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Hanscom leaders conducted Town Hall meetings March 21 to provide detailed information on furlough as it relates to Hanscom's appropriated fund civilian population.

Installation Commander Col. Lester A. Weilacher and other Hanscom senior leaders briefed the civilian population on what the potential furlough means for civilian employees. The Airman and Family Readiness Center also provided information on helpful programs and resources for those impacted by the potential furlough.

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Pentagon officials have put off sending furlough notices to civilian employees until they've had a chance to analyze how pending legislation that would fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year will affect the Defense Department.

Officials now estimate that furlough notices will go out on or about April 5, Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said.

"The legislation could have some impact on the overall number of furlough days, but no decisions have been reached, especially since the legislation hasn't been signed into law," Hull-Ryde said. "The number of furlough days at this point remains at 22."
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New Boston AFS, home to the 23rd Space Operations Squadron, is once again providing access to its recreational venues. With the completion of a multi-year, multi-stage investigation, the Air Force determined there were no residual effects hindering camping and recreational activities on NBAFS.

NBAFS is located approximately one hour north of Hanscom Air Force Base and 25 miles north of the Massachusetts state line. It sits tucked away in an area of rural New Hampshire and includes more than 2,600 acres of rolling hills that offer recreational opportunities.
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Some recent changes have been made to catering and food services at the Minuteman Commons.

Coast 2 Coast catering is no longer under contract. As a result, the Commons Express cafe is no longer serving lunch and dinner or making pizza deliveries. However, The Tavern is serving pizza and hot dogs Wednesday through Friday and will cater in foods for programs such as First Friday and Mad Hoops. Staff also hope to add some grab-and-go lunch items in the coming weeks.

Customers can still make their own arrangements for catering services and bring their own food into the Commons. Official functions such as the Airman Leadership School graduation and Patriot Honor Guard banquet require Public Health's approval of the food operation and food sources. Squadron officials soon will have a list of Public Health approved caterer's and food sources to assist with event planning.
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The Ghost Army, a documentary film about a very special and unique World War II unit, will be shown in the Hanscom Conference Center April 22 at 2:30 p.m. Following the screening, filmmaker Rick Beyer will answer questions about his documentary, which tells the true story of American G.I.s who duped Hitler's army during the Second World War.

Directed by Lexington filmmaker and author Rick Beyer, The Ghost Army recounts a secret mission that was a juxtaposition of the absurd and deadly. During World War II, the 23rd HQ Special Troops used inflatable tanks, sound effects and impersonation to stage a traveling road show of deception, with the German army as the audience. Many of the men were artists, including some who earned postwar fame, such as fashion designer Bill Blass.
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The Air Force Assistance Fund, which helps provide for the well-being of active duty and retired Airmen and their families, gets underway at Hanscom on March 25 and runs through May 3. The fundraiser helps to combat unexpected challenges and improve the quality of life for many who face hardships.

The theme for the 2013 AFAF campaign is "Commitment to Caring" and the base's monetary goal is $41,189.

"It's easy for us to focus on our own troubles and concerns and not see that some of our fellow Airmen may need support," said Capt. Carmen Sowers, Hanscom AFAF installation project officer. "Contributing to the Air Force Assistance Fund is a way we can support our Air Force family, and we can be Airmen helping Airmen."
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The Women's History Month committee is recognizing outstanding women around the base during March. This week's nominee is Kasie Moriarty, Deployable Radar Approach Control assistant deputy program manager.

The individuals that nominated her said Moriarty is a young superstar with unlimited potential and drive whose involvement is second to none. She is in her final year of the PALACE Acquire Intern program and her contributions at work are impressive. She executes the branch's $77,000 annual supply budget, and is accountable for 165 information technology items, guaranteeing essential computer connectivity for more than 50 military, civilian and contractor personnel.
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Air Force Reserve Command recently announced Westover's 439th Logistics Readiness Squadron has earned two awards, the Daedalian Major General Warren R. Carter Logistics Effectiveness Award and the Air Reserve Component Base Logistics Activity of the Year Award.
 
"There is an enormous amount of dedication to the unit, especially among the senior NCOs who have been here for some time and paved the way and set the tone," said Lt. Col. Michael Buoniconti, LRS commander. "These are people who do their jobs quietly, but are extremely dedicated to getting the job done."
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