HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base leaders addressed upcoming events and topics from around the installation during a virtual town hall here March 29.
Col. Katrina Stephens, installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, installation command chief, were joined by representatives from the Hanscom Clinic, 66th Force Support Squadron, and 66th Security Forces Squadron.
Col. Stephen Boglarski, 66th Medical Squadron commander, addressed the upcoming closure of the 66 MDS Pediatric Clinic under the Defense Health Agency’s realignment plan.
According to a letter sent to parents and guardians from the 66 MDS, eligible pediatric beneficiaries will be released from enrollment at the Hanscom Clinic and placed into care within the civilian network beginning later this spring.
“We understand this is a big change, and we’re here to make the transition as easy as possible for our patients,” said Boglarski.
The letter also includes a list of vetted TRICARE network pediatric care managers who are accepting new patients and their contact information.
Ancillary services, such as radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, and immunizations will remain available for all TRICARE Prime beneficiaries, including pediatrics.
Additional questions can be directed to Nathaniel Ellis, the Hanscom Clinic beneficiary counselor, at 781-225-6198.
Maj. Joshua Caragan, 66 FSS commander, announced upcoming base events and youth programs slated for the spring and summer seasons, such as HansCOMICON on April 1.
“We have a lot of great morale events coming up in our Child and Youth Programs,” he said.
Purple Up Day, an annual celebration during Month of the Military Child, will be held April 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will feature food, lawn games, and activities to celebrate the military child.
Leadership opportunities such as the Torch Club, Keystone Club, and Air Force Teen Council will be available soon, along with additional summer programs at the Youth Center here, said Caragan.
Visit www.HanscomFSS.com for additional information.
Hanscom Heroes Homecoming, an annual recognition of service members who have returned home from deployment, is slated for June 9.
Capt. Christopher McEachran, 66 SFS operations officer and organizer for the Hanscom 2022 Air Force Assistance Fund, gave an update on the installation’s campaign to raise funds for charities that provide support to Air Force families in need.
“We are anticipating our Hanscom campaign will run through mid-May, but more information will be going out to the community on how to get involved in the coming weeks,” he said.
McEachran also addressed the ongoing 66 SFS initiative to improve traffic safety through base housing. He said residents will likely notice an increase in security forces presence throughout the community, though it shouldn’t be cause for concern.
“Our Defenders are working closely with our resident housing advocate to take a proactive approach to enforce traffic safety on base,” McEachran said.
Stephens and Hebb closed the town hall by thanking Hanscom Warhawks for their continued support to the mission and surrounding communities, with Stephens recognizing National Vietnam Veterans Day.
“If you know a Vietnam veteran, I hope you take the time to thank them and welcome them home,” she said. “They are a significant reason as to why we’re all here, doing what we do every day.”