date of flight
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.
Other Important Dates
Nov. 15-19, 2019 – Unit Effectiveness Inspection
Nov. 17, 2019 – Wing Commander’s Call, 1500 at the base theater
Dec. 6, 2019 – 21st Annual OHS Steak Supper
Jan. 11, 2020 – Fourth Quarter Award packages due
Jan. 15, 2019 – Civilian of the Quarter packages due
Feb. 8, 2019 – Annual Awards Banquet
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If you would like to submit information or photos to the On-final, email us at 507arw.pa2@us.af.mil.