VALDOSTA — With the government in limbo, more than 300 civilians from Moody Air Force Base were faced with financial uncertainty due to furloughs resulting from the government shut down.

Moody servicemen and women will also reported to work with no pay.

A temporary deal was signed overnight Monday getting the government running again at least through early February.

Monday, prior to the deal, Col. Jennifer Short, 23rd Wing commander, said she knows the government shutdown affects everybody, including airmen, civilians and their families.

“I would like for people to think about those being affected, the airmen and civilians that are working right now and not getting paid. They are not sure when they will get a check for the work they’ve done,” Short said. “It’s a very anxious and uncertain time, and certainly an emotional and stressful time for all of my folks.”

Non-accepted civilian workers for activities such as emergencies involving safety, loss of life or protection of property and functions necessary to discharge the President’s constitutional duties and national security were all affected positions.

Civilian workers were furloughed unable to return to work until the government re-opened.

Short advised workers to not expect backpay like was granted in 2013 and to plan and budget finances accordingly.

Airmen and civilians holding jobs that are accepted functions continued working without pay. Jobs involved with national security and safety or loss of life did not get paid either.

“I want to be as fully transparent as I can with my people and with the community to let them know what’s happening out at the base and for them to certainly understand the impact it’s having on members of the community,” Short said. “Every one of my airmen and civilians are a valued member of the team and we are going to do everything that we can to push updated and accurate information as fast as we can across all of our channels.”

Had the government shut down continued, all Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities would have remained open. The commissary would have closed after Jan 24 if the shutdown continued. The Child Development Center remained open. 

FSS facilities that closed included the library, education center and the SHOP.

Services were slower due to limited personnel. TRICARE benefits were not affected and the military health system continued to provide health care to its beneficiaries during the government shutdown.

Announcements from the base can be found on the Moody AFB website at moody.af.mil, the official Moody AFB Facebook page, and defense.gov.

There are many services available to military personnel, such as the Air Force Aid Society for those eligible, possible unemployment through the State of Georgia and interest-free loans from USAA for those who qualify.

Mindy Applegate, A&FRC financial adviser, can be reached at (229) 257-3333 or (229) 449-0019 for more information on financial services.

Maria Galvez is a reporter with the Moultrie Observer. She can be contacted at maria.galvez@gaflnews.com.