1. Are you new to Ellsworth AFB? Join us for Happy Landings - Stop by the Holbrook Library every Thursday 10:30-11:30 AM to learn about all the programs, services, and facilities available on Ellsworth AFB. Bring the kids for the library's 11:00 AM story time or stop by Grizzi's for a hot cup of coffee or tea. We hope to see you there. For more information call (605) 385-4663.

2. IMPORTANT UPDATE MyCAA PROGRAM UPDATE - On February 18th, it was announced that effective immediately, the MyCAA program was temporarily halting operations. Below is an updated message from the Department of Defense:

A Message from DoD:

In the days following the announcement of a temporary pause of the Career Advancement Account - MyCAA - we heard the concerns expressed by many program participants.

We regret the lack of notice in alerting you to the pause and assure you this was done in the best interest of all.

Although an operational assessment of the program had been planned after the first year, the assessment was intended to be transparent to MyCAA users. The pause announced last week resulted from an unforeseen, unprecedented spike in enrollments. In January 2010, MyCAA applications increased six-fold and that trend continued in February. These applications were overwhelming the system intended to support the program and almost reached the budget threshold.

For those of you who have currently approved financial account documents, your documents will be honored. We encourage those spouses who were in the process of developing their career plans to continue to do so.

We are reviewing all procedures, financial assistance documents and the overall program. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We expect to announce our long-term strategies very soon.

• Alternative Educational Funding Opportunities
• MyCAA Web site: https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/

3. New law gives spouses more rights during moves: A new law giving military spouses the same rights enjoyed by service members to pick their state of legal residence was signed by President Barack Obama on Nov. 11. In a statement, Obama said Military Spouses Residency Relief Act “is an important means of maintaining the morale and readiness of our armed forces and significantly enhances the ability of our military to effectively recruit and retain these highly valued service personnel.” The new law affects issues ranging from driver’s licenses and vehicle registration to voting rights, property ownership and taxation. Read what the new law does and the rest of the story on AirForceTimes.com

3. Operation Life Transformed offers training for service members and their family. Jump start your career by learning on-line, at your own pace, and in your own home. Training is completely free, and provided by Military to Medicine and Operation Life Transformed. Download the flyer for eligibility requirements and more information or visit the Operation Life Transformed web site to apply.

Enlisted Spouses Club. Have you just moved to Ellsworth? Would you like to meet other spouses? Do you want to get involved in the community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, join us! Meetings are held the 1st Thursday of every month at the Chapel Activities Center (CAC). Be there at 6:30pm and meet other spouses. It is open to all enlisted spouses. We usually have a babysitter available for a small fee.

Officer Spouses Club. For information about the Officers' Spouses Club, visit their web site by clicking the image to the right. For information on how to join the Officers' Spouses Club, click the EOSC image below.