AMERICAN RED CROSS
The Fort Knox American Red Cross office is located in Building 1131 at 1131 Fifth Ave. It offers 24-hour communications to obtain health and welfare reports and the verification needed for emergency leave or extension purposes. New arrivals should let their families know that the quickest and easiest way to reach them during an emergency is to contact the Fort Knox Red Cross office during duty hours at (502) 624-2163 or after-duty hours at the Louisville Red Cross (1-800-696-3876). Families also need to know their spouse’s Social Security number, unit address and unit location.
Help can also be provided during times of financial distress and unexpected emergencies. Each case is judged individually, based on need. If the Red Cross is unable to help financially, assistance may include referrals to other agencies able to help solve the problem. The Red Cross also has a mini-food pantry and mini-loan closet for emergencies.
A variety of health and safety programs are offered to promote individual well being, life saving, and preventing or reducing human suffering. Skills taught during community first aid and CPR classes enable students to prepare for and cope with accidents. Young people (ages 11–15) can learn to care for siblings and other children by enrolling in babysitting courses. Other classes include a certified nursing assistance program, home alone classes for children, and pet first aid.
Volunteers and instructors who give their time and talents to support the needs of the community make the Red Cross programs and services possible.
Red Cross-trained volunteers are needed in many areas, such as Ireland Army Community Hospital, the veterinary clinic, and dental clinics on an as-needed basis. Instructors teach a variety of courses including CPR, first aid, water safety and babysitting. Volunteers provide clerical and computer support, serve as caseworkers to assist families during emergencies, and train as disaster specialists who are ready to respond in emergencies. The Red Cross also supports a Thanksgiving Food Program and a Santa’s Workshop Program.
Volunteer opportunities for youth include serving as swim aides, assisting patients at Ireland Army Community Hospital, and being a member of the Readiness Group. As a member of the Youth Action Team, those ages 11–19 can join together to complete community projects, assist with disaster relief, learn first aid, and participate in project Clean Up for our environment.
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE
Army Community Service provides Soldiers, retirees, and their families with a centralized source of information, guidance, and assistance to solve personal problems. Many ACS services are located in Building 5101 at 12th Armored Division Ave. Other services are located elsewhere on the installation. ACS operates weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information on ACS programs please call (502) 624-8391/6291. ACS’s programs are as follows:
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SERVICES
• Local, Military, and Civilian Information
• Social, Economic, Medical, and Educational Resources
TRANSITIONAL/RELOCATION SUPPORT SERVICES
• Newcomer’s Briefs
• Military Homefront Plan My Move
• Welcome Packets (www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil)
• Lending Closet
• Reassignment Briefs
• Sponsorship Training
• Outreach Program
FAMILY AND ADVOCACY PROGRAM
• Parent Education and Play Groups
• New Parent Support Plus Program
• Victim Advocacy Services
• Commander and Senior Advisors and Troop Briefings
• To report spouse or child abuse, call 24 hour point of
contact, MP desk, (502) 624-2111
• Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM (EFMP)
• Support Groups
• Coordinating Committees
• Respite Care
MOBILIZATION AND DEPLOYMENT
• Pre- and Post-Deployment Briefings
• Family Readiness Group (FRG) training
• Resilience Training for Family Members
FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM
• Budget Counseling
• Consumer Rights
• Understanding Credit
• Personal Financial Management Training
• Army Emergency Relief
• Emergency Assistance
ARMY VOLUNTARY CORPS PROGRAM
• Volunteer Vacancy Information and Placement Assistance
• Volunteer Management Training & Support
• Volunteer Recognition
• Army Family Team Building
• Army Family Action Plan
EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM
• Resume Preparation
• Assessment & Career Planning
• Community Job Vacancy Information
• Federal Application Assistance
SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES
• Survivor Support Groups
• Outreach to Families of Fallen Soldiers
• Resource Services for Families of Fallen Soldiers
SOLDIER AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER
(Building 1476 Eisenhower)
• Support and Services for Wounded, Ill, and Injured
Soldiers
• Coordinated Point of Contact for Federal, State,
Regional, and Local Services
BANKING
Armed Forces Bank is a member of the Association of Military Banks and the Armed Forces Financial Network. There are three locations and nine 24-hour automated teller (ATM) machines on post to serve the community. Bank locations include the Community Center Branch, Armor School Branch, and Main Post Exchange Branch.
COMMERCIAL CONCERNS
SOLICITATION PERMIT
Commercial solicitors wishing to sell directly to individuals residing on post are required to obtain a Permit for Solicitation by appointment before conducting any sales on the installation. Further information on solicitation may be obtained by contacting the Commercial Concerns Office at (502) 624-4737.
PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS
All private organizations and groups on post must be registered. No fundraising may be conducted on post without prior approval. Further information on registering an organization and fundraising may be obtained by contacting the Commercial Concerns Office at (502) 624-4737.
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN
For information on the Combined Federal Campaign call (502) 624-4320.
COMMISSARY
The Fort Knox Commissary is located at 933 Gold Vault Road in Bldg, 121, which is adjacent to the Exchange. The Commissary includes a large deli, bakery and a sushi bar. Store hours are Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Commissary also offers Early Bird Shopping (for 40 items or less) Tuesday through Saturday, 7 to 9 a.m. The Commissary is closed on Mondays.
CREDIT UNION
Fort Knox Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. Membership is open to active duty military personnel, their family members and federal employees who are permanently assigned to Fort Knox. Membership is also open to any employee of more than 500 select employer groups or if you live, work or worship in Boyle, Breckinridge, Grayson, Hart, LaRue, Meade, Nelson or Taylor counties in Kentucky.
There are three branch locations and eight additional ATMs on post. Fort Knox Federal is the only financial institution with branches on and off post with 10 other locations in the surrounding communities. Fort Knox Federal Credit Union’s on-post facilities are the Pershing Branch, the Knox Branch (near the Commissary) and the newest branch located within the HRCoE Café.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Fort Knox employs civilians in federal non-appropriated and appropriated fund positions. Information is available for non-appropriated fund vacancies online at www.cpol.army.mil. Individuals interested in applying for non-appropriated fund vacancies may complete an application in Building 5101, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Employment information for appropriated fund civil service jobs can be found online at www.cpol.army.mil and www.usajobs.opm.gov. Individuals interested in applying for the advertised appropriated fund positions may create a resume online and apply electronically directly on the CPOL website. The Army RESUMIX Automated Referral System is used to recruit and fill appropriated fund job vacancies. Additional information regarding the Army RESUMIX Automated Referral System can be obtained by calling the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center at (502) 624-3429.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
The military and civilian attorneys and support staff who comprise the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate provide a wide range of legal services to Soldiers on active duty, family members, and retirees drawing military retired pay. To verify their eligibility for services, clients must present a valid identification card. The office is located in Pike Hall, Building 1310. The building is handicap accessible with a ramp and elevator located at the rear of the building.
The Fort Knox Legal Assistance Office is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In order for our Soldiers to participate in Sergeant’s Time training, the hours of operation on Thursday are 1 to 4 p.m. Appointments to consult with an attorney can be made either in person at the office or by calling (502) 624-2771. Powers of Attorney and Notary Public services are available on a walk-in basis.
Income tax: The Legal Assistance Office operates a separate tax center, which is located in the basement of Pike Hall during tax season, from mid-January through April 15. The tax center provides free electronic filing for federal income tax returns.
Individuals requiring information or assistance concerning property damage or loss of household goods/hold baggage and other types of claims will be seen from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, except on Thursdays when training delays opening until 1 p.m. Clients should submit claims in a timely manner (within two years of the date of the loss) to avoid unnecessary delays and possible denial of the claims based on failure to file within the appropriate time frame. No appointment is necessary for claims assistance. You may send claims to claimshelp@us.army.mil or call (502) 624-6913.
Traffic Tickets: Tickets not requiring a court appearance may be paid by mailing a check or money order to Central Violations Bureau, PO Box 70939, Charlotte, NC 28272-0939. Payments will not be accepted at the clerk’s office in Pike Hall. Any offenses occurring on Fort Knox are tried in U.S. District Court in Building 1310, Pike Hall.
Kentucky motor vehicle registration: Military personnel and their family members who are not Kentucky residents, but who register their vehicles in the state, are exempt from a motor vehicle usage (sales) tax.
The tax is 6 percent of the vehicle’s value in the NADA Official Car Guide (or Blue Book for trucks). New cars are taxed at the window “sticker” price normally affixed by the manufacturer. If the vehicle’s owner paid a sales tax of at least 6 percent in another state, no tax is due. If the out-of-state sales tax was less than 6 percent, the owner pays the difference. Proof of payment must be furnished. Vehicles purchased overseas also are subject to this tax.
Non-residents of Kentucky are eligible for an exemption of the sales tax if they purchased a new or used vehicle from a Kentucky licensed dealer. Exemption applications can be authenticated by your Personnel Action Center. Sales tax must be paid on vehicles purchased from private parties or from out-of-state dealers. Military personnel who are not residents of Kentucky are exempt from paying vehicle personal property tax, which is paid annually by Kentucky residents upon vehicle registration.
EXCHANGE
The Exchange, located in Building 127, is a modern shopping facility that includes a large variety of retail goods (computers, electronics, toys, outdoor living, jewelry, clothing and much more). A major renovation was completed in this facility in May 2004, which resulted in an expanded stock assortment and more shopping convenience for the customers. You will find our mall filled with a barbershop, beauty salon, optical shop, furniture store, food court and concession operations. The hours of operation for the Exchange are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours are expanded for holiday and summer sales events.
The Exchange also offers a furniture store in Building. 126 that is open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Exchange Mall offers many places to eat, including Burger King Express, Anthony’s Pizza, Robin Hood Deli, Charley’s Steakery and Baskin Robbins. Other places to satisfy those taste buds on post include Burger King on Eisenhower Avenue as well as Godfather’s Pizza, Taco John’s and Tim Hortons in the Mini Mall on Eisenhower Avenue.
The Exchange operates Troop Exchanges in areas for Soldiers at Fort Knox for IET, OSUT, AOB, ANCOC and other courses. The recently renovated Olive Theater, located in the Disney troop area, shows first-run movies in addition to functioning as an auditorium for the various tenant units. In addition, the Exchange service offers a 24-hour Shoppette/gas station on Wilson Road and the Chaffee Ave. Shoppette/gas station located in the Van Voorhis housing area, which is open Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Mini Mall Shoppette located on Eisenhower Ave. is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Military Clothing Sales Store is located adjacent to the Exchange. The MCSS is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Class VI Store (behind the Exchange/Commissary complex) is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Current movie schedules, job opportunities and upcoming events can be viewed 24 hours a day at www.aafes.com. This website also offers online shopping through the AAFES catalog as well as various other vendors through Centric Mall, which can be accessed through the AAFES website.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
The Public Affairs Office serves Fort Knox and the surrounding communities as the primary source of information about the activities at Fort Knox through command information, community relations and media relations channels.
The Turret, the post’s weekly newspaper, provides news about the Fort Knox community and the Army. It serves as a guide to the social, educational and recreational activities on post and in the surrounding communities. The paper is free of charge and is distributed on Thursday mornings. It is delivered to the Exchange, the Commissary, unit dayrooms and select off-post locations. It is also available online at www.turret.com.
The community relations office works to strengthen the connection between Fort Knox and the local community. The office processes requests to visit post by organized groups. It also coordinates all requests for speakers, for displays of military equipment and for Soldier participation in community events. The community relations office also processes requests for the 113th Army Band. Please provide at least 12 weeks of notice for visit and band requests.
The media relations office works with newspaper, radio, television and magazine reporters as well as book authors to provide accurate and timely information to various audiences about the installation, its people and activities. Production companies wishing to film on Fort Knox should contact the media relations office for coordination.
The media relations office can publicize on-post activities open to the general public through news releases to media organizations. All media queries must be coordinated in advance with the Public Affairs Office. All media must be escorted by public affairs representatives while on post. Units interested in media training should contact the media relations office.
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
The chaplains, chaplain assistants, director of Religious Education and youth pastor comprise the Installation Ministry Team at Fort Knox and offer a varied and comprehensive religious program to assist Soldiers, DoD civilians, and family members in their spiritual growth.
Liturgical and non-liturgical services offer occasions for worship and sacramental ministries for many faith traditions that include Collective Protestant Traditional and Contemporary, Collective Protestant Gospel, Roman Catholic, Liturgical (Episcopal/Lutheran/Anglican), Jewish, Latter Day Saint, and Islamic faith groups.
Times for worship services and religious education are listed in the brochure titled Chapel Activities which can be found in the Army Community Service welcome packet or online at www.knox.army.mil. Look for the Garrison subheading to Religious Support to find activities. You may call the Office of the Senior Chaplain for more information. Specialized Chaplain Family Life Ministry programs, training, and counseling are offered through the Chaplain Family Life Center in addition to a wide range of training options for couples and families.
The Religious Education Center sponsors a complete program including Sunday school for all ages, Religious Education for Catholics, a youth group for middle and senior high school students, various Bible studies, and an ecumenical Vacation Bible School. The center maintains a resource library, which contains several thousand volumes of books, DVDs, audiocassettes, and other materials. Additional information on Fort Knox religious activities may be viewed by clicking “Links” on the Fort Knox website.
RETIREMENT SERVICE OFFICE
The Retirement Service Office (RSO) is located in White Hall (One-Stop), Building 1384, Rooms 101 & 102. Operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday and Friday. Operating hours on Thursday are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can contact us by calling (502) 624-1765/7236/6419/4641/4315, or by e-mailing: knox.rso@conus.army.mil . Our mailing address is: ATTN: Retirement Services, Building 1379, Room 2, 26 Pershing Drive, Fort Knox, KY 40121-4215. Visit our website at www.knox.army.mil/garrison/dhr/ag/mpd/rso/index.asp
The RSO is designed to assist Soldiers and their families making the transition to retirement and to keep them updated on their rights, benefits and privileges after retirement and to coordinate, conduct, and facilitate detailed pre-retirement and survivor benefit plan (SBP) briefings. Provide information related to pre-retirement, such as retirement application processing, retirement orders, DD Form 214 (Certificate or Discharge from Active Duty) processing, and final out-processing procedures. Provide Career Status Bonus Election (CSB)/REDUX retirement pay option counseling and processing.
We assist retirees and their family members with:
• Defense Finance and Accounting System - Cleveland
issues/concerns, such as changing allotments
• Beneficiary information, bank information, tax filing
and withholding status
• Reissue 1099-R for tax filing purposes and requesting
copies of the Retired Account Statement
• Understanding and applying for Combat Related Special
Compensation and Concurrent Retirement Disability
Payments
• Obtaining copies of DD FM 214.
• Eligibility requirements to receive Army Career and
Alumni Program services.
Fort Knox has a council that consists of 33 members; a chairman and two co-chairmen. Their mission is to represent the retired military community of all services and grades residing in Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana.
We counsel and assist survivors of retired Soldiers and Soldiers who die on active duty regarding their SBP options and entitlements and the proper processing of the application. Provide information and assistance to retirees, Soldiers, spouses and former spouses regarding the Uniformed Services Former Protection Act.
Retiree Appreciation Days is conducted every year to keep retired Soldiers and their families updated on changes in their retirement rights, benefits and privileges and to foster a good relationship between the retired and the active duty community. It is successfully conducted annually, thanks to the Retirement Service Office, the Ireland Army Community Hospital, post organizations and the surrounding community.
The Veterans Service Office (VSO) is staffed by volunteers who are available in Building 1373 Chaffee Ave. (across from One-Stop), Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. The VSO assists the RSO by obtaining benefits and submitting applications for Combat Related Special Compensation for all branches of the military.
A Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Field Representative is located in Building 1109 and can be reached at (502) 799-0418.
SAFETY PROGRAMS
The Fort Knox Safety Office implements and coordinates a comprehensive composite risk management program for all military members, family members, civilian employees, and visitors on post. Services offered include but are not limited to:
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE CLASS - All personnel required to drive Army motor vehicles, including GSA vehicles, must complete an accident avoidance class every four years. Personnel who drive Army-owned or leased buses, military police vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, fueling vehicles, vehicles carrying hazardous cargo, crash/rescue vehicles, or other emergency vehicles must attend an emergency vehicle training program prior to assuming operator duties, and every three years thereafter. All other military personnel, family members, and civilian personnel are encouraged to complete the Accident Avoidance Class.
COLLATERAL DUTY SAFETY OFFICER/NCO COURSE - All unit safety officers and NCOs are required to attend the Collateral Duty Safety Officer NCO Course.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM - The Hazard Communication Standard requires the Army to provide employees with information on the hazardous chemicals used in their workplace, including what the risks are, how to protect themselves when using these chemicals, and the responsibility to use that knowledge to work safely with hazardous substances. Call to arrange training classes.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE - Motorcycle operators must attend the Army Motorcycle Safety Course before operating a motorcycle on-post. This requirement applies to military personnel riding off-post as well.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM - The Respiratory Program is initiated when no feasible engineering controls would eliminate exposure to the job hazard (i.e., ventilation, isolation of processes, or the purchase of less toxic substances). The Fort Knox Safety Office currently provides the required training and fit testing. Call to schedule training.
SOLDIER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER
The installation Soldier & Family Assistance Center (SFAC) is a Garrison asset designed to provide a supportive environment for our wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and their family members assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB). The SFAC encourages a seamless transition through various onsite resources for Soldiers as they heal to return to duty, return to duty in a different military occupational specialty, and/or transition back to their respective civilian communities.
We provide a one-stop location to ensure their needs are met by providing onsite professionals to assist with a gamut of resources from linking Soldier and family members to information, military personnel issues, financial counseling to make long-term decisions, family assistance, education counseling, onsite evening college courses, pre-separation counseling, benefits counseling and more. The goal of the SFAC is to help Soldiers and their family members to identify and examine their options, establish a sense of control, set realistic goals, and develop their own support network.
We are located in Building 1476, 1st floor on the campus of the WTB and are one of the nine large SFACs within continental U.S. The SFAC understands that each Soldier’s situation is different, and staff work to help find the pieces to complete their own personal goal. Senior leadership understands the special needs of our wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and has placed the highest priority on providing support to our Warriors in Transition.
The SFAC has a three-tier delivery system:
• Expert staff on site
• Experts brought to the SFAC
• Coordinating priority appointments when necessary
Expert staff located in the SFAC includes the SFAC director, NCOIC, HR specialist, ACAP counselor, social service coordinator, financial advisor, information & referral specialist, Child and Youth School Service liaison and a child care specialists. In addition, the SFAC also houses such outside agency representatives as the KYDVA Liaison, USARC recovery care coordinator and TSGLI/CCRC coordinator to provide on-the-spot resources.
We also have an SFAC website and generic e-mail for Soldiers and family members to access at www.knox.army.mil/Garrison/SFAC/ or knox.sfac@conus.army.mil.
The Soldier and Family Assistance Center is located at Building 1476, Eisenhower Ave. and its staff can be contacted by calling (502) 624-4761/4763/4764/4811.
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
There are two post offices at Fort Knox.
The main post office is located at 120 N. Knox St.; business hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Its phone number is (502) 942-1244. Its lobby is open 24 hours, seven days a week for PO Box customers.
The Human Resource Center of Excellence Retail Unit is located at 1556 Spearhead Division Road in the dining facility for the LTG Timothy J. Maude Complex. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Its phone is (502) 942-4126.
Both facilities offer full mailing services, PO Box rentals, and Passport Acceptance. They also package products to accommodate your needs.
Persons wanting to forward their mail to Fort Knox prior to their move can do so by renting a PO Box at the main post office. To establish this service, complete a PO Box rental agreement at www.usps.com. After completing that transaction, call Fort Knox’s main post office at (502) 942-1244 to obtain your PO Box number.