COMMANDER’S CORNER: NATIONAL TRAILS DAY 2018 - PAGE 2 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Air Force implements new parental leave policy By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) — In accordance with the Department of Defense Military Parental Leave Program, the Air Force announced an expansion to its parental leave policy on non-chargeable leave entitlements following the birth or adoption of a child. Previously, Air Force policy authorized 12 consecutive weeks of maternity convalescent leave to female Airmen who gave birth. Additionally, 10 days of non-chargeable leave were given to an Airman whose spouse gave birth. Effective immediately, the new policy applies to Total Force Airmen who are birth mothers and fathers, same-sex couples, as well as adoptive and surrogate parents. Reserve Component Airmen should refer to Air Force Instruction 363003 for specific eligibility requirements.
Now maternity convalescent leave is six weeks (42 days), primary caregiver leave is six weeks, and secondary caregiver leave is three weeks (21 days). Under the new policy, AFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, outlines three forms of non-chargeable leave following a qualifying birth event or adoption: maternity convalescent leave, primary caregiver leave and secondary caregiver leave. Now maternity convalescent leave is
six weeks (42 days), primary caregiver leave is six weeks, and secondary caregiver leave is three weeks (21 days). Every birth mother will have convalescent leave. Caregiver leave is given in addition to the convalescent leave. Covered service members having a child by birth, adoption or surrogacy will determine which parent is the primary and secondary caregiver. Designations for caregiver status should be made as early as possible and follow Department of Defense guidance. Each parent can only hold one caregiver status per birth event or adoption; for example, a secondary cannot transfer their leave to the primary caregiver. Airmen should submit their caregiver leave as determined by their local unit commanders. Until LeaveWeb is altered
Vol. 62 No. 24
CSAF presents French medal to WWII Army vet, AF civilian By Ashley M. Wright Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — At a ceremony overlooking the Department of Defense Warrior Games at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 2, 2018, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein presented the French Legion of Honor to a World War II Army veteran for his efforts to liberate Western Europe in 1945.
See Policy page 4
AFSPC/CC visits 21 SFS
(U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Dennis Hoffman)
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — Robert Van Wortman smiles after receiving the French Legion of Honor presented by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein during a ceremony held at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 3, 2018.
(U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Emily Kenney)
(Top) PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.—Gen. Jay Raymond, Air Force Space Command commander, speaks to 21st Security Forces Squadron Airmen May 31, 2018, at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. During his visit, Raymond witnessed a guard mount formation, acted as an entry controller and familiarized himself with defenders. (Left) PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.—Gen. Jay Raymond, Air Force Space Command commander, checks ID cards at the West Gate, May 31, 2018, at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. During his visit, Raymond was briefed on entry controller duties and the Security Forces Squadron augmentee program.
Robert Wortman was just 19 when he joined the army in 1944 and became a scout for the 3rd division 15th Infantry, which was quickly sent to the front lines and then behind enemy lines, crossing the Rhine River in the second wave. Days later, a surprise attack by German hold outs in Nuremberg wounded Wortman, forcing a leg amputation. After spending three weeks recovering in a hospital in France, Wortman was flown home, but he did not let his wound slow him down. He went on to serve 30 years at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, as an Air Force civilian employee, and celebrated his 92nd birthday day last month. “All of us in the services today enjoy the trust and confidence of a very grateful nation. That grateful spirit is not all because of what we do, but it is in part due to the incredible legacy of passed on by [Wortman] and those of [he] served with, members of the greatest generation,” Goldfein said during the ceremony. Despite his years of service, Wortman’s See Medal page 12
INSIDE News Briefs Crossword Classifieds
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Sun sets on 2018 Warrior Games
Be aware of dehydration symptoms
AF week in photos
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