TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- For 17 April, Tinker AFB remains in HPCON Charlie due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective today, we have more gate updates. Hruskocy Gate: AM Inbound Only: 5:30-8 a.m., Mon-Fri. Liberator Gate: PM Outbound Only: 2:30-4 p.m., Mon-Fri. Pegasus Gate: PM Outbound Only : 2:30-4 p.m. Mon-Fri. Thank you for your patience this week as adjustments were made to ease base travel while maintaining the safety of our gate personnel.
Military Family Life Counselors are not doing face-to-face counseling right now, but still have virtual counselling available for members/families seeking non-medical counseling. This is available for servicemembers, DoD expeditionary civilians, their families and survivors. Children and youth behavioral counselors are available to support children and youth up to age 18. An appointment can be scheduled at 405-402-2256.
Yesterday, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Matthew Donovan signed a department-wide authorization for service members to accrue and retain an additional leave balance of up to 120 days. The department's actions to stem the spread of COVID-19 has significantly limited the ability of service members to take leave during this national emergency, and they know that leave is vital to the health and welfare of our force. https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2153213/special-leave-accrual-for-service-members/
We also heard from AFMC Commander, Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr. "We know that you’re encountering a host of rapid changes and challenges; and that now more than ever, we are relying on each other in new and different ways. Each of you are integral in how we accomplish our mission today and into the future." The full article can be found here: https://www.tinker.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2153321/afmc-commanders-log-covid-19-update-3/
Don’t forget that we are about half way through the month of virtual fun hosted by Tinker Living. For a quick overview check out tinkerliving.com/fun . While we are practicing social distancing, it’s important to remain connected and take care of your mental well-being.
The Straight Talk Center for non-medical related COVID-19 concerns is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday. It can be reached at 405-734-2567.
REMINDER: Violations of OPSEC endanger national security! Never discuss mission capabilities or details on social media. Also, please refrain from mentioning names of potentially ill individuals for privacy.