Round two of VERA/VSIP begins

  • Published
  • By 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Officials announced that a second round of voluntary early retirement authority and voluntary separation incentive pay incentives is under way as part of the Department of Defense's requirement to maintain civilian funding at FY10 levels.

The first round of VERA/VSIP was used as a voluntary means to reduce civilian workforce levels, enabling strategic rebalancing efforts. Beginning the week of Jan. 9, the Air Force began offering a second round of voluntary early retirement authority and voluntary separation incentive pay options to further realign and rebalance the civilian force.

"The Air Force's effort to increase efficiencies, reduce overhead and improve its effectiveness will impact military and civilian team members across Ellsworth," said Col. Trent Edwards, 28th Mission Support Group commander. "Our first and most important goal is to ensure we are proactively communicating these changes with our civilian workforce."

All those affected by the force reductions and those eligible for the first and second rounds of VERA/VSIP have been contacted, according to Ms. Dale Barry, Ellsworth Civilian Personnel Officer. Civilian employees eligible for the voluntary separation programs received VERA/VSIP eligibility surveys from the base Civilian Personnel Office this week.

"Applications are due Feb. 3," Barry said. "Applicants approved for this round of VERA/VSIP will separate on April 30."

Edwards added that all parties understand that these actions are about people and their families, and the base is committed to providing everyone with the most current information as quickly as it becomes available.

"We have provided town hall meetings for all civilian employees, started a bi-weekly civilian personnel newsletter and held one-on-one sessions with personnel whose positions are being eliminated," the colonel said. "This is a very emotional issue that, understandably, has caused a great deal of anguish and stress. That's why I encourage people to contact Ms. Barry and ask questions rather than wonder and worry."

Edwards added that bi-weekly updates will be provided to Ellsworth's civilian workforce.

For more information about the voluntary separation programs and other personnel issues, people can contact the Ellsworth Civilian Personnel Office at 385-2484.