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VOL. 2, NO. 22| FRIDAY, December 8, 2023
Team Wright-Patt congratulated the newest CMSgt selectees on Nov. 30, 2023 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photos by Daniel Peterson)

CMSAF Bass Visits new Enlisted Force Exhibit at the Air Force Museum

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CMSAF Bass visits new Enlisted Force Exhibit at the Air Force Museum

88th Air Base Wing
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass visits The National Museum of the United States Air Force to celebrate its new Enlisted Force Exhibit, Nov. 9, 2023, WPAFB, OH. Exhibit elements are thoughtfully placed throughout the museum to showcase the highly skilled, trained and talented enlisted force that has been the backbone of daily operation of the U.S. Department of the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force video by Austin Smith)
Maj. Thomas Uhl, 88th Security Forces Squadron commander; Tech. Sgt. Christopher Bennett, 88 SFS dog handler; and Military Work Dog Ddesmond stand during presentation of colors at the start of Ddesmond’s retirement ceremony Nov. 29, 2023, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Ddesmond was adopted by one of his previous handlers. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez)

MWD Ddesmond Retires

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MWD Ddesmond Retirement

88th Air Base Wing
K9 Ddesmond retires from the Air Force after three years of service, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Dec. 2, 2023. The retirement was followed by K9 Ddesmond’s adoption by former handler Senior Airman Brian Chalk. (U.S. Air Force Video by Dylan Kaericher)

WPAFB Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

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WPAFB celebrates Native American Heritage Month

88th Air Base Wing
The Indigenous Nations Equality Team, or INET, and team Wright-Patt celebrated Native American Heritage Month with traditional dancers and a food tasting at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Nov. 14, 2023. Native American Heritage Month is observed throughout the month of November to recognize the invaluable contributions of Native peoples. (U.S. Air Force video by Dylan Kaericher and Austin Smith)
The Indigenous Nations Equality Team (INET) hosted the event to celebrate and educate about Native American culture (U.S. Air Force photos by Daniel Peterson)

Community and Base Events

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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
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88 ABW Public Affairs Editorial Staff 

Col. Christopher Meeker 88 ABW Commander
Bob Purtiman Chief, WPAFB Installation Public Affairs
88ABWPAVisualInfo@us.af.mil 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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Influenza vaccine: The flu vaccine is available for beneficiaries on a walk-in basis in the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Allergy & Immunizations Clinic. Active-duty members have a deadline of December 15 to receive their vaccine. If you received the vaccine at an off-base location, please turn your documentation in to the clinic.  

Latest COVID-19 vaccine: The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is now available in the Allergy & Immunizations Clinic. The Pfizer vaccine is available on a walk-in basis; appointments for flu and COVID-19 vaccines will not be scheduled due to other patient appointments taking place in the clinic. Wait times vary and can be lengthy at peak times; we thank you in advance for your patience. The clinic is open to administer vaccines from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on normal duty days. You can receive both the flu vaccine and the latest COVID-19 vaccine during the same visit.  

Contraceptive Clinic: Our walk-in Contraceptive Clinic, located inside the Women’s Health Clinic, is open Fridays from 7:45-11:15 a.m. The clinic is available to beneficiaries ages 16 and older. No appointment is necessary but wait times may vary as this is a first-come, first-served clinic. 

Blood Donor Center: Wright-Patterson Medical Center’s Blood Donor Center asks that you consider donating blood this week. There is a significant need for Type O blood. To make an appointment, visit www.militarydonor.com

Base Directory Line is live: Call the Base Directory Line at 937-257-1110 for a listing of the most commonly used telephone numbers on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

88th Security Forces Squadron’s Annual Santa Ride Along, Dec. 14 starting at 4:30 p.m. Santa will be driving with Security Forces, Fire and Medical. Be on the Lookout for the convoy with flashing lights in the base housing areas! The Convoy will start in the Bricks housing at 4:30 p.m. Then, in the Woods Housings area at approximately 5 p.m. Lastly, in the Prairies at approximately 5:30 p.m. Be on your best behavior and Santa will be handing out Candy Canes to you and your families! 

Space Force Guardian Gala hosted by National Space Intelligence Center – Jan. 13 from 6-11 p.m. – Carillon Historical Park Ballroom – Col. Marqus Randall, National Space Intelligence Center commander, cordially invites all Space Force at WPAFB to attend the inaugural Space Force Guardian Gala, “A Return to the Roaring Twenties,” taking place Jan. 13 at Carillon Historical Park Ballroom in Dayton (1000 Carillon Blvd.). The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour, cocktail reception, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar and continues with dinner service. The event’s keynote speaker is Jeff “Skunk” Baxter from The Doobie Brothers. The evening will conclude with music and dancing. See the attached “Guardian Gala 2024” invitation for details. Email Master Sgt. Kyle See at kyle.see@spaceforce.mil by Dec. 10 to purchase your tickets. Questions? Contact the event leads: Senior Master Sgt. Emily Shemwell at 937-257-1593 or Caroline Ellis at 937-656-3813. 

Save the date! The 23rd annual Airmen Cookie Drive is set for Dec. 12. Help the Wright-Patterson Officers’ Spouses’ Club spread some holiday joy to single Airmen. For details, check out the attached “2023 Airmen Cookie Drive” flyer. 

Letters to Santa – Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s checking his mail at the Military & Family Readiness Center through Dec. 22! Write a letter to Santa and drop it in Santa’s mailbox and he will write a letter back to you. For details, check out the “2023 letters to Santa” attachment. 

Prohibited dietary supplements – Did you know that some dietary supplements on the market are prohibited for use by military and Defense Department members? Some ingredients in dietary supplements can cause a positive drug test, which no one wants. To ensure the supplements you’re taking are approved, visit www.opss.org/dod-prohibited-dietary-supplement-ingredients and search by the ingredients listed in the supplement. This is part of Operation Supplement Safety and only provides the banned ingredients; there is no list of banned supplements. Do your research before trying something new to make sure you are not accidentally taking something that’s banned. Attached is “DODI supplements” for more information. 

Legal Assistance Office (new hours) – The 88th Air Base Wing’s Legal Assistance Office is no longer closed during the lunch hour. The facility’s new operating hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. You can stop in the Legal Assistance Office for walk-in notaries and powers of attorneys or call 937-257-6142 to schedule a legal assistance or will appointment. For questions, contact Capt. James Franco at james.franco.2@us.af.mil

Area Defense Counsel – You’re never alone. Contact Capt. Jessica Rucker, Wright-Patterson AFB’s 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 attached “ADC flyer” for details. 

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. Reach out to Lexi Heironimus at alexandra.heironimus.1@us.af.mil if you have any questions. 

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

From Kimberly Watson, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility chief: Learn more about “cultural proficiency” and action steps you can take to navigate and thrive in multicultural environments by checking out this month’s PULSE Check flyer (attached).  Take a few moments to watch this short “featured” video entitled “Communicating across Cultures” Percipio Video Communicating across Cultures and consider this quote by psychologist Neils Barends, “A genuine effort to understand another person and its culture goes a long way in the path to communication.”  What steps can you take to improve your cultural proficiency?  I am committed to educating myself more about different cultures so I can be more inclusive.    

The AF E-Learning site has officially migrated to Percipio. You can visit this site to learn more about diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility topics. 

We are currently looking for a Special Emphasis Program Manager (SEPM) to lead Team Wright-Patt’s Hispanic and Empowerment Action Team (HEAT) and a SEPM to lead our LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team (LIT).  If you are interested in learning more about leading either the HEAT or LIT, please contact Ms. Dawn Mubaslat, Affirmative Employment Program Manager, at Dawn.Mubaslat.1@us.af.mil.  This is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in making a change, forming and fostering collaborative relationships, helping mitigate or eliminate barriers, and supporting our mission of creating a workplace based on merit, dignity, and respect. 

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! 

New aircraft revealed: Air Force One race – Registration is open for the 2023 History & Heritage Race Series. A former Air Force One plane is the featured aircraft for the season-ending November-December race. 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

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. 

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

Military Family Dinner Sept. 27 from 5-7 p.m.: For currently serving active-duty, Guard and Reserve families. Register at https://ohio.uso.org for a fun evening of activities and free dinner at the USO! It’s a “Double Dog Night!” Dinner will be provided by Hollywood Gaming’s Zombie Dog Food Truck. Military working dogs from the 88th Security Forces Squadron’s K-9 unit will do a demonstration, and therapy dogs from Best Friends Pet Assisted Therapy will be on-site for petting. All in support of military families! (This event is not open to retirees or extended family members. Currently serving military members and dependents only).

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. Currently serving military 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!

Veterans sweepstakes – The Exchange is saluting veterans with a worldwide sweepstakes featuring $8,000 in tactical gear prizes. Through Dec. 15, Wright-Patterson shoppers can visit ShopMyExchange.com/Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 128 prizes. Check out the “Veterans sweepstakes” attachment to learn more. 

Extended holiday price guarantee – Wright-Patterson shoppers can see even more green in their bank accounts with the Exchange’s holiday price guarantee. Through Christmas Eve, shoppers making a purchase at the Wright-Patterson BX could receive an Exchange gift card for the price difference if they find an identical item from a local retailer at a lower price. To receive it, visit the Exchange customer service desk with an original receipt or order confirmation alongside a local competitor’s advertisement. 

“Your Holiday Bill is on Us” sweepstakes – The most wonderful time of the year is back: the MILITARY STAR “Your Holiday Bill is on Us” sweepstakes! Through New Year’s Eve, Wright-Patterson Exchange shoppers will automatically be entered to win every time they use their MILITARY STAR card. Five grand-prize winners will have their entire holiday bill paid off, and 35 other winners will receive statement credits. 

Whisker Wonderland! Pets Can Help Win Shoppers $3,000 In Prizes in the Exchange’s Holiday Pet Photo Contest: shoppers can showcase their pets’ festive best for a chance to win a share of $3,000 in Exchange gift cards. Enter Dec. 1 through Dec. 31 at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes. Winners will be notified no later than Jan. 19, 2024. Entries will be judged based on originality, creativity, and appropriateness. 

Happy returns! – Shoppers can spend more time enjoying the holidays and make gift returns later as the Wright-Patterson Exchange is extending its return policy to Jan. 31. Some exclusions apply. For additional info, shoppers can visit the Exchange or call 800-527-2345 for online returns. 

Buy online, pick up in store – Military shoppers at WPAFB can save with military-exclusive deals — always tax-free — and added convenience during the holiday season when placing orders in advance with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s buy online, pick up in store or curbside services. To start a pickup order, authorized in-store shoppers can visit ShopMyExchange.com, select items on their shopping list, select “Pick Up in Store” or “Curbside Pickup,” choose the Wright-Patterson Exchange and submit their order. 

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 in Building 45 – Serving your favorites with new hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday-Friday in the cafeteria area. Online ordering and catering options are also available at https://kfubbq.com. The birria tacos are waiting for you! 

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

Pay Your Way plans – Wright-Patterson Airmen and families can get more time to pay off their purchases with the MILITARY STAR card’s Pay Your Way plans, which enable shoppers to take advantage of fixed monthly payments at a reduced annual percentage rate. Plans are available at the Wright-Patterson Exchange and ShopMyExchange.com

Online appointment scheduling for Wright-Patterson barbershops is here! Easily schedule your next appointment with our 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 Philly Steaks 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 and Charleys Philly Steaks! Get $2 off any salad valued at $4 or more every Wednesday. 

Dunkin’ is now open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at AFIT! The vacated Einstein Bagel Shop at the Air Force Institute of Technology has been converted into the very first Dunkin’ on Wright-Patterson AFB. 

Starbucks (with new drive-thru) has reopened! Get your favorite coffees and Frappuccinos again. 

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

Bunker 27 also open in Bldg. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. 

Micro Markets are 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 at the automated and contactless market. 

HEALTHIER 4 U VENDING – 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 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving coffee, breakfast, lunch and daily specials – always made to order. Use the code word “ABW Bulletin” sand receive a cookie or chips of your choice free with any meal purchase. 

DOD and Coast Guard civilians can shop and 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 personnel also enjoy MILITARY STAR benefits, like free shipping! ***NOTE: cannot purchase tobacco, alcohol or military uniforms. 

Specific MILITARY STAR benefits for DOD personnel 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 

  • 5 cents off every gallon of fuel on installation 

  • 10% off all food purchases at participating Exchange restaurants 

  • Exclusive savings and financing offers 

NOW HIRING at the Exchange – The Wright-Patterson Exchange is hiring for 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/

Holiday hours: The museum will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 

Final Day to Discover Steampunk: A Fantastical Hands-On Adventure – This innovative, hands-on exhibit is only open through Dec. 10. Don’t miss out! 

Blood drive – Dec. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Give the gift of life with your blood donation under the B-52 wings in the museum’s second building. Walk-ins are welcome or you can pre-register at www.militarydonor.com and search by ZIP code 45433. For more info, call 937-257-0580. 

Hollywood Film Series returns to Air Force Museum Theatre: Don’t let the fun end when you leave the galleries! The Air Force Museum Theatre is adding several movies to its lineup that you won’t want to miss seeing in the large-screen digital theater. Visit the theater’s website for additional movie and ticket information. 

  • Dec. 16 at 4 p.m.: The Polar Express 

(The Air Force Museum Theatre is operated by the Air Force Museum Foundation. Federal endorsement not implied). 

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – CONTRACT POSITION FOR WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB CHAPEL TITHES AND OFFERINGS FUND PROTESTANT PARISH COORDINATOR: The Wright-Patterson AFB Chaplain Corps is seeking to hire for the contract position of Protestant parish coordinator. Candidates must be over age 18. Contracts will be awarded on best value, and the final selectee must successfully complete a background check. Specific details on requirements, qualifications, job responsibilities and the selection process are included in the application packet, which can be picked up at Kittyhawk Chapel, 2267 Birch St., WPAFB, OH 45433 or Prairies Chapel, 682 Chapel Lane, WPAFB, OH 45433. Sealed bids with resumes will be accepted at either chapel until 3:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Direct questions to Chaplain (Capt.) Tim Thurber, the CTOF contracting officer, at timothy.thurber.1@us.af.mil or 937-257-7427.

Catholic services:

Wright-Patterson Medical Center Chapel: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m.

AFIT: Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

Prairies Chapel: Friday at noon with adoration immediately following until 1:30 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.

Eucharistic adoration:

Prairies Chapel: Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Reconciliation: Before and after weekend Mass, confession is heard in the Blessed Sacrament Room of Prairies Chapel. You may also schedule an appointment.

Catholic Women of the Chapel:

Faith study: Tuesday at 10 a.m., Thursday at 6 p.m., Prairies Chapel Community Center

Monthly meeting: First Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. in Prairies Chapel Community Center

For more information, contact Joan LaPore at CWOC-jlapore5@hotmail.com.

Catholic religious education

Weekly: Held after 9 a.m. Sunday Mass at Prairies Chapel.

Catholic youth ministry: Activities take place at Prairies Chapel one weekend a month.

Catholic sacramental preparation: Classes are provided for youth and adult requirements.

Contact Catholic Religious Education Coordinator Emily Leigh for more information on any of these programs: 937-321-2518.

Protestant services:

Kittyhawk Chapel: Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Protestant Women of the Chapel:

For information about PWOC, send an email to WrightPattPWOC@gmail.com.

Additional information:

For more chapel information and services, visit Chapel Community (af.mil). Should you need assistance or have questions, stop by Kittyhawk Chapel or call 937-257-7427.