Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

The Commissary Comes to You – On-Site Sales for Guard and Reserve Patrons

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     For more than 10 years the Defense Commissary Agency has brought the Commissary to National Guard and Reserve units through its On-Site Sale program.  The slogan of the program is “Bringing the benefit to you”.

     “For the past decade these sales have provided the commissary benefit to those who have earned it, but don’t live or work near a commissary, and its legacy is impressive to say the least,” said Willie Watkins, DeCA’s chief of e-business. According to Watkins, the program has held more than 930 sales events, served over 430,700 customers while saving them more than $18 million.

Grand Forks on-site — Christy Earl store assoc checks CPT Brett Nelson ID as SFC John Lindstrom looks on. Photo courtesy of Defense Commissary Agency via flickr

     The sales take place all over the country and the agency is always open to bring the program to other locations. Here are some important details to remember:

  • Sales are cooperative efforts between sponsoring Guard and Reserve units, and commissary store directors who together determine sale locations and dates. A contingent at DeCA Headquarters gives guidance and oversees the process
  • Sales average two or three days and are open to all authorized commissary shoppers
  • Sales feature a wide variety of commissary products largely determined by shopper preferences at each location
  • Customers shop and pay for purchases much like they would at a commissary. There are also preorder and prepay sales – where customers order their groceries on-line and pay for them prior to pick-up at the designated location – and hybrid sales that are a combination of conventional and preorder/prepay
  • Sales are easy to find. DeCA’s website has a Guard/Reserve page that lists sales locations and dates along with contacts for more information on particular events

     There are a number of locations that have military Exchange services but no commissaries. DeCA is looking into the possibilities of partnering with them. The exchanges could serve as sales locations or pick-up locations.

Here are the dates of sales to the end the fiscal year.

July

Grand Forks – July 12, 2019 at Camp Grafton 4417 Hwy. 20, Devil’s Lake ND 58301

Robins AFB – July 18-20, 2019 at 1901 Terrell Mill Rd SE, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30067

August

Malmstrom AFB – August 30-31, 2019 at PO Box 4789 HAFRC 1956 Mt Majo St  Fort Harrison, Montana  59636

Robins AFB – August 15-17, 2019 at 1901 Terrell Mill Rd SE, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30067

September

Grand Forks – September 7, 2019 Fargo, ND location TBD

Robins AFB – September 19-21, 2019 at 1901 Terrell Mill Rd SE, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30067

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Virtual Jobs for Military Spouses

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     Employment continues to be a challenge for military spouses as constant moves wreak havoc with many a civilian career. So what is a milspouse to do? Consider Virtual Employment which can mean running your own online business or working online from home for another company. Here are some options.

Photo Credit: ©Flamingo Images /Adobe Stock
  • Amazon – Offers a variety of virtual jobs from customer service to jobs with or without a degree. Visit their webpage for information specific to the military.
  • Hilton – The Company offers a great work from home opportunity as a sales and reservation clerk. This is a job you can take with you once you move. It is relatively easy to learn with online training and in addition to hourly pay, full benefits including a 401(K) retirement plan with company match and what military family doesn’t love travel benefits.
  • Humana – Humana has many opportunities for telecommuting. In addition to customer service opportunities did you know you can telecommute as a nurse? The Telephonic Utilization Pre-Service RN conducts a variety of patient management services and coordination over the phone or online.
  • Flexjobs – This is a paid service which offers job listings. You can search for remote and virtual jobs and it lists a variety of fields with jobs available. There are quite a few job listings. It may be worth a one month membership to look at what is available or to get some ideas for job hunting.
  • Direct Sales – Many spouses turn to direct sales as an option for employment. If you are good at sales this could be a good fit for you. A few keys to success. Only represent a company which is a member of the Direct Selling Association which provides consumer protection for independent sales. Pick a product that you love and feel comfortable representing. Your best opportunity to be successful is to pick a company that does not have many representatives in your area. For example I can list at least 10 people I know who sell Rodan and Fields. You should really evaluate you comfort level selling to your friends and family and then branching out to people you don’t know. The average consultant makes about $200 a month which can be a nice supplement but is nowhere near full time employment.

     These are just a few options. Always make sure you are dealing with a reputable company when pursuing virtual or telecommuting job opportunities. If someone is asking for money upfront that can be a red flag.

     Have you ever held a work from home job? Comment below on your experiences.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Why VA Loans Are Such A Good Deal

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     One of the benefits of military service is eligibility for a VA Guaranteed Loan to purchase a home as a primary residence. This great program allows you to save money and avoid tying up your savings by having no down payment requirement. Here are some of the many benefits:

  • No Down Payment. The biggest advantage of a VA loan is you can save your cash by not having to put down a large down payment. According to Realtor.com’s Housing Trend Report in March the average home listing price in the US was $300,000. So with a 10% down payment you are looking at $30,000 and with a 20% down payment $60,000. Add that to closing costs and it can put a house out of reach for many people.
  • A VA Appraisal. While this doesn’t take the place of a thorough home inspection. There are minimum property requirements set by the VA which ensure your property is safe, sanitary and sound.
  • No mortgage insurance. Basically when you purchase a home on a conventional mortgage with less than 20% down you have to pay PMI (mortgage insurance) until your mortgage is paid down to 78% of the value of your initial purchase price. On a $300,000 loan you are looking at around $100 more a month added on to your mortgage payment.
  • Funding Fee. This varies according to your status but for an initial purchase for an active duty military service member it is 2.15% with no down payment. This fee can be rolled into your loan and is much less than the typical down payment. In addition if you are a disabled Veteran rated as low as 10% disabled you are eligible for the funding fee to be waived for a nice savings in costs.
  • Closing Costs. The VA limits what lenders can charge for closing costs. It saves on all those added on fees many lenders will charge. This can save you a nice chunk of change.
  • Less Restrictions. There are no prepayment penalties and no restrictions on refinancing your VA loan. In fact the VA even has a program called the Interest Rate Reduction Loan program.
  • Easier to Qualify. Because of the VA Loan Guaranty, VA loan guidelines are more flexible. You will still have to submit documentation but the process has less requirements.
  • Ability to Shop for the Right Loan. VA Loans come in all shapes and sizes. They can be fixed or adjustable rates and used to purchase a variety of housing options such as a house or condo. Each lender sets their rates so you can shop around to get the best fit for your situation. I have found that credit unions like Navy Federal Credit Union consistently have the best rates and terms as well as not selling your loan to another mortgage company.
Photo Credit: ©BillionPhotos.com /Adobe Stock

     VA Loans have many great benefits but be aware that in a hot real estate market many sellers will state they won’t accept a VA Loan. There is a perception among some real estate agents that the loan takes longer to process than a conventional mortgage and that the VA appraisal process is too stringent. We recently purchased our forever home in a hot market with a VA mortgage. We lost a few because we were using a VA loan but ultimately found our home. We just weren’t willing to forgo this benefit. For more information visit: www.VA.gov

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Army to Reimburse costs for State Licensure and Certification Costs due to PCS for Army Spouses

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     A new Army directive, 2019-18 was recently published and sets the groundwork to reimburse Soldiers for the costs their spouses incur due to certification and licensing fees requirements when moving to a new state.  Army Spouses face many barriers for long-term careers in professionally licensed fields. This directive hopes to relieve one of those barriers by reducing the cost of transferring licenses to a new state.

     “Our spouses are lawyers, nurses, teachers, cosmetologists and real estate agents,” said Dee Geise, who works in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. “It eases part of the stress of the cost associated with relicensing after a PCS move.”

Photo Credit: © Africa Studio /Adobe Stock

    For many Spouses these costs are incurred with each new move and over time add up to a significant expense.  The new program authorizes reimbursements of qualified fees up to $500. For fees to be considered qualified, it must be required by the state to secure a certification or license. The Spouse must be currently employed and hold a certification or licensing requirement before the PCS move. It will not cover the costs to initially be certified in a field of employment. Spouses of Regular Army, Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve are eligible. Family members must be authorized on the PCS orders at the expense of the United States to be considered for this new entitlement. The directive is grandfathered in to December 12, 2017, the date of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. At this time it will cover expenses paid up to December 31, 2022. It is hoped that Congress will renew this entitlement in future Defense Budgets or make it permanent.

     Right now there are no procedures in place to apply for the reimbursement. It is expected that the request for reimbursement will take place when filing PCS paperwork upon completion of the move. The Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-a will be responsible for providing instructions for filing and will send a message to all Army activities once this is in place. For more information Soldiers can follow up with their unit S-1 for updates. Also check www.militaryonesoure.mil for updates. It also has tons of information on Spouse employment and careers. In the meantime save any receipts showing the payment of Licensure and Certification costs back to December 12, 2017 so you will be prepared to file for this entitlement.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Commissary Meat Savings, BBQ Combine for Sensational Seasonal Sizzle

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NEWS RELEASE

Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800

Tel:  (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105  DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105 

FAX: (804) 734-8248  DSN: 687-8248

www.commissaries.com

Release Number:         41-19                                                                                                                        

Date:                              May 17, 2019

Media Contact:             Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                                (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                           kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Grilling 101

Commissary meat savings, BBQ combine

for sensational seasonal sizzle

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: Go to the DeCA website to view this release online. For photos related to commissary meat savings, go to DeCA’s Flickr page, and go to the agency’s YouTube page to see a video on food safety at the barbecue.

FORT LEE, Va. – As legions of backyard chefs take the covers off their barbecue grills, they’re reminded to use their commissary benefit for significant savings on their meats and other grilling needs.

“You simply cannot beat the savings at your commissary,” said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka N. O’Neal, the Defense Commissary Agency’s senior enlisted advisor to the agency director. “Now that it’s barbecue season and we’re preparing for graduation parties, pool parties and unit organizational days, it’s a no-brainer to hit your store for deep savings on meat, sauces, condiments, side dishes, aluminum foil, charcoal briquettes and more.”

Patrons can go to their stores’ meat department to get the freshest cuts on some of the commissary’s most popular items for barbecuing such as ground beef and hamburger patties, steaks (T-bones, rib eyes, sirloin), baby back and spareribs and brisket, said Darrell Clary, DeCA’s category manager for meat.

“Our stores have everything our patrons need to get delicious meats at even tastier prices,” Clary said. “And here’s a tip: If you’re looking to save even more on your barbecue, look for forequarter meat such as chuck meat, as well as pork and chicken – chicken legs and thighs are cost savers.”

Commissary patrons can also access the DeCA website and check out the Savings Center for current promotions, featured recipes, “Your Everyday Savings” items, the “Sales Flyer,” commissary store brands and digital coupons with the Commissary Rewards Card. 

They will also see their stores promoting local sales on top of everyday meat savings. Ongoing meat-related promotions include the following:

  • It Has To Be Heinz 150th Ketchup Anniversary: Heinz Ketchup is celebrating 150 years and commissary customers can join the fun by throwing a backyard barbecue party of their own with a $150 commissary gift card. Additionally, commissary customers can take home a basket full of savings by using high-value coupons on the following participating brands: Heinz, Kraft, Ore-Ida, Delimex, TGI Friday’s, Devour, Smart Ones, Smart Made, Cracker Barrel, Miracle Whip, Jack Daniels, Oscar Mayer, Velveeta, Country Time, Capri Sun, Kool Aid, Crystal Light, Maxwell House, Gevalia, Planters and McCafe. 
  • Sidewalk Sales: The majority of commissaries worldwide are holding a sidewalk sale in conjunction with May’s Military Appreciation Month. Weather permitting, every commissary worldwide will have one event – a two- or three-day outdoor sidewalk weekend sale (a maximum of four days) – offering extra savings including special deals on some case- and club-pack items. Several commissaries will partner with exchanges for certain promotions linked to this event. Patrons are encouraged to check their store’s web page for sale dates and hours and more details. In addition to the case lot formats found in commercial club stores, commissary sidewalk events also offer additional “mix and match” packages of similar items in bulk-size cases. This event runs until May 31.

“When you start preparing for your barbecue, whether it’s for your family or for all the folks in your unit, make the commissary your first stop for quality meats at great savings,” O’Neal said. “You cannot do better on the prices for everything you need to make the grill the place to be this summer.

“By the way, if your barbecue grill is showing its age, you can also save on a new one at your local exchange store,” she added. “Just another reason why shopping your commissary and exchange is worth the trip to the installation.”

-DeCA-

Military Kids Deserve A Break

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     Recently my son who was beginning the college application process asked me, “Mom where am I from? I was born in Georgia, you and Dad are residents of Florida where I never lived and my driver’s license is from Washington State. I have to admit I was stumped.

     Military children are carted from state to state and often around the world and have no choice in the matter. I remember going to three different schools in 4th grade which was a tough year and my two boys will have each attended 6 schools by the time they graduate with my oldest going to six schools in six years. With the challenges military kids face they deserve a break.

     I propose the Military Children’s Residency Act. This law would allow military kids upon turning 18 to choose their state of residence. This would allow them to establish residency for college without having a waiting period. Isn’t that the least we can do for these resilient kids? Why should they have to pay thousands more in tuition because a parent serves in the military?

Photo Credit: © LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS /Adobe Stock

     We aren’t talking a lot of kids either. There are approximately 2,000,000 military children in school systems across the country. If you divide that out by grade equally that is a little over 150,000 graduating seniors. Around 70% of go on to college which is around 108,000. If you split it equally over the 50 states it is around 2200. Granted that number is probably much lower for some states and higher for others but still pretty low in the scheme of things. States could easily absorb in state tuition rates for these kids.

     I have seen a trend recently where the challenges our kids face are starting to be recognized. I live in Washington State and they just recently passed a law that allows military parents to register for school prior to having moving into their new homes. This past summer we were purchasing a home in a different school district and I wanted to register my son for summer school. The cutoff was before we closed on the house and even with a sales contract I was not allowed to register until we actually resided in the house. Very frustrating but this new law fixes that issue.

What laws do you think state and federal legislatures should pass for military families?



Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Self Care Is Important For Military Spouses

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By Marguerite Cleveland

    Life as a Military Spouse can be extremely stressful and with deployments you are often carrying the load on your own. Often times you find yourself at the bottom of the list of things to do. For me the hardest time was when I had young children who weren’t speaking yet. It was isolating and exhausting. It is important to take care of yourself because you are the glue that holds everything together.

 Here are a few tips I found that helped me out over the years.

  • Find some childcare and take some time for yourself each week. That maybe just taking a shower or going to coffee with a friend. If you are on a tight budget, arrange with a friend and each take a morning where you babysit the others children. It’s a win if the kids are close in age as they will play together all morning. During deployments many installations offer a certain number of free hours of child care. Also check out Mom’s Morning Out at local churches or the YMCA. These can be free or low cost. Some are a co-op where you volunteer and get hours in return.
  • Take time to savor a special treat when the kids are napping or go to sleep for the night. Maybe a nice glass of wine or a perfect chocolate bonbon.
  • Set a goal. My sister talked me into doing a triathlon and I then talked a few of my friends into it. I downloaded a training plan and made a point to allow time for it. It was such a great stress reliever and the bonus of getting into shape.
  • If you have small children, plan play dates. An hour or two at a playground with other Moms can be a nice break in routine. It also tires the little ones out so you will have bonus nap time giving you an additional break.
  • Quit saving stuff for a special occasion and use it now. Enjoy a luxurious bath with products you got at Christmas. Get out one of the good plates and serve your meal on it. Using your special things will make you feel special.
  • Watch a sad movie. I don’t know what it is but I feel so much better after a good cry. I can remember watching the movie “The Notebook” when my husband was deployed and having a complete total breakdown just sobbing my eyes out. I was exhausted but all that built up tension and stress was just gone
Photo Credit: © nicoletaionescu
/Adobe Stock
  • If your budget allows, a massage, facial, or get your hair done. If you live in more of a resort town some of the spas have nice upscale facilities with saunas, hot tubs and pools. Getting a treatment done will allow you use of the facilities.
  • Aromatherapy. I personally do not use essential oils but many Military Spouses I know swear by their use. These essential oils, lavender, sandalwood, bergamot, rose, chamomile, are used to relieve stress, calm nerves, relaxation, reducing anxiety and improving mood. You either rub on your skin or smell the oil to achieve the effects.

     It is important to take the time to care of yourself. So many people really count on us and taking a few minutes each day for yourself helps to keep you going. What is your favorite way to relieve stress?

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Fort Bliss Commissary Produce Manager Receives National Award

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NEWS RELEASE

Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800

Tel:  (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105  DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105 

FAX: (804) 734-8248  DSN: 687-8248

www.commissaries.com

Release Number:         39-19                                                                                                                        

Date:                              May 9, 2019

Media Contact:             Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                                (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                           kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Top honors

Fort Bliss Commissary produce manager

receives national award

By Keith Desbois,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: Go to the DeCA website to view this release online.

FORT LEE, Va. – Vicente Aguirre, produce manager at the Fort Bliss Commissary, Texas, will be recognized as one of 25 top produce managers nationwide, selected by United Fresh for its 2019 Retail Produce Manager Award.

“My team and I are truly honored for being recognized, especially considering the significance of this award,” Aguirre said. “It represents all the hard work and commitment by my team to our military community customers and our commitment to excellence we show every day, to win their confidence in the quality, selection, and price of our produce.”

Aguirre was selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by produce suppliers and retailers from across the industry, according to United Fresh. The awards pay tribute to produce managers’ efforts to boost sales and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and recognizes their accomplishments in helping customers eat healthier.

One factor Aguirre attributes to his win is the outreach events his team does every month. Whether it is an interactive display with other department tie-ins, or a tour for children in day care, Aguirre says he always has something displayed to increase sales and make a lasting impression on customers.

He also stressed that having a strong team is one of the most important aspects of success.

“You have to get your produce team excited by allowing them to make good decisions,” Aguirre added. “As they say, you are only as good as the team around you.  I’m always surprised to find out how much talent and ideas are tossed around by our employees.”

As for his key to success, he believes that you have to keep idea channels open and it will lead to happy team members who want to show what they are made of. “Don’t get in their way, and ‘build it high and watch it fly’,” he added.

His leadership team said they are very proud of his accomplishment and dedication to providing the benefit to patrons.

“Fort Bliss is located in the middle of a desert and sometimes it is not easy to get what you want when you want it,” said store director Michael Mena. “We overcome this by creative merchandising and weeks of planning for events. Vince and his produce team make it happen with outstanding customer service, attention to detail, but most of all, because he loves what he does and our military community customers.”

Aguirre will receive his award June 12 at United Fresh 2019, during the Retail-Foodservice Celebration in Chicago. Since the program’s inception in 2005, almost 325 retail produce managers, representing more than 110 retail banners, have been recognized.

-DeCA-

Healthy Lifestyle Festivals

By

NEWS RELEASE

Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800

Tel:  (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105  DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105 

FAX: (804) 734-8248  DSN: 687-8248

www.commissaries.com

Release Number:         Corrected 38-19                                                                                                                     

Date:                              May 2, 2019

Media Contact:             Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                                (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                           kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Healthy Lifestyle Festivals

Spring event combines best of military resale activities

By Rick Brink,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: Go to the DeCA website to view this release online.

FORT LEE, Va. – Five months after our New Year’s resolutions to eat and live healthier, the Healthy Lifestyle Festivals begin later this month at commissaries worldwide to help reaffirm any lagging resolve.

            “Commissaries are joining forces with their military resale partners and other activities to put renewed focus on helping service members and their families live and eat well through the products and services conveniently available on our installations,” said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka N. O’Neal, the Defense Commissary Agency’s senior enlisted advisor to the agency director.

            Commissaries are hosting sidewalk sales, focusing on healthy food choices and featuring coupon-bundling specials that pair well with fruits and vegetables. Plenty of product demonstrations and food samplings will lend to the festive air. There’s also a healthy pet emphasis featuring great prices on pet food and associated items, and some locations will have activities that appeal to pet owners.

Commissaries won’t be alone because various exchange and Morale Welfare and Recreation services will have corresponding sales and activities. People can enjoy special discounts on workout equipment and apparel, and check out the health screenings and fitness events.

            “We in the military are all about maintaining resilience and readiness, and our Healthy Lifestyle Festivals put the spotlight on how we come together as a community on our installations to help do that,” O’Neal said.

            The schedule of events, which run one to four days, and the types of activities vary by location. Event dates can be found on the “Healthy Lifestyle Festival” page on DeCA’s website, commissaries.com. The first one begins May 14 at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, and the last one ends July 7 at Marine Corps Base Camp Kinser, Okinawa.

-DeCA-

Blogging – Is this a good career fit for a military spouse?

By

By Marguerite Cleveland

    The world of blogging sounds so incredible, travel the world for free, and make tons of money from the comfort of your home. Is this the right fit for a military spouse? It can be, but the first thing you need to understand is it is hard work and not right for everyone. Here are a few questions to ask yourself.

  • Can I write and edit my own material? Can I quickly write content? A Blog involves a huge amount of content that when you are first starting out you will have to solely produce. Think at least three posts a week.
  • Can I take and edit good quality photos? Do I have a camera or cellphone with a good camera? Do I have a good eye? Photos draw people to a blog and you must be able to produce good, quality photos so you don’t have the expense of purchasing.
  • Can I see myself as a brand? What is my brand? How do I present myself to the public?

Photo Credit: © baranq/Adobe Stock

So if you think you have what it takes here are your next steps.

  • Learn WordPress – This is content management software and you will need to select a hosting service. I like Bluehost because they are recommended by WordPress. The reason you need to use WordPress is you can move your content to other hosting services fairly easily if you become unhappy with your hosting platform. The majority of bloggers use WordPress. It does have a learning curve but once you become proficient it is very user friendly. There are lots of free online information to help you learn. You can also purchase a theme which comes with video tutorials.
  • Your Brand – While getting your blog up and running you also need to think about how you are going to get people to visit you new blog. Who are your people or audience? What service do you provide or need do you fill? Pick at least one social media platform and start building followers. Decide on your look. What are your colors? You want this consistent across all your platforms so your audience immediately recognizes your brand.

     This just barely scratches the surface of what you need to learn and do to build a successful blog. One of the pros for a military spouse is that it is a portable career. Once you sustain a certain level of success you can monetize your blog and bring in a good monthly income. The biggest con is that it can take at least a year and even longer to build your audience to where you can monetize. It is consistent posting of an optimal 3 posts a week to build your audience. This is work that you are initially not getting paid for. The bottom line is you really have to love your subject matter and want to share it with the world.

     If after reading this you think you want to start a blog. Take it slow and take the time to learn what you need to do. Don’t just throw up your site on the internet; carefully build a website and blog that you can be proud of. It is worth the time to do it right.

     What kind of blogs do you follow? What would your blog be about?

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com