ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – Feb. 6, 2021

ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – Feb. 6, 2021 (Vol 41, No. 2)

(Click headline to follow link to story and photos)

Business efforts strengthen airpower and relationships
An aircrew from the 507th Air Refueling Wing here combined resources with the fellow reservists from 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, to conduct a business effort refueling training mission within central Florida’s airspace Jan. 25-29.

Air Force to allow longer braids, ponytails, bangs for women
As an outcome of the 101st Air Force uniform board, Air Force women will be able to wear their hair in up to two braids or a single ponytail with bulk not exceeding the width of the head and length not extending below a horizontal line running between the top of each sleeve inseam at the under arm through the shoulder blades.

Tinker Gate closed until Jan 2022
Tinker Gate Closure: Tinker Gate (I-40 & Air Depot Blvd) is closed for upgrades through January 2022. To handle the traffic, Eaker Gate (I-40 & Town Center Dr) is open with 24/7 access The Pass & ID Office location and hours remain the same. The following gates are the closest alternatives:

Eaker (Open 24/7), Vance (5:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri), Hruskocy (5:30-9 a.m. & 1:30-5 p.m., Mon-Fri)

The closure is part of an ongoing $9.7 million renovation project to bring Tinker AFB's gates into compliance with DOD facility requirements. We understand that this closure will cause inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our base.

Air Force announces Airmen leadership qualities
The Airman leadership qualities are expected to form the basis for the future officer and enlisted performance reporting systems. The alignment between evaluating units and evaluating Airmen is intended to further emphasize and accelerate an understanding and adoption of the associated leadership qualities.

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.

Reserve, Guard ready to take force-shaping troops
The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard should benefit from active-duty Air Force force-shaping actions made necessary by record Air Force retention levels. Amidst concerns during the ongoing pandemic, many active-duty Airmen who planned on retiring or separating in 2020 withdrew or delayed their plans.

Roth to serve as acting Secretary of the Air Force
John P. Roth will serve as the Acting Secretary of the Air Force as of Jan. 20, 2021 until the President nominates and the Senate confirms a permanent replacement.

507th ARW February enlisted promotions

Fiscal Year 2021 UTA schedule available

Messages from Air Force Leaders

Airmen and Guardians,

In my 46 years of public service, I have never been more honored than I am now, serving as your Acting Secretary of the Air Force.  We will move forward, advancing the Department’s efforts to build the U.S. Space Force, modernize the Air and Space Forces we need, grow strong leaders and resilient families, and strengthen international cooperation with our Allies and Partners.

Our commitment to our duty remains steadfast: to support and defend the Constitution, serve the American people, defend democracy, and protect the Nation.  Our Air and Space Forces remain strong, even in the face of unprecedented challenges, as evidenced through your innovative spirit, bold defense of our homeland, and resolute dedication to the mission. I am confident in your unshakable resolve.

Thank you for your enduring service. It is a privilege to serve with you!

John P. Roth
Secretary of the Air Force (Acting)

To the 697,000 Men and Women of the Department of the Air Force:

As I wrap up my service, I am filled with gratitude for the high privilege of serving with you. Thank you for your selfless service and steadfast focus on defending this great Nation.  Together, we advanced four American priorities.

First, in accordance with the law, together we stood up the United States Space Force to protect free, open access to the ultimate high ground. Space enables global navigation, information, and communication. Our national security depends upon Guardians who are organized, trained, and equipped to deter and defend against malicious behavior in space.

Second, together we accelerated modernization of the force by advancing new aircraft and investing in new technology. We celebrated unprecedented innovation, including AFWERX’s recognition as one of the best places for innovators to work, and we embraced partnerships with academia, government, and industry to entice top talent to join the national security mission.

Third, to build strong leaders and resilient families, together we built a more digitally-fluent workforce. We modified policies and removed barriers to welcome each committed, talented individual to fulfill his or her highest potential. We invested in families by encouraging state professional licensing reciprocity, factoring local education into strategic basing decisions, and confronting housing shortcomings so each military family has a safe home in which to flourish.

Finally, together we strengthened global alliances and partnerships from Alaska to Afghanistan and Thule to Turkey. We issued the first Department of the Air Force Arctic Strategy, assisted with hurricane relief, and delivered humanitarian aid around the globe.

You consistently exemplified Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Building on shared values and a common oath to defend the United States Constitution, together we championed freedom, liberty, respect for the individual, and respect for the rule of law.

As my tenure as Secretary of the Air Force draws to a close, I extend my profound gratitude for the honor of serving alongside you.

Aim High and Semper Supra!

Warmly,
Barbara Barrett
Secretary of the Air Force

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!

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. Marcus 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 February and March

RPA Orders at home
Feb. 27-28
March 20-21

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.