Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Healthy Base Initiative tips off with NBA Cares Hoops for Troops event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- News Release: NR 20131002-001

From: 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, www.mountainhome.af.mil

Healthy Base Initiative tips off with NBA Cares Hoops for Troops event

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho - Mountain Home Air Force Base is one of 11 Department of Defense bases chosen to participate in the Healthy Base Initiative aimed at improving health and wellness across the military services.

The first-of-its-kind initiative tips off Oct. 4 with an NBA Cares Hoops for Troops event featuring NBA legend and Hall of Fame player and coach Lenny Wilkens and WNBA legend and two-time Olympic Gold medalist Ruthie Bolton.

Highlights of the tip-off event include a youth basketball clinic and healthy BBQ cook-off.

The Healthy Base Initiative is part of Operation Live Well and the president's National Prevention strategy. Its goals are to make living healthy an easy choice, reduce obesity and decrease tobacco use.

Friday, September 13, 2013

WWDOP


Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play
Boys and Girls Club Day for Kids
Friday, 27 September 5 -7 p.m.

Join us for a FREE evening of active fun for the whole family! The Youth Center will have a variety of activities throughout the Youth Center and grounds. There will be children’s circuit training with staff from the Fitness Center, “Set Your Child Up For Success” screening and evaluation information, sumo suit wrestling, inflatables, DJ, snack bar specials, and door prizes. 

Read a little history on our multi-programmed event…

Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play

Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play is an annual event designed to encourage kids and parents to turn off the television and play, especially outdoors. The main goals of this event are to influence kids to be active, putting kids and their health first.

In 2009, Nickelodeon actually stopped playing shows and posted this message to promote their message:
“Today is Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play! Turn off your TV, shut down your computer, put down the cell phones-yes, YOU! And GO ALL OUT! We’ll see you back here at 3 p.m.!”

Boys and Girls Club Day for Kids

Boys and Girls Clubs (BGC) of America celebrate the importance of establishing stronger relationships between adults and youth by leading the BGC Day for Kids effort. The goal of this event is to spend meaningful time with children. Research shows that when adults spend meaningful time with kids, it helps them develop a positive self-image, sense of belonging, usefulness, and purpose. While children are happy with the amount of time their parents spend with them, many wish the time together was focused, rich in shared activities and not rushed. BGC challenges you!

-Recognize the importance of spending time with the special kids in your life

-Encourage youth to participate in fun and healthy activities

-Serve as a role model by initiating active play

-Listen and be supportive when young people need someone to talk to

-Active play is a vital part of developing a young person’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being


“Set Your Child Up For Success” Child Find

This public awareness event focuses on health and fitness and provides screening information designed to locate, identify, and help all young children with disabilities and their families who are in need of an Early Intervention Program as early as possible. A booth will be available for public awareness and screening information.

Representatives Include: Mountain Home School District Education Services, Health and Welfare, MHAFB Pediatrics, Family Advocacy Outreach, New Parent Support.

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013


 
Parma, Idaho
Date:  September 9, 2013

USA Onion - Idaho-E. Oregon Onion Committee, P.O. Box 909, Parma, ID 83660

Contact: Sherise Jones, Marketing Director, 208-741-2381, onionjones@gmail.com, www.USAOnions.com, USA Onions on Facebook

Boise State and Air Force Competition HEATS UP Outside the Stadium this Friday with a Friendly yet Fierce Grill Off between Boise State ROTC and Mountain Home Air Force Base

While Boise State Broncos prepare to battle the Air Force Falcons on the blue turf this Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, a pre-game Boise State ROTC/Air Force grilling competition is expected to ignite tailgate excitement for football fans!  

The USA Onion Grill Off sponsored by USA Onions, featuring a military theme, “Salute to the All-American Burger,” starts at 3:00 p.m. at the Ford Fan Zone with grilled onion samples, a Weber grill giveaway sweepstakes, and a visit from the USA Onion mascots. Then at 4:00 p.m., Boise State ROTC and members of the Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) Force Support Squadron will fire up their grills for a sizzling head-to-head barbeque battle.  Both teams will grill up their own special recipe for an All-American burger then serve it up to three judges that will determine winners for the best use of USA Onions and Best Overall Burger.  Well-known food bloggers Tammilee and John Tillison will be on hand for the judging, as well as a representative from the Idaho’s Veterans Home in Boise.

Members of the Boise State ROTC are chomping at the bit to put their team’s backyard barbeque skills up against the honed cooking technique of the Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) Force Support Squadron.  Boise State ROTC has already predicted a win and claims they will have plenty of ROTC cheerleaders on hand to spark team enthusiasm and wow the judges.  MHAFB has a few tricks up their sleeve and intends to stick to their motto, “Aim High! Fly-Fight-Win!”

According to USA Onions marketing director Sherise Jones, “USA Onions is ecstatic that the Boise State ROTC and MHAFB agreed to participate in this week’s USA Onion Grill Off competition.  Since our goal is to establish the USA Onion Grill Off  as college football’s premier tailgating event series, this matchup will go far to earn that status.   The theme is going to be a definite crowd pleaser.  It will not only provide football fans with an awesome onion and burger grilling experience,  it will give them an opportunity to learn more about these two competing military groups and a chance to offer a word of thanks for their dedicated service.”

USA Onions Grill Off is a new event series to the Boise State pre-game activities at the Ford Fan Zone Plaza. The Grill Off became an instant hit at the Boise State home opener on Sept. 7, when the Broncos blew out Tennessee-Martin in a 63-14 final.  USA Onions is the branding identity for the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee, representing 36 shippers and 300 onion growers that ship over one billion pounds of onions from the Treasure Valley, some less than 20 miles from Bronco Stadium.  The Grill Off is designed to increase USA Onion consumption, encourage healthy grilling, and provide the ultimate college football tailgating experience.   ###
 
No federal endorsement intended.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Free smartphone app designed to keep Airmen informed
by Staff Sgt. Ian Hoachlander
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs


7/24/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- The Air Force launched a free mobile app geared toward informing Airmen and families about force support squadron morale, welfare and recreation events happening on their base.

"MyAirForceLife," developed by the Air Force Personnel Center, links eligible patrons to force support squadron-related MWR information at Air Force led installations.

"This mobile app gives force support squadrons tools to better communicate facilities and activities offered on base," said James Anderson, AFPC services integrated marketing and branding branch chief. "Additionally, customers will be familiar with and are more likely to download a branded consolidated application that provides information about bases throughout the Air Force."

Twenty locations are currently available on the app and more than 25 additional bases are adding content in order to go live in the mobile app.

The locations currently on the application include: Joint Base San Antonio-Sam Houston, Lackland, and Randolph, Texas, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Keesler AFB, Miss., Lajes Field, Azores; MacDill AFB, Fla., Little Rock AFB, Ark., Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Ala., Minot AFB, N.D., Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, Patrick AFB, Fla., Schriever AFB, Colo., Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., Sheppard AFB, Texas, Travis AFB, Calif., Yokota Air Base, Japan, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., March ARB, Calif., and the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

Within two months of its release, 3,500 individuals have downloaded the "MyAirForceLife" app. This mobile app provides details about force support squadron activities to include hours of operations, specials, and even directions to the event via GPS.

"'MyAirForceLife' also integrates the nonappropriated fund job listing which allow users to search for available jobs by facility" Anderson explained. "Users can rate facilities, save contact information directly to their contact list or phone book, and call or email facilities by clicking on the link.

To download the application, users should open their smartphone app store and search "MyAirForceLife."

Once downloaded, users can select their favorite base or multiple locations. After selecting a base, the app will open the main menu and automatically connect the user to upcoming events happening at the specific base.

The main menu provides users with upcoming events, which scroll at the bottom of the screen, and gives them several options to choose from.

Users have the option to search for events happening on their base, check in with their local food vendors, see what is going on at the local fitness center and even find out about any family events happening on their base.

The application allows users to manage the base selected via the option menu. This option allows users who receive orders the ability to see what events are happening at their new base.

Airmen interested in seeing their base added to the "MyAirForceLife" app should contact their installation's force support squadron. For more information about the "MyAirForceLife" mobile app and force support squadron MWR activities, visit service's website at www.myairforcelife.com

Friday, June 14, 2013


There Is No Substitute for Active Supervision

  • Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. 
  • Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision. We know it’s hard to get everything done without a little multitasking, but this is the time to avoid distractions of any kind. If children are near water, then they should be the only thing on your mind. Small children can drown in as little as one inch of water.
  • When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use the Water Watcher card strategy, which designates an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision. Download a Water Watcher card here. 

Start Slow With Babies

  • You can start introducing your babies to water when they are about 6 months old. Remember to always use waterproof diapers and change them frequently. 

Educate Your Kids About Swimming Safely

  • Every child is different, so enroll children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore. 
  • Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming. Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.
  • Whether you’re swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake, teach children to swim with a partner, every time. From the start, teach children to never go near or in water without an adult present. 

Don’t Rely on Swimming Aids

  • Remember that swimming aids such as water wings or noodles are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used in place of a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD).

Take the Time to Learn CPR 

  • We know you have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better. 
  • Local hospitals, fire departments and recreation departments offer CPR training.
  • Have your children learn CPR. It’s a skill that will serve them for a lifetime. 

Take Extra Steps Around Pools

  • A swimming pool is a ton of fun for you and your kids. Make sure backyard pools have four-sided fencing that’s at least 4 feet high and a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent a child from wandering into the pool area unsupervised. 
  • When using inflatable or portable pools, remember to empty them immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
  • Install a door alarm, a window alarm or both to alert you if a child wanders into the pool area unsupervised. 

Check the Drains in Your Pool and Spa

  • Educate your children about the dangers of drain entanglement and entrapment and teach them to never play or swim near drains or suction outlets. 
  • Pools that pose the greatest risk of entrapment are children’s public wading pools, in-ground hot tubs, or any other pools that have flat drain grates or a single main drain system.
  • For new pools or hot tubs, install multiple drains in all pools, spas, whirlpools and hot tubs. This minimizes the suction of any one drain, reducing risk of death or injury. If you do have drains, protective measures include anti-entrapment drain covers and a safety vacuum release system to automatically release suction and shut down the pump should entrapment occur. 
  • Regularly check to make sure drain covers are secure and have no cracks, and replace flat drain covers with dome-shaped ones. If a pool or hot tub has a broken, loose or missing drain cover, don’t use it.
  • If you do have drains, protective measures include anti-entrapment drain covers and a safety vacuum release system to automatically release suction and shut down the pump should entrapment occur. Go to www.PoolSafety.gov for a list of manufacturers of certified covers.  
  • Check to make sure your pool or hot tub’s drains are compliant with the Pool and Spa Safety Act.
- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/tip/swimming-safety-tips#sthash.vxrQWnQS.dpuf

Wednesday, April 17, 2013


Blue Star Museums

The National Endowment for the Arts has partnered with the Department of Defense, Blue Star Families and museums across the United States to offer admission at no cost to military personnel and their families through Blue Star Museums. Blue Star Museums expands military Morale, Welfare and Recreation offerings by providing service members and their families with the opportunity to visit museums from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Blue Star Museums is a model partnership in support of the White House’s Joining Forces initiative.

Highlights
Blue Star Museums is a valuable resource for service members and their families, giving them an opportunity to enjoy one another and experience many different kinds of museums during the summer of 2013.  More than 1,800 museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa are participating, including:

·         Children’s museums
·         Fine art museums
·         History and science museums
·         Nature centers

Eligibility
·         Any bearer of a common access card, DD Form 1173 ID card or DD Form 1173-1 ID card
·         Military ID holder plus up to five family members, which may include a spouse or child, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.

Additional Information
Blue Star Museums

National Endowment for the Arts

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

2013 State of Idaho Military Youth of the Year

Emily Stephens Named 2013 State of Idaho Military Youth of the Year
Mountain Home AFB
    Emily Stephens is a junior maintaining a 3.71 GPA at Mountain Home High School. Emily was born October 5, 1995 in Jerome, Idaho, and is the oldest of three siblings: Elisabeth (14) Eliana (6) and John (2). Her Father is a Special Agent assigned to AFOSI Detachment 221, Mountain Home AFB, ID and her Mother is SMSgt Tracy Stephens, IDANG, out of Gowen Field ANGB, Boise, ID. Emily first moved to Mountain Home in 2000 when her Father re-entered active duty from the Air Force Reserves. In 2005, Emily moved to Eielson AFB, AK and then returned to Mountain Home AFB, ID in 2009.

     Since 2010, Emily has volunteered hundreds of hours supporting club activities, events that specialized in family programs. All of her efforts impacted hundreds of youth, family members and guests each year. Equally important is her commitment to Community Service projects such as Air Force Appreciation Day, assisting the elderly, as well as leading community service projects at her high school.

   Emily has held leadership positions since 2010.  She leads our KEYSTONE Club (Community Service Teen Club) our TRAIL (Teen Outdoor Adventure Program) BRATTZ (Teen Anti Alcohol/Drug/Tobacco Coalition) clubs. Emily also represents the Pacific Regions’ Air Force’s teen Council. This advisory group of teens provides input to the senior leadership of the U.S. Air Force on Teen and Youth concerns.

   Like many of her peers; Emily has felt the hardships of being a daughter of a military youth. She had to endure through several deployments that her parents were tasked with. Some of these deployments required both parents being absent at the same time. This situation propelled Emily into the position of being the surrogate “Mom” to her younger siblings.  Emily took over a lot of the household responsibilities while maintaining her responsibilities as a student.

   Facing the many challenges on being a military youth; Emily has succeeded, in balancing her life while maintaining her commitments to her family, her academics and giving back to the community. This is why Emily Stephens has been selected as our Idaho Military Youth of the Year.


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

#1 FSS in ACC

Congratulations 366th Force Support Squadron!
On behalf of General Gilmary M. Hostage III, Commander, Air Combat Command, it is a pleasure to announce the ACC 2012 A1 Annual Award winners from 12 AF units:

Installation Awards:
Major General Eugene L. Eubank (small installation): 366 FSS, Mountain Home AFB

Legacy Awards (Individual):
Dr. Beverly L. Schmalzried Award: Ms. Diana B. Lawson

Installation-Level Awards (Programs):
Bowling Program of the Year: 366 FSS, Mountain Home AFB
Golf Program of the Year: 366 FSS, Mountain Home AFB
Youth Program of the Year: 366 FSS, Mountain Home AFB

Individual Awards (Military):
Force Support NCO of the Year: TSgt Andrea G. Espinoza

Individual Awards (Civilian):
Civilian Section Chief of the Year: Mr. Gary D. Strickland

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

New Air Force Club Membership Card Benefit

New Air Force Club Membership Card Benefit
Air Force Clubs are pleased to announce cash back rewards earned by Air Force club members who have the Air Force Club MasterCard®, will no longer expire. Air Force club members also now have more reward redemption options than ever before.
These new and improved benefits are automatically and immediately available to Air Force Club MasterCard® members.
According to Emelie SmithCalbick, general manager, Chase Card Services and contractor for the Air Force club card, “Members told us that having points that never expire would provide greater peace of mind to them. Now, club members can get the most out of their purchases made with the Air Force Club MasterCard® and enjoy even more reward redemption options.”
Reward redemption options have been enhanced to include cash back as a statement credit, check, or deposit directly into a Chase banking account in any denomination starting as low as $20 and merchandise. The redesigned reward websites allow Air Force Club members (carrying the Club MasterCard®) to redeem rewards anytime, view all redemption options, even plan a vacation with Travel Rewards.
Club members already earn two percent cash back rewards at the Exchange (to include gas), Force Support Squadron Services, and the commissary, and one percent everywhere else. In addition, with no foreign transaction fees, Air Force Club MasterCard® card members can save up to three percent in fees on all international purchases.
“We are working closely with Chase to bring Air Force club members the maximum number of benefits possible,” said Mr. Fred McKenney, Chief, AF Food and Beverage. “They understand how well providing club membership “card value” fits into the total package of benefits designed for our members.”
Air Force MasterCard® card members can view or redeem reward options by logging onto www.chase.com/militaryfreecash.