Frequently Asked Questions

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 914 ARW Labor Management Partnership Council

How do I make a suggestion?

The 914th Air Refueling Wing Partnership Council was established in order to help create and maintain a working environment in which managers, employees, and union officials can work together as partners to identify problems and devise solutions in support of our mission and in the best interest of all of our personnel. The Partnership Council consists of the Wing Commander, Group Commanders, Civilian Personnel Reps and Union Officials.

One of the ways we have been able to make positive changes is through suggestions. If you have a suggestion that you feel will enhance our mission and/or our workforce please send an email to 914arw.partnership@us.af.mil or place your suggestion in one of the Partnership Suggestion boxes located throughout the base. You will find the boxes in Bldg. 800 (front entranceway), Hallway connecting Bldg. 902 & 907, Bldg. 807, Fire Department, and Security Forces.

The Partnership Council meets once a quarter and will address the suggestions at that time. Responses to the suggestions will be conveyed via the base intranet and e-mail distribution. Your suggestions may be anonymous. If you prefer not to include your name and contact information, we ask that you be very specific when you write your suggestion. Without contact information we won't have any way of clarifying issues.

We look forward to hearing from you!

 Air Show

There is no air show scheduled for 2024. We will continue to update the public when the next air show is scheduled through social media and niagara.afrc.af.mil.  Please follow us on Facebook and check back often for updates. 

 Base Exchange
Does Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station have a Base Exchange?
 
Yes.  The Base Exchange at NFARS offers a variety of merchandise including gift items, clothing, food, stereo equipment, and more. The exchange offers layaways, check cashing and accepts major credit cards. There is also a Class Six located within the exchange.
 
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Non-UTA Saturdays & Sundays: Closed
Monday & Tuesday following a 914 ARW UTA: Closed
914th ARW Saturday UTA: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
914th ARW Sunday UTA: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
 
*Please read our COVID-19 update page before planning your visit*

2240 Kirkbridge Drive
Niagara Falls ARS, NY 14304
(716) 297-3080, (716) 236-2100
http://www.aafes.com/
 Base Tours

Does Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station provide tours to the public?

Yes.  914 ARW tours are scheduled from April until October.

Subject to approval, each tour prospect is required to submit a letter or e-mail of inquiry at least 30 days in advance to the 914th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office. Requests may be submitted via letter or e-mail, stating who the group is, the amount of people anticipated- including chaperones, a specific date, with a second date choice as well, and whether the group will be arriving by car or bus. Please identify a point-of-contact, and include their phone number and e-mail address. 914 ARW Public Affairs must receive all required information from attendees (driver's license number, full name, and DOB) to be authorized on the base. We must receive this information at least 72 hrs before the tour. If we do not receive the required information, the tour will be cancelled. All individuals participating in the tour must have photo identification upon entry to Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station; the individuals who fail to bring a Photo ID will not be permitted on NFARS (exceptions for Photo ID verification will be made for children under the age of 16).

Inquires should be directed to the following:

Letter: 914th Air Refueling Wing
Office of Public Affairs
Attn: Tour Coordinator
2720 Kirkbridge Drive, Bldg. 800
Niagara Falls ARS, NY 14304-5001

Phone: (716) 236-2136

E-Mail: 914aw.pa@us.af.mil

 Civil Air Patrol

Is there a Civil Air Patrol Unit at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station?

Yes, there is a Civil Air Patrol unit that participates here at the base.

For more information on this local unit send an email to bbowers.cap@gmail.com

For general information on CAP visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com

 Commissary

Is there a Commissary at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station?

No.  There is an Army and Air Force Exchange Commissary at Ft. Drum near Watertown, New York. It is located in Building 10730C, South Memorial Drive, Ft. Drum, NY, 13602-5006.  The telephone number is (315) 722-6581.

 Contract Opportunities

How do I find out about contracting opportunities at Niagara?

Contracting Opportunities

The Federal BizOps site lists contracting opportunities for products and service with an estimated value between $10,000.00 and $25,000. For procurements greater than $25,000, go to www.fbo.gov.

 Directions to Base

How do I get to Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station?

From the East (Rochester, NY)
West on Interstate 90.
West on Interstate 290/Niagara Falls (Exit 51).
North on Interstate 190/Niagara Falls
Turn off at Packard Road (Exit 23).
Turn right at traffic light.
Continue straight past 4 more traffic lights for approximately 1.75 miles and at that point it becomes Lockport Road.
Continue another mile, turn right at the main gate.

From the West (Erie, PA)
East on Interstate 90.
North on Interstate 190/Niagara Falls (Exit 53).
Turn off at Packard Road (Exit 23).
Turn right at traffic light.
Continue straight past 4 more traffic lights for approximately 1.75 miles and at that point it becomes Lockport Road.
Continue another mile, turn right at the main gate.

From CANADA
East on Hwy 405/Bridge to U.S.A.
Cross the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge.
South on Interstate 190.
Turn off at Packard Road (Exit 23).
Turn Left onto Packard Road.
Continue straight past 5 traffic lights for approximately 1.75 miles and at that point it becomes Lockport Road.
Continue another mile, turn right at the main gate.

 Family Support Program

Does Niagara Falls ARS have any programs to assist family members of military personnel?

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station has a full-time Airman & Family Readiness center. While operated by Air Force Reserve Command, the center is available to assist military members and their dependents, regardless of branch of service. The number A&FR is (716) 236-2097.

 Gate inbound and outbound operations

The Lockport Gate is closed for the foreseeable future due to construction.  The new traffic plan is as follows: 

Inbound/Outbound Tuscarora Gate 24/7; 

Outbound includes Walmore Gate from 1500-1700L.M-F.

 Honor Guard/Color Guard

Does the Niagara Falls ARS have a Color Guard or Honor Guard team?

Yes.  To request a Color Guard for your function or to request an Honor Guard for a funeral, contact the Honor Guard Superintendent at  (716) 236-3182.

 I.D. Cards

I am a military retiree. Can I obtain an ID card?

Yes.  Niagara Falls ARS has a customer service section that can provide assistance to military retirees and their dependents regardless of the branch of service.

  • DEERS & ID
    • OPEN by appointment only.
      • Make an appointment by visiting https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/#/locator and type “Niagara Falls, NY” under “Show Locations Near” and click on “More Info” under 914th ARW Niagara Falls IAP ARS. Cycle through the months for the next available appointment.
      • Call (716) 236-2197 during normal business hours for additional questions. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Two forms of identification are required for sponsors and dependents 21 years of age and older when enrolling a member or dependent in DEERS or when an ID Card is issued.

One form must be a photo ID.

The following is a list of acceptable forms of identification:

  • Military ID
  • Driver's License
  • Foreign Driver's License
  • Social Security Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • School ID with Photo
  • Another form of Federal, State or Local Government issued Photo
  • Identification Line Badge
  • US Passport
  • Weapons Permit
  • Voter' s Registration Card
  • Foreign Passport
  • INS Documentation

We will also need the documentation for the action that is being accomplished.
 Promotion - Promotion order
 Marriage - Marriage License, Spouses Birth Certificate, Spouses SSN card & photo ID
 Divorce - Divorce Decree
 Re-enlistment - enlistment document
 Retirement- Retirement DD Form 214 if active duty / Retirement order
 Death - Death certificate
 Child Birth- Birth certificate and SSN
 100% Disabled Vet: Letter from VA showing 100% Service connected Disability & DD form 214
 Student (Children ages 21 - 23) - A letter from the school registrar that certifies enrollment in a full time course of study leading to an associate degree or higher and the anticipated graduation date.
 

 Indoor Firing Range

Firing Range Trespass Notice

Trespassing at the range complex is illegal and dangerous due to gunfire. 
The range is located at 10930 Utzig Dr., Bldg 427.
If entry is needed call 236-2219/2590.

You may not fire your personal firearms at the NFARS Firing Range. 

 Legal

Who do I call if I have any legal questions?

This office is open on 914th ARW UTA weekends only and selected dates throughout the year.  Call the 914th ARW Judge Advocate's Office at: (716) 236-2133 or 2134.
 

 Lodging

Can I get a space available room on base?

Please contact our Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station lodging reservation desk at 716-236-2014 or 2015. 
 Winter hours:  1 Nov - 31 Mar  0700-2000
 Summer hours:  1 Apr - 31 Oct  0600-2200

 Space A Flights

The Space A program will return soon. Please check back here for updates. 

 Speakers Bureau

I am interested in having a speaker from Niagara Falls ARS visit my civic group. Is this possible?

Niagara Falls ARS has an active speakers bureau which provides speakers and special programs to civic and community organizations. 

Individuals interested in having a member of the Niagara Falls ARS provide a special program for their ciivic group should contact the 914th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office at (716) 236-2136 or via email at 914aw.pa@us.af.mil

 USAF Aerial Support

I am interested in obtaining military aircraft for a civilian airshow or flyover event. What do I need to do?

For information on obtaining military aircraft for civilian airshows or other community events, please visit the USAF Aerial Events Support Web site at:

http://www.airshows.pa.hq.af.mil/

Please be advised that the first step in a static aircraft or flyover request is to gain approval at the SAF/PA level, then the event is eligible for consideration by the flying unit.

 USAF Thunderbirds

Where will the USAF Thunderbirds be appearing this year?

For a complete list of appearances, please visit the USAF Thunderbirds Website at

https://afthunderbirds.com/site/show-season/