HELPING TO MAKE THE MOVE TO OKINAWA EASIER
Welcome
to Okinawa.
The PCS Okinawa Guide was inspired by military families in order to help make the transition to and the stay in Okinawa easier.
Our mission is to provide easy to read and easy to access information about PCSing to Okinawa, as well as information about things to do, places to visit, and unique opportunities to enjoy while you’re stationed here on island.
We are answering the most asked questions that families have when they get orders to Okinawa. We will help make your time getting here and staying here even better.
Okinawa is a beautiful island full of wonderful experiences for the military families and service members living here. So no matter if you’re here for a few years or just a few months, PCS Okinawa is here to help you get settled in your new home and enjoy your time while you’re here.
沖縄へようこそ
Okinawa e yōkoso
Welcome to Okinawa.
Meet our
TEAM
Lauren Lomsdale
Creator and Founder
Lauren Lomsdale is a 16-year Marine Corps spouse stationed in Okinawa with her husband, three daughters, and two dogs. She has been featured in publications such as Military Spouse Magazine, Military Families Magazine, Homefront United, and Daily Mom. She was previously the digital editor of Military Families Magazine and the Managing Editor of Daily Mom Military.
Lauren currently owns Aura Digital Consulting, a creative marketing and web design firm, as we well as The WFH Milspo, courses that teach military spouses skills in web design and digital marketing so they can create PCS-friendly, remote careers.
Allison Crowl
Managing Editor
Allison Crowl has pursued storytelling her entire life. Beginning with dance, it was always the story behind the movement that inspired her. When she discovered film and the creative liberties it allowed, her artistic expression reached a whole new level. After working on various films and television shows in New York, she took a leap and moved to Los Angeles. While she imagined
writing the next big blockbuster, fate had other plans—she met and fell in love with her now Marine husband.
The Marine Corps has taken her on a journey far different from what she once pictured, but her passion for storytelling has never wavered. Over the years, she’s contributed to military publications, started a podcast, and built deep connections within the military spouse community.
Now, as part of the PCS Okinawa team, she’s eager to use her experience to help others navigate the unique challenges of life overseas. For Allison, it’s all about creating meaningful connections and finding new stories to tell along the way.
Jordan Puckett
Managing Editor
Jordan Puckett is a seasoned Marketing Professional from Asheville, North Carolina. She received her bachelors in Marketing from the Halsam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She currently resides in Okinawa, Japan, exploring the island with her husband. In her off time, she enjoys photographing the local flora and fauna, and improving her culinary skills with local ingredients
Athens E. Pellegrino
Writer, Air Force
Athens serves as a Contract Specialist for the Marine Corps Installation Pacific (MCIPAC) Regional Contracting Office.
Athens and Christopher have a son, Atticus (age 6), and two daughters, Callista (age 4) and Ella (age 2). The family has experienced 8 Permanent Change of Station (PCS) assignments.
led to her creation of the Military Child Chronicles series. The first book is Mission: My First PCS followed by Mission: Mistletoe and the most recent Mission: My Overseas PCS. She also was a contributor to Homesick: Finding Home Wherever You Are.
Kaily Watson
Writer, Air Force
Kaily Watson is an Air Force spouse living in Okinawa with her husband and 4 cats. She is a criminal defense and insurance bad faith paralegal working remotely for two law firms based in Washington. Kaily is a master’s degree holder in legal studies and has a passion for advocacy.
The Watsons arrived to Okinawa in September 2023 and have been enjoying every second. Snorkeling, coffee tasting, and shopping are some of her favorite things to do.
Tiffany Leary
Writer, Air Force
Tiffany Leary is an Air Force spouse of 14 years and counting! She grew up in San Diego, CA, has a degree in Spanish, and has travelled quite a bit. This is her 6th duty station (her husband’s 7th!) and they have mostly been stationed in PACAF. This is their family’s third tour in Japan, fulfilling the Air Force trifecta: Misawa, Yokota, and capping it off with a tropical location, Kadena.
Their daughter recently graduated from college, but she has joined them on the island as she does grad school, so they are not quite empty nesters.
She loves all that is Japan: the food, the people, the scenery, even the language. She tries to get off base and explore every chance she gets and to experience the beauty of Okinawa.
Julia Pronenko
Writer, Marine Corps
Julia Pronenko is a Marine Corps spouse living in Okinawa with her husband and Miniature Dachshund.
She obtained a Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice, and a minor in Homeland Security from Aurora University. Working as a Research Intern with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority she was able to help publish two articles about diverse policing programs implemented in Illinois.
Julia has been in Okinawa since February 2024 and loves scavenging for the best beach with her puppy. Baking, reading and sightseeing are some of her favorite things to do.
Taylor Weeden
Writer, Marine Corps
A true Southern Belle at heart, Taylor was born and raised in rural eastern Tennessee. She then moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where she graduated cosmetology school and worked in her mom’s salon and spa.
Taylor experienced many ups and downs during her time in South Carolina, including single motherhood and later working two jobs to make ends meet.
She met her husband while she was working at his parents’ coffee shop, The Roasted Bean. Taylor’s husband is active duty in the United States Marine Corps which has taken them to some interesting duty stations… most recently from Miami, Florida to their current location in Okinawa, Japan.
Taylor now has two other children and a goofy, bat-eared dog. As a dedicated homeschool mom, schooling her children is not just about teaching facts, but also about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and character.
In addition to the many hats she wears, Taylor volunteers for United States Girl Scouts Overseas as their media manager and a Daisy Troop Leader.
Taylor’s life is a perfect blend of faith, education, creativity, and love. She is an avid reader, writer, and lover of poetry. Taylor sees every day as an opportunity to learn something new and to serve her family and community.