Plan ahead to get your times in

The last day of the pay period is December 28th. Be sure to submit your times before New Years Eve, especially if you are planning on taking the time between christmas and New Years off.

Just in time for holiday travel

From the international program: It is now USDA policy that all USDA/FS employees with a Security Clearance must report ANY international travel you are planning on doing, REGARDLESS if it for personal or official reasons. To be clear, All Personal and Official international travel must now be reported to USDA Security 14 days before your trip. The reporting form can be downloaded here

New Spotters Named

Louis Fleming, Jesse Myers and Court Wallace have been offered and accepted GS 8 squadleader positions with the Missoula Smokejumpers. Their leadership and experience is greatly appreciated and they are an asset to our organization. Please join me in congratulating these three. They were selected from a very competitive hiring pool. Thanks to all that applied.

Security Clearance Training now in agLearn

Anyone who has a clearance through USDA should check their aglearn profile. There is a "2013 annual collateral security refresher briefing required for all individuals who have been approved eligible for access to classified national security information" that needs to be completed by the end of January.

International Program Posistions

An outreach notice has been sent to FS email for 7/9/11 positions with the International Program. Those who would like more information, especially those of you who can't access your FS outlook right now, please contact Sarah at saltemus@usaid.gov

Remembering Mike Kelly

Michael Patrick Kelly Jr (MYL '12), was a squad boss on the Tahoe Hotshots, and a smokejumper detailer for the past 2 seasons with McCall and West Yellowstone. Tragically, Mike was killed in a vehicle pedestrian accident, in the early morning hours of November 17th.

He began his career on the Inyo National Forest in California, the summer of 2002. During his time on the Inyo he worked for the Mammoth Fire Use Module, Engine 22 out of Mammoth Lakes, and Helicopter 525 out of Lone Pine. He then made the move to the Tahoe Hotshots, where he has been since 2007. Mike will be remembered by all he met as someone who lived life to the fullest, he was a great firefighter and a great friend.

 A "Celebration of Life" for Mike Jr. will be Tuesday, Dec. 10th, 2:00 PM, at Foothills Christian Church, located at 9655 West State St., Boise, Idaho 83714 PH. # (208) 853-0011. Anyone wishing to send flowers, can send them either the 9th or 10th at that address. Mike's Obituary will follow in the Idaho Statesman, probably Friday or so.

Off-tour time sheets

If you are using the base code for off-tour work, be sure to put in remarks explaining what you are doing on your timesheet.

Benefits

Open season for changes to your benefits for 2014 ends on December 9th. There are brochures for the assorted plans avalable in the breakroom.

AFD Holiday Potluck

Come join with the AFD Family for a Holiday Potluck on Wednesday December 11th. Cook your best dish and join the fun.

Parker Baby!

Ella Jane Parker was born on 11/14 weighing 8.5 lbs. Congratulations to Travis and Megan!

2013 Questionnaire

Please get your response to the 2013 Questionnaire to Ops by December 9th.
You can download a copy at this link: Questionnaire Download

2013 Fall Newsletter

The 2013 Fall Newsletter is on the streets!
Download it here!

Karuzas Baby Girl!

Isabelle Madeline Koopaq born to Isaac and Erika Karuzas on October 28th. Congratulation!

Only 166 days left

FY2014 USDA Information Security Awareness Training is due on 3/31/2014.
There is an option to take a pre-test and get credit for the course.

Back to work

10/17. Regular start time. Be there.

Shutdown

Well, unfortunately a lot has just changed and we are now being told that we may go into orderly government shutdown tomorrow after all. We will know more by morning, but if we are furloughed and go into shutdown mode, non-excepted employees will do their shutdown tomorrow.

Lapse in appropriations.... AKA Government Shutdown

The latest information that has been shared with us on a lapse in appropriations is that we should all plan to work through this week. The Forest Service has determined that we have enough funding from prior year funds, trust funds etc. that we can continue to operate through the week. If we go into next week without a budget or continuing resolution, we will be working through the orderly government shutdown at that time. Stay tuned for more info

"T-Party"

Reminder "T-Party" Friday 9/27/2013 at the Crystal Theater 6pm.

MSO Ops Blog Email Notification Set Up

We have set up the MSO Ops blog to allow subscribers to receive email notifications of new blog posts. The intent of this gadget is to reduce the need to check the blog for new information. When enrolled subscribers will receive push notifications in your email every time a new post is added to the blog.

To sign up add your email address to the gadget at the bottom of the page. Next you will need to follow the directions in the pop-up box. Finally go to your email and open the mail from Feedburner and click the link to validate your request. 

Yarnell Hill Fire Report to be Released Sept 30, 2013

The Yarnell Hill Fire Serious Accident Investigation Report is scheduled to be released to the public and media this Saturday, September 28th at 10:00 a.m., Arizona Standard Time.  We realize that interest in this report among U.S. Forest Service employees will be very high.  A very limited number of agency heads, including the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, and senior leaders will be briefed on the report via live meeting.  All other U.S. Forest Service employees will be able to access the report on a website that has been established for this purpose https://sites.google.com/site/yarnellreport.  The report will also be available on the Arizona State Forestry Division website http://www.azsf.az.gov/  and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center website www.wildfirelessons.net.  

Come to the Pintler Room, Monday, September 30th at 1000 to view the Yarnell Hill Briefing Video.

Work Schedule

Starting today, the core work hours are 08:00 to 12:00, & 12:30 to 16:30.

Loraas family doubles down!

Chris Loraas and Lori Cotter are the proud parents of twins born on September 16th. The new arrivals are a baby boy named Otto (5 pounds 6 ounces) and a baby girl named Ellie (5 pounds). All 4 are reportedly doing well!

Master Action updates

A copy of your 2013 jump records should be arriving in your mailbox shortly. Please confirm that it is accurate and any IQCS qualifications are entered so you get credit for serving that role. If you have any additions or changes get them to Matt Mahe.

End of the Year meeting

The Smokejumper end of the year meeting will take place on Monday, September 23 at 1000. A topic sign up sheet is posted on the operations counter. Speaking then is your chance, or don't complain about those issues in the future...

Get your Govtrip done

The rumor on the street is that Govtrip will be going away, to be replaced with a new & improved system. This should happen sometime in the next few weeks. If you have travel vouchers that need to be completed, you should do them NOW, so that your reimbursement doesn't get hung up in a transitional limbo Update as of September 24th - Govtrip is now supposed to be with us until next spring due to a prolonged implementation of whatever system is coming next

Attention to details

Stay in touch with project/fuels for the latest news on work opportunities. So far there are rumors of details to Ashland, MT and Florida. Call for more details on the details.

T Party 2013

Last day 2013

For those of you who are planning on being laid off this fall: Let ops know your projected last day of work. Thank you

Mid Year Harness Inspection

Anyone who hasn't done their mid year harness inspection, be sure to bring your harness by the loft when you get back from whatever fire you are on.

AFMO Detail

There is a potential 120 day AFMO detail on the Linclon RD. Contact ops if you'd like the contact info.

Additional Temporary GS-7 promotions

Missoula will be filling up to 3 additional temporary upgrades at the GS-7 level. Anyone interested in applying should email or drop off a 1 page resume to Operations no later than 7/10/13.

For those hoping to retire some day...some TSP nonsense...

                                                             6/25/13

ALERT FOR TSP PILOT STANDARD AND AGGRESSIVE PORTFOLIOS

TSP Pilot has just posted a new recommended fund balance and allocation percentage update for subscribing members of the Federal Thrift Savings Plan on our Current Advisory Page at:

http://www.tsppilot.com/current/Current.html

applicable to both the Standard and Aggressive Portfolios.

As soon as possible, please visit that page and copy the new fund percentages into your TSP account screen on the TSP website. Full instructions are available at How it Works.

For access problems please visit our Subscriber Center.

Next Round of Hiring

Due to fire activity and in fairness to all candidates the next round hiring is tentatively scheduled for September 15th.

Record Stands

Despite a strong effort from Alex Williams, the SIlver City Lotaburger record still stands. 

Check for footage on the internet soon

Days Off

Make sure that Ops knows your preferred days off (Fri/Sat or Sun/Mon) for the 2013 season.

Be on the lookout for a survey

Some of you might be seeing a message from SurveyMonkey in your email. It should have a link to a fun quiz about smokejumping.

If you haven't received anything, take a minute to check your spam folder just in case it got  filtered.
 

Speedy Jumpers

Last month several jumpers took part in the 42nd Annual Fort Bayard Wilderness Run. Congrats to the MSO & GAC runners who took 1st & 2nd place in their groupings (you know who you are!)

 

New gear available at the Welfare fund

Now in stock:

Silver City Sombraros
Wide brimmed, to provide all the shade you need. Helps prevent sunburns and crows feet from all those bright bluebird days without a cloud in the sky.


Also Available:


MSO Umbrellas

These high quality items are made from 1000 denier PVC to resist saturation after days of constant rain.

Reinforced aluminum stays will work in hail, sleet, and light snow. Also available in Grangeville and West Yellowstone models. Get yours now.

Detail Opportunities Galore!

There are multiple opportunities for details at the GS-6, 7 and 8 levels. The Great Northern is looking for an Assistant Crew Supervisor at the GS-7/8 level (apply by 5/10). The Lolo NF is looking for an Assistant FMO on the Superior District, the Flathead hotshots are looking for an Assistant Superintendent, and the Lewis and Clark may be looking for ENGB detailers to staff an engine when it is sent to R3 sometime in May. Anyone who is interested should contact operations for more information!

Get on USAjobs and get your applications in!

We could be pulling GS 6, 7 & 8  lists as early as May 1st.  If you want to be considered for these positions get your apps in ASAP!

Interested in a Detail?

There are currently many openings in leadership positions on many Forests.  If you are interested in detailing to as Duty Officer, engine foreman, dispatcher, etc. let operations know and we will try to facilitate the process...

Monday is EMT Endorsement Day!

IV training with Jim Upchurch is Monday April 22nd at 0800 in the Aviation Hanger Classroom

New Baby Girl!

Preslee Josefina (7.4 lbs. 21 inches) was born April 16th to Katie and Ran. 
Congratulations to the Crone's!

Get your apps in!

Missoula plans to pull a GS 8/9 cert as early as Friday April 19th.  Get your apps in!

Temp Promotion Opportunities

Anyone interested in temporary promotions for this coming season get your one page resume to Tory Kendrick  in 329-7362 ASAP!
tkendrick@fs.fed.us

Selections will be made soon.

Hey, there's a detail there, ya know?

There are two opportunities to go to Minnesota this spring. One is to write burn plans, another is to dispatch. Two weeks or so for either. If you are interested, contact Ops.

Former Missoula Jumper Makes The News

Willie Blazer (MSO 05) made the Boseman Chronicle with news of his new business. If you're ever in Ennis, MT, drop in and check it out!

http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/sunday/article_e0c0b9ee-a3c4-11e2-b3e1-001a4bcf887a.html

Per Diem

As you head out on assignment this season, remember the guidance that was put out this spring concerning lodging that is over the per diem rate:

"Effective immediately, actual subsistence requests must be authorized in advance of travel, on a trip-by-trip authorization, or the traveler should expect to bear any excess per diem costs."

Region 8 Module Members Needed

We are looking for 2 people to leave Monday, March 25th to fill out a module.  We are also looking for folks to leave around Wednesday, April 3rd for another module.  These are 3 week commitments. Talk to Sam Pfahler or Dan Helterline if you have any interest.

Hazardous Communications Class

There will be a Hazardous Communications Class held at NRU on  April 3, 2013 from 1530-1730.  Give Dave Bihr or Enrique Olivares a call if your interested. 

Security Awareness Training

Be sure to do your Security Awareness Training!  Do it by the end of the month on Aglearn or we can't promise you won't lose security access to the facility.

Memorial for Finn Ward

Memorial Service for

Finn Ward

 4:00 PM Saturday March 2^nd

Clark Fork City Church

2811 Latimer Street, Missoula

Simulation help at NRTC

The training center is looking for 3 people to help as role players/runners for a training simulation on March 7th. It will be from noon to about 5pm. Let ops know if you'd like to participate.

PT Test

There will be a PT test Thursday, Feb 28th at 08:00. Let Ops or Training know if you want to take part

R8 Module update

The orders came through, and the first group from R1 is heading down to R8 on February 23rd. They are supposed to be on assignment for 21 days, which means those of you interested in getting on the next rotation can do some math and figure out the dates for round two.

The 2nd group is scheduled to depart on March 14th, returning on April 3rd. As always, figure on a two or three day buffer on either side of those dates, and maintain flexibility.

If you want to go out on round 2, contact Project/Fuels or Ops in Missoula.

R8 Burn Module - last minute vacancy

We just got word that there are two available slots on a R8 burn module from a different base. The module will be flying down on Sunday, Feb 24. Most likely starting in Little Rock, Arkansas. The perfect place to get to know your rookie cousins.

If you'd like to join them call Project/Fuels or Ops & we can try and set it up.

Early PT Test

If you would like to do your PT test sometime before Early Refresher -

1) You need your physical done

2) You need a group of at least 5 to make it worth the trainers time to administer the test.

We are trying to get a group together to take the test Friday at 0800 AM. If you would like to take part, call ops and get on the list. We need at least 5 people.

Winter Rescue Training

There will probably be a winter rescue training scenario held by MCSAR on Saturday, Feb 9th.

Contact Alex Williams if you'd like to participate.

Spring Newsletter

Click the link below for the latest buzz

download newsletter

R8 Update

The new tentative start date for the first R8 module is Feb 17th, or therabouts. Contact Pfahler for more info if you are interested.

Senior Riggers, now is your time

It's time to refresh your parachute packing skills. Swing by the loft and contact Skid or Clint for the lowdown.

Team Involvement

Anyone interested in being on a Incident Management Team for this summer should apply thru the Northern Rockies Coordination Center website by the end on January after talking it over with your foreman.

Region 8 Modules!!!!

The good news is that is looks like the Region 8 Modules will be back in action.  There are still a few hurdles but tentative start date is towards the end of January.  Sam is working down the list but if you are interested feel free to contact him.  It looks to be the standard 3 week roles and will hopefully continue thru the spring.

AgLearn Hit List

If your name is listed below, you need to get into AgLearn and do the mandatory No Fear training. If it's not done soon, all kinds of scary things can happen.

Burks
Crone
Dunn
Ferruzzi
Francis
Gilman
Hansen
Helterline
Marshall
Thomas
Williams, A

Needs to Know

Now's your last chance to make suggestions for the 2013 Needs-to-know booklet before we print up the new ones. If you got something, click the link below and let your voice be heard.

Suggestion Form Link 

2013 Assignment List

One more for 2012

The Cottrells welcomed Lia Morgan to the world on December 29th. Congratulations to the parents and new big brother.

That brings 2012 to a close as another strong year for jumper babies here in MSO.....doing our part to keep social security solvent!