NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND ALL HANDS
(GENERAL INFORMATION)
 
If you have submissions for the weekly All Hands General Information email,  please send all requests to: naswipao@us.navy.mil

THIS WEEK:

Military Appreciation Week at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club
REAL ID Requirements 
NMCRS Update
Wings of Hope Chapel Programs
Foreign National Installation Access
Important Tricare West Information
Musicians Wanted
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Some of the following information includes public events and does not imply endorsement by the United States Navy. It is provided for informational purposes only. 
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Military Appreciation Week at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club

We are thrilled to invite you to a special week of appreciation at Useless Bay Golf & Country Club! From May 5th to 9th, 2025, we welcome you to enjoy our annual Military Appreciation Week—a heartfelt thank-you from our members for your service and dedication to this country.
Thanks to generous contributions from our members, we are honored to host you for a complimentary round of golf and a meal (limit one visit per person; alcoholic beverages not included). It's our way of showing gratitude for all that you do!
 
Tee Time Reservations:
Reservations open April 21st, 2025
Tee times can be booked no earlier than two weeks and no later than one day before your visit
Availability is limited, so reserve early by calling our Pro Shop at 360-321-5958
We can’t wait to welcome you for a fantastic week on the course and at the club. Thank you for your service! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out, and please let me know I have reached the appropriate person for this message, or direct me to the correct person.
See you on the greens!
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REAL ID Requirements
The May 7, 2025, deadline is fast approaching. Be sure to take the necessary steps to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or an alternative acceptable form of identification to avoid any issues accessing military bases in the future.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendation to improve the reliability and accuracy of identification documents, making it more difficult for terrorists to obtain fake IDs.
What are the implications of the REAL ID Act for accessing military bases?  The standard access requirements remain the same for active duty & dependents, DoD civilian personnel, DoD retired personnel & dependents under the age of 18, vetted veterans in possession of a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and personnel that have been issued a Defense Biometric Identification Card (DBIDS) for NAS Whidbey Island access.
Starting May 7, 2025, non-affiliated individuals requesting access will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to access NAS Whidbey Island. This applies to everyone, including the following: but not all inclusive:
 

• Vendors
• Dependents aged 18 and older
• Service Providers
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities
• Contractors
• Visitors (includes visitors in same vehicle with CAC holder)
• Transportation services (taxi, limo, ride share)
• Agent, Assist, Aid, Care Giver Letters
• Au Pairs, Child Care Providers

 
What are acceptable alternative forms of identification for base access?  If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can use one of the following:
 

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Military ID card (Common Access Card or CAC, DoD retired ID card)
• Permanent resident card (Green Card)
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
• Other forms of identification accepted by the Department of Homeland Security

 
How can I obtain a REAL ID-compliant license?  To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you'll need to visit your state's driver's license agency with the following documents:
 

• Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
• Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card)
• Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements)

 
Note: The specific requirements for Washington are provided at the following website: https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/enhanced-driver-license-edl. It's best to check the website for the most up-to-date information. You can find a link to your state's DMV here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
Addressing Potential Concerns:
 

• "This is just another hassle!": While it may seem like an extra step, the REAL ID Act is intended to enhance national security and make it more difficult for individuals to assume false identities.
• "What if I can't get my documents together in time?": There is still time to obtain the necessary documents and upgrade your license. Don't wait until the last minute. Start gathering your documents now.
• "What about privacy concerns?": The REAL ID Act has sparked debate about data privacy. However, the information required for a REAL ID-compliant license is generally already collected by state DMVs.

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NMCRS Update

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is located onboard Seaplane Base, Bldg. 13, 360-257-2728, whidbeyisland@nmcrs.org
INTEREST FREE LOANS AND GRANTS FOR SPOUSE AND DEPENDENTS EDUCATION ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE! APPLICATION PERIOD IS 10 MARCH-15 MAY. THIS IS OFFERED ONLINE ONLY AT NMCRS.ORG (THIS ASSISTANCE IS NOT AVAILABLE IN LOCAL OFFICES). PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!
NEXT THRIFT STORE SATURDAY SHOPPING OPPORTUNITY IS 12 APRIL 1000-1300
THRIFT STORE – Our Thrift Store is open for Active Duty, their dependents and retirees – 100% volunteer staff.
SHOPPING: Tues 1000-1600, Thurs 1000-1800. Sat 1000-1300:  12 Apr, May 17, 14 Jun, 28 Jun
DONATIONS: Thursdays 1000-1730.
UNIFORM SHOP - Active Duty - Mon-Fri. 0800-1600
Uniform donation box located in Nor’Wester/FFSC lobby or donate at the Thrift Shop.
VOLUNTEERING – Flexible times! Weekdays: anytime from 0800-1600 (extended hours on Thurs 0800-1815) and select Saturdays (0930-1315)!
Thrift Shop - Stop by or Signup at: https://volunteersignup.org/J4H7M  (copy/paste it into your web browser). Whether you have 30 minutes or a few hours – it all helps! All volunteer hours count towards your Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM).
Office Volunteer options: Call or email for more info.
FINANCIAL/EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE - 0% Interest Loans and Grants 0800-1600 MON-FRI             Emergency Travel, Rent/Deposits/Food, Utilities, Phone, Car Repairs, Payments & Insurance, Pay/ PCS issues, Dental and more. Free/Confidential. Budgeting Assistance.
BUDGET 4 BABY CLASS (B4B) – New baby or expecting a baby? $50 Amazon e-card for attending our one-hour class!
Sign up by calling 257-2728 or email: whidbeyisland@nmcrs.org
CLASS DATES (ALL CLASSES ARE IN SEAT):
Upcoming classes:
1000-1100:  2 Apr, 14 May, 11 Jun
1730-1830:  27 Mar, 24 Apr, 22 May, 26 Jun
We can come to your command if you have multiple service members interested.
One-on-one classes can be scheduled if time is limited due to deployment, pcs, etc.
VISITING NURSE –Chelsea Null, BSN, RN Call/email Nurse Chelsea at 360-998-0835 chelsea.null@nmcrs.org.
She offers Free and Confidential home visits. Weekly support group: A Space For Grace for postpartum and pregnant families. Quarterly workshop: Bringing Baby Home for expectant families and new parents.
NMCRS Education Assistance for Dependents and active duty on MECEP/MECP orders. Application window March 10-May 15. Apply here: Education Scholarships and Interest-Free Loans | NMCRS (en-US)
Helping our NMCRS families reach their education goals with scholarships and no-interest loans! For more info, 
email: educations@nmcrs.org
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Wings of Hope Chapel Programs

Weekly Chapel Religious Services:
-Holy Communion (Traditional Protestant from the Anglican Tradition). Wednesdays at 1230.
-Space available in the Chapel for private prayer, meditation or reflection.
-Need to find a place to worship or a fellowship group? Contact the Chapel at 360-257-2414
Getting Marred? Had a Baby? Had a religious epiphany?
Weddings, baptisms, confirmations, etc. Chaplain Miller can help with those religious rites tied to major events in your life.
Family Enrichment Retreat to Great Wolf Lodge:
-Registration for the March 21-23 Family Enrichment Retreat to Great Wolf Lodge occurs during February 17-28^th. Due to high demand, enrollment for the retreat is on a lottery system. Please contact CREDO NW for registration information at CREDO Northwest | Silverdale WA | Facebook.  
Suicide Prevention/Green Ribbon:
Need SafeTALK or ASIST Training?
Next available SafeTALK Class is March 20^th.
Next available ASIST Class is April 23-24
What is Spiritual Readiness? The strength of spirit that enables the warfighter to accomplish the mission with honor.
Are you struggling to maintain honor in every area of your life? Do you conduct your work with honor? Maintain your relationships with honor? Drive with honor? Grocery shop with honor?
Yes – we can do all things with honor, but it can be easy to fall into dishonorable patterns of life, thoughts, or actions to the point where you don’t feel like yourself anymore. I encourage you to strengthen your spiritual readiness to accomplish every mission with honor.
Need to speak with a Chaplain? Follow this link to book an appointment with Chaplain Miller:
https://outlook-dod.office365.us/bookwithme/user/cf51945e5e5a4b1a9d0d87fc1407bf7c@us.navy.mil?anonymous&ep=plink
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Foreign National Installation Access.
Foreign National Access Procedures to NAS Whidbey Island. 
Active duty and DoD civilian personnel are not authorized to escort foreign nationals onto the installation without prior screening.  As directed by USNAVNORTH, all foreign national guests must be properly approved, vetted and logged in at the Visitor Control Center prior to access authorization.  Please note:
Sponsors must notify sentry if escorting foreign nationals.
All approved unofficial foreign nationals must be escorted by the sponsor and shall travel in the same vehicle.
Authorized Foreign National Visitors must carry official credentials (passport/visa/etc.) and authorized access pass with them at all times.
For any questions regarding this policy, please contact the Visitor Control Center at (360) 257-3063/5620.
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Important Tricare West Information
If you are having issues registering for the TriWest beneficiary portal, view the registration guide: https://tricare.triwest.com/.../tricare-west-region-set...
If you're having other portal issues, call 1-888-TRIWEST for customer support.
TriWest is aware that some beneficiaries are seeing an incorrect catastrophic cap or deductible information in their TriWest portal and are implementing a fix. Please check back in a few days.
Dependent information will be available on the TriWest portal later in January.  If you live in the West Region AND have TRICARE Young Adult, TRICARE Reserve Select, or TRICARE Retired Reserve, you now have until Feb. 7 to make a payment.
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Musicians Wanted

NASWI has two community music groups located close to the base: the SeaNotes Big Band and the All-Island Community Band.
Both groups play periodically for local events.  Rehearsals for both groups are weekly.  The SeaNotes rehearse on Monday nights and the All-Island Community Band rehearses on Thursday nights. 
Both groups are always looking for musicians!
If interested, please contact Steve Schwalbe at ColSchwalbe@gmail.com
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