MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- If your household goods are in transit, you don't need to buy temporary replacements. There is a service aboard the station that provides them for free.
The Lending Locker, operated by Marine Corps Community Services, provides household items individuals and families can check out when they are moving into and out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
"The purpose of the Lending Locker is to assist personnel, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, whose household goods are in transit," said Eugene Clark, Relocation Office specialist. "We want to help service members and prevent them from having to go out and buy these items, because they don't have to. They can borrow them for free at the Lending Locker."
The Lending Locker has many items service members can check out, such as toaster ovens, cooking utensils, irons and ironing boards, telephones, baby strollers and car seats.
"We also have kitchen sets that contain pots and pans, dishes and all the basic kitchen items that someone would need," said Clark.
Both accompanied and unaccompanied personnel can check out items for up to 60 days. Deadlines can be extended by request.
"The Lending Locker really made my transition to Iwakuni a lot easier," said Master Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Spoo, Wing Calibration chief. "My wife and I first arrived here with no household goods. We would have been six weeks without anything if not for the Lending Locker."
According to Spoo, using the Lending Locker is painless.
"All you've got to do is go down there, sign for it, and it's yours," said Spoo.
According to Clark, service members who break or lose items are responsible for their replacement, though normal wear and tear is acceptable.
"The service is provided on a first come first serve basis," said Clark. "The best part about it is that it's free."
The Lending Locker is located in Building 411, Room 219. For more information call 253-6161.