Sequestration effects continue at Kirtland AFB

  • Published
  • By Marie Vanover
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  The effects of sequestration continue to be felt throughout Kirtland AFB and will probably continue throughout the fiscal year, according to Col. John Kubinec, 377th Air Base Wing commander.

Across the base, all non-mission-essential travel has been canceled and supply purchases have been drastically reduced. The West Side Fitness Center will close March 25. Hours for the East Side Fitness Center will remain the same. Lodging will close approximately 150 rooms - about half of current capacity. Other reductions in services and hours may need to be implemented across 377th Force Support Squadron recreation programs and facilities. Base civil engineers are evaluating energy usage on base to determine if reductions can be made to save on energy costs. A temporary hiring freeze has been implemented, and more than 2,100 appropriated fund civilian employees stand to be furloughed one day a week for 22 weeks, beginning April 26.

In anticipation of the furlough, base personnel officials will hold town hall meetings at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 19 in the base theater, and at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. March 20 in Building 201.

Subject-matter experts will be available to answer questions, and representatives from employee assistance programs, local credit unions, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center will be on hand to provide information.

On March 11, Air Force officials announced that tuition assistance for active-duty military members will be suspended for the remainder of the fiscal year.

In response to the suspension of TA, base officials will hold town hall meetings at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in the 377th Air Base Wing Presentation Center (Building 20604) to address this subject.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody said in an email to all Airmen, "This was a tough decision because our Air Force truly values education."

Dayle Ann DeLong, 377 FSS Chief, Education and Training Element, said, "This impacts almost 900 active-duty members here on Kirtland, enrolled in more than 1,200 classes."

DeLong added that information for other sources of financial assistance, such as Veterans Affairs educational benefits, federal financial aid, and scholarships, is available at the base education center and through unit education mentors.

Education center staff members offer counseling services to discuss financial assistance options for all active-duty members. Appointments are available by calling 846-1737.