First on the list was my EFMP Medical Screening. I called and made my appointment on post, filled out a DA form 5888, brought my shot records, military ID, civilian medical records, and my command sponsorship packet. After I gathered all of these items, I went to my appointment, went through the basic physical type screening, answered some questions, and check it was done. The doctor filled out some paperwork and verified me as okay to go to Germany!!! I do have to go get a TB skin test within 30 days before we leave, but otherwise that step was complete!
Next was my No Fee Passport. You need this in addition to your regular passport. This is more like a VISA to live overseas and stating you are living there with the US government's knowledge and approval. This was pretty easy as well. For this, you go to the indicated website to fill out the online application. There are instructions they give you for particular portions to ensure that it is free. Then you print out the application to take into the Travel office on post. Along with the completed application, you have to bring 2 passport photos. Of course I brought mine from 2010 and they denied them saying they have to no older than 6 months old. SO, I had to go to another location on post that does free passport photos. At least in this one I could smile, so I don't look like a spy (Ryan says I look like a spy in my current passport photo:)) After that was over, I could go turn in my passport application. You need to have your military ID for yourself and your spouse, a copy of your marriage license, your social security card, and a copy of your RFO (request for orders) or your official orders. The form stated I needed my birth certificate too, which had with me; however, the lady said I didn't need it. Now, if my passport is denied we will know why! She said it should come within 4 weeks, so now we wait on that!
Within an hour we had my command sponsorship paperwork saying I am free to move to Germany with Ryan and Molly!
The Travel lady also provided me some pet information, which I haven't really started looking at yet, but that needs to happen this weekend. There are several things that have to be done in order to get Molly to Germany with us. She put a note on our file saying she had to book our flights with a dog IN THE CABIN on the plane. We will call early April to set up flights for July 8-10ish. We are still tentative on our plans. We have to get Molly into the vet and certified 10 days before we arrive, so this will cut into our time visiting Indianapolis before we leave. She also briefly talked to me about shipping our car. All I know at this point is we have to ship it from Dallas around mid-May, which means one of my friends is going to be the lucky one to drive down with me so I can get home. Unless, by some act of God Ryan gets home sooner than planned from deployment. Luckily, he will be able to set up movers from over there, so that is one less step I personally have to manage.
I also have started working on is separating things that will probably go to storage. Since Germany doesn't value closets or garage space as highly as we do here, we will likely store lots of our Garage tools, some kitchen things, my speech therapy materials, and china/antique dishes. I want to have room to buy Polish and Italian pottery, so we will downsize a little for the move. The Army will pay for us to have a storage unit here while we are overseas, so that will be really nice!!! I have got rid of some things we no longer need, but lots of my dishes I just can't part with. I love having all my kitchen gadgets and bakeware, so you could argue if I get by without it for 3 years I do not need it, but in my heart I do so it is sticking around!
Luggage shopping has also begun!!!! Each person gets 2 70lb checked bags and a carry on. We had some luggage, but we needed more and of course I wanted it all to match! I purchased a new set of Samsonite luggage from TJMAXX that I love. I had one of the carry ons and have loved it, so I decided to purchase another complete set for the trip! The only thing left is to find one more matching large piece and we will be set with luggage for the trip.
Lastly, I purchased a pocket English-German Dictionary that will be handy for our Travels! I am so excited to get there and start seeing all the sights!
This is definitely not a cheap move. There are several things we have had to purchase and still need to purchase to make this a smooth transition, but it will be all worth it!!!
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