Take Note – November 1, 2024

Photo by PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / shutterstock.com

ATTN: Those packing up, leaving the KMC

Many members wait too long to begin the household goods moving process, thereby causing additional stress and delays. The 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron Personal Property Office advises movers to call them at +49-631-536-7727 three weeks before moving to begin the booking process.

Official Photo Studio has moved

The 86th AW/PA Official Photo Studio has moved to our new permanent location. The new location is in the second-floor offices located in the back portion of the Hercules Theatre, Bldg 2101. To schedule an appointment, go to www.ramstein.af.mil. If you have any questions call DSN: 480-9199.

Finance Customer Service

Finance customer service walk-ins are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday-Friday, in building 2108.

Appointments can be booked through the QR code. For all other matters, please submit a ticket through the Comptroller Services Portal at https://csp.cce.af.mil/

Retiree Activities Office

Attention all retirees, veterans, spouses and surviving spouses. If you would like to receive emails regarding upcoming events, veterans’ affairs, entitlements, pay and benefits that are sent out by the Retiree Affairs Office, please email your contact information to 86aw.rao@us.af.mil so that we can update our contact list. Thank you!

Your Retiree Affairs Office wants you!

It is our mission to serve our retiree community. We rely completely on volunteers to accomplish this mission. Volunteering can mean as little as one day a week for a four-hour block. The RAO is open Mon 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tue/Wed/Thu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and closed for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. We are located in Building 2118, Room 138.

Please visit our website at https://www.ramstein.af.mil/Resources/Retiree-Activities-Program/ for factsheets and recent RAO Newsletters on navigating being a retiree in Germany. Routine questions can be sent via email, but we ask that you make an appointment for specific subjects such as pre-death planning/surviving spouse issues and/or retiring in Germany. For appointments either call during office hours at 06371-47-5486, and/or send us an email to: 86aw.rao@us.af.mil.

TRICARE Plus Open Enrollment, Nov. 1–Dec. 15

by Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

We are excited to announce changes to the TRICARE Plus Program at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. These changes are designed to better serve our patient population and provide consistent, quality care for our retiree and non-command sponsored, TRICARE-eligible population. Previously, the program allowed exceptions to policy on a case-by-case basis throughout the year. We are now aligning with TRICARE’s and the Medicare/Medicaid open enrollment seasons. Our clinical team will assess applications to identify beneficiaries whose medical history aligns with the proficiency requirements of our clinical staff.

Recommended Holiday mailing dates and tips

by Ray Caudillo, USAFE Air Postal Squadron Postal Operations Flight

Air Force and Guardians stationed in the European theater should note the recommended holiday mailing dates to ensure timely delivery of cards, letters, and packages to the United States:

  • USPS Ground Advantage: Nov. 25 
  • First Class Mail (including greeting cards) and Priority Mail: Dec. 9
  • Priority Mail Express Military Service: Dec. 16

These dates apply to mail originating in Europe and heading to U.S. destinations. Similar dates apply if you’re in the U.S. and mailing to European APO/FPO/DPO addresses.

Correct Addressing: Ensure complete, accurate addresses. Print or type the recipient’s address parallel to the package’s longest side and ensure it’s legible from arm’s length. Visit www.usps.com to check current address format.

Return Address: Include your return address in the upper-left corner of the same side of the package as the recipient’s address.

Customs declaration requirements

All mail from outside the U.S. is subject to customs inspection. Ensure all customs forms are accurately completed and descriptions of items are clear to avoid delays or return to sender. Avoid vague descriptions like “electronics” or “gifts.” Be specific, such as “wooden skateboard” instead of “skateboard.”

Some prohibited items include cigarettes or loose tobacco, hand sanitizer, alcoholic beverages, vape products, perfumes containing alcohol.

For faster service, complete your customs forms online at USPS.com. Many post offices offer expedited service for customers with pre-printed customs forms.