feb 2013 spouse newsletter
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M e d G r o u p M o n t h l y M a t t e r s P a g e | 1
Med Group Monthly Matters
375th Medical Group ∙ Scott AFB, IL ∙ Vol 4, Issue 2 ∙ Feb 2013
Have Info to Submit? Contact us at: [email protected]
. 375 Medical Group Key Spouse Roster
Do you know your Key Spouse? We’re here for YOU!
Squadron Key Spouse Phone # Email
375 DS Aileen Boone (618)726-7245 [email protected]
375 MDSS Stephanie Wu (502)773-5014 [email protected]
375 AMDS Miranda Cornett (618)795-5358 [email protected]
375 MDOS Rebecca Ehrenfried (843)991-5395 [email protected]
Connie Schroth (618)795-9854 [email protected]
Scott AFB Airman & Family Readiness
Center (A&FRC)
404 W. Martin St., Building #1650
Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:30am–4:30pm
(618)256-8668 / DSN 576-6766
Website Twitter
Facebook Blog
Email LinkedIn
*Registration is required for ALL A&FRC workshops & events
.
February is already here!
Scott AFB has many great activities for you and
your families. It’s our hope that this newsletter
connects you to new opportunities!
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Scott Officers’ Spouses’ Club (OSC) Events Website Facebook
February Board of Governors’ Meeting: February 6th at 9:30am-11:00am. Held at the Chapel.
Mini Clubs: Lots of weekly social opportunities. Find one that suits you! http://www.scottosc.com/mini-clubs/
February Social*: Sweetheart Dinner on February 13th. Invite to be emailed to members.
March Event (open to public): Trivia Night at Katy Cavins Community Center in O’Fallon. See event flyer on next page!!
*= to attend the socials, OSC membership is required, but your 1st visit is FREE! To apply for membership, visit
Scott OSC Membership. We’d love to have you!
Scott Enlisted Spouse Club (ESC) Events Website Facebook
Congrats Lagea Mull for Military Spouse Magazine's installation level Military Spouse of the Year! http://bit.ly/11orSQT
Lunch Bunch: Held the 1st Friday of every month. Visit t;he ESC Facebook page for location information.
To Place Membership with the ESC: Visit the ESC Website membership page.
What’s the difference between a KEY SPOUSE & a SPOUSE CLUB?
Scott AFB February Calendars (just click on the links)
375 FSS
A&FRC (Airmen & Family Readiness Center)
HAWC (running path map: http://bit.ly/11ouzln)
Aerobics Schedule
Cardinal Creek Golf Course
Key Spouse
• Trained volunteer/individual
• Extension of Squadron/Unit
• Purpose is Family Readiness
• Not a social club
• Establishes a credible, informal support network at the “grass roots” level
• Engages in Privacy Act info (i.e. contact info)
• Vital link for families of deployed members
• Welcomes incoming individuals & families
Spouse Club
•Private, self-sustaining, non-profit organization
• Base-wide
• Purpose is to develop, organize & sponsor educational, charitable, & social activities
• Governed by a Board of Governors
• Paid Membership
• Not part of the Department of Defense or any of its components and has no governmental status
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. Event Website: http://bit.ly/VTELw6
Event Facebook Page: http://on.fb.me/VTEF7G
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February Events
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SUPER BOWL CHILI COOK-OFF – 1 FEB: The A&FRC and HAWC are sponsoring a Super Bowl Chili Cook-
off. Bring a crock filled with your special chili, or stop by the A&FRC to sample the entries and cast your
vote. For more information or to sign-up, contact SSgt Patterson at 256-7139/7136 or Brenda Wells at
256-8668. 1100-1230
FIRST FRIDAY – FEB 1: The Scott Club will host First Friday with a 2013 Membership Drive Mardi Gras Party Feb.
1 beginning at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to all. For more details, call the Scott Club at 744-1333.
375 AMW ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET – FEB 1: The 375 AMW annual awards banquet is scheduled Feb. 1.
Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and the event starts at 6:30 p.m. All guests and nominees must register via the
following link by close of business Jan. 25. Contact your unit First Sergeants to make payment via cash or check.
http://bit.ly/VoB5BC
CMSAF BUD ANDREWS AIRMAN LEADERSHIP GRADUATION – SIGN UP BY FEB 1: The CMSAF Bud Andrews
Airman Leadership School Graduation Ceremony of Class 13-B will be Feb. 7 at the Scott Club. To register go
to: http://bit.ly/VoB40L. Each guest must be registered individually. Registration ends on Feb. 1. Late
registrations will not be accepted. Registrations cancelled within 48 hours of this event cannot be refunded.
2013 AF CLUB MEMBERSHIP DRIVE – BEGINS FEB. 1: Sign-up now for three months of free club membership,
and win money instantly!! Everyone who joins the Scott Club between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2013 will
automatically receive three months free dues, be enrolled in the free cash back rewards program, and will win
between $5 - $100 instantly upon application! For complete details call the Scott Club at 744-1333.
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HIGH ADVENTURE – HIDDEN VALLEY SKI TRIP – FEB. 2
Outdoor Recreation High Adventures will host a day trip to Hidden Valley Ski Resort, near Eureka Mo., on Feb.
2. Transportation is $10 and departs at 8:30 a.m., returning approximately at 6 p.m. Note: Discount ski price
for Active Duty Military only ($5 lift pass and $5 rentals). Discount does not apply to polar plunge. For more
details, call ODR High Adventures at 256-1527/2067.
SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE & CITY MUSEUM TRIP – FEB. 2
Take a trampoline class or just bounce around with the kids. After the bounce enjoy lunch at The Old Pasta
House (own cost), then enjoy an afternoon at the City Museum. Trip is open to ages 5 and up. Cost is
$25/person, includes admission to both facilities and transportation). Buses will depart at 8:30 a.m., returning
around 5 p.m. Reservations are required, seating is limited. Trip strenuous level is rated at 3, out of 1-5
(jumping, climbing is required). For more details, visit www.375fss.com, www.facebook/ScottODR or call 256-
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2067/1527.
UFC 156 @ SCOTT CLUB – FEB. 2
Watch all the action of UFC 156 at the Scott Club on Saturday, Feb. 2. See Jose Aldo battle Frankie Edgar, plus
many more bouts! Join us in the Enlisted Lounge. Event is FREE and open to All Ranks! Doors open at 5 p.m.,
PPV coverage begins at 9 p.m. Bar food menu available until 10 p.m. Don’t miss a minute of the action! For
complete details, call the Scott Club at 744-1333.
3
NFL Super Bowl XLVII Day!!!
THE BIG GAME – FEB. 3: Catch all the action of The Big Game at the Scott Club on Feb. 3. Event is open to All
Ranks with festivities beginning at 4 p.m. in the Enlisted Lounge. Enjoy a special a la carte menu available at 5
p.m. Seating is limited to the first 150 guests. Winners of the Television and 2 LAZBOY recliners, sponsored by
Bud Light, Scott Credit Union, LaZboy, USAA and Webster University will be awarded. Other great prizes will
be awarded throughout the event. Must be a club member to win prizes. For more information call 744-
1333. No Federal Endorsement of Sponsors Intended.
4
TEEN EMPOWERMENT PANEL: There will be a panel made up of 6 teenagers that will be leading a discussion
on Monday, 4 February from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the SAFB Youth Center. To register, please call FAP @
256-7203. Ages: 14—18 only please.
BASE TAX CENTER OPENS – FEB 4: The Base Tax Center will begin taking appointments for free tax
preparation services beginning 4 February through 15 April 2013. Tax preparation services will be limited to
1040s, Schedules A and B, and Illinois/Missouri state returns. The Tax Center is located at Pronto Pizza (on the
corner of Ward Drive and Martin Street) and is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 0900 to 1700. Active
duty military and spouses only. Priority given to E-1 through E-4. To schedule an appointment call 256-1040.
VALENTINE KIDS KLUB – FEB. 4: Parents bring your children to the Scott Club on Monday, Feb. 4 from 5 to 7
p.m. for a special Valentine Kids Klub. Enjoy music, dancing, contests, a great meal, and more. Members pay
$6.95 and kids 12 & under are free. Non-members pay $8.95, non-member children ages 6-12 are $5.95 and
ages 5 & under are $2.95. For more information contact Missi at the club at 744-1333.
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NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY: Free pancakes at IHOP on Feb. 5th from 7am-10pm! IHOPPancakeDay.com
CHAPEL-SPONSORED CLERGY/RELIGIOUS LEADERS APPRECIATION DAY – FEB 5: The Scott Chapel will host
"Our Partnership in Faith" Clergy/Religious Leaders Appreciation Day Feb. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to extend
our gratitude to our local faith communities for the spiritual care they give to our military and family
members. Please extend this invitation to your local clergy/religious leader. For more information and e-vite,
please contact the base chapel at 256-3303.
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RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP - 6 FEB: This workshop will cover comprehensive information on the resume
writing process. Learn about different styles of corporate resumes, removing military terminology, and how to
effectively network and market your experiences into a language that companies will understand. Call 256-
8668 to register. 0900-1200
NAF RESALE OPEN – FEB. 6, 13, 20 & 27: Check out what we have for sale at NAF Resale, located at Outdoor
Recreation’s RV Storage Lot - Bldg 3286 (old Recycling Ctr), on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. NAF
Resale is set to be open Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Items can change weekly, and we never know what we are
going to receive for resale. Check us out online too at www.375fss.com. For more details, call Outdoor
Recreation at 256-2067/1527.
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EFMP SUPPORT GROUP - 7 FEB: Meet with EFMP families to share ideas and resources. A guest speaker from
Sierra Mediation & Counseling will present information about counseling services and ABA Therapy. 1100-1300
BUNDLES FOR BABIES - 7 FEB (Note the change from 25 Jan to 7 Feb): Learn how to budget for a new baby,
and discover on/off-base support programs. Attendees will receive a "Bundle" of baby items valued at $75.
Call 256-8668 to register. 1300-1600
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FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOP - 8 FEB: Learn how to apply and navigate the federal employment
systems. This workshop will cover 10 Steps to a Federal Job, to include networking, navigating USAJOBS, tips
on the application process, writing federal resumes, and much more. Call 256-8668 to register. 0900-1200
TEENS AND SOCIAL MEDIA - 8 FEB: Join FAP, A&FRC, HAWC and SAPR for a collaborated event discussing
Teens and The Media. Parents and teens 13 and up are invited to this open discussion on the role and impact
social media has on our everyday lives. Call 256-8668 to register. 1630-1830
EFMP VALENTINES DINNER & DANCE - 8 FEB: This dance will be held at Rockwell Hall, and is open to EFMP
Family Members of all ages. Call 256-8668 to register. 1800-2000
DIVA’S ONLY LOCK-IN – FEB. 8-9: The Youth Center is hosting an All Girls “Diva’s Dream” Lock-In on Feb. 8
from 7 p.m. Friday night to 7 a.m. Saturday morning. Join us as we go on a mall shopping trip to get
manicures and learn the latest fashion tips. Later we will watch “chic flicks” and gather valuable “girl 411”! Event
is $10 for members, and $45 for non-members (includes yearly membership). Call the Youth Center for more
details at 256-5139.
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SHADES OF BLUE ENSEMBLE: Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble will host a here concert base theater at 6:30
p.m. This event is FREE and open to everyone with access to Scott AFB! The group will be playing lots of great
jazz but also musical selections to celebrate Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day. For more information visit their
Home Page or their Facebook page.
LINCOLN TOUR IN SPRINGFIELD – FEB. 9: Celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday with Outdoor Recreation and
a fun-filled day to Springfield, IL. Visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln
Presidential Library and Museum and Lincoln’s Tomb. Please bring walking shoes, snacks, warm clothing water
(also bring a lunch or have lunch at the museum at your cost). Cost is $25 Adults 16 & up, $12.50 ages 6 to 15
(trip open to ages 6 and up). Cost includes admission fees and transportation. Buses will depart at 7 a.m.,
returning around 6 p.m. Reservations are required, seating is limited. Trip strenuous level is rated at 2, out of
1-5 (some walking required). For more details, visit 375fss.com, or call 256-2067.
TEXAS HOLD’EM – REGISTER EARLY & GET MORE CHIPS! – FEB. 9: Go all in on Saturday, Feb. 9 in the Scott
Club’s Enlisted Lounge for our Texas Hold’em Tournament! Come enjoy our pre-game social from 5:30-6:30
p.m. featuring food (assorted hors d’oeuvres) and drink specials, followed by tournament play at 7 p.m.
(Registered players must be signed in by 6:30 p.m.). Interested players must register at the Scott Club Monday
– Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register early and get an extra 500 chips. Anyone who brings a guest player will get
an extra 100 chips and that guest will get an extra 50 chips. Tournament seating limited to first 100 players and
is a first come, first served basis. Members are $7, Non-members are $12. Prizes are awarded to winners
based on their finishing place.
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SUNDAY BRUNCH – FEB. 10: Join the Scott Club for their fabulous Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy
the delicious breakfast and lunch items, as well as complimentary bar featuring mimosa’s, bloody mary’s and
more. Walk-ins welcome, reservations suggested. *Note: Pre-paid reservations required for special brunch
events. For pricing and more details, call the Scott Club at 744-1333.
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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE – FEB 12: The American Red Cross monthly blood drive will be held at Rockwell Hall
Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To check eligibility requirements visit http://bit.ly/VoCpV4. Appointments are
recommended; walk-ins are welcomed. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please email Staff Sgt.
Jasmine Pope.
13
SOSC FEB SOCIAL – FEB 13: The Scott Officers Spouses Club will host an event at Eckert’s Country Store and
Restaurant Feb. 13 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The event includes learning to make an entrée and salad in a
cooking class at $20 per person. Please RSVP to Shelley by noon Feb. 8 at [email protected] or by
calling (530) 701-1475.
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TEENS AND SOCIAL MEDIA – FEB 13: Join FAP, A&FRC, HAWC and SAPR to discuss social media and its role in
our daily lives. Parents and teens 13 and up are invited to the A&FRC Feb. 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for
an open discussion on the impact social media has on our everyday lives. Please contact A&FRC to register at
256-5668.
LENTEN PIZZA SPECIAL - FEB. 13: Take advantage of the Lenten Pizza Special being offered at Pronto Pizza
Feb. 13 – April 1. Get one medium (12 inch) four topping pizza for only $7! Topping choices are mushrooms,
black olives, green peppers, red onions, jalapeno and pineapple. For more information, call 256-3921.
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Happy Valentine’s Day!!
VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT PACKAGES: Valentine’s Day is nearing and Information, Tickets and Travel has you
covered, from balloon bouquets to theatre tickets, for that special someone. We have a variety of Valentine’s
Day balloons available, Mylar Balloons $3.50, Latex Balloons $1, plus many weights to choose from starting at
$1 each, to include edible weights. Purchase Wehrenberg movie tickets, Emerald passes $6.50, Diamond
passes $8 each. Make it a gift pack, choose either Emerald or Diamond movie passes, and add 1 bag of
popcorn and 1 candy side for just $2 more. Delivery is available for balloon bouquets and gift packages for
just $5 (on base delivery only). Get your order in early, supplies are limited. For more details, call ITT at 256-5919.
VALENTINE’S DAY NIGHT OUT – FEB. 14: Information, Tickets and Travel is offering a Valentine’s Day Night
Out on Feb. 14 for those wishing to celebrate with a romantic dinner and carriage ride. Join us as we dine
(your cost) at the Millennium Hotel’s, Top of the Riverfront Restaurant, voted #1 most romantic restaurant in
the area, and is the only rooftop revolving restaurant with views like no other. After dinner, Saint Louis Trolley
and Carriage Company will escort couples through downtown in a horse drawn carriage limo for a 30 minute
tour. Space is limited. Buses will load at 3:45 p.m., departing sharply at 4 p.m., with dinner reservations
promptly at 5 p.m. Cost is $19/person, which does not include dinner. Must be 18 years old. Sign-up today,
deadline for reservations is Feb. 11. Call ITT at 256-5919 for details and reservations.
HIGH ADVENTURE – VALENTINE’S DAY SKI TRIP – FEB. 14: Outdoor Recreation High Adventures will host a
day trip to Hidden Valley Ski Resort, near Eureka Mo., on Feb. 14. This is a great trip for beginner skiers or for
a more experienced skier to brush up on their skills while exploring the Missouri Ozark foothills. Transportation
is $12 and departs at 8:30 a.m., returning approximately at 6 p.m. Note: Discount ski price for Active Duty
Military only ($5 lift pass and $5 rentals). Discount does not apply to polar plunge. NOTE: An online only
special is being offered as $14 lift, $14 rentals in honor of Valentine’s Day by going to hiddenvalleyski.com.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more details, call ODR High Adventures at
256-1527/2067.
VALENTINE’S DAY PARENTS NIGHT OUT – FEB. 14: Want to celebrate Valentine's Day with your sweetheart
but not sure what to do with the kids? Many of the Family Child Care (FCC) providers are providing their child
care services on Thursday, Feb. 14. Now you can go out for dinner, take in a movie, go on Outdoor Rec's Ski
Trip, etc. and not worry about the kids. The cost is $6.50 per hour and times can be arranged with the FCC
provider. For a complete list of providers or for more information, please call 256-8047/8156.
VALENTINE’S DAY MEAL DEAL – FEB. 14: Pronto Pizza is offering a Valentine’s Day Meal Deal Feb. 14. Enjoy a
Spaghetti & Meatballs meal for two for only $13! Meal includes garlic bread, side salad, dessert and fountain
drink. For more information, call 256-3921.
SWEETHEART KISS MOCHA SPECIAL – FEB. 14: Take your sweetheart to the Student Union Café Valentine’s
Day, Feb. 14 and treat him/her to a Sweetheart Kiss Mocha which is a blend of white mocha and raspberry
syrup. Get a large for $4.35, medium for $4.05 or small for only $3.35! Café is open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
22 FOODIE FRIDAY- FEB 22: The HAWC and A&FRC will offer a cooking class Feb 22 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. The
class participants will learn how to prepare three recipes along with tips for meal planning, grocery shopping
and how to be budget friendly. Please call the HAWC or A&FRC for more information or to enroll at 256-8668.
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Air Force Times via Military Times
Be entered for a chance to win a TRX Force workout kit by taking our annual Military Times Poll! Vote here: http://bit.ly/118aMlv
Savannah's Soldiers
Savannah's Soldiers is a national letter writing campaign started by young singer songwriter Savannah Maddison. Savannah’s
Soldiers is going to send letters to soldiers all year long until they come home. Click Here to Read More and to find out how you
can participate.
Sittercity Services
The Sittercity website is assisting military families in finding caregivers in their area at no cost. This is a great way for members and
their families who are affected by Hurricane Sandy to find child care or pet care. http://www.sittercity.com/
DMV at the Scott Club
Need to renew your license plate stickers, but can’t make it to the DMV? Catch the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles mobile
unit at the Scott Club every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This DMV mobile unit offers basic vehicle
services. The next date the mobile unit is scheduled to appear is Jan. 16. Stop by or call the Scott Club for more details,
744-1333.
Shiloh Cut-Off/Green Mount Road Project Update
The Shiloh cut-off project is 95% complete from Maple Street to Designing Drive. The project is considered an active construction
zone and should be treated as such when traveling. Temporary measures have been taken to minimize the inconveniences to
the traveling public during this shut down period. However, full closures along certain segments of the roadway will occur once
construction resumes. The Green Mount Road project has been halted until weather becomes more cooperative. Even though
the large majority of the improvement has been completed the remaining work will still involve minimal congestion and delays
throughout the project. If you ever have any questions regarding the project please call Randy Georgen at (618) 233-1392.
Scott AFB Thrift Shop
The Scott AFB Thrift Shop is a great way to turn a profit on gently-used clothing and household goods or a great place to shop for new
items at super low prices! Consigning is limited to active duty, reservists, retirees and their dependents, and Civil Service members of
Scott. Anyone may shop at the Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop accepts cash or checks only; NO debit or credit cards. Open for business:
Tues-Fri, and 1st Saturday from 10-2. Consignments accepted: Tues, Thurs, Fri, and 1
st Saturday from 10-12 (military in uniform until
12:30). The Thrift Shop is always in need of volunteers and donations of brown paper (grocery) bags.
Address: Bldg #700 on Perimeter Road (Just past the Vet Clinic & across from the Resale Lot ), Scott AFB, IL
Phone: (618)744-9441 | Email: [email protected] | Find out more at Scott AFB Thrift Shop
CE CUSTOMER SERVICE RELOCATION
The 375 CES Customer Service Desk has permanently relocated to Bldg 57 off E. Winters St, near the blind side mirror. For
questions or concerns about this message, feel free to contact CE Customer Service at 256-2202.
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GALAXY TLF MAINTENANCE PROJECT – NOW THROUGH MAR 31
Ameren IP will be installing new Natural Gas mains and service lines to all TLF buildings. The project estimated completion is
March 31.. Cones, barricades, and/or flagmen will be present to direct traffic as needed. Scott Inn Maintenance and CES will
coordinate all work to minimize inconveniences to TLF residents. As with all work during this time of year, weather and other
unforeseen events can affect constructions schedules.
MilPDS UPGRADES – COMING IN MARCH – ACTIONS NEED TO BE DONE NOW
The Air Force plans to upgrade the Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS) and transfer it to the DISA Defense Enterprise
Computing Center (DISA DECC) in March. Several deadlines must be met before the system upgrade:
Base Preference applications – Due Feb. 1
In-Place Base of Preference – Due Feb. 1
Applying for re-enlistment, extension or separation – Due Feb. 15
Applying for voluntary retraining – Due Feb. 15
Scheduling a foreign language test – Due Feb. 15
Updating SGLI – Due Feb. 15
Base pay, entitlements will not be affected, however to avoid any pay issues if you are requiring personnel actions that affect pay
(i.e. separations, reenlistments, etc. with a March DOS), then please contact MPS first. The MPS POC is Customer Support
256-4112 or [email protected]
Pre-Separation Counseling – Every Thursday: The Airman and Family Readiness Center will host the Pre-separation Counseling
every Thursday. It is a mandatory benefits and entitlements briefing for all active duty service members who anticipate separating
in 1-yr or retiring in 2 years. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend.
Extreme Conditioning "Fit for Duty" Videos
In Aug 2012, the Air Force Personnel Center's Directorate of Services Fitness Section partnered with The Pentagon Channel (TPC)
to icon_podcast-Fit_for_Dutyshoot 26 extreme conditioning videos. TPC will add the videos to their existing collection of over
100 introductory and intermediate "Fit for Duty" videos. These videos will be available on-line, via podcast and for their television
programming in Jan 13. Existing "Fit for Duty" videos are available at, http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/Shows/FitforDuty.aspx
EFMP Play Group is beginning 5 Feb 13. Play Group will be every Tuesday morning from 0900-1000 at the Patriots Landing
Community Center. Play Group is open to EFMP family members of all ages. Call 256-8668 for additional information.
The Virtual Record of Emergency Data (vRED) provides names and addresses of the persons to be notified in case of death,
injury, or emergency, and serves as the official source document for designating beneficiaries for death gratuity pay and unpaid
pay and allowances in the event of the member's death. Unit commanders are to ensure each member completes and updates
the vRED, and each member is to ensure they have a current vRED on file and revalidates it at least annually. Call 256-6508 for
additional information.
FAMILY HOUSING RESIDENTS
They are now able to email the monthly newsletter directly to all residents. The newsletter is also posted to their Facebook page
each month at www.facebook.com/ScottFamilyHousing They are in the process of updating the One Call Now system which is a
mass communication tool allowing them to inform residents of important notifications through phone numbers and email
addresses. They are excited to provide better communication avenues but these tools are only as useful as the information on
file. Please stop by the Leasing Center to update your phone numbers and email addresses, call us at 746-4911, or email us
at [email protected] We look forward to providing our residents with better communication and customer
service.
DORM MEAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Scott Chapel invites our Team Scott units to help prepare and serve the weekly dorm meal Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at
Mascoutah Hall. The chapel provides the money to purchase food and the sponsoring unit prepares and serves the meal. The
meal occurs weekly except for holidays and wing exercise/inspection weeks. For more information and to sign up, please call Ch,
Capt. Krista Ingram at 256-3303.
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Request your assistance in getting the word out that the Air Force Aid Society offers students an opportunity to get up to $7,000
to put towards their education. The Air Force Aid Society's Education Grant is worth $2,000 and is needs-based. Additionally, the
Air Force Aid Society offers incoming college freshman an opportunity to compete for one of ten $5,000 merit-based
scholarships.The Society has set aside $6.5M for the AY 2013-2014 Education Grant / Scholarship program. Applications are
online @ http://afas.org/education-grants. These do have deadlines...need to make sure they submit complete applications on time too.
TSP CONTRIBUTION UPDATE
The Finance Office will no longer be accepting any cash or check contributions for Thrift Savings Plan. According to the Code of
Federal Regulations, "Employee makeup contributions may be made only by payroll deductions from basic pay or, for uniformed
services participants, from basic pay, incentive pay, or special pay, including bonus pay." This update was effective Jan. 2, 3013.
YOUTH MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITY @ MADISON COUNTY JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER
Volunteers needed to mentor troubled teens currently housed at the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center. The intent is to
speak (in pairs), in a group setting (typically 20-30) on a topic of your choice (right choice decision making, goal setting,
education & careers, etc.) every other Wednesday from 13:00 - 14:50. Pick a date to make a lasting impact! If you are interested
in volunteering, please contact SMSgt Ryan Gause at [email protected] or call 229-7696.
MANUAL CAR WASH BAY CLOSURE – NOW THROUGH FEB. 13
The manual car wash bays behind the Arts & Crafts Center will be closed Jan. 30 through Feb. 13 due to planned upgrades for
the systems. Coin changers will also be replaced. The Arts & Crafts Center staff apologizes for any inconvenience this may
cause. The Touch-less System will remain open during this time. For more information, call 256-4230.
Scott AFB Family Advocacy Classes
Anger Management:
"Get mad, then get over it." -Colin Powell. Want to learn how to move past the anger and work towards solutions and
acceptance? Attend the four week anger management seminar and work with others to set goals and learn techniques to
manage emotions in a healthy and effective manner. This workshop is four weeks long and will be held on 5, 12, 19 & 26 Feb
from 1400-1600. Registration is required. For more information and to register contact Mrs. Pinkham, Family Advocacy
POC: (618)256-7203, email: [email protected].
Marriage L.I.N.K.S
Falling in love is easy... staying in love is an art. This can be accomplished when a couple realizes that a relationship will not run
itself; you must run your relationship. The 6-part Marriage LINKS workshop can help you accomplish that. Participants will
strengthen their methods for communicating, resolving conflicts, forgiving and rebuilding trust, identifying and satisfying personal
needs, constructing a marriage story, and growing sexually with their partners. This is a 6 week workshop starting Thursday
14 Feb – 14 Mar from 1030-1200. For more information and to register contact Ms. Pinkham, Family Advocacy
POC: (618)256-7203, email: [email protected]
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American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 Summary from the Air Force Association
Capitol Hill was unusually busy this week as Members of the House and Senate addressed the most pressing facets of the "fiscal cliff." The end
of the Bush-era tax cuts and the onset of sequestration was a New Year's welcome most sought to avoid. In the absence of a comprehensive
bi-partisan solution that would address long-term tax, spending, and deficit reduction issues, Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Minority
Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) spent the weekend negotiating a focused response to the most pressing items. New Year's Day began with the
Senate voting 89-8 to pass the resulting legislation (HR 8) and closed in the House with an 11:00 PM vote to pass the bill by a vote of 257-167.
President Obama signed the legislation into law the following day. Here's a quick summary of the provisions:
Bush-era tax cuts are permanently extended for individuals with income up to $400,000 and $450,000 for couples.
Tax rates increase from 35% to 39.6% for individuals whose income exceeds $400,000 and $450,000 for couples.
Tax rates for capital gains and dividends increase from 15% to 20% for individuals whose income exceeds $400,000 and $450,000 for
couples.
The estate tax increases from 35% to 40% for individuals whose income exceeds $400,000 and $450,000 for couples.
Permanent extension of the alternative minimum tax "patch," which sets exemption amounts for individuals earning up to $50,600 and
$78,750 for couples.
Does not extend the 2% reduction in worker's Social Security payroll tax, which has been in effect for the past two years.
Continues employer wage credit for activated military reservists equal to 20% of the sum of differential wage payments to reservists.
HR 8 effectively defers over-arching sequestration spending cuts until March 27th, 2013 (the same day the current six-month
continuing resolution ends).
The original sequestration plan would have slashed $54B from FY13 defense accounts.
If an alternate plan satisfying the provisions of the 2011 Budget Control Act cannot be devised and passed in the next two months, the
White House must order sequestration cuts on March 1st, 2013. These reductions would take effect on March 27th, 2013.
Considering the compacted timeline now in play for FY13, HR 8 reduces the size of the defense cuts to $42B. This top-line reduction
leaves monthly cuts largely unchanged for the remaining fiscal year-at about $4.5B per month.
A resolution regarding sequestration is now effectively tied to the debt ceiling debate, which also must be resolved by March.
This increasingly constrained budget environment is especially difficult for the Air Force. Airmen have spent the past 22 years engaged in
multiple combat operations and are utilizing an aircraft fleet that averages a quarter of a century in age-with some planes in the inventory
dating back to the Eisenhower Administration.
Today's Air Force leaders are aware of the challenges facing their Service and the overwhelming need to reset. That is why the 2020s are so
heavily laden with acquisition programs-F-35, next generation bomber, KC-46, T-38 replacement, a new search and rescue helicopter, etc.
Failing to recapitalize the fleet will yield a mix of planes no longer survivable in a contested environment or simply grounded due to structural
fatigue.
Sweeping cuts to the defense budget will prove tempting in the near-term, but risk undermining "air-minded" options for our future leaders. In
a time of peace this translates into empowering policy goals through shaping regions, deterring potential aggressors, and reassuring allies. This
could take the form of a C-17 delivering relief supplies, a fighter squadron deploying abroad to help cultivate allied partnership capacity, or B-
2s conducting exercises abroad to deter potential aggressors.
In wartime, this means presenting leaders with a global set of options to net desired results without projecting undue vulnerability-i.e. getting
the mission accomplished without reverting to attrition warfare or occupation-based strategies. These missions include securing and
maintaining air dominance; long range strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; global logistics; close air support; combat search
and rescue; command and control; communications; etc. These are all capabilities essential to our nation's leaders, combatant commanders, the
joint team, and allied partners.
This raises a key question: an Air Force is an expensive asset-especially in a time of fiscal austerity. Whether designing a new bomber, training
future airmen, or investigating new technologies, such activity comes at a very high financial cost.
However, it's important to look at the situation from another perspective: What's the cost of not having the capabilities and associated
perspective afforded by airmen? Security policy driven by brute force, without the versatile attributes afforded through the domains of air,
space, and cyber, will cost the nation in the most strategic regard.
HR 8 Bill Text: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:h.r.8:
Congressional Budget Office Bill Analysis: http://www.cbo.gov/publication/43829
Doug Birkey
Director, Government Relations
Air Force Association
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