Would you be able to post a copy of that matrix for us?

Thanks

Hi, Barney..

First of all, thank you so very much for your kind compliment in an earlier post, it -truly- made my day.

I'm sorry for being slow in responding, unfortunately right now, we're in the midst of leave before PCSsing to Osan, so my internet access is limited. I've tried to post the CSP benefits matrix here on the board, unfortunately, it's too large for the board to accept it. If you'll be kind enough to pm me your email, I'll send it to you as an attachment as soon as I'm able..

Again, my apologies for both my delay in response and for not being able to get the matrix up here.


Thanks,

Dee :)

Hi! I'm new to the forum and am so sorry for horning in on this discussion but I can't figure out how to start a new thread.

I have read the first thirteen pages of this discussion and they've been ever so helpful! Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed.

My husband has orders to Osan, one year unaccompanied, RNLTD 7 MAR 07 and we're considering going as a family. We have three small children (nearly five years old, just turned two years old, and four months old).

I plan to read the rest of the messages as I can (time is short with the kiddos running around!) but if I could ask a couple questions that I haven't yet seen the answers for, I hope you all wouldn't mind...

1. My son is asthmatic. His triggers are mold and when he is sick. He only has to use his medication at those times, which amounts to maybe twice to three times a year (he's lived in Maryland, Texas, and northern California). Is the air quality so bad that we shouldn't even consider coming? I remember the first time my husband was stationed at Osan (ten years ago), he complained about the air quality being so bad.

2. Would the children and I be required to get certain vaccinations to come visit or live in Korea? I know that my husband has to get a couple but I was wondering if anyone knew whether they are required, recommended, or not offered at all for dependents.

3. I know that we could get approved for EML orders to fly Space-A to visit and I'm wondering if we could swing traveling that way to avoid paying thousands of dollars in plane tickets if we stayed CONUS for a couple weeks and then came over?

Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to catching up on all the useful information you all have written!

Kara

Hi Kara, First welcome to the site! It is a GREAT place to spend time on and learn about Korea.

I'll try and answer a few of your questions....

1) The air is fairly bad here, but it depends on where you are now if there is much of a difference. From 1999 (when I was first here) it is very different. Reading what you have said he should not have a problem!!

2)Yep, ALL family members must have the shots even if you are just visiting. (all of them)

3) Never done space A, just heard good and bad things about it. I would start looking for tickets now and see what the prices are.


Again welcome to the site and enoy, there is a wealth of knowledge on this site.

__________________
CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey

Thanks for your quick reply!

We've flown Space-A quite a bit and are familiar with the ins and outs of the program. I'd love to be able to get over there that way if we could, as the cheapest tickets I can find right now are around $1000 each, and we'd have to buy three at least.

Do you have any links for the vaccination requirements? I'm having an awful time finding anything using the Osan webpage or basic Internet searches.

Edited to say: The Centers for Disease Control lists that no vaccines are REQUIRED for travel to East Asia. There are several RECOMMENDED but none required. Does the U.S. government have different policies, or are the vaccines that the AD members get just "requiremmended" (that's my own made up word for things the Air Force tells us we have to do that we really don't *have to* do) for dependents?

Thanks again!

Kara

Willy...the waiting list was to move off base. There are 4 other dentists in my husband's squadron who are still waiting to move out of Turumi. They were given an estimated wait time of 4 months. In fact, there has been a moratorium on permission being granted to move off base--(started in August right after we got here, but don't know if it's still in effect since it doesn't matter to us, I haven't kept up with the situation)

Kara, welcome, welcome, you are not "horning in" at all. This board has been a lifesaver to me and countless others, and new questions are just another way to proliferate info. Regarding the vaccinations--as long as you (and your kids) are current then no additional shots are required. School-age children are current because they aren't permitted to attend school otherwise. And as long as your younger 2 kids are current for their age, then they're good to go. None of my children had to get any shots to come here. (I updated my tetanus once I arrived, but otherwise I didn't have to get any either). Regarding the air--it's bad, but I think southern CA (where we lived for 6 years) is much worse. Here, in Songtan, the air is better than in Seoul, but it probably depends on how sensitive your son is. One thing you do need to be careful of is in searching for housing. I saw some places with AWFUL mold problems (because of the humidity). You might also want to invest in a good air purifier (to use with your AC) in the summers, to prevent mold buildup. There are a couple availbable at the Thrift Shop for about $10 or so. Sorry, don't know anything about the Space A, but I can't imagine it will be any fun for you to try and travel with 3 small kids--what if you get bumped off a leg somewhere? Also, keep in mind, your OHA doesn't kick in until you arrive on the ROK. Good luck and feel free to fire off more questions.

tomandkara, as jjkim21 said depending on who/what and where you are at may depend on what shot's you need. My family needed the same shots as I had to have before I came over here. HEP "A" "B" and a few others. Also they needed them by "Army standards" to even have the passport issued, but as you can see it just depends......

Also check out this on line store http://www.bt-store.com/

We got my son's ticket and my wifes ticket for around $1200 one way. Just remember that alot of ticket places on line give you adult prices. Call them and ask. It can never hurt...

__________________
CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey

There are no current official vaccination requirements for travel to East Asia indicated by the state department and CDC, but there are many recommendations for vaccinations to have besides the normal stateside requirements updated. The local military shot clinic can tell you what you need per military policy which could differ from state dept and CDC requirements for normal travel. Link to CDC for East Asia: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eastasia.htm#vaccines

__________________
Turk Quid Pro Quo

Good point, Chuck! Each base differs in their requirements--I'll have my husband stop by the Immunization Clinic on Tuesday and ask if they have any special requirements.

Also, Kara, you may want to try calling the airlines directly (as opposed to just checking fares online) because some have military discounts for active duty families that are only available by calling in. American Airlines is supposed to offer up to 20% off, and Korean Air has lower prices for children (I think it's 80% of the adult fare) and your 4-month old will probably cost 10% (this covers airport taxes and such). Also, FYI, with Korean Air request the front row with infant bassinet--it is absolutely wonderful--they have a bassinet that attaches to the front wall so you don't have to hold the baby the whole way--she/he sleeps, belted in and all. BUT you have to reserve early, as they only have 3-4 available per flight. One other bit of advice--fly the red eye (leaves at 0030 from LAX and arrives at ICH in Seoul around 0500 or 0600). That way the kids (and you) can sleep almost the entire way. We did this and had a lovely, quiet flight.

Thats the whole point. Military requires different. Like I said My family needed everything, jjkim21 family needed nothing except to be current for school in the states.

__________________
CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey