Japan's Military Base #1 Largest Community Camp Foster Base

What Issues Should Okinawa Camp Foster Commanders Be Made Aware Of?

Adam Jones — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:37:57 GMT

RULES FOR THIS THREAD:
This topic will be pinned, and will be on an ongoing discussion for Camp Foster Base only.
Please write down anything you feel that should be looked into by the Camp Foster Base Commanders.
This is your opportunity to address outstanding issues, and suggestions towards things that need a second look...
This is not a COMPLAINT section. Please state the problem and what you recommend that needs to be done to fix the problem. I always feel if your going to complain about something, atleast have the facts in order to provide a solution.
So when you create your posts, please do so in this order.

Problem:
Solution:

** Comments about others problems/solutions may be allowed but please keep your comments professional. **

We need this to remain a professional thread so the base commander can read it and stay informed from the community about outstanding issues. It does not need to be just a RANT session. If anything begins to just go on and on, I will remove the posts. If you want to complain about 1 specific topic, you can do so by creating a brand new post in the RANT ABOUT SOMETHING section.

Access to base for Disabled/Veterans

Usa Dna — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 22:33:15 GMT

Ok, I am a veteran living in Okinawa. Do to my military service, I am 100% insured through the VA. Since there is no direct VA hospital in Okinawa for use, we are directed to use the US navel hospital here, but there is a catch...
I do not work on base, so I do not have a base ID, I have a government issued VA id instead.

I spoke with PMO on foster, and they said they can issue a one day pass, just have to sign in, if I wanted a longer one take it up with the pass and ID.

So I rolled up to base a few days later, gate guard was confused which is understandable because it is not every day they see something besides a base id. They call up PMO, PMO send a unit. After about a half hour or so. they do a background check blah blah blah. In the end they refused access.

This seems a little farfetched to me, but I think it is a problem that no one knows what the rules are being there is a large number of veterans residing in Okinawa. I am worried that if something did happen to me, the poor lance corporal would have no idea what to do, let him to the hospital, he may get in trouble. So it ends with no one making a decision about anything for fear of getting in trouble.

Does anyone actually know the rules? order number or anything? I think I would have to take it with me in my car just in case.
This seems to be a case of defending the gate against their own. It is not like I have commissary or PX privileges or anything.

This is so important to us because if we go down to a hospital out in town, and not the one on base, our insurance can refuse to pay the bill, as we did not use " the closest owned goverment hospital " in an event where there is not a government hospital we would have to subbmit a case to get it paid. Saying that yeah lester is right there, but they will not let me on, because i do not have a cac card is not going to cut it.

It seems that the treatment of Verterans here is not as good as it should be....

MONDAY DAY OFF!

OkiDiver — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 22:25:54 GMT

All executive branch departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed and their employees excused from duty on Monday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.
Any employee who has already scheduled leave for this day will not be charged for annual leave.

You can read the full executive order below.

Executive Order-- Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Monday,

www.whitehouse.gov

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Power Outages To Improve Future QOL

JB Staff — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:53:19 GMT

Power Outages To Improve Future Quality of Life
Lance Cpl. Aaron Hostutler
okinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER
Service members and their families will continue to periodically experience scheduled power outages in the future. However, according to leaders at Facilities Maintenance Branch here, these power outages are planned in order to provide more reliable power and a better quality of life in the future.

The recent scheduled outages, although an inconvenience, are a result of a new hospital being built on Camp Foster directly behind where the temporary dental and medical clinic is located.

A building the size of the new hospital and all the equipment it uses will require a lot of power to operate, according to Joaquin Lujan, the electronic trades general foreman with the maintenance and repair section of the Facilities Maintenance Branch of Marine Corps Bases Japan.

Currently, all of the electricity comes directly from an Okinawa Electric Power Company substation. But, that substation alone is unable to provide enough power to support the hospital, so a new substation is being built behind Kubasaki High School on Camp Foster.

The new substation will be capable of supporting seven feeders, or main lines of power. Each feeder has a rating of 600 amps at 13,800 volts of electricity. The hospital is such a big project, it requires two feeders dedicated to it.

A project of this size requires building new manholes, laying new cable and even building a utilities bridge to bring the power where it needs to be. To do all of this safely, scheduled power outages must be conducted to ensure the safety of the workers.

“Originally Okinawa Electric Power Company wanted a three to five day consecutive power outage,” Lujan said. “We told them that was unacceptable.”

To fix the problem, the contractors from OEPC and foreman from maintenance and repair sat down and discussed the best way to go about the project.

“We don’t leave the table until all parties agree on the best way to conduct the power outage with minimum impact on Marine Corps Bases Japan,” Lujan said.

While ensuring that MCBJ gets the electricity they need is Lujan’s mission, he also strives to make sure there is minimum impact on the people and mission.

“We do whatever we can to minimize the impact on quality of life for Marines and their families as well as the impact on the mission,” Lujan said.

Even after the hospital is built, power outages will periodically be required to address growing demand and future improvements to the power distribution system.

“There never used to be computers in peoples homes, now there’s one in everyone’s home,” Lujan said. “Everyone had one (television), now there’s one in every room. As people upgrade, we have to upgrade as well.”

Military Investigates Three Separate U.S. Servicemember Deaths On Okinawa

JB Staff — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:17:41 GMT

Military Investigates Three Separate U.S. Servicemember Deaths On Okinawa
By David Allen

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Three U.S. servicemembers died in recent days on Okinawa in separate incidents in which the military provided few details.

A major assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Air Base died at approximately 9 a.m. Sunday, according to the 18th Wing public affairs. Maj.

Mike Kallai, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, was found unconscious in his off-base home and rushed to Camp Lester Naval Hospital for treatment.

He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, according to a statement released Monday afternoon.

His death remained under investigation. “We are all saddened by Michael’s death,” said Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th wing commander.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.” Officials also are investigating the death of a Marine who was found dead Saturday in his barracks room on Camp Foster, Marine officials said Monday.

Read More:
http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/okinawa/military-investigates-three-separate-u-s-servicemember-deaths-on-okinawa-1.118008

Staff Sgt. Josef L. Dukes, Found Dead In Okinawa Barracks

JB Staff — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:16:06 GMT

Staff Sgt. Josef L. Dukes, Found Dead In Okinawa Barracks

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — A Marine who was found dead Saturday in his Camp Foster barracks room was identified as Staff Sgt. Josef L. Dukes, Marine officials said Tuesday. However, no details concerning his death were available.

The incident is being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, according to a news release.

Dukes, 35, of Bogart, Ga., was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan, the release said.

He joined the Marine Corps in April 1995 and was promoted to staff sergeant Jan. 1, 2003. He arrived on Okinawa on March 1, 2007.

Read More:
http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/okinawa/marine-found-dead-in-okinawa-barracks-identified-1.118141

Claims Process For Japan Typhoon Damage

JB Staff — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:38:32 GMT

Claims Process For Japan Typhoon Damage
Judy Barney
mcb claims office

CAMP FOSTER — As Okinawa is currently in the midst of Typhoon Season and in the light of the first typhoon, the Marine Corps Base Claims Office wants to make post typhoon claims as easy as possible. To reduce potential damage to personal property in future storms, please follow these recommendations and requirements to properly secure outside items.

Everyone is ultimately responsible for the safety and security of their personal property. There are some preventive measures that can be taken to avoid damage or loss during high winds associated with typhoons.

Personal property claims can be filed for property damaged in a typhoon, but the claims process requires damage to be substantiated with proof that appropriate action was taken to minimize risk. Once outside personal property is appropriately secured, take a few pictures to support any future claims.

Also, do not throw away any damaged items until authorized to do so by claims personnel.

The following are examples of some of the most common items. This is not an exhaustive list.

• Sheds, trampolines, swing sets, etc: These items must be properly secured. Most storage sheds in use on Okinawa tend to maintain their support directly from the roof. When the roof gets ripped off during high winds. the rest of the shed tears apart because it has lost its main support. Place sand bags on the top and tie rope around the walls of sheds to maintain the structure of the shed and keep it in one piece. Turn over trampolines and place sand bags on the canvas to secure. Swing sets should be tied down.

• Shed Contents: The only items that should be placed in storage sheds are common outdoor items such as bicycles, lawn mowers, weed eaters, gas cans, etc. Certain items such as lawn chairs, lawn ornaments, and small items should be removed from sheds and brought inside.

• Pools: Canvas type pools should be stored inside. Durable plastic type pools should be drained and sand bags should be placed on the inside base.

• Grills: Grills should be taken inside. Propane gas tanks are likely to remain safe from high winds because of their weight and can remain outside.

• Food Spoilage: It is recommended that you have non-perishable foods on hand for a typhoon. Should the power go out and all the food spoils, claims personnel will review any claim regarding what food items claimed were really necessary to have on hand during a typhoon.

The following paperwork will be required for the type of claim indicated:

Claims for personal property require:

• DD Form 1842
• DD Form 1844
• Insurance Verification Form
• EFT Worksheet • Power-of-Attorney (if applicable)
• estimates of repair and/or replacement cost substantiation and
• pictures to substantiate property was secured.

Claims for food spoilage require:

• DD Form 1842
• DD Form 1844
• Insurance Verification Form
• EFT Worksheet
• Power-of-Attorney (if applicable)
• Receipt for the purchase or repurchase of lost food items and
• itemization of food lost with the cost of each item.

If you have any questions regarding claims, please contact Judy Barney at the MCB Butler Claims Office at 645-7460 or via e-mail at judy. barney@usmc.mil.

Claims must be filed with your respective service. Where you work or reside (housing area) has no bearing on Personal Property Claims.

Air Force Claims: call 634-1662 or visit Bldg. 15, Kadena Air Base. Navy Claims: call 634-8255 or visit Bldg. 3554, Kadena Air Base.

Army Claims: call 644-4742 or visit Bldg. 218, Torii Station.

The Claims office conducts post-typhoon recovery after a typhoon passes and can provide additional assistance regarding claims procedures.

Misuse of Government Vehicles Costs All Involved

JB Staff — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:55:12 GMT

Misuse of Government Vehicles Costs All Involved
Pfc. Garry J. Welch
okinawa marine staff

Misuse of government vehicles is a growing problem in the Marine Corps, said Thomas L. Ramer, the Garrison Mobile Equipment Operations Officer on Camp Foster. It costs a lot of money to keep the vehicles running and misuse drives up the costs even more.

“There seems to be a common misconception throughout the Marine Corps on what ‘official use’ actually is,” said Ramer. “If you are doing something that directly relates to the mission, then you are using the vehicle correctly.”

If Marines are driving to the mess hall or the barracks then it is not official business and the vehicle is being misused, added Ramer.

“When government vehicles are misused it costs a lot of money just in fuel,” said Gunnery Sgt. Hugh M. Weise, the procurement chief for GME. “At least a few times a week we get reports of government vehicles parked in unauthorized places, and that’s becoming a huge problem. If units allow government vehicles to be misused, it’s just a waste of resources.”

When GME is notified of a vehicle being misused, the driver will be given a citation. After the driver has been cited, they will be required to take a refresher course on the proper use of government vehicles. The purpose of the course is to make sure the mistake does not happen again and the driver can keep their license, he added.

“If the road masters catch someone misusing a government vehicle then they might issue a citation to the driver and may even take the driver’s license,” said Weise. “Depending on the situation, GME may also confiscate their vehicle and give it to another unit that they feel needs it and will use it correctly.”

According to Ramer, government vehicles are most commonly misused to get to and from chow. The Green Line is available for Marines to ride to the mess hall, Exchange and The Spot, so it really isn’t necessary to take a government vehicle to get chow, Ramer said.

“We aren’t going out to get Marines in trouble for this stuff,” said Ramer. “We just want them to use the vehicles (correctly), misuse puts more miles on already old vehicles, and the more you put on them the more they break down. Every time a vehicle goes down, it affects everybody.”

Taking care of government vehicles and using them properly not only ensures that they are available for Marines to use for official business, but it also helps save GME money that can be put to better use, Ramer said.

“If a Marine’s leadership finds out that the Marine was misusing the government vehicle, they can educate that Marine on what official use actually is, or take a more active role in the management of government vehicle use within their shop,” said Weise.

MAW MPs Celebrate Year’s Accomplishments

JB Staff — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:26:03 GMT

MAW MPs Celebrate Year’s Accomplishments
Pfc. Garry J. Welch
okinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — On August 3, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. under the reorganization of military police units throughout the Marine Corps, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Military Police Company was activated under III Marine Expeditionary Force for duty in the operating forces.

1st MAW’s MP Company recently celebrated its first year’s accomplishments with a ceremony in front of their company office here. The ceremony included a reading of their accomplishments and current operations, as well as a cake cutting.

“Two weeks after the [1st MAW MP] company had been activated, we were out training,” said 1st Sgt. Avery L. Crespin, MP company first sergeant. “We were on the range, training on proper use of force, and all other mission-related training that would enable us to do the job more effectively.”

The initial challenge the unit ran into was getting all of its Marines back from the Fleet Assistance Program, said the Windsor, Colo., native.

“Once we got our Marines here, the next biggest problem we had was getting our gear, because at first we had nothing,” said Crespin.

Crespin added, “The unit’s biggest accomplishment was getting all that accomplished in a year.”

In addition to improving the unit by getting organized and equipped, Marines in the unit improved themselves as well.

“The improvements are like night and day. To see how much they have grown, they went from getting back to the basics, to now having corporals leading entire convoys in support of (Operation Enduring Freedom),” said Crespin.

After this year of successful infrastructure development and operations, the company is now scheduled to grow in manpower over the next year.

“This company is going to get significantly (larger) in the near future,” said 1st Lt. Christopher R. Ceren, the company commander.

“We are going to have more platoons we can deploy in support of OEF. These Marines are doing a phenomenal job, and we still have a lot of good leadership coming in.”

Since the unit’s activation, its Marines have participated in Exercises Ryuku Warrior, Amphibious Landing Exercise, Cobra Gold, Foal Eagle, and over 20 additional companylevel training exercises, said Crespin. During 2009’s Exercise PHIBLEX a typhoon turned the training exercise into a real world humanitarian aid mission, in which the MP Company Marines aided in the distribution of 40,000 food packs, and 654 cases of water.

In addition to supporting many training exercises throughout the year, the Marines of MP Company are currently supporting real-world operations in OEF a nd preparing for future support in both Afghanistan and Iraq, said Crespin.

Crespin added “I’m willing to put my reputation on the line and say these Marines are the most motivated Marines, hands down, bar none, across the MEF. They are all ready to learn, excited to be here and chomping at the bit to get into the fight.”

MP Company currently has one platoon in support of Combat Logistics Battalion 3, currently involved in pre-deployment training to deploy to Afghanistan, and five Marines in support of 4th Marines directly supporting OEF right now, Crespin added. There is also one Marine preparing for an Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment in support of 4th Marines. These Marines are ready to take on the challenge of a ny thing thrown at them and run with it, said Crespin.

Military Expands Overseas Chiropractic Care To Okinawa

JB Staff — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 04:57:48 GMT

By David Allen Stars and Stripes

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa

Official chiropractic care for U.S. servicemembers has finally come to the Pacific. “It’s just another tool in the toolbox for medical care,” chiropractor Reggie Clifton, who arrived at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa in July, said recently in his office on Camp Foster.

He is one of only three civilian chiropractors at overseas military medical facilities, according to the Department of Defense. The other two are at the Baumholder and Vilseck U.S. Army health clinics in Germany.

The Defense Department also is recruiting a chiropractor for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Chiropractic care in the military has been a long time coming.

Although President Bill Clinton signed into law the Permanent Chiropractic Benefit for Military Act in October 2000, the military has been slow to implement it, according to a 2005 Government Accountability Office report.

Sixty military clinics and hospitals — out of 232 military treatment facilities worldwide — are authorized to provide chiropractic care. Chiropractors treat patients suffering from musculoskeletal problems, chiefly back pain.

Many chiropractic treatments involve manipulation of the spine and other joints to bring them back into alignment, under the theory that spinal joint misalignments interfere with the nervous system and result in pain and a weakened immune system.

Read More:
http://www.stripes.com/news/military-expands-overseas-chiropractic-care-to-okinawa-1.116135

AAFES Computer Glitch Double-Charged Shoppers' Credit, Debit Cards

JB Staff — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 07:45:33 GMT

AAFES Computer Glitch Double-Charged Shoppers' Credit, Debit Cards
By David Allen
Stars and Stripes
Published: August 12, 2010

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Processing errors at Army and Air Force Exchange Service operations worldwide in the past week have resulted in duplicate charges on credit and debit card transactions, AAFES reported Thursday.

“Shoppers who swiped their cards anytime between Aug. 7 and Aug. 9 at an AAFES facility are strongly encouraged to review their statements to see if they are impacted by this issue,” AAFES chief of staff, Col. Virgil Williams, said in a news release.

“If a customer finds a billing anomaly, no action will be required on their part as we’re working to correct inaccuracies on their behalf,” he said. ”

We want exchange customers to know that every possible measure is being taken to eliminate any additional charges and rectify any concerns as a result of this processing miscue.”

Information on the amount of money involved was unavailable.

The only cards not involved were the AAFES Military Star cards, AAFES spokesman Christopher Ward said Friday from AAFES headquarters in Dallas.

Read More:
http://www.stripes.com/news/aafes-computer-glitch-double-charged-shoppers-credit-debit-cards-1.114453

Camp Foster CDO Phone Number

Adam Jones — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:29:11 GMT

Camp Foster CDO Phone Number

Someone was searching this on the website.. If you know please provide them answers.

Camp Foster Passport Office

Adam Jones — Fri, 28 May 2010 09:32:39 GMT

Camp Foster Passport Office

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Does Camp Foster Have A Western Union?

Adam Jones — Sat, 22 May 2010 07:56:33 GMT

Does Camp Foster Have A Western Union?

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H&R Block On Camp Foster

Adam Jones — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:00:07 GMT

H&R Block On Camp Foster

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Camp Foster Navy Federal Credit Union Hours

Adam Jones — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:35:09 GMT

Camp Foster Navy Federal Credit Union Hours

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Camp Foster PTSD?

Adam Jones — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 08:09:26 GMT

Camp Foster PTSD?

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Camp Foster Furniture Stores

Adam Jones — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:38:39 GMT

Camp Foster Furniture Stores

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