November 4, 2008 • June Walbert
Q: Okay, so thanks for taking the time to read this...well, my husband, child and I just got PCS’d to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. My husband just joined the army and we had NO IDEA what to expect. Well, needless to say we are already $1,100 in the hole. Are there any services available to help us get money now? We are staying in a hotel 25 minutes away from Schofield. Gas alone costs more money than we have. I have looked and looked but can’t seem to get a yes or no answer. Thanks again.
--Megan, Honolulu, Hi.
A: Thank you and your family for your service! As I’ve told a lot of folks over the years, it will get better! I recommend you head straight over to the Army Community Service office on Schofield Barracks today. Lay out your story and ask for help. That’s why they are there and sometimes it’s as easy as asking. They might be able to arrange a pay advance or give you a loan or help you to get settled soon. I hope you don’t have too many more surprises on the horizon. I also would recommend you join the local military spouse group. You’ll make new friends (who are in the same boat) and I’m sure they will have a lot of tips to share that will surely make your adjustment easier. I really wish you the best.
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Another inportant thing to remember when arriving in Hawaii to to go directly to the housing office. Depending on your rank the availbility of housing varies but getting on-post in the most important thing. Ensure that you get a statement of non-availbility form the schofield inn, you will need this when filing your monthly travel until you get a house, I would keep checking with them as well to see if rooms become availible, this will decrease you gas expenses. Also remember that if you were getting BAH at your previous location your first pay check after arriving in Hawaii will be quite large. Resist the urge to spend this windfall, DFAS will catch up with you in a month or two and get the money back. During my time at schofield I routinely counseled my new Soldiers about this fact, unfortunately some did not listen until they got an LES with a NO-Pay-Due.
Posted by: Shane | November 14, 2008 at 06:12 AM
I too am in Hawaii, have been a little over two years. I've been a army spouse for a little over 8 years and there is light at the end of the tunnel. If this is your first PCS, take heart, the army provides a generous relocation package. If you are staying in a hotel awaiting housing, you will get reimbursed a substantial per diem for meals as well as your room charges, once you file your move expense report. Anything else, you can deduct on your tax return for 2008 as moving expenses. You'll also get a dislocation allowance above and beyond the above mentioned monies. This will help to offset the expense of moving. Unfortunately though, Uncle Sam always pays in arrears (after you've spent the money). Guess it is better late than never. Good luck and yes, do go to ACS, they can give you some immediate help.
Posted by: Rochelle | November 13, 2008 at 07:58 PM