WASHINGTON (AFNS) - In accordance with a memo Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel released Oct. 5, the Air Force will recall most of the nearly 104,000 Air Force civilian Airmen placed on emergency furlough due to government shutdown. However, a significant number will not yet be able to return.

In his memo, Hagel stated that immediately after President Barack Obama signed the Pay Our Military Act into law, he directed DOD's Acting General Counsel to determine whether he could reduce the number of civilian personnel furloughed due to the shutdown.

After consulting with attorneys from the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense, the secretary said the Pay our Military Act does not permit a blanket recall of all civilians.

However, he said, DOD and DOJ attorneys concluded that the law does allow the DOD to eliminate furloughs for employees whose responsibilities contribute to the morale, well-being, capabilities and readiness of service members.

Read the full report of the Air Force Reserve Command's website.

Ed. note: Joint Base Lewis-McChord PAO has release a much bigger, more comprehensive list of openings, closures and cancellations here.

The 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs has just release a list of changes at Joint Base Lewis-McChord caused by the government shutdown:

• All Exchange services will be opened and operating under normal hours.
• All emergency services will be operating as normal.
• The Child Development Centers will operate as normal.
• Youth Services Teen Zone, SKIES, School aged services, Teen Centers will continue with normal operations.
• Youth Sports Program will continue as planned.
• The Dining Facilities will remain open and operational.
• The gyms will be open and operating under normal hours.
• On-Base housing support through Equity will not be impacted.
• Alcohol Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) will be operating normally.
• On and Off-post Elementary, Middle and High Schools are not impacted.
• Central Issue Facility (CIF) is open and operating under normal times.
• Most MWR activities will continue under normal hours. These include the Warrior Zone, the American Lake Convention Center, the Cascade Community Center, the Bowling Center as an example.
• SHARP, Victim Advocates, New Parent Support and Military Family Life Counselors will continue with normal operations.
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) respite care for current enrollees will continue with normal operations.
• Force Support Squadron functions in building 100 will remain under normal operations except vehicle pass and weapons registration functions.
• Official Mail will be closed.
• Off-base housing services are closed.
• McChord Field Dorm Room assignments and maintenance will be delayed.
• Education centers will be open for college courses, however no academic counseling will be available.
• Installation museums are closed.
• Visual Information Services are closed.
• Libraries will operate on limited hours. Grandstaff Library's new hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the McChord Library's hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Joint Personal Property Shipping Office (JPPSO) will be open normal operating hours, however delays should be expected.

MADIGAN ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

• All inpatient and wounded warrior care activities will continue as normal.
• Patients will still be able to schedule medical appointments for most outpatient services, and none of the scheduled appointments will be canceled.
• The appointment line (1-800-404-4506) will remain open for beneficiaries to inquire about their appointments and for those in need of urgent "non-emergency" care.
• Pharmacy services will also remain open at all locations.
• Non-emergent elective medical and dental surgeries will be curtailed during the government shutdown. Impacted patients will be notified personally of any changes.

See Also

Pres. Obama thanks DoD workforce, encourages budget resolution

Information for soldiers, civilians impacted by government shutdown

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