OHA survey now available Published Feb. 28, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Kyle Gese 52 Fighter Wing public affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 2014 Overseas Housing Allowance Utility Expenses Survey for Germany takes place during the month of March. Every year, the Defense Travel Management Office conducts a survey to find out how much service members spent collectively on utilities during the previous year. The data from this survey helps determine the utility allowance for the next year. The OHA is a cost-reimbursement allowance that is offered to active-duty members. This allowance is different for each member depending upon their grade, dependency status and permanent-duty station. "It's important for Airmen to get involved in this survey because it is a tool to gauge the rate of our utility allowance received for military personnel residing off base," said Tech Sgt. Kenner Sagorsor, 52nd Comptroller Squadron flight chief from Manila, Philippines. "Based on this survey, we can directly impact the amount of utility allowance we receive, which is part of our OHA." This survey is intended for all U.S. military members who reside in off-base privately leased housing. If the military member is deployed or otherwise unavailable, a spouse may be authorized to take the survey in his or her place. When taking the survey, the member must report the average monthly cost of utilities by using monthly bills or utility records, according to Sagorsor. Sagorsor said maximum participation is key to obtaining good data. To get connected and take the survey, visit the link below to contribute. https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/oha-util-mar.cfm