Keeping our 18 SFS Spouses Informed

Information to Help the Deployed Spouse Living on Okinawa

Table of Contents
Housing Issues............................................................................................................................................... 4 My lawn needs to be mowed and I can't do it myself. What should I do? .............................................. 4 One of my major appliances is not working properly. .............................................................................. 4 I have a problem with my base housing unit that I cannot fix myself. ..................................................... 4 I have a problem with refuse or recycling. ............................................................................................... 4 The grass in the common area by my home needs to be cut. .................................................................. 5 I found a snake in my yard or need to speak with someone about pest control. .................................... 5 I have a stray dog/cat in my yard. ............................................................................................................. 5 I have noisy neighbors. Do I call Security Forces?.................................................................................... 5 I will be flying back to the states for awhile to be with family during the deployment. .......................... 5 I'm having problems with my off base housing. ....................................................................................... 5 Automobile Issues ......................................................................................................................................... 6 My car broke down. Where do I take it? ................................................................................................. 6 My car needs an oil change. ..................................................................................................................... 6 My car needs to be towed. ....................................................................................................................... 6 I locked myself out of my car. ................................................................................................................... 6 My car battery died and I need a jump start. ........................................................................................... 6 My insurance will expire soon. ................................................................................................................. 7 How do I pay my yearly Road Tax? ........................................................................................................... 7 My JCI is due/What is JCI?......................................................................................................................... 7 Family Issues ................................................................................................................................................. 7 I need a break from my kids. How do I find childcare? ............................................................................ 7 Myself or my child is sick or hurt. ............................................................................................................. 8 I have a disabled family member/special needs family member and I feel like I need additional support. ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 I am feeling down or depressed. I need to talk to somebody. ................................................................ 9 2

I would like to travel back to the States while my husband is deployed. How do I use Space Available travel? ....................................................................................................................................................... 9 I would like to travel back to the States while my husband is deployed, but Space Available travel will not work for me. ..................................................................................................................................... 10 I am leaving the island and I need someone to watch my pet. .............................................................. 10 I need veterinary care for my pet. .......................................................................................................... 10 Finding Employment/College Courses ........................................................................................................ 11 I would like to find a job. Where do I begin? ......................................................................................... 11 I would like to volunteer. ........................................................................................................................ 11 I would like to take college courses. Who do I talk to? ......................................................................... 11 I would like to learn a new skill or take a recreational class................................................................... 12 Inclement Weather/Natural Disasters ........................................................................................................ 12 A typhoon is headed toward Okinawa and I need help securing outdoor items. .................................. 12 I just felt an earthquake/a large earthquake took place on Mainland Japan. ........................................ 13 We are under a tsunami warning due to an earthquake that occurred................................................. 13 Squadron Information and Telephone Numbers ........................................................................................ 13

Housing Issues
My lawn needs to be mowed and I can't do it myself. What should I do?

Perhaps you have a neighbor or a friend who is willing to mow your lawn while your spouse is deployed. However, if plans change and you need to find someone to mow your lawn, there are a number of lawn care companies available on Okinawa. Bill's Lawn Care Kadena, Foster, Lester 080-6493-5211 Kadena Outdoor Rec Kadena 959-2811 K's Garden Off base only 090-4054-8748 Okinawa Clean Service Kadena and off base 090-8120-7070 Samurai Lawn Care Kadena, Foster, Lester 080-6492-7051 Uruma Lawn Care All bases and off base 080-3739-8834 *Typically, you give your house number to the lawn care company so that they can view your yard and give you an estimate first. An average-sized yard is usually around $20 for mowing and trimming. Be sure to ask several companies for estimates in order to get the best price.
One of my major appliances is not working properly.

CE Service Call- Appliance repair (24 hours) 634-4663 *If your washer or dryer are broken and you need to do laundry asap, there is a 24 hour launderette by Hershey TLF. Bring quarters.
I have a problem with my base housing unit that I cannot fix myself.

CE Service Call (24 hours)

I have a problem with refuse or recycling.

634-2424

Bulk Trash, Dead Animal Pickup Recycling

634-7288 634-7244

The grass in the common area by my home needs to be cut.

Requests/Complaints can be brought up at 634-7260

I found a snake in my yard or need to speak with someone about pest control.

Pest Control/Entomology
I have a stray dog/cat in my yard.

634-4663 press#2

Animal Control
I have noisy neighbors. Do I call Security Forces?

634-0203/2475

Check the base policy on quiet hours. If your neighbors are being exceedingly noisy during quiet hours, determine whether you feel comfortable asking them to quiet down. Many times, neighbors don't realize how noisy they are being until someone lets them know. If asking doesn't help or if you feel uncomfortable with confronting them, call the Law Enforcement Desk at 634-2475 to report the situation. If you believe you are hearing a domestic disturbance, please call the LE Desk immediately and DO NOT attempt to correct the situation yourself.
I will be flying back to the states for awhile to be with family during the deployment.

You must designate someone to check-up on your base home while you are away. If you don't and your house is damaged from flooding, mold, etc., you could be held responsible for the cost of the repairs.
I'm having problems with my off base housing.

All off-base housing issues must be dealt with via your Housing Agency.

Automobile Issues
My car broke down. Where do I take it?

AAFES Auto Shop on Kadena 959-0416/0450 AAFES Auto Shop on Camp Foster 645-4577 Kadena Auto Hobby Center 959-1156 Typhoon Motors on Camp Foster 645-7169 *There are off base auto repair shops as well. The list can be found at http://www.totalokinawa.com/directory/autorepair.php
My car needs an oil change.

Deployed spouses are eligible for a free oil change and safety inspection at the Auto Hobby Center on Kadena. Take a copy of your husband's orders to the AFRC (bldg 220) and they will give you a voucher for a free oil change.
My car needs to be towed.

Kadena Auto Hobby Center ($40 per hour- Daytime) Typhoon Motors (24 hours)
I locked myself out of my car.

959-1156 090-3794-2556

Kadena Auto Hobby Center ($15 on base/$30 off base) Typhoon Motors (24 hours)
My car battery died and I need a jump start.

959-1156 090-3794-2556

Kadena Auto Hobby Center ($15 on base/$30 off base) 959-1156 *Towing, Lockouts, Jump Starts, and roadside service are free to AF Club Members.

My insurance will expire soon.

ACE Insurance Company @Auto Hobby Center 959-5181 @USO 938-4279 @Bldg 723 959-2887 *Bring your registration, title, etc. with you to renew your insurance policy
How do I pay my yearly Road Tax?

Road tax is due in the spring of each calendar year for every vehicle. You can pay your Road Tax at any insurance company or you can utilize the Road Tax Collection at the base theater (watch publications for dates and times). Payments must be made in yen and amounts depend on the size of the vehicle. JCI and insurance must be current for Road Tax renewal.
My JCI is due/What is JCI?

JCI stands for Japanese Compulsory Insurance and is usually issued in two-year increments. JCI inspections can be done at an off base auto repair shop or Typhoon Motors on Camp Foster. You can also choose to do JCI yourself, however, this is the more complicated option. ACE Insurance can provide you with the step-by-step directions on how to JCI a vehicle yourself. Typhoon Motors 645-7169 http://www.totalokinawa.com/directory/autorepair.php for off base repair shops

Family Issues
I need a break from my kids. How do I find childcare?

A good starting place for finding childcare is asking friends if they would be willing to watch your kid(s) for a couple of hours so that you can have some muchneeded adult time. Perhaps you could trade babysitting with someone you know.
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If you don't know anyone here who would be willing to watch your kids, you can check with the Family Child Care Office and/or the CDC to see if someone has an opening for hourly care. Kadena Family Child Care (for a current list of FCC providers) 634-3464 Child Development Centers (to see if hourly care is available) 632-7693 *Please remember to use caution when searching for child care via online resources such as Okinawa Yard Sales. Anyone can post ads on OYS claiming to be safe, reliable care givers but it's very difficult to find out if they are safe or not. Give Parents a Break Give Parents a Break is a monthly service that is free to deployed families. Five hours of childcare is given at Niko Niko CDC for children 6weeks-12years of age. Venture Magazine publishes dates and times for monthly details on Give Parents a Break. You will need to get a voucher from the A&FRC (bldg 220). You may also contact the A&FRC at 634-3366. Deployed Spouses Dinner The Deployed Spouses Dinner is typically held on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 6-8pm at the Schilling Community Center. There is no cost for the dinner. Prizes and an opportunity to connect with other deployed spouses base wide. Childcare is provided on location and is free. Call the A&FRC to rsvp 634-3366
Myself or my child is sick or hurt.

For appointments at the Kadena Clinic For emergencies that require an ambulance For after hours urgent care

630-4817(automated number) 911 Report to Lester ER

I have a disabled family member/special needs family member and I feel like I need additional support.

Your family member may qualify for EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program). The EFMP program provides various resources for Kadena families, such as respite
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care for qualifying families, referrals, and workshops/events. If you feel your family member qualifies for EFMP, contact the EFMP coordinator at the AFRC at 634-3366
I am feeling down or depressed. I need to talk to somebody.

We all know what it feels like to have a bad day or miss our deployed spouse. However, if you begin to feel like you are always down or you have too many problems to cope with on your own, help is available. If you would like to speak with a military chaplain, call 634-1288 If you feel more comfortable speaking with someone over the phone, call Military One Source-dial 145 from a DSN or visit www.militaryonesource.com for online information If you would like face-to-face counseling but prefer to see someone other than a chaplain, contact an MFLAC at 634-3915/4451 or 090-8518-0939/080-3929-2486 If you feel like counseling will not help you, speak with your provider about a referral to see a professional at Mental Health. If you or someone you know may have thoughts of hurting yourself or taking your own life, please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK *MFLACs are staffed at all base elementary schools and are available to counsel your children during school hours. For after hours, there is a pediatric MFLAC available.
I would like to travel back to the States while my husband is deployed. How do I use Space Available travel?

If you are flexible with times and dates, Space Available travel can be an economical way to travel between the U.S. and Okinawa. You will also want to register for Space-A travel ahead of time. This can be done by phone, by email, in
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person, or online up to 60 days in advance. You can register for up to five countries. If you have never traveled via Space-A, your best bet is to call or visit the Kadena AMC Passenger Terminal at 634-2159. As always with Space-A, be prepared to pay for commercial travel in case you get "stranded". Also, you are responsible for any lodging expenses incurred during Space-A travel.
I would like to travel back to the States while my husband is deployed, but Space Available travel will not work for me.

If you are working under time constraints, commercial air travel is the best way to go. There are several options available for purchasing commercial tickets- online travel agencies, such as expedia.com, and local travel agencies, such as H.I.T. and H.I.S.
I am leaving the island and I need someone to watch my pet.

Leaving pets behind can make traveling difficult. First, check with friends and see if you know anyone who is willing and able to care for your pet while you are away. If you don't know anyone who can care for your pet, you will need to hire a pet sitter or board your pet at Karing Kennels. Check OYS for private pet sitters. Karing Kennels 959-406
I need veterinary care for my pet.

Kadena Vet Clinic Pet Emergencies during clinic hours Pet Emergencies after hours *Emergency vet service on base is not always available Off Base Vets: Animal Hospital 22 (English speaking- Out KAB Gate 2) Friends Animal Hospital (some English- Near Foster Gate 5) Noah Animal Hospital (English Speaking- Out Gate 3)

959-1300 959-5300 090-6860-2203

983-8832 926-2033 934-4477

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Finding Employment/College Courses

I would like to find a job. Where do I begin?

Kadena Human Resources Bldg 723 634-2330 DoDDS Human Resources (on Torii Station) 644-5800/5854 AAFES Human Resources 645-7802 *Many spouses on Okinawa have home-based businesses (Pampered Chef, Avon, photography). There are rules and regulations that go along with running a home business here on Okinawa, whether you live on or off base. Please contact Base Legal if you decide to start your own home business. Kadena Law Center 6343300
I would like to volunteer.

Volunteering is a rewarding experience that can sometimes lead to future employment opportunities. Several base agencies are always looking for volunteers. Kadena USO www.uso.org Kadena Red Cross www.kadenaredcross.org JET Program (Job Experience Training) Contact the AFRC 634-3366

I would like to take college courses. Who do I talk to?

Kadena Education Center (bldg 59) Central Texas College University of Maryland University of Phoenix Troy University

634-1500 (option 1) 634-0711 634-4383/1287 959-9845 634-3930

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I would like to learn a new skill or take a recreational class.

Airman and Family Readiness Center 634-3366 Arts and Crafts 959-1666 Community Center 634-1387 Fitness Center 634-5128 Banyan Tree Golf Course 959-3900 Outdoor Rec 959-2811 *You can find more specific information about classes/lessons offered at the above facilities by visiting www.kadenaforcesupport.com Inclement Weather/Natural Disasters
A typhoon is headed toward Okinawa and I need help securing outdoor items.

Once leadership has declared TC-2 for Okinawa, base residents must secure outside items by either moving them to storage or securing them with sandbags. Chances are good that our squadron (either Key Spouses or leadership) will have already contacted you to find out if you need help. If you haven't heard from anyone and you have questions about the typhoon or need help securing outside items, please call any of the Key Spouses and she will arrange for someone to come out to your home and help you. For general typhoon information and updates, AFN and the Kadena AB facebook page are both good resources for information.

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I just felt an earthquake/a large earthquake took place on Mainland Japan.

Unfortunately, living in Japan means experiencing earthquakes frequently. Most are small scale earthquakes that do nothing more than shake a little bit. In the event of a large earthquake, the squadron Key Spouses/leadership will contact all deployed spouses to check on them and give them any further instructions if necessary. Please make sure that your NEO Packet is up-to-date. NEO Packets are necessary in the unlikely event that we have to evacuate dependents from the island. If you aren't sure what a NEO Packet is or if you're unsure of whether your family's NEO Packet has been completed, ask your spouse as soon as you speak with them next. If you haven't filled out a NEO Packet, please go to S1 (upstairs, by the commander's office) at the squadron and pick one up. Any of the helpful airmen who work in S1 would be glad to help you with the process of filling it out.
We are under a tsunami warning due to an earthquake that occurred.

Key Spouses and leadership will call all deployed spouses in the event of a tsunami warning and keep them informed. Most places on Okinawa are not in tsunami zones, however, stay tuned to AFN and/or check the Kadena AB facebook for the most recent updates on tsunami warnings. Squadron Information and Telephone Numbers To contact somebody from the squadron, please see the list below. Whether you speak with a Key Spouse or the First Sergeant, the information discussed is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. Aspen Burke, Key Spouse Joanna Urban, Key Spouse Liz Schrieber, Key Spouse Lt. Col. G. John Grimm First Sergeant MSgt Stuart Lee Law Enforcement Desk 959-2970 959-2896 090-1940-6412 634-1178 634-4326 634-2475

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