He just got out of training in El Paso, we live in Northern CA, and there is no local base here (Travis AFB is 120 miles away). I've got the furniture and cars taken care of to get over there, but don't even know where to start when we get there in finding homes and getting the kids in school. The hubby is no help, as this is his first experience doing this too, and they gave us LESS THEN 2 weeks notice! And the website for Fort Shafter is no help...many links are dead! We don't even get a sponsor since we're going to be there in a week.
2006-09-11 07:01:28 · 7 answers · asked by dragonfairy1999 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
It would have been better for him to go over alone, find a place to live and get settled and then send for you and the kids. This is basically an overseas move, so it's rough. By going with him, you're adding stress the the whole moving situation, especially since the kids have to get enrolled in school. When you're at Travis, go to base travel. Have them help you find post billeting or inexpensive hotels. Get reservations so it's waiting for you. The Army will cover all the travel expense, but make sure it's ready. Be sure he has his orders, as well as your orders (his need to state that you're authorized to travel with him or that you're authorized to go). Depending on the wording is how you know if they pay or if you pay, then they reimburse you. Try any of the web sites that others have listed and when at Travis, go to their available sources. This type of move is typical for the Army to expect you to make. I know you've been away from him during schooling and such, but it really is easier sometimes to wait for them to find a place to live and such. I've only moved WITH him once. The longest it took him to get me where he was, was 2 weeks, but it was less stress. Overseas moves are always the hardest.
2006-09-11 07:23:32 · answer #1 · answered by HEartstrinGs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take lots of sunscreen and bug spray. :) I lived on Oahu for a year. My husband was at Pearl Harbor (Navy).
Don't enroll the kids in public school. The schools are rough and tough and the locals hate white kids, military kids and non-locals. Plus the education is really lacking. Plan on private school. Really!
There is military housing right across from the airport and you can get a hotel allowance while you are arranging housing. Have your husband talk to his commanding officer. There should be someone to meet you and escort you from the airport.
You will love the shopping on base. Fantastic! Some of the best.
Ask about the army wives support group. Your husband's company has one. There should be a wife that is designated to "show you around" and help you get all the stuff you need to get settled in. If you can make a contact before you get there that would be best. See if you can get that women's groups e-mail and I am sure there will be a wife that feels your pain and will help you out.
Military housing has gotten a lot better lately. They have remodeled much of the older housing projects (Right across from the airport) and there are many new subdivisions built in the last three years. You may have to settle for something older and then move to something newer, but just make sure you are in some place safe. Some of the developments can be a dump. Stand firm with housing assignments. Remind them that you have kids.
2006-09-11 07:07:17 · answer #2 · answered by NONAME 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hopefully if the gods are smiling he will have the opportunity to do all of the check in stuff as soon as he gets there.
While I don't have kids, I am given to understand that overall, private school is the way to go over there, as the public school system can be less than impressive.
Housing: depends on what you qualify for, the waiting list and where they plan on sticking you. it is expensive on the economy.
Go to the community Forums on Military.com and check out the relocation Section.. you will find a wealth of information there.
2006-09-11 07:08:47 · answer #3 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on which island you are going to. I used to live on Oahu. and knew several military families over there. If you want to live on the base they do have nice homes there, if you don't then find a rich relative to help out. It is REALLY expensive, REALLY.
I would suggest living on base. the Army base on Oahu is really nice and has a nice bowling alley and roller rink, or maybe the rink was on teh air base.
We weren't military but got on due to our friends being military. That was when you could just drive on base no questions asked. Now you have to have a pass etc.
Good luck, if it is on Oahu, there is a shaved ice place on teh North Shore that is the absolute best you will ever have. I forget the name of it, but a local should be able to help out there.
Have fun.
2006-09-11 07:11:06 · answer #4 · answered by sandrarosette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the army one stop site and you can see house plans and waiting list times for on post. I have a friend that does rentals -not sure how close they are but if you email me I can send you her link.
Also get the book about Space A travel. You can take hops to other places. I've heard it's a great way to go places - hubby and I still need to look into it.
2006-09-11 07:13:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try www.military.com, then click on the link to installation guides. You will find a link under Hawaii for Ft. Shafter. Once there you can get other links to housing, education, etc...
2006-09-11 07:09:41 · answer #6 · answered by cass 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its VERY expensive, and it gets kind of old after awhile since you can't really go anywhere
2006-09-11 07:04:26 · answer #7 · answered by AFwife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋