The following news briefs are provided to help keep our community informed about what’s happening on our U.S. Army Garrison Japan installations.
To submit your information for publication, email full details (who, what, when, where, why and how, along with contact information) to usag.japan@gmail.com.
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Fulfillment Vouchers for WIC Overseas Families
Effective July 1, the Defense Health Agency partnered with the Defense Commissary Agency to issue a fulfillment voucher to WIC Overseas families when they are not able to fully utilize their current drafts, due an item not available for purchase.
This occurs when items are out of stock or DeCA experiences a local shortage in which limited quantities are available. The fulfillment voucher can only be issued when no acceptable alternative product is available in the categories listed below.
The following seven categories are currently eligible to receive a fulfillment voucher:
• Juice
• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Eggs
• Peanut butter
• Baby formula (concentrate, powder, and ready-to-use)
You must use your voucher within 30 days. If you have any questions or concerns when redeeming a voucher, please ask to speak to an on-duty commissary manager for assistance.
Bon Odori Festival
Camp Zama’s Bon Odori Festival will be held from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 5 on the Yano Sports Fields.
As we get ready to enjoy a day of food, games, music, dancing and fireworks with our community members and friends and neighbors outside the gate, it’s important to keep in mind a few rules and guidance meant to keep everyone safe:
• Gate 1 will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at noon on Aug. 5. SOFA personnel wishing to enter Camp Zama using their vehicle after noon must utilize Gate 7. No visitors or guests may enter through Gate 7.
• All normal visitor passes will be suspended at 11 a.m. on Aug. 5, and all visitors must leave Camp Zama prior to that time. Normal visitor pass procedures will resume Aug. 6.
• Event visitors can enter Camp Zama through Gate 1 (main gate) or Gate 4 (walk-in gate) starting at 1 p.m. Vehicle and bicycle entrance at those gates will not be permitted. Visitors cannot enter the gates after 8:30 p.m. Both gates will be exit-only starting at 8:30 p.m.
** Do not drink and drive. MWR will offer a free shuttle bus service to and from the Sagamihara Family Housing Area. The bus will pick up passengers at the airport bus stop behind the SHA Outdoor Pool and will drop off at the Camp Zama Bowling Center parking lot.
• The parking lot south of Bldg. 101 will be blocked off for the fireworks set-up, so please remove all vehicles by 7 p.m. on Aug. 4. Any vehicles remaining in that lot will be towed We recommend not to park in any other parking spots near Bldg. 101.
• Do not bring weapons, alcohol, push scooters, skateboards, bicycles, personal fireworks, glass containers, large bag, carts or pets to the event.
• Small bags and backpacks are allowed, but will be checked before entering.
• All visitors must leave the installation at 9 p.m. after completion of the fireworks event.
• A note for on-post residents: If you have your vehicle parked in the Yano Fitness Center parking lot and will be leaving at 9 p.m. when the festival ends, please anticipate extremely heavy foot traffic near that area, since many people will be leaving the installation through Gate 1. This may cause a significant delay in you being able to exit the parking lot. Priority will be given to pedestrian right-of-way.
• Please be aware of high heat and drink plenty of water. Bringing your own water on the installation is permitted.
• All visitors 18 years of age or older must present one of the following forms of ID in order to access the installation for an open-post event: Valid driver’s license; valid passport; Government of Japan identification card; Japan Self-Defense Forces identification card; local national student identification card (high school students only); residence card (must show nationality) or a permanent address record card showing nationality along with a picture ID; National Public Service identification (Kokka Komuinsho); or a My Number Card/Juki Card (must have a current photograph, Juminhyo with Honsekichi or Koseki Tohon issued within one year). Non-Japanese citizens must bring a passport with a valid visa or a permanent residence card. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is in possession of one of the above valid forms of ID.
• Please be aware that citizens of certain countries other than the United States and Japan may be denied entry at the discretion of security forces. If you have questions regarding your eligibility to enter the installation, please call the Installation Pass Office prior at one of the following numbers: 046-407-4697, 046-407-2779 or 046-407-2776.
Camp Zama Vacation Bible School
Camp Zama's Vacation Bible School will be held Aug. 7 through 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. This year's VBS is titled "Twists & Turns."
Each day, children should meet at Camp Zama's Outdoor Recreation Center (inside the Community Recreation Center). From there, groups will move to the Religious Education Center for VBS activities.
To sign up, you can scan the QR code by clicking on and expanding the header image. You can also email campzamaVBS2023@gmail.com or call 046-407-5950 from your cellphone for more information.
Early Bird Youth Sports Physicals
The BG Crawford F. Sams Clinic will be conducting early bird school physicals! Please call the appointment line at 262-4175 or 046-407-4175 to schedule it as soon as possible.
DoDEA Pacific Conditional Enrollment
Effective June 1, DoDEA Pacific high schools have begun offering conditional enrollment to military-connected students entering grades nine through 12 who will be moving to Japan, Okinawa, Korea or Guam due to permanent change of station orders. Conditional enrollment allows students to select courses and build a class schedule prior to arrival in the Pacific!
Summer Bowling Pass at Zama Bowling Center
Zama Libraries Summer Reading Program
“Find Your Voice!” is this year’s theme for the 2023 Zama Libraries Summer Reading Program. Open to all ages! Online registration starts June 10. Call 263-3517 or 046-407-3517 for more information.
Walk-In Contraception Clinic
New Hours of Operation for Camp Zama Vehicle Registration Office
The U.S. Army Garrison Japan Vehicle Registration Office, located at Gate 1, will be open under new hours of operation beginning the week of June 19.
The new hours are:
Monday through Wednesday and Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday: Noon to 4 p.m.
Call 263-4810 (046-407-4810) for more information.
No-Drone Zone
All U.S. Army in Japan installations are “no-drone zones,” meaning all drone usage is prohibited. That includes the very popular toy drones.
Also be advised that Japan has strict drone usage laws and if you intend to fly one off post, you should ensure you understand those laws.
Time Change for Booking Space-Available Appointments
The BG Sams U.S. Army Health Clinic recently changed the time for space-available patients to call for scheduling a same-day appointment. The time has changed from 11 a.m. to 10 a.m., and calls can be made to DSN 262-4175 or 046-407-4175.
Additional information on space-available care can be found at https://bg-crawford.tricare.mil/Getting-Care/Space-Available-Care.
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