ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – October 15, 2022 (Vol 42, No. 10)

ON-FINAL NEWS BULLETIN – October 15, 2022 (Vol 42, No. 10)

(Click headline to follow link to story and photos)

Okies keep the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flying high
A U.S. Navy Blue Angel F/A-18E Super Hornet receives fuel from the 465th Air Refueling Squadron from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 10, 2022, over the skies of Arizona. 

Okies support total force by enabling critical aeromedical training
Members of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and the 137th Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conduct total force training during a mission to Iceland, June 9, 2022. This training included over ocean flight, aerial refueling

Tinker CGOC learns about Okie mission
Members of the Tinker Company Grade Officer Council visit the 507th Air Refueling Wing to learn about the Air Force Reserve, the KC-135 Stratotanker and wing's aerial refueling mission October 4, 2022, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Okies refuel over the Atlantic
A C-17 Globemaster assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, refuels with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, over the Atlantic Ocean, June 9, 2022.

The Enlisted Force Structure; The Brown Book
This graphic is a summary of the new Enlisted Force Structure, or "The Brown Book", current as of May 2022. The graphic was created on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Sep. 19, 2022.

Col. Alvin Bradford promotes to colonel
Spouses of service members tour a KC-135 Okie Tanker on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 26, 2022. The tour was organized by Tinker's Military and Family Readiness office. 

507th ARW October Enlisted Promotions

MESSAGES FROM AIR FORCE LEADERS

                                                                                                                    September 16, 2022

Airmen -
Seventy-five years ago, having defeated two major global powers in a world war and facing
a looming confrontation with a third, our nation established the Department of the Air Force and
the United States Air Force.  In less than four decades, human-powered flight had matured from a
curiosity to an undeniable strategic advantage.  Our Nation needed military professionals
dedicated to securing the high ground, and we answered that call.

Today, I am honored to serve alongside you as we celebrate our 75th anniversary and
reflect on the contributions of the Airmen who have defended our nation.  We are now two services,
but we remain true to our common roots, even as new generations lead us forward.  From Cold War
competition to current operations in the skies above the Pacific and Eastern Europe, we have
accelerated to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.  We have stayed ahead of our pacing
challenges through continuous innovation of our systems, operational concepts, and tactics.  While
we can never repay the sacrifices of our Airmen and their families, we have worked to ensure they
have the resources they need to thrive.  Empowered Airmen-past and present-have been indispensable
teammates and a competitive edge for joint and coalition forces.

We will always be there to provide the airpower that defends our homeland, deters or
defeats our adversaries, reassures our partners and allies, and helps our diplomacy proceed from a
position of strength.  Thank you for all you do to fly, fight and win!

One Team, One Fight!   

                Frank Kendall
Secretary of the Air Force

2022 Department of Defense National Hispanic Heritage Month Observance

The Department observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15, 2022 to October 15, 2022. During this time, we celebrate the histories, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Central America, South America, Spain, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

This year's Hispanic Heritage Month theme is, "Unidos: lnclusivity for a Stronger Nation." Fostering an inclusive environment is crucial for the Department's success. Not only does an inclusive environment attract and retain critical personnel, it enables the Department to gain the strategic advantage when we capitalize on the strengths of the talented individuals whose diverse experiences and perspectives reinforces our ability preserve and protect our military interests at home and abroad.

Today, Hispanic and Latino Americans remain a key component of the Department's workforce, comprising 17 percent of active duty Service members and 8 percent of the DoD civilian workforce. As we celebrate their many contributions, we are mindful of individuals like, Air Force Lieutenant General Marc H. ("Sass") Sasseville, the 12th Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the first Hispanic American to be named Commander of the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard. As a Lieutenant Colonel, he demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership when terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001. Lieutenant General Sasseville was one of the F-16 fighter pilots activated to find and alleviate the enemy's aerial threat against our country. We also must recognize retired Joe R. Campa Jr., who served as the 11th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, the most senior enlisted member of the U.S. Navy. Both distinguished themselves as professionals in arms serving with distinction, a small representation of the many Hispanic Americans who serve every day selflessly and honorably for the security and safety of our Nation.

As the Department's first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, it is my honor to lead the Department's diversity and inclusion initiatives. I ask that we all embrace the brilliance and possibilities of every culture, and as Americans, the very backgrounds that join us together as an integral part of our success. For resources and help with leading and organizing observances, visit: https://www.defenseculture.mil/Human-Relations-Toolkit/Special­

Observances/#national-hispanic-heritage-month.
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Enlisted Commissioning Board to be held Oct. 15
If you are an enlisted member who has been considering commissioning, now is your chance!

The 507 ARW Non-EAD ACP board (formerly Deserving Airmen) will convene 15 October 2022.  Interested candidates must submit a complete package using the attached snowflake (as one PDF document) to 507.FSS.Workflow@us.af.mil with a standard subject line of 507 ARW Non-EAD ACP – Member’s Last Name.  507 MPF will review all packages and prepare them for the board.  Packages are due NLT 1600 on 3 Oct 2022. 

Ponca City Veterans Parade
Event: Veterans Parade
Date:  5 November 22
Time:  1045
Location:  Ponca City

Operation Holiday Spirit Steak Supper to be held Dec. 2
The 23rd Annual Operation Holiday Spirit (OHS) steak supper is scheduled to be held December 2^nd. The steaks are 'to die for' every year!!!  Seats are limited to 350 so get your ticket while you can!  Plan early, have a great time, and help out our fellow Airmen. Tickets are now available online.  Visit www.holidayspirit.org for more information and to purchase tickets online.

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

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

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

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

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

Vanwey Dining Facility

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
 

Professional Development classes move to UTA Sundays

Motivated to do more and be more? Want to learn how to grow and develop yourself or your team? Know of current gaps in training?

Join us for our various training opportunities throughout the year to grow and professionally develop yourself!

2022 Professional Development Training, 507th Air Refueling Wing Auditorium, Bldg. 1056

Available via teleconference, just call 301-909-7357 and use access #: 247310745
POC: MSgt Megan Denman

October 16th @ 1000-1100
Nutrition Training
Presented by: Victor Foster

If you would like to get involved with the 507 ARW Professional Development Council, have any suggestions to improve the program, or have training topic suggestions, please reach out to any of the POC's below:​​

SMSgt Jeremy Scoles - MSgt Kurt Weisel​ - SrA Alyssa Perry​​​
 

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Upcoming Events
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a congressionally mandated program that is intended to provide military reservists and their families a forum to gather information on the resources and benefits available to them before and after deploying.

Orlando, FL Dec 16-18, 2022

For more information, contact the 507th ARW and 513th ACG’s yellow ribbon rep, 2nd Lt. Mary Begy at mary.begy@us.af.mil or at DSN: 884-5632 or cell: 407-517-2971

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