TAKE NOTE

COVID-19 updates for KMC

Looking for updated information regarding coronavirus and changes to base facilities? Visit www.ramstein.af.mil/COVID-19

GACO helps US customers in Germany

Even during COVID-19, the German-American Community Office in Kaiserslautern (located in Rathaus Nord) is still available to assist American customers having problems with host nation-related topics. GACO staff is able to help with German documents and authorities, explain host nation policies and regulations, or find out about the disposal of trash off base, drivers’ licenses for U.S. civilians, retirement in Germany, marriage between Americans and foreign nationals, leisure and sports activities, and a lot more. GACO tries to ease U.S. service members’ stay in Germany. As soon as USO is authorized to again offer newcomers’ orientation tours in Kaiserslautern, they will make weekly stops at the GACO.  The main entrance of Rathaus Nord is currently closed to the public, but you can make an appointment if you need to discuss your matter in person.  For your appointment, you will need to use the entrance at Benzinoring 1 where you will be picked up. For more information, visit www.gaco-kl.de; call 0631-363-3010 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and between 2 and 6 p.m. Thursdays; or email at info@gaco-kl.de.

RAO message for those serviced by Kaiserslautern Zoll

Retirees and surviving spouse Pink Card hol­ders need not report to make payment on their purchases right now due to COVID-19 precautions. Those individuals can hold onto all receipts and make payments starting Sept. 1. when the Zoll reopens to full capacity. Additionally, the Director of U.S. Customs in coordination with the German Federal Customs Directorate has authorized an automatic extension of expired/expiring German Forms 0217 through Dec. 31. If your Pink Card expired prior to March 1, you need to visit your local US Customs Field Office for the issuance of a status verification.

Expired ID cards

Attention: All Common Access and Identification Cards need to be current by June 30 to gain access to Ramstein Air Base and surrounding installations. If your CAC is already expired or expires within 30 days, please book an appointment at https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/y7jgzct0

For dependent IDs that are expired or expiring within 30 days, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xw5H4. Don’t wait if your CAC/ID card is expired or expiring. Slots are filling fast!

*Members will retain their benefits and be able to extend their certificates until Sept. 30, but will need to sign on to base through the Visitor Center after June 30 if their CAC/ID has expired.

Ramstein Aquatics Center Update

The filtration system on Ramstein’s lap pool failed in May and is currently being contracted for repair. Officials anticipate opening the lap pool in August with the recreation pool opening in the fall. Once repairs are completed, the opening date will be advertised along with COVID-19 guidelines.

The Ramstein Aquatic Center will be issuing full refunds for swim lessons, lane reservations, and lifeguarding courses cancelled due to COVID-19. Monthly swim passes expiring after the closure date will be refunded at prorated rate. Annual swim passes will be extended for the length of time the facility was closed due to COVID-19. Those with annual passes PCS-ing before their extended expiration date can email a refund request to the Ramstein Aquatic Center org box: 86FSS.FSCS.AquaticCenter@us.af.mil.

Ramstein Pharmacy Tent

Ramstein’s pharmacy is closing the lobby to patient access and dispensing medications through the exterior pharmacy lobby windows (walk-up pharmacy). This enables our patients to maintain proper physical distancing. Medication refills can be processed through TRICARE Online or through the automated refill line (06371-865601), and will be ready for pick-up the next duty day after 1 p.m. Pharmacy hours of operation are Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 8-12 a.m.

Attention all retirees and surviving spouses

The 86th AW Retiree Activities Office is closed until further notice. For urgent situations (until we re-open our doors) that would normally be addressed to the RAO, you can email jim.barrante@fcgh.net.

RAO Director needed

The Retiree Activities Office, a volunteer-based organization that supports retirees, active-duty members and spouses throughout the KMC, has an immediate opening for a new director. The RAO functions as a liaison between the retiree population and the 86th AW commander. For more information about this position or how to volunteer, please contact the acting director at Jim.Barrante@gmail.com or call 0160 454 0062.