CLASSIFIEDS>>5-11-2012

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

A  free one-year membership in Military Officers Association of America is available for active, reserve, & National Guard officers who are  not prior members. Contact Central Arkansas Chapter Secretary (cacmoaa@aol.com).


HELP WANTED

DRIVERS: OTR Growing Fleet! Great miles, pay, benefits, hometime! Clean MVR, 2 years experienced, CDL-A. Karen, 636-584-6073, www.climateexpress.com


YARD SALES

GARAGE SALE, 5/12, 6:30 am-11 am, 7316 Glenn Hills Dr., Sherwood. Boy's & girl's clothes, furniture & much more.

GARAGE SALE, 5/12, 7 am-noon, 19 Sunflower Dr., Cabot. Lots of great things, women's & men's Holister Aeropostale, Xbox 360, DVD player, lots of household items.


HORSES

HORSES: LUCKY Acres Boarding Stable, TLC for your horse, box stalls and paddocks, clean pastures, indoor and outdoor arenas, riding instruction and training program. Dressage our specialty. (501) 988-2458.


PETS

80 GALLON aquarium w/all accessories. Made in Philippines, $250 obo., (501) 960-9564.


AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

1999 MITSUBISHI Galant, only 80K miles, white ext., tan int., V6, A/C, runs great, $1,500. Military PCSing. Call or text (501) 256-5081 or e-mail usafpride5@gmail.com for pics.

2010 DODGE Ram 1500 pickup, 5K miles, excellent condition, practically new, $16,000. (501) 413-1556.

2009 MITSUBISHI Lancer GTS, auto., silver & black int., 31,200 miles, navigation, moon roof, power everything, still under warranty, $17,400. (501) 218-3577.


RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2007 HIGHEST quality camper, 23', loaded, TV, ducted A/C, heater, microwave, range, dinette, couch, bath, shower, 2 lg. propane bottles, awning, etc. Sleeps 5. Garage kept, used little. Orig. owner. Like new. $12,900. (501) 843-2187.


ITEMS FOR SALE

PAINTBALL GEAR: Freak kit barrels, $90; pod packs w/pods, $20; Proto elbow pads, $15; knee pads, $10; gear bag, $10. (785) 317-4904.

CAST IRON bathtub w/feet, 5' long, excellent condition, $150. (501) 470-9501.

TOP-LOAD WASHER & dryer set, $250. (210) 771-1731, Brenda.

HEAVY DUTY utility trailer, 5x9, drop gate, black metal, $650. (501) 416-9216, Vilonia.

32" SAMSUNG LCD TV, $300 obo. (501) 218-3577.

MOVING, need to SELL ASAP! 4x6 steel tornado shelter/safe room. " Tested to the worst F5+ conditions." $3500 + $500 for delivery/installation valued at $4600. Also, qualify for up to a $1000 FEMA Grant. It can go right into your garage or slab back porch. 515-2952 interested inquiries only.

GOLF CLUBS: Drivers, stiff shaft, 9.5 degree: Cobra S-2, Adams Fast Line 10, $90 each. (501) 606-2275, Cabot.

375 NEW bricks, $75. (919) 815-0303, Cabot.

MEDLIFT RECLINER, taupe w/fabric protection, $100 cash/carry. 681-2274.

PAINTBALL GUN, Custom Air Gun Designs Mini-mag, new seals & oil throughout, 13" JJ ceramic barrel, AGD double trigger assembly, gas-thru foregrip; remote assembly ready, $200 obo. (757) 708-3125.


FURNITURE

ELEGANT RECTANGULAR 2-tiered expresso coffee table w/beveled glass & marble inset, like new cond., 48" x 28" x 20.5", $100 obo. (907) 750-5615.

BLACK QUEEN bed & night stand w/queen pillowtop mattress & box spring, $450 obo. (501) 218-3577.

BED, QUEEN size set, still in plastic, $150. (501) 538-4224.

GLIDER W/FOOT rest, beige, PCSing, must sell, $100 obo. (501) 515-1593, Michelle.


HOUSES FOR RENT

Sherwood/Jacksonville areas. Beautiful 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Mobile Homes. Large lots, in quiet safe park, close to LRAFB. Clean, quiet, & safe park. $450-$695 plus deposit. (501) 835-3450.

COUNTRY HOME for rent: 2 bedroom, 1 bath, minutes from base. Available 5/15. $600 month. (501) 352-1499.

JACKSONVILLE: REMODELED 2 bedroom, 2 bath, large country lot, near LRAFB, background check, $500 month, $700 deposit. Pets okay. (501) 952-8880.

BRIEFS>>5/11/2012

PUBLIC TRANSIT INFORMATION 

Kelly Welcher from the Arkansas State Employee Benefit Company will be here from 8 to 10 a.m. May 22 at building 1255 in the first floor break room to explain the Month-to-Month turnkey vanpool program and Public Transportation Benefit Program procedure. For more information about the Public Transportation Benefit Program, contact Lynn Shaw, base program point of contact at ronnie.shaw@us.af.mil, Environmental Dept. at 501-987-8135 or his alternate, Danny Mills, danny.mills@us.af.mil, 501-987-6436.

NEW TORNADO SIREN PROCEDURES IMPLEMENTED 

Little Rock AFB has modified its tornado siren procedures. The new procedures will sound the Giant Voice siren continuously when an imminent threat to the base is detected. Upon hearing the siren, immediately seek shelter and stay there until the siren ceases.

Contact 19 CES Emergency Management at 501-987-7610 if you have any further questions

2012 HIRING OUR HEROS VETERANS EVENT TUESDAY 

There will be a free hiring fair for military veteran job seekers, active duty military members, guard and reserve members and eligible spouses Tuesday in Sherwood. For assistance, email hiringourheroes@uschamber.com.

SCHOOL AGED PHYSICALS

School-aged physicals are available at the medical group for the upcoming school year. If schools require a special form, patients must bring it with them to the appointment. Parents must also bring a copy of their child’s shot records. In order to get an appointment at the medical group, patients must be enrolled for care with Little Rock Air Force Base medical clinic. Those enrolled to an off-base provider must see them for care. Patients being seen off-base who would like to enroll at the medical group to take advantage of this service can stop by the Tricare Service Center.

Note: For individuals who have completed well appointments recently with normal results, the SF600 signed by the provider used during this visit can be used for the purpose of the physical. However, if a particular form is needed by the school, please drop it off at the Pediatric front desk. It will be processed and patients will receive a call back when it’s ready for pick-up.

For children who will participate in a sports activity or needs a school-aged physical, it is best to schedule early to avoid a possible delay as appointments are based on provider availability and mission requirements.

Patients can book their sports physical online at www.tricare.mil. Make sure to select the “school physical” visit reason.

If an appointment can’t be located online, call the appointment line at 987-8811.

Walk-in physical days are offered in the afternoons at the Family Health/Pediatric Clinic on the following days: June 7, July 19, 26, August 9, 16, and Sept 20, 27. Hours are 1 – 3:30 p.m.

LEGAL OFFICE TEMPORARY LOCATION CHANGE

The legal office has been moved to a temporary location at building 830. Walk-in legal assistance hours are Mondays 2 – 3 p.m. and Fridays 9 – 10 a.m. Powers of Attorney and Notary Services are still available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The legal office will close at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for training. Wills are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday mornings by appointment only. (Please complete a Will worksheet available at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil or you may drop by the legal office for a hard copy.)

We apologize for any inconvenience for this temporary move and appreciate your patience. If you have any questions, please call the legal office at 987-7886.

ANTICIPATED FEDERAL CIVILIAN VACANCIES AT LITTLE ROCK

Please keep in mind that the job listed may take an extended period of time to be advertised. A hiring priority may prevent advertising a position. The website for applicants to apply is http://www.afciviliancareers.com. For questions, call their toll-free number at 1-800-525-0102.

Community Planner, GS-0020-11

Maintenance & Operations Supervisor, WS-4701-10

Administrative Support Assistant, GS-0303-05 (ART)

Secretary, GS-0318-05 (2 Vacancies)

Resource Management Assistant, GS-0303-07, ART

Administrative Support Assistant, GS-0303-05, ART

STUDENT SUMMER-HIRE LIFEGUARD POSTIONS AVAILABLE AT LRAFB

The Little Rock AFB Civilian Personnel Office is currently accepting applications for the following summer hire positions: GS-02, GS-03 and GS-04 Lifeguards. Applicants must submit a completed application package. ALL certifications must be good through Sept. 30, 2012.

Application packets may be picked up at the Civilian Personnel Office or emailed upon request. Please submit application packages to the Civilian Personnel Office, 19FSS/FSMC, 1255 Vandenberg Blvd, Suite 227, Little Rock AFB, Ark., 72099-5052 (Applications will not be received electronically). Applicants must submit a complete application package to be considered. Applications received by close of business today, 13 April 2012, will receive first hiring consideration. All applications must be received by 01 June 2012. For more information call the Civilian Personnel Office at 987-3212.

BANQUET SLATED FOR TODAY

The 314th MXG Maintenance Pro Banquet will be today at Hanger 1080. The Social/Medallion Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m., and the dinner will be at 6 p.m. The uniform will be ABU’s, and the guest speaker is Ret. Master Sgt. George Peterson.

LUNCHEON SET FOR THURSDAY

National Asian American/Pacific Island Heritage Month luncheon, “Striving for Excellence in Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion,” will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Hangar 1080. Cost is $13. RSVP to Master Sgt. Kristi Lott at Kristi.lott@us.af.mil no later than Monday. Dress is uniform of the day for military members and business casual for civilans.

COMMENTARY>>If you write it, own it

By Maj. T. Allen Herritage
2nd Combat Camera Squadron

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – Two recent stories on the Air Force’s web page drew significant reaction in the site’s comments section. Both a story on finance troops being awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the news that Air Force Space Command was ending wear of flight suits by non-aircrew personnel drove more comments than any story I’ve ever read on the site.

One attracted so many negative comments; the comments themselves became the subject of a story in Air Force Times. The reason for the publicity wasn’t the sheer number of comments, but their nature. Many, if not most, of the comments on both stories were sarcastic, bitter, or just plain rude.

It’s not the existence of negative comments that bothers me. I think discourse on Air Force issues is good for us as Airmen and our service as a whole. And if you take some time to consider the arguments surrounding the issues covered in these stories, there are some valid points on both sides.

This discourse can become heated. That’s OK in my book. I appreciate someone who is passionate about their opinion and ready to defend it. The problem here is that there is a direct correlation to the nature of the comment and whether or not the commentator was anonymous. Almost without exception, comments that were rude or sarcastic came from an anonymous source.

I recognize the subjectivity of the last sentence. What’s rude to one person may be perfectly acceptable to another. But it’s safe to say that the wording of most of these comments would be changed drastically, or even left unsaid, if their originator’s identity was attached to them.

The anonymity offered by the internet has given those with an axe to grind a false sense of empowerment. I say ‘false’ because the very nature of their comments limits their utility. The angry rant in the comments section rarely inspires real change and usually only serves one person – the one doing the ranting.

I’m not advocating a “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” approach.

Our business is serious. Sometimes we have to say things that are unpleasant to others. But, as leaders, I think we have the duty to own it. This isn’t just about comments on a web page. It’s about accountability. If you want to criticize something, have the intestinal fortitude to defend that criticism and the manner in which it was conveyed. If you can’t own it, why say it at all?

TOP STORY>>Officials explain new sexual-assault policy

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Senior Defense Department officials today said they hope more service members who are victims of sexual assault report the crimes as a result of a policy change Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced last week.

Panetta issued guidance April 20 withholding “initial disposition authority” from any officer who is below the O-6 -- colonel or Navy captain -- level and who does not hold special court-martial convening authority. In other words, unit commanders at the company or squadron level no longer have authority to decide whether to take further action in reported cases of attempted rape, forcible sodomy or sexual assault.

In announcing the new policy, the secretary said the change will ensure that sexual assault cases receive high-level attention.

A senior defense official told reporters today during a background briefing that the new policy will allow more experienced and less partial officers to make the initial decision on whether a sexual assault case goes to trial. That will add consistency to how such cases are handled, the official added.

“The further ‘north’ you go [in rank] the more attention there is paid to this,” the official said. “They get a level of training that somebody at the O-3 level wouldn’t necessarily get.”

The defense official cited a hypothetical case in which an alleged attacker and victim belong to the same company-level unit of about 115 enlisted people and five officers working for the same Army captain or Navy lieutenant commander.

In the past, the official said, a victim in that unit might choose not to report an assault because the commander liked the alleged attacker more, or because the victim’s performance in the unit might cause the commander to disbelieve the victim’s report. Now, that unit commander must forward such reports up the chain of command to a colonel-level special court-martial convening authority.

A Joint Staff official told reporters, also on background, that the new policy is intended in part to remove decisions from the “immediate level of the crime.”

More senior officers will have “a more neutral ability to take a look at the facts ... and make a reasoned decision,” the Joint Staff official said.

The change also means that officers making future disposition decisions typically will have legal and medical staff members who can assist in determining proper handling of the case, the defense official said. The new policy also applies to any associated charges related to an alleged assault, the official added.

“Any suggestion or appearance of retaliation would have to be resolved at the same [higher] level,” the official said.

The official noted there are several precedents for the withholding policy. A similar approach – placing authority for case disposition under the Uniform Code of Military Justice with more senior officers – typically applies in cases of officer misconduct, cases with national security interest or in alleged misconduct by civilians accompanying the force, the official said.

The official said Panetta has directed that other new policies also take effect:

n Establishing “Special Victim’s Unit” capabilities within each of the services, to ensure that specially trained investigators, prosecutors and victim-witness assistance personnel are available to assist with sexual assault cases;

Requiring that sexual assault policies be explained to all service members within 14 days of their entrance on active duty;

Allowing reserve and National Guard members who have been sexually assaulted while on active duty to remain in their active-duty status to obtain the treatment and support afforded to active-duty members;

Requiring a record of the outcome of disciplinary and administrative proceedings related to sexual assault, and requiring that copies of those records be centrally retained;

Requiring annual organizational climate assessments; and

Mandating wider public dissemination of DOD resources, including the DOD Safe Helpline, a free, anonymous and confidential resource that can be reached worldwide, 24 hours a day, to connect victims with live sexual assault support professionals.

TOP STORY>>A new housing website prepares Airmen for moving

By 1st Lt. Nicole White
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – With the summer moving season just around the corner, thousands of Airmen and their families can now use a new housing website to help prepare for their move.

The website,www.housing.af.mil, provides dormitory information for unaccompanied Airmen while detailing housing options and support services available at Air Force installations. For example, the website gives insights into local communities, school districts, weather and other resources designed to help Airmen and their families become familiar with their new homes.

“[The website] is a single source for Airmen and their families for any and everything housing,” said Ms Judith Teague, Air Mobility Command housing asset manager. “The best part about the site is that it is on a public website where anyone can access the information anytime.”

The website features helpful housing links, a list of frequently asked questions, links to other resources such as move.mil and Automated Housing Referral Network websites and an interactive map of bases. The site also connects users with the Defense Travel Management Office site which helps families track their household goods.

“The difference of this site from others is that now everything is streamlined throughout the Air Force including joint installations,” said Teague. “Prior to this each base was different in how and where you found information on housing on or around the installation.

“This will be a great resource,” added Teague. “The site is designed to provide help from one centralized location. In the event that a person has more questions, they are given the contact information to their installation housing office for further assistance.”

Visit www.housing.af.mil for information about PCS moves, on- and off-base housing.

COMMENTARY>>Fight for Feedback

By Chief Master Sgt. Charles Fletcher
314th Maintenance Group Superintendent

Conducting performance feedback is one of the most important aspects of Airmen development but one that is widely neglected. The success of our goal oriented performance appraisal system is based on setting attainable goals, mentoring, reinforcing positive behaviors, giving immediate and honest feedback, as well as developing an accurate goal based rewards system which is essential to the ultimate success of our Airmen and U.S. Air Force.

No matter where you are in an organization, performance feedback is essential to your professional growth. For our junior enlisted Airmen, feedback is most important to get them acclimated to military life and set standards and goals for them to strive for. Our junior NCO’s need constant feedback on how they should lead our Airmen and progress in their own careers. SNCO’s need feedback on how to develop their subordinates and how to lead their work centers. And believe it or not, Chiefs need feedback too. Sometimes the higher you are in an organization, the less feedback you actually get. Bottom line: EVERYONE NEEDS FEEDBACK.

There are many things that get in the way of feedback, but none are acceptable. Not only is it an Air Force requirement, but it is critical to the professional growth of our Airmen. Many times supervisors gloss over feedbacks but don’t really go into depth on where and how an Airman can improve. Many supervisors find giving negative feedback is uncomfortable and as a result they avoid it. Feedback must be honest, timely and comprehensive in order for it to be effective. Discussing goals, how subordinate performance stacks against peers, and specific behaviors required for improvement is necessary to propel Airman to higher levels. This feedback needs to happen at specific intervals per AFI, but that shouldn’t tie supervisors hands. You should give feedback any time you think it is needed, and not only for negative behavior, but just as importantly, to reinforce positive performance. Also, keep in mind that feedback isn’t limited to just the written form. Some of the most important feedback can take place during normal everyday conversation.

Remember, as the subordinate you can ask for feedback anytime. In fact, if you are unclear on expectations and direction I highly encourage you to do just that. Grab your supervisor and ask for a feedback. In fact, you should fight for feedback often. Don’t wait until your EPR is due to realize that you have missed the mark. You are responsible for knowing where your performance stands and what is required for you to become successful and excel.

TOP STORY >>Peak move season, get ready!

Almost 65 percent of all DoD Household Goods moves are performed during the summer peak season, May 15 – Sept. 30. Unfortunately, many service members that moved during last year’s peak season experienced some dissatisfaction with the process. Two main areas were the focus of their complaints:

The Transportation Service Provider “AKA carrier” could not accommodate preferred dates and/or did not handle property with care.

The Defense Personal Property System system locked up often and screens were slow to load.

Moving is stressful and any issue that impedes the move process places a burden on the members and their families.

Unfortunately, some moving problems are beyond the control of the DoD, such as a shortage of private sector drivers and an increase in private sector moves. However, there are areas where DoD has made improvements, ranging from simple things such as easier to find Personal Property Processing Office customer service numbers to more technical fixes like improved DPS performance.

Since last peak season, DPS has gone through many changes and upgrades in order to improve the moving experience. The web pages were changed to make the system more user-friendly, the speed and functionality of the system has been upgraded to decrease lock-ups and improve processing times, and the claims module has been redeveloped to enable easier navigation and faster claims completion.

While this year may see some of the same uncontrollable problems, such as driver availability, we expect the system improvements will greatly enhance the overall experience for DoD members. Below are some helpful tips to reduce stress and make your move a successful one:

Visit www.move.mil, review the “it’s your move” pamphlets and other informative information under the “DoD Service Members and Civilians” section

Contact your local PPPO “AKA Traffic Management Office, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron/LGRDF – 987-3582” as soon as you have orders

If you self-counsel be sure to bring the required paperwork into your base PPPO (Bldg. 1255, room 104) as soon as you complete the counseling

If you do self-counsel and encounter problems with the system, contact the DPS helpdesk at 1-800-462-2176 option five. If you have entitlement questions contact your Little Rock Air Force Base PPPO at 987-3582.

Provide both primary and alternate move dates and be flexible with these dates

Provide a valid e-mail address and phone number so that you can be readily reached throughout your move

Remember to obtain and keep numbers and points of contact from the TSP conducting yourmove and keep in contact with them throughout the move

Contact your PPPO (987-3582) immediately if your TSP doesn’t initiate contact within 10 days of primary pack and pick up dates or if they do not arrive on the projected move day

For questions prior to your move, contact your local PPPO; for questions after your property has picked up, contact your TSP with questions.

Once your move dates are requested, don’t assume they are set. Move dates are not confirmed until your TSP has contacted you and confirmed the dates.

Never schedule a pickup on the following days:

Closing date of a residence.

The last day of residency in an apartment or the day of termination of a lease.

The day a cleaning crew is to start cleaning.

Another move option to consider is performing a Personally Procured Move. These moves allow service members to control their own move dates and avoid any delay between arriving to a new assignment and receiving their personal property. Members are also reimbursed 95 percent of the cost of a government move.

In order to have a successful move you need to be engaged and start planning your move as soon as you are notified. Along with the tips above, your PPPO is available and ready to answer any questions you have…give them a call.

(Compiled by Base Travel Management Office)