Liberty Airmen to earn partial pay during shutdown

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Megan P. Lyon
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Liberty Airmen will continue to earn wages in the event of an April 8 shutdown of the federal government, but they will have to wait to collect until Congress agrees on a budget.

"Don't panic," said Master Sgt. Kat Ross, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant. "Let your families know what's happening, and communicate with your first sergeants if there are situations you're dealing with that are beyond your control. If your family's not being fed or doesn't have the necessities, coordinate with your first sergeant. We will provide guidance and assistance to get things going in the right direction to take care of our Lakenheath community."

If the shutdown occurs, Airmen will have to wait to be reimbursed back pay until after the budget is agreed upon.

"Obviously our Airmen are worried about possibly not having money should the government shutdown come in to play," said Capt. Thomas Schmidt, 48th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate chief of claims and legal assistance. "Regardless of a government shutdown, anytime someone is struggling with their finances they should come and talk to us."

The captain also recommended talking to your landlord and creditors in advance.

"Ask for an extension up front, as opposed to not paying and trying to work something down the road," added Captain Schmidt. "Most creditors are willing to work with you."

The only RAF Lakenheath facility that will close in the event of a shutdown takes place is the base commissary. The commissary will remain open tonight until 9 p.m. and April 8 until 10 p.m. so patrons can make last-minute purchases before a potential closure that will start April 9, 2011.

The base exchange and shoppettes will be unaffected by a government shutdown and will remain open.

"There are a number of programs available for our Liberty Airmen," said Col. William Lewis, 48th Fighter Wing vice commander. "I ask each of you to go through your first sergeants and use those programs if needed."

The Lakenheath Child Development Center will defer childcare fees until normal pay resumes for people who are required to work and are not paid.

"For those parents who are furloughed and do not utilize the CDC or Youth Center, we will offer refunds of childcare fees," said Dan Howley, 48th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness flight chief. "Civilians who are furloughed and choose to continue sending their children to the CDC or Youth Center will continue normal payments during the furlough."

The Food Locker and Good Samaritan program are available to help the Lakenheath community.

"Any family member, civilian or military, can have access to the Food Locker," Sergeant Ross. "Any first sergeant can take members to it, and we implore our Airmen to take advantage of this program if they need."

The Good Samaritan program at RAF Lakenheath can be used to help with perishable items not in the Food Locker. If needed, first sergeants can take members and purchase needed items such as diapers or milk.

"Even if the commissary closes, we can work with off-base grocery stores to get what's needed," she added. "Make sure you work with your first sergeant on an as-needed basis. We will make sure no family goes without during the government shut down."