Page 3 - Aerotech News and Review, April 3, 2020

Edwards updates base access rules

Beginning March 28, Edwards Air Force Base has restricted ac-
cess to the base for certain categories of people.
Col. Matthew Higer, 412th Test Wing commander, announced
the new policy March 25.
The new policy means retirees, retiree dependents and veterans
will only be able to access Edwards on Wednesdays.
“The safety of all personnel at Edwards AFB is my absolute top
concern,” said Higer. “On March 19, the governor of California is-
sued a ‘Stay at Home’ order. In response to this order, I directed Ed-
wards AFB to a mission-essential posture. This posture necessarily
restricted access to the installation for retirees and their dependents.
“Unfortunately, it looks like this posture will be in place for sev-
eral weeks and potentially months,” Higer continued. “In an effort
to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all installation residents
and workers and still offer base services to our important retiree
population, I will begin allowing retirees and their dependents on
base with the stipulations below.”
Access to the installation is suspended effective March 28 for the
following groups:
1. Retirees, retiree dependents and veterans (who do not work
on the installation supporting mission-essential, mission-critical, or
operationally necessary activities) on all days of the week except
Wednesdays.
2. Visitors will require a mission-essential, mission-critical, or
operationally necessary letter from a squadron Commander/ Director
or higher from the 412th Test Wing or any Mission Partner. Base
resident’s immediate family members (parents/siblings/children) will
be considered mission-essential visitors.
Access to the installation will continue for the following groups:
1. Active duty military (all Services) and their dependents.
2. DOD civilians and other credentialed federal employees that
are reporting for mission essential, mission-critical, or operationally Air Force photograph
necessary duties.
3. Reserve and Guard members who work on the installation. ment a drive-through/car delivery process to improve social distanc- sion critical appointments will be allowed.”
4. All contractor employees with a valid CAC/DBIDS/Contractor ing. Appointments will only be made if there is already a prescription The order took effect at midnight, March 27, local time, and will
badge reporting for duties, including contractor employees properly filled and ready to be picked up. To reduce paper prescriptions, we remain in effect until further notice. If the base goes to a Health Pro-
sponsored who require an initial access credential/pass. will continue to push fax, e-prescribing, secure messaging as well tection Condition DELTA status, this policy will be suspended and
5. Mail and deliveries.
6. DeCA and AAFES personnel for all open facilities. as telecons. Also, we are pursuing other options to pass prescrip- retirees, retiree dependents and veterans will not be allowed access
7. Members who require emergency access, and do not meet the tions as well. to the base. Once the base returns to Health Protection Condition
criteria above, should report to the Visitor Control Center located 2. Building 3000 services. CHARLIE or lower, the access described in Higer’s March 25 letter
at the West Gate. 1. CAC/DEERS appointments will be available 661-277-4281 or will be reinstated.
On Wednesdays, the following locations will be open to retirees online at https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ “The nation and this wing can’t thank our retirees enough for their
only and their dependents: “In an additional effort to keep populations separated, I also ask decades of dedicated service,” said Higer. “You are a ‘legacy of
1. The Pharmacy will be available from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 a.m.. Ap- those that have access to the Commissary other days of the week, valor’ that can’t be overstated. Unfortunately we are in very difficult
pointments can be made by calling 661-277-2052. We will imple- please avoid the commissary on Wednesdays,” Higer said. “Mis- times, and I respectfully request your understanding.”
VA updates cemetery guidance amidst coronavirus crisis

All Department of Veterans Affairs National
Cemeteries are open and will continue to provide
interments for veterans and eligible individuals.
However, the National Cemetery Administra-
tion is continuing to adjust its services in light of
the best practices urged by the CDC in response
to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning March 23, 2020, as a matter of pub-
lic health and safety, committal services and the
rendering of military funeral honors, whether by
military personnel or volunteer organizations,
will be discontinued until further notice at VA
national cemeteries. Immediate family members
(limited to 10 individuals) of the deceased may
choose to witness the interment if desired.
Cemeteries will work to schedule a commit-
tal or memorial services at a later date for those
families that choose to continue with the direct
interment.
The National Cemetery Scheduling Office in
St. Louis will continue to provide scheduling ser-
vices for the duration of the current emergency.
To schedule a burial, please call 800-535-1117,
option 1.
“We strongly urge all guests to obey local trav-
el restrictions and avoid unnecessary travel,” said
the VA. “Visitors should expect that certain por-
tions of a cemetery typically open to the public
may be closed (for example, public information
centers and chapels). Courtesy photograph
For more information, contact your The Veterans Cemetery in Bakersfield, Calif.
local cemetery.
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