11th Wing JA provides holiday gift-giving guidance

Published Dec. 19, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Raymond Mills
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

Joint Base Andrews, Md. -- The 11th Wing Judge Advocate would like to remind everyone of the rules regarding ethics guidance for Air Force personnel during the holiday season.

It is important to remember the standards of conduct for gift-giving and receiving during office parties and holiday events.

"The holiday season should not cause anyone to forget their core values," said Capt. Gabriel Podesta, 11th Wing Judge Advocate.

Exchanged gifts should remain at the authorized $10 or less if personnel receiving different pay levels are involved.

"The $10 gift restriction is an Office of Government Ethics rule. This restriction is for all Cabinet level agencies, not just the Department of Defense," said Podesta.

Please contact the 11th Force Support Squadron, Joint Base Andrews, Md., for specific guidance on accepting gifts from non Department of Defense contracting employees.

"Accepting gifts from government contractors isn't part of the Air Force holiday tradition," said Podesta.

Ensure all unofficial office parties are not financed through appropriated funds. Additionally, appropriated funds may not be used to purchase office favors, such as greeting cards.

Any holiday fundraising requests should be submitted to Joyce Cusato, 11th Force Support Squadron, JBA, at 301-981-7964 for appropriate staffing.

Please feel free to contact the JBA ethics counselor at 301-981-2042 if there are any questions or specific concerns regarding this guidance.

The Air Force District of Washington would like to wish everyone in the National Capital Region a happy holiday season.