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VOL. 2, NO. 13 | FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023

88th Security Forces Squadron Change of Command

The 88th Security Forces Squadron held a change of command ceremony at the Wright-Patterson Club on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 22. During the ceremony, Maj. Thomas W. Uhl replaced Lt. Col. Nicole M. Schatz as the 88 SFS commander. (U.S. Air Force photos by Matthew Fink)

88th Operations Support Squadron Change of Command

The 88th Operations Support Squadron held a change of command ceremony where Lt. Col. Daniel Hall replaced Lt. Col. Donald Roley as the 88 OSS commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, July 17, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Johnson)

Congrats to all the recent ALS Graduates!

Airman Leadership School Class 23-E graduated at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 29, 2023. Members from the Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and civilians were among the graduates to complete the leadership course. (U.S. Air Force photos by Daniel Peterson and Airman 1st Class James Johnson)

Welcome to Wright-Patt: Kids Edition

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Welcome to Wright-Patt: Kids Edition

88th Air Base Wing
New to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base?! Welcome to Team Wright-Patt! Join our friend, Zackary, for a speedy tour around the base and the local area! You'll see there are several youth activities, community events, and local area attractions available all year round! (U.S. Air Force animation by David Clingerman)

Aug. 1 National Night Out

Community and Base Events

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Deadline

All content must be submitted via email Fridays by 4 p.m. for the following Friday digital edition.
Email: 88ABW.skywrighter@us.af.mil
Skywrighter: 937-522-3251
All submissions are edited to meet style requirements. Submission does not guarantee publication.  

88 ABW Public Affairs Editorial Staff 

Col. Christopher Meeker 88 ABW Commander
Bob Purtiman Chief, WPAFB Installation Public Affairs
Chris Warner Command Information Chief
88ABW.skywrighter@us.af.mil Skywrighter Liaison
Megan Mudersbach Website Manager

88 ABW Commander's Direct Line 

If you have questions or concerns that you would like to bring to the 88 ABW commander's attention, email Directline@us.af.mil 

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MHS GENESIS: The Wright-Patterson Medical Center has transitioned to MHS GENESIS, replacing TRICARE Online as the electronic medical record. Patients who wish to use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to manage their health data electronically should take the following steps.

  1. Update all contact information in DEERS here.
  2. If you do not already have a DS Logon, create one here.
  • If you were already using a DS Logon to access the TRICARE Online Patient Portal, you DO NOT need to create a new DS Logon account. You can use the same logon for the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.
  • Once you visit the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal site here, you can also log in with a Common Access Card (CAC)

Body Composition Program:  Active Duty members who find themselves in need of a mandatory Body Composition medical appointment after having not met Air Force standard for the waist to height measurement will need to take the following steps to schedule an appointment:

  • Call the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Appointment Line at 937-522-2778 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Select option “1” to schedule an appointment
  • Select option “1” for medical appointments
  • Select option “5” for all other clinics. 
  • Ask the appointment clerk to book an appointment under the Nutrition Clinic/Dr. Sean Barnett. The appointment is for the Body Composition Group Medical Appointment.
  • In addition, ask the appointment clerk to book a LAB appointment one week prior to the medical appointment for your Lipid panel, A1C, and liver enzymes. Fasting not required.

Lab Services: Lab appointments can no longer be booked via TRICARE Online and patients should begin using the new online appointment process. Book your appointment online using the thryv website or download the thryv APP to schedule your appointment. go.thryv.com/site/88DTSLAB.  You can also call the Appointment Line at 937-522-2778 in order to book a lab appointment. Select 1, then Option 1, then Option 5.

Pharmacy Services: After receiving a new prescription from an on-base provider, try the Q-Anywhere Activation Process – text “Get in Line” to 877-909-2578 and follow the steps. For prescription refills or to activate a new prescription from an off-base provider call 937-656-1656 before making the drive to the Kittyhawk Pharmacy.

Follow on social media to stay up-to-date on activities and events:

Facebook: @88fss | Instagram @WrightPattFSS | www.wrightpattfss.com

Wright-Patt Luau

Fri., July 21, 11 am to 9 pm at the Wright-Patt Club – The free family-friendly luau will include aerial demonstration by the U.S. Army Golden Knights and a visit from the USAF Thunderbirds Officer and Enlisted team members! Bring the family out for a meet and greet with the demonstration teams and bring your autograph pens! Enjoy live music, hula show, aerial acts, pedal wagon rides, limbo contest, pig roast, free pool access and lots more!! Free and open to anyone with base access. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.wrightpattfss.com/blog/wright-patt-luau-2023.

Sounds of Summer

July 27 – 5-8 p.m. – Turtle Pond – The 88th Force Support Squadron presents this year’s Sounds of Summer concert series at Turtle Pond, open to anyone with base access. Grab your blanket or chairs and join us for the second of three concerts. This time, we welcome Fleetwood Gold, playing the best of Fleetwood Mac, from the early years to Stevie Nicks’ solo career. On Aug. 31, the series wraps up with Ryan Broshear, a country music artist with a powerful voice and energetic stage show. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Volunteer for event setup or teardown, bouncy house monitor or floater at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4faea829abffc70-sounds#

The Buildup

Prepare for the 2023 Sprint Triathlon with The Buildup! Events are free. The Sprint Triathlon is $20 and participants will receive a shirt and medal. Call 937-904-9409 for more information.

July 29 – 7 a.m. – Duathlon

Aug. 19 – 6:30 am - Sprint Triathlon

Registration is required for each event. Visit www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4faea829abffc70-build#.

Tandem skydiving

Aug. 6 – 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Jump from 10,000 feet and reach speeds up to 120 mph during a tandem skydive! Sign up through July 28. Sign up at Outdoor Rec, Building 95. Regular $250, RecOn $150. Payment due at time of registration. For more info, call 937-257-9889.

Intramural flag football

Show off your football skills and teamwork during our Intramural Flag Football League. Teams must have a minimum of seven players and be from the same unit/squadron. All skill levels welcome. Open to U.S. military, Department of Defense civilians and adult family members over age 18. Registration ends Aug. 8. For more information, contact the sports program manager at 937-656-5961. Go to IntramuralSportsRegistrationForm to sign up your team.

Adult tennis clinic

Aug. 10 – 5:30-7 p.m. – Dodge Fitness Center tennis courts – Learn tennis fundamentals for beginners, including how to hold a racket and basic stroke techniques. Advance registration is encouraged but not required. Call 937-257-7248 to sign up, get more info or a loaner racket.

Color Run

Aug. 25 – 3:30 p.m. – Bass Lake (Area A) – Join the Wright-Patt Fitness & Sports team on this colorful free 2-mile fun run! Along the route, volunteers will eagerly douse runners in colored powder as they go by. Color Run T-shirts are available first come, first served. Open to anyone with base access. Must be age 3 or older. No registration required. For more information, call 937-257-4225 or 937-904-9381.

Want to volunteer to throw color? Sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4faea829abffc70-color#.

Courses at Wright-Patt

Base Club Championship – Aug. 19-20 – Twin Base & Prairie Trace golf courses – Tee times start at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 19 – Twin Base, Aug. 20 at Prairie Trace. Entry fee is $25 and includes prizes. Does not include green or cart fees. USGA handicap required, except for Championship Flight. Must register by Aug. 18 at noon. Call 937-257-4130 or 937-257-7961 to sign up.

Beat the Pros – Aug. 26 – Twin Base Golf Course – 8 a.m. check-in – 9 a.m. shotgun start. 6 holes – Best Ball, 6 holes – Scramble and 6 holes – Alternate Shot. Entry fee is $25. Includes lunch and prizes. Does not include green or cart fees. Must register by Aug. 25 at noon. Call 937-257-4130 to sign up.

Archery clinic

Sept. 2 – 11 a.m. – Rod & Gun Club – Learn the basics of archery, including proper draw length and stance. $20 per person. For more info, contact the Wright-Patt Rod & Gun Club at 937-257-3935.

Lunch at Wings Bar & Grille

Soup, salad & potato bar - Wings Bar & Grille is offering a soup, salad and potato bar Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $12.95. The first Wednesday of the month will still be the Soul Food lunch buffet.

Information, Tickets and Travel

Kings Island tickets – $45 for ages 3 and up, $18 for a parking pass. Stop by our office today inside the Consolidated Hobby Complex.

Dayton Dragons tickets – Baseball season is in full swing, so get your Dayton Dragons tickets today at the ITT office! Tickets are $36 per pair.

Wright-Patt Country Club

Introducing Wright-Patt Country Club, where you can do it all with just one membership. Receive discounts off daily green fees, bowling, wood shop time, trap & skeet targets, archery, equipment rentals, tennis court times and more. There are four tiers to choose from: dorm resident, silver, gold and the exclusive platinum package, which can earn you premium parking, VIP seating and other perks. For information on how to sign up, go to www.wrightpattfss.com/country-club.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy is now available Wednesday through Friday at Wright Field Fitness Center. Prices start at $35 for 30 minutes. Call 937-904-9381 to schedule your appointment.

Tennis

Cardio tennis – Cardio tennis is a fun group activity for adults looking to maintain or improve their fitness levels. Open to adults who are level-advanced beginners and up. Classes are offered every Monday from 6-7 p.m. and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost: $15 for members and $18 for non-members. Call 937-257-7248 for more info.

Youth tennis – Whether they’re beginners or have experience on the court, children will learn and improve their skills while having tons of fun. Classes are offered Saturdays from 9-10 a.m. for ages 5-9; 10-11 a.m. for ages 10-11 and 11 a.m. to noon for ages 14-18. Cost: $15 for members and $18 for non-members. Call 937-257-7248 for more info.

Mower tuneup

Auto Hobby Shop – Schedule to have your lawn mower tuned up at Auto Hobby Shop for as low as $35. Walk-behinds (up to 24 inches): $35, tractors (up to 36 inches): $45 and standups/zero turns (up to 60 inches): $65. Price includes blade-sharpening, spark-plug replacement, oil change, belt inspection and tire check. Customer required to provide oil and spark plug. Belt replacement is additional $25 plus belt. Call 937-257-3310 to schedule an appointment.

Let’s Unite

Want to have an awesome morale event with your unit, but worried about the cost? You’re in luck! The Unite program has $18.50 for every Air and Space Force active-duty service member, Guard or reservist, and Defense Department civilian at Wright-Patterson AFB to host fun team-building events with your unit. The 88th Force Support Squadron has many options to host your event right on base for little to no out-of-pocket cost. Contact Kaley Bartosik, your installation’s community cohesion coordinator, for more information at 88FSS.Unite.WPAFB@us.af.mil or 937-713-2777. You can also visit www.wrightpattfss.com.

178th Fighter Wing Blood Drive – July 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Location: 178th Fighter Wing Medical Clinic

Scheduling link: www.militarydonor.com/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/131525

For more info, see the “178th Fighter Wing Blood Drive” attachment.

Unofficial photos – The next unofficial photo events will be:

  • July 21 from 9 to 11 a.m.
  • Aug. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Location is on Area B at the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Kenney Hall. Availability will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not offered.

The 88th Air Base Wing’s Legal Assistance Office will be closed July 21 starting at noon. This includes powers of attorney, notaries and legal assistance. For matters that need assistance during this temporary closure, call 937-257-6142 to leave a message or email the org box at 88abw.ja@us.af.mil and the office will get back to you as soon as possible.

Come join the Wright-Patt Chess Club for its weekly meeting July 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bookery Games in Fairborn (15 W. Main St.) right outside Gate 1A. Please bring your own chess set/clock.

Wright Way Toastmasters virtual meetings – Are you freaking out about public speaking? Toastmasters can help you improve your speaking skills, develop and present ideas more effectively, deliver better presentations and gain self-confidence. The program targets speaking, listening, thinking on your feet, giving and receiving feedback, planning, motivation and team building in a supportive environment. Join new and experienced speakers at noon July 25 and Aug. 1 for Zoom meetings. Email keithallen2211@gmail.com for any questions and the meeting ID number.

The 88th Air Base Wing’s Continuous Process Improvement program will offer its CPI Foundational Class on July 27 from 2 to 4 p.m.; Aug. 22 and 29 from 8 to 10 a.m.; and Aug. 24 and 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. Topics covered: The class will answer questions such as “What is CPI?,” “How does CPI fit within the work center?” and “What are the steps to having a CPI event?” Also, Practical Problem-Solving Methods, a more in-depth course, is set for Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The session involves a deeper dive into practical application with a collaborative group project. The minimum number of students is five. Location: Building 2, Area A (CAC building), Classroom 262. Personnel can sign up in the Education and Training Management System at https://myetms.wpafb.af.mil/myetmsasp/main.asp. Course numbers: MWECPI0000400SU or type “CPI” in the search bar (“choose WP”) and MKVC10000100SU or type “PPSM.” Email alan.kilbourne.1@us.a.mil for more information.

Free youth sports camps: Former Dayton and NBA star Chris Wright and the Wright Way Foundation are hosting free youth sports camps July 27-29 for children in grades K-8. Led by pro and college athletes, sessions being offered include: football camp July 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., cheer camp (grades K-6) on July 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a two-day basketball camp July 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and July 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. All camps will be held at Trotwood High School, 4440 N. Union Road. A T-shirt and lunch will be provided. Space is limited and offered first come, first served. To register, go to www.thewrightwayfoundation.org/flyghtweek.

Operation KUDOS: July 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Base Ops (Hangar 206) – This event is open to children of uniformed military members. The recommended ages are 4-12 but all are welcome. To register, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/K33EXMRavf. Registration ends July 19. There will be several deployment stations set up, including a mock PT test/obstacle course, Fire Department, security forces, 88th Medical Group and the 788th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight. POC: Master Sgt. Gillispie, 937-257-1147 or joseph.gillispie@us.af.mil.

Free concert – Centerville Community Band presents a free sci-fi concert July 28 at 6 p.m. in Centerville’s Stubbs Park Amphitheater. It’ll be followed by an expo July 29-30 at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton featuring special guest Marta Kristen, who played Judy Robinson on “Lost in Space” in the 1960s. Visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094129942916 for details.

Fairborn Healthy Eating and Active Living education series – Join us each week to learn how you and your family can eat healthy and live active. Earn chances to win prizes. Each session attended earns an entry into the raffle. Raffle drawing will take place Aug. 2. Prizes include Ninja Air Fryer, pressure cooker and more. Click HERE to register.

Greater Dayton Chapter of Blacks in Government has announced its scholarship window is open. GDC of BIG will again offer three $1,000 scholarships (Greater Dayton Chapter BIG scholarship for high school seniors, Paul Schooler Memorial scholarship for full-time college freshmen, and Honorable Leonard T. Stone scholarship for full-time college sophomores or juniors). The deadline to apply is Sept. 11. Scholarship winners will be announced Oct. 2 and funds disbursement takes place in January.

To request a scholarship application, reach out to any Blacks in Government member or Cheryl Bradley, the scholarship chair, at cbrad0918@aol.com.

Wright-Patterson Junior Force Council serves all junior members with less than 10 years of experience, including nonsupervisory GG-13, captains, technical sergeants and below. Add yourself to our email distro and Teams page for updates and news on upcoming opportunities. Save the date for WPJFC’s Leadership Symposium on Oct. 12. Reach out to Shevon Barnes at shevon.barnes@us.af.mil for more information about the event.

Save the date! The 42nd Annual AFMC International Ball will be held Oct. 21 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Stay tuned for more information.

Ultimate Frisbee every Friday afternoon – A friendly game of ultimate Frisbee is played every Friday at 4 p.m. on Area A. If you wish to be placed on the distribution list, contact Chad Kimmel at chad.kimmel.1@us.af.mil. All skill levels are welcome.

Area defense counsel – You’re never alone. Contact Capt Jessica Rucker, Wright-Patterson AFB’s new ADC. She and Staff Sgt. Taraya Downhour, defense paralegal, are here to help you navigate derogatory allegations. Call or email for an appointment at 937-257-7841, taraya.downhour@us.af.mil or jessica.rucker.1@us.af.mil@us.af.mil. Check out the ADC attachment for details.

Civilian Personnel Office – Are you an appropriated civilian employee with an HR question? Perhaps you’re planning to retire soon and curious about the process, or maybe you had a name change recently and are wondering how to update your records? Our staff members are available to advise and guide you through the variety of administrative processes you might encounter during your federal service. If you have an HR question, call 937-904-3326, visit us in Building 2 or reach out via email at 88fss.fsca.workflow@us.af.mil.

The “DAF365 Hub” is your go-to website for all things Office 365, providing a wealth of information, training resources, troubleshooting guides and more. Whether you’re a seasoned O365 user or just getting started, The Hub offers a comprehensive collection of insights, tips and best practices to help you leverage Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and other O365 applications effectively. Simply visit DAF365 Hub - Center for: MS Office, Teams, Email, SharePoint/OneDrive - Home (dps.mil).

The WPAFB Admins Info Teams channel is open to administrative professionals at WPAFB, their mentors and anyone with an administrative role. General questions can be submitted to the channel for assistance from knowledgeable members of the WPAFB Admins Info team, which caters to Wright-Patt administrative professional needs.

From Kimberly A. Watson, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility chief: 

As we continue through July’s theme of “Awareness Bias,” take a few moments to watch this short video – “Recognizing Your Own Unconscious Bias” – at Percipio Course Overcoming Your Own Unconscious Biases, which correlates well with this quote from Mikaela Kiner, CEO, author, and experienced HR/people operations professional: “Recognizing that you have a bias and blind spots is essential to personal growth.”      

The Air Force e-learning site has migrated to Percipio. You can visit to learn more about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility topics.

Follow us on Facebook @AirForceMarathon, Instagram @afmarathon, and Twitter @afmarathon for the latest news and announcements.

2023 Air Force Marathon – Lock in your race registration at current rates before it’s too late! If you’re already registered, forward this to your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you at the start line. For the Air Force Marathon, register here.

Free training programs: The 27th annual Air Force Marathon is set for Sept. 14-16. Sept. 16 events include a full and half marathon, 10K, three-person marathon relay, Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series and Finish Line Festival at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The Health & Fitness Expo will be Sept. 14-15 at Wright State University’s Nutter Center, with the 5K and Tailwind Trot 1K held on the 15th. This year’s Air Force Marathon features three aircraft: HH-60W Jolly Green II, MH-139 Grey Wolf and UH-1N Huey. Don’t forget to check out the free training programs to help you prepare for your upcoming Air Force Marathon race. Officials have designed beginner training programs, as well as intermediate training programs, to help guide your training toward a successful finish. Lock in your race registration here!

Group Run every Monday at Skeel Avenue – Join us every Monday at 4 p.m. on the Skeel Avenue running path at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Area A) for the Air Force Marathon Group Run. All are welcome to run or walk the distance of your choice on the 2.2-mile out-and-back patch. Each way is 1.1 miles. A portable restroom is available on-site. Don’t forget to bring your own hydration and nutrition, as needed. See you Monday afternoons rain or shine!

Blue Streak Time Trial – 25 years of cycling: The Blue Streak Time Trial 10-mile loop course takes cyclists on a scenic route around WPAFB the second Tuesday each month from April through October. Registration for the Aug. 8 event is now open. All Blue Streak Time Trial events are open to the public. Organizers look forward to sharing one of the best and safest cycling events in the region with participants of all talent levels from all over the Miami Valley and beyond. Register and learn more here.

Space Force T-Minus 10-Miler – registration now open: Registration for the 2nd Annual U.S. Space Force T-Minus 10-Miler is now open here! 2023 pricing can be found here. Veterans, retired military, active duty, reservists, National Guard and ROTC of all branches will be offered a military discount of $5 off the in-person event. This 10-miler race will lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on Dec. 9 and be a part of the Space Force birthday celebration each year. The 2023 featured rocket is the XSM-64 Navaho. It will be portrayed on official race shirts, finisher medals, commemorative patches and more throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @RunSpaceForce for the latest news and announcements.

New aircraft revealed: C-124 Globemaster II race – Registration is open for the 2023 History & Heritage Race Series. The featured aircraft is the C-124 Globemaster II for the July-August race! Register here today. The 3rd Annual History & Heritage Race Series is a virtual event powered by the Air Force Marathon, featuring retired aircraft that have shaped the Air Force’s airpower throughout history. With options to participate in the marathon, half marathon, 10K or 5K distance, competitors receive a finisher medal and patch portraying the featured aircraft for $30. Learn more and register here.

2023 finisher medals: Race organizers continue to be an industry leader with the 2023 Air Force Marathon finisher medals (marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, relay, Tailwind Trot) made from American steel for the fourth year in a row. The finisher medal portrays the featured aircraft and will increase in size based on the miles you put in. You can find all the official 2023 finisher medals and race shirts here.

Volunteer registration now open: It takes over 1,500 dedicated Flight Crew volunteers to ensure all Air Force Marathon events take off without a hitch. Flight Crew volunteers make this possible by giving their time with pre-race setup, endless support during race weekend and postrace cleanup. There are opportunities for individuals and groups to help with shirt and packet pickup at the Health & Fitness Expo, distributing water cups on race day, gear check, supporting the start and finish lines, and much more. Register here today!

Race-transfer information: Are you registered for the 2023 Air Force Marathon and now want to transfer to a different event? Follow the instructions below to transfer into your new distance. Deadline to transfer is Aug. 31 or until an event sells out.

1. Visit your participant dashboard and sign into your Race Roster account using the same email you registered with.

2. Select “Transfer” and then click “Transfer to new sub event”

3. Choose the new event you’d like to transfer to in the dropdown and click “Start transfer”

4. Continue to move through the registration questions.

5. If you purchased additional products during your original sign-up, be sure to select them again when filling out your new registration. Your original payment will carry over.

6. Finish the registration process and you will then receive an email confirming your transfer.

 

The cost for all race transfers is $15 plus the difference between the price you originally paid and current price of the distance you’re transferring into. If you’re transferring into a distance that costs less than what you already paid, you will not be refunded the price difference.

Race-deferral information: If you are registered for an upcoming Air Force Marathon event but can no longer participate, you may defer your registration to the following year. Product purchases will NOT carry over, only your race registration. The deferral window is open through Aug. 31. No deferrals will be accepted after that date. Cost for all deferrals is $15. More info can be found here.

Air Force Marathon – featured guest speaker: Officials are honored to announce Brian L. Slade as featured guest speaker of the 2023 Air Force Marathon. He is a true force to be reckoned with – an accomplished veteran, writer and entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in various fields. With 25 years of military service, Slade has held command positions while in combat in both the Army and Air Force, earning numerous decorations for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and 14 combat air medals. He is a veteran of several conflicts, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his dedication to service has been a consistent theme throughout his life, both in and out of the military. Slade will speak during the Gourmet Pasta Dinner on Sept. 15 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, where a hearty pasta meal will be served buffet style with vegetarian and gluten-free options. This special event is open to the public and the museum will be available to tour as well. Purchase your tickets here today! (Children 5 and under are free but still must be registered).

Air Force Marathon – Finish Line Festival: We are excited to announce the Air Force Marathon Finish Line Festival and After Party have joined forces in 2023. To alleviate the stress and hassle of getting from one venue to another, both festivities will be held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 16. This free festival is open to the public and will officially begin once the first runner crosses the iconic finish line. Join family and friends in the celebration, listen to live music and enjoy ice-cold beverages with a bite to eat. Stick around until 1 p.m. because you will not want to miss out on the announcement of the 2024 featured aircraft. Check out all the happenings here.

Join our community – This Facebook group was created for anyone involved with or interested in the Air Force Marathon, Blue Streak Time Trial, Space Force T-Minus 10-Miler, Museum Mile, and History & Heritage Race Series. Whether you need some inspiration, training tips or just want to stay up to date with any news and announcements, this group is just for you.

USO Wright-Patt programs are open to currently serving military and family members. Follow us on Facebook (@USOOhio) and join our Wright-Patterson group at https://ohio.uso.org/wright-patterson-center to stay up to date on all events, or call us at 937-904-0541 for more information. USO Center staff can also be reached at rfranz@uso.org and wwigg@uso.org

Line dancing at the USO – July 21, 6 to 8 p.m.: Monthly line dancing nights, on the third Friday every month, are free to active military and family members, who may bring one civilian guest. No experience or registration required. These events are FUN, so join in! Light dinner and nonalcoholic beverages provided.

USO Wright-Patt is now open until 8 p.m.: Volunteers needed to fill evening shifts! WPAFB’s USO Center is now open Tuesday to Saturday until 8 p.m. This includes the center café, game room and all amenities. Service members and family members – stop by for a snack and beverage, or use our Wi-Fi, CAC-enabled computers and gaming consoles. Come build connections or take a break at the USO! To keep the USO Center open with extended hours, we need to grow our roster of volunteers available to work evening shifts 5-8:30 p.m. Do you have an evening free after work? Sign up to volunteer at https://volunteers.uso.org/?nd=login or stop by the center anytime for a chat. We’d love to have you join our team. The minimum commitment is one shift per month. Contact Center Operations Supervisor William Wigg at wwigg@uso.org with any questions. 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for a listing of promotions, specials, events, food trucks schedules and MORE!

Win a 2023 Jeep Rubicon – A customized 2023 Jeep Rubicon 392 and ride-along experience with off-road racing star Casey Currie are up for grabs in the Monster Energy Casey Currie Jeep Sweepstakes! Enter at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes through Sept. 30.

Food trucks are back in full swing with added locations to better serve you! Watch our Facebook page for the daily list of food trucks near you – www.facebook.com/WrightPattersonExchange

KungFu BBQ now in Building 45 – Serving its food truck favorites now 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays in the cafeteria area. The birria tacos are waiting for you!

Earn double points with MILITARY STAR. Use your MILITARY STAR card on the 15th each month to receive double rewards points for your purchases at Wright-Patterson Express stores.

Online appointment scheduling for Wright-Patterson barbershops is here! Easily schedule your next appointment with our new online-booking system. Book at your convenience, prepay for service and even check your favorite barber’s schedule. 

You Made The Grade! Work hard and earn big at the Exchange. WPAFB students in grades 1-12 with a B average or better can bring their report cards to the Wright-Patterson Exchange to receive a gift card, coupon sheet and chance to win a $2,000 grand prize.

Starbucks, Subway and Charleys all offer catering! For your next office event, call the Food Court at 937-879-4317 and Starbucks at 937-879-4617 to arrange for sandwiches, wraps, coffee and more.

Salad Wednesdays at Wright-Patterson Area B Burger King, Food Court Subway, Burger King and Charleys! Get $2 off any salad valued at $4 or more every Wednesday. Dunkin’ will announce its grand opening soon! The vacated Einstein Bagel Shop at the Air Force Institute of Technology is in the process of converting the area to house the very first Dunkin’ on Wright-Patterson AFB. Stay tuned for grand opening day information.

Floyd & Gertie Studio, Bunker 27 and GNC in your Main Exchange Mall. One-stop shopping for unique gifts and nutrition needs.

Micro Markets are now open in AFIT Building 642, AFRL Building 653 and Building 16! You have the convenience of self-serve with healthy options, snacks and drinks 24/7 with the automated and contactless market.

HEALTHIER 4 U VENDING – Area B Express lobby is open 24/7. If you’re interested in adding vending machines to your location, call the Exchange Services Office at 937-879-2713.  

Coffee Café in Building 16 is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving coffee, breakfast, lunch and daily specials – always made to order. Use the code word “ABW Bulletin” and receive a cookie or chips of your choice free with any meal purchase.  

DOD and Coast Guard civilians can shop and now apply for a MILITARY STAR card. DOD personnel are eligible to apply for a MILITARY STAR account both in store and on www.myecp.com. With access to online shopping, DOD employees also enjoy MILITARY STAR benefits, like free shipping! ***NOTE: cannot purchase tobacco, alcohol or military uniforms.

Specific MILITARY STAR benefits for DOD employees include:

  • 2% rewards on in-store and online purchases ($1 spend = two points; 2,000 points = $20 reward gift card)
  • Same industry-low annual percentage rate for everyone
  • 10% off all first-day purchases at Exchange facilities (15% periodically throughout the year)
  • 5 cents off per gallon of fuel on installation
  • 10% off food court purchases
  • Exclusive savings and financing offers

NOW HIRING at the Exchange – The Wright-Patterson Exchange is hiring for admin, retail and food positions. For more information, call Amy at the Exchange Recruiting Office: 937-879-1342. Apply now at www.applymyexchange.com and see where your future can go with the Exchange. #WhereHeroesWork

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil   
https://www.facebook.com/AFmuseum
https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Upcoming/Events/

100 Years of the Italian Air Force Exhibit – Visit this special exhibit in the museum’s fourth building, celebrating the history and heritage of the Italian air force. The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 5 and is provided under the Consulate of Italy’s patronage in Detroit.

Free yoga – Back by popular demand: Free yoga classes with Fitness Under the Wings! Class dates: July 31 and Aug. 28. All classes are 4-5 p.m. in the museum’s second building. Space is limited, and advance registration is requested to secure your spot. Visit our website for more information and to register. Walk-in yogis will be accepted on a space-available basis. Free exercise mat for the first five participants each week. This event is made possible, in part, by the Air Force Museum Foundation. (Federal endorsement not implied)

Wings, Rails and Wheels Model Expo – Aug. 12: Free and open to the public. Come see a diverse array of unique model aircraft, locomotives and motor vehicles featured against the backdrop of the museum’s aircraft displays. Don’t miss the chance to interact with modelers and learn about the model-making process. Advance registration is not required to attend this unique and inspiring event.

Are you a modeler and want to show off your collection? Registration is required for all displays and open until July 30 at 11:59 p.m. Visit our website for the registration link.