Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Patriot
Vol. 4, No. 36
Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!
Friday, October 4, 2013
Maintainers help 437AW stay mission ready!
U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Chacarra Neal
Obama lauds DoD workforce, encourages budget resolution
INSIDE ALERT
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service
Giant Voice to be heard See page 3
PREVENTION Fire safety in the kitchen See page 5
FACE OF DEFENSE
Depoyment reunion See page 7
UEI COUNTDOWN 60 Days Begins December 2, 2013
Weekend Weather Update JB CHS, SC
Friday, October 4
Mostly Sunny
(10% precip)
High 87º Low 65º
Saturday, October 5
Partly Cloudy
(20% precip)
High 86º Low 68º
Sunday, October 6
Mostly Cloudy
Staff Sgt. Nathon Andrews, 437th Maintenance Squadron crew chief installs a tire Oct. 1, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, S.C. Staff Sgt. Nathon Andrews, 437th Maintenance Squadron crew chief performs an engine tylon inspection Oct. 1, 2013, at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, S.C. Aircraft maintenance engineers maintain and repair aircraft frames and mechanical parts. They use instruments to measure wear and test controls, replace defective components with hand tools, inspect their work to be sure it meets established standards and maintains records of actions. See more photos on Page 8.
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama thanked the Defense Department workforce Oct. 1 in a video message and expressed his disappointment in Congress’ failure to approve a budget, resulting in a government shutdown. “As president, and as your commander-in-chief, I’ve worked to make sure you have the strategy, the resources and the support you need to complete the missions our nation asks of you,” he said. “And every time you’ve met your responsibilities and performed with extraordinary professionalism, skill and courage,” Obama said. Unfortunately, the president said, Congress has not fulfilled its responsibility and failed to pass a budget. “As a result, much of our government must now shut down until Congress funds it again,” Obama said. Obama noted Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other commanders would provide more information on how the shutdown will affect the DoD civilians and their families. “I want to speak directly to you about how what happens next,” he said. “Those of you in uniform will remain in your normal duty status. The threats to our national security have not changed, and we need you to be ready for any contingency.” “Ongoing military operations, like our efforts in Afghanistan, will continue,” Obama said. “If you’re serving in harm’s way, we’re going to make sure you have what you need to succeed in your missions.” The president said Congress has passed, and he would sign into law, legislation ensuring those personnel receive their paychecks on time. “We’ll continue to work to address any impact this shut down has on you and your fam-
ilies,” the President said. “To all our DoD civilians, I know the days ahead could mean more uncertainty, including possible furloughs,” he said. “And I know this comes on top of the furloughs that many of you already endured this summer.” Obama said DoD civilians and their families deserved “better than the dysfunction we’re seeing in Congress.” “Your talents and dedication help keep our military the best in the world,” he said. “That’s why I’ll keep working to get Congress to reopen our government and get you back to work as soon as possible.” Obama said the shutdown is occurring against the background of broader changes with the war in Iraq over and the war in Afghanistan slated to end next year. “After more than a decade of unprecedented operations, we’re moving off a war footing,” he said.
“Yes, our military will be leaner, and as a nation, we face difficult budget choices going forward.” “But here’s what I want you to know. I’m going to keep fighting to get rid of those across-the-board budget cuts – the sequester – which are hurting our military and our economy.” We need a responsible approach, Obama said, that deals with our fiscal challenges and keeps our military and our economy strong. “I’m going to make sure you stay the greatest military in the world – bar none,” he added. “That’s what I’m fighting for. That’s what you and your families deserve.” The president thanked the Defense Department for their commitment to protecting the nation. “On behalf of the American people, thank you for your service which keeps us free,” Obama said. “And thank you for your sacrifice which keeps our nation and our military the greatest force for freedom that the world has ever known.”
US Rep. Tim Scott speaks at AF Ball
U.S. Air Force photo / Tech. Sgt. Rasheen Douglas
U.S. Representative Tim Scott addresses the audience during the 2013 Air Force Ball Sept. 28, 2013, at the North Charleston Convention Center in North Charleston, S.C. The ball is an annual Air Force-wide tradition to celebrate the heritage and history of the Air Force. This marks the 66th anniversary of the Air Force.
CFC, Government Shutdown: a challenging combination
By Capt. Frank Hartnett Joint Base Charleston CFC Coordinator
It's almost impossible to be generous without steady income. Over three months ago, planning and coordination started for this year's Combined Federal Campaign at Joint Base Charleston. Each year, the CFC is the campaign for federal workers to benefit local and national charities. Joint Base Charleston resides in the Coastal Carolina CFC region, which is made up of federal offices and installations along South Carolina's Coast. Last year, the region brought in over $1.8 million to benefit needy charities and a variety of efforts that benefit the underserved. During the planning phase, discussions focused on getting printed
(20% precip)
High 84º Low 70º
materials delivered and appointing unit representatives. However, the biggest challenge was not discussed since it wasn't foreseen. Due to a lapse in federal funding, many federal workers are on unpaid leave status. Those workers on exempted or excepted status continue working but some will have to wait for back pay. Uniformed service members continue on with uninterrupted pay, but the future offers very few reasons to be optimistic. Speaking honestly, this is the worst-case scenario. I understand if workers feel less generous since many are struggling to make ends meet. But I would also remind you; it's during times like these, that charitable organizations need your help. Donations from the CFC allow charities to assist wounded warriors, military children and those grappling with illnesses or any other of life's problems. Some of the people helped by charities have no other support networks to rely on. We all have new burdens and times are tough, however take a moment and see what's possible. Any donation large or small makes a difference, and your generosity could make a positive change in the lives of those who are in great need or have nowhere else to turn.
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