October news briefs Published Sept. 27, 2011 By 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. with geographically separated units at Barksdale AFB, La.; Moody AFB, Ga.; and Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. Operation Helping Hand Operation HELPING HAND, Airmen Helping Airmen, is now collecting Christmas items for the Christmas store Dec. 3-4. Donated items can be toys and clothes for any age, monetary donations, or school supplies. If you have any questions or would like to donate, please contact Lt. Col. Christina Marks at (660) 687-3517 or christina.marks@whiteman.af.mil or Tech. Sgt. Niki Adams at (660) 687-3530 or nicole.adams@whiteman.af.mil. ROA Scholarship deadline extended The 2011 Reserve Officer Association Scholarship Grant deadline is noon, Nov. 6. All applications much be at the 442nd Fighter Wing Education Office by the deadline. This year's theme is, this is "The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. What lessons should be learned from the attacks, and what obligations does my generation have toward our country and world to ensure that such attacks never happen again?" This scholarship is open to all 442nd FW enlisted members to include geographically separated units and detachments and any spouse or child of a 442nd FW Airman (officer and enlisted). For more information on this, please contact Ms. Anita Brenberger at (660) 687-3527 or e-mail her at anita.brenberger@whiteman.af.mil . Staff Loans and Tuition Assistance News brief commentary by Tech. Sgt. Ron Watkins, 442nd Education Office Recently we have had many students submitting Tuition Assistance paperwork showing receipts with Stafford Loans. This is illegal. A Stafford student loan is a federal benefit, because although it must be repaid by the student, repayment is guaranteed by the federal government DODI 1322.25 para. E2.1.6. provides that "Tuition assistance shall not be authorized for any course for which a servicemember receives reimbursement in whole or in part from any other federal source when the payment would constitute a duplication of benefits." AFI 36-2306 para 5.4.2 prohibits the use of TA for tuition covered by VA or other federal benefits (excluding Pell Grants). The only way Stafford Loans can be used in conjunction with TA is if your loan does not pay for all of your tuition, you can then submit the unpaid portion using TA benefits. For questions, you may contact Tech. Sgt. Ron Watkins, 660-687-3353 or email him at Ronald.watkins@whiteman.af.mil Legal assistance during unit training assemblies Will worksheets and dependent care power of attorney worksheets are available ont he 442nd Fighter Wing intranet, or in the 442nd FW Staff Judge Advocate office in building 48. Medical requirement during pregnancy Pregnant reserve members are required to report to the medical squadron the first unit training assembly after pregnancy diagnosis with documentation confirming pregnancy. The pregnant member should not perform military duties until after she receives medical clearance to do so. This requirement is for the safety of both the pregnant member and her unborn child. Supply clothing hours for Oct. 15-16: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Saturday only.