Military Health System experts will host a Web-based town hall-style meeting from 3-4 p.m. Nov. 10 to respond to questions about H1N1 influenza.
Military members, their families, health care providers and Department of Defense civilians may submit questions after Nov. 2, using the comments box at www.health.mil⁄flu.
As many as possible of the questions submitted in advance, as well as questions asked throughout the live event, will be answered during the Web hall. A transcript of all questions and answers will be posted to the site after the event.
‘‘We want to keep service members and their families informed about the H1N1 flu and the Department of Defense’s vaccination strategy,” said Dr. Michael E. Kilpatrick, director of strategic communications for the Military Health System.
Subject-matter experts from the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Health Protection and Readiness, the Military Vaccine Agency, Tricare Management Activity and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are scheduled to participate.
Participants in the Web hall are asked to limit questions to H1N1 flu-related topics and to refrain from disclosing personal information, to protect their privacy.
When possible, officials said, service members should contact their chain of command to resolve issues.
The Military Health System is a worldwide partnership of medical educators and researchers, health care providers and support personnel. The DoD enterprise consists of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs; the medical departments of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Joint Chiefs of Staff; the combatant command surgeons; and Tricare providers, including private-sector health care providers, hospitals and pharmacies.
(Courtesy of American Forces Press Service from a Department of Defense Health Affairs news release.)
Air Force officials seek UASvolunteers, makes policy change
Air Force officials are seeking combat systems officers for unmanned aircraft systems pilot duty, and interested commissioned Airmen have until Nov. 20 to volunteer for the training.
CSOs within the grade of lieutenant through major are eligible, and applicants also must have between two to 13 years of total active federal commissioned service and 24 months time on station by Dec. 1.
‘‘This is a great opportunity for officers wanting to directly contribute to Air Force operations through the growing UAS mission,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kwoka, the UAS career field manager. ‘‘Airmen who complete the training will possess the 18X Air Force specialty code and become permanent UAS assets.”
CSOs without a commercial instrument rating are eligible to apply for this training, he said.
Other requirements to apply for CSO positions are:
Have a top secret-sensitive compartmented information clearance or be able to get one.
Be worldwide deployable with no medical limitations.
Have a recommendation from wing commander or operations group commander holding the grade of colonel.
Air Force officials will notify selected Airmen via e-mail sometime in December. Training will begin in January 2010.
Related to the request for volunteers, Maj. Gregory Nita, the chief of UAS and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assignments at the Air Force Personnel Center, added there has been a policy change affecting CSOs with a commercial certificate and instrument rating.
‘‘After June 1, 2010, all CSOs interested in UAS pilot duty will be required to attend the full UAS pilot training course and become a permanent 18X asset,” Major Nita said. CSOs with a commercial certificate and instrument rating who are interested in going directly to UAS formal training unit’s prior to that cut-off date should self-identify to their assignments officer no later than Dec. 31.
Interested officers should discuss this opportunity with their commanders. The POC for the program is HQ AFPC⁄DPAOC. E-mail afpc.dpaom6@randolph.af.mil for questions, or call DSN 665-2709.
(Story courtesy of Air Force Personnel Center)
AAFES congratulates new parents
Having a baby can cost a bundle. Fortunately, military families can count on the Army & Air Force Exchange Service to deliver tax-free savings to help them stock up on everything they will need to take care of their newest recruit.
‘‘From baby food to binkies, we are dedicated to helping growing families, wherever they are called to serve,” said AAFES Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Jeffry Helm. ‘‘In fact, we’ve even created a booklet for their exclusive use.”
AAFES’ ‘‘Congratulations Baby!” booklet includes a variety of coupons for baby products including disposable diapers, infant formula and baby shampoo.
AAFES did not forget Mom or Dad when they put the booklet together. In addition to specials on items for the bundle of joy, proud parents will also find coupons for two adult movie tickets, two large popcorns and two medium drinks at a Reel Time Theater as well as one free shampoo, set and style or a free manicure or pedicure at an AAFES-operated Stylique Salon & Day Spa.
AAFES’ ‘‘Congratulations Baby!” booklet is available in the customer-service area of all BXs and PXs.
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