7 minute read
Family Programs and Resources Information & Referral
from December COE 2020
by MCCS Okinawa
Virtual Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) Brief Start your tour off right. Okinawa is a wonderful duty station and great place to live for the entire family. Learn about this beautiful island and all the opportunities you can take advantage of during your tour.
All accompanied USMC and USN (all ranks), civilian employees, family members age 10 and up, and all unaccompanied USMC and USN (E-6 and above) are required to complete an online NOWA brief upon your arrival on island. Completion of a NOWA brief is required to obtain a USFJ Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) driver’s license.
Please register for the Virtual NOWA Brief at: www.mccsokinawa.com/relocation
Virtual NOWA Brief Email Link Distribution Days December 02 December 09 December 16 December 23 December 30
The email link and access codes will arrive in your inbox no later than the morning of the distribution day you registered for.
SOFA POV License Exam Licensing examinations will take place at the Base Safety Installation Office after completion of the Virtual NOWA Brief and 14-Day ROM. Initial POV License test sessions on Camp Foster: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 0800 & 1000 Wednesday 0800, 1000, 1300 & 1500 Doors open 30 minutes prior to each test session for check-in.
Renewals, duplicates, retesting, and miscellaneous customer service: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1230 – 1600 Monday,
Please contact Base Safety at 645-3183/2862 or any questions in regards to the SOFA POV Licensing Exam.
In-Person Smooth Move Workshop The Smooth Move Workshop provides pre-departure and destination information on relocation and travel entitlements, base and community information, financial concerns, employment opportunities and much more. Orders are not required and family members are encouraged to complete the session as well. Seating is limited to 50 people.
December 14 Camp Foster, Community Center, Bldg. 5908 0800-1030
Virtual Smooth Move Workshop The virtual Smooth Move Workshop provide pre-departure and destination information on relocation and travel entitlements, base and community information, financial concerns, employment opportunities and much more. Orders are not required and family members are encouraged to complete the session as well. Once registered, a link we be emailed to you.
Please register for the Virtual or In-Person Smooth Move Workshop at: www.mccsokinawa.com/relocation
In-Person Sponsorship Training Get the most up-to-date information on regulations and policies effecting PCS moves to Okinawa, including a full explanation of the sponsor’s roles and responsibilities and information about the resources in place to assist with your sponsorship assignment in the COVID-19 environment.
December 01 0900-1100 Camp Kinser, MFP-R, Bldg. 1220
December 08 0900-1100 Camp Courtney, MFP-R, Bldg. 4425
December 15 0900-1100 Camp Foster, Room 201, Bldg. 445
December 17 0900-1100 MCAS Futenma, Education Center, Bldg. 407
December 22 0900-1100 Camp Hansen, MFP-R, Bldg. 2339
December 29 0900-1100 Camp Schwab, Virtual
For more information, please contact Marine & Family Programs-Resources Center using the Marine and Family Programs Telephone Directories list or visit us online at: www.mccsokinawa.com/relocation
Saving & Investing This class explores how to use saving and investing to achieve financial security. Learn about basic investing techniques, taking advantage of compounded interest and time, along with exploring various saving and investing tools and uses to help you reach your financial goals. Satisfies PFM training codes: FA. December 15 0830-1030 Virtual
Home Buying Learn about interest rates, points, closing costs, escrow accounts, earnest money, selecting an agent, and processing a VA loan. December 29 1300-1500 Virtual
Money Management Workshop This hands-on workshop will enable attendees to prepare a financial statement, develop a budget, establish a savings plan, and build/rebuild a good credit record. Satisfies PFM training codes: PR, FD, FA, FC, FH, FE, FF, TL and FL. Please bring the following to class: Current LES, bank statements, investment statements and statements of debt/obligation. December 09 0830-1130 Virtual
December 18 1300-1600 Camp Hansen, MFP-R, Bldg. 2339
December 23 0830-1130 Camp Courtney, MFP-R, Bldg. 4425
December 28 0830-1130 Virtual
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) This workshop will explain how to effectively manage your TSP retirement account, to include avoiding redundancy and allocating contributions. Satisfies PFM training codes: FB. December 30 1300-1630 Camp Courtney, MFP-R, Bldg. 4425
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Blended Retirement System (BRS) Workshop This workshop will explain how to effectively manage your TSP retirement account, to include avoiding redundancy and allocating contributions. This workshop will also discuss the Blended Retirement System to include the pension, TSP, continuation pay and lump sum retirement. Satisfies PFM training codes: FB, FG. December 16 0830-1030 Camp Shields, Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg. 6300
Command Financial Specialist Roundtable This half-day meeting is for CFS qualified individuals to discuss current topics related to the Command Financial Specialist program. Please call 645-2104 for more information and to register. December 11 1130-1600 Camp Shields, Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg. 6300
Credit Report & Score Analysis Learn how to cope with a credit crisis and establish an action plan for building, rebuilding and maintaining your credit rating. December 17 0830-1030 Virtual
Command Financial Specialist Training This training provides Unit Command Financial Specialists (CFS) with the basic tools, techniques, and information to perform as the unit CFS. Training provided is governed by OPNAVINST 1740.5B (Navy) and MCO 1700.37 (USMC). November 30 - December 04 0730-1630 Camp Foster, Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg. 439
Personal Financial Counseling Program A contracted Personal Financial Counselor (PFC) is now on staff to provide financial counseling on a wide variety of financial issues and concerns. To set up an appointment with the PFC, please call 622-7416 or email:campbutler-pfc1@zeiders.com.
To sign-up or register for the PFM classes, call any of our offices using the
Marine and Family Programs Telephone Directories or visit the MCCS PFM webpage at: www.mccsokinawa.com/personal_finance_management/.
VA Overseas Military Services Coordinator (OMSC) Due to the COVID-19 protocols, the Veterans Affairs Office’s located at
Camp Foster Marine and Family Programs, Bldg. 445 and Kadena Air
Base Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 220, were closed effective 20 March 2020. All appointments were suspended indefinitely. We will make every effort to reschedule appointments when the opportunity is made available. For VA inquiries you may email: OMSCJAPANOK.VBAVACO@VA.GOV.
VA Advisors
For inquiries on education, healthcare, life insurance, or home loans, please see the below list of VA Advisors available for support via email:
Cedric Barron: Cedric.Barron@serco-na.com
John Wright: Wright_John4@bah.com
Retired Activities Office (RAO) The RAO serves military retirees from all branches of service in a number of ways, to include the following:
* Serves as a central point to obtain valuable information. * Provides reliable answers to questions. * Refers individuals to appropriate service providers.
The RAO volunteer is a valuable link to help retirees and family members obtain the rights, benefits and privileges they are entitled to receive. The RAO is located on Camp Foster in Bldg. 445. For more information, please call 645-3151.
Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) In order to reduce potential risks and minimize the spread of COVID-19, TRS classes and additional training tracks (Pathways) are now virtual through the Learning Management System (LMS). Credit will not be provided to participants without prior registration. For registration details, contact your Unit Transition Coordinator. November 30 - December 02 Camp Hansen, LMS
December 07-09 Camp Kinser, LMS
December 14-16 Camp Schwab, LMS
December 14-16 Camp Foster, LMS
Pre-Retirement Seminar This workshop is an alternative option to the TRS for retiring Service Members, and covers recruiting, job market, resume preparation, federal employment, interview skills and specific entitlements to include Financial and Estate Planning, TRICARE, Veterans benefits and Relocation. Service Members are eligible to attend 24 months prior to retirement.
December 07-09 LMS
The TRP office does not accept direct registrations from Service Members. For more information on the TRP, please email MCBB_TRP@usmc.mil or call 645-3151.
Department of Labor Employment Workshop
The 2-Day Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOL-EW) is available to meet the congressionally mandated requirement for those who seek employment after separating or retiring from the military. The DOL-EW curriculum is designed to assist Service Members with their transition into high-quality civilian careers. The track will assist in identifying and developing career goals, understanding hiring methods, creating a professional introduction, and a draft resume. This course is virtual and requires registration in advance to attend.
December 03-04 Camp Hansen, DOL-EW Live Virtual Platform
December 10-11 Camp Kinser, DOL-EW Live Virtual Platform
December 17-18 Camp Foster, DOL-EW Live Virtual Platform
December 17-18 Camp Schwab, DOL-EW Live Virtual Platform
