April 30, 2018 + Volume 4, Issue 4
SERVING THE U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN COMMUNITY
http://www.facebook.com/USAGJ
USARJ Safety Day, Health Fair
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2 From the Commander 3 Commissary Financial Audits 4 National Prayer Lunch 5 Legal Assistance Changes 6 DFAC Menu 8 MWR May Calendar 9 Provost Marshal Office: RAM
USAG JAPAN SOCIAL MEDIA (Click Icons)
April 30, 2018 + Volume 4, Issue 4
SERVING THE U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN COMMUNITY
http://www.facebook.com/USAGJ
From the Commander Greetings to everyone across the U.S. Army in Japan!
CLICK HERE to access the COLA Survey! It'll be available until May 31. Now, let me emphasize that safety and health are important priorities at Camp Zama.
Are you enjoying this warm weather? I know I'm excited to get out and enjoy That’s why we welcome our entire community to come out to the upcoming Summer Safety Day & Health Fair on it before the rainy season Thursday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to hits us. 3:00 p.m. at Camp Zama Community Club. Of course, there's always something going on in Japan We’ll have more than 30 tables of information and activities, including a DUI simulator with those cool so I encourage everyone to googles, several vendors and much more! Col. Phillip Gage, USAG Japan Commander go out and see this beautiful country. With summer fast approaching, we’ll provide a safety briefing on heat injury prevention in English and There are couple of things I'd like to highlight as we embark Japanese. on the month of May. First, we invite all our active-duty service members to participate in the Living Pattern Survey for Overseas Cost of Living Allowance.
This is the place of duty for all of our military and civilian personnel. Participation is counted as duty time. Family and other community members are encouraged to attend.
The purpose of COLA is to ensure everyone has the same purchasing power overseas as they would back in the States.
Ichi Dan!
The COLA Survey is your opportunity to provide direct input that affects COLA rates right here in Japan!
This survey only comes around once every three years so it’s really vital to have full participation because generous feedback can bring generous results. Either a Soldier or spouse, if applicable, can take the survey. Regardless of which one of you completes it, giving feedback on the spending patterns of your families is a chance to make a difference! Consider all your expenses associated with living in Japan, like highway tolls for off-duty activities, cell phone purchases, JCI and Japan Road Tax. The quality of life of our Soldiers and their families is important to us at Camp Zama and in the Army at large. And, that’s why your voices matter! So please take a moment of your time to take this survey.
Well, that's all for now. Thanks to everyone for all that you to do in support of the U.S. Army. Also, I wish an early Happy Mothers Day to all our mothers out there.
- Col. Phil Gage
April 30, 2018 + Volume 4, Issue 4
SERVING THE U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN COMMUNITY
http://www.facebook.com/USAGJ
Commissary Financial Audits You never write a check you cannot afford to cash. That’s the fundamental wisdom the Defense Commissary Agency has followed since 2002 as it continues to effectively account for its finances while serving millions of customers worldwide.
Independent auditors recently gave the agency an “unmodified” opinion for its fiscal 2017 financial statements, continuing a 16-year run of efficient audits. This level of accountability means a third-party examination found no substantial discrepancies in the agency’s finances.
“DeCA routinely demonstrates its ability to be responsible caretakers of the taxpayer funds appropriated to serve our military and their families,” said interim DeCA Director and CEO, retired Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi.
“Our patrons can rest assured that their commissaries’ finances are in order as the agency delivers an efficient and effective benefit.” Balancing the finances of an agency that received $1.2 billion in appropriated funding for fiscal 2017 can be a daunting task, said Larry Bands, the agency’s chief financial officer.
During that timeframe DeCA generated nearly $5 billion in annual sales and processed almost 83 million transactions in its stores, while delivering $1.5 billion in patron savings. Commissaries also redeemed both paper and digital coupons for additional customer savings of more than $56 million.
“This is an achievement all our employees can be proud of because they impact our financial credibility every day whether it’s at the commissary cash register, accounting for equipment and property, or properly doing time and attendance,” Bands said. “Everything we do can be traced to funding. Therefore, our credibility as an efficient and effective agency is tied to us being thorough and transparent with our finances.”
For DeCA the road to an unmodified audit starts as auditors from the CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) auditing firm visit commissaries as well as the agency headquarters at Fort Lee, Virginia, diving deep into financial statements and all related internal controls and transactions. The goal is to validate the financial data presented by DeCA’s accounting division, said Edna Willis, chief of the compliance and reporting branch in the resource management directorate. These accountants collect and process the information that CLA audits.
“CLA requests about 500 examples of work linked to our accounting process from our employees at various levels of the agency,” Willis said. “They interview them about these processes and observe them as they work. It’s the ultimate financial microscope when you look at it.”
It’s a necessary form of scrutiny, because like all government agencies, DeCA must still demonstrate its ability to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, Willis said. “This unmodified audit provides a great deal of credibility to the agency,” Willis said. “For us it means we are putting our best financial foot forward as we deliver this valued benefit to our military and their families.”
April 30, 2018 + Volume 4, Issue 4
SERVING THE U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN COMMUNITY
http://www.facebook.com/USAGJ
National Prayer Lunch
April 30, 2018 + Volume 4, Issue 4
SERVING THE U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN COMMUNITY
http://www.facebook.com/USAGJ
Legal Assistance Changes
April 30, 2018 + Volume 4, Issue 4
SERVING THE U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN COMMUNITY
http://www.facebook.com/USAGJ
Rising Sun Weekly DFAC Menu Hours of Operation and Prices: Breakfast: 5 - 9 a.m. / $3.45
Daily Breakfast Menu:
- Eggs to Order / Grilled Bacon - Grilled Turkey Sausage Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. / $5.60 - Sausage Patties - Creamed Beef Dinner: 5 - 6:30 p.m. / $4.85 - Biscuits - French Toast / Pancakes Brunch: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. / $6.25 - Oatmeal / Grits - Steamed Rice Supper: 5 – 6 p.m. / $7.65 - Hashed Brown Potatoes - Muffins / Assorted Bread * Daily entrée includes: Salad bar,- Assorted Cereals / Cottage Cheese Desserts, Fruits and Beverages - Breakfast Pastries
April 30, 2018 + Volume 4, Issue 4
SERVING THE U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN COMMUNITY
http://www.facebook.com/USAGJ
DFAC Menu Continued
SERVING THE U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN COMMUNITY
April 30, 2018 + Volume 4, Issue 4
http://www.facebook.com/USAGJ
MWR Calendar
2018
This is what’s happening with Zama MWR! MONDAY
SUNDAY
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH
TUESDAY
1
ACS Playgroups
Arnn Elementary • 9-11 a.m.
Brazilian Jujitsu
Yano Fitness Center • 12-12:30 p.m.
Coffee Zone Grand Opening • CRC • 1 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
2
Sports Council
• Yano Fitness Center • 1 p.m.
Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) Arts & Crafts Center • 4 p.m.
BOSS • Open Mic/Karaoke
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Little Chef’s Night & Kids Movie
BOSS • NBA 2K18
CZCC Ballroom Sunday • 19 June
6
Outdoor Rec./LT •
Fuji Shibazakura Festival & Iyashi no Sato Park
Sunday Brunch
BOSS • Movie Night
ACS Instructor Training
ACS Bldg. 402 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Heluhelu Ana (Reading) Circle Zama Library • 10:30-11 a.m.
Yoga
• CRC • 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Pacific Rim • SHA Club • 4:30-9 p.m.
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
13
Outdoor Rec./LT • •
Taue (Rice Planting) Kamakura & Enoshima Free Time
8
ACS Instructor Training
ACS Bldg. 402 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Brazilian Jujitsu
Yano Fitness Center • 12-12:30 p.m.
ACS • Coupon Clip ‘n Learn • ACS Bldg. 402 • 2-3 p.m.
BOSS • Table Tennis
ACS • Coupon Clip ‘n Learn • SHA Chapel • 4-5 p.m.
Aikido
Aikido
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Prime Rib Night
Yano Fitness Center 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Brazilian Jujitsu
Yano Fitness Center • 5 p.m.
14
Yoga
• CRC • 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Heluhelu Ana (Reading) Circle Zama Library • 10:30-11 a.m.
• CZCC • 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thai Night
• Pacific Rim • SHA Club 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
20
Outdoor Rec./LT • •
White Water Rafting Mikazuki Ryugu Spa & Lunch Buffet
Sunday Brunch
• CZCC • 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Bowling Clinic Tournament • Bowling Center • 12-6 p.m.
BOSS • Movie Night
Yano Fitness Center 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Brazilian Jujitsu
Yano Fitness Center • 5 p.m.
BOSS • Call of Duty WWII
Yoga
• CRC • 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Heluhelu Ana (Reading) Circle Zama Library • 10:30-11 a.m.
Yano Fitness Center 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Prime Rib Night
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
27
Outdoor Rec./LT
• Discover World Heritage Shirakago & Hida Takayama • Mt. Ohgiri Hiking
28
• Tokyo Factory Tour & Nagoya Castle
Yoga
• CRC • 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• CZCC • 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
BOSS • Movie Night
Warrior Zone • 12 p.m.
Thai Night
• Pacific Rim • SHA Club 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
BOSS • Call of Duty WWII
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
BOSS • Cards Against Humanity
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
ACS Instructor Training
ACS Bldg. 402 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dodgeball Tournament
• Yano Fitness Center • 6 p.m.
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
10
ACS Instructor Training
ACS Bldg. 402 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Texas Hold’em
CZCC • Garden Room • 6-10 p.m.
BOSS • Dominoes
How to do a Basic Tune Up
• Auto Skills Center • 5:30 p.m.
15
ACS Playgroups
Arnn Elementary • 9-11 a.m.
Army Family Team Building ACS Bldg. 402 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
CZCC • 5-9 p.m.
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
16 17 Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) Arts & Crafts Center • 4 p.m.
BOSS • Destiny 2
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Little Chef’s Night & Kids Movie • Pacific Rim • 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Yano Fitness Center 5-7 p.m.
CZCC • 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
11
• CZCC • 5-9 p.m.
ACS Playgroups
Arnn Elementary • 9-11 a.m.
Brazilian Jujitsu
Yano Fitness Center • 12-12:30 p.m.
23
Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy)
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
24
• Tomodachi Day
• CRC • 5:30-6:30 a.m.
BOSS • Table Tennis
Yano Fitness Center 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Aikido
BOSS • Battlefield 1
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Little Chef’s Night & Kids Movie • Pacific Rim • 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Arnn Elementary • 9-11 a.m.
30
Zama Golf
• Tomodachi Day
Shodo (Japanese Calligraphy) Arts & Crafts Center • 4 p.m.
Brazilian Jujitsu
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
31 BOSS • Madden 2018
BOSS • Dominoes
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Firelite Lounge • Country Music w/DJ 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
19
Outdoor Rec./LT
• Snow Canyon Walking • Fuji Area Excursion
Family Day Bowling • Bowling Center • 12-8 p.m.
Wing Night
• CZCC • 5-7 p.m.
BOSS • A-Z Gaming
Warrior Zone • 12 p.m.
Firelite Lounge
Latin Night
• SHA Club • Blue Moon 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Firelite Lounge
Prime Rib Night
• Hip Hop w/DJ 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
Sagami Lounge • 5-8 p.m.
Chef’s Special
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
26
Zama Golf
• Tomodachi Day
Outdoor Rec./LT
• Nikko Excursion
• CZCC • 5-7 p.m.
Firelite Lounge • Free Karaoke Night 6-10 p.m. • Hip Hop Music w/DJ 10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Mongolian BBQ Dinner
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
Island Breeze Vol. 2
SFHA Pool’s Seasonal Opening SFHA Pool • 1-6 p.m.
No Tap Bowling Tournament
• Bowling Center • 12 p.m.
T.S.E. Band & U.K.H. (Hard Rock) • Blue Moon • 8:30-10:10 p.m.
Firelite Lounge • Latin Night 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
CAMP ZAMA COMMUNITY
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Yoga with Michael
Zama
Yano Fitness Center 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-8:30 p.m. Yano Fitness Center 5-7 p.m.
• Blue Moon • 8:30-10:10 p.m.
BOSS • NBA 2K18
Little Chef’s Night & Kids Movie
Aikido
Killer Bops (Rock’n Roll & Rockabilly)
• Tomodachi Day
Sagami Lounge • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m. CZCC • 5-9 p.m.
ACS Playgroups
BOSS • Billiards
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Chef’s Special Mongolian BBQ
BOSS • A-Z Gaming
Warrior Zone • 12 p.m.
Zama Golf
Wing Night Yoga with Michael
• Ashikaga Flower Park
CZGC • Tee Time: 6 a.m.
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
18
Outdoor Rec./LT
1-2-3 Best Ball Golf Tournament
Mongolian BBQ Dinner
25
Arts & Crafts Center • 4 p.m.
Yoga
12
Zama Golf
• Free Karaoke Night 6-10 p.m. • Variety Music w/DJ 10 p.m.-3 a.m.
• Auto Skills Center • 5:30 p.m.
Mongolian BBQ
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
• Free Karaoke Night 6-10 p.m. • Hip Hop Music w/DJ 10 p.m.-3 a.m.
BOSS • Spades Tournament
How to Change Your Automatic Transmission Oil
BOSS • Cards Against Humanity
Chef’s Special
Wing Night
Yano Fitness Center 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
• Yano Fitness Center • 8 a.m.
• Old School Music Night 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
• Free Karaoke Night 6-10 p.m. • Hip Hop Music w/DJ 10 p.m.-3 a.m.
Yoga with Michael
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
29
ACS Newcomer’s Orientation
Chef’s Special
Aikido
22
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
Triathlon
Firelite Lounge
• CZCC • 5-7 p.m.
Firelite Lounge
Little Chef’s Night & Kids Movie
Outdoor Rec./LT
• Mori Park Outdoor Village • Doki-Doki Flea Market
BOSS • A-Z Gaming
• CZCC • 5-7 p.m.
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
5
Warrior Zone • 12 p.m.
Wing Night
Chef’s Special
Yano Fitness Center 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Yano Fitness Center • 5 p.m.
Yano Fitness Center 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Chef’s Special
Aikido
Brazilian Jujitsu
BOSS • May the 4th Be With You
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Chef’s Special
Yano Fitness Center • 12-12:30 p.m.
Sunday Brunch
• CZCC • 10:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
BOSS • Billiards
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Outdoor Rec./LT
Yoga with Michael
Cinco De Mayo Lunch Buffet
Sagami Lounge • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Brazilian Jujitsu
BOSS • UNO Tournament
CZCC • 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
Yano Fitness Center 5-7 p.m.
Yano Fitness Center • 5 p.m.
ACS Ohana Coffee Hour
BOSS • Texas Hold’em Tournament
Aikido
Warrior Zone • 12 p.m.
Pacific Rim • SHA Club • 4:30-9 p.m.
9
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
21
CZCC • 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mongolian BBQ
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
SATURDAY
3 ACS Newcomer’s Orientation 4
Yano Fitness Center 5-7 p.m.
Yano Fitness Center • 12-12:30 p.m.
Aikido
• CZCC • 5-9 p.m.
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Brazilian Jujitsu Special Lunch Buffet
Mongolian BBQ
Yano Fitness Center 5-7 p.m.
7
FRIDAY
Firelite Lounge
Aikido
• CZCC • 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Warrior Zone • 6 p.m.
THURSDAY
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
Mongolian BBQ
• CZCC • 5-9 p.m.
Chef’s Special
• Pacific Rim • 4:30-9 p.m.
Bazaar SATURDAY • JUNE 2 9 A.M.-5 P.M. SUNDAY • JUNE 3 10 A.M.-4 P.M.
*For more information, please call 263-5995 • Log on: http://www.armymwrjapan.com • Check the monthly “Bugle”.
April 30, 2018 + Volume 4, Issue 4
SERVING THE U.S. ARMY IN JAPAN COMMUNITY
http://www.facebook.com/USAGJ
Provost Marshal Office: RAM
CYS Patron Satisfaction Survey
USARJ/USAGJ Website Update
Your voice can make a difference in how CYS implements its programs and services. CLICK HERE for the survey.
CLICK HERE to find resources and information in the meantime.
Child & Youth Services is conducting an anonymous Patron Satisfaction Survey. The results will assist CYS with offering quality programs based on community input.
The U.S. Army Japan and U.S. Army Garrison Japan websites are still offline. Please be patient during this transition to a new website system.
Weekly Newsletter Submission Guidelines
CLICK HERE to send submissions for weekly newsletter.
Please include as many relevant details as possible.
The Rising Sun comes out every MONDAY unless otherwise stated, and the deadline for the next issue is THURSDAY by NOON.