News in Brief

  • Published
  • By 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

Change in optometry services offered to dependents
Because of a staffing shortage, the 66th Medical Squadron Optometry Clinic will limit appointments to active duty members only. Dependents of active duty members may utilize their TRICARE benefit of one annual exam with a network civilian provider per year. Dependents do not need a referral for an annual eye exam, but should contact TRICARE at 1-877-TRICARE (874-2273) to verify this benefit and to receive a list of authorized providers. Retirees and dependents of retirees are authorized one eye exam every two years. Beneficiaries can also review vision care services at https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Vision/EyeExams.aspx. Patients should contact the clinic at 781-225-6789 for any eye concerns, not related to a routine eye exam, and be evaluated by their primary care manager.

Update to state-issue ID access to Hanscom
Individuals with state-issued identification cards from eight states may be required to provide alternative forms of identification to access Hanscom and other Air Force installations beginning June 7. The policy aligns with the Air Force’s installation access requirements of the Real ID Act, which focuses on improving the reliability of state-issued identification documents and helps prevent a person’s ability to evade detection by using a fraudulent form of ID.

The eight states from which the federal government may require a second form of identification include Alaska, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington. Residents from Maine, Montana, Minnesota and Missouri have required alternative forms of identification since earlier this year.

For a full list of Real ID Act compliant and non-complaint states, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website at https://www.dhs.gov/current-status-states-territories.  

For further information, contact Police Services at 781-225-5605.

Individual Transition Plan Checklist Capstone Verification
Service members who completed Preseparation Counseling are required to complete DD Form 2958, Service members Individual Transition Plan Checklist, also referred to as Capstone, prior to separation or retirement. To schedule an appointment with an Airman and Family Readiness Center consultant, contact the A&FRC at 781-225-2765.

Pre-separation counseling
Weekly sessions take place on most Wednesdays from 8:30 to 11 a.m. for separating and retiring service members to complete the mandatory DD Form 2648, Preseparation Counseling Checklist. The checklist provides critical information about benefits, resources and services for the transition from military to civilian life. By law, this counseling must be provided at least 90 days prior to date of separation or retirement. For further information, call the A&FRC at 781-225-2765.

Interested in submitting a news article?
Public Affairs is always looking for news and information directly related to the Hanscom Air Force Base mission and the men and women assigned here. Typical stories include significant events, program milestones or unique experiences.

Because the Public Affairs Office needs to follow specific style guidelines and formats, and the fact that explaining Hanscom’s complex acquisition mission to a lay audience can be challenging, it’s usually better to work with PA directly on articles.

For those who prefer to submit their own article, visit the PA SharePoint site at https://org.eis.afmc.af.mil/sites/66ABW/66ABWPA/Hanscom%20News/Forms/AllItems.aspx for information prior to submitting.

Vanpools in search of riders
Recently the Hanscom Commuter Management Office expanded the number of van pool options for members of the workforce following the results of a commuter survey earlier this year. The team now offers 48 van pools and many available opportunities for members of the Hanscom workforce.

For those interested in participating in the commuting program are encouraged to visit https://cs.eis.afmc.af.mil/sites/Hanscom/commuter/default.aspx or contact Robert Spelfogel at 781-225-6913 or Scott Sheehan at 781-225-6144.

Cell phone collected
The Family Advocacy Program collects used and old cell phones and distributes then to local domestic violence agencies. Anyone who has phones may drop them off with the batteries and chargers to the Family Advocacy Program in Building 1900. Please put each phone and its accessories in a sealed plastic bag. For further information, call 781-225-6385.

Counseling available
Military Family Life Consultants provide free, short-term, non-medical, solution-oriented counseling for service members and their families. No records are kept. Call 781-879-7654 for an appointment or further information.

RAO Volunteers needed
The Hanscom Retiree Activities office located in Building 1305 is looking for volunteers to provide information and assistance to the retiree community. Volunteers will also assist retirees with information concerning retiree benefits. If interested in volunteering, contact the Retiree Activity office at 781-225-1310.

Medical appointment reminders available via text, email
Have you or a family member ever missed a medical appointment at the 66th Medical Squadron clinic? Would a text-message or email reminder have helped? If you answered yes to either of these questions, the clinic has a solution. Medical appointment reminders are not available by text or email, learn how at www.tricareonline.com.

School Liaison Program
The Hanscom school liaison is available to coordinate and assist military and Defense Department civilian parents with school-age children with educational opportunities and information necessary to succeed in an academic environment. For further information on the school liaison program or for information on any of the local schools, visit http://www.hanscomservices.com/SchoolLiaison.asp.

College tutors needed
The Base Education and Training Center is in need of volunteer tutors with base access to assist Airmen enrolled this fall in lower level math and humanities classes, as well as other subjects. For further information, contact Gay Close at 781-225-5945 or by email at gay.close@us.af.mil.

Alternative Dispute Resolution
For those experiencing problems in the workplace, help is available. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers informal and non-threatening methods of resolving disputes in a confidential, safe and mutually satisfying manner. The objective of the ADR program is to provide early intervention support and resolve conflicts prior to escalation and disruption in the workplace environment. ADR techniques include mediation, facilitation and conflict management coaching. Mediation is the most frequent technique used for resolution of equal opportunity cases, union grievances, or other workplace disputes. The use of ADR often result in improved communications and workplace relationships, promoting healthier workplace environments through the guidance of a trained neutral. For more information or to obtain service contact the EO office at 781-225-6397.

Health Risk Assessment
A Health Risk Assessment is a free online-personalized health assessment available to civilian employees to identify potential health risks and strategies to avoid them. By examining health-related behavior and history, an HRA can provide insight into an employee’s health and wellness.

To receive a free travel mug, civilians are encouraged to complete the HRA. For those interested, visit AFMC Wellness Support Center at www.AFMCwellness.com to complete the assessment.

EAP Counseling
Hanscom's Employee Assistance Program provides a confidential, free counseling service on a wide range of personal and work concerns for Hanscom’s Defense Department civilians, Non-appropriated Fund and Defense Commissary Agency employees, as well as their family members. The EAP also offers financial and legal services. Contact Ina Bachman at 800-222-0364 for an appointment or visit the website at www.FOH4you.com.