MAIL: 374 FSS/FSK • UNIT 5119, BLDG 1295 • APO, AP 96328-5119
Submissions are welcome. All submissions are subject to editing before printing. All articles, artwork, and photographs become the property of the 374th Force Support Squadron Marketing & Publicity Department.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Every month, I spend an inordinate amount of time drafting the editor’s note. Typically, an editor’s note is a chance for the editor to share their thoughts on the content of the publication. With Thanksgiving content featured throughout the magazine, gratitude seemed like an obvious choice—too obvious. All the sentences read like the hollow and overused words from a Hallmark card. So, back to the blank Word document I went.
Watching the cursor blink over and over again on an empty page, I couldn’t help but wonder if all my hand-wringing and rewriting was for naught. Does anyone even read this? I’ve asked myself that several times. Does anyone notice?
My thoughts turned to the post office, the subject of the main article in this issue. The weekend after Thanksgiving kicks off their busy season. The amount of mail they process doubles from November through early January; it’s a short but intense period. Few, however, consider what happens behind the scenes. Few see the amount of work that goes into the operation.
It’s not just the post office. All the facilities are gearing up to bring the magic of the holiday season to base residents. We don’t always know or acknowledge all the time and effort that goes into fostering the holiday season in our home away from home.
So before requesting your gratitude, I hope this issue of Horizons, especially this editor’s note, inspires you to notice the hard work and dedication that goes into all the events and services offered by the Force Support Squadron.
Heather Olson Writer-Editor
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/YokotaSponsorship Yokota374FSS.com
HORIZONS is published for United States Military and Department of Defense personnel and their family members living in or assigned to the Kanto Plain (Japan) region and Japanese Nationals and their families assigned to Yokota Air Base, Japan. Horizons is the official magazine of the 374th Force Support Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan. Opinions expressed in Horizons do not necessarily represent those of the 374th Airlift Wing or the United States Air Force. No Federal endorsement of advertisers or sponsors is intended. All facility programs, event hours, and dates are subject to change.
042-552-2510 Ext. 53308
OFFICERS’ & ENLISTED CLUBS
OFFICERS’ CLUB
225-8526 • Bldg. 31
/YokotaClubs
WINE FEST
Fri • 15 Nov • 6–9 p.m.
Officers’ Club • Ages 20 & Up
$55 Members; $60 Nonmembers
Join us for an unforgettable event featuring exquisite food, lively music, and over 40 exclusive wines!
BUTCHER’S CHOICE & SEAFOOD NIGHT
Wed • 13 Nov • 5–9 p.m.
Officers’ Club
Featuring a choice of lobster, snow crab, seafood, pork chops, vegetable kebabs, and steaks as well as a salad bar and a delicious buffet of sides and assorted desserts. The buffet is free for members and $5 for nonmembers with a $10 minimum purchase.
ENLISTED CLUB
227-8820 • Bldg. 2066
/YokotaClubs
THANKSGIVING BUFFET
Thu • 28 Nov • 10 am -2 p.m.
Ohsawa Ballroom
Ages 13 & Up
$31.50
Ages 6-12
$19.50
Ages 5 & Under Free
Celebrate with family and friends at the Yokota Enlisted Club! Enjoy a delicious meal featuring all the Thanksgiving classics.
ALL RANKS
All events listed below may only be attended by enlisted and officer club members.
FAMILY BINGO, GIVE THANKS
Wed • 6 Nov • 5–7 p.m.
Officers’ Club
$15 Ages 13 & Up
$10 Ages 3–12
Enjoy five rounds of bingo with a winning team each game!
MEMBERS’ KIDS EAT FREE*
Tue • 12 Nov • 5-7 p.m.
Chico’s Chop House
*With purchase, dine-in only.
RETIREE APPRECIATION DAY
Fri • 22 Nov • 5–9 p.m.
Chico’s Chop House
Retirees receive a 50% discount with the purchase of an entrée. You must show proof of your retiree ID card and club membership.
ENLISTED CLUB
All events listed below may only be attended by enlisted personnel and their families.
FRIDAY SOCIAL HOUR
Fridays • 5–7 p.m.
Shogun Lounge Free • Adults Only
OFFICERS’ CLUB
All events listed below may be attended by officer personnel and their families.
FRIDAY SOCIAL HOUR
Fridays • 1, 8 & 22 Nov • 5–7 p.m.
Samurai Lounge Free • Adults Only
LAST FRIDAY SOCIAL HOUR
Last Friday of the Month • 29 Nov • 5–7 p.m.
Samurai Lounge Free • Adults Only
Join the Officers’ Club for a special social hour. Cheers to the end of the work week with a variety of hors d’oeuvres, craving stations, and the chance to win a prize from either a weekly drawing, progressive jackpot, or monthly prizes.
Beyond the Mailbox: Behind the Scenes at Yokota Post Office
Postal operations may seem straightforward: you order something online, and a few days later, you pick it up. The reality, however, involves a complex and expansive network that relies on the hard work and dedication of postal workers to ensure proper and timely delivery.
This is especially evident during their busiest time of year—late November through the first week of January.
Master Sergeant Miko Santos describes this period as their “Super Bowl.” They begin preparing months in advance for the surge in mail.
“During this time, nobody takes leave unless it’s an emergency,” he explained.
“We let everyone in the flight know, and we inform our friends, families, and loved ones that we won’t be able to take leave because it’s our busiest season,” Santos added. However, they strongly encourage staff to take time off both before and after this period whenever possible.
The amount of mail they receive nearly doubles during the holiday season. The warehouse fills up quickly, lines get longer, and wait times increase. Santos advises patrons to pick up their mail soon after receiving their first notification.
Another unsung aspect of the post office is the volunteers who help make it all possible. Volunteers play a vital role, especially at this time of year. They reduce wait times and keep operations running smoothly.
One of the best ways to avoid delays? Order early! By planning and allowing extra days for processing, you’re more likely to receive your items on time.
Rest assured, the post office crew will be doing everything they can to make sure you get your holiday packages on time.
“We have 24-hours to process all the mail we received within that day. We don’t leave work until every item is properly and accordingly sorted out,” said Santos.
By Heather Olson
Volunteer at the post office and make a difference in your community!
Wed • 6 Nov • 3–
Thu • 7 Nov • 10–11 a.m.
SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL
COST PER PERSON BY AGE GROUP:
$830 (12 & Up) Single Occupancy
$790 (12 & Up) Twin Occupancy
$775 (12 & Up) Triple Occupancy
$755 (6–11) Twin Occupancy
$740 (6–11) Triple Occupancy
$450 (3–5) Seat Only / No Bed / No Meals
* If a child 0–2 years old will occupy a seat, the child price applies.
*Club membership discount does not apply to overnight tours.
Sign up by 8 Jan
Thetourincludesbustransportation.
The cost includes bus transportation to and from Haneda Airport, roundtrip airfare, two nights’ accommodations, visits to Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival and Royce Chocolate Town, lunch buffet, dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden (Jingisukan Style meat BBQ and all-you-can-drink Sapporo beer & drinks) and two breakfasts at hotel. The Sapporo Snow Festival starts on 4 Feb and ends on 11 Feb.
ITINERARY:
1st Day
4:30 a.m. Depart Yokota AB
6 a.m. Arrive at Haneda Airport
7–8:30 a.m. Flight: ANA 51 Arrival at Shin-Chitose Airport
10:15–11:15 a.m. Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival
12:15–1:15 p.m. Lunch
2:15–3:15 p.m. Royce Chocolate
4 p.m.– Drive through main Sapporo Snow Festival Site
4:30 p.m. Check in at the Hotel
5:30 p.m. Depart for Dinner
5:45–7:45 p.m. Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden Free Time after Dinner
2nd Day
7–9 a.m. Breakfast at Hotel Free Time
3rd Day
7–9 a.m. Breakfast at Hotel
(Please Check-Out Before Departure)
10 a.m. Depart Hotel for Otaru City
11–2 p.m. Otaru City (Lunch on your own)
2 p.m. Depart for Airport
4:30 p.m. Check in & Free time
6:30–8:05 p.m. Flight: ANA 76
10 p.m. Arrive at Yokota
*Please understand that the itinerary may change due to weather, traffic, or other uncontrollable conditions.
Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel is conveniently located on the main street of the Susukino area. It is the largest entertainment district in Sapporo and is home to many Japanese and Western style restaurants, bars, Izakaya style bars, Sushi bars, Karaoke, Ramen Alley, and more. The main Snow Festival area is several blocks away or about 15 minutes on foot. The Susukino Ice Sculpture site is just minutes on foot from the hotel.
For updates on all things ITT, visit /YokotaTravel.
For detailed information on ITT’s upcoming tours, visit Yokota374FSS.com/ITT. 227-7083 • Bldg. 327
—Great for Couples!
OUTDOOR RECREATION
225-4552 • Bldg. 564
/YokotaTravel
/Yokota.ODR
NOVEMBER
PARAGLIDING AT ASAGIRI KOGEN
Sat • 9 Nov • 5:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
$120 • Ages 13 & Up
Sign up by: 6 Nov
Includes: Transit, Insurance & One Tandem Jump
*All participants must weigh between 90 and 220 pounds.
Enjoy your favorite dishes at the Tama Lodge Thanksgiving Feast! We will be offering different meal times to accommodate as many guests as possible and help ensure everyone has a relaxing “no rush” dining experience. Call 227-5230 for reservations or additional information.
Tama Lodge Thanksgiving Feast
Inflatable Bouncy Rides
Sat • 30 Nov • 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.
$2/Per Child for Unlimited Bouncing
Bring your children to Tama for a day of inflatable fun! There will be bouncy castles and slides available at Picnic Area C.
GOLF
Tama Hills Golf & Resort • 042-374-2811
Yokota Golf Center • 225-8815
/TamaHillsGolfCourse
TAMA HILLS GOLF COURSE
WEEKLY EVENTS:
RETIREE DAY
Tuesdays
50% off cart rental.
LADIES DAY
Thursdays
50% off cart and green fees.
Save on green fees with an annual pass! Contact Tama Golf for more details.
The Longest 1 Putt/Closest to the Pin Competition
Saturdays
Win 18-hole green fees or cart rental (Annual Green Fee holders) by making the longest I putt or getting closest to the hole with your tee shot. Winners will be determined at the end of the day.Eligible pin competition holes will be determined weekly, and the ball must be on the green to be eligible.
Tomoko Miyata has loved every minute of the past twenty years that she has been practicing yoga. As a certified instructor, she has
Join the Samurai Fitness Center for a fun afternoon of flag football! Sign-ups will be located at the front desk. If your squadron would like to participate, please call 225-8889.
NOVEMBER
Sun • 10 Nov
Check-in at 9 a.m.
Tomodachi Lanes
¥8,000 • Ages 18 & Up
PRO BOWLING CLINIC
Tue • 19 Nov • 6–9 p.m.
Tomodachi Lanes • Free • All Ages
Sean Rash Stephanie Zavala
Danielle McEwan
AUTO HOBBY SHOP
225-7623 • Bldg. 4086
/YokotaFSSLifestyle
WINTERIZATION SPECIAL
Until February 2025 • $95*
Get your vehicle ready for winter from the inside out! This limited-time offer includes an engine oil and filter change, a check and top off of all fluids, and a quick car wash. Auto Hobby will also inspect the vehicle’s undercarriage, and tires as well as all belts and hoses.
*Cost for four quarts. $5 per additional quart. Oil filter cost not included. Contact the Auto Hobby Shop for more information.
DIRECTORY OF SERVICES
FAM PACAF Family Down Day / EXR Exercise / HOL Holiday
