New Pass & ID Customer Service Procedures

Starting Tuesday 4 Sep 12, LAAFB's Customer Support/ID Card Section will institute an appointment-only system. Appointments will generally be available M-F, 8am-3pm; noon-3pm on Mondays and Fri-days will be reserved for walk-ins. You can make an appointment at the following link:
https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/appointment/building.aspx?BuildingId=578.
If you don't have access to a computer, please call (310) 653-5114 to schedule an appointment.

What to do with your "Junk"

One person’s junk is another person’s treasure! When that’s the case, there are lots of opportunities for re-use! For items that are re-saleable, consider donating to our thrift shop! We have drop off boxes outside the thrift shop in El Segundo; on Onizuka in Pacific Heights and in front of the Tierra Vista sales office on Fort MacArthur. 

Another option is donating your items to our Airman’s Attic on Fort MacArthur during hours of operation: Mondays 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m.

If you’re ready to just trash your junk…for Tierra Vista residents…bulk trash removal is the last Thursday of the month. If you can’t wait until then, call Tierra Vista’s sale office to arrange a drop off at their corporate dumpster.

If you have hazardous or recycle materials such as solvents, automotive parts, flammables, computer parts or other electronics, there are ‘safe centers’ in the Los Angeles areas. If you’re a San Pedro resident, the closest facility is on Gaffey Street and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click on the link for addresses to nearest locations: http://lacitysan.org/solid_resources/special/hhw/safe_centers/index.htm

Contributed by
Katie H.

How Fresh Do You Want Your Fish?

Some of our members inform that right around the corner from Fort Mac is an opportunity to buy fish just like wholesalers do! Every Saturday morning from 3:30 - 7:30 AM, at the end of 22nd Street, there is a long pink building where a number of fish vendors offer their product to the public. Bring CASH! Large bins of complimentary crushed ice is on hand! We suggest you bring your own coolers for packing your purchases!

-Reported by Katie H.

230+ Stores & Services Offering Military Discounts

Courtesy of www.BradsDeals.com here are Stores & Services Offering Military Discounts

There is no way we can ever properly thank members of the US Military for all that they have done. They are certainly not paid enough for their work and their great sacrifice. Iraq and Afghanistan have been particularly tough and stressful for members of the military, their families and loved ones.

Brad's Deals have found 230+ (and counting) stores and services doing their part to make life easier by offering discounts to active, reserve, and retired members of the US Military and their immediate family members. Please help spread the word via Facebook, Twitter and Email to those you know in the military about this resource. If you have additional suggestions please comment below and they’ll be added on an ongoing basis.

Two important caveats. First, some stores offer discounts only at the owner’s discretion and other discounts vary by state. Second, many stores that give a military discount don’t advertise it. It is always worth asking a store whether they have one or not and to have your military ID on you.

• A&W – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Aeropostale – 20% off in store, just bring valid military ID
• Agentsource.com – Up to 40% off standard real estate closing costs for Active duty men and women moving in the United States or Canada
• All State – Allstate Funding proudly offers all U.S. Military personnel a $250 credit towards the appraisal of a residential property. Ends 12/31/2010
• American Airlines – Discount varies, requires military ID
• American Video Productions -10% off to active duty, retired, families of military and dependents. Call and ask for the discount http://www.americanvideoproductions.net/
• Amtrak – 10% off
• Anheuser – Busch Amusement Parks – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Anna’s Linens - 10% off any purchase with Valid Military ID in store only
• Apple Computers - The discount varies, you need to sign up here –http://www.apple.com/r/store/government/
• Applebee’s – Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you
• Arby’s - Discount varies per location, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Ashford University – Discounted tuition at $250 a credit, books are covered for all required courses, waived application fee, waived technology fee and more! Benefits apply to all Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists and spouses, dependents eligible for survivor benefits, plus civilian DOD employees & separated vets/retirees still using their GI Bill.
• ASMBA – Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association – Membership in the non-profit association is free, and, when you join, you’ll get $3,000 of free AD&D coverage.
• AT&T – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Auto Zone – Varies Per Store - Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Avis – 25% off, online you should use this coupon AWD # A555084
• Azamara Cruises – Discounts vary, 800-338-4962 800-338-4962
• Back Yard Burgers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Banana Republic – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
• Barnes and Noble – 6% off regular price plus free shipping, check out www.bn.com/militarycity
• Barnhill’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Bass Pro Shops – 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
• Bath & Body Works – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Bed & Breakfast Inns – Varies, online
• Best Inns and Suites – Varies, must present Military ID with check-in
• Best Western - Rates within allowable per diem, must present military ID with check in
• Beyond Blossoms - 20% off all flower orders throughout the year 12/31/2010
• Big 10 Tires – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Blockbuster – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Boscov’s- 15% off in-store purchases with military ID everyday.
• Bronson laboratories - 10% off on all vitamin and supplement orders, for active, retired, and reserve and their families Call 1-800-235-3200 1-800-235-3200 or use online code AF2004, ends 1/21/2011
• Buckle – 10% off, Free Shipping on all military orders
• Budget – Varies, up to 25% off time and mileage Store, requires military ID to redeem
• Budget Truck Rental – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Burger King – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Busch Gardens- One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes
• Camino Real Apartments – 5% military discount
• Captain D’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Carl’s Jr. – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Century 21 – FREE Century 21 AON Home Protection Plan when they buy or sell a home through Molly Kucharski ONLY paid for at settlement. Value = $399.00, call 1(800) 952-2516 1(800) 952-2516
• Champs Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Checker Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Chevy’s Fresh Mex – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Chick Fil A – Varies, Discount with ID card (location dependent), discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Chipotle – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Ci-Ci’s Pizza – Discount varies, dependent on location, must present military ID
• Cingular – 17 to 18% Discount off your bill and 25% off accessories
• Clarion Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must present valid miliatry ID with check-in
• Comfort Inn – Rates within allowable per diem while on travel orders. Must Present valid military ID with check-in
• Coolmilitary.com – 10% off, online, ends 12/31/10
• Copeland’s Sports - Discount varies per location
• D.S.W. Shoe Warehouse – 10% military discount
• Dairy Queen - 10% off, location dependent
• Days Inn – Rates within allowable per diem. Must present valid military ID with check-in
• Dell Computers – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Denny’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you. Varies per location
• Discovery Channel Store – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Disney Resorts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Disneyland - Military discounts are available only for tickets purchased at installation MWRs. Prices vary per date and length of visit
• Dollar Car Rental – Allowable per diem rates
• Dunkin’ Donuts – Veterans advantage members save 10% on all online orders. They also send free coffee to the troops oversees.
• DZ Web Design – 15% off, discount ends 12/31/2010
• Earthly Herbs – 25% off, discount ends 12/31/10.
• El Molino Coffee Shop - Free Shipping, online
• Express Clothing Store- 10% off on top of other coupons as well with military ID
• Extreme Outfitters -10-20% on miiltary Gear, online and in Store
• Eyeware - Discount varies, get the discount online at http://www.afeyewear.com/ – This site offers military discounts for a wide range of eyeglass companies
• Ford – Discount varies, http://www.encs.com/ford/
• Forget me not Jewelry – 30% off, ends 12/31/10. Online, use code militarygen100 at www.forgetmenotjewelry.com
• Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Gap – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
• Geico – 2% to 15% in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas
• GM – Varies, always well below MSRP. You can sign in online at https://www.exclusivegmoffer.com/ip-gmpop/initPop.do?program=mpp
• GNC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Golden Corral – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Haber Vision – 50% discount on all sunglasses. Online at http://www.habervision.com/CodeResult.aspx?code=JB10222Q
• Hertz – Allowable per diem rates. Show valid military ID
• Hewlett-Packard – Log on to website and click on New User Registration: Enter first and last name, user name, password and email address. Use company code: 2727. Discounts vary. Online only.
• HickoryFarms.com - 10 percent Military discount – Enter 892848 in code box on online order form
• Home Depot – 10% off Year Round, to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. In-Store, just bring valid military ID
• IHOP – 20% with Military ID at owner’s discretion
• Imax – $1 off movie tickets with Military ID
• Inkshouse.com – 20% off $50 or more, use cod Mil20
• istudysmart.com – Free Shipping for Military Families, Online, 9/15 – 10/14
• Java Cafe – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Jeep – $500 for active military, reserves and retired reserves or active after 20 years of service. Requires military ID
• Jiffylube – 10% off with valid Military ID
• Jockey – 10% off with valid Military ID
• KB Toys – 15% off during advertised Military Days
• KFC – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Kohl’s – 15% off with Military ID
• Kragen Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Lerner – 15% off
• Long John Silver’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Longhorn Steakhouse – 10% military discount
• Lowes – 10% off year round to active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. Just bring in a valid military ID. The military discount, however, cannot be combined with other coupons they may be offering.
• Marriott Hotels – It’s the Per Diem amount the government picks up, whatever that amount is. Just call and place the reservation over the phone and ask for that discount. Online at http://www.marriott.com/reservation/worldnum.mi
• Mary Kay Cosmetics – Military personnel and dependents receive 10 % on online orders. Reference your service affiliation and status, and ask for additional free gift and bigger discounts by contacting website.
• McDonald’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Meineke – 10% off parts
• Michaels - 10% off every Wednesday.
• Midas – 10% off
• MLB Hall of Fame – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Movie Theaters – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Mrs. Fields- 10% off with military ID,
  coupon link
• My Cruise Club – 9% off on all cruises, ends 12/31/10, www.militarycruisedeals.com
• NAPA Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Nautica - 10% off with military ID
• National – No fee for additional drivers, and special off duty rates per location. Service members receive full loss damage waivers
• National Credit Solutions – 25% discount, call toll free at 866-485-2540 866-485-2540 x109, and for a direct line please call 972-746-4209 972-746-4209
• New York and Company - 15% off military discount
• Nextel – 18% Discount, call 1-800-639-6111 1-800-639-6111
• Nickelodeon Hotels – Reduced rates and perks, online and in store, www.nickhotel.com/military , 877-NICK-111 877-NICK-111 and ask for the Military Family Package.
• Nike – 10% off, In-Store. For official company policy please check out http://www.nikebiz.com/customer_service/discounts.html
• Nuvo - $30 off Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System. You can call 1-888-688-6462 1-888-688-6462 , or use coupon code MILITARY99 online at http://www.nuvo-group.com. Valid military ID required for in-store purchase.
• O’Reilly Auto Parts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Oakley – There is a website you register with that offers Oakleys at a discounted price. It doesn’t say how much that price is though. Check it out online at https://secure.usstandardissue.com/
• Old Navy – 10% military discount 1st of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
• Pac Sun – Discount varies per location, just bring in a vaild military ID and ask
• Panchero’s Mexican Grill – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Pancho’s Mexican Buffet – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Panda Express – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Paradise Bakery- 40% off meals for military members with military ID. Does not extend to family.
• Paradise Limousine – $25 Off Limousine Service Coupon Code: 1369 for service members
• Pizza Hut – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Play It Again Sports – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Professional Sports teams – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Pure Beauty – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Quizno’s – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Race-Depot – 10% off, use code 10MILCITY
• Rack Room Shoes – 15% discount. Bring in valid military ID
• Raising Cane’s Chicken – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Ramada – 15% to 30% – depending on availability. Must present military I.D. upon check in.
• Red Robin – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Regal Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times. Requires Military ID
• Ripley’s attractions and museums – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 10% military discount
• Rocky Mountain Tracking – 5% off any tracking inc. Use code USMILITARY, http://www.rmtracking.com/
• S & K Men’s Wear – 8% Discount on all items free shipping on orders over $99 & APO/FPO shipping. To access the military site at S&K you must go through their AAFES Exchange Mail Online service. http://bdeal.me/aCVq2X
• Sally Beauty Supply – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Samsonite- 15% off with military ID
• Sea World -One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes
• Sesame Park Place- One day complimentary admission for members of the military and 3 direct dependents in 2010. Here’s to the Heroes
• Shoe Carnival – 10% off
• Sierra Suites – Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I.
• Six Flags Mountain Magic – Service members receive special discounts on admission for special events and specific dates. Tickets must be purchased in advance MWR and ITT 143. Recreation offices, not at the park.
• Sizzler – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Sleep Inn - Rates at or below per diem depending on location. Discounts may vary and depend on availability. Must present military I.
• Sonic – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Southwest Airlines – Varies, it’s a dollar amount, not a percentage. Not available on all flights, you’ll have to call Southwest and simply just ask.
• Spencer’s Gifts – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• SportsMemorabilia.com – 10% off at checkout, use code mili10 online
• Sprint Business – 15% to 20% Discount, 1-888-788-4727 1-888-788-4727
• Suzuki – $500 off for you and immediate family. Requires military ID
• Taco Bell – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Texas Road House – 10% military discount
• Texas Roadhouse – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• The Finish Line – 20 percent military discount off select items at special locations
• The Melting Pot – Discount varies, simply ask and have a valid military ID with you.
• Timberland Outlets – 15%, bring in valid military ID
• Toyota – $500 off + $500 for firs time buyers. Requires military ID
• Travelodge – Rates within allowable per diem. Discounts may vary and depend on availability.

An Opportunity to Donate Frequent Flyer Miles to Help Military Families

Many airlines have set up a system so you may donate frequent flier miles to Operation Hero Miles. Your donations will assist Operation Hero Miles in providing travel for families of American military men and women who are being treated for injury at military hospitals around the globe. Air travel is provided to family members and close friends visiting U.S. servicemen and women hospitalized due to their service in Iraq or Afghanistan. This is a program sponsored by The Fisher House. Current airlines participating in this program include:

• AirTran Airways
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Continental Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• Midwest Airlines
  
• Northwest Airlines
  
• United Airlines
  
• US Airways
  

For more information, visit the website: http://www.fisherhouse.org and click on the DONATE tab.

Baby- and Toddler-Friendly Activies you might like (Cheaper and closer than Disneyland!):

Weekly Playgroup - meets at Pacific Heights Playground near the gate every Thursday at 10. All are welcome.

Tiny Picassos - meets every Tuesday from 10-12. Note new location - now meeting at Tierra Vista Office (next door to the Clinic at Ft. Mac). This is poorly advertised in the Force - it's appropriate for ages 0-5, and it's really an open Mommy and Me time. There are toys to play with, art supplies to use, but nothing structured. It's fun, free, and great for inclement weather days!

Music Classes - Mommy and Me - The teacher is exceptional and these are free - take advantage! There is a class on Tuesdays at 2:30 for Toddlers (any baby that can walk counts as a toddler) at the Ft. Mac Youth Center. There are classes on Wednesday mornings at the CDC in El Segundo - Toddlers at 10, Babies at 11. Absolutely worth the drive - you can incorporate a visit to the PX, Commissary, or the Thrift Shop as part of your excursion.

MOPS - (Mothers of Preschoolers) - this is an international organization - visit http://www.mops.org/ . Several of us attend the MOPS group at St. Peter's by the Sea Presbyterian Church - 6410 Palos Verdes Drive South in Rancho Palos Verdes - it's 10 minutes away. They meet bi-weekly on Mondays from 9:15 - 11:45 and childcare is provided (children range in age from newborn to age 5), and breakfast is included! Speakers vary - the programs are designed to help you network as a mother, but also to feed your soul. There is an annual membership fee, but you can come to a meeting and see what it's all about with no pressure to join. You do not have to be a member of St. Peter's, and MOPS is non-denominational. Talk to me if you have any questions. The next MOPS meeting is this Monday, October 11th.

Kids Concepts - a fun indoor play place - 22844 Hawthorne Blvd in Torrance. $7 per toddler, one adult can enter free with each child. Socks for adults and children are required. They have all kinds of fun things to do - a huge playstructure and ball pit, an arts and crafts room, a puppet theater, dress up corner, and a separate room only for children 3 and under with age-appropriate toys. The concession stand is stocked with reasonably priced child-friendly selections... I highly recommend it! Visit their website - www.kidsconceptsusa.com for hours and more info.

Monday Morning Mommy Movies - I've never gone but friends tell me it's fun. They keep the lights up and the sound not so blaring as usual. The entire movie theater is empty except for the moms and kids. This is probably more geared towards small babies (when they sleep most of the time) but she says older kids are usually running around playing too. Sounds a bit crazy but a chance to see (at least part of) a movie. This is from the website http://www.pacifictheatres.com/MMMM.htm:
Select Pacific Theatres locations offer adult themed films scheduled at 11:00 am on Monday Mornings to accommodate parents with infants. The schedule of upcoming product is outlined below and available at the Pacific Theatres locations listed at the bottom of the page.
10/4/10 - The Social Network
10/11/10 - Life As We Know It (Manhattan Village will be showing Waiting For "Superman")
10/18/10 - Red
10/25/10 - Hereafter
Showing At:
Beach Cities 16 Cinemas
Beach Cities will be closed for the conversion to ArcLight Cinemas starting 9/7/10.
Manhattan Village 6
3560 Sepulveda Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Ticketing Info: (310) 607-0007
Guest Services: (310) 640-1258

Hope this is helpful info! It's nice to know some of the fun things there are to do with little ones besides going to Target every day... :)

Cheers,
Lorie

Eagle Eyes

No matter how well trained and vigilant, law enforcement officials simply cannot be everywhere. Your eyes and ears, and those of your friends and family, can be of enormous help in preventing terrorism. After all, you know best what activities do or do not belong in and around your base, neighborhood, and community.

To enlist your help in preventing terrorism, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations created and manages the Eagle Eyes program. Eagle Eyes puts you on the anti-terrorism team by providing the information you need to recognize and report suspicious behavior. Your inputs, which you can be submitted 24 hours a day by calling 310-653-3937, are immediately shared with appropriate law enforcement agencies and military commanders for rapid assessment and investigation as necessary.

You and your family are encouraged to stay alert to your surroundings, on base, off base, at home or elsewhere. The attached suspicious activity reporting tool can be helpful when reporting activity. Be on the lookout for suspicious activities always!

Please check the following link to receive your reporting worksheet: http://www.laafsc.com/aboutus/Suspicious_Activity_Reporting_Tool.pdf