ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – Jan. 9, 2021

ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – Jan. 9, 2020 (Vol 41, No. 1)

(Click headline to follow link to story and photos)

Commander's holiday message 2020 (VIDEO)
Col. Michael Parks, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander, and his wife Ali, wish all Okies a happy holiday and a happy new year Dec. 17, 2020 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Repayment dates change to Social Security payroll tax deferral
UPDATE:  The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was passed and extended the period for collecting deferred 2020 Social Security taxes.  The period for collection is now January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (instead of January 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021).

Virtual or in-person: Yellow Ribbon events benefit deploying Airmen and their loved ones
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the success of the Air Force Reserve Yellow Ribbon Program could be summarized by one key statistic—more than 95 percent of attendees said Yellow Ribbon events benefited their family. This success was built on in-person events where deployers, their loved ones, leaders and subject-matter experts gathered in a conference-like setting for two days of training, education and networking on people-centric topics related to Reserve deployments.

Department of the Air Force releases findings on racial disparity review  
The Department of the Air Force released its report on the findings of an Air Force Inspector General independent review into racial disparity Dec. 21. The full report is available for download on AF.mil.

Command stands up Wingman Saves Program to promote crisis intervention
Air Force Reserve Command is implementing the Wingman Saves program, an intervention program aimed at recognizing Reserve Citizen Airmen who take the steps necessary to identify and assist those with at-risk behaviors.

Key spouses can be key
In the past two years, the Air Force has had an alarming increase in its suicide rate. There are many resources available to Airmen in need, but one change that is being worked toward is involving families. 

507th ARW January enlisted promotions

Fiscal Year 2021 UTA schedule available

Message from Air Force Leaders

To the Men and Women of the Air and Space Forces,

In June, we directed the Inspector General to conduct a thorough and transparent review of racial disparity across the Department of the Air Force.  Specifically, the IG was charged with assessing two topics:  racial disparity as it pertains to Black or African American Airmen and Guardians in 1) military discipline and 2) personnel development and career opportunities.  We recognize disparities across a range of minority groups deserve substantive assessment, and by surgically focusing this review, we expect to see tangible and timely outcomes followed by lasting, meaningful change that will benefit all minority groups.

In keeping with the imperative to be forthright and transparent, today we released the IG review so you, too, have an opportunity to read it and be informed.  The report highlights several disparities and provides an initial framework to address each of them.  You can review the report online at: https://www.af.mil.

The review methodology included: an examination of Department of the Air Force military justice data dating back to 2012; an examination of career development and opportunity data involving civilian, enlisted, and officer ranks; a review of all pertinent personnel and legal Air Force instructions and related publications; analysis of the results of a DAF-wide IG racial disparity survey that garnered more than 123,000 individual responses, including more than 27,000 single-space pages of feedback from members; formal interviews of senior leaders, subject matter experts, and service members; 138 in-person “boots-on-the-ground” sessions with more than 1,300 Airmen from across all major commands and the USSF; interviews with installation command teams; reexamination of 23 past studies and reports involving race and demographics in the military; and an analysis of other information and data culled from thousands of Airmen, Guardians, and others.

The review confirmed that racial disparity exists for Black or African American Airmen and Guardians in the areas of military discipline as well as personnel development and career opportunities.  Specifically, varying degrees of disparity were identified in apprehensions, criminal investigations, military justice, administrative separations, placement into occupational career fields, certain promotion rates, professional military educational development, and some leadership opportunities.  The review also confirmed disparity in personnel development and career opportunities for Black or African American DAF civilians. 

According to the report, while the data show race is a correlating factor, it does not necessarily indicate causality, and the data do not address why racial disparities exist in these areas.  However, the report does include service member feedback reflecting instances where members felt they experienced bias.  Determining the causes of these disparities will be the Department’s next step.

At our direction, Department stakeholders have already begun root cause analyses and will provide updated action plans to us within 60 days, as appropriate.  Initial actions already undertaken are outlined in Appendix-A of the report.  We are committed to publicly releasing our updated action plans as they evolve.  In addition, the Inspector General will provide a “progress report” six months from now, followed by an annual review of our comprehensive action plans and their effectiveness.  Both of these reports will be publicly released and provided to all our Airmen, Guardians, and civilians.  

This topic is a difficult one to address, yet it is critical we get this right.  You bravely serve as volunteers in our Air and Space Forces and you represent our Nation’s best and brightest.  You deserve to serve in an environment that is both diverse and inclusive, where all Airmen, Guardians, and civilians can reach their full potential.  We are grateful for all that you do and we appreciate the tremendous volume of feedback you provided to inform this important review.  We will continue to listen and, together, we will make the meaningful and lasting changes needed to address racial disparity in our services. 

Barbara Barrett
Secretary of the Air Force

John W. Raymond                                                               Charles Q. Brown, Jr.
General, USSF                                                                      General, USAF 
Chief of Space Operations                                                 Chief of Staff of the Air Force

Roger A. Towberman                                                          JoAnne S. Bass
Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Space Force                    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

Message from the Wing First Sergeant

Greetings 507^th!

I first off want to say I hope each and every one of you had a great holiday season with friends, family and loved ones. I hope you are rested up and as excited as I am about the start of a new year. I am privileged to support a new AGR opportunity as the Wing First Sergeant. Col Parks, Chief Nicholas, myself and AFRC believe it’s critical that we have the support and resources available to you all of the time, not just on UTAs. This position does not supersede your assigned Shirt on UTAs, it’s a supplement that supports outside of UTAs when issues come up needing support.

Transitioning to this new role, I have 3 Wing initiatives I'll be focused on:

- First and foremost is resources for our airmen
We've had an extremely tough year and ensuring the right support and resources are available is my #1    priority

- Second is mentoring across all ranks within the Wing
The AF has tools, AFIs and programs in place that aide in developing airmen. We also now have a strong   TOP 3 and rising 6 standing up. This is a prime opportunity to lay a solid framework for mentoring current and future leaders

- Third is the standup of a Professional Development Council
Today's environment is dynamic and fast paced requiring continual development and training to remain at the cutting edge of our adversaries. We need critical thinkers, experienced airmen and anyone willing to help develop and grow others to get involved

Be on the lookout for more information and opportunities to get engaged.

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you over the next year. I'm excited and blessed to be part of such and amazing Wing and dedicated airmen.

SMSgt Scoles
Bldg 1048, FSS Section
jeremy.scoles.1@us.af.mil

Tel. 405-734-6408
Cell 405-822-2463

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Due to social distancing requirements and minimal dine-in seating, the Vanwey Dining Facility requests your support in minimizing DFAC congestion by staggering customer meal times. The following schedule shows the suggested time-slots for customers:

10:30am- 507 MXS, 507 SFS, 513 AMXS, 970 AACS
11:00am- 507 CES, 507 LRS, 513 MXS, 513 OPS
11:30 am- 465 ARS, 507 OG, 507 OSS, 507 AMXS
12:00 pm- 507 FSS, 507 ARW, 507 MSG, 507 MXG
12:30 pm- 507 MDS, 72 APS, 513 ACG

First Sergeants needed

Looking for an exciting opportunity, new challenge, ready to step out of your comfort zone? The 507^th and 513th is looking for highly motivated leaders that are ready to take their career to the next level. First Sergeants are placed in squadrons across the wing, outside their career fields, work directly with Command staff and at the tip of the spear supporting our airmen. If you are up for the challenge, fill out the application package and we’ll see you in February for your interview!

Requirements at a glance:

• 4 week in residence course Maxwell AFB (1 year from selection to attend)
  • 48 month retain ability to attend Academy
• MSgt’s or TSgt immediately eligible for Master
• See your immediate First Sergeant for more details or questions

Current Openings:

• 465^th ARS
• 35^th CBCS

Future projections:

• 513^th MXS
• 507^th OSS
• 507^th MDS
• 507^th MXG

Recruiting is looking for volunteers
Staff Sgt. Walker is looking for Airmen interested in giving an inside look at their drill experience to help paint a picture to future Reservist about what a typical drill weekend looks like. Interested parties should contact SSgt Marcus Walker at marcus.walker.9@us.af.mil

Automated Lodging Registration System is now online
FSS excited to inform you that the Automated Lodging Registration System (ALRS) mobile app is now online to make lodging reservations and cancellations for primary UTAs. Currently, rescheduling lodging via the app is not possible.

If you are currently registered in ALRS with your cell phone number, you will receive a text message Oct. 23 with instructions to enroll in the mobile app, but it is recommended users set up the app in advance to ease the process. The app is available for download on Google play store for android users and the app store for Apple users. Finally, if you make your reservation in ALRS Mobile do not use the dial-in if you require a change or cancellation. 

If you have any issues downloading the app or additional questions, please contact MSgt Celeste Fletes at: 405-734-5532 or 507FSS.FSV.Lodging@us.af.mil

Yellow Ribbon
Yellow Ribbon is going virtual in December and January
RPA Orders at home
Jan. 23-24 (Pre Deployment event)

Future Events:
Feb. 26-28, Denver, CO
March 19-21, Costa Mesa, CA
March 26-28, Costa Mesa, CA

Contact MSgt Katie Johnson for more information
Katie.johnson.10@us.af.mil        405-734-7428

Register @ https://www.yellowribbon.mil/events/registration/rVaf-SI2FVjptFX6Rgftgv11q4LzpY9d9Z0ox8u-chgvLNjW5DyTL9DfYf2NGJ_hlQKjHZ8H455YYdwuI1kTzFYBmFqlvtf0tUzLgZHvX9fCLKfA6vyQAqRNTHU/new

Silver Squadron Breakfast
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, Del City, OK, 73115. 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. Call 405-670-9128 for more info.

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