6/24/12

June 2012

Well, here I am blogging for the first time in my life...who knew, when Matt did this,
I would become a blogger! But here we all are. May flew by so fast that I can't even recall what went on, but I am certain it was fun and that we would do it all again if we could.  
   So here we are at the end of June. Matt and I have had the opportunity to meet some of you at graduations, promotions, retirements, the Burger Burn and at our first social, "The Sweet and Sour" night. Some of you have not been able to make it to any events because your spouse is deployed or working long hours. We just want you to know we look forward to getting to know you and are thankful for all the sacrifices you are making.
     The goal of our spouses group is to provide encouragement for each other and to make this time together memorable through friendships and really unique experiences. In July, we will kick off more social times. We are going to meet 2 times during the month for a kid-friendly activity (i.e.. zoo, parks, free stuff), have a lunch bunch where kids are also welcome and have one night time social with no kiddos (except those itty bitty ones that we all pass around to get our baby fix--you must bring them smelling of sweet baby lotion and allow us to drool all over them!)
     This month we had our first social, "Sweet and Sour night!" We had tart treats and filled my living room with sweet conversations about our favorite Wichita activities! If giggles and volume were an indicator of fun, we maxed out the fun meter!
 At the social, Jenn Forness welcomed me with our new squadron t-shirt and a basket full of treats! Thank you so much for the gift. It is beautiful and I will enjoy wearing my Mighty Eagle shirt and boasting my squadron pride.





Also, at the social, our new members were given their welcome gift, a Mighty Eagle cup, squadron pin and a magnet to show our appreciation for their participation.




If you are interested in purchasing a squadron t-shirt  ($20) or a Mighty Eagle water bottle ($7) both are available. Please contact me.
     Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for squadron dates. I will post all of our July dates very soon. Thanks for being such wonderful spouses!

Jennifer Daack
 

I am a Mighty Eagle Spouse! What's your Super Power?






















5/14/12


Free Movie @ the base theater

The Hunger Games

18 May @ 1900

BLUF

Learn to make Eggrolls ~ Wednesday May 16th
@ Signatures at 10am
Cost is just $5 and you will leave with one dozen eggrolls
You Must Sign Up & Pay in Advance to reserve your spot
They will only be taking 50 students
so please be sure to call the Dole today @ 759-4267 or 759-4330


Quarter Mania in the Dole Ballroom ~ Thursday May 17th
Doors open at 6pm and "bidding" starts @ 7pm
Paddles are $3.00 each or two for $5.00
For more information please call 759-4267 or 759-4330
 
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Come celebrate at the Dole Community Center
Food tastings starting at 11:30am until it runs out
Also, enjoy various entertainment and demonstrations
from 11-1pm ~ Tuesday May 22nd


Electronics Bingo in the Dole Ballroom Friday June 15th
Doors open at 5:30 & BiNgO starts at 6:30
Reservations prepaid by 3pm on June 15th will be eligible
to play in a "special" BiNgO game
$20 per pack of cards for 12 games
Chance to win FABULOUS electronics like
IPods, laptops, flat screen TVs, game systems and more
Cash or checks only please
Babysitting will be provided in the
ballroom meeting room $10 per child
For more information please call 759-4267 or 759-4330

5/11/12


The Commander of the 22d Operations Group

Colonel Thomas J. Riney

cordially invites you to attend the
Change of Command Ceremony
at which

Lieutenant Colonel Paul J. Scott

will relinquish command of the
22d Operations Support Squadron to

Lieutenant Colonel Martin T. Daack, Jr.

Monday, the twenty-first of May
at ten-thirty in the morning
Base Operations, Building 1112, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas

*In case of inclement weather, ceremony will be held in the Ballroom, Robert J. Dole Community Center



R.S.V.P. by 14 May 2012
POC: Capt Katie Plichta

Military: UOD
Civilian: Business Casual

New Commander's Welcome Reception immediately following the ceremony in Signature's Lounge, Robert J. Dole Community Center


5/9/12

BLUF for May 12th 2012

OUTDOOR REC Open House
Building 1349 ~ Located between the Working Dogs
and the Ponds
TODAY from 11-2pm
Stop by & see all the equipment on display
FREE food from 11-1

McConnell’s 14th Annual
Family Festival of Fun
~ Saturday May 12th ~
~ 10am-3pm @ the Dole ~
Come out and enjoy . . .
Arts & Crafts
Carnival Games
Door Prizes
EOD Demonstrations
Fire Truck Rides
FREE Lunch
Petting Zoo
Pony Rides
Squadron Displays
Train Rides

Summer Reading Story Time
May 12th & 26th
From 10-11am
For ages 3-6
Education Center room 159
Call 759-4207 for more information

Playgroup
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri from 9-11 & 1-3
Building 804
Call 759-6020 for more information

Camp Corral Signup
Check out this website for information regarding a free week of summer camp for children ages 8 - 15 of wounded/fallen members, sponsored by Golden Corral.  Only cost is getting the child to the particular camp. There are camps in GA, OH, VA, KS, TX, NC, FL and CO.  www.campcorral.org

* * * Looking Ahead * * *
. . . Derby 4th of July Parade . . .
Derby's 4th of July parade is at 10:00am on Wednesday, July 4th, followed by a FREE cookout for Team McConnell & their families at High Park in Derby.

4/17/12

Tuesday April 17th BLUF

Got Drugs?

Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal

Saturday April 28th 2012

· Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse.
· Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision.
· The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in America
· The majority of teens abusing prescription drugs get them from family and friends—and the home medicine cabinet.
· Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold.  Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply.  Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

 How can I dispose of my unused prescription meds? 

Take-back programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs.  But if a program is not available:  
*  Take the meds out of their bottles.
*  Mix them with something unappealing like used kitty liter or coffee grounds.
*  Seal them in a bag or disposable container, and throw that away.
· For more information on prescription drug abuse go to:
                *  www.dea.gov
                *  www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com
                *  www.justthinktwice.com

(New locations are continuously being added!) 
The following locations are current as of  Tues 17 Apr 12
 ·         Household Hazardous Waste, 801 Stillwell, Wichita KS
·         Sedgwick County Zoo, 5500 W. Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS
·         Oaklawn Activity Center, 4900 S. Clifton, Wichita, KS
·         Haysville Police Department       200 W. Grand, Haysville, KS
·         City of Bel Aire Community Rm, N. Entrance, 7561 Central Park Ave,   Bel Aire,
·         Rose Hill City Hall, 125 W. Rosewood, Rose, Hill, KS
·         Maize City Hall, 10100 W. Grady, Maize, KS
·         Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, 120 E. 7, Newton, KS
·         Wal Mart, 2202 Pike Road, Winfield, KS
·         Wal Mart, 2850 W. Central, El Dorado, KS

 Please join us on April 21st for the
Grand Opening
of the Youth Center

There will be free food,
music giveaways,
inflatable’s
& tours of the new
facility.
The first 50 people to purchase a membership
will receive a free pass
to All-Star Sports!
Hurry will supplies last.
For more information
Please call 759-4070

Volunteer Appreciation 25 April
 0930 refreshment, ceremony 1000
please come out to support our volunteers. 
Also please invite all your  volunteers to come out
so the 22 ARW can thank them. 
We ask that all that will be attending
RSVP to A&FRC 759-6020
by 23 April.

        Family Festival of Fun has been rescheduled to
12 May 1000 to 1500

 Your voice will be heard.

if you fill out the Caring for People Survey


"Hot Job" vacancy from MSEP Business Partner AT&T that will help military Spouses with employment opportunities as AT&T Sales Support Representative and Retail Sales Consultant in the Wichita, Kansas corporate retail store.
Also if there is anything that the Central Region can assist you with feel free to call or email.

Mike Wyckoff
Central Region Account Specialist/MSEP Recruiter
Military Spouse Employment Partnership
7927 Jones Branch Drive, Ste 600 W
McLean, VA 22102
(P) 336-500-7150
(E) mwyckoff@sri-hq.com <mailto:fmitchell@sri-hq.com>


Saturday April 21st ~ Mom 2 Mom Sale
~ 9am-1pm @ Robert J. Dole Center Hallways ~ Buy and sell used kids clothes, toys, baby furnishings, and maternity clothes at amazing prices!
Interested in having a booth?  Register by 19 April;
$10 for a 6ft table and 2 chairs, additional tables $5 each. 
 
Saturday April 21st ~ HANDBAG Bingo ~ in the Dole Ballroom ~ $20 per pack of cards for 12 games.  Chance to win FABULOUS designer purses - Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Michael Kors, Brahim, etc!  Doors open at 5:30 and bingo starts at 6:30.  Paid reservations (by 3pm on 20 April) will be eligible to play in a "special" bingo game. Cash, checks or PLAYPASS only please.

Single Airmen Initiative - Melodrama Bus Trip on Friday, April 27th Mosley St. Melodrama presents - East Side/West Side Story The Community Center still has some tickets for just $10 (regular price $27).  Includes dinner buffet, show and transportation to and from the Dole Center. Bus will leave the Dole Center at 6pm and return after the show. We will take reservations/payment from E4 and below now through 19 April.  On 20 April if the Community Center has any more discount tickets left it will be open to all of Team McConnell.

FREE Latin Dance Lessons every Thursday night in April! 6:30-8pm in Signatures Special guest instructors will teach Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha, Samba, etc.  Come with a partner or come by yourself - everyone is welcome!  The Community Center will then host a Fiesta Dance on Friday, 4 May.
 
The Community Center staff has moved back into the
Dole Center in the main hallway. 
Stop by and say hi! 
You can reach us at 759-4267 or 759-4330

4/13/12

Family Festival of Fun has been Postponed
Please check back for more information
or check out our Facebook Page
for the latest information

APRIL 13th BLUF

There will be POTENTIAL for WEATHER
over the next 2 days
The 2 Major periods for SEVERE WEATHER
are as follows:
Today:
Time: Between 2000L to 2400L -- Rainfall: 1/4-3/4 inch
Wind: Southeast 12-25 Knots- could see up to 45 Knots with T-Storms
Weather: 3/4" inch or greater hail possible, Lightning, low possibility of Tornadoes

Saturday:
Time: 1500L-2400L -- Rainfall: 1/2 - 1 inch

Wind: Southeast 15-20 Gust 30 Knots- could see winds as high as 50+ Knots

Weather: 3/4 inch hail or greater, lightning, Increased chance of Tornado development

Volunteers Needed

The Chapel needs a few new dedicated volunteers to aid in customer service during the week.  In order that we may provide the best care to our Airmen, civilian work force, retirees and families, we need your help in manning the customer service desk at the Chapel. 
Duties will include:  greeting/directing customers and Chapel guests, answering phones and taking messages, aiding with printing production, distributing mail, and other similar tasks as needed.  We would ask for volunteers to consider a 2 to 4 hour time block on a weekly basis. 

For more information, please contact SSgt Nikki Evenson at 759-3566. 


The Airman & Family Readiness Center has a big stack of free tickets for the Country Stampede!  Although the event goes from 21-24 June, the tickets we have are valid only on Sunday, June 24th. The Country Stampede is in Manhattan, KS.  Gates open at 1pm and you MUST have a military ID.  Tickets are an $80 value.
For more information, please check out the website: www.countrystampede.com

Family Festival of Fun Update
 ~ April 13th 2012 ~
Yes!  Family Festival of Fun will still be happening... and depending on the weather, the outside activities will simply be moved inside.  Of course, if there are tornado warnings, we wouldn't expect you to bring your family out, but all of us at the Airman & Family Readiness Center are keeping our fingers crossed for some decent weather.

We are expecting close to 3,000 folks in attendance... because it's a HUGE event that is a lot of fun for the whole family.  Free crafts, games, (awesome!) door prizes, lots of free food, and more!  Family Festival of Fun is at the Dole Center... from 10am-3pm.
Special Needs Art Show Reception
Place: Airman & Family Readiness Center Bldg. 732
Date: May 23, 2012 Time: 345-430 pm

There will be an art making session on April 17 from 7-830 pm at building 338 in the Playgroup room.  Please call the EFMP-FS Coordinator at 316-759-6020 for further information.
You are cordially invited to attend the first annual special needs Art Show Reception at McConnell AFB. We will serve punch and cookies and exhibitors can take home their mounted and signed art work. Special needs children ages birth through 21 are invited to leave one piece of art work with the Airman & Family Readiness Center (bldg. 732) from April 18-30. The art work will be mounted and displayed at the center. Visitors to the center will be able to write comments and sign the art work borders. The art must be on paper and no larger than 8 x 11 inches. Participants can come to the art making session or just bring in a piece of art from home. 

ITT received FREE NASCAR tickets!
The race is April 22, 2012 at 12:00 in KC
4 tickets per family can be obtained
ITT will start to give tickets away this morning at 1000  You must go into ITT for tickets
...NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE…

3/28/12

Ops Group Spouses unite for an Incredible Morning
as Honorary Crew Members

on a KC-135 R/T.

 Come out and Experience Firsthand

Mid-Air Refueling

Saturday April 21st! 

Show Time: 0745 am - Raven's Auditorium 

Please wear your squadron t-shirts (Yes we now have them!) or squadron colors (Electric Blue/Gold). It is best to dress in layers and wear comfortable, closed toe shoes. Be sure to bring a warm jacket, gloves and even a small blanket if you like! 

There are ONLY 3 SPOTS left for the OSS
Sign Up Quickly
To Reserve Your Jump Seat!!!
22d.oss@gmail.com

A light breakfast will be provided & Mission Briefing will begin at 8 am. 

Please call for Schedule Due to Op Sec It will not be posted here

Babysitting provided in the Raven's Nest By RSVP Only.
Please drop your child off at 745 am to get them situated.
Please bring appropriate items for your child to eat, drink & play with/keep busy. 

Please RSVP by 9am Monday, April 2nd  
We hope you can make it!
March 28th BLUF

WHAT: Wichita State University Baseball Game "McConnell Night"

WHEN: Wednesday, 28 March 2012

TIME: 1815 (Pregame Ceremony) 1830 (Game Start)

WHY:  McConnell Honor Guard will support and AMC Mackay Trophy winners will be recognized with first pitch!

POC:  Public Affairs

Come out and support!
                                                      


Don’t Forget Our Next Spouses Social is

Tomorrow the 29th of March

at

Paint the Towne

from 7-9pm

We will be sitting down to paint a couple of cups of Joe or Tea
$25.00 to Paint 

Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share 

Last time we were here we had so much fun 

Check it out we made the Artist Real


We also have a Surprise announcement


*NEW SPOUSES BLINGY TEES!* 


We will be taking orders so that we have them back in two weeks
($22.00 per shirt)

Please RSVP to save your Stool! 

Call Heather @ 239-7629 

Or email 22d.oss@gmail.com  

Paint the Towne

9747 East 21st St N 

Wichita, KS 67206
                                                      


New Kansas Law Affecting Military Spouses 

On Feb. 14, 2012, the State of Kansas approved a bill that will allow some non-resident military spouses holding certain occupational licenses granted by licensing bodies of other states, to obtain a comparable license from the State of Kansas so that the spouse may be able to practice his or her occupation while residing in Kansas due to the military member's military duties. Some restrictions apply to the new bill, which can be found on the Kansas State Legislature's website at: http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12/measures/hb2178/.  You may also contact the Kansas Legislative Hotline at 785-296-2149 or, toll-free, at 1-800-432-3924. 

If you have any questions or comments please contact me. Thank you and have a great weekend!

 V/r
MARIA A. RUIZ, SSgt, USAF
NCOIC, Public Affairs Photo
22d Air Refueling Wing, McConnell AFB, KS
DSN: 743-3745 / COMM: 316-759-3745
                                                      

One of the local elementary schools is in need of volunteers to assist with their annual Spring Carnival on Friday, April 20.  They need volunteers for the following times:

5pm- 10 volunteers for setup

8pm- 10 volunteers for clean up 

The carnival is from 6:30-8:30pm on April 20th at Val Jackson Elementary located at 2717 N. Woodlawn(29th St North and Woodlawn) 

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sgt. Jason Lanehart at jason.lanehart@us.af.mil or 316-573-7259.  Please sign up by April 6.
Angela Edwards
McConnell AFB School Liaison Officer
Airman & Family Readiness Center 
53147 Kansas St., McConnell AFB, KS 67221
Com: 316-759-6020   DSN: 743-3170
angela.edwards.10@us.af.mil
                                                     


American Red Cross Midway-Kansas Chapter has a particular need for Good Neighbor Nutrition Program drivers right now because, unfortunately, several of our volunteer drivers, many of whom are older adults themselves, have had medical problems recently, causing them to have to retire from their volunteer service or to take an indefinite leave from driving. Well over 800 older adults (Anyone 60 or older qualifies.) rely on GNNP for their lunch meal Monday through Friday. The way the program works is that volunteer drivers use Red Cross vehicles to pick up about 5-8 older adults on their route and take them to a congregate meal site in the route area. There are 22 different congregate meal sites in and around Wichita. The driver drops off his/her passengers and picks up meals for the homebound participants who live in the area. The volunteer driver uses the Red Cross vehicle to deliver the homebound meals while the congregate meal site participants socialize or take part in enrichment activities or organized entertainment. The driver returns to the site and enjoys a meal with the participants if he/she chooses to do so. Then, the driver returns all participants to their homes one at a time. Many of the people who use the program--at the congregate sites and at home--are much older adults (85+). Many of them have mobility issues. They rely on GNNP not only for nutrition, but also for socialization. For many of them, it is their most important, if not only, interaction with other people on a daily basis. For homebound participants, it provides a connection with the world outside their homes that they otherwise might not have. 

I am working hard right now to recruit volunteers to drive for this very important program, and I am targeting groups that I feel would make strong volunteer candidates. Members of the military and retired military community came to my mind because I think many people in those groups are likely to fit the profile of what we need in GNNP volunteers. These characteristics include the following:

.         People with flexible and/or shift-work schedules--The time commitment is generally from around 9:15 am until between 12:30 and 1:30 pm, depending on how many participants are on a route. Volunteers may choose to take a shift once a week, once a month, as a substitute or more frequently, depending on what their schedules and desires are. Perhaps a work group could even adopt a route one day a week and rotate drivers. 

.         People in good physical condition--Many of the participants have mobility challenges and may need assistance getting to and from the Red Cross vehicle. 

.         People who are able to pass a background check--National Red Cross requires a background check of all adult volunteers in order to protect those we serve. 

.         People with good driving records--We will also run a DMV check to help ensure the safety of those being transported by Red Cross drivers. 

.         People who can work with a wide range of individuals—Our participants come from all parts of the community and represent the whole spectrum of human differences. Some of them are living with dementia. 

I would love to recruit several members of the military community to help American Red Cross provide this crucial service. I would be happy to make a presentation to a group of any size or to provide any other information that you would need. More information about GNNP can be found at http://midwaykansas.redcross.org/index.php/programs_services/good_neighbor_nutrition_program/12  


Red Cross has broad range of volunteer opportunities. While GNNP drivers are most urgently needed right now, I would be happy to share information on any or all of our programs, ncluding opportunities within in Service to the Armed Forces.

Thank you so much for helping American Red Cross with this recruitment effort, Sharon. Interested individuals should contact me by email or phone.

 Have a great day!
Sheri
Sheri E. Barnes | Volunteer Coordinator American Red Cross
Midway-Kansas Chapter
1900 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67214
(316) 219-4058 (o)
(316) 219-4003 (f) sheri.barnes@redcross.org