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.
Cherry Blossom Festival - April 6
Join us on Saturday April 6, 2024, at Camp Zama for a celebration of friendship and the beauty of cherry blossoms! This event is open post event, and will run from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please visit the MWR website for more information: https://zama.armymwr.com/.
Sagamihara Housing Area Playground Construction – Starts in April
Two of our Sagamihara Housing Area playgrounds, 111-04 and 123-13, are scheduled for a complete modernization renovation. These renovations will involve the removal and disposal of current playground equipment and accessories, making way for new equipment that will enhance our community. The anticipated construction schedule is as follows:
** Playground 123-13: April 1, 2024 – November 29, 2024
** Playground 111-04: April 3, 2024 – October 31, 2024
Please note that during this period, the playgrounds will be temporarily closed behind barricades for safety reasons and will be inaccessible for occupants. To ensure a smooth start to the construction, we kindly request that any personal belongings near these playgrounds be relocated by March 31, 2024. Construction barricades will be placed along the outer perimeter of the sidewalks. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work toward creating a more enjoyable space.
Family Advocacy Classes - April
The Camp Zama Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program is offering several upcoming classes. They include:
Selfcare
** April 16 – Stress Management
** April 23 – Conflict Resolution
** April 30 – Couples Communication
All classes at from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Army Community Service building on Camp Zama. To register for a class, utilize the QR code below or email Jennifer.luera.2.civ@army.mil.
Friendship Youth Tee-Ball Exchange Event – April 13
Sagamihara City is inviting at least 10 of our elementary school-aged children to join a tee-ball game with local Japanese youth on April 13 at the Sagamihara Sports Recreation Park near the Sagami General Depot. The event will take place from 2-4 p.m. You must provide your own transportation, but there is ample parking at the facility. To register, please send an email to usarmy.zama.id-pacific.mbx.usagj-pao-eb@army.mil or usag.japan@gmail.com with you and your child’s information.
Kodomo No Matsuri (Children’s Festival) – April 13
Get ready for a day of fun and festivity as Camp Zama CYS proudly presents this year’s Annual Kodomo No Matsuri (Children’s Festival) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13 on Camp Zama’s Yano Field. This event is held in celebration of Month of the Military Child. Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable experience filled with games, activities, delicious carnival food, live performances, and exciting prizes and giveaways! Bring your smiles and join us for a day of laughter, joy, and cultural celebration! This event is open to all children and youth in the community, so spread the word and mark your calendars.
For more information, please call Parent Central Services as DSN 263-4125 (046-407-4125 from a cell phone).
Camp Zama Road Tax Campaign – April 16-April 18
Sagami Depot Hawaiian Festival – April 28
MWR's "Sagami Depot Hawaiian Festival 2024 will be April 28 from noon-7 p.m at the Sagami General Depot Athletic Field. Live music, live performances (lots of hula dancers), food vendors, and more! This is an OPEN POST event held in conjunction with East Japan International Friendship Marathon. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/armymwrjapan or call 263-3939 (046-407-3939 from a cell phone).
USO Japan Special Delivery Baby Shower - April 30
USO Japan is hosting a Special Delivery Baby Shower for expecting or new moms with babies under 6 months old at Camp Zama's Community Club at 1 p.m. on April 30. Register here: https://brnw.ch/21wIb4t.
Volunteer Opportunity/Tour of Japan Bike Race – May 25
Sagamihara City is looking for volunteers to support Tour of Japan (Bike Race) on May 25!
When: May 25 (Sat.), 0730-1030
Where: Location assigned by SC (normally Hashimoto Area, Sagamihara City)
Who: 10 volunteers (older than 13 years old) from Camp Zama community
What: Course support activities, such as setting up the course, securing the course/traffic control during the actual race (main duty), recovery of the road
Why: To support Sagamihara City's bike race
Course supporter t-shirt with cap will be provided and there will be language support at the event site. BOSS Soldiers will also participate in the event. No parking is available at the site, but transportation will be provided from Camp Zama. To volunteer, please send an email with your name, date of birth, and telephone number to usarmy.zama.id-pacific.mbx.usagj-pao-peb@army.mil by March 25. We will provide the details to the participants as the day gets closer.
Community ‘Ichi Dan’ Night at Camp Zama Community Club – May 31
The entire community is invited to join the “Ichi Dan” (one team) night starting at 5 p.m. May 31 in the Camp Zama Community Club’s Firelite Lounge. This is a way for the community to come together, to thank each other for all the hard work everyone does for the mission, and to enjoy free hors d’oeuvres, music and camaraderie. Call DSN 263-4133 (046-407-4133 from a cell phone) for more information.
Disability-Reserved Parking Placard Requirement
Please note that you must have a U.S. Army Garrison Japan or other U.S Forces Japan installation-issued parking placard to utilize disability-reserved parking on our facilities. Stateside-issued or locally purchased placards are not authorized for use. Anyone requiring an official placard should submit a written request through the U.S. Army Garrison Japan Vehicle Registration Office with a medical certificate (or Japanese disability ID card) verifying the necessity for the placard and the license plate, make, model and color of the vehicle it will be used with. Please call 263-4810 (046-407-4810 from a cell phone) for more information.
Army Tuition Assistance Notification
Army Tuition Assistance users with potential outstanding balances from FY 21/22 should have received email messages. If you've received a message, please confirm your financial status with UMGC and ARMYIGNITED immediately. Failure to act swiftly may lead to being placed on financial hold with UMGC and could lead to collections. If you have any questions concerning the Army's decision regarding your tuition assistance, please reach out to your education center or submit a helpdesk ticket for assistance from your ArmyIgnitED account.
Summer Employment Option
Looking to make extra cash this summer? USAG Japan Sports, Fitness & Aquatics is accepting applications for a Recreation Aid (NF01) position at SHA Outdoor Pool. Visit this site for more information and to apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/780636100
Girl Scouts
Camp Zama Girl Scouts are looking for volunteers to join the fun and support Girl Scouts in all they do! You could lead a badge activity, take Girl Scouts hiking or to explore new places, help at troop meetings, and more. With your unique skills and interests, you’ll help Girl Scouts become stronger, kinder, and braver than they ever thought possible. Reach out to zamagirlscouts@usagso.org to learn more!
Off-Post Medical Options
U.S. Army Japan has a link to its homepage offering information on off-post medical clinics and hospitals that offer bilingual services.
Find the latest information here: https://www.usarj.army.mil/Medical-Services/Host-Nation-Medical-Options/
Parenting Support Programs – Ongoing
Army Community Services offers several parenting-focused classes and groups to assist our community. They include:
*New Parent Support Program – Assisting all military families with children up to age 3. Services include: home visits; breastfeeding information; prenatal classes; parenting classes; play groups; and baby bundle care packages. This service is free for active-duty service members and their families who meet the criteria (expecting a child; have a child up to 3 years old).
*Parenting 101 – This program meets the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. in the ACS Building on Camp Zama (Bldg. 402). Study topics include child safety first; healthy bodies; the Purple Crying Program; shaken baby syndrome; and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
*Perinatal Support Group – This group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. in the ACS Building on Camp Zama (Bldg. 402). It was created to provide additional support to those expecting a baby. It’s a great way to discuss your pregnancy experience, connect with other parents, and learn about beneficial resources.
*Screaming-Free Parenting – Parenting can be tough, so join us the third Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. in the ACS Building on Camp Zama (Bldg. 402). This program focuses on balancing discipline with affection; praising your child for good behavior; and effective communication.
*ACS Play Group – This program meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services office at Arnn Elementary School. It’s designed for children up to 3 years of age to learn, play and make new friends. It also allows parents to connect and socialize.
Please call ACS at 263-4357 (046-407-4357 from a cell phone) if you have questions about any of these programs.
Trauma-Focused Therapy Group – Every Wednesday
A new weekly trauma-focused therapy group is starting Feb 7, facilitated by MEDDAC-J provider and therapist John West. Group will be held at Behavioral Health (Building 534, 2nd Floor) every Wednesday 11 a.m. to noon. We are all impacted by traumas small and large. Consider yourself welcome to join this group focusing on wellness, healing, and social support within an atmosphere of safety. The group will integrate methods from multiple evidence-based therapies including EMDR, IFS, and ACT. Adult (18+) TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible to attend. Please contact BHS to reserve a space: DSN 263-4610 or 046-407-4610 from a cell phone. For additional questions regarding the group, email john.p.west50.civ@health.mil.
Celebrate Recovery – Every Thursday
The U.S. Army Garrison Japan Religious Support Office is offering a new 12-step program – “Celebrate Recovery” – to assist with issues including chemical dependency, alcoholism, family dysfunction, and others. The first session is Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Camp Zama Religious Education Center. Please call DSN 263-4898, or 046-407-4898 from a cell phone, for more information.
Yano Fitness Center Age Rules
Effectively immediately, the Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Yano Fitness Center staff at Camp Zama’s Yano Fitness Center will be enforcing age rules for the safety of all patrons. Please note:
**Children 12 years of age and under are not allowed in functional fitness or weight room areas
**Children 13-15 must be supervised by a legal guardian
**Children 16 and above have full access to the fitness center
2024 BOSS Financial Training Schedule
Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers is offering financial training classes. Each class below will be held in the Community Recreation Center’s Warrior Zone on Camp Zama from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
April 25 – Home Sweet Home (Home buying)
May 30 – Saving and Investing
June 27 – Credit Management
Please call DSN 263-5316 or 046-407-5316 from a cell phone for more info!
Combined Federal Campaign
The Combined Federal Campaign is one of the world’s largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaigns, with CFC campaigns throughout the country and overseas raising millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors support eligible nonprofit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.
Suicide Crisis Hotline
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Update on New COVID Vaccine Availability
This an update to COVID-19 vaccine availability and appointment procedures. Please use the DHA appointment portal to schedule a vaccination at https://informatics-stage.health.mil/DAP/.
Availability By Age Group:
Pfizer (12-plus years old): Mondays and Fridays, 9 to 11 a.m.
Pfizer (5 to 11 years old): Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.
Pfizer (6 months to 4 years old: Wednesdays, 9 to 11 a.m.
My Army Post App Survey
The Army is rapidly developing a new app to better connect Soldiers and Families to installation information, programs and services. IMCOM is actively seeking input and feedback to ensure this app is most effective for our People and supports our senior commanders. Please find an overview of the new app and a survey at the following link: https://survey.tradoc.army.mil/EFM/se/466E33927BBAEBD501
Update Your Contact Information in ADPAAS
Disaster Personnel Accountability has never been more important.
The goal is for sponsors to protect themselves, their family members and for commands to be ready for personnel accountability before an emergency event occurs.
Please be sure to log into ADPAAS at https://adpaas.army.mil and update your contact information now.
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