ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – Sept. 11, 2021 (Vol 41, No. 9)

ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – Sept. 11, 2021 (Vol 41, No. 9)

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Welcome home Okies!
Members of the 507th Air Refueling Wing return from a deployment in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel Aug. 16, 2021, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

VIDEO: Officers at Tinker Air Force Base remember responding to 9/11 attacks
Tinker Air Force Base was a hub of activity on Sept. 11, 2001, with the Oklahoma base's planes making sure nothing was flying above the U.S. that wasn't supposed to be there.

DAF announces mandatory COVID vaccine implementation guidelines for Airmen, Guardians
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall directed the COVID-19 vaccine implementation guidelines for Department of the Air Force total force military members Sept. 3, in accordance with the Secretary of Defense mandate last month. The service implementation plan requires Airmen and Guardians to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the following dates, unless seeking an exemption: Nov. 2 – Active Duty personnel, Dec. 2 – Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve personnel.

Department of the Air Force releases 2021 assessment of states’ support of military families
The 2021 assessment of states' support of military families measured ease of licensure portability across state lines and support for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public education surrounding installations.

Deployers learn personal finance hacks during virtual yellow ribbon event
Do you use coupons? Do you spend less than $200 eating out a month? Do you have enough to pay off your credit card right now? Do you use an investment professional for your finances? These were a few questions asked during the “Minimize Your Life, Maximize Your Financial Future” briefing, given to pre-deployers during a virtual Yellow Ribbon event, August 28-29.

507th ARW September enlisted promotions

Fiscal Year 2022 UTA schedule available

Message from Leaders

Airmen and Guardians,

Twenty years ago, the course of our Nation was forever altered when terrorists hijacked and deliberately crashed commercial airliners into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  They failed in their goal of paralyzing the United States through fear because of Americans’ ability to stand together with hope, resilience, and perseverance against terrorism.

We will never forget the nearly 3,000 innocent people who lost their lives that day in New York City, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania, and the many who were injured.  Nor will we overlook those who have sacrificed since in American and global efforts to combat terrorism. Just as we remember those lost, we honor the families who have bravely endured life without their loved ones who died on September 11th and in the operations that followed.  In their honor, we will never stop working together to ensure the safety and security of our Nation and its people.

We must continue to demonstrate resilience and the ability to overcome challenges together.  We can—and will—triumph over future threats as one American team.

We share our most sincere gratitude to our Guardians, Airmen, civilians, and families for your selfless service and support. Your sacrifice, bravery, and dedication continue to inspire hope and unity. We are humbled to serve by your side.

Frank Kendall                                                                      Gina Ortiz Jones

Secretary of the Air Force                                                  Under Secretary of the Air Force

John W. Raymond                                                               Charles Q. Brown, Jr.               

General, U.S. Space Force                                                  General, U.S. Air Force                        

Chief of Space Operations                                                  Chief of Staff

Roger A. Towberman                                                          JoAnne S. Bass

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force                      Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

Heroes of the Air Force Reserve,

September 11, 2001 served as an inflection point in the history of our Nation.  As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the events of 9/11, we remember all of those that lost their lives on that tragic day.  Since the very first moments of the terrorist attacks on our Nation, Reserve Citizen Airmen have been at the forefront.

Major LeRoy Homer Junior, a Traditional Reservist assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright Patterson AFB was an airline pilot aboard United Flight 93 as First Officer.  He was the first Air Force Reserve casualty in what would become a global campaign against terrorism. Today, the 445th Airlift Wing's operations building bears his name as an enduring tribute to his sacrifice.

At the Pentagon, Chief Master Sergeant Troy McIntosh rushed into the flames three times to help evacuate wounded personnel.  Master Sergeant Noel Sepulveda, a career medical technician, pulled six injured people through windows and set up a triage area in the parking lot.

Each of these Airmen, like so many of you, embody a legacy of both great sacrifice and exceptional heroism.  

As we ask each Reserve Citizen Airman to reflect on these legacies, we do so in the wake of our withdrawal from Afghanistan after two decades.  From the beginning of the Global War on Terror, to Operations Allies Refuge and Allies Welcome, you met every challenge.  Over the past twenty years, many of you rushed into harm's way.  Your courage and professionalism saved lives in the months and years that followed 9/11 and again when we evacuated our vulnerable allies in one of the most complex airlift operations in history.  Regardless of the mission, you answered the call.  You should be proud of your contributions to our great Nation.  

We are humbled and honored to serve alongside each of you.

TIMOTHY C. WHITE, JR.                                          RICHARD W. SCOBEE
Chief Master Sergeant, USAF                                Lieutenant General, USAF
Command Chief                                                       Commander

Okies-

As a proud Okie, I have witnessed our ability to respond to missions around the globe and meet our nation’s readiness requirements. Your health and wellness are the wing and command’s highest priority.

To preserve our health, safety, and ability to execute the mission and in accordance with the Secretary of the Air Force’s order, I have directed commanders to issue an order this UTA to all unvaccinated Okie service members.

Our vaccination schedule will be expeditious to ensure that the wing Airmen become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 2, 2021. This vaccine directive is about your health and the health of every Reserve Citizen Airman.

We understand you may have questions, and we will have the resources to provide the most current information to you this drill weekend.

Thank you for all you do!

MICHAEL B. PARKS

Colonel, USAF

507 ARW Commander

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tinker AFB to host 74^th Anniversary Tinker Air Force Ball 1 Oct
Event: 74^th Anniversary Tinker Air Force Ball “A Heritage Honored Through Innovation”, Date: Friday, 1 October 2021, Time: 1800 Social; 1900 Dinner, Location: The Omni Oklahoma City Hotel, Guest Speaker: Lt Gen Gregory M. Guillot – Commander, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), Southwest Asia Civilian Attire: Formal, Military Attire: Officers – Mess Dress ; Enlisted – Mess Dress or Semi-Formal Uniform. Click the link below for details regarding special events, meal options, ticket pricing, and parking: tinkerafball.eventbrite.com. Ticket sales cut-off date: 28 September 2021 Note: Masks will be mandatory for this event. COVID-19 restrictions are subject to change.

Chapel services available on UTA Sundays
Event: Chapel Service Date: Sunday UTA Time: 0715-0745, Location: Bldg 1094, 72^nd MDG, Heritage Hall in the basement

Event: Chapel Service Date: Sunday UTA Time: 0730-0800 Location: 72^nd APS Conference Rm.

Event: Catholic Mass Date: Sunday UTA Time: 0730-0800 Location: Bldg 1059, 507^th Operations Group, Conference Room

Event: Bible Study Date: Sunday UTA Time: 0800 – 0830, Location: Bldg 1048, 507^th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Conference Room

For more information, please contact the 507^th Chapel Staff at 405-734-1912.

23^rd Annual Operation Holiday Spirit Steak Supper to be held Dec. 3
Event: HOLIDAY SPIRIT STEAK SUPPER, Date: Friday, Dec.3, 2021, Time: 1800-2200, Location: American Legion/VFW Post - 5000 SE 24th St., Del City, OK Tickets: $45.00, quantities limited to 400 tickets/seats

Menu: Ribeye steak from Wheeler’s Meat Market served with baked potato, veggies, salad, roll and cheesecake.

Beverages: Cash bar provided (no outside beverages)

Visit holidayspirit.org for more information and to purchase tickets online. For more information or purchase paper tickets please contact the following: Takesha Williams, Angi Dail, Joe Brown, Joe Wade, Ralph Hawkins, Dan Gibb, Larry DeSalle or Michelle Bonilla.

Family Day postponed to April 2022
507th Air Refueling Wing Family Day is rescheduled until April 2022. Family day is an annual event designed to give families of Okies the opportunity to enjoy aircraft static displays, food and fun.

Sign up for a Family Day vendor booth today: https://afrc.eim.us.af.mil/sites/507ARW/SitePages/507%20ARW%20Family%20Day.aspx

September UTA Vaccination Plan
Location: 72^nd MDG, POC: Maj. Scott Blair

507^th MSG personnel: Saturday, 11 Sept. 1200-1500

507^th MXG personnel: Sunday, 0800-1000

507^th OG, MDS and Wing Staff: Sunday, Sept. 12 and 1300-1500

Briefings at the base theater Saturday at 1100 and Sunday at 0700 and 1100 with the Chapel and MDS

Vanwey Dining Facility – Open for business

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

507th Chiefs Group – TOP 3 – Rising 6 & CGOC Present “Emotional Intelligence”

DATE/TIME: 12 September 2021 @ 1200-1300
LOCATION: Base Theater
COURSE: “Emotional Intelligence”

DESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVE: Can’t make it in person? Available via teleconference, just call 301-909-7357 and use access #: 247310745 POC: MSgt Megan Denman

September 15th @ 1200-1300

Bullet Writing

October UTA (Sun) @ 1200-1300

Bullet Writing

October 20th @ 1200-1300

Defense Travel System (DTS)

November UTA (Sun) @ 1200-1300

Defense Travel System

November 17th @ 1200-1300

Fitness for Duty Determination

December UTA (Sun) @ 1200-1300

Fitness for Duty Determination

Share your adventure
Telling your story to those around you, your family, friends and co-workers, can make a big difference to them and to the Air Force Reserve. Maybe you will tell your story to someone who lives nearby, someone who lives across the country or a friend who is getting out of Active Duty. The Air Force Reserve has locations across the country, who will you tell your story to? https://www.shareyouradventure.us/

Automated Lodging Registration System is 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

507 ARW 3rd Quarter Award Packages due 2 Oct
DUE: NLT 1700, Saturday, 2 October 2021. (Late packages will not be accepted)

If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding the due date of the 3rd quarter award packages, please contact MSgt Kerra Hibner or CMSgt Stephen Nicholas.

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program
Oct 22-24: Costa Mesa, FL (This event is full)
Nov 19-21 : Crystal City, VA
Dec 17-19 : Los Angeles, CA

For more information, contact the 507^th ARW and 513^th ACG YR rep, MSgt Stephanie Charkowski at stephanie.charkowski@us.af.mil

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