Kadena Shoguns

Wings Wings-at at-Home

Airman and Family Readiness Center Building 220 634-3366 www.kadenafss.com/life -career/a-frc

Chief
Carla E. Diamond

A&FRC Monthly Newsletter for Families of Deployed Military Members

Editor
MSgt Devin Wright

Who To Call?
A&FRC Red Cross Family Advocacy Base Chapel Legal Office Medical Finance TriCare Mental Health Dental SARC Vet Clinic MFLC 634-3366 634-1979 634-0433 634-1288 634-3300 630-4817 634-1300 630-4310 630-4817 630-4817 634-7272 959-1300 634- 3915

MAY 2013
Kadena Airman & Family Readiness Center

Helpful Links: www.militaryonesource.com www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil www.milspouse.org www.militarysaves.org www.kadenaforcesupport.com www.afterdeployment.org www.myairforcelife.com

Golden week

The end of April through around May 5th is called "Golden Week" in Japan since there are many national holidays during this period. Many Japanese offices close for about a week to 10 days, depending on the calendar. People take a vacation and travel around the country or abroad, so tourist attractions in Japan are crowded during this time. Also, airports and train stations in Japan are crowded with people. It is hard to get reservations for accommodations and transportation during Golden Week. The first national holiday during Golden Week is April 29, which was the birthday of Shouwa Emperor. Now, this day is called showa-no-hi (Showa Day). The second holiday is kenpou-kinen-bi (Constitution Memorial Day), May 3. Then, May 4 is called midori-no-hi (Greenery Day). The last holiday during Golden Week is kodomono-hi (Children's Day) on May 5. It's also Japanese Boy's Festival called tango-no-sekku and is a day to pray for healthy growth of boys. It's a Japanese tradition for families of boys to hang up carp streamers (koinobori) outside their houses.

Japanese Culture Classes & Tours at the Airman & Family Readiness Center
Sanshin
>Date & Time: 9, 16, 23, 30 May, 1700 - 1800 >Where to meet: A&FRC Classroom Learn a traditional Ryukyu song on the Sanshin, an Okinawan 3-string instrument. Participants can start at anytime.

Japanese Bi-Cultural Workshop Japanese for Busy People >Date & Time: 14 May, 1300-1500 >Date & Time: 16 - 18 Aug, 1200 - 1330 >Where to meet: A&FRC Culture Room This session is designed for Japanese Spouses who would like to >Where to meet: A&FRC Classroom learn more about the American culture and military life style. It This is a 3-day lunchtime session for those wanting to learn ueful will help build and expand your network. words and phrases for daily Japanese living. Japanese Basic Step 1
>Date & Time: 7, 9, 14 , 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 May, 1730 - 1900 >Where to meet: A&FRC Classroom This is a 4 week language class focusing on proficiency of speech and practical application.

Kimono Wearing
>Date & Time: 10 May, 100-1200 >Where to meet: A&FRC Classroom A great way to learn how to put on a Kimono.

Newcomers Island Excursion

>Date & Time: 17 May, 1000 - 1500 >Where to meet: Schilling Community Center Explore the history, culture and customs of Okinawa on this free bus trip. Bring a snack lunch or yen for a light Japanese lunch and purchasing souvenirs. Registration required. Open to all ages.

Other Events at the A&FRC

1 May at 0830 2 May at 0900 3 May at 0800 8 & 22 May at 1700 13 May at 0900 13-17 May at 0800 21, 22 & 23 May at 1200 29 May at 1730 Heart Link Sponsorship First Time Home Buyer Workshop Deployed Family Dining (Marshall Dining Facility) Employment 101 Transition GPS Japanese for Busy People EFMP Potluck

PLAYpass EXTENDED UNTIL DEC 2013 !!! Come to the A&FRC at 634-3366 for more details

MILITARY & FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANT PROGRAM

Brought to you by

Department of Defense
To provide a supplemental on-base resource for addressing work and family life issues

Licensed professional counselors are now available on base to provide short term consultations at no charge.
Consultations are provided on a confidential* basis to assist SOFA status personnel and their family members with individual and family issues such as: work related stress, deployment issues, relationships, anger management, parenting, transitions, combat stress and more.

Help is only a phone call away. 634-3915 or 634-4451 090-8518-0939; 080-3929-2486

*Exceptions to confidentiality are Duty to Warn issues.

The A&FRC provides personalized pillowcases for children and spouses of a deployed military member? All you have to do is send us a picture. This is a great way to keep your deployed loved ones close to your hearts.

You can get 5 free hours of childcare. Give Parents a Break is held every month in conjunction with the Deployed Spouses Dinner. The location for this month will be the Himiwari School Age Program. Bring a copy of your spouses orders to the A&FRC to get your voucher.

Okinawa Typhoon Season is from 1 June 31 Nov. Do you have your Typhoon Kit ready? If not, log onto Kadena AB home page and then click on Local Weather. There is a Emergency Action Guide attached, that has all the info you will need.

More questions? Please contact the A&FRC at 634-3366