7 minute read
Family Programs and Resources
from February COE 2021
by MCCS Okinawa
Chocolate Cheese Cake Tune into Facebook to learn how to make Chocolate Cheese Cake using a rice cooker! February 08 1130-1200 MCCS Marine & Family Programs - Okinawa Facebook Event!
Toothpick Flower Vase Please come join us while we help you make your special flower vase out of decorative washi paper and toothpicks! All materials are provided for this workshop. February 18 1130-1300 Camp Foster, MFP-R, Bldg. 445
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Basic Japanese Language Class Part 1 This is the first part of the basic class for adult learners wanting to develop their Japanese language skills. February 09, 10, 11, and 12 1130-1300 Camp Kinser, MFP-R, Bldg. 1220
Basic Japanese Language Class Part 2 This is the Second part of a basic class for adult learners wanting to develop or brush up on this Japanese language skills.
February 23, 24, 25, and 26 1130-1300 Camp Foster, MFP-R, Bldg. 445
Survival Japanese Writing Learn how to write and read basic Japanese phrases. February 19 1130-1300 Camp Foster, MFP-R, Bldg. 445
For more information, please contact your nearest Cultural Awareness & Adaptation using the Marine and Family Programs Telephone Directories list or visit the Marine & Family Programs webpage at: www.mccsokinawa.com/culturalawareness/
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Virtual Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) 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 February 03 February 10 February 17 February 24
The email link and access code will arrive in your inbox on 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 through Friday 0800 & 1000 Doors open 30 minutes prior to each test session for check-in.
Renewals, duplicates, retesting, and miscellaneous customer service: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1230 – 1600
Please contact Base Safety at 645-3183/2862 or any questions in regards to the SOFA POV Licensing Exam.
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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.
Accompanied February 01 Camp Foster, Community Center, Bldg. 5908 0800-1030
Virtual Smooth Move Workshop The virtual 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. The email link and access code will arrive in your inbox on the scheduled distribution day. To register please visit www.mccsokinawa.com/relocation.
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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.
February 02 0900-1100 Camp Kinser, MFP-R, Bldg. 1220
February 09 0900-1100 Camp Courtney, MFP-R, Bldg. 4425
February 16 0900-1100 Camp Foster, Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg. 439
February 23 0900-1100 Camp Hansen, MFP-R, Bldg. 2339
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
NCO for Financial Fitness NCOFFs are trained NCOs who provide peer-to-peer influence on personal finance. They support the PFM staff and the unit CFS by reaching out to Marines and Sailors in the ranks of E1-E4 to increase their awareness of the services and programs and to understand why financial fitness is an integral part of mission readiness. Only 36 seats are available. Please call Camp Foster Marine & Family Programs at 645-2104 to register or for additional information. Candidates must meet the following prerequisites to attend this course: *Must be in pay grades E-4 and E-5* *Command Endorsed* *Goal-oriented and motivated with good oral and presentation skills* *Highly motivated and financially stable* *Must have 12 months remaining on Okinawa after completion of the training* February 01-02 0730-1630 Camp Foster, MFP-R, Bldg. 445
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. February 18 1300-1500 Camp Shields, Multi-Purpose Room, Bldg. 6300
February 23 0830-1030 Virtual
Insurance Brief Participants will learn how to select appropriate insurance for any major life event and compare different vehicles for purchasing insurance to determine appropriate coverage and the best value.
February 25 1000-1130 Camp Schwab, Education Center, Bldg. 3429
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. February 03 0830-1130 Virtual
February 10 0830-1130 Virtual
February 17 0830-1130 Virtual
February 24 0830-1130 Virtual
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. February 08 1300-1430 Virtual
February 18 0900-1030 Virtual
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 work-shop will also discuss the Blended Retirement System to include the pension, TSP, continuation pay and lump sum retirement. Satisfies PFM training codes: FB, FG. February 19 0830-1030 Camp Schwab, Education Center, Bldg. 3429
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/.
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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:
Retired Activities Office (RAO)
MCCS is seeking military retiree volunteers for the Retired Activities Office. This position offers retired Service Members an opportunity to support fellow retirees and their families living on Okinawa. Your experience and knowledge can be incredibly valuable in making a difference for people seeking assistance. Retired Activities Office volunteers will assist with survivor benefits, Social Security benefits, medical related assistance, retirement pay, and more! Volunteers must be available to commit to scheduled times within 0730-1630 Monday through Friday. For more information on how you can volunteer, please visit www.mccsokinawa.com/volunteer/#tab2.
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