Edwards' Weekly Newsletter | Week of March 11

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COMMENTARIES

TOP NEWS

  • California commanders meet at Travis AFB

    U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Derek Salmi hosted the Department of the Air Force Installation Commander’s Caucus at Travis Air Force Base for the first time, March 5 – 6, 2024.

  • 412th TW executes active shooter exercise

    The 412th Test Wing executed an active shooter exercise at Edwards Air Force Base, March 7, 2024. The purpose of the exercise was to enhance base readiness and response capabilities in the event of a critical incident.

OUR PEOPLE

 Why I Serve: Gage Carlisle

 Blues Open Ranks Inspection


Members of the 412th Medical Group, commanded by Col. Stephanie Isaac-Francis, conducted an Air Service Dress Class A uniform inspection, March 11. The inspection is a reflection of the Airmen's professionalism and adherence to the Air Force core values.

EVENTS

 Women's History Month Events

Each year, the Department of Defense honors the women who have shaped U.S. history and made contributions to pave the way forward. Women's History Month has taken place each March since 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, which authorizes the President to proclaim the observation every year. Before this, the event began as "Women's History Week" in 1981. This year's theme, Women Who Have Made Great Achievements," celebrates the women who left an impact on the United States through their sacrifices, public service, and inspirational work. The countless accomplishments of women have shattered obstacles, warranting commemoration during Women's History Month and year-round recognition.


WHEN: Tuesday, March 19 at 10 a.m. 
WHERE: Edwards AFB Military and Family Readiness Center
WHAT: Guest speaker: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ruttenber; Breaking Barriers 


WHEN: Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20, 4-5 p.m. 
WHERE: Edwards AFB Fitness Center, Aerobic Room
WHAT: Spin with "Muscles" Johnson

 FREE Leadership Development: Mindfulness and the scaling of well-being using a novel well-being AI

WHAT: The program showcases the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) research from internationally-known experts giving federal leaders new perspectives to develop their own mindful approach to AI in the workplace. You will hear renown presenters in the field of Mindfulness and Artificial Intelligence. 
WHY: AI is rapidly becoming part of our everyday lives. As this technology becomes more widespread in the federal space, government leaders must be willing to ask, “What are we rushing toward? How will decisions around using AI today influence us tomorrow?”
WHO: Supervisors, managers, and others at the GS-13 to GS-15 levels (or equivalent); Members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), executives and senior leaders (non-SES); Artificial Intelligence officers
WHEN: Wednesday, March 20, 10 a.m. - noon
WHERE: Virtual through OPM
REGISTRATION: https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=375

 Pre-Arrival Orientation - Learn all about Edwards AFB and the surrounding area

WHO: Inbound personnel
WHY: Help with their transition to Edwards AFB
WHEN: Wednesday, March 20 at 1 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual
RSVP: Call 661-277-0723 or email 412fss.fsfr.afrc@us.af.mil to signup and receive the Zoom link. 

 Defense Reutilization Marketing Office (DRMO) Day

WHAT: This is a great time to turn in excess IT assets, such ss desktops, laptops, and tablets past their 4-year lifecycle. Space is limited! No pickup will be available.
WHEN: Thursday, March 21, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: 412 CS IT Warehouse, Building 3930 
CONTACT: Asset Management Office at 7-3107 or 412.CS.SCOSCA.Asset.Management@us.af.mil 
DETAILS: 
All who are dropping off IT Assets that are accountable and unaccountable need forms 5939’s with the correct acct # and PC. Unaccountable IT Assets need to have separate lines on the 5939’s with a description and qty. We will not take anything extra if it’s not on the 5939.
Note: When dropping off Unaccountable, please keep them separated in their own boxes.
All FOB (Found On Base) assets need to be on a separate 5939 stating (FOB-ACCT #) where it says acct # on the bottom of the 5939’s.
All assets need ALL secret, top secret, classified, and unclassified as well as not to be used for classified materials stickers removed. No Exceptions!
Please make sure all IT Assets are clean of Fecal Matter as this is considered a health hazard. They will be refused!!
Missed DRMO Day. Please submit a Remedy Ticket by calling 7-3444 and the 412 CS IT Warehouse will schedule a time to pick-up your IT Assets.

 Edwards AFB Sound Barrier Toastmasters Club #384, 45th Anniversary

WHEN: Tuesday, March 26, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: 412th Communications Squadron, Bldg. 3950, Conference Room 1
ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89676885093?  (Meeting ID 896 7688 5093; Passcode: 225813)
CONTACT: wilma.dukes@us.af.mil, 661-275-9201, 661-466-8202

 Women's History Month Events

Each year, the Department of Defense honors the women who have shaped U.S. history and made contributions to pave the way forward. Women's History Month has taken place each March since 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, which authorizes the President to proclaim the observation every year. Before this, the event began as "Women's History Week" in 1981. This year's theme, Women Who Have Made Great Achievements," celebrates the women who left an impact on the United States through their sacrifices, public service, and inspirational work. The countless accomplishments of women have shattered obstacles, warranting commemoration during Women's History Month and year-round recognition.


WHEN: Tuesday and Wednesday, March 27 and 28
WHERE: 148 Methusa Ave., Bldg. 2462, ALS Auditorium
WHAT: Professional Development, Women's Air and Space Power Symposium 
CONTACT: edward.bodenheimer@us.af.mil or fernando.marquez@us.af.mil
REGISTRATION: HERE (access code EAFB52)

 

 Mustache Dash  



WHAT: RUN or WALK 4 laps (1 mile) for the 4 pillars - social, physical, spiritual, and mental; WATCH a LIVE parachute demonstration by the Test Parachutist Program; SHAVE your mustache (real or not) at the end of event to symbolize the removal of the stigma
WHY: Mental health awareness and support 
PRIZES: Fastest times (male and female); Best mustache; Best Costume/Outfit  
WHEN: Friday, March 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
WHERE: Rosburg Fitness Center at Edwards AFB
BY: 412th OSS SERE/TPP
CONTACT: Robert.Gregory.14@us.af.mil and Mathew.Hoover.2@us.af.mil

 Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony


In honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the Edwards Air Force Base Exchange will present Vietnam Veterans with commemorative pins in a pinning ceremony.
WHEN: Friday, March 29 at  11 a.m. 
WHERE: BX
WHO: All invited. Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, can receive a Vietnam. Veteran lapel pin. Veterans who typically do not have access to the base should contact the BX regarding access for the ceremony.

 You are somebody's type 🩸 Donate blood 🩸

WHAT: Two-Day Blood Drive
WHEN: Tuesday and Wednesday, April 2 and 3, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
WHERE: Oasis Center, 205 W. Popson Ave. Bldg. 2500
SIGNUP: https://www.redcrossblood.org (sponsor code: OASIS)
INCENTIVE: Donors get their blood type, cookies and a Godzilla vs. Kong t-shirt

 Space Force Cyber Conference

Because there is no spacepower without cyber power!
WHAT:
​The Space Systems Command Chief Information Office has partnered with DoD cyber experts, industry partners, and academia to bring you a 2-day event showcasing the latest space cyber capabilities and developments. Hear from senior leaders on the innovative research, operational challenges, priorities, and efforts USSF is implementing to stay resilient and ensure cybersecurity readiness to drive the Space Force mission. Learn about up-and-coming cyber projects like ENIGMA and SPARTA, and hear updates to ongoing efforts like Space Cyber Test Range and CROWS. 
WHY: In addition to learning from speakers and panelists, our industry partners will bring you one-on-one learning experiences with exhibit booths, a cyber petting zoo, and capture the flag. These activities provide hands-on opportunities to try out some of the emerging cyber technologies and capabilities. Put your cyber skills to the test to solve a series of simulated ground system and spacecraft challenges to see if you have what it takes to defend our space systems against cyber attacks!
WHEN: Tuesday and Wednesday, April 23-24, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Los Angeles AFB, Gordon Conference Center, 483 N. Aviation Blvd, El Segundo, CA
POINTS: Conference attendees are eligible for 10 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs).
REGISTRATION, AGENDA & DETAILS: SSC Cyber Expo 2024 (spaceforce.mil)
CONTACT: Kayla Sortor, kayla.sortor.ctr@spaceforce.mil, 410-507-9962

 SAVE THE DATE --- Police Week 

Save the date for Police Week - the annual event honoring law enforcement officers. Stay tuned for the official event dates and times. Join us in paying tribute to our fallen heroes and supporting those who serve and protect our communities.

RECURRING EVENTS

 🔁 Coffee or Tea ☕ with Personnel Directorate (DP)

WHAT: Monthly forums with supervisors of civilians 
WHEN: Third Thursday of the month, 10-10:30 a.m. 
April 20: APDP Back-to-Basics Initiative
May 18: Demystifying Reimbursable Manpower and Overhires
June 15: Incentives: Recruitment, Relocation, Retention (3R’s), and Student Loan Repayment (SLR)
July 20: Enterprise Leader vs Functional Expert/Leader (DAF Civilian Career Model)
August 17:  AFTC Organizational Structure
September 21: Employee Relations Topics
October 19: AY25 Civilian Development (CD)
November 30: Enterprise Talent Acquisition and Hiring
December: No Meeting
CONTACT: AFTC.Enterprise.Recruiting@us.af.mil
HOW: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
Conference ID: 408 416 887#
Call 410-874-6740 to join audio only. 

 🔁 Religious Education 


CATHOLIC
Mass AFRL | 2nd Wednesday at noon
Higher Ground Cafe | 3rd Wednesday at 5 p.m. 
Bible Study | Men: Sundays at noon | Dorm: Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. | Women: Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Chapel 2 Annex
Adoration Blessed Sacrament | 1st Wednesday at 5 p.m. Chapel 2
Religious Education | Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 

PROTESTANT 
Bible Study Groups | Contact 412TW.HC.Workflow@us.af.mil

MUSLIM PRAYER
Fridays 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Chapel 1, Rooms 3 & 4 | Contact maitham.dakheel@us.af.mil

BUDDHIST
3rd Saturday 4:30-5 p.m. at Chapel 2 Conference Room | Contact Ms. Dianna Kassing at 661-277-5415 

OTHER RELIGIOUS/SPIRITUAL BACKGROUNDS
Please contact the Main Chapel Office at 661-277-2110

 🔁 Tuition Assistance Briefing 

Attention Airmen and Guardians! Want to go to college? Need a TA brief?
WHEN: Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. 
WHERE: Zoom (virtual)
Zoom link for Tuesdays: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1612185292?pwd=ZmUzVjZYb3gzeXZwcUUwL2lrazNIQT09
Zoom link for Thursdays: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1604912636?pwd=WHZjdmJIQzhqZE14SU5DMFdNYUhwdz09

 🔁 Worship Services


PROTESTANT SERVICE (Chapel 1)
Sundays at 10 a.m. 

CATHOLIC SERVICE (Chapel 2)
Mass | Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. | Sundays at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 
Confessions (Room 5) | Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. or by appointment

 🔁 Lent and Easter Services ✝️

Lent/Easter Protestant Services
Ash Wednesday --- Feb. 14, 7 a.m. and noon, Chapel 1
Passover Meal --- March 27, 6 p.m., Chapel 2 Annex
Good Friday --- March 29, noon, Chapel 1
Easter --- March 31, 10 a.m., Chapel 1
Lent/Easter Season Catholic Services
Ash Wednesday Masses --- Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
Passover Meal --- March 27, 6 p.m., Chapel 2 Annex

 🔁 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

WHAT: Successfully Navigating Challenging and Difficult Relationships (Webinar)
WHEN: Tuesday, March 19, noon
REGISTRATION: Not needed; Join at https://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/afdonwhs/


WHAT: Mental Health, Substance Use and Suicide Prevention Awareness (Webinar)
WHEN: Tuesday, March 26, noon
REGISTRATION: Not needed; Join at https://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/afdonwhs/


WHAT: Unlocking the Power of Your Credit (Webinar)
WHEN: Thursday, March 28, 91 a.m. or noon
REGISTRATION9 a.m. PT | Noon PT (Copy weblink into browser) 


NOTE: When registering for the above webinars, we recommend using a personal email account to insure you receive calendar reminders and access webinar links. Additionally, webinars are best viewed on a personal device. Want to catch up on a missed AF EAP webinar?  Find this quarter’s webinars here as well as other great resources for finding balance between our mental and physical health.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Below events and notices are NOT endorsed by a federal entity

 10% Off Tax Preparation 🏦🏦🏦

WHAT: If filing returns is too taxing, let the professionals do it for you! The Exchange has teamed with H&R Block to provide tax preparation services at a 10% discount.
WHO: All authorized Exchange shoppers with in-store privileges, including disabled Veterans and DoD civilians
WHERE: BX
➕ A free second-look tax review program, where H&R Block reviews last year’s returns to determine whether filers are entitled to additional money that was not claimed.
➕ 100% accuracy guarantee in the event of an audit.
➕ In the event of an error, H&R Block will pay the penalty and interest at no additional cost to the filer.
CONTACT: 661-258-1078

 Women Veterans Lunch

You are invited to luncheon recognizing contributions of women Veterans. 
FEATURING: "Fly Girl," America's first black woman combat pilot
WHEN: Wednesday, March 20, noon-2 p.m. 
WHERE: Hellenic Center located at 4304 30th W Lancaster, CA
RSVP: Scan the QR code suing your personal device (network blocks Google forms)

 Cesar's Birthday Celebration (Cesar E. Chavez Monument)

WHAT: LIVE music, sweet treats, family stories, guided tours, Junior range program, dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Ritmo y Sabor de Bakersfield College
WHEN: Friday, March 29, 12-3 p.m. 
WHERE: 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Rd. Keene, CA 93531
CONTACT: 661-823-6134

 Cesar's Birthday Celebration (Cesar E. Chavez Monument)

WHAT: "Finding Peace at La Paz," story time, special movie screening "Cesar Last Fast," Junior Range program and egg hunter. 
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
WHERE: 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Rd. Keene, CA 93531
CONTACT: 661-823-6134

 Cesar's Birthday Celebration (Cesar E. Chavez Monument)

WHAT: Guided meditation, guided walk to Martyr's Rock, special movie screening "Cesar Last Fast," Junior Range Program and egg hunt.  
WHEN: Sunday, March 31, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
WHERE: 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Rd. Keene, CA 93531
CONTACT: 661-823-6134

 Make it REIGN at the Exchange!

WHEN: Feb. 1 - March 31
WHAT: Authorized shoppers can enter at ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes for a chance at $27,500 in Exchange gift cards, including a $5,000 grand prize.

 Career exploration event for High School students 

WHAT: Aerospace Valley Career Fair 2024 - A salute to youth!
GOAL: Connect students with business and industry professionals 
WHEN: Thursday, April 25, 9 a.m. - noon
WHERE: Air Force Plant 42, Palmdale
REGISTRATION: Please scan the QR code using your personal device (network blocks the URL)

CONTACT: abriones@avhsd.org

 Golf Tournament ⛳

WHAT: 2nd Annual Golf Tournament
BY: Air & Space Forces Association Chapter 294 & AF Plant 42 Booster Club
WHEN: Friday, May 24; Show time 8 a.m.; Shotgun starts at 9 a.m.; Awards 2 p.m. 
WHERE: Antelope Valley Country Club
WHO: 4 Person Teams / Best-ball. Don't have 4 players? We can team you up!
PRICE: $150 per Person (or save by pre-paying $500 for your 4-somes)
Continental breakfast; Hot dogs and chips during the tournament; Barbecue and awards following the tournament
SPONSOR A HOLE: Platinum $500; Gold $250; Silver $100; Bronze $75
PRIZES: Hit a Hole-in-One to win a Harley-Davidson, Callaway clubs, $500 gift card, or 1-year Supply of Omaha Steaks
Prizes awarded for:
1. 1st , 2nd , 3rd & Last Teams
2. Closest to the Pin
3. Longest Drive
4. Marshmallow Drive
5. Putting Contest
6. Plus Many Raffle Prizes
REGISTRATION: To sign up and/or sponsor a hole, please scan the QR code using your personal phone (our network blocks Google forms)

OFFICIAL NOTICES

 ✈️ Political activities guidelines: Civilian 

Under the Hatch Act, all DoD civilian employees are prohibited from:
* Using their official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election
* Knowingly, personally soliciting, accepting or receiving a political contribution from any person
* Running for the nomination or as a candidate for election to a partisan political office
* Participating in political activity while on-duty or in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed by the DoD
* Engaging in political activity while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the DoD employee
* Engaging in political activity while using any vehicle owned or leased by the Government of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof
* Knowingly soliciting or discouraging the participation in any political activity of any person who has an application for any compensation, grant, contract, ruling, license, permit, or certificate pending before the employee’s office
* Knowingly soliciting or discouraging the participation in any political activity of any person who is the subject of or a participant in an ongoing audit, investigation, or enforcement action being carried out by the employee’s office
Additional prohibitions for further restricted employees:
* May not engage in any political activity which is “in concert” with a political party, partisan political group or candidate for partisan political office.
“In concert” activity is any activity that is sponsored or supported by a political party, partisan political group or candidate for partisan political office.
For example, further restricted employees are prohibited from:
* Writing speeches or performing research on political issues for a partisan political campaign
* Making speeches as a surrogate for a candidate for partisan political office
* Soliciting, accepting, or receiving political contributions
* Holding office in a political party
* Hosting a fundraiser for a candidate for partisan political office
* Knocking on doors to solicit votes or handing out political leaflets for a candidate for partisan political office
* Serving as a delegate to a political party convention or doing any type of volunteer work for a candidate for partisan political office, including serving on a phone bank
All DoD employees may engage in the following activities:
* Place a campaign sign in their yard
* Place a campaign bumper sticker on their car (even if they park in a Government parking lot)
* Make a financial contribution to a political party or candidate running for partisan political office
* Express personal opinions on candidates and political issues
* Attend political events
* Participate in nonpartisan elections
* Assist in nonpartisan voter registration drives
* Work for the city or county as a poll worker on Election Day
* Sign a nominating petition
DISCLOSURE: This announcement is not a substitute for obtaining advice from an ethics counselor on the application of the ethics laws and regulations to a specific set of facts and circumstances. Please contact DAF Ethics Office:
Phone: 703-693-0417
E-mail: SAF.GCA.Ethics.Workflow@us.af.mil
Website: https://www.safgc.hq.af.mil/Organization/ FISCAL-ETHICS-ADMINISTRATIVE-LAW-DIVISION-SAF-GCA/Ethics

 ✈️ Political activities guidelines: Military

Active duty members should carry out their rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship; however, they are prohibited from engaging in certain political activities to maintain good order and discipline and to avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of improper endorsement in political matters.
Members May:
* Register to vote, vote, and express personal opinions on political candidates and issues but not as a representative of the Armed Forces
* Make monetary contributions to a political organization
* Attend partisan and nonpartisan political meetings or rallies as a spectator when not in uniform
* Promote and encourage other military members to exercise voting rights, if such action does not use their official authority or influence or interfere with the outcome of an election
* Join a partisan/nonpartisan political club and attend its meetings when not in uniform
* Serve as an election official, if such service is not as a representative of a partisan political party, does not interfere with military duties, is performed when not in uniform, and receives the Secretary of the Air Force’s prior approval
* Sign a petition for specific legislative action or a petition to place a candidate’s name on an official election ballot as a private citizen
* Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing personal views on public issues or political candidates, if such action is not part of an organized letter-writing campaign or a solicitation of votes and if identified as a Service Member includes a disclaimer the views are personal
* Display a political sticker on a private vehicle
* Wear a political button or t-shirt when not in uniform, performing military duties or would imply official endorsement.
* Communicate with his or her elected representatives
Members May NOT:
* Participate in partisan political fundraising activities, rallies, conventions (including speeches) management of campaigns, or debates
* Use official authority or influence to interfere with an election, affect the course or outcome, solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue, or solicit or require political contributions from others.
* Be a candidate for, or hold, civil office except as
authorized below
* Make campaign contributions to another member of the Armed Forces or an employee of the federal government
* Solicit or receive a campaign contribution from another member of the Armed Forces, a civilian officer, or an employee of the U.S. for promoting a political objective or cause
* Allow publication of partisan political articles signed or written by the member that solicits votes for or against a partisan political party or candidate
* Serve in an official capacity or be listed as a
sponsor of a partisan political club
* Speak before a partisan political gathering of any kind or promote a partisan political party or candidate
* Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party or candidate
* Conduct a political opinion survey under the auspices of a partisan political group or distribute partisan political literature
* Perform clerical or other duties for a partisan political committee during a campaign or on election day
* Solicit or fundraise in federal offices, facilities, or military reservations for a partisan political cause or candidate
* Solicit or fundraise in uniform or using official title for a partisan political cause or candidate
* March or ride in a partisan political parade
* Display a large political sign, banner, or poster (as distinguished from a bumper sticker) on the top or side of a private vehicle
* Participate in any organized effort to provide voters with transportation to the polls if the effort is organized by a partisan political party or candidate
* Sell tickets for, or otherwise actively promote, political dinners and similar fundraising events
* Attend partisan political events as an official
representative of the Armed Forces
* Send political e-mails from government
e-mail or use official title in a political e-mail
Exceptions to Prohibitions
* Enlisted members, regardless of duty status, may seek, hold and exercise functions of a nonpartisan civil office as a notary public, local school board member, neighborhood planning commission, and similar local agency.
DISCLOSURE: This is not a substitute for obtaining advice from an ethics counselor on the application of the ethics laws and regulations to a specific set of facts and circumstances. Please contact DAF Ethics Office:
Phone: 703-693-0417
E-mail: SAF.GCA.Ethics.Workflow@us.af.mil
Website: https://www.safgc.hq.af.mil/Organization/ FISCAL-ETHICS-ADMINISTRATIVE-LAW-DIVISION-SAF-GCA/Ethics

 ✈️ TPS: Proposed Staff to Graduate Pipeline Survey

Recently the TPS Commandant, Col James “Fangs” Valpiani, introduced a new TPS opportunity for civilian testers. The program aims to put civilian selectees through specialized instructor and test engineer training to produce a Master of Science graduate Civilian Instructor Flight Test Engineer. If you are interested in this instructor “patch wearer” program, please respond to the Proposed Staff to Graduate Pipeline Survey to provide your feedback. Thank you!

 

 ✈️ 2024 Edwards AFB Summer Employment Program 

WHY: Edwards AFB Summer Program provides an opportunity to gain marketable skills and earn income while enjoying your Summer Vacation
POSITIONS: Clerks (GS-0303-02, 03, and 04), Engineering Technician (GS-0802-04), Laborer (WG-3502-02)
WHEN: Announcements open March 13 and close April 22
WHERE: USAJobs.gov 
CONTACT: 661-277-3840

 ✈️ Annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey

 ✈️ Astronaut Selection Program

NASA is currently accepting applications for its Astronaut Selection Program. Airmen and Guardians interested in applying for NASA Astronaut must provide a career field notification NLT 2 Apr 24 and submit a NASA application as outlined in PSDM 24-21. Information regarding NASA Astronaut requirements and application details/deadline can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts.

 ✈️ STARBASE Summer Camp Sign-Ups

WHAT: STARBASE will offer Summer camps to Edwards AFB (families with base access) during the 2024 Summer break at their location on Edwards AFB. The Summer camps will offer hands-on, minds-on, interactive STEM lessons
WHO: Students age 9-12
SESSIONS: June 10-14, June 24-28, July 29 - Aug. 2 (8 a.m. - noon)
WHEN: Registration opens March 18 at 9 a.m. - Limited spots available!
WHERE: Register at eafbstarbase.org
NOTE: CYP will provide transportation of up to 20 students directly from STARBASE to CYP childcare afterwards if desired.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

By 412 TW History Office

 80 years ago, the first squadron of the 412th Fighter Group was assigned the Muroc Flight Test Base (now North Base). 


On March 11, 1944
, the first squadron of the 412th Fighter Group, the 445th Fighter Squadron, was assigned to the Muroc Flight Test Base (currently called North Base). Its initial cadre of 17 pilots was composed of handpicked combat veterans, all volunteers. It had been activated in February of 1943.  The Squadron was deactivated and reactivated several times over the years.  Most notably, it was reactivated on 11 March 2004 to serve as the flight test support unit (often called “Test Ops”) of the 412th Operations Group until its deactivation in 2015.  Most recently, the squadron was reactivated in June 2022 as the 445th Test Squadron in the 412th Electronic Warfare Group to focus on the Joint Simulation Environment.

VANPOOLS

 🚐 East Lancaster

DAYS: Monday-Friday
TIMES: Departs from the East side of Lancaster at 6:10 a.m. to reach our destination on base by 6:55 a.m. Returns from the base at 4:30 p.m. to arrive back at the East side of Lancaster around 5:15 p.m. 
CONTACT: Kendall King at kendall.king@us.af.mil or 661-275-6057

 🚐 Lancaster

DAYS: Monday - Friday
TIMES: Departs from the City of Lancaster Park and Ride at 6:05 a.m. to reach our destination on base by 6:45 a.m. Returns from the base at 4 p.m. to arrive back at the City of Lancaster Park and Ride around 4:45 p.m. 
CONTACT: Vinh.Pham@us.af.mil or 661-802-2627

 🚐 Ridgecrest

CONTACT: Nicholas.Kuttor@us.af.mil or 661-275-3545

 🚐 Victorville, Hesperia and Adelanto

CONTACT: Hector at 661-810-3868

 🚐 West Lancaster/Palmdale --- coming soon

Vanpool riders wanted! This West Lancaster/Palmdale Vanpool to/from main base is starting soon.
TIMES: Departs from Park and Ride (Ave K-8/10th St West) at 6 a.m. Departs Edwards AFB at 4:30 p.m. 
FEE: $220/month BUT Military/Gov’t employees may qualify for the Transportation Incentive Program (TIP) subsidy and can ride for FREE!!!!
CONTACT: Julio Barrios at 661-903-0915 (call/text) or julio.barrios.1@us.af.mil

 🚐 West Palmdale 

DATES/TIMES: Meets at the mall, Monday - Friday, around 6 a.m. to arrive on base around 7 a.m. Departs base at 4:30 p.m. 
CONTACT: 661-277-7290

 🚐 Santa Clarita

DAYS: Monday - Friday
TIMES & LOCATIONS: Our vanpool departs the Via Princessa Metrolink station at 5:20 a.m. and departs Edwards Main Base at 3 p.m.  
FESS: Monthly cost will be around $245 but if you are a federal employee or military, the majority of your costs can be covered.
POC: Jerry West (jerry.west.2@us.af.mil) or Henry Hang (henry.hang@us.af.mil

LAW AND ORDER

The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate 🧑‍⚖️ Download the latest Report, January 2024

The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (JA) provides high-quality legal advice and support in the areas of civil law, contract law, labor law, environmental law, claims, and military justice for courts-martial and non-judicial punishment actions. The office also provides legal assistance to individual military members, retirees and family members on personal, non-criminal legal matters. Visit the JA webpage

LEAVE SHARING

Under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP), a covered employee may donate annual leave directly to another employee who has a personal or family medical emergency and who has exhausted his or her available paid leave. Teresa Cadamy is the point of contact for the VLTP at Edwards Air Force Base. 

The following employees have been approved to receive annual leave donation. If you are interested in donating annual leave, please complete form OPM 630A (within agency) or form OMP 630 (outside agency), and send it to teresa.cadamy@us.af.mil. LES's are used to validate donor SCD leave dates and available leave balances and may be redacted of any/all pay related information.

Mr. Joendell Abner, 412 CS/SCQ
Mr. Kelly Baker, 420 FLTS/IT
Mr. Ben Blanton, 412 AMXS/MXMW
Ms. Danielle Freeman, 412TW/TMG
Mr. Shane Hawari, 412 SFS/S3O
​Mr. Alan Howerton, 775 TSENVC
Mr. Harlan Huntington, 412 TW/PA
Ms. Judith Ann King, 66 FSS/FSMP, Hanscom AFB, MA
Ms. Brittany Martin, 412 TENG/ENG
Ms. Heather Mathiesen, 412 FLTS/DOOE
Mr. Brent McIntosh, 896 Test Support Squadron, Eglin, OH
Mr. Robert Mejia, 412 AMXS/MXAA
Mr. Matthew Mullins, AFWERX Spark Division, WPAFB
Ms. Kimberly Murray, 412 CPTS/FM
Ms. Ariana Pujol, 412 TW/TMG
Ms. Vivian Smarr, 48 CTS/DET 1
Mr. Robert J. Wilson, 412 MXG/MXQI

Ms. Kimberly Roe, AFLCMC/EN-EZ, WPAFB, OH