ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – Jan. 10, 2020 (Vol 40, No. 1)
(Click headline to follow link to story and photos)
Okies bring holiday spirit to local veterans
Members of the 507th Air Refueling Wing visited with veterans at the Norman Veteran's Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Dec. 20, 2019
CAP cadets fly with Okies
Civil Air Patrol Edmond Composite Squadron cadets join the 507th Air Refueling Wing for a KC-135 orientation flight Dec. 17, 2019, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
Renovation of Vanwey dining facility extended; Reserve January UTA menu announced
Until the Vanwey Dining Facility reopens in late spring 2020, Reservists at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, will receive their meals at Bldg. 3001 Cafeteria and at Golden Corral’s new location in Del City, Oklahoma.
DoD Releases 2020 Military Pay and Compensation Rates
The Department of Defense has released the 2020 Rates for Basic Allowance for Housing, Basic Allowance for Subsistence, and Basic Pay. These rates took effect on Jan. 1, 2020. Basic Allowance for Housing rates will increase an average of 2.8%, Basic Allowance for Subsistence rates will increase 0.9%, and Basic Pay will increase 3.1% over the entire force.
Space Force: Air Force Reservists to continue to support space operations
The Space Force will initially be comprised of active-component members and civilian personnel who are conducting and supporting space operations today as part of Air Force Space Command. The secretary of defense, with advice from key Defense Department stakeholders, will work with Congress if legislation is needed to further integrate Air Force Reserve expertise into the Space Force in the future.
Tinker expands service access to more veterans
Veterans previously unable to access Tinker Air Force Base and other U.S. military installations now have expanded access to the commissary, Military Service Exchange and other services under a new Department of Defense policy that went into effect Jan. 1, 2020.
507th ARW January enlisted promotions
Click the link above to see the 507th Air Refueling Wing’s newest enlisted promotees.
Air Force to solicit 75th birthday theme ideas
Concepts for the 75th birthday theme should consider inclusiveness of multi-domain operations, capture Airmen’s innovation and reflect the Air Force’s heritage over the past 75 years and must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2020.
Employee Assistance Program has new phone number, website
The Air Force Employee Assistance Program, EAP, has a new phone number and website. EAP is a professional service that provides information, consultation, problem-solving counseling, resource identification and support to all Air Force civilian employees and their immediate family members.
Commissary, Military Service Exchange, and MWR access extended to more Veterans beginning January
New law provides eligible Veterans and Primary Family Caregivers with access to DoD and Coast Guard commissaries, exchanges, and morale, welfare, and recreation retail services.
KC-46 completes first around-the-world flight
A KC-46A from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing completed the Pegasus’ first flight around the world Nov. 13-26. The first global circumnavigation for the KC-46A Pegasus provided extensive training opportunities for maintainers and aircrew at multiple locations on a seven-leg, 13-day journey that included its debut at the 2019 Dubai Air Show (DAS).
Changes to VA-guaranteed home loans effective Jan. 1
Effective Jan. 1, 2020, the VA Funding Fee increased for some Veterans, however, the effective 'cap' on VA no-down payment loans will be eliminated, according to the Veterans Affairs website.
Air Force warns Airmen of electronic cigarette risks
The Air Force, much like the civilian population, is seeing a decrease in traditional tobacco use, but an increase in e-cigarette use, with the highest usage being among younger Airmen.
Fiscal Year 2020 UTA schedule available -- NO APRIL 2020 SUPER UTA
MESSAGES FROM AIR FORCE LEADERS
To the Men and Women of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force:
Today, the President signed the National Defense Authorization Act, and with the bipartisan support of Congress, established a sixth branch of the armed forces – the United States Space Force. The U.S. Space Force, an independent service singularly focused on protecting our interests and security in space, launches the nation into a new era. Combined with the standup of U.S. Space Command in August 2019, our nation is now well postured to preserve and protect space.
Forging a new service is an historic opportunity to deliver world-class capabilities to the American people. As of today, the law re-designates Air Force Space Command as the U.S. Space Force. Space professionals will soon have the opportunity to permanently transfer into the new service, while U.S. Air Force Airmen will continue to support the space mission. More information is available at spaceforce.mil.
Together with our joint teammates and our spacefaring allies and partners, we will establish a service that meets the highest standards of excellence, built on a foundation of integrity and service. We’re proud to serve with you!
Barbara Barrett
Secretary of the Air Force
UPCOMING EVENTS
Yellow Ribbon Dates and Locations
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
- January 24-26, Costa Mesa, CA
- February 21-23, Denver, CO
- March 20-22, Orlando, FL
Academic Year Civilian CDE/CSLP/ESEP Nomination call opens
Call opens on 13 Jan 20 and closes on 13 Mar 20
MyVector will be used as the nomination submission process for the Academic Year Civilian Developmental Education (CDE)/Civilian Strategic Leader Program (CSLP)/Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP) call for nominations.
Now is the time for applicants, supervisors and senior leaders to register in MyVector or update the profile they have already established. Access MyVector (https://myvector.us.af.mil/myvector).
Details on all CDE/CSLP/ESEP opportunities are available on the myPers Civilian Force Development Home Page (https://mypers.af.mil/app/categories/c/549/p/2).
507th ARW 2019 Annual Awards Banquet
Colonel Richard M. Heaslip
Commander, 507th Air Refueling Wing,
cordially invites you and your guest to attend the
2019 Annual Awards Banquet
Saturday, the eighth of February
two thousand twenty
social begins at six o'clock in the evening
dinner at seven o'clock in the evening
Hangar 1030
7450 Reserve Rd.
Tinker Air Force Base, OK 73145
Payment option: Credit card
~ MENU ~
Starter
Tortilla chips and On the Border's signature queso, prepared in-house with tomatoes, green chiles, onions, cilantro, poblano & jalapeño peppers.
Main Course
Chicken and steak fajitas
Mesquite-grilled chicken & steak fajitas atop grilled onions & peppers, served with sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole & pico de gallo, and a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.
~OR~
Vegetarian Option
Grilled portobello mushroom fajitas with sauteed seasonal vegetables, served with sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole & pico de gallo, and a side of with cilantro lime rice and black beans.
Dessert
Sopapillas coated in cinnamon sugar and served with honey and chocolate sauce for dipping.
Drinks
Choice of tea or lemonade
~ Tickets ~
$15.00 - E4 and below
$20.00 - E5-E6 and all civilians
$25.00 - E7-E8
$30.00 - E9 and all officers
For members who are civilians and Reservists, military rank should be used to determine pricing;
Military members pay rank equivalent for their guests
Other Important Dates
Quarterly Award nominations
Jan. 11, 2020 – 4th Quarter Airman, NCO, SNCO, CGO and Civilian Award packages due no later than 11:59 p.m
Annual Award Nominations:
Jan. 30, 2020 – Airman, NCO, SNCO, CGO, Civilian, Spouse, and First Sergeant’s Annual Award nomination packages due no later than 11:59 p.m
Feb. 8, 2020 – 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.