Military Life Administrator MilitaryShoppers Page 6

Focusing on Family Meals

09/23/2020 By Military Life Administrator

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: 74-20

Date: Sept. 22, 2020

Media Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

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

E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Focusing on family meals

Commissaries help customers save money as they shop for the products to cook more at home

By Kathy Milley,

DeCA Corporate Communications

Note: To read this release online, go to the DeCA website.

FORT LEE, Va. – Until 2020, the frequency of family meals prepared at home was on the decline. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing and sharing meals at home snapped back into focus, becoming the norm.

During September’s Family Meals Month, the Defense Commissary Agency hopes military families focus on the benefits of cooking and eating meals together and will, hopefully, keep home-cooking a tradition long after the threat of the pandemic recedes.

“Engaging the family to prepare a home-cooked meal and share it around the dinner table can have overwhelmingly positive benefits,” said Deborah Harris, DeCA’s dietitian and health and wellness program manager, MPH, RD, CDCES (Masters of Public Health, registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist). “One of the best potential benefits is improving the nutrition quality of the family diet.”

Even those who are living alone, including service members in the barracks, can adopt the healthy habit of cooking more meals at home. Choosing a combination of ready-to-eat, semi-prepared, and fresh items, can add momentum to your nutrition game and help make the most of your hard work during physical activity.

Simply cooking a baked potato in the microwave and topping it with frozen broccoli, cheese, and deli meats is a fraction of the cost of visiting a fast-food drive through. The commissary offers many choices of frozen pizza and other frozen entrees and are much less expensive than eating out. Stock your fridge so you always have something on hand when you don’t feel like cooking.

Preparing and eating meals at home is a better choice for many reasons:

Meals can be more nutritious and may taste better since there is more control and awareness of all the ingredients going into the meal
Portion sizes are much easier to manage
Children learn from observation. Healthy habits, such as cooking more meals at home, will carry over into their adulthood. Taking part in preparing meals will teach children how to plan, prepare and serve
Cooking meals together at home encourages quality family time and creates memories
Meals prepared at home will generally save the family money
The entire family can be involved in using resources to develop meal plans and manage shopping lists

“Designed with our families in mind, the Defense Commissary Agency offers a large assortment of easy-to-prepare, dietitian-approved recipes, many of which are customizable for picky eaters, always one click away on commissaries.com,” Harris said. “Visit the recipes link and filter by clicking “dietitian approved.”

DeCA is continually adding new healthy recipes to commissaries.com, ensuring military customers have the tools they need to improve the nutrition quality of their diet. There are even recipes from celebrity chef Robert Irvine, who develops delicious, nutritious recipes just for commissary customers.

Customers can also visit the “Healthy Living” tab on commissaries.com to learn nutrition tips, set goals and download meal planning resources, menus and no-fuss meal plans, all designed to help meet their health and wellness goals.

Click on the “Thinking Outside the Box” link to open a list of meals that include recipes and nutrition education. Use these to set goals while teaching the family about the nutrition attributes of the recipes you choose to try. Customers are encouraged to contact DeCA via social media to give their feedback on recipes, share photos and pass on any adaptation they’ve made at home.

“During September’s Family Meals Month, I challenge our families to set a goal of cooking at least two additional weekly meals at home,” said Harris. “If time is an issue, purchase prepared meals from our deli or frozen foods section. In addition, getting kids involved with making their snacks is a great way to try new foods, build skills and enjoy time being with you in the kitchen. Snacks can be as simple as preparing a cheese and cracker plate with some fresh fruit.

“All these suggestions are a great way to save time and still get the family together around the table,” she added. “And don’t forget to give our commissary brands and Your Everyday Savings! items a try – helping you to save big at the register.”

-DeCA-

Air Force Considers Families As Part of Decision for Orders

09/16/2020 By Military Life Administrator

Unpredictability is a cornerstone of military life. Last minute orders and moves to new locations every 1-4 years are common place and expected. Stressors of separation, frequent moves, and the long hours of the military career add stress to military marriages. Per a 2019 article from Military.com, the overall military divorce rate is about 3% a year. Co-parenting with a service member adds the possibility of them moving out of the area – another stressor on an already stressful situation. The Air Force recently made a move alleviate this stress with a waiver system for Airmen with custody agreements.

On 28 July 2020, the Department of the Air Force released an amendment to the Total Force Assignments, AFI 36-2110. This amendment allows Airmen to apply for a waiver to defer orders or change assignments if they have a court-ordered child custody agreement for children under the age of 17 that specify geographic limitations. If the service member is the biological or adoptive parent and has court-ordered child custody agreements, regardless of current or past marital status, he/she must apply for and submit a waiver through myPers, and submit through the chain of command for amendment to the assignment or deferment. The memorandum is active for one year from the date of writing or until AFI 36-2110 is updated and republished.

Specific criteria for deferments and assignments are outlined in AFI 36-2110. When able, a geographic location within a “reasonable traveling distance” will be considered. Airmen are required to complete all obligations and requirements as needed to be eligible for continuity of service and for Permanent Change of Station. As expected, the needs of the Department of the Air Force remain the priority and assignment matches will be made to the best to their ability to “fill valid manning requirements” in an Airmen’s skill area. Airmen are advised not to “make decisions on future service, career development, or family planning based on the assumption they can always be assigned to the location where their children reside.” The Air Force is the first service to add this waiver system in support of these co-parenting family dynamics.

The required documentation to apply for the waiver is as follows:

Birth certificate or adoption decree naming the airman as a biological or adoptive parent
Divorce decree (if applicable)
Current child-custody agreement
Memo signed by the Airman and other party stating there is nothing precluding reassignment near the child’s location – such as a restraining order. This also must have the final recommendation of the Airman’s Commander.

Heather Walsh is a mom, Marine wife, Navy child, blogger, and lover of all things crafty and Disney. Professionally, she is a Physician Assistant and writer and has a passion for helping others to stay positive and supported. She has been writing since KidPix was on a floppy disk! She is one of three women who founded MilMomAdventures, sharing travel and lifestyle tips for the military family at www.milmomadventures.com . When she isn’t crafting with her kiddos, going on the next adventure, or writing for MilMomAdventures, she has contributed to NextGen MilSpouse, Daily Mom Military and Military Disney Tips while reheating her first cup of coffee for the tenth time.

25+ Ways to Break the Virtual School Rut with Online Trips You Can Take for Free

09/15/2020 By Military Life Administrator

After months of being in quarantine or social distancing mode, it is fair to say that most families want to just get out to go somewhere. The country is still practicing social distancing and mask wearing and now the majority of the country is in virtual schooling mode. Parents and caregivers across the country have become teachers to varying degrees. As a student, the best part of the school year was field trip day! Is there a way to continue those much-anticipated school activity of field trips for learning, and for a break in the routine? Virtual field trips are now on offer as an option to “get out and explore!”.

There are many free options for virtual exploration from international museums to parks across the United States. This is not an exhaustive list, it provides a starting point for the opportunities to explore the world via the world-wide web.

So get dressed, pack a picnic lunch, and take a field trip in your living room!

National Parks

While a road trip may not be doable for all, you can still visit the National Parks virtually both on the web and through your mobile phone. The National Park Service has videos, web cams and additional learning resources for each of the parks across the United States. Here are a few favorites.

Hawai’i: Thanks to Google Arts and Culture, you can head out over a Volcano in Hawai’i and learn about lava flows while “walking through a lava tube” at Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park. Interactive portions with full audio make it feel like you are there. The National Park Service (NPS) has a combination of 15 thermal and static webcams. Discuss geological features of the park, learn about the volcanoes that make up the park including the historical eruptions and the lava that builds the islands. Free downloadable curriculum plans are available from kindergarten through eighth grade and review the history and science behind volcanoes, natural rock formations and the night sky.

Wyoming: At Yellowstone National Park, you can watch the live stream of the Old Faithful Geyser erupt. Inclusive of prediction times for eruption from April through November. Explore more of the wildlife and views of the park with their 9 static webcams. Worksheets provided by NPS provide learning if desired, as well as recorded distance learning videos.

Florida: The virtual tour of Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park offer the ability to swim a shipwreck and learn about the coral reef protection around Fort Jackson through Google Arts and Culture. There are interactive portions with additional areas of text to read.

Google Earth provides the ability to “walk” through the Everglades National Park without the humidity. Static webcams provide views of the wildlife on the trail and the NPS made video series discusses the wildlife and nature preserve around the park.

Montana: Explore Glacier National Park through Google Earth or with the 13 static webcams through the National Park Service website. In addition to the images and webcams, NPS provides grade-specific lesson plans as a free resource.

If there is a National Park local to you, check their website for hours and reservation times. There are new virtual experiences added to the website along with free educational resources as well as the individual park shops to purchase under the “Support” tab for each park to financially support the National Parks from home.

Additional Resources for National Parks Virtual Field Trips

Check out the local library for National Geographic Kids National Parks USA as an adjunct resource for elementary and middle aged children. It provides tidbit information and pictures about the national parks across the United States inclusive of maps and photos.

Military families can download Park Passport for free thanks to Blue Star Families. The app lists all the National Parks. Additionally, it has virtual field trips to many more parks, along with activities including earning “virtual badges.” More virtual visits have been added over the last several months and the National Park Trust plans to continue to add more opportunities.

Museums

New York: The American Museum of Natural History has broken up virtual field trips by age group, and each category has corresponding worksheets and videos. If you want to explore the museum, walk-through the museum via this Google Arts and Culture view or get exhibit information and close-ups here. The museum has developed a free app for download with even more highlights and quizzes.

The Lourve: Now is the time to visit Paris for the low cost of $0! No worries about the long flight with kids – with one click you can explore the Lourve in Paris. Virtual tours of the Egyptian Antiquities and History of the Lourve are interactive, allowing viewers to “walk” through and around the exhibits.

Washington D.C.: The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. by way of Google offers a “walk-through” of the galleries. The two online exhibits about Fashioning a Nation and Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting provide up close views of the artwork along with information. In addition, there are over 40,000 pieces available to look at through both regular screen and augmented reality. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers a walk-through of the entire museum for exploration.

National Museum of the Marine Corps: Learn about World War II through artwork courtesy of this exhibit from retired Colonel Charles H. Waterhouse. It includes photographs, artwork and history behind each piece. You can also explore the museum virtually with full, panoramic views here. Don’t forget to look up!

Check out Google Arts and Culture for their daily picks of museum highlights. Want to explore the Smithsonian Air and Space museum with a penguin? You can! Online exhibits from museums around the world like the Museum of Natural Science in Brussels or the Natural History Museum in the United Kingdom are available and more are added. Take a trip around the world all while wearing your pajamas!

Zoos

There are numerous animal cams you can enjoy from home. Do you remember huddling around the computer to watch April the Giraffe, and watch her give birth to Azizi? Did you check the animal cam multiple times a day to watch the progress? There is something amazing about watching the animals at the Zoo. While Zoos around the world were closed, they turned to the internet to share the adventure of being a Zookeeper behind the scenes! While Zoos have opened in some capacity, you can still explore the virtual zoo offerings, and their weekly events on social media.

San Diego Zoo: Beyond live webcams of the platypus and Polar Bears, the San Diego Zoo has an entire website San Diego Kids dedicated to elementary education with resources of videos, crafts, animal worksheets, recipes and games. Want to learn to draw a Tiger or talk about conservation with your kids – this is the resource for you. The San Diego Zoo Kids You Tube channel offers animal videos in addition to Kids Corner and craft videos. The San Diego Zoo You Tube channel offers even more animal videos from watching Pygmy Hippos learn to swim to Ring-Tailed Lemur health checks.

Cincinnati Zoo: Check out specific topical presentations and videos from the Cincinnati Zoo Facebook page. Check out their Facebook page for a schedule of live events like question and answers with zookeepers. While the Zoo is open to the public now, they have continued these events online.

Chester Zoo: Across the pond in England, the Chester Zoo put together virtual Zoo Days. Each day showcases the zookeepers along with red pandas, jaguars, kangaroos, otters, painted dogs, and Orangutans while they go about their normal day. While feeding the animals, the zookeepers share facts about their zoo and the animals in a close-up experience. They are continuing live events on their Facebook page, and post the schedule a few days ahead of time.

Aquariums

If you haven’t tuned into the Jelly Cam while doing quiet time, you should. The soothing music alone promotes a zen atmosphere, but just enjoying the blue background and fish is soothing. Aquariums continue to share the webcams and a few are offering additional resources and virtual course offerings!

Georgia Aquarium: The Georgia Aquarium offers webcams of the belugas, Jellyfish and piranhas just to name a few in addition to multiple tanks. Twice weekly on their social media pages, the education department at the aquarium offers videos and learning opportunities that are then uploaded here. There are listed by topic and can easily be added into science learning or just for fun. Each video has a corresponding study guide for download.

Sea World: SeaWorld has an entire website dedicated to education. While Busch Gardens and SeaWorld may not be local or feasible to visit at the moment, there are free curriculum packets for Kindergarten through 12^th grade to discuss birds, sea life and ocean preservation. Corresponding videos are available on the Sea World Parks You Tube Channel. The focus of learning is on conservation, and the curriculum puts it into age appropriate terms.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: The Monterey staple is a world-renown aquarium and worth the visit. While the aquarium remains closed, they offer weekly live videos on their Facebook channel. An added bonus are the Grade specific online courses for preschool through high school . These courses were developed by the staff and are completely free. Each course includes videos, corresponding worksheets and resource links for additional learning. In most cases, these courses are offered in both English and Spanish. The curriculum has everything ready to go so you can dive right in!

The Aquarium of the Pacific: The Long Beach Aquarium has created the Aquarium Academy with live online courses for preschool through high school with topical videos. Animal webcams are open various hours with the Penguin cam being on 24 hours. For the preschool and early elementary age children, the Pacific Pals show is an online version of their Puppet shows bringing the aquarium to the living room of everyone who watches.

NASA

If space is your jam, NASA has you covered. You can take a 4k tour of the moon or tour the International Space Station! Or even explore Mars courtesy of the Curiosity Rover. The Kids Zone on the NASA website provides games, activities and more space resources to explore!

National Geographic Weird But True

This television series can be found on Disney Plus so it isn’t free unless you already have the digital platform, but these topical episodes provide information, facts and field trips. Based off the “Weird But True” books by National Geographic, this series discusses the history and science behind various topics and includes a field trip to meet with experts on the topic each episode. There is an episode about training for space missions where they interview an astronaut and travel to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. One of the presenters goes to Colonial Williamsburg to learn about the jobs in the Colonial times. There is even an episode on the importance of bees. It is presented in a fun and captivating way that will entertain children up to the teen years. There are things that even the adults will learn!

2020 has been a strange year. Thankfully, museums, zoos, aquariums and the National Parks have figured out ways to bring their location to the world through technology! No un-air-conditioned bus ride needed!

Need Some Workout Motivation – Check Out the Army & Air Force Exchange Services Weekly BE FIT Live Workouts

09/09/2020 By Military Life Administrator

Every Monday, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) BE FIT ambassadors Roy Montez and Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Sonja Berry host 20-minute workouts at 11 a.m. CST live on facebook.com/shopmyexchange. Soldiers, Airmen, retirees, Veterans and military family members can watch the series on the Exchange Facebook page. The workouts are a component of AAFES’s BE FIT Program.

Strategic Marketing Manager Roy Montez Jr. serves as the Exchange BE FIT ambassador, drawing on his involvement in NCAA Division I soccer. As a part of his contributions, Montez offers weekly BE FIT live sessions on Facebook. These sessions were created with a goal of reaching the military community during COVID-19. Senior Master Sgt. Sonja Berry is assigned to the Exchange as the assistant director of Public Health and Food Safety. She partners with Montez on BE FIT’s weekly Facebook Live workouts. “It’s like having a free trainer,” said Berry. “It demonstrates the Exchange’s commitment to fitness and healthy lifestyles.”

The idea for the live workouts came about to promote wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The workouts include interval training, core workouts, strength training and more. “These BE FIT workouts remind military communities that staying fit is critical—especially during the pandemic,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “Joining the Exchange workouts through Facebook fosters a sense of community and resiliency.”

Each video begins with a short introduction, then Montez describes each exercise before he and Berry lead viewers on stretching. During the workout, Montez pauses to rest, provides advice, and answers questions from the online audience.

“BE FIT, which was launched in 2009, prioritizes the health of our Nation’s fighting force. The initiative highlights health-conscious meals and grab-and-go snacks as well as providing an assortment of fitness gear and wellness services. The Exchange’s BE FIT program empowers shoppers, their families, and the broader military community to make healthy lifestyle choices,” said Loyd Brumfield, PR Specialist, AAFES.

BE FIT initiatives include:

A revamped BE FIT page on ShopMyExchange.com.
New Healthier Choices shelf tags to promote meals and snacks that meet the BE FIT program’s calorie, sodium and fat requirements.
Partnering with commissaries for Healthy Lifestyle Festivals and other wellness events.
A social media campaign to post and share BE FIT content.
Opening more than 20 restaurants, all with better-for-you options.

“Every Monday, the Exchange offers live workouts on its Facebook page. Through BE FIT Connect, which is part of the Exchange’s community Hub, shoppers can find exercise videos, health and fitness tips and links to content on the Exchange’s Facebook page and BE FIT merchandise on ShopMyExchange.com. The Healthier Choice tags displayed on all our BE FIT items in our Express stores have also resonated with customers as they make it easy to quickly identify healthier options,” said Brumfield.

The BE FIT program helps Military Families make healthy lifestyle choices. “The Exchange makes it part of our mission to support troops’ readiness and resiliency through a BE FIT lifestyle,” said President and Chief Merchandising Officer Ana Middleton. “Through our long-term BE FIT initiative, we are committed to providing the fitness information, nutrition tips, equipment and better-for-you dining, and snack options Warfighters and their families need to meet their health goals. “Our BE FIT initiatives also helps us develop lifelong emotional connections with our customers.”

For more information and updates on the program visit the AAFES’s Community Hub. The BE FIT content includes healthy recipes and fitness tips.

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

COVID-19 Got You Down – Get Outside

09/09/2020 By Military Life Administrator

Resources and Tips to Get You Exploring the Great Outdoors

A recent assignment led me to visit Point Defiance Park not far from where I live. This crown jewel of Tacoma has been a city park for over 100 years. It is rare to have an old growth forest right in the middle of town. There are plenty of trails and garden spaces that I felt totally comfortable exploring on my own. At the end of the day my coronavirus blues were chased away, and I felt better able to cope with everything going on in the world right now. I am lucky to live in an area with many beautiful outdoor recreational spaces right in town. How do you find the great places to get outside especially if you are new to an area?

There are two passes you must have when exploring your area. The first is the America the Beautiful Park Pass which is a pass that allows military families free visits to National Parks, Monuments, Forests and much more. Just show your military ID at entrance of any national park to receive your pass. I signed up for mine at a Wildlife Refuge. You will also need a state park pass which you will have to pay for. In Washington, the Discover Pass is $30 for the year and a one day admission to many state parks is $10 so it will quickly pay off. Many military installations outdoor rec sell the state passes.

A great place to start is Outdoor Recreation on your military installation. Most offer group day trips which are a fun way to explore your local area and meet new people. Another good on base resource is your local Spouses Club. Most have subclubs which you can join with people of similar interests such as the hiking club or a local explorers group.

An extensive new resource the ParkPassport app has been developed by Blue Star Parks, a program of the Blue Star Families. The new app has more than 2,000 national parks and other federal recreational which you can access via the park finder feature. Reviews are positive with people loving the park finder feature and finding out how many places are in their area. You can also connect with friends and show experiences. It includes a virtual passport where you can collect badges, a feature kids will love.

Military Spouses know how tough it is moving and meeting new people. Military Wild is an organization founded by military spouses who know how you feel. The group has chapters and ambassadors all over the country and the world with the mindset every duty station is what you make of it. Connect with your local chapter to enjoy group hikes and other adventures with likeminded military families who love exploring the outdoors.

Facebook groups are another good way to connect with people to plan outdoor activities. I belong to Travelers from JBLM. Members post questions asking for suggestions on what to do while those who have lived in the area longer provide answers. Often members link up to do things together.

Sometimes you may just want to get away from the military community and if so, there are many civilian groups that are worth checking out. Find your local trail association online and look for their resources. Usually they will list groups that get together to hike as well as classes on the wilderness in your area. The Washington Trail Association is a wealth of information everything from hiking with children, new to hiking guide, find a hike, and someone to hike with resources. If you love the outdoors volunteering to work on trails near you is another way to meet now people. Check out your trail association to see what is available in your area.

The great outdoor spaces with fresh air and the sounds of birds chirping in the trees go a long way to helping you cope with our world situation. It is easy to forget everything while exploring the while. Remember to continue your COVID-19 precautions even when outdoors. Keep your social distancing and while you don’t need to wear a mask when hiking, keep it handy in case you come upon others. Parks are seeing record numbers visiting during the pandemic so plan to visit early or on weekdays for less crowds.

The Rosie Network Service2CEO Program

09/01/2020 By Military Life Administrator

Veteran and Military Spouse business owners help you launch your business

B y Marguerite Cleveland

The Rosie Network is a great resource for military spouses, transitioning service members and veterans who want to start their own business or grow an existing one. It was founded by a military spouse Stephanie Brown and other veterans who were inspired by the World War II icon Rosie the Riveter and her “We Can Do It” attitude.

The mission of the Rosie Network is to “to build stronger military families by developing entrepreneurial programs and support services that empower active-duty, veterans and military spouses to realize the American Dream of small business ownership, increasing financial stability and self-sufficiency of those who have served our country.” Started in 2011 in San Diego, the network has grown and there are now many opportunities around the U.S. to participate in their signature program, Service2CEO.

Service2CEO is a recipient of the Small Business Association Growth Accelerator Award and is a free program. It is serious training and mentorship provided by experts in their field. The 16-week program consists of both in class and online instruction. During the COVID-19 crises everything will be virtual. Training includes business training in accounting, human resources, cybersecurity, sales, marketing raising capital, record keeping, eCommerce and management training. Local business leaders offer civilian mentorship. The program will also provide free website development, an assessment of your business concept, and help developing your business plan.

“The Rosie Network is a program for military spouse entrepreneurs to take their current business to a higher level or to take their idea and help it come to fruition. The 16-week program takes the students through 8 modules. Each module focuses on a area of entrepreneurship like marketing or customer personas and is led by a subject matter expert in that area. This program is completely free, and students end the program with a live graduation. Previously done in person, it has since pivoted to online instruction and graduations, which has opened the pool of subject matter experts from around the world. The JBLM Rosie Chapter launched in April and is graduating 6 students on August 19th. To graduate the students must complete mentor calls as well as compile a pitch deck to present. Also new this year, is the Rosie Alumni Chapter. Once they graduate, they can participate in the alumni chapter, opening their ability to network with other graduates and mentors. The alumni chapter hosts online learning series talks as well as a professional development book club. I have been the JBLM Rosie Chapter Lead since it launched in April and am excited to have seen the students start with an idea and see it grow. Students now have their business logos and pitch decks to take with them to investors or any sponsorship/partnership opportunity. This is such a great program and I encourage any military spouse thinking of starting a business to participate. A new cohort date will be announced soon for our area,” said Sonia Ramirez-Garcia, Chapter Head for the Rosie Network at JBLM.

The program offers one on one mentoring and peer to peer support. The program provides opportunities to attend community events and many networking opportunities. Attendees can take advantage of financial, legal, and human resource professional services. There are national events as well. The biggest benefit is being part of the Rosie Network and the opportunity to build a business profile page on Rosie’s List.

“Veteran and military spouse business owners are 10x more likely to hire fellow veterans and military spouses. By empowering these individuals with meaningful training and mentorship, we are impacting their families, their communities and our nation’s economy,” Stephanie Brown, The Rosie Network Founder. It is the largest nonprofit working to solve the military spouse unemployment crisis which is at 14-18%, 5 times the national average. According the BSF Military Lifestyle Survey military spouse unemployment costs taxpayers 1.2 billion.

Rosie’s List is like Angie’s List that you see advertised to find local businesses for your home. Rosie’s List is for military family owned businesses. As part of the Service2CEO program you have will learn how to build a profile page on Rosie’s List. It is a searchable, online database for members that helps you market your products and services worldwide. Your profile page is free and describes your business and what you have to offer to consumer. You can also include a shopping cart for direct sales. It is a huge benefit.

The Service2CEO program is highly successful with 86% of attendees reporting a minimum of 150% increase in revenue. It has a 99.5% Net Promoter rating for the program. A net promotor score measures customer experience. The highest score is 100%. Minority and woman entrepreneurs comprised 60+% of attendees.

The Rosie Network also runs the National Veteran & Military Spouse Entrepreneur Awards. The awards recognize those who are willing to take a risk and create a successful business. There are categories for new business start-ups to those for more established entrepreneurs. To learn more about the Servoce2CEO program or how you can nominate a military family business for an award visit The Rosie Network.

Department of Defense Announces the 2020 Commander in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence Recipients

09/01/2020 By Military Life Administrator

By Marguerite Cleveland

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper recently announced the winners of the 20202 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. The program recognizes the people who work to utilize limited resources to operate and maintain U.S. military installations. There are five awards, one for each branch of service and one for the Defense Logistic Agency.

The program was established in 1985 by President Ronald Reagan who said at the time, ““I am confident that this search for excellence and innovations will yield many new and better ways of accomplishing our mission and at the same time honor those whose dedication has produced the best Defense organization in the world.” Each branch holds its own intra-service competition. Installations are evaluated on mission support, energy conservation, quality of life, unit morale, environmental stewardship, real property management, safety, health and security, communications, and public relations.

The Recipients of the 2020 Commander In Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence are:

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Drum, New York (USAG-FD)
Senior Commander: Major General Brian J. Mennes, U.S. Army
Garrison Commander: Colonel Jeffery P. Lucas, U.S. Army

Highlights for USAG-FD include great success with energy conservation with 100% renewable-energy sustainability. They saved $1.9 million by repurposing a furniture store and food court into a After-Action Review Facilty using Public Works personnel. Other highlights include the installation of solar walls in 53 buildings which will save a projected $32,000.

Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia
Commanding Officer: Captain Bradley N. Rosen, U.S. Navy

Highlights for Naval Station Norfolk include reducing energy use by 15.1% since the baseline year, Fiscal Year 2015. A new heat and power plant began operations supplying 74% of the stations steam requirements saving $6.5 million in utility costs. They reduced spills which effect the environment 66% since the baseline year. The base’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation was recognized as a 5-star accredited program.

Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, California (MCGACC)
Base Commander: Brigadier General Roger Turner, U.S. Marine Corps

MCGACC highlights included $23 million investments in infrastructure to repair major facilities. The photovoltaic system and tri-generation plants provided 83% of the bases daily energy requirements saving over $9.8 million. An environmental program saw the MCGACC partnered with a California University to rear 475 desert tortoise hatchlings, release 234 into the wild and relocate 1300 to safer locations.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (JBER)
Commanding Officer: Colonel Patricia A. Csànk, U.S. Air Force

JBER had a tough year surviving a 7.1 magniture earthquake and the worst fire season in Alaska’s history. Highlights include hosting the USAF’s first base-level innovation summit. They also established an innovation lab which resulted in securing over $260K to fund 22 projects. The lab provides a place for airmen to congregate and access cutting edge technology such as using 3D printing to create prototypes. When Hurricane Michael struck Tyndall AFB, 112 Airmen and families relocated to JBER where they received support from the Military and Family Readiness Center, in coordination with seven other base agencies.

Defense Distribution Depot, San Joaquin, California
Commanding Officer: Colonel Tiffany. N. Harris, U.S. Marine Corps

The Defense Distribution Depot San Joaquin highlights include reducing per-fixture energy consumption by 54% by changing over 6,100 fluorescent light fixtures to LED. More than 600 employees took part in the Employer Trip Reduction Program which reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 242 metric tons. The Depot saw a 60% drop in lost-time injuries, and a 23% reduction in total injuries reported due to their vigilant safety program.

‘Are you prepared?’

08/24/2020 By Military Life Administrator

Commissary patrons can save on groceries, other supplies for their emergency kits

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: To read this release online, go to the DeCA website.

FORT LEE, Va. – During September, National Preparedness Month highlights the significance of being ready for emergencies. This is a message the Defense Commissary Agency takes to heart as it helps its customers save on many of the items they should include in their survival kits.

“When an emergency occurs – bad weather, manmade event or pandemic – you’re either prepared or you’re not,” said Tracie Russ, DeCA’s director of sales. “We want our customers to know their commissary benefit is here for them so they can be prepared now.”

The theme for this year’s National Preparedness Month is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” The month is separated into four activities: Sept. 1-5 – make a plan; Sept. 6-12 – build a kit; Sept. 13-19 – prepare for disasters; and Sept. 20-26 – teach youth about preparedness.

From April through Oct. 31, DeCA’s severe weather promotional package helps customers prepare their survival kits with discounts on the following items: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Specific items may vary from store to store.

Whether it’s Mother Nature or a manmade crisis, emergency preparedness officials encourage prior planning with a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:

COVID-19 protection – reusable or disposable face coverings, disposable gloves, hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, hand soap
Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola, peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper
Writing utensils – pens, pencils (manual pencil sharpeners), markers
Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener
First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription medications
Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap
Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moist wipes
Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags
Lighting accessories – flashlights, batteries, candles and matches
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Duct tape, scissors
Multipurpose tool
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Maps of the area
Blankets or sleeping bags

“Even with COVID-19, we still want our customers to be prepared,” Russ said. “However, we recommend they buy what they need and avoid unnecessary hoarding to ensure products are available for others.”

For more information about disaster preparedness, go to the DeCA website for lists of resources.

For more information about National Preparedness Month, go to Ready.gov where there are also links to more resources such as the Hurricane Seasonal Preparedness Digital Toolkit. Military families can also find information on emergency procedures specific to their service.

-DeCA-

Feds Feed Families

08/24/2020 By Military Life Administrator

Commissary patrons, employees donate record 2.3M pounds

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: 67-20

Date: August 20, 2020

Media Contact: Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

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

E-mail: kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Feds Feed Families

Commissary patrons, employees donate record 2.3M pounds

By Keith Desbois,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: To read this release online, go to the DeCA website.

FORT LEE, Va. – Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) patrons and employees once again led this year’s Department of Defense (DOD) contributions to the annual Feds Feed Families campaign by collecting nearly 2.3 million pounds of food and personal hygiene items.

The previous donations record for DeCA’s donations was 1.6 million pounds in 2015.

Through Feds Feed Families, federal employees help food banks and pantries stay stocked during summer months when the need for donations is at its greatest. Although this year’s campaign officially ran from June 1 to July 31, DOD agencies could include all of their donations collected from Jan. 1 to Aug. 14. DeCA’s participation represented almost 90 percent of DOD’s total donation of more than 2.5 million pounds.

“It was only through the generosity of our employees and customers,” said Randy Eller, DeCA’s director of logistics. “Every year they really step up and get the job done in terms of donations. This year’s campaign broke the DOD record, and we significantly contributed to that success.”

Last year, DeCA collected more than 753,000 pounds of donations, about 73 percent of the over 1 million pounds collected by DOD. This year, for the first time, the DOD delegated DeCA to be the Department’s lead for the campaign.

Patrons and employees donated in a number of ways. In the commissary, prepackaged bags filled with DeCA’s Freedom’s Choice store brand items were available for purchase. After purchasing the bag, patrons simply dropped it in a donation box or left it with the cashier.

“The commissaries sold a little over 27,000 bags and this is absolutely fantastic,” added Eller.

Commissaries also accepted unopened, sealed donations brought from home, or patrons and employees could purchase individual items in the store. Once the donations were collected, the commissary and their installation worked together to get them to a local foodbank or pantry.

The commissaries’ commitment doesn’t stop there.

Throughout the year, commissaries donate edible but unsellable products to local food banks and pantries around the country through DeCA’s food donation program.

Since Feds Feed Families began in 2009, federal employees have collected over 92 million pounds of food. For more information on this campaign, go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Feds Feed Families webpage.

-DeCA-

COVID-19 Impacts Military Empty Nesters Dreams

08/19/2020 By Military Life Administrator

By Marguerite Cleveland

There comes a time when the children have finally moved out of the home and you can rekindle your relationship with your spouse. Being an empty nester is the time to have regular date nights and take those bucket list trips you’ve been planning forever. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has reared its ugly head wreaking havoc on so many plans.

For many families, the impact has been kids moving back home with on campus college classes canceled or for economic reasons with so many unemployed. For Kimberlee, a newly retired military spouse, her twins have been home from college since March. They are scheduled to return to school in September but that is up in the air with so many colleges going to distant learning for the fall. She hasn’t felt too much impact as their retirement home has a guest house which gives her boys their own space.

In other cases, families have had to ask their children to move out due to safety concerns with the COVID-19 virus. Susan, a retired military spouse said, “Our 25-year-old son lived with us while going to school, he graduated this spring. The first 2 months of the pandemic he did great, school, work, home. Then he started staying out later, so we had a discussion and decided it was time for him to move out. We just didn’t want to risk him bringing Covid home. Such a hard decision to make, I miss him so much. My husband and I have been working from home during this time-lots of home projects, gardening, reorganizing, and reading (this has been the best part). I miss our weekend trips, impromptu gatherings and being with friends.

Across the country adult children are returning home in droves and it can add financial stress for empty nesters. It is important to set boundaries and expectations to newly returned adult children. It is not unreasonable to expect help with chores and doing their own laundry. Ask for modest rent payment or help with groceries if they are receiving unemployment or other income. If you feel uncomfortable collecting rent do so and sock it away in an account and you can give them a lump sum when they move out. Also set standards for your expectations regarding the COVID-19 virus.

The biggest change of the COVID-19 pandemic for many is putting the Empty Nester Moon on the back burner. Empty Nesters love to travel and have planned for a big bucket list trip which must now be canceled with no idea of when it can be rescheduled. Take the time to rediscover your hometown. Retired military families may end up where you never lived before so now is a good time to explore. Check out what tourist things are open in your area that you may not have visited before. Take a weekend road trip within your state. Be spontaneous and check for last minute deals. It is so easy to just get up and go when you are only planning for two. Take advantage of adult children at home for pet sitting.

Take the time to Dream about future travel. I love Viking Cruise line which has a list of books you should read and movies you should watch that are curated to learn about the destinations of your future cruise. You can plan evenings to watch a movie and prepare food from that region. Cruises from the U.S. are suspended until September and the expectation is that date will be pushed back. MSC Cruise Line recently welcomed back cruisers with a completely revamped cleansing protocol which includes hospital grade cleaners. Ships set sail with 70% capacity and masks must be worn in when social distancing is not practical such as in an elevator. Guests are tested at the port of entry and temperatures of all guests taken daily. So, there is hope for future travel.

One of the things many empty nesters enjoy is hanging out with friends by going out to restaurants, wine tasting or having get togethers at home. During the pandemic most of those things are off limits so what to do. Get familiar with Zoom and have virtual parties. Have everyone order a whiskey or wine tasting kit with samples and have a Zoom Party and share online your thoughts. Another option is to have everyone order from the same restaurant and pretend you are out to eat together.

As this pandemic drags on, we all continue to find creative ways to do things that used to be normal. No one knows what the future will bring but one thing is sure military families have the resilience to handle it.

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