Taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves can prove to be a great benefit to anyone. To ensure you don't miss out on free tours, services and classes, the Airman and Family Readiness Center is working with the KOSC to provide information the many programs and services we offer.
It is our goal to provide the best services available. If you would like more information or would like to register for classes and workshops, please call us at 634-3366 or feel free to stop by Building 99, behind the Olympic Mall and Dunkin’ Donuts®. We’ll be glad to assist you.
Below are just some of the cultural, financial, and family classes and services we offer. Download a monthly calendar for Sanshin (Okinawan 3 string musical instrument) lessons, Obi tying lessons, Brush calligraphy and lots more! www.kadenaforcesupport.com/afrc/ and www.kadenaforcesupport.com/deployed.
•• Newcomers’ Bus Tour:
If you are new to Okinawa, take a fun look into the history, culture and customs of Okinawa on this free tour. The tour includes a visit to the Onna Glass Factory, Ryukyu Mura for a free music and dance show, Zakimi Castle ruins, Yomitan Pottery Village and Onna Station (a local favorite roadside market with food, groceries, souvenirs, a bakery, etc.). We’ll take a luxury tour bus from the Schilling Community Center to each location. We recommend that you bring a brown bag lunch or Yen for a light Japanese lunch and Yen for souvenirs. The tour is free of charge! Registration is required. •Call 634-3366 for details.
•• Japanese Grocery Store Tour:
Attend the free Japanese Grocery Store Tour. Learn valuable information on how to purchase a variety of items from baked goods to meats, and from sauces to souvenirs. Participants will also learn basic Japanese phrases to help order or find items in the store at a local Jusco where Ayano Shimojo, the AFRC cultural program manager, will lead you through the store and answer your questions! Registration is required. •Call 634-3366.
•• Japanese Language Classes:
This is your chance to learn basic communication skills of Japanese language in a fun and friendly atmosphere. You’ll discover how to say commonly used phrases to make you feel more comfortable off base. Just think about how you can impress your friends by speaking Japanese! Some quick courses, some last for several weeks. Participation is free of charge, but some courses require purchase of a book. Registration is required. •Call 634-3366 for details.
•• Heart Link:
Support for the Military Spouse. Heart Link is held quarterly at the Family Support Center (also called Airman and Family Readiness Center). Please encourage your squadron’s or unit’s newcomers to attend Heart Link. It’s a great way to learn about the resources available to the spouse and her family here at Kadena AB. The goal of Heart Link is to strengthen Air Force families through knowledge about military programs, agencies, and the mission. This free program is offered once per quarter, serves lunch, and has child care provisions. Help spouses gain a better understanding of the Air Force and their base through guest speakers, interactive segments, giveaways, and briefings. •Please call 634-3366 to enroll.
•• Japanese Washi Arts and Crafts:
Learn the art of making decorative items using Japanese art paper called Washi. This free class taught by Ayano Shimojo is your opportunity to discover a traditional Japanese craft in the comfort of our center. Instruction and materials are provided free of charge. Registration is required.
Look at some of the other services offered at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Call or stop in for details.
•• Finding a Career at Kadena:
It takes more than luck to establish a fulfilling career. Through three comprehensive classes, you can receive the guidance, direction and resources needed to help you succeed. Students can complete all three sessions or take just the one they need. Here's your chance to determine which career suits your personality best and discover how to land that coveted job. “EDGE” will help you "Explore" and "Discover" careers, "Gain" information on resumes, civilian and federal employment and obtain "Employment." Registration is required. •Call 634-3366 for details.
Session 1: Explore and Discover Careers
Session 2: Resume 101 Civilian Resume
Session 3: Federal Employment
•• Japanese Bicultural Marriage Workshop:
This class is designed for Japanese spouses to gain an understanding of the U.S. culture, military lifestyle, and the origins of Japanese culture, while building a network of friends. Class is free of charge. Registration is required. •Call 634-3366 for details.
•• Immigration and Naturalization:
Individuals interested in applying for U.S. citizenship or a green card should attend this valuable workshop and learn how to start the process. Registration is required. •Call 634-3366 for details.
•• International Adoption Workshop:
Interested in international adoption and not sure where to start? This workshop offers an overview of the international adoption process with an adoptive parent as the guest speaker. Representatives provide additional information on the home study process, legal services, immigration and VISA issues, Special Needs and New Parent Support Program services. Open to all ranks and services.
•• Bundles for Babies:
Learn what to expect when expecting regarding financial planning and relationship changes. Air Force members/spouses who participate receive a gift pack! The program is funded by the Air Force Aid Society. Registration is required. •Call 634-3366 for details.
•• Give Parents a Break:
Give Parents a Break is an Air Force Aid funded program that offers five free hours of child care at the Child Development Center. For parent deployed more than 30 days. Vouchers are distributed at the AFRC when you bring in a copy of your spouses’s orders. Vouchers must be submitted to Shima No Ko Child Development Center by Wednesday the week of care. •Give us a call at 634-3366 today!
•• Deployed Spouse Dinner:
If your spouse is deployed, the Airman and Family Readiness Center welcomes you to a free dinner every month. We’ll provide free child care, prizes, food, beverages and a great time to talk to other spouses, speak with support agency personnel or just get a break away from the grind at home. Each dinner includes a special guest speaker to help spouses understand the benefits and services available. Don’t miss the fun night. Pre-registration is required, RSVP. •Call 634-3366 for details.
•• Deployment Extravaganza at the Schilling Center
This is a walk-through event, at your own pace. It is a wonderful way to get information and questions answered all at one time, and there are lots of “freebies” and info packets to collect and have on hand at home. Children are welcome and are encouraged to attend, as many booths have items that they would enjoy, too. Most every service agency is represented there, so if you have any burning issues/questions/concerns, it is the event to attend! No registration nescessary.
•• Financial Foundations:
Tired of struggling financially? Learn to take control of your finances from the basics of managing your debit card through beginning investment strategies during Financial Foundations. This four-session class provides you with the information you’ll need to understand, control and execute a sound financial plan. Students are encouraged to attend all four sessions, but may schedule sessions individually. Registration is required. •Call 634-3366 for details.
Session 1: Basic Banking and Debit Card Management
Session 2: Budgeting and Goal Setting
Session 3: Understanding Your Credit
Session 4: Investing for Beginners
•• Free Credit Report:
You've probably heard all recent news regarding the sub-prime credit crunch and its affects on home sales nationwide. Did you know that reports show that more than half of all credit reports have errors significant enough to damage the individual's credit worthiness? Everyone should check their credit report annually and the Airman and Family Readiness Center is here to assist with a free credit report, score, analysis and improvement plan. Just give one of our financial counselors a call and ask for your free credit report and you'll receive a promotional code that allows you to access your Experian report and BrightScore credit score online 100% free of charge! •Give us a call at 634-3366 today!
•• Returning to the States?
When you're about to PCS, there are a myriad of details you need to know. The AFRC can assist you in many ways including home buying information, Child Care for PCS, and via the Smooth Move workshop. Let our professionals help save you a ton of headaches during your next PCS! Registration is required for workshops. •Call 634-3366 for details.
•• Child Care for PCS:
You can obtain 20 hours of free child care per child if you're within 60 days of arrival or departure from Kadena and are an Air Force military family. Simply stop by with a copy of your PCS orders and we'll provide you a voucher that can be used with Family Child Care providers. •Call 634-3366 for details.
•• Smooth Move Workshop:
This workshop is designed to assist families in preparing for departure from Kadena. Learn packing and preparation tips, handling the stress of the move, learning about your new base, selling, junking or donating your vehicles, transporting pets, arranging lodging, moving out of housing, and much more. Speakers include Finance, Traffic Management Flight, Housing, Lodging, AMC Terminal, Legal, Tri-care Medical Services, Veterinary Services, and Vehicle Registration. •Call 634-3366 for details.
•• Free CarFax Report:
If you're returning to the states and have started looking for a new car, you know the stress that finding the right car can cause. When buying a used vehicle, you need to protect yourself against odometer rollback, cars that have been in major accidents or totaled, vehicles returned under lemon laws, flood vehicles from Hurricane Katrina and many other problems. To assist you, the AFRC can now provide you with a free CarFax Report to help protect you against these major issues. Simply provide one of our counselors the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle you plan to purchase and we'll provide you a CarFax report free of charge! We only have a limited number of reports for the year, but are in great shape to help you out today. *Call 634-3366 for more information.
•• First-time Home Buying Workshop:
This workshop teaches you how to use a Realtor, determine which financing programs are best for you, how to shop and qualify for a loan, how to assess a home’s value, and discover what benefits home ownership really offers. This class is essential for all first-time home purchasers or individuals seeking to expand their knowledge of the home buying process. •Call 634-3366 for details.
Check out our website to see more of our classes, services and latest schedule, www.kadenaforcesupport.com/afrc/