MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- When service members and families go to new duty stations, or get stationed overseas for the first time, they often find themselves looking for assistance to make their move go smoothly.
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni offers many programs for service members and their families to help with their transition.
The Relocation Assistance Program gives Family Day Information Briefs by bringing in various representatives from the station who discuss a wide range of topics, including permanent housing, child care, volunteer opportunities and cultural adaptation.
"We try to bring in all the new families and make them feel comfortable, feel at home," said Eugene Clark, Relocation Office specialist. "We like to take the dislocation out of relocation."
The Relocation Assistance Office definitely seems to be accomplishing that mission.
"The program is great for people who have just arrived in Iwakuni," said Clark. "It's also helpful for people who haven't been stationed overseas before because they inform new arrivals of where to go for information."
The Relocation Assistance Program also offers sponsorship training for the service members who will help new arrivals. Marines who have been stationed in Iwakuni for some time are assigned by units to be the pre-arrival contact for families.
"As sponsors, we meet the new families and try to arrange housing and provide transportation for them when they first get here," said Gunnery Sgt. Clinton Taylor, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 quality insurance representative. "Also, if the families have children, we try to register them at school, so children can start without any hassle."
Family briefs are held on the first and third Thursday of each month, and provide free child care.
The next Family Day Briefing will be held Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Station Chapel.
For more information call the Relocation Assistance Office at 253-3311.