CAMP FOSTER, Japan- Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific and Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, signed a proclamation declaring the Military Saves campaign Feb. 1, announcing February as Military Saves Month.
The Military Saves campaign is a social marketing campaign to persuade, motivate, and encourage military families to save money every month, and to convince leaders and organizations to be aggressive in promoting automatic savings.
Though the military community normally focuses on financial readiness during Military Saves Week, Feb. 19-26, service members on Okinawa will now dedicate the entire month of February to financial readiness.
“When you think of readiness, there are three areas that should be focused on,” said Talleri. “It is important that Marines or sailors are ready in the areas of dental, medical and finance. There is less stress in one’s life when you know that your finances are in order.”
During Military Saves Month, the Personal Services Center is offering additional classes geared to support the campaign, said Joseph R. Cassidy, a program manager for family programs and resources.
“The classes offered range from starting a savings plan to first time homeowners, as well as basic investments and money management,” said Cassidy.
“The Personal Service Center also offers units the option to schedule professional military education classes to meet their schedule as well as one-on-one counseling,” said John Daskauskas, a personal financial specialist for Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab.
The Personal Services Center is trying to help as many people as possible, said Anthony Green, a personal financial management specialist for Camp Courtney and Camp Foster.
We are connecting with the Single Marine Program and the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society to offer as many services as possible, said Green.
“The goal this year is to have all active-duty service members speak to a financial counselor within the next 12 months,” said Sgt. Maj. Patrick L. Kimble, sergeant major of Marine Corps Base Camp Butler and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
Commanding officer of United States Naval Hospital Okinawa, Navy Capt. Pius A. Aiyelawo, and Fleet Activities Okinawa commanding officer, Navy Capt. R.W. Weathers, also signed the Military Saves Proclamation to raise awareness.
“III Marine Expeditionary Force is committed to financial readiness for all III MEF service members,” said Talleri. “We want to be able to set the example and ensure that this Military Saves Month is the best ever here on Okinawa.”