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Smooth moove? You decide

  • Published
  • By Danielle Gregory
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  Unorganized moving can be the worst choice an Air Force member can make after receiving permanent change of station orders. 

The goals of a PCS are to help keep the Air Force at its peak ability as well as foster career growth for the member. But, with any move there will always be challenges such as an adjustment period, separation from family and friends and becoming accustomed to a new work-place and town. 

Fortunately, base services are within the reach to help those in need before and after a move, regardless of the distance. Tinker AFB offers a "Smooth Move" class that prepares those moving for their trip and tells military and civilians both the best way of moving efficiently. 

"There are agencies available to you to help out with the stress of the move, it can be rough but doesn't have to be," said Glen Grubis, class coordinator. 

Pre-move 
"One of our new processes is loading the virtual out-processing checklist for everyone that has their assignment. That is what you will go off of to PCS. It will list everything from medical to squadron and everything that has outbound by it, is what you will need to turn in," said Staff Sgt. Shayla Saulsbury, outbound processing. 

Sergeant Saulsbury explained that the requirements are different for state-side and overseas PCS-ing. She also said that those leaving will not be authorized to leave Tinker unless they have completed everything on their list and it has been approved. 

"Don't just sit there and hold your paperwork until you have everything. Turn it in as you get it so that we know you are actively trying to out-process. Also, don't do anything drastic. It may put everyone on a time crunch and put you in an awkward position. Just don't do anything that you can't undo," said Sergeant Saulsbury. 

Sergeant Saulsbury stressed that before the final visit to the outbound office a trip to the Command Support Staff will help take care of a majority of the glitches that may occur once in the outbound office. 

The out-bound office is located in Bldg. 460 room 204B. 

Finances during move 
By visiting with the finance office before leaving representatives can help make all of the financial arrangements and also explain pay entitlements. 

"Be sure to keep all of your receipts regardless of what it is, receipts are not required for anything under $75, however it will save you a lot of hassle.," said Airman 1st Class Scott Caldwell, Finance office. 

Airman Caldwell also said that several per diem rates have just changed and have increased. 

"Common mistakes people make is they think because they take out $100 they will be reimbursed $100. That is not the case, only the ATM fee is reimbursed," said Airman Caldwell. 

Airman Caldwell said to try and be proactive and get any finance issues completed as soon as possible. 

The finance office at Tinker AFB is located in Bldg 1, N 29. 

Post move
Rhonda Collie explained a new service offered that is a Military and Family Life Consultant program that can help deal with the stress of moving. 

"We are a program that is in all of the branches in the military and is a non military counseling program that is free of charge to Airmen and their dependants. Its not something that involves names, notes or any type of records," said Ms. Collie. "If command were to refer someone to us and then call to confirm whether or not that person showed we could neither confirm nor deny it. It is that private." 

The consultants rotate every 45 days and the counseling sessions are private. The program is available for members to discuss common everyday problems and is non-medical. 

"We understand that people in different phases of their careers may find us more useful than others," said Ms. Collie. 

The consultant program is offered in the Family Support Center on Tinker AFB.