Sheppard Weekly Update: 12.11.23

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katie McKee
  • 82nd TRW Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Good morning, Team Sheppard, welcome to the Sheppard Weekly Brief, which includes news significant to Sheppard AFB.

The Public Affairs Office will be closed on Friday, Dec. 15 from 1100-1600 for an official function.

THIS WEEK

 

 

2023 COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN

Raised- $6,258.00 (as of 11.21.23)

Donation Goal- $30,767.00

 

It’s time to give back through the CFC!

Giving Codes:

82d TRW Military Members: RE54VN

82d TRW Civilian Members: UKT658

 

80TH FTW Military Members: JCQ7W7

80TH FTW Civilian Members: 7T9TQL

GiveCFC.org

 

TORCH ATHENA EVENT

When: Tuesday, Dec. 12

Time: 1130-1300

Where: Sheppard Events Center

This event provides a platform for leaders of all ranks and genders to engage in open discussion about how to improve the Air Force by tackling barriers to service based on gender and create opportunities to empower, inspire and educate the next generation of leaders.

 

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

The blood drive will be held from Wednesday, December 13th to Friday, December 15th at the Landing Zone.

  • Wed., Dec. 13: 12pm - 5pm
  • Thurs., Dec. 14: 12pm - 7pm
  • Fri., Dec. 15: 12pm - 4pm

Schedule your appointment: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=SAFBTX

We are offering all who come to donate a $10 Amazon eGift card, as well as all the snacks they need after donating. All blood types are needed! We are seeing an urgent need for blood in December to support hospitals through the holiday season. It is very common for donations to decrease during the holiday season, when blood is needed more than ever. Help ensure that everyone can celebrate the holidays with their family. Schedule your appointment today!

 

FROM THE MILITARY PERSONNEL FLIGHT

The 82d FSS Military Personnel Flight will be closed on 14 December 2023, from 1400 – 1630 for an official function. We will resume normal operations beginning on 15 December 2023. If there are any emergencies, please contact Capt Alexander Salas at email: alexander.salas.3@us.af.mil, DSN: 736-4830 and MSgt David Duritsky at email:david.duritsky@us.af.mil, DSN: 736-9302.

 

 

FROM THE 82d MEDICAL GROUP

Sheppard Clinic Closures:

***Please note this is a different day then the normal training day

  • Thursday, 14 December; Full Day Closure Training
  • Monday, 25 December - Holiday
  • Tuesday, 26 December - Family Day, Full Day Closure

 

  • ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR JOY (AND STRESS)

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), people are feeling the joy, but are also overwhelmed, with nearly 89% of those polled expressing concerns about money, absent loved ones, and the potential for family conflict during the holiday season. Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) survey showed that 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays. The good news is there are steps we can take to ward off the holiday blues and prioritize mental well-being, to include: • Give yourself grace. We are all busy, and what’s attainable for one person may be impossible for another. Imperfection is perfectly fine, especially if it eases your mind and stress. As NAMI recommends, “Make a list, check it twice, and decide if there’s anything you can remove.” • Find some downtime. With shopping, work, household chores, and back-to-back events, it’s vital to take time to decompress and practice self-care. Activity, nutrition, sleep, social connection, and familiar routines are key to feeling grounded and at your best. “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes … including you.” – Anne Lamott • Ask for and accept help. If someone offers to take a task off your to-do list, allow yourself to accept the offer – and don’t feel guilty! Bonus points if you use that extra time to practice self-care. For more tips, visit Holiday Resilience: How TRICARE Supports Your Mental Health (dvidshub.net).

 

  • WE’VE GOT YOUR SIX

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Please remember to check on your battle buddies, wingmen, shipmates, and teammates throughout the holiday season. If someone is struggling, offer them support and remind them of the many military and community resources that are available, to include supervisors/chain of command, 24/7 Military and Veterans Crisis Line (call or text 988, press 1), chaplains, mental health professionals, Military OneSource, Military and Family Life Counseling Program, financial counselors, substance abuse programs and more. No one should suffer in silence or alone. Just reach out!

 

 

FROM THE SHEPPARD FIRST SERGEANT COUNCIL

Team Sheppard, 'Tis the season of giving and joy, and we're excited to invite you to participate in the Sheppard AFB Angel Tree Campaign! As we gear up for the festive celebrations, let's come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who could use a little extra holiday magic.

 

The Sheppard AFB Angel Tree is a wonderful opportunity for us to embody the spirit of generosity and kindness during this special time of year. By participating in this heartwarming initiative, we can make a positive impact on the lives of military families in our community who may be facing challenges. Here's how you can get involved:

• Select an Angel: Visit the Sheppard AFB Base Exchange where our Angel Tree is displayed. Each angel ornament represents a child or family in need. Choose an angel, and you'll find specific gift suggestions to make their holiday season brighter.

 • Gift Giving: Purchase the suggested gifts, ensuring they are new and unwrapped. Feel free to add a touch of festive flair to your presents – a sprinkle of holiday magic goes a long way.

 • Drop-off Location: Return your gifts to the Sheppard AFB Base Exchange by 18 December with the angel tag attached.

 • Spread the Word: Encourage your colleagues to join in the festive fun! Share the joy of giving by letting others know about the Sheppard AFB Angel Tree Campaign.

 

FROM THE INTEGRATED RESILIENCE OFFICE

Employee Assistance Program Webinars For Air Force and Space Force Civilians and Families:

  • 12 Dec at 1100, Financial Wellbeing Forum (1 hr), register here
  • 12 Dec at 1400, Financial Wellbeing Forum (1 hr), register here
  • 12 Dec at 1400, Using the Power of Meditation to Restore Wellbeing and Improved Help, join here
  • 13 Dec at 1300, Coping with Grief and Loss (1 hr), register here

 

FROM THE MILITARY AND FAMILY READINESS CENTER

Upcoming Events: 

Dec 11: Cooking with Spices / 1200-1300 / RSVP erich.lofton.2@us.af.mil

Dec 12: Smooth Move / 0900-1000

Dec 15: LinkedIn 2.0 / 1300-1500

 Dec 18: USAJobs Workshop / 1000-1100

Dec 18: Civilian Resume Writing / 1300-1430

Dec 20: Heart Link / 1030-1300

Dec 21: Sheppard Right START / 0800-1200 / Sheppard Welcome Center

 

FROM THE LANDING ZONE

Click here to view the Exodus Event schedule!

  • Taco Bout It with Ch, Lt Col Sanders When; 12 Dec at 1830 Where: Landing Zone (Bldg. 450)
  • Karaoke Night When: Every Saturday at 1800 Where: Landing Zone (Bldg. 450)

 

 

SAFETY CORNER –TOY SAFETY & RECALLS

“It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages,

boxes, or bags.”-The Grinch

As we all prepare for the holidays over the next few weeks, one topic when it comes to safety that is often forgotten is toys! Ensure you are gifting and donating age appropiate/safe toys to little-ones, and checking for recalls no matter if you are on the giving or receiving end. Safety is priceless!

Quick Tips:

  • Question age appropriateness (i.e. small pieces=choking hazards)
  • Helmets for riding toys
  • Throw away packaging after unwrapping.
  • Avoid toys/stuffed animals with bean-like pellets/stuffing.
  • Check for recalls here: https://www.recalls.gov/

For more info: SafeKids.org 

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

 

  • Submit your Weekly Brief announcements *due NLT 1300 every Wednesday​
  • PHOTO STUDIO 
    • Hours are now 0830-1300.
    • The last Tuesday of the month will be walk-in appointments. Come camera-ready.
    • The Public Affairs photo studio is by APPOINTMENT ONLY

Back to Top