Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

The third annual Family Overnight Campout has been planned for July 30.

"This year there will be a twist," said Edie Messina, with the 75th Force Support Marketing office and coordinator for the event. "We will have the Ogden Nature Center visiting and bringing out some of their animals."

Families are welcome to start setting up their tents at Centennial Park at 5 p.m. or Outdoor Recreation has some tents available to rent which families may then assemble at the park. For more information about the tents, call Outdoor Recreation at (801) 777-2225.

The completion of a long awaited renovation will be formally celebrated Friday, July 16, at the Hill Chapel with the Air Force Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) David H. Cyr, speaking at the chapel's rededication ceremony.

Edna Cooper, management assistant to the Engineering Data Branch chief and an alternative dispute resolution mediator, has another opportunity before her to expand her skills as she walks into the role of Federal Women's Program manager at Hill Air Force Base.

Denise Elbert, outgoing manager, described her own experience this way, "Being the program manager is an opportunity for professional growth while serving the women of Team Hill and the neighboring community."

More than two years ago, Stephen Bradshaw was cleaning his basement when memories of a war 20 years past returned to him through the contents in a plain box. In the box were letters he had written to his wife, Diane, since the inception of Operation Desert Shield in August of 1990 and, subsequently, the start of Operation Desert Storm in January of 1991.

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- When your unit is surrounded by an enemy hitting you with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar rounds are screaming in and you're running low on food, ammunition and everything else, you can't exactly send someone to Walmart for supplies.

That's when you pray for an airdrop. Now.

Bring a contractor, family member, Department of Defense civilian or other visitor onto Hill Air Force Base and the first words out of their mouth typically are, "Who can shop the Exchange?"

While authorizations governing who can buy merchandise and services at the Base Exchange often apply to a chosen few, the doors to Army and Air Force Exchange Service fast food and convenience stores, including Taco Bell, Popeye's and the shoppette, are open to virtually anyone looking for a quick bite to eat. When Burger King opens, it also, is open to everyone.

The Survivor Benefit Plan was developed to meet the needs of the family for continuous income protection following a member's death.

SBP is a nonprofit annuity program which is administered by the government. Coverage is free while the member remains on active duty.

After retirement, monthly premiums are held in the Military Retirement System Trust Fund and benefits are paid to eligible survivors from that fund. As a result, the retiree has the assurance of a well-managed program without having to pay administrative expenses.

Operating a Family Childcare home is a privilege granted by the support group commander.

All persons providing child care in their home for more than 10 hours per week must be licensed. Unlicensed child care is a violation of base regulations and may result in the loss of base housing privileges.

If you suspect someone of providing unlicensed child care please call (801) 777-0695, a child's well-being may depend on your call.

For Family Childcare program guidelines, refer to AFI 34-276, on the AFDPO Web site at: http://afpubs.hq.af.mil.

There are more than 4,000 chemicals in cigarettes and cigarette smoke.

If you use tobacco:

Arsenic is a rat poison. You're poisoning yourself.

Ammonia is used in fertilizers. You're smoking crap.

Polonium is radioactive, and you're chewing or smoking it.

Turpentine is used as a paint stripper. Imagine it stripping your insides.

Lead is the wrong kind of heavy metal for you.

The 75th Civil Engineer Squadron will be conducting a paving project on "D" Avenue, Weiner Street (8th Street), "E" Avenue, and Canberra Road.

"D" Avenue will be closed approximately July 26 through July 29.

"E" Avenue northbound will be closed approximately July 26 through July 28.

Canberra Road will be closed approximately July 28 through July 30.

Weiner Street will be closed approximately Aug. 2 through Aug. 3.