Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of Nov. 29, 2021, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

USTRANSCOM Awards $6.2B HHG Contract

United States Transportation Command announced it has awarded the highly competitive $6.2 billion global household goods contract to HomeSafe Alliance, headquartered in Houston, Texas. HomeSafe Alliance is expected to begin work on Dec. 1, 2021 but will have a tiered take over of the contract, which is expected to last more than a year, according to the Department of Defense.

USTRANSCOM has also rolled out a new website for service members and their families to review survey data on moving companies. The website is aimed at consumers to be able to see peak moving times and adjust their move schedule. Additionally, you can look at past performance reviews on transportation service providers.

U.S. Air Force Accepting Applicants for Aim High Flight Academy

The U.S. Air Force is accepting applications to their all-expensed-paid, three-week flight training program at Aim High Flight Academy in Florida. This program is designed for people ages 16-23 who are full-time high school or college students or an enlisted member of any service. College students must be enrolled at the United Sates Air Force Academy or in Air Force ROTC. Application deadlines are Dec. 10, 2021. If accepted, students will receive up to 15 hours of flight training under Part 61, which can work toward a private pilot license. Attendees are not required to join the Air Force upon completion.

USPS Deadlines for Military Holiday Mail

Holiday shipping deadlines are nearing for military mail through the United States Postal Service. The deadlines fall between Dec. 9 and 16. Check out the full details at usps.com where you can also request a Military Care Kit containing shipping boxes, tape, and customs form envelopes for free!

Nominations Open for 2022 AFI Military Spouse of the Year

2022 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year nominations open on Nov. 29, 2021! If you know a military spouse who is moving and shaking in great ways for the military community, nominate them today!

Free Christmas Trees for Troops

Trees for Troops is celebrating its 17th season of donating fresh Christmas trees to troops around the world. To find out if you qualify for a free Christmas tree, check your recreation center today! The trees are being delivered as early as this week, and each location handles the distribution. All military branches are eligible for trees, but each location determines local eligibility. For example, Fort Bragg MWR is giving vouchers for active-duty service members in pay grades of E-6 and below, while supplies last, but Fort Benning MWR has no rank restrictions and is offering trees on a first come, first-served basis. The trees are a donation from Christmas tree growers across the U.S. and individual donors.

This Week in History

On Nov. 29, 1832, Louisa May Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania. The American author is best known for her children’s books, especially Little Women, a novel based on the coming of age stories of Louisa and her sisters. The book takes place at Orchard House, the home where the Alcott sisters grew up. Orchard House is now a museum open to visitors and a participant in the Blue Star Museums program, a collaboration among museums across America offering free admission to active-duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families throughout the summer. Louisa also served as a nurse during the Civil War where she contracted typhoid fever from which she never fully recovered. The first draft of Little Women, all 492 pages, was written at Orchard House in just three months.