Team Little Rock,

See details below for NOTICES / CLOSURES / AIRMEN & FAMILY EVENTS / KNIGHT'S ROUNDTABLE Q&A / OTHER INFORMATION 

Weekly Bulletin Website: https://www.littlerock.af.mil/News/Weekly-Bulletin/ 

NOTICES

BASE EXCHANGE HOLIDAY HOURS

19TH MED PRIMary care changes
Starting 29 Jan 2026, all TRICARE Prime beneficiaries will need to come back to base and the 19th Medical Group to receive primary care. These beneficiaries will no longer be able to go off base to receive care except for referrals or emergencies. An information campaign is coming soon that will have additional information. These changes don’t apply to TRICARE Select members. You can enroll in TRICARE Select, but it has out of pocket costs. For additional information visit https://tricare.mil/Plans.

HOLIDAY/WINTER SAFETY TIPS
Holiday Travel Safety
Before hitting the road, it's always a great idea to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter conditions. This includes checking your tires, fluids, and having an emergency kit on hand. When driving in winter weather, remember to avoid using cruise control, accelerate and decelerate slowly, and increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping times. 

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls
Winter weather can create slippery surfaces. Wearing appropriate footwear with good traction is one of the best ways to prevent falls. When walking on icy or snowy ground, it's helpful to walk slowly, take smaller steps, and be mindful of your surroundings to spot any potential hazards. 

Winter Sports Safety
For those of us who enjoy winter sports, it's important to always wear the proper protective gear, especially a helmet. It is also recommended to stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings. 

FEDERAL IMPACT AID SURVEY
Each year, the United States Department of Education provides funding called Impact Aid. Impact Aid funds are designed to offset local tax revenues that are diminished due to having a federal installation within the school district. The amount of Dept of Education funds received is directly based on the number of military and DoW civilian children who are identified through completion of a short, annual survey. 

The schools have/are sending survey forms home with identified students this month. To qualify for funding, the district must collect a completed form for each federally connected student. Little Rock AFB leadership strongly encourages parents and guardians to complete the Impact Aid survey and return it to the school within their prescribed timelines. If you have any questions regarding the survey, please don't hesitate to contact the Little Rock AFB School Liaison Program Manager, Ms. Terri Williams.

LRAFB NO DRONE ZONE
Before operating your drone near Little Rock AFB, first ensure you are flying smart, legal and informed. Recreational drone flights are not allowed on or over military installations. Any Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations must have installation commander approval and comply with FAA regulations. See the attachment for more information.

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) started on 1 September 2025 and is scheduled to run through 31 December 2025. The CFC is a workplace campaign for our federal employees, service members, and retirees to donate through payroll deduction, one-time donations, or pledge volunteer hours. Contractors can also donate via a monthly or one-time donation through debit card or bank transfer. There are more than 4,500 different vetted charities to donate toward, ranging from search and rescue dogs to clean water initiatives.

There are four ways to submit your donation or pledge your volunteer hours:

1. Online via GiveCFC.org and click “donate”.
2. Download and complete the paper form available on GiveCFC.org.
3. Text “DONATE” to 987-487-5678 or text “GIVE” to 232669.
4. Download the “CFC Giving” app.

The CFC provides help and hope to communities across the world. Your donation, no matter how small, makes an impact. The attached flyer shows how far $5 monthly contribution can go toward improving the lives of others. I encourage you to take time over the next few weeks to consider donating to a worthy organization. If you have questions on the “Your gift. Their Future.” CFC campaign, please reach out to your Squadron leadership.

19TH LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON OPERATING HOURS
Effective immediately, the LRS Traffic Management Office (TMO) operating hours will change to 0800-1400 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

GIFT WRAP PROGRAM
It is the time of year to set up the gift wrap program. The Exchange offers this program for units, squadrons, and booster clubs. The POC for each organization schedules an appointment a week before your first date. Please make an appointment between 1000-1300, Monday- Friday by calling 501-766-6117, or email eickp@aafes.com.  Pass contact info on to the volunteer at that table. If you are unable to cover a shift, notify as soon as possible via text at 501-766-6117. Reservations are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.  

UPDATED HOLIDAY GATE HOURS
Please see the attachment above or go online for LRAFB’s updated holiday gate hours, outlined from Veterans Day through the New Year’s Holiday. Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station (CVIS) Hours are M-F, 0700-1100, starting on 10 Nov. 25.

2025 SURVEY OF ARKANSAS MILITARY FAMILIES IS NOW OPEN
Each year the Arkansas Council for Military Children surveys military families in our state to determine their knowledge of resources available to them, their ability to meet basic needs, and the effectiveness of Arkansas laws that support military families. The 2026 Survey of Arkansas Military Families is accepting responses now through 14 Feb. 26. The survey consists of 22 questions. No personal identifiable information will be collected.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
Please see the attachments above, graphic and pamphlet, for information on how to report suspicious activity and remain vigilant.

TMO INPROCESSING CHANGE
Effective 5 Jan 2026, all in-processing personnel who have performed a full and/or partial Personally Procured Move (PPM) are to report to Bldg 1255, Ste 104 for documentation processing. TMO personnel are no longer located in the Welcome Center. Hours of operations are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 0800-1600 and Tuesday and Thursday 0800-1400. For questions or additional information, please contact 501-987-3582.

HERK POWERLIFTING CLUB
Now – December 31^st | FREE | at the Fitness Center | 987-7716
Want to join the Herk Powerlifting Club? Call the Fitness Center to schedule a time to participate. You will be given 3 attempts each at a deadlift, squat, and bench press. The goal is to add your best attempts at each lift to equal or exceed 500, 750, or 1000 lbs. Think you got what it takes?

BE AWARE BE READY
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The 19th AW Integrated resilience Office will host an event at "The Kenny", on January 8, room 131, at 1130 AM. Awareness saves lives.

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CLOSURES

PUBLIC AFFAIRS SERVICES
This will be the final weekly bulletin email of 2025. The next weekly bulletin will be published on 8 Jan 2026. Additionally, the 19 AW Public Affairs Photo Studio will be closed during the minimal manning weeks. The studio will resume normal operations on 6 Jan.

19 CPTS HOLIDAY HOURS
19 CPTS will be closed at 1200 on 19 Dec 2025 for Airman’s Time. Additionally, we will be minimally manned during the week of Christmas/New Year's, with a 1200 closure on 24 Dec 2025 and 30 Dec 2025.

Please direct all inquiries for routine pay/travel questions to the Comptroller Service Portal at https://csp.cce.af.mil/. If you have an urgent pay issue, please contact your First Sergeant.

19TH COMPTROLLER SQUADRON
19th CPTS will be minimally manned during the week of Christmas/New Year's, with a 1200 closure on 24 Dec 2025 and 30 Dec 2025. Please direct all inquiries for routine pay/travel questions to the Comptroller Service Portal at https://csp.cce.af.mil/. If you have an urgent pay issue, please contact your First Sergeant.

RETIREE OFFICE
The Retiree Office will be closed from Dec. 22, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026

AREA DEFENSE COUSEL OFFICE
The Little Rock Area Defense Counsel office will be closed for walk-in services on Monday, 22 December 2025, as well as the week of 5-9 January 2026 due to annual training. Extension requests may be necessary to facilitate adverse actions issued during that time.

If  you need assistance, Please email Capt Mary Claire Rizzardi (mary.rizzardi.1@us.af.mil) and SSgt Darrian Johnson (darrian.johnson@us.af.mil) to schedule an appointment the next available date.

HOLIDAY GATE HOURS

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AIRMEN & FAMILY EVENTS
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FREE HOLIDAY DECOR CLASS
WHAT: Free Holiday Décor Class
WHO: Base personnel 
WHERE: Skills Center
WHEN: 22 Dec - Wreath Classes: 1000, 1300, and 1600

Lathe Classes 1000, 1200, and 1500

INFO: Bring the crew to the Skills Center on 22 Dec and get creative with FREE holiday crafts all day long! Plus, enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate while you craft! No registration is required for ornament and décor crafts. Register for wreath and lathe classes at www.rockinattherock.com/skillsclass

RETIREE LUNCHEON
WHAT: Retiree Luncheon
WHO: Military Retirees
WHERE: DFAC
WHEN: 19 Dec 1100

INFO: Come enjoy a lunch with fellow retirees!

FREE BOWLING AND GOLF SIMULATOR
WHAT: Free Bowling and Golf Simulator 
WHO: Base personnel 
WHERE: Strike Zone Bowling Alley
WHEN: All Dec

INFO: Enjoy FREE bowling and FREE golf simulator access during December (excluding Sundays and the 25th) at the Strike Zone Bowling Center thanks to the Unite program. Qualifying patrons are active duty and their families as well as all DoD civilians and their families. Participants will also receive a $6 voucher for food that can be redeemed same day at the Strike Zone Grille. If you are planning to use the golf simulator, highly recommend reserving your spot by calling (501)987-3338. Come join the fun! 

WEIGHT TRINING 101
WHAT: Weight Training 101
WHO: Base personnel 
WHERE: Fitness Center 
WHEN: 13 Jan - 5 Feb

INFO: Start the New Year off with the Health Promotion Weight Training clinic! See the attached flyer for more info. Please email the Health Promotions Coordinator, Ethan Turpen, at ethan.w.turpen.civ@health.mil.

NCO INDUCTION CEREMONY
WHAT: Team Little Rock NCO Induction Ceremony
WHO: New Staff Sergeant Selects and their Guests
WHERE: Hangar 1080
WHEN: 23 Jan - 1700

INFO: The NCO Induction Ceremony for all new staff sergeant selects is happening 23 Jan. For additional details please reach out to the event POCs SSgt Gabriela Don at gabriela.don@us.af.mil or SSgt Hunter Spencer hunter.spencer.1@us.af.mil. _________________________________________________________

FEEDBACK & QUESTIONS

Suggestion: The Arnold gate should be open longer hours to allow for members who work during all times of the day (Aircrew/maintenance). The 0600-1800 is restrictive especially with the Vandenberg gate being the single point of failure during these busy times.

Response: Thank you for your suggestion. The gate hours at LRAFB are based on a number of mission and personnel factors. Mission requirements over the projected period of November and December 2025 allowed for and drove reduced hours. The Installation Access Control Points (IACP) hours are determined by the Installation Commander and is a decision he does not make lightly. We encourage you to speak with your supervision and/or Command teams about the mission impacts of the reduced gate hours, so if they were missed this time, can be considered for future gate hour changes.

Suggestion: With the track now open it would be nice if CE fixed the water fountains by the bathroom.  They were turned off many years ago (probably 10 years) after a hard freeze caused a water line to break.  I remember going to the track earlier one morning and seeing the water leaking out of the building.

Response: Thank you for addressing this concern. As you alluded, the water fountains located at the track were shutoff and drained last winter to mitigate the potential of the utility lines freezing/bursting during extreme cold temperatures. They were not turned back on this past spring because the track was still under repair. With winter weather pending in the near future, 19 CES will keep the utility lines drained and will turn the water back on in Spring 2026. The water will remain on to the rest of the facility (inside the restrooms) so long as the temperatures do not drop for extended periods of time and the HVAC can maintain adequate heating of the facility.

Suggestion:
1) Repaint the lanes so that they more evenly distribute traffic.  Make the left outbound Vandenberg Lane turn left (north) on John Hardin, as well as flow into the lane that turns left past Lowe's towards Cabot and all the traffic accessing the highway to the north.  Repaint the right outgoing Vandenberg lane so that it is the south turning lane on John Hardin for South highway traffic, as well as flows into the lane that continues straight into the east side of Jacksonville on 1st Street.

(For the longest time, the rightmost lane becomes three lanes—both lanes that go straight under the highway as well as the right turn lane towards Walmart and the gas station; the left lane has ONLY been to turn left on John Hardin).

2) Also, recommend the far right lane that turns towards the gas station and Walmart and southbound highway traffic get  its potholes fixed and then extend it further back up Vandenberg so that more of the right turning traffic trying to get on the highway doesn't get backed up and can make that right turn much sooner. When the two straight bound Lanes are at a dead standstill, that would alleviate much more traffic!!  (I often see people driving on the right shoulder to get around the standstill and it's been making the huge potholes in that elbow worse). Highway 107 at the Arnold gate DESPERATELY needs a bypass Lane on both sides for sanity as well as safety‼️  (Especially for northbound traffic in the morning).  I've measured it on Google maps and sometimes the traffic in the northbound lane is backed up for a mile (all the way to General Samuels Road).  Civilian traffic that is trying to get past the northbound base traffic will often drive in the oncoming southbound traffic lane at the top of the hill northbound before they get to the gate, and I've personally witnessed several near-head-on collisions from frustrated drivers.  ** It's been very bad, on and off over the years.

Response: We understand your concerns and we regularly communicate with our local counterparts on the significant delays and safety concerns during peak traffic flow times at both gates. As a result, there are two projects currently under construction and in planning to fix these issues. As of September, there has been an additional lane painted on Vandenburg road at the John Harden intersection to better manage flow. The project will also address the right turn lane onto Jonn Hardin and since the project boundary extends onto Vandenburg (shown below), the base cannot address further concerns until the project is complete. Vandenburg road does fall under the base’s jurisdiction once the city of Jacksonville is finished.

There is also an ARDOT project for Arnold gate planned to start in 2026 to widen the road into four lanes, allowing vehicles to pass who are not waiting to enter base. We know that construction takes time to be complete and usable, but we hope that these projects will solve the issues you’ve seen and improve the flow of traffic for everyone.

Suggestion: I’ve been assigned to or worked on base for a LONG time and have seen the condition of the men’s locker room continue to deteriorate, mostly with shower lights out, mold,  and now a huge number of lockers that don’t work.  I have used ICE to bring these issues to the attention of the Fitness Center staff, and with the exception of cleaning issues the usual response is “work order submitted” or “no money”.  As the Fitness Center is getting more traffic than ever PLEASE provide the resources to fix the problems at the Fitness Center.

Response: Thank you for bringing these concerns to our attention. We are actively working to resolve the locker room issues and have identified new lockers as a funding priority for FY26! We understand your frustration and will be conducting a comprehensive deep clean of the men's locker room to address the mold concerns. Regarding the shower lights, we are aware that they need replacing and are actively working to find replacements. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused!

Suggestion: The new visitor center at the front gate looks lovely! That new building was desperately needed and makes us look like a modern base! Thank you to EVERYONE who had a part in that the past many years! However, our front guard shack is just that: a 'shack' in nearly every sense of the word, whether that be looks, functionality, and how badly it's run down with peeling paint, rotting wood, and broken glass.  If it is not already on the planned docket and budget, could we please please PLEASE procure funding to give our defenders a respectable facility to work from and perhaps simultaneously, increase the number of inbound Lanes to 3 to deal with the huge traffic pileups at certain times of day?

Thank you so much!!

Response: 19 CES is aware of the issues you described at the Vandenburg guard shack. We have a project identified to renovate the facility, increase the number of inbound lanes, and improve other traffic safety and security requirements. Unfortunately, we do have a few other renovation projects with higher priorities on our list, and we cannot estimate when that project will be executed. Our in-house maintenance team will continue to do all that they can to keep the existing facility as comfortable as possible, and 19 SFS will continue to double up Amn in each lane as their manning allows to reduce excessive wait times during peak hours.

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OTHER INFORMATION

FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES

To ensure you continue to receive timely, high-quality care during a period of staffing transitions, TRICARE Prime beneficiaries are authorized to seek Family Health services with trusted TRICARE network providers through Jan. 31, 2026 -- with one important update. To help coordinate your care, starting Sept. 29, 2025, please call the appointment line at 501-987-8811 before scheduling an appointment with a network provider to check for availability within the Family Health Clinic. This will help facilitate a smooth transition back to the 19th Medical Group for your care as our providers ramp up. Appointment availability will gradually increase as the team grows.

Important Steps to Ensure Continued Coverage & Avoid Charges:

• Call First: Starting Sept. 29, 2025, please call our appointment line at 501-987-8811 before scheduling an appointment with a TRICARE network provider for your routine or acute care needs. They’ll check for available appointments within the Family Health Clinic.
• Point of Service Charges: To avoid incurring Point of Service (POS) charges, please verify clinic availability before seeking care off base. POS charges will be waived if the Family Health Clinic doesn’t have an appointment available when you need one.
• Urgent Care Remains Accessible: This requirement does not apply to urgent care visits. You may continue to seek in-network urgent care services off base without prior authorization.

Your patience and understanding are appreciated as they navigate these temporary changes. Your support allows them to continue delivering the care you deserve and remain committed to serving you with excellence every step of the way.

Questions?
Please contact the 19th Medical Group Appointment Line at 501-987-8811. They are standing by to support you!

VISITOR CENTER (VC) HOURS AND PROCEDURES
The Little Rock AFB VC regular business hours are 0600 - 1630, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and Family Days listed below. The VC is located in building 1508. Parking is accessed through Marshall Road at the traffic light just outside of the main gate. Visitor passes, DBIDS cards, extended visitor passes, and Restricted Area Badges (RAB’s) are all issued from the VC. Appointment times are from 0800 - 1600. Appointments are required for RAB issuance to ensure appropriate personnel are present. Otherwise, appointments are highly recommended to prevent long wait times. The QR code or link below can be utilized to make appointments. 

REAL ID

REAL ID went into effect 7 May 2025, ALL personnel entering Little Rock AFB (and all AF Installations) MUST have a REAL-ID compliant form of identification.

• Your CAC is REAL-ID Compliant.  To get a DBIDS Card you must have a REAL-ID. 
• Per DoDM 5200.08V3_AFMAN 31-101V3 (Apr 25)
  • State-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the standards can no longer be used for accessing Federal facilities including Air Force installations unless the issuing state’s compliance deadline has been extended by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (T-0).

Individuals who do not possess a driver’s license or identification card compliant with the REAL ID Act and do not possess an acceptable alternate identification credential must be escorted or denied access. 

Appointments

AFTER HOURS PROCEDURES
Sponsors and visitors may proceed in person to building 1502 (gate guard building) at the Vandenberg Gate and be issued a pass by the on-duty Security Forces personnel. Personnel will be directed to park in the parking area immediately behind the gate as you drive through. To be issued a pass the sponsor must have a DoD credential or DBIDS card with sponsorship authority. The visitor must possess a physical state ID or driver's license (a picture of the ID will not be accepted), and proof of current vehicle insurance and registration, physical or digital copies are accepted.

HOLIDAY, PASS DAY, AND TRAINING HOURS
The VC will be closed all day in observance of federal holidays and AMC Pass Days. 

REMOTE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
Remote Sponsorship passes afford any Military ID Card holder, with sponsorship privileges, the opportunity to electronically submit their guests' information to the VC to generate a visitor's pass without the visitor/sponsor being physically present. Requests must be submitted on the attached remote sponsorship request form via government email to 19SFS.VCC.Requests@us.af.mil a minimum of 72 hours prior to the requested start date. Please be advised Org Boxes cannot accept encrypted emails therefore the Remote Sponsorship Request form is password protected (Password: 19SFSRSR). Passes will need to be picked up at the VC during their official duty hours, Monday through Friday, 0600 to 1630. The following forms of ID are eligible for sponsorship CAC, DD Form 2 (Active, Retired and Reserve), and DD Form 1173. Any questions concerning remote sponsorship should be direct to the Visitor Center at (501) 987-8777.
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