A message from the Commander concerning possible government shutdown

  • Published
  • By Colonel Hubie Hegtvedt
  • 442d FW
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  442d Fighter Wing Full-Time Force,

As you have seen reported in the news, our current continuing resolution is set to expire at midnight tonight Monday, September 30th.

If funding is not extended, the federal government will have to cease activities and operations not expressly authorized by law.

This disruption will have far reaching impacts at Whiteman Air Force Base. As a result, local senior leadership is meeting to identify what base services will continue and which ones will end if a shutdown occurs. Further information will be provided on what services will be closed in the event of a government shutdown.

Today, you should expect an informal verbal notification from your supervisor. This notification is to make you aware of your exempt, excepted or non-excepted status and possible furlough actions.

If a lapse in funding occurs, employees are expected to report for duty on Tuesday, October 1st for more info. At that time employees will be provided any needed formal notifications and additional guidance.

Active duty military members and excepted civilians will continue to work and will continue to earn pay for the period of the shutdown but will not receive it until Congress provides appropriations. Exempt civilians will continue to work and continue to be governed by the normal pay, leave, and other civil service rules.

This has been a challenging year for our military and civilian workforce. Sequestration-related funding reductions and the recently-ended civilian furlough have put a burden on every member of our team.

If you find yourself facing mounting financial challenges please reach out to your chain of command. There are on-base agencies that can help you find solutions to your problems.

I admire your professionalism during these uncertain times and continue our commitment to keep you updated with current information as it becomes available.

442d FW POC is Captain Keith Yersak. Capt. Yersak can be reached by email at keith.yersak.1@us.af.mil or by phone at (660) 687-3841.

Sincerely,

Colonel Hegtvedt, 442 FW/CC