In an effort to expedite the payment of vouchers and save airmen time when it comes to submitting documents, the McChord Financial Services Office will debut the eFinance system Jan. 1.

eFinance is a secure, paperless process to submit financial documents with automated assistance from the McChord Financial Services Office. The process is accomplished via a "Turbo Tax" approach to guide the member through a wide range of finance functions. The system may be accessed via a secure Web site application using a common access card and pin at https://efinanceworkspace.wpafb.af.mil or through the Air Force Portal under the Money-Finance Central link. Once accessed, the eFinance site uses an easy-to-understand question and answer session to walk the user through the process of travel, allotments and entitlements from start to finish.

eFinance is designed to process financial documents or route the user to the appropriate system that can. For example, if the user is accessing eFinance and wants to change direct deposit information, the system will automatically route them to myPay to accomplish the change. The capabilities of eFinance include both military pay and non-DTS travel transactions for both reserve and active duty members, excluding CED orders. Highlights of the system include immediate e-mail notification on the status of vouchers, the ability to scan or fax supporting documents and off-site submission capabilities for reserve and detachment organizations. This makes eFinance a one-stop system that gives the user the necessary tools to efficiently manage their Air Force financial affairs.

Starting Jan. 31, the McChord FSO will no longer accept paper documents that can be submitted through eFinance or MyPay. Visit https://eim.amc.af.mil/org/62cpts for a complete guide to submitting documents. The finance office will also open eight computer stations with scanners to assist any member with eFinance submissions.

For more information, e-mail  62cptshelp@mcchord.af.mil.  

McChord Center United Service Organization Manager Tracye Kakely said today the center put together 100 holiday baskets full of non-perishable items for needy military families. Donations for the baskets came in from various volunteers and local businesses.

Representatives from the Marines and the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings picked up the non-perishable items to deliver to the families in time for Christmas day.

Also, for more information on what the USO Puget Sound is doing in the local military community, become a fan on Facebook. In the search area, type "USO Puget Sound." 

For families with young children, McChord's Sounders Lanes Bowling Center is the place to be on Thursday night from 7 to 10 p.m.

The 62nd Force Support Squadron hosts a bowling party celebrated on East Coast time with unlimited bowling, pizza, party favors and sparkling cider.

Tickets cost $13 each in advance at the Sounders Lanes front counter.

For more information, call 253-982-5954.

Retirees are now authorized and welcome to eat at the McChord dining facility during all meal periods.

They will be charged the same 33 percent surcharge (per meal) that active duty members receiving BAH must pay.

Family members and guests may accompany a retiree at the dining facility on federal holidays only. For more information, call 253-982-2527.