CDC employee receives Child Care Credential

Melody Arel

CDC employee receives
Child Care Credential

On 1 January, 2012, CDC employee Melody Arel was awarded a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in recognition of outstanding work of young children.  The Council for Professional Recognition in Washington DC awards credentials to early childhood educators who demonstrate the ability to constructively work with young children in group settings.

“It takes special knowledge, skills, and expertise to be an effective teacher of young children,” says Valora Washington, DEO of the Council.  “It’s a great honor to earn a CDA and it shows a commitment to quality early childhood education.”

The CDA is nationally recognized credential for excellence in early childhood education.  Each CDA candidate is observed working with young children and is assessed on his/her ability to develop the physical, emotional, and intellectual capabilities of young children.

The CDA community nationwide is having a positive effect on the quality of early childhood education by helping preschools, daycare centers, and family child care programs hire qualified and competent professionals who ensure the best care for our nation’s youngest.

Child care staff and parents wanting more information on CDA should visit www.cdacouncil.org.

Fitness Center Making Changes

Fitness Center Making Changes

by SrA Meagan Buffington

In recent months, the Gunfighter Fitness Center has been hard at work making renovations and facility adjustments in response to the needs of our customers with a goal to offer an even more enjoyable fitness environment.  We understand that changes can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your flexibility as we continue our betterments. 

So, you may have asked yourself, “self, why did they change things?”  The alterations have been made in response to customer comments with the intent of improving the functionality of our fitness rooms.  In order to accommodate more customers and make all weight equipment readily accessible, we have moved all free-weight and selectorized fitness equipment to Basketball Court #2.  The relocation of this fitness equipment provides our customers with two additional circuit training and group-exercise rooms, allowing for more privacy during our group fitness classes.  The rooms previously utilized for free-weights and selectorized fitness equipment have been renamed to Aerobic Rooms #2 and #3.  Our large group-exercise room remains unchanged, however it has been renamed to Aerobic Room #1.  These changes will not affect the quality fitness services and equipment you have come to expect.

We request that you take a moment to review our age requirements and dress code rules.  These rules are also posted at the front of the facility and apply to all areas of the Fitness Center.  (AFI 34-266, table 1.1)

• ·         16 years of age and over enjoy unrestricted use of the entire facility.
• ·         13-15 years of age require interactive supervision from an adult—parent, legal guardian, qualified fitness or youth program staff member— in all cardiovascular, weight, and group-exercise rooms.
• ·         6-12 years of age are prohibited access to all cardiovascular, weight and group-exercise rooms. 
• ·         We are happy to provide a parent-supervised child area for customers with children under 6 years of age that offers the same type of weight and cardiovascular equipment available in the age-restricted areas of the facility.

Thank you for your valued input and patronage.  If you have any questions or concerns please talk to any of our Fitness Center Staff.  Customer satisfaction is our top priority!

Pet Treats Warning

MHAFB Veterinary Treatment Facility

The Dangers of Chicken Jerky Treats

Recently, the FDA reminded consumers of the dangers of feeding their pets chicken jerky treats that have been imported from China.  These treats are manufactured by many different companies and sold nearly everywhere pet products are sold.  They also come in the form of chicken tenders, strips, or treats.

During the past year, the FDA reports it has seen an increase in the number of dog illness complaints related to the consumption of chicken jerky.  Illnesses associated with the consumption of the products include Kidney Failure and Fanconi Syndrome.  Symptoms can occur within hours or days of consumption and can include: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination.  We recommend pet owners discontinue feeding these treats whether or not their pets are showing symptoms.  If such symptoms do occur after feeding your pet these products, please contact your veterinarian immediately.  The FDA has not issued a recall as of yet.  They have been monitoring the issue for quite some time and are trying to figure out why these products are causing these illnesses.

Become a more conscious consumer.  Before buying a product, look at the back to find out where the product is made.  If it says China, your pet might be better off not consuming it.  The problem with pet food made in China is their recent extensive history of producing pet food and treats that are killing pets or making them ill.  Choosing a diet for your pet needs to be thoroughly thought out.  Your pet’s health is immediately affected by what they consume.  Research food brands and treats on the internet, look at reliable websites, read consumer reviews, and if possible discuss your food and treat choices with your veterinarian at your next appointment.

If you have any questions about this FDA warning, go to http://www.fda.gov and in the search field type “chicken jerky products.”  If you have been feeding your pet such products and are concerned about their health or you would like to know about safe alternatives to such treats, please call the Veterinary Treatment Facility at 828-2221.

Snow Dance

Webcam photo of Bogus Basin on Feb. 11, 2012

Snow Dance

by Josh Brown
OAP Assistant Director

Until we are graced with the presence of nearby snowfall, we are forced to make the drive to get that ski and snowboarding fix.  Currently, Brundage, Pomerelle, Tamarack, and Sun Valley are all skiable and open for business.  Many resorts have been making snow to accompany the natural snowfall, but it’s just not quite the same in my experience.   Ski and snowboard opportunities are out there, it simply requires a little more dedication.  

Take extra care in current snow conditions.  Logs, rocks, and other hazards which are normally covered by the deep snow may now be protruding.  Remember to keep up on the maintenance of your equipment.  A nice waxed pair of skis or board will make the experience a little more enjoyable in these conditions.   It is also extremely important to keep a hawkeyed outlook on the weather.  You don’t want to miss fresh snowfall or risk driving in icy, raining conditions. 

In the meantime, put on your lucky socks, make a wishbone count, and join me in a snow dance entreating mother nature to grace us with some snow “in them thar hills!”

No More Secrets

No more Secrets

It is no secret that the era of print media is giving way to digital publications.  The ratio of digital subscribers to print subscribers is changing in favor of electronic sources.  Hello brave new world.

Around 1440, a German named Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press based on the existing screw press technology available at that time.  The press utilized type blocks of inverse letters placed into galleys by compositors (or typesetters).  Ink was then applied to the blocks and transferred to paper, a slow and clumsy process.  The printing press opened the way to mass publication of materials revolutionizing people’s worldviews and ushering in the age of modernity.  Though there were many refinements, this process remained basically the same until the 1970’s when a shift was made to offset printing.  In this process, an image was etched onto thin aluminum plates.  The process was called offset because the plates did not touch the paper but transferred ink onto a rubber roller which turned the print page. 

Long before the FSS Secrets, the 366th Services Squadron distributed a print publication called Timeout through the base paper then published as The Gunfighter.  Printed Timeout issues only continued through September of 2008 but continued digitally in the form of PDF files through March 2009.  In the spring of 2009, two issues of a new publication were printed under the title of Services Secrets. Then, in June of that same year, the first publication of the FSS Secrets debuted to the public.

Today, the age of cell phones, iPods, iPads, and tablets have moved us well beyond the age of modernity into a postmodern age.  From e-mail  to instant text messaging, it is clear that there are better opportunities to inform the airmen of the 366th of all that is available to them.
FSS is making every effort to connect with all electronic readers in the 366th.  Although printed media is not being completely eliminated as part of our communication venues, it is being substantially reduced.  This issue will be the last issue of the FSS Secrets, but there are many other ways you can stay informed and find answers to your questions:

• Facebook:  FSS is now on Facebook.  You do not have to have a Facebook account to view the pages, only to interact with them.  Join us online at www.facebook.com/366fss.
• Website:  For sometime now, FSS has been accessible to the public via its website at
• www.mhafbfun.com.  Be sure to visit the site often, and look for an updated look in the next couple of months.
• Blog:  FSS is looking into the possibility of continuing the FSS Secrets tradition in the form of a blog.  In a recent 366 poll, respondents chose the name FSS Insider as the title of this new medium.  The blog should be available through the website.
• Television:  FSS broadcasts information on local television channel 13.  This is an excellent resource to watch during your cardio workout at the Fitness Center.
• E-mail:  FSS publishes the 366 FSS Weekly, an  email containing information on events and programs through FSS for the coming week.  It is sent to all e-mail address in the 366th, 728th, and the 428th.  This publication is generally sent on Thursdays.
• Marquee:  FSS maintains the marquee at Holt Park.  Be sure to catch the news as you’re driving by.
• E-mail/Text Message Alerts:  Airmen or family members can subscribe to e-mail or text message alerts.  Subscribers can even customize the alerts they wish to receive.
• FSS Monthly Publications:   FSS will still be printing brief pamphlets, posters, and flyers highlighting FSS events and promotions and will be available at selected FSS facilities.

The era of the FSS Secrets has come to its journey’s end.  No more secrets.  However, the 366th Force Support Squadron is committed to supporting all Gunfighter airmen and their families for a better quality of life.  We will continue to provide top quality events and programs and do our best to keep you informed.