Life of a Military Wife

Separations are just a part of being in a military family. There are some basic skills and tips that can make these separations easier. Additionally it's important to keep communication strong when you and your service member. In this episode I share tips and tricks in dealing with different types of separations that happen with the military. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families/dep...

I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the good that has come in the last 20 years for many people and the price that was paid to achieve it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9/11_(2002_film) https://thediplomat.com/2021/09/womens-education-afghanistans-biggest-success-story-now-at-risk/ https://www.rt.com/sport/532441-afghanistan-taliban-women-football-sport/ https://nypost.com/2021/09/02/afg...

During the hectic evacuation of Americans and allies from Afghanistan US troops were called on to secure the Kabul airport. During this evacuation process a bomb was detonated and killed 13 servicemen and women. However they were not the only ones from the US military to die. Former US special forces were also operating in the area helping to rescue those that they could. Why do we do this a servi...

There are a lot of misconceptions and myths that exist about military life. Many of these have been perpetuated by movies and social media. Let's break down these and discuss what it's really like for service members and their families. 11 Facts About Military Families | DoSomething.org EJ1018362.pdf (ed.gov) Military Families (aacap.org) U.S. Marriage and Divorce Rates Declined in Last 10 Years (...

Military life is a struggle for both the service members and their families. When hard times happen it's important to know where you can turn for help. This week we discuss different types of resources that are available, some 24/7. https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/movingforward/#prettyPhoto https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/military-crisis-line https://www.militaryonesource.mil/health...

What is the world class athlete program? Have you ever heard of it? Well we're going to talk about that and the amazing athletes from the US military that competed in Tokyo. As well as a update on the burn pit legislation in Congress. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2127/text https://militarybenefits.info/military-athletes-olympics/ https://www.armywcap.com/ This podcast ex...

Back by popular demand more information on what you need to know when you're getting started in the military. Those first few things should be getting a power of attorney, enrolling in DEERS, getting your military ID and enrolling in Tricare. So let's learn how! Power of attorney https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/DA%20FORM%205841.pdf DEERS https://idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco/ https://www.tr...

It's not uncommon when first becoming part of the military community to feel like you are listening to a foreign language. Between the acronyms and the different lingo found in the military community there are some basics that can be helpful in navigating conversations and understanding what's going on. https://militarybenefits.info/military-acronyms/ This podcast exists to honor service and prese...

There's all sorts of new things happening in the military community. Some are positive changes and some are struggles. For those of us who've been around the block and have picked up some tricks to navigating military life it's important to pass those on to our incoming military members. https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/mil-money/2021/07/01/military-families-caught-in-a-housing-crunch-su...

Everyone has rough days. We've all had those moments where we just wanted to pull our hair out. As a result of these being a typical part of life, having a strategy on how to handle them is imperative. Amazingly enough people researched this and found ways to simplify and work through it. I want to share some of that with you. This podcast exists to honor service and preserve history. If you’d lik...

As amazing as it sounds, downtime does happen in the military and knowing what option you have where you're stationed will allow you to optimize that free time. In this episode we'll discuss what morale, welfare and recreation opportunities are available in general and a few that are particular to each branch. https://www.armymwr.com/ https://www.navymwr.org/ https://www.myairforcebenefits.us.af.m...

It's our nation's birthday and what better way to celebrate than to share some stories of the men and women who have defended this country. This special bonus episode covers the stories of four individuals who served in different conflicts ranging from the revolutionary war to the war in Afghanistan. This podcast exists to honor service and preserve history. If you’d like to support that work with...

In Case of Emergency This somehow always makes me think of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Thanks to the help organizations like the American Red Cross give to military families when emergencies arise “Don’t panic” also applies. So let’s discuss what you need to know to get help from the American Red Cross when something happens in your family. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/military-families...

Sometimes life gets out of balance and we need to refocus and find new ways of managing the load we carry. Today I'm going to cover five techniques developed and recommended by work life balance professionals. I learned these in a family therapy class in college, and they've helped me cope with the crazy that comes as a military spouse. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1576751309/ref =cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_...

Military Tenant Bill of Rights Exciting new developments in regards to your rights when you live on a military installation. As well as some surprising developments on why that was so necessary. Including two former managers for military housing pleading guilty to fraud. https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2021/06/14/these-37-army-bases-are-providing-all-privatized-housing-tenant-rights/ ht...

It can be complicated finding resources to help our kids navigate the situations they face of separation, deployment and moving. In this podcast I review four books that are helpful in addressing these topics with kids. Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina Moving Day by Lily Peterson Countdown 'til Daddy Comes Home by Kristin Ayyar Over There by Dorinda Silver Williams This podcast exists t...

Who do you ask for help when you're new to the military? There's an organization that's been put together in each branch to help families with the transition, find resources, get to know each other and communicate information. Listening in to find out what it is and how it can help you. https://www.military.com/spouse/military-life/military-resources/what-the-heck-is-an-frg-family-readiness-group....

Barbecues and pool parties most people think of Memorial Day as a vacation from work and other obligations. However when you understand the origin behind Memorial Day it takes on a whole new meaning. So what is it all about and what are some new things you can do to celebrate. https://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp http://www.huliq.com/13312/set-empty-place-setting-memorial-day-honor-f...

Our perspective helps frame the way we view and understand the world around us. With everything going on in our lives sometimes we have to stop and try to look at things from a different perspective. This episode recaps a topics that has been previously discussed but addresses a new ones and hopefully in a way that you've not considered before. Including the individuals who are working to change d...

Until Every One Comes Home The USO was founded in 1941 with the purpose of helping service members and their families, from enlistments, through deployments, until they are ready to transition back to civilian life. They have sites all over the world in deployed areas, military installations, and airports. Their programs range from military family and spouse support to activities for single soldie...

Is that wonderful time of year again when military families start preparing for the next adventure. Change, specifically moving, can be bittersweet for everyone especially children. In this episode we discuss several ways to make moving easier and more enjoyable for everyone in the family. This podcast exists to honor service and preserve history. If you’d like to support that work with a small, v...

Self Care If you're feeling emotionally exhausted and apathetic, then today's episode is just in time. Find out more about what burnout is and how to combat it. Life was meant to be enjoyed not endured. https://psychology.wikia.org/wiki/Burnout https://newpathwaystherapy.com/mindfulness-and-grounding-understand-the-differences/ This podcast exists to honor service and preserve history. If you’d li...

This week we find out what's going on in the wonderful world of the military. Exciting news about maternity uniforms for service members. New resources for parents who are deploying. Finally important information about medical rights for veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp https://cck-law.com/blog/new-legislation-to-aid-vete...

Loose Lips Sink Ships (OPSEC - Operational Security) Loose lips sink ships or that's how the saying goes, but what does that mean for you and me. When it comes to communicating online or in social media what are things we should and should not share. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loose_lips_sink_ships What is OPSEC? A process for protecting critical information | CSO Online OPSEC Awareness for M...

Month of the Military Child Let's purple it up this week! April is the month of the military child and purple is the color that has been chosen to represent that. Listen in to find out more about what life is like for military children and different resources for celebrating the month of the military child. https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmas/news-and-events/events/month-mili...