Skywrighter graphic.
VOL. 3, NO. 1 | FRIDAY, January 5, 2024
The 88 ABW Safety Office at Wright-Patterson AFB encourages Airmen to be alert and stay prepared during the winter season. Practicing say driving and having a stocked emergency kit will help combat winter weather. (U.S. Air Force digital art by Wilbur Wood)
January is National Blood Donor Awareness Month 

The Wright-Patterson Medical Center's Blood Donor Center is in significant need of Type O donors.

To make an appointment, call 937-257-0580 or visit www.militarydonor.com and search using “Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center.”

Upcoming blood drives:

🩸Jan. 5: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at USO Auditorium
🩸Jan. 8-9: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center "Chiefs versus Colonels Blood Drive"
🩸Jan. 11: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Main Exchange

 

Community and Base Events

About Skywrighter

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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. Travis Pond 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

Archive

Archive editions of the Skywrighter can be viewed here.

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 

To view by section, select the menu button.

Influenza vaccine: The flu vaccine is available for beneficiaries on a walk-in basis in Wright-Patterson Medical Center’s Allergy & Immunizations Clinic. Active-duty members who received the vaccine at an off-base location should turn documentation in to the clinic. 

Latest COVID-19 vaccine: The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is available in the Allergy & Immunizations Clinic. You can get the Pfizer vaccine on a walk-in basis; appointments for flu and COVID-19 vaccines will not be scheduled due to others taking place in the clinic. Wait times vary and can be lengthy at peak hours; 88th Medical Group providers thank you in advance for your patience. The clinic is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. You can receive both the flu and latest COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit. 

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

Blood Donor Center: Wright-Patterson Medical Center’s Blood Donor Center is in significant need of Type O donors Jan. 3-4. To make an appointment, call 937-257-0580 or visit www.militarydonor.com and search using “Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center.” 

Chiefs vs. Colonels 2-Day Blood Drive – Jan. 8-9 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Wright-Patterson Blood Donor Center (Wright-Patterson Medical Center basement, near Express and Chapel)
Scheduling link for Jan. 8: ASBP - Donor Portal (militarydonor.com)
Scheduling link for Jan. 9: ASBP - Donor Portal (militarydonor.com)
For details, see the “Chiefs vs. Colonels Blood Drive” attachment. 

Base Directory Line: 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. 

Civilian Health Promotion Services – Jan. 4-9: CHPS is offering FREE cardiac-risk profile (glucose/cholesterol), body-composition (Bodpod/InBody) and blood-pressure screenings, as well as OBSERV skin analysis, to Air Force civilians only. Schedule an appointment in our office at Wright Field Fitness Center or visit during walk-in hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday and Friday. For details, check out the “Civilian Health Promotion Services” attachment. Contact CHPS at 937-904-9359 or CHPSsupport@us.af.mil for more information. 

USO Blood Drive – Jan. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Where: USO Auditorium 

Scheduling link: www.militarydonor.com/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/132622 

For details, see the “USO Blood Drive” attachment. 

Happy New Year! Come join the Wright-Patt Chess Club for its weekly meeting Jan. 5 from 6-9 p.m. at Bookery Games in Fairborn (15 W. Main St.) right outside Gate 1A. Please bring your own chess set and clock. POC: veronika.zilajeva@us.af.mil

Base Thrift Shop (and consignment store) is closed for winter break – We will reopen Jan. 9 at 9:30 a.m. Please hold your donations until then. Hours of operation: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; consignments take place 9:30-11:30 a.m. on a walk-in basis. Invite your family and friends to shop with us. The store is open to anyone with base access. The Base Thrift Shop is in Bldg. 95 along Wright Avenue (next to Outdoor Rec), about a mile from the commissary. Check us out on Facebook at WPOSC THRIFT SHOP to see our weekly updates. Call 937-879-5630 during business hours for more information. All Base Thrift Shop proceeds are used to benefit WPAFB and surrounding communities. 

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 Jan. 9 and 23 on Zoom. Email keithallen2211@gmail.com for any questions and the meeting ID number. 

Miami Valley Military History Museum is hosting a free event Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. featuring guest speaker Roger Osorio, a National Park Service ranger who will discuss the famed 6888th Postal Battalion tasked with clearing the backlog of millions of letters to and from our troops during World War II. Given six months to accomplish the mission, the unit completed it in half the time. The battalion was commanded by Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, the highest-ranking black woman in WWII. The museum is at 4 E. Main St. in Fairborn. Free parking and light refreshments. For details, check out the “Miami Valley Military History Museum” attachment. 

Exchange Blood Drive – Jan. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Where: Main Exchange Mall next to barbershop 

Scheduling link: www.militarydonor.com/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/132649 

For details, see the “Exchange Blood Drive” attachment. 

Unofficial photos – The next unofficial photo events will be: 

  • Jan. 12 from 9-11 a.m. 

  • Feb. 9 from 9-11 a.m. 

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

Combined Federal Campaign 2023 – The Combined Federal Campaign remains open until Jan. 14. This year’s theme is GIVE HAPPY, because studies show that when you give happiness, you get happy, too. CFC is a federal tradition – an annual opportunity to come together to raise money and volunteer for our favorite charities, spreading happiness around the world one gift at a time. 

 

Last year, federal employees heard the urgent call to action and responded by giving generously from their hearts – donating more than $70 million. Right here at Wright-Patterson AFB, personnel pledged $754,000. With your help, we can surpass this! These CFC pledges make a real and meaningful difference to a countless number of individuals throughout our communities, nation and world. You can check out this short video to see what CFC is all about: https://safe.menlosecurity.com/https://givecfc.org/campaign-videos. Read more about the campaign here: www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3541466/combined-federal-campaign-kicks-off-2023-fundraising-efforts. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your CFC campaign manager. Or visit https://GiveCFC.org today to learn more and GIVE HAPPY. 

Wright State University Air Force ROTC Detachment 643 Career Day – Jan. 19 – Air Force ROTC Detachment 643 is searching for motivated officers to speak about their Air Force specialty codes at its Career Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To sign up, visit https://forms.office.com/r/pTvYCwxjp2. Once submissions are received, you will receive more information from Capt. Mister Raby, Detachment 643 instructor and Operations Flight commander. For more info, email mister.raby@wright.edu

MOAA $2K scholarship – applications due April 15 – The Military Officers Association of America’s Dayton Area Chapter is accepting applications through April 15 for its annual $2,000 merit scholarship. Applicants must be high school seniors in the Dayton area with a parent eligible for MOAA membership. That includes active-duty, Reserve, National Guard and retired service members from any military branch. The $2,000 scholarship award will be based upon the applicant’s merits as determined by members of the MOAA Dayton Area Chapter’s Scholarship Evaluation Committee. For an application or more information, contact retired Army Lt. Col. Thomas Robisch, the scholarship committee chair, at trobisch63@gmail.com or 757-327-1388. 

Greater Dayton Chapter of Blacks in Government meets the second Thursday every month from 6-7 p.m. at Dayton Metro Library’s Burkhardt Branch (4704 Burkhardt Ave., Dayton). The GDC-BIG meeting gives government employees a chance to interact, advocate, engage with the community, and promote equal opportunity and professional development. You can also join via Teams at BIG Membership Meeting or dial in: 410-874-6740 (conference ID: 430 341 139#). The meeting is open to all military, civilians and contractors working in local, state and federal government. For more information, contact GDC-BIG President Damon Smith at mrdzs@att.net

RTA EXTENDS BUS SERVICE INTO 2024 – RIDERS NEEDED – The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority is running a FREE “Tripper” shuttle service with two morning and afternoon runs, connecting five major stops on Area B to off-base housing on Airway Road and Airway/Woodman (RTA public transit routes 1, nearby 2 and 6). The original trial period has been extended into 2024. Save your vehicle this winter and support safe, alternative transportation at WPAFB. Organizers need 2-3 months of consistent ridership to improve the current service and support fixed-route bus service on Area B. 

PUBLIC NOTICE: BASE EMPLOYEE UNION DUES - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employees who want to initiate authorization for union-dues withholding may obtain an SF 1187 from any American Federation of Government Employees steward or official. The effective date will be the first full pay period after SF 1187 receipt by a customer service representative. 

Personnel who would like to discontinue their dues withholding may obtain an SF 1188 from their CSR or the Labor Relations Office. Discontinuation of dues withholding will be effective as follows: 

(1) For an employee who began dues-withholding allotments before Jan. 11, 1979: beginning the first full pay period following Sept. 1, provided the SF 1188 is received by the Civilian Pay Section prior to that date. 

(2) For an employee who started dues withholding on or after Jan. 11, 1979, but before Aug. 10, 2020: beginning the first full pay period following the anniversary date, which is the starting date of the first pay period for which dues were deducted from the employee’s pay. 

(3) For an employee who started dues withholding on or after Aug. 10, 2020, the agency should process the request as soon as administratively feasible, if at least one year has passed since the employee initially authorized union-dues assignment from his or her pay. 

Questions about union dues may be referred to the 88th Force Support Squadron’s Civilian Personnel Flight, Labor and Employee Management Relations Branch, at 937-904-3326. 

PUBLIC NOTICE: WEINGARTEN RIGHTS - This notice is mandated by labor-management agreements between the 88th Air Base Wing and personnel represented by American Federation of Government Employees Local 1138, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 225, and International Association of Fire Fighters Local F-88. 

Publication of this Weingarten Rights notice is required by 5 USC 7114(a)(3). 

A labor union representative shall be given the opportunity to attend any examination of a bargaining-unit employee conducted by a management official in connection with an investigation, if the employee: (1) reasonably believes the examination may result in disciplinary action against him or her; (2) requests representation. 

Refer Weingarten Rights or bargaining-unit status questions to the 88 FSS Civilian Personnel Flight, Labor and Employee Management Relations Branch, at 937-904-3326. 

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. 

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

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. 

The Air Force e-learning site has migrated to Percipio: https://usaf.percipio.com/admin/areas/f0598f64-1868-440c-b4c7-96a935742b55/subjects. You can visit to learn more about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility topics.

We are currently looking for special emphasis program managers to lead Team Wright-Patt’s Hispanic and Empowerment Action Team and LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team. If interested in learning more about leading HEAT or LIT, contact Affirmative Employment Program Manager Dawn Mubaslat at dawn.mubaslat.1@us.af.mil. This is a great opportunity if you’re 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. 

Check out this article: “Inclusion, not exclusion: Affirmative Employment Program aims to remove barriers, promote diversity.” 

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

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!

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

USO Wright-Patt open until 7 p.m.: Volunteers are needed to fill evening shifts. WPAFB’s USO Center is open Tuesday to Saturday until 7 p.m. This includes the center café, game room and all amenities. Military and family members can 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. 

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

Space Force sweepstakes – Wright-Patterson shoppers can celebrate the Space Force’s fourth birthday when they enter to win tactical gear in the Exchange’s sweepstakes through Jan. 15. See the “Space Force sweepstakes” attachment for details. Authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 43 prizes. 

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. 

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

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 – 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. 

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/

Museum Store and Launchpad Shop ’n Snack inventory closures: These museum amenities will be closed through Jan. 4 for annual inventory. During this time, Valkyrie Café will remain open for food service. 

Fitness Under the Wings returns: Keep two New Year’s resolutions with us: Move more and spend less with these FREE classes offered every Saturday from 8-9 a.m.! Participants can choose to take free classes presented by Indigo Yoga* or get their steps in with a walk through the museum’s galleries. See the attached “Fitness Under the Wings” flyer or visit our website for registration details. *Federal endorsement not implied. 

Ohio Plein Air Society – Jan. 27-28: Artists from the Ohio Plein Air Society will be stationed throughout the museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, using the airplanes and artifacts as inspiration for their one-of-a-kind creations. Don’t be shy! If you’re curious about what an artist is doing and what inspires them – stop and ask. They’d love to share. 
*This is not a hands-on opportunity for museum visitors. 

Blood drive – Feb. 23 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. 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. 

HOPE: SPIRITUAL FITNESS INITIATIVE - The Chapel invites you to be a part of its HOPE Spiritual Fitness Initiative. We are excited to get this started and look forward to discussing any questions you may have. See the attached “HOPE Spiritual Fitness Initiative” flyer and scan the QR code to find the application, handbook and sign-up link.
WHAT: HOPE is a peer-to-peer resilience initiative where specialists work to set a positive example for peers, build bridges to helping agencies, model spiritual fitness, and serve others. 
HOPE focuses on leadership development, character formation, embedded resources, spiritual fitness, community service, and connection with peers.
WHEN: Phase 1 training will be held the second week of January.
HOW: Participation will require completion of the application (including commander signature), an interview and final approval from the HOPE Religious Support Team before attending.
WHO: Enlisted and officers who fall under the 88th Air Base Wing. 

Catholic services:
Wright-Patterson Medical Center Chapel: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m.
Air Force Institute of Technology: Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
Prairies Chapel: Friday at noon with adoration immediately following until 2 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:
Prairies Chapel: Sunday at 11 a.m.
Address: 682 Chapel Lane (Bldg. 6568), WPAFB, OH 45433 (Properties at Wright Field housing area) 

Protestant Women of the Chapel:
Women’s Bible studies
Lunchtime Tuesday at noon in 88th Security Forces Squadron building, Commander’s Conference Room
Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in Prairies Chapel Community Center
682 Chapel Lane in Prairies housing – children welcome
Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. in Prairies Chapel Community Center
682 Chapel Lane in Prairies housing – children welcome
Lunchtime Thursdays at noon in Wright-Patterson Medical Center cafeteria
For information about PWOC, send an email to WrightPattPWOC@gmail.com

Additional information:
The 88th Air Base Wing Chaplain’s Office, also known as the Religious Operations Center, has relocated from Kittyhawk Chapel back to Building 219 (5030 Pearson Road). For chapel info, facility and invocation requests: https://linktr.ee/88abwchapel

Base Tax Center volunteers needed – The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Tax Center will be open for limited services during the upcoming tax season. This year, it will only be able to prepare returns for senior airmen and below in the enlisted ranks, as well as first lieutenants and below among officers. In order to continue this program and provide tax assistance to Airmen, additional volunteers are needed to work as tax preparers. Volunteers will become certified tax preparers after passing a certification test and completing an IRS online program. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, email Capt James Franco at james.franco.2@us.af.mil or Breanna Davis at breanna.davis.5@us.af.mil