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Show Hilltop HILLTOP TIMES S October 9, 2014 9 Keeping pulse on AF force management W ASHINGTON 4 Featured in this force management update are details regarding changes to the reduction in force board eligibility and ongoing civilian force management programs. Military force management Due to adjustments for operational requirements and additional voluntary separations, judge advocates (51J), operations research analysts (61A) in the 2002 year group, and acquisition managers (63A) in the 2001 year group, were all removed from consideration at the upcoming RIF board. The board is scheduled to convene at the Air Force Personnel Center in early October. Updated officer RIF and voluntary force management matrices are available on the myPers site. The total projected losses for these boards is now 355 with approximately 2,333 eligible officers. These numbers repre- sent significant reductions from the last matrices posted in early September, which showed a target of 413 with 2,593 eligible officers. Civilian force management The AFPC has approved 239 applications received during the recent survey period for VERA/ VSIP Round IV, in which 35 installations participated with 23,879 employees surveyed. Those applicants were approved for retirement or voluntary separation no later than Sept. 30, 2014. In an effort to continue leading force management actions with voluntary programs, the first round of civilian workforce shaping measures for fiscal year 2015 will begin Oct. 6. Round 1 VERA/VSIP will again focus on Headquarters Air Forceassigned civilian employees, primarily located in the national capital region, and some major command locations targeting a total of 781 surplus positions. The remaining MAJCOM5 will participate in a subsequent round. This round does not focus on installations where MAJCOM HQs reside (e.g. Joint Base Langley-Eustis or Scott Air Force Base), or any positions impacted by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center stand-up. AFPC will provide supplemental guidance and See PULSE I Page 10 Hill Contracting KIDS DEPLOYMENT DAY team sets record fiscal year end By Hill AFB Contracting Division H Courtesy photo Senior Airman Samuel Steelman, 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron, showcases chemical warfare equipment during Kids Deployment Day last month. Members of the Hill AFB's LRS, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Security Forces and Combat Camera units sponsored the family-friendly event to help the children of military families learn what their parents go through before a deployment. By 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron 0 cool September evening, the home of the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron "Combat Loggies" echoed with laughter and the excited voices of children who worked their way through a simulated deployment line. Instead of getting ready to go the Afghanistan or one of the many other locations the LRS prepares Team Hill's members to deploy to, this experience gave the children of military families assigned to the LRS, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Security Forces and Combat Camera units a chance to learn what their parents go through before a deployment. "Deployments are difficult both for parents and children, and the LRS's goal was to hold an event that honors the sacrifices that military children make, while also educating them on the contributions their parents make to our nation, said 2nd Lt. Amy Pona laneczky, 75th Mission Support Group executive officer and the lead for the event. Activities were presented in a positive and upbeat atmosphere, teaching the children aspects of military duties in a unique and impactful way. The children processed through a simulated deployment line and had their checklists completed with stickers and stamps, instead of the usual scrawled signatures their parents would receive during out-processing. Squeals of delight were heard throughout the building as they saw an EOD robot up close and in action, and sat behind the wheel of an uparmored Humvee. Mouths gasped in awe as a military working dog ran through its paces with its handler in the protective suit. Many children spent time crawling over numerous vehicles, seeing a military working dog demonstration and wearing and holding chemical warfare equipment. They were seemingly amazed to try on and feel firsthand how heavy body armor, helmets, M-4 rifles and M-248 Squad Automatic Weapons can be. Col. Ron Jolly, 75th Air Base Wing commander, brought his children to see firsthand what the teams who work for him can accomplish. He lauded all the squadrons who combined efforts to make the night a rousing success. "This has been a great night and a great team effort," Polaneczky said."The collective efforts of all the units that participated allowed these military kids to see firsthand all the amazing things that their parents do, experience and support while deployed." "Ultimately, we hope the children in attendance recall memories from their deployment day experience when their parents are called to duty and smile," Polaneczky added. (75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.) ill Contracting burned the midnight oil, especially on the final day of fiscal year 2014, to support the 75th Air Base Wing, Ogden Air Logistics Complex and nearly 22 of Team Hill's mission partner units. Every year, Contracting and Finance work in concert until midnight on Sept. 30 to spend every last dollar possible before its Department of Defense Operation and Maintenance (O&M) funds expire. Contrary to popular belief, contracting professionals do not have finable documents stored on computers and, with a click of a button, presto a contract prints. Contracts require varied levels of research, documentation, and coordination. A little known fact is that most bases spend 50 percent or more of their budget during the third quarter and approximately, 35 percent of the base's budget is spent in the month of September. Nonetheless, Hill contracting professionals rise to the challenge every time. Hill AFB has an arsenal of contract weapons available with lead times as short as one day, while other requirements require longer lead times of 30 days or more. "Our contracts are comparable to our Air Force platforms," said Maj. Janice Scott, Deputy, Installation Contracting Division. "We have some A-10s, B-2 bombers and other stealthy contract vehicles. If the requirement calls for rapid fire we can award it in one day; however, if it is a complex requirement, it may require a B-2 type delivery. It may take longer, but when it delivers, it is massive" Regardless if it takes one day or more, Hill Contracting strives to procure service, supplies and base infrastructure at the best value, in a timely manner, and most importantly in compliance with applicable regulations and laws. "It is like our Super bowl," said Anthony Braswell, Acting Contracting Director. "While each year presents its own set of circumstances, it never ceases to amaze me what we get accomplished while working with our customers in conjunction with our finance friends." "This year was no exception and the needs which we have met will continue to support our warfighter for years to come," Braswell added. See RECORD I Page 10 Team Hill invited to Breast Cancer Awareness brunch By 75th Medical Group B ecause no one knows exactly what causes breast cancer, there are no sure ways to prevent it. It is understood that age, gender, lifetime exposures to estrogen, and other causes play important roles in the development of breast cancer. There are several steps one can take to reduce your risk, such as limiting alcohol intake, fitting exercise into your routine, and maintaining a healthy weight. Did you know that? •As women age, her chances for breast cancer increase. Some women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors except for getting older. • A woman in her 20's can get breast cancer. • White women are more susceptible to breast cancer than women of other racial or ethnic groups. • African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. •Men can get breast cancer. One out of every 100 breast cancer cases is a male. According the American Cancer Society, the five year survival rate for all women diagnosed with breast cancer is 89 percent. Most can live full productive lives and never have a reoccurrence. Early detection gives one a better survival rate. If it is found early your survival rate can jump to 98 percent. To help protect yourself, talk with your health care provider and find out what screening tests are right for you. Two of the most common screening tools are mammograms and clini- cal breast exams. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and can detect cancer in its earliest stages, even before a lump can be felt. A clinical breast exam is performed by a health care provider who checks your breasts and underarm areas for any lumps or changes. You also play a key role in breast cancer screening. Perform regular selfexams so you know how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice any change from normal, see your health care provider right away. In an effort to promote awareness, Hill AFB is sponsoring a Breast Cancer Awareness Month brunch on Oct. 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Landing. The guest speaker is Utah's KUTV News morning anchor woman, mother, coach and breast cancer survivor, Mary Nickles. Tickets cost $10 and include a breakfast burrito and fruit tray buffet. For more information, call the Health and Wellness Center 801-777-1215 or Civilian Health Promotion Services at 586-6021. Seating is limited. |