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
Managing Editor, Marine Corps
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.
Kari Cillo
Writer and Photographer, Marine Corps
I’m a photographer by trade and creator by choice. As long as I’m creating…photographs, paintings, digital drawing, crafting…my heart is happy. I’ve had my photography business, KCillo Photography, for 13 years now and it ebbs and flows with military life. I’ve been a Marine Corps spouse and married to my amazing husband for almost 14 years. We’ve been together for 18 years and are college sweethearts. We have a son and a daughter together and our favorite things to do as a family involve hiking, snorkeling, bike riding, motocross and camping. We’ve been in Okinawa since summer of 2023 and have been enjoying all the adventures this island has to offer.
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.