July's Post-it's, Promotions and News Picks Published July 9, 2011 By Airman First Class Ashley Ramirez 146th Airlift Wing Channel Islands, Calif- -- Here is this month's latest news and names from the 146th Airlift Wing you need to know! Welcome our newest members of the 146th Airlift Wing: 2nd Lieutenant Yasha Tabrizy Captain Justin Szeker Senior Airman Cassandra Pearce Master Sergeant Barry Rutstein Congratulations to our most recent graduates: Senior Airman Elizabeth Puig-Airmen Leadership School Airman 1st Class Shannon Thompson-Security Forces Apprentice Dining Facility Menu: Saturday Lentil Soup Memphis Style BBQ Ribs Fennel Orange Chicken Baked Potato Spinach Rice Pilaf Corn on the cob Breaded Zucchini sticks Sunday Lentil Soup Penne Rigate w/ Garlic Butter sauce Fettuccini Meatball Marinara Grilled Chicken breast w/ orange marmalade marinade Mediterranean Vegetables Green Beans Religious Services: Catholic Mass: 1100 Protestant Service: 1230 Both services are held in the Commanders Conference Room, Bldg 119 Where in the World is the Air National Guard? Wildfires, floods and the aftermath of deadly tornadoes have thousands of Guard members on duty in several states. Three web specials highlight their ongoing operations: FIRE OPERATIONS 2011 http://www.ng.mil/features/fires2011/default.aspx FLOOD OPERATIONS 2011 http://www.ng.mil/features/floods2011/default.aspx TORNADO OPERATIONS 2011 http://www.ng.mil/features/tornadoes2011/default.aspx California Adventure Camp for Military Youth with Special Needs As part of the OSD Teen Adventure Camp Program in 2011, the University of California has partnered with Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake to offer a 6 day camping opportunity, Aug 7-12, 2011 for 92 military youth with special needs, aged 8-18. This opportunity is offered at no cost to participants. Youth at this camp will have opportunities to explore and discover their physical environment and increase their physical activity. The camp will provide confidence-building experiences and programs designed to support each camper's individuality through the challenges of outdoor group living and teamwork in a supportive environment. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.ca4h.org/Programs/MilitaryPartnership/Camp_Ronald_McDonald_at_Eagle_Lake/ New Change Accessing vPC-GR Coming in July 2011, access to the virtual Personnel Center - Guard and Reserve (vPC-GR) moves to a new website called Air Force Personnel Services or AFPERS. AFPERS recently launched in support of establishing a Total Force source for online information and services for the Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, civilian members, and retirees. Although the access route changes, vPC-GR services remain the same with the exception of a few functions that become part of the AFPERS website; for example, account and profile management, and new requests. Everything associated with a customer's vPC-GR account will still be there: action requests, roles, coordinations, delegations, etc. On the change date, a web redirect will take customers using the current vPC-GR web address to AFPERS. AFPERS is a secure website so an account is required. Once an account is obtained, access can be by either a userid and password or a Common Access Card (CAC). Once logged into AFPERS no other login is needed. Just click on the vPC-GR Dashboard link. vPC-GR users that are also AFPERS account holders can use their AFPERS userid and password or CAC for access. Customers with a vPC-GR account only should use either their vPC-GR userid and password or their CAC at first login and follow the prompt to change and add security information to finalize their AFPERS account. The AFPERS website, although in its beginning stage, provides convenience by bringing together searchable information and access to online services, as well as several other features. There are plans working now to make the AFPERS website experience more personal in the near future. Assistance for login errors or AFPERS website issues should be directed to the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102. Summer Camp opportunity still available July 22-23, 2011 Boots Off Camp at Navy Base Ventura, CA Ages 9-18 The objective of the Operation: Boots Off curriculum is to prepare kids for the return of their Service Member- a stressful time for any military family. Operation: Boots Off helps young people map out and implement individualized plans that will assist them in navigating the reunion and reintegration process in a meaningful and educational way. Youth will have a chance to network and make connections with one another to create bonds. This camp is open to youth of any branch who have a loved one who is currently serving or has recently served in the military. To sign up, visit: http://ucanr.org/bootsoff 2011 Ventura Stand Down Once again, it's time for the 2011 Ventura County Homeless Veterans Stand Down. The Stand Down dates are as follows: 27- 28 July is for set up, 29-30 July is the Stand Down, and 31 July is for cleanup. For those that are not familiar with Stand Down, here is a brief history and explanation of services provided to homeless veterans. In August 1992, some of Ventura County's citizens and leaders gathered for a meeting at the Ventura County Veterans Service Office to discuss the feasibility of establishing a Stand Down in Ventura County. In 1993 after months of pre-event planning, Stand Down was ready to go! A tent city was constructed at the California Army National Guard Armory consisting of approximately 14 billeting tents. The tents were used to house the veterans for three days, and service providers were all inside the Armory. Each veteran, upon arriving at the gate, is registered and credentialed by one of the staff volunteers and assigned to a tent, group, and group leader. His/her personal belongings were stored in a secure storage area. In addition to providers offering benefit counseling, job referrals, medical or legal help; volunteers also conduct workshops on AIDS, PTSD, Agent Orange, and VA medical benefits. Services provided to veterans include medical and dental attention, legal representation, employment counseling, mental health services, financial counseling, and access to the courts to assist with misdemeanor warrants, food and clothing. During the three days, eight substantive meals are provided offering a wide range of foods. The Salvation Army in Ventura provides refreshments and snacks between meals. Entertainment and recreational activities are also available. Live entertainment is provided during the day, encompassing many talented musicians, comedians, and signers from the local area. Suffering from lack of shelter, unemployment, physical and emotional disabilities, and lack of food, the homeless veteran often feels completely isolated from mainstream society and unable to break out of the self-perpetuating cycle of homelessness. It is estimated that between 34%-40% of those homeless are veterans, and 60% of those are Vietnam-era veterans. The "Stand Down" concept is all about Americans helping Americans. As in past years, we are looking for volunteers to help out during stand down. Some of the duties include set up, clean up, cooking, preparing meals, serving meals, distributing clothing, tent leaders and just listening to these folks. We are also looking for the following donated items: Backpacks Wallets Baseball hats Large duffel bags Sweat shirts Jeans Jackets Tennis shoes The clothing items and shoes should be new or in good condition and clean. This is a great opportunity to give back to our community and help out our homeless veterans. If you are interested in a volunteering for this very worthwhile event, please contact Chief Modesto Quijano at 805 986-7996 or e-mail at modesto.quijano@ang.af.mil Air Guard Emphasizes Motorcycle Safety The summer began early this year for many after what seemed higher-than-normal temperatures early on, but the season officially began June 21, thus beginning the summer safety programs of the Air National Guard. Though the Air Guard traditionally uses the active duty Air Force's safety campaigns for summer, this year Airmen will see a change to focus more on motorcycle safety and awareness. "This year is the year of motorcycle safety, so they're focusing more specifically on motorcycle safety issues and awareness because that has been trend in the last few years," said Air Force Col. Doug Slocum, director of safety for the Air National Guard. Slocum said that motorcycle safety emphasis is the biggest change to the summer safety campaign of the Air Guard, which falls under the Air Force 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign. "The Air Guard, in conjunction with the Air Force, always has its 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign where we focus on many things related to summer activities and people being outside more," Slocum said. Motorcycles seemed like the perfect thing to focus on, especially given the fact that they are usually ridden by less experienced riders and after long periods when they are stored for the off season. He does not want Airmen to forget about the other areas where safety can be an issue, such as sports and recreational activities, fishing - especially at night - and other water activities. "We want Airmen to keep the wingman ethos in mind," Slocum said. "Check yourself and each other and make sure we're making smart decisions because all it takes is one voice to make a difference and stop something that is unsafe from happening." Steven Friedricks Scholarship now offered to 146th members The 146th Alumni Association has established the Steven Friedricks Scholarship seeded with generous donations from Linda Friedricks and other members of the Alumni Association. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded to 146th Airlift Wing members, E-6 and below at the time of application. Recipients may use the scholarships at a college, university or trade school. The application deadline for this year's scholarships is 15 Jul 11. Applicants must mail in a transcript or proof of acceptance to a college, university or trade school, scholarship application, criteria form, fund policy form and a Commander letter of good standing. Return completed application forms to the 146th Alumni Association at 1534 N. Moorpark Road #365, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Questions concerning this scholarship may be directed to Tony Volante at 805-984-8066 or e-mail volantet@aol.com
July's Post-it's, Promotions and News Picks Published July 9, 2011 By Airman First Class Ashley Ramirez 146th Airlift Wing Channel Islands, Calif- -- Here is this month's latest news and names from the 146th Airlift Wing you need to know! Welcome our newest members of the 146th Airlift Wing: 2nd Lieutenant Yasha Tabrizy Captain Justin Szeker Senior Airman Cassandra Pearce Master Sergeant Barry Rutstein Congratulations to our most recent graduates: Senior Airman Elizabeth Puig-Airmen Leadership School Airman 1st Class Shannon Thompson-Security Forces Apprentice Dining Facility Menu: Saturday Lentil Soup Memphis Style BBQ Ribs Fennel Orange Chicken Baked Potato Spinach Rice Pilaf Corn on the cob Breaded Zucchini sticks Sunday Lentil Soup Penne Rigate w/ Garlic Butter sauce Fettuccini Meatball Marinara Grilled Chicken breast w/ orange marmalade marinade Mediterranean Vegetables Green Beans Religious Services: Catholic Mass: 1100 Protestant Service: 1230 Both services are held in the Commanders Conference Room, Bldg 119 Where in the World is the Air National Guard? Wildfires, floods and the aftermath of deadly tornadoes have thousands of Guard members on duty in several states. Three web specials highlight their ongoing operations: FIRE OPERATIONS 2011 http://www.ng.mil/features/fires2011/default.aspx FLOOD OPERATIONS 2011 http://www.ng.mil/features/floods2011/default.aspx TORNADO OPERATIONS 2011 http://www.ng.mil/features/tornadoes2011/default.aspx California Adventure Camp for Military Youth with Special Needs As part of the OSD Teen Adventure Camp Program in 2011, the University of California has partnered with Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake to offer a 6 day camping opportunity, Aug 7-12, 2011 for 92 military youth with special needs, aged 8-18. This opportunity is offered at no cost to participants. Youth at this camp will have opportunities to explore and discover their physical environment and increase their physical activity. The camp will provide confidence-building experiences and programs designed to support each camper's individuality through the challenges of outdoor group living and teamwork in a supportive environment. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.ca4h.org/Programs/MilitaryPartnership/Camp_Ronald_McDonald_at_Eagle_Lake/ New Change Accessing vPC-GR Coming in July 2011, access to the virtual Personnel Center - Guard and Reserve (vPC-GR) moves to a new website called Air Force Personnel Services or AFPERS. AFPERS recently launched in support of establishing a Total Force source for online information and services for the Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, civilian members, and retirees. Although the access route changes, vPC-GR services remain the same with the exception of a few functions that become part of the AFPERS website; for example, account and profile management, and new requests. Everything associated with a customer's vPC-GR account will still be there: action requests, roles, coordinations, delegations, etc. On the change date, a web redirect will take customers using the current vPC-GR web address to AFPERS. AFPERS is a secure website so an account is required. Once an account is obtained, access can be by either a userid and password or a Common Access Card (CAC). Once logged into AFPERS no other login is needed. Just click on the vPC-GR Dashboard link. vPC-GR users that are also AFPERS account holders can use their AFPERS userid and password or CAC for access. Customers with a vPC-GR account only should use either their vPC-GR userid and password or their CAC at first login and follow the prompt to change and add security information to finalize their AFPERS account. The AFPERS website, although in its beginning stage, provides convenience by bringing together searchable information and access to online services, as well as several other features. There are plans working now to make the AFPERS website experience more personal in the near future. Assistance for login errors or AFPERS website issues should be directed to the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102. Summer Camp opportunity still available July 22-23, 2011 Boots Off Camp at Navy Base Ventura, CA Ages 9-18 The objective of the Operation: Boots Off curriculum is to prepare kids for the return of their Service Member- a stressful time for any military family. Operation: Boots Off helps young people map out and implement individualized plans that will assist them in navigating the reunion and reintegration process in a meaningful and educational way. Youth will have a chance to network and make connections with one another to create bonds. This camp is open to youth of any branch who have a loved one who is currently serving or has recently served in the military. To sign up, visit: http://ucanr.org/bootsoff 2011 Ventura Stand Down Once again, it's time for the 2011 Ventura County Homeless Veterans Stand Down. The Stand Down dates are as follows: 27- 28 July is for set up, 29-30 July is the Stand Down, and 31 July is for cleanup. For those that are not familiar with Stand Down, here is a brief history and explanation of services provided to homeless veterans. In August 1992, some of Ventura County's citizens and leaders gathered for a meeting at the Ventura County Veterans Service Office to discuss the feasibility of establishing a Stand Down in Ventura County. In 1993 after months of pre-event planning, Stand Down was ready to go! A tent city was constructed at the California Army National Guard Armory consisting of approximately 14 billeting tents. The tents were used to house the veterans for three days, and service providers were all inside the Armory. Each veteran, upon arriving at the gate, is registered and credentialed by one of the staff volunteers and assigned to a tent, group, and group leader. His/her personal belongings were stored in a secure storage area. In addition to providers offering benefit counseling, job referrals, medical or legal help; volunteers also conduct workshops on AIDS, PTSD, Agent Orange, and VA medical benefits. Services provided to veterans include medical and dental attention, legal representation, employment counseling, mental health services, financial counseling, and access to the courts to assist with misdemeanor warrants, food and clothing. During the three days, eight substantive meals are provided offering a wide range of foods. The Salvation Army in Ventura provides refreshments and snacks between meals. Entertainment and recreational activities are also available. Live entertainment is provided during the day, encompassing many talented musicians, comedians, and signers from the local area. Suffering from lack of shelter, unemployment, physical and emotional disabilities, and lack of food, the homeless veteran often feels completely isolated from mainstream society and unable to break out of the self-perpetuating cycle of homelessness. It is estimated that between 34%-40% of those homeless are veterans, and 60% of those are Vietnam-era veterans. The "Stand Down" concept is all about Americans helping Americans. As in past years, we are looking for volunteers to help out during stand down. Some of the duties include set up, clean up, cooking, preparing meals, serving meals, distributing clothing, tent leaders and just listening to these folks. We are also looking for the following donated items: Backpacks Wallets Baseball hats Large duffel bags Sweat shirts Jeans Jackets Tennis shoes The clothing items and shoes should be new or in good condition and clean. This is a great opportunity to give back to our community and help out our homeless veterans. If you are interested in a volunteering for this very worthwhile event, please contact Chief Modesto Quijano at 805 986-7996 or e-mail at modesto.quijano@ang.af.mil Air Guard Emphasizes Motorcycle Safety The summer began early this year for many after what seemed higher-than-normal temperatures early on, but the season officially began June 21, thus beginning the summer safety programs of the Air National Guard. Though the Air Guard traditionally uses the active duty Air Force's safety campaigns for summer, this year Airmen will see a change to focus more on motorcycle safety and awareness. "This year is the year of motorcycle safety, so they're focusing more specifically on motorcycle safety issues and awareness because that has been trend in the last few years," said Air Force Col. Doug Slocum, director of safety for the Air National Guard. Slocum said that motorcycle safety emphasis is the biggest change to the summer safety campaign of the Air Guard, which falls under the Air Force 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign. "The Air Guard, in conjunction with the Air Force, always has its 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign where we focus on many things related to summer activities and people being outside more," Slocum said. Motorcycles seemed like the perfect thing to focus on, especially given the fact that they are usually ridden by less experienced riders and after long periods when they are stored for the off season. He does not want Airmen to forget about the other areas where safety can be an issue, such as sports and recreational activities, fishing - especially at night - and other water activities. "We want Airmen to keep the wingman ethos in mind," Slocum said. "Check yourself and each other and make sure we're making smart decisions because all it takes is one voice to make a difference and stop something that is unsafe from happening." Steven Friedricks Scholarship now offered to 146th members The 146th Alumni Association has established the Steven Friedricks Scholarship seeded with generous donations from Linda Friedricks and other members of the Alumni Association. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded to 146th Airlift Wing members, E-6 and below at the time of application. Recipients may use the scholarships at a college, university or trade school. The application deadline for this year's scholarships is 15 Jul 11. Applicants must mail in a transcript or proof of acceptance to a college, university or trade school, scholarship application, criteria form, fund policy form and a Commander letter of good standing. Return completed application forms to the 146th Alumni Association at 1534 N. Moorpark Road #365, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Questions concerning this scholarship may be directed to Tony Volante at 805-984-8066 or e-mail volantet@aol.com