Could you say 'senator' instead of 'ma'am? It's just a thing. I worked so hard to get that title.

I'd appreciate it. ~Barbara Boxer Commandants Thought: Closer to home.should the person chairing the meeting, sending the email or whatever be engaged by call signs and first names (Bucky, Stinky, Chuck, Susie or Bill); or should they more appropriately be Sir, Maam, Col or Grand Poobah in a particular setting/audience? Situational.absolutely; but there should be thoughtful consideration and respect for that which the other person has worked hard to attain.
______________________________________________________________________________________ _______________ The Commandants office sends a weekly email which highlights upcoming events and general news. If you require All AFRICOM e-mail distro list dissemination of general information, submit your input to Commandants Office e-mail at commandant@africom.mil no later than COB each Tuesday. Attachments are prohibited as are lengthy emails. Please summarize the message into one paragraph and provide a POC and/or a link to additional information. Go to this link for the current briefing slides of the most recent USAG-S tenant meeting to get more community announcements and mission related news. http://www.stuttgart.army.mil/DPTMS/Community%20briefings.html.

___________________________AFRICOM NEWS__________________________
1. INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN SECURITY ISSUES SEMINAR: Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) is offering the Introduction to African Security Issues Seminar, at Ft. McNair, VA (was at Andrews AFB, VA), 1 - 4 May 2012. This is an introductory-level seminar designed to provide a basic understanding of the history, politics, and economics of Africa and key threats and challenges that dominate the African security landscape. This seminar is intended for personnel who have responsibilities related to U.S. Africa policy, programs, or relationships, but possess limited experience or training in African issues. Not intended for personnel who have significant Africa-related experience. ACSS has initially allocated USAFRICOM ten (10) places for the seminar, there are still a few remaining. This is a Directorate funded TDY/TAD. USAFRICOM personnel interested in attending, with supervisor approval, please contact Mr. Michael Esters, 421-4183, Michael.esters@usafricom.mil for more information. Deadline for registration is 6 April 2012. 2. HUNGRY! Dont forget the AFRICOM OPEN MESS for breakfast and lunch. Contact SFC Amy Bauer at 421-4990. 3. USAG Stuttgart Emergency Management will be testing "GIANT VOICE" mass notification speakers on Kelley Barracks from now until 20 April 12. During these tests, you may hear periodic test messages, squeaks, squawks, and tones. Do not be alarmed this is just testing the Giant Voice. 4. ELECTION YEAR 2012. Individuals can go to the Federal Voting Assistance Program website to register, request an absentee ballot, and find other election and voting information. REGISTER AND REQUEST YOUR BALLOT at: http://www.fvap.gov/index.html <http://www.fvap.gov/index.html. For additional assistance, the AFRICOM Voting Officer is Mr. Phillip Whigham, phillip.whigham@usafricom.mil, DSN: 421-3384. 5. RESERVE AFFAIRS OFFICE is the central point for all Reserve/Guard personnel and administrative actions at USAFRICOM (located in Bldg 3313, Room 018/ with a Program Manager for each branch of Service): Air Force 421-3487; Army/NG 421-4398; Marine 421-4543; Navy 421-4484).

6. PCS/PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFINGS: Two classes will be presented this month in anticipation of larger attendance with the summer PCS season approaching. You must call the CPF at DSN 431-2599 or commercial 07031-152599 to sign-up for one of the classes. *Information provided during the first 1 3/4 hours is applicable to all services and includes those who are separating from service. *It is mandatory that separating/retiring Soldiers remain for the transition portion of the briefing which is given during the last 45 minutes. 7. "TRAVEL CLINIC" WHAT: Travel Soldier Readiness Process ("Travel Clinic") for all HQ USAFRICOM Personnel (AD, Civilian, Contractor) WHERE: Kelley Annex, Building #3312 (next to Community Mail Room) WHEN: 20 Apr 2012 from 1300 to 1500 WHY: Support official travelers to Africa by setting up a one-stop shop on Kelley for all pre-travel Force Health Protection requirements per ACM 4200.03 (including Yellow Fever certificates/shot records) HOW: Call Heidelberg Central Appointments at DSN 371-2622 (comm. 06221 172 622), and ask for a Travel Medicine appointment at the Kelley Clinic Annex. Future dates (tentative): May 4 & 18. POC: SGT Ryan Kendall, Kelley Clinic Annex NCOIC (421-5605) 8. THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN (TSP) INTRODUCES ROTH CONTRIBUTIONS: On May 7, 2012, TSP will begin to accept Roth TSP contributions. The Roth TSP was authorized by the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, which was enacted on June 22, 2009, and will allow Federal civilian employees and members of the uniformed services to contribute after-tax dollars into the TSP for the first time. Both the contributions and their earnings will be tax-free when withdrawn, as long as IRS requirements are met. Additional details can be found at the TSP website: www.tsp.gov. The web site has a helpful video that provides an introduction to this new TSP element. In addition, there is a table that provides a comparison between the traditional TSP and Roth TSP. Department of Army Civil Service employees who have additional questions about TSP or other employee benefits and entitlements can contact the Army Benefits Center (ABC) at (877) 276-9287 or visit the ABC web site at: https://www.abc.army.mil/. 9. EUROPEAN MOTORCYLE SEASON is fast approaching; with that comes the need for refresher safety training. http://www.imcom-europe.army.mil/webs/sites/staff_org/safety/atstp/index.html will help you learn exactly what training is required to operate a motorcycle in Europe. You will also find course schedules, for all of Germany. If you would like to join the AFRICOM Motorcycle e-mail group please send an email to Matthew.Arant@USAFRICOM.MIL. 10. BIKE TO WORK WEEK: If you would like to join a group of like-minded AFRICOM personnel contact the POC Hap Harlow at mark.harlow@africom.mil. Also, 21-25 May is Kelley Barracks Bike to Work week. There will be a daily rally tent 0730-0830 and 1100-1300 in front of the Kelley Theater Coffee Shop. Daily seminars will be available as well as contests activities and prizes. Finally, there will be a group ride that Friday, departing at 1500hrs from the Rally Tent. Sounds like fun! 11. US MEMBERS WITH GERMAN SPOUSES! Effective 26 June 12, entry for children on the parent's German "Reisepass" (passport) will no longer be authorized. Each individual travelling will be required to have their own passport. Reasoning?...Security--"one person-one pass". This rule will be in effect at all EU borders. 12. ARMY CAREER TRACKER (ACT) FOR DA CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES AND SUPERVISORS OF DA CIVILIAN PERSONNEL: This is a reminder the ACT has now been deployed for Civilian Employees in Career Programs (CP) 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 24, 27, 31, 32 and 34. Civilian employees should have received an email directly from ACT with instructions on how to access this valuable online leader development tool. Every Army civilian employee and supervisors of DA civilians are encouraged to take advantage of this useful tool to help employees achieve career development goals. The link to ACT is:

https://actnow.army.mil. ACT user and supervisor training, simulations, FAQs, and a functionality tutorial are available on the ACT Training Page on AKO at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/601000. Questions regarding Civilian Training should be referred to Mr. Oscar Bocanegra at DSN 421-4463. 13. STUTTGART CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ADVISORY CENTER (CPAC) IS REQUESTING FEEDBACK FROM SUPERVISORS: As part of their 2012 Customer Feedback Initiative (CFI), the Civilian Human Resources Agency (CHRA) is requesting feedback from supervisors of DA civil service personnel regarding the quality of CPAC services. All supervisors are highly encouraged to provide feedback to the CHRA Director, Ms. Barbara Panther, SES, on the customer service being provided by the Stuttgart CPAC. The feedback provided by supervisors will be considered directly by CHRA leadership to make process improvements. The feedback results and any planned process improvements will be shared with everyone within four weeks of the end of the survey period. Completing the 11 question survey is easy and takes approximately 5 minutes. A one minute video of Ms. Panther explaining the feedback initiative is found at: http://www.chra.army.mil/video/CFI_Survey_Video.wmv. Survey Link is found at: https://www.atrrs.army.mil/ATRRSSurvey/Survey.aspx?s=efdbcd68c9c6409589c3413dfaf54b0a 14. WORLD MALARIA DAY: On April 25th from 1000-1500, come out to the tent in front of the Kelley Theater to celebrate World Malaria Day and learn more about this disease that has such a significant effect in Africa. There will be food, fun, and prizes - all while learning about malaria. The Navy Booster Club will be selling Hot "Mosquito" Wings in the same location from 1100 until the food runs out! This event is being sponsored by the J47 Medical Division and Surgeon's Office, J5 HHA Branch, US Public Health Command-Region Europe, local Public Health office, and Navy Booster Club. 15. Volunteers for the WOUNDED WARRIOR TRIP coming Saturday 21 April. Please let me know if you want to volunteer for trip or donate funds for the grocery (which is also greatly appreciated). Can only take up to 12 people for this trip and can drive POV. Please wear your favorite hat. It is mandatory requirement for cooking. Spouse welcome and children older than 18 welcome to join the trip. 17. AFRICOM INTRAMURAL SOFTBALL TEAM. Season expected to begin in June, anyone interested in playing please contact Gary Kaczmarek at gary.kaczmarek@usafricom.mil for more information or to sign-up. 18. FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY (FPU) Where: Kelley Barracks (Kelley Club) When: Beginning on 10 Jul (13 weeks) every Tuesday evening from 1830-2030 Who: "Stuttgart FPU" on facebook & FPUStuttgart@yahoo.com to register (seating is limited) Why: Obtain Financial Peace & It's FREE (sponsored by Stuttgart Chaplaincy)!!!

________________GARRISON/COMMUNITY NEWS_________________________
1. Every year, students who are currently enrolled in STUTTGART COMMUNITY SCHOOLS and plan to return the next year, are required to RE-REGISTER. This years event will take place at the Panzer Main Exchange April 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and April 25 and 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additional details will be published in school newsletters or school web sites. If you plan to move before the beginning of the next school year, please notify the PES school Registrar, Jennifer McHale, as soon as possible. *LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS. (For All Schools). Volunteers are needed to assist in a variety of ways during re-registration. Please contact the Registrar, Jennifer McHale, at 0711-680-5200 or jennifer.mchale@eu.dodea.edu. 2. *Wednesday 25 April 2012 the Patch Barracks, Panzer Kaserne and Kelley Barracks COMMUNITY BANKS will be open from 1100 - 1600 hrs.

3. Apr 21 GOLF DEMO DAY, 10-2 p.m. Stuttgart Golf Course. Try the newest equipment from a major Golf manufacturer. A swing monitor will be used to identify club head speed, distance, direction and ball spin rates. Club fitting is part of the process and special orders are taken with a 10% discount off regular pricing. 07141 879 150 4. Apr 25 BOSS MEETING, 3 p.m. Swabian Special Events Center, Bldg. 2505, Patch Barracks. DSN 430-7366/civ. 0711-680-7366 5. KELLEY CLUB offers: Mondays all you can eat - Pizza & Pasta & Burgers & Salad, Only 5 *Comedy Tour 2012: Thursday, 29th of March 2012 starting 1930 With: Bengt Washburn, Long Horn The Comedian and Kaye-Ree (Soul singer and Songwriter) Advance Tickets- $ 12.00 and at the Door $ 15.00 6. ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF CAMPAIGN now-May 15. The AER fund raising campaign is conducted annually by the U.S. Army from 1 March through 15 May. Contributions may be given to any AER section. All contributions are fully tax deductible. Donors may make their contributions to the general assistance fund or they may target their contributions to specific programs such as education scholarships or widow assistance. DSN 431-3362/Civ. 07031 15 3362 7. HOUSING OFFICE CHANGES: Aspen Consulting, the off post housing referral contractor for the housing office, has drastically limited services due to budget cuts. Aspen no longer serves contractors and services for Department of Defense civilians has been drastically cut, and they no longer offer civilians check in/out appointments and escorted home viewings. Also, the housing office will be closed on April 6 for Good Friday and April 9 for Easter Monday. The new office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please call 431-2200 for more information. 8. Courtesy of the Stuttgart Civilian Personnel Action Center the SUMMER HIRE PROGRAM FOR 2012 is here! The announcement period is March 26 through May 20. Applicants are required to submit their online applications during this period and submit their in-processing packages to the CPAC office within 5 days after the submittal of their online application. Eligible candidates must be family members between the ages of 14 to 22 years old with a valid Family Member ID card. This includes spouses under 18 years of age who are still in high school. The employment period will be June 18 to July 27. POC: Arlynda Y. Almond, Human Resources Specialist, arlynda.y.almond.civ@mail.mil/DSN: 314-4313124/COMM: (49+) 070-3115-3124

________________________USO/Education NEWS___________________________
1. 25 April, USO MONTHLY LUNCH. USO Center, 1100-1300. Monthly Theme: Mexican Fiesta! Come grab some grub with your coworkers and community members. All are welcome! While supplies last. 2. 27-28 April, MOBILE CANTEEN!!! This is the first Mobile Hot Dog Canteen event of the year! We will be at the Kelley Commissary on 27 Apr and at the Patch Hub for Springfest on 28 Apr. Serving hot dogs/chili dogs, chips and drinks both days, 1100-1400. See you there! 3. For Admissions and Alumni Staff, COLLEGE FAIR Coordinators, Alumni Reps: The annual Kaiserslautern (Germany) College and University Information Night will be held this year on Thursday, October 4. More than 1500 high school students, plus parents and other community members attend the program each year, making this one of the largest such events in Europe. Annually, we typically have more than 100 colleges and universities plus scholarship programs and other similar representatives on-site to provide information and materials and answer pertinent questions about their schools and programs. POC: Larry_Zani@compuserve.com

4. 24/7 ONLINE TUTORING. www.tutor.com/military is a 24/7 one-to-one homework help and online tutoring site for K-12 students, as well as college students. This service is totally free for military families, and also for DOD civilians living overseas. Get help from a professional tutor anytime you need it. FREE for Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members in the Army, Marines, Navy or Air Force and their dependents. Tutors are online 24/7 and available to help in more than 16 subjects. ~ Did you know, 21 April is National Tree Planting Day in Kenya; so if you are visiting this weekend, plant a tree. Your Commandant