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What To Include In Your Overseas PCS Checklist

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Getting overseas orders, or OCONUS can bring about emotions of a wide array – from elated and excited to dreading and sad. It is true, moving overseas comes with its own variety of stressors, on top of moving which is stressful in itself. Be prepared with this list to make sure you are ready to go.

  1. Medical Clearance: This is key. Medical clearance is required for every family member who would be moving to an overseas location. Some military bases OCONUS have small clinics or hospitals that do not have every medical specialty. The screening ensures that those individuals who need specialized care or medication that requires that they stay CONUS. The screening also identifies if there are any outstanding vaccinations that family members need prior to travel. Once the medical screening is complete state-side, it is sent to the medical clearance department at the gaining command OCONUS. Once area clearance is received, the orders can be completed with every family member who is moving overseas.
  2. Pet Clearance: If you have pets, this can also take several months. Depending on which country you are going to, your pet may need vaccinations, namely Rabies, and rabies titers. If there is even a whisper of potentially overseas orders, highly recommend calling the base vet to find out what paperwork, blood work, vaccinations, and clearance your pet will need. Check out what is required for taking your pet overseas on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
  3. Passports: When moving overseas, federal passports are provided for all family members on orders. These passports are “no fee,” meaning you do not pay for it. It also means that the passport can only be used when traveling on military orders. You cannot use the federal passport to travel across Europe or Asia when your family is living overseas-it is not a tourist passport. If the location you are moving to requires a visa, the Travel or Transportation Office will provide you with the required paperwork.
  4. Flights: Do not expect to get the Patriot Express – the military airline that transports families overseas. The peak moving periods of the summer and December fill up quickly. There are limited pet spots for sending pets back and forth overseas as well.
  5. Scheduling the Move: Here are a few terms you need to know – express shipment (aka unaccompanied baggage), household goods shipment (aka HHG), and storage. Depending on where you are moving to, you likely get at least two shipments – express and household goods. The express shipment or unaccompanied baggage is just that – baggage that goes ahead of when you leave with the intent of arriving soon after you arrive. The express shipment is limited on weight and is usually restricted to items like your kitchen items, cribs, cleaning items, etc. This is not the shipment for sending your tv, workout equipment, or a large bed. Each service branch has different regulations, so ask the office that schedules your move. The HHG shipment is for the rest of your home goods. The HHG shipment usually comes on the “slow boat,” meaning a freight boat. This shipment typically arrives several months after you arrive OCONUS, so plan accordingly. Don’t pack the uniform items you will need the month you arrive. Each service branch may have a weight limit that differs from moving within the continental United States, so make sure to ask.
  6. Connect with your sponsor: Typically moving overseas means that there is a service member assigned as a sponsor. The sponsor can make hotel reservations and set up a mailbox for the incoming family. They do not pay for the hotel room, they may help with setting things up because of the time difference. They are often the people who pick up the military family from the airport since the incoming family does not likely have an international driver’s license. Ask this person any logistical questions you can.
  7. Shipping a POV: Some duty stations allow you to ship privately owned vehicles (POV), and the transportation office should be able to provide this guidance. If they do not allow POVs to be shipped, you will need to buy local cars upon arrival.
  8. Sell or Store a POV: If you are not bringing your vehicle overseas, the choice is to sell your current vehicle or store it. If you store it through the government, the car should be started periodically. You could also store it with family or allow a friend to borrow it – but make sure you are clear with expectations for car use and maintenance. If you choose to sell your vehicle, make sure to get offers from a dealership and places that buy used cars to resell.  

Tackling the logistical side of moving overseas will help you and your family embrace and enjoy the change. It does take a bit of planning to help an overseas move go smoothly, and knowing what you need as soon as you can will help you get there!

Army PFT now ACFT- Updated April 1, 2022

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The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has replaced the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) as of April 1, 2022. The testing of the new test was completed this year and is now the accepted fitness test for the Army. The idea behind this change is to improve individual and unit readiness, enhance stamina and change the fitness culture within the U.S. Army. In addition, the combat fitness test has been modified in a way to reduce preventable injuries which in turn will help with soldier attrition.

The ACFT was made of six events: 3 repetition maximum deadlift (MDL), standing power throw (SPT), hand release push-up – arm extension (HRP), spring-drag-carry (SDC), leg tuck (LTK), and 2-mile run (2MR).

The MDL was designed to work on and develop muscular strength, balance, and flexibility.  The equipment used is a 60-pound hex bar and plates.  A minimum of 140 pounds is required for a score of 60 and a maximum of 340 pounds is listed for a score of 100. This exercise was chosen to work on the skills of lifting and moving heavy loads from the ground and extracting a casualty if needed.

The SPT event is completed by throwing a 10-pound medicine ball backward and overhead for a distance.  The minimum requirement is 4.5 meters is required for a score of 60 and the max is 12.5 meters for a score of 100. The exercise is working on explosive power, balance, and flexibility

The HRP is to complete as many push-ups as possible in a two-minute period to work on muscular endurance. The muscles utilized with HRP are used to move obstacles, push away opponents when in hand-to-hand combat, execute evasion maneuvers, and push disabled vehicles. The minimum is 10 for a score of 60 and the maximum is 60 for a score of 100 points.

The SDC is a test of strength, endurance, and anaerobic capacity by completing 5 x 50-meter shuttles for a time period. A 90-pound sled or 2 40-pound kettlebells are used. The SDC uses and builds muscles needed to extract a casualty from a vehicle, getting to fighting positions and reacting as needed. A minimum score of 60 is achieved if the exercises are completed in 3:00 minutes. The maximum score of 100 points is achieved if the exercises are completed in 1:33 minutes.

The LTK core exercise is to complete as many left tucks as possible to build strength and endurance allowing for climbing walls and obstacles and rope climbing. The minimum is 1 rep or a 2:09 plank hold for a score of 60. A maximum of 20 reps or 4:20 plank hold for a score of 100 points.

The 2MR is completed on a generally flat outdoor course to test and build aerobic endurance. Running is necessary for marching, running or any movement required as part of the training or tasks at hand. The minimum is 21:00 minutes will gain a score of 60 points and the maximum is 13:30 minutes for a score of 100 points.

Details on specific lifting techniques and which muscle groups are used with each exercise are located on the Army ACFT website.

Loose Lips Sink Ships: Know OPSEC and PERSEC

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World History and the Captain America movie series share the World War II posters in common – specifically, the one with the picture of a ship and the phrase “Loose Lips Sink Ships” emblazoned underneath it. The idea behind this poster was if you talk about troop or ship movement, the enemy could get that information and use it. World War II occurred during the days of letters, phone calls, and telegrams – not the world with social media on everyone’s personal phones and computers. While the technology has changed, the main idea has remained the same – loose lips, sink ships – do not share personal or military movement publicly. This idea is called PERSEC and OPSEC.

PERSEC

PERSEC is Personal Security. This means a service member and family members keep themselves safe. This isn’t just about sharing when the service member is deployed or training, but also about sharing that the family may be home alone. Avoid posting a countdown clock on a social media profile. There are excel sheets entitled the “donut of misery” that you can edit on your computer, but this is not sharing the info publicly.

Avoid geo-tracking or “checking in” at certain locations on social media. Especially if you are leaving your home for an extended period of time. Yes, it is on-trend to share the comings and goings of your daily life, but digital information is still information.

Don’t share your or your children’s schools or activities – this creates a routine that others can follow you and make take advantage of that time and information.

OPSEC

OPSEC means Operation Security. This is self-explanatory – keeping the operation, the mission, safe and secure. This means not sharing when units deploy from a base or an area. This varies from branch to branch, and the local news may share when a ship leaves a port. It may feel like you can share if the news shares, but what they share is a little different when you share it on your personal profile. The news is sharing general information, and not specifying individuals or missions. When you personally share that the military member moved, you are sharing that your spouse or family member is on it and now you are home alone, or home without your spouse. It is smart to avoid sharing the 5 W’s of movement of military troops publicly– The Who, Where, When, What, and Why of movements. Avoid sharing what unit the military member is part of, where they are going. It may seem contrary to the sharing culture that social media has created, but sharing this information leaves the military member and you open and vulnerable.

It may feel counter-culture to not share daily while you are on vacation, or openly ask for prayers or help when your military spouse is deployed, but by not sharing those items you are using OPSEC and PERSEC. This doesn’t mean you can’t share. You can share homecoming photos after the military member has come home, you can share vacation photos after you are back. You can even share the burrito you ate if you want to without the geo-tag. It may take time to change previous habits, but operational and personal security is worth it.

Make the Most of Your PCS with These Packing Tips

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It’s the most chaotic time of the year….(sang to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”).

PCS season is here. When the orders start rolling in, it is time to start planning out the move. Packing up your home can be daunting. You may want to let the professionals do it, but sometimes the government procured movers aren’t actually moving professionals but college students on summer break and learning how to pack themselves. Whether you are planning to move with a PPM (personally procured moved, formerly DITY) or a government procured move, get organized with these packing tips.

  1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. We have heard the old adage of location, location, location for real estate, but preparation for a move is key. Getting everything organized, thinned out and ready to go is key for establishing a smooth process and getting the most out of your PCS.
  2. Cull. Part of preparation is going through and culling. Not just Marie Kondo style, wholesale – clothes your kids have grown out of, outdoor toys that you don’t know if they will fit in the new yard, snow gear if you are moving to Hawaii, and books that no one has read in the last three years can all go. Every little bit helps, if you cull “extra” items, you won’t have to pack them. Many places accept donations both on and off-post – consider dropping them off at the on-base thrift stores for other families to enjoy or
  3. Shred. This goes along with cull, but shredding paperwork or old bills that you do not need to move means you are saving space and thinning out unnecessary items.  If you don’t have the time to do it, check for local shred events. Local shred events may charge a fee for a certain number of bags, but there may be a bag or two that are free. And if it saves you time, it may be worth the money.
  4. Organize. Getting bins or bags for kids’ clothes and labeling them by size means they can be easily tossed into boxes and unpacked just as easily. Pack up seasonal items and label them as such. Bin up shoes for the different seasons. This makes unpacking that much simpler.
  5. Make your own parts box. Whether you are moving or having the government procured movers pack you, make and designate your own parts box. Make sure it is a durable box that won’t accidentally go missing or have items fall out of it.
  6. Pack a go-bag. Don’t forget to pack a bag for each person to have items after the house is packed. To avoid running out to the store to get a toothbrush or toothpaste for a member of your family, pull out items that you will need during the transition period between homes or while on travel.
  7. Pack an “open this” box. Pack a box that is filled to the brim with essentials that you need the first week – toilet paper, shower curtain, kitchen items, towels, sheets – all items that allow you to move into the empty home and make it work while waiting for your household items. If you are moving to OCONUS, this can be a suitcase. If you are moving cross country this can be a bin you bring with you.
  8. Reserve a “do not pack” area. Make this room a bathroom or small room so you can easily shut a door. This is a great visualization for everyone who is packing or preparing.
  9. Set aside pro gear. Whether you are packing these items yourself or having the packers do it, make sure that pro gear is labeled and set aside. Pro gear are items that do not count toward your household goods and are items that you typically have for your job – equipment, field gear, or books for the service member and the spouse. There is a 2,000-pound limit for the service member and 500 pounds for the spouse.
  10. Separate important papers. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports – all items that are not easily replaced are items you need to carry with you on a move and store in a secure place during the move process. This also includes medical records or sentimental items. Have one suitcase or bag for these items so you are always aware of where they are.
  11. Make an inventory video. This may sound silly but walk around your house recording the items you own, including video of your appliances working with the current date. Including any model numbers in the video. This helps with replacement if necessary and is just good to have on hand.
  12. Save, save, save. Moving is not cheap. While the military may pay for your move, it is still an expensive season replacing necessary items and general preparation. Saving as soon as you are able can help you be more prepared.

PCSing doesn’t seem to get easier with each move. You can get more prepared with more practice, or use this list to be expertly prepared for this PCS season. May the PCS gnome be kind to you and your family this season.

Try These 4 Surprising Sides for Your Easter Meal

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Bunny Day is almost here! Spring with its brightly colored flowers, warmer weather, and pastel-colored candies have arrived. It also means that the Easter dinner planning has begun. Are you ready to shed the traditional scalloped potatoes or glazed carrots for your Easter meal, then look no further! Check out these 4 sides to add some deliciousness to your meal this year.

German Potato Salad

Mashed potatoes are great, but this potato dish is a great spring side dish to elevate your spring meal. Bring 2 pounds of red potatoes to a boil and once tender, drain and set aside. Heat olive oil with one-half of chopped red onion with salt and pepper. Once onions are soft, remove the pan from heat and mix in ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with 1-2 tablespoons of dill. Pour the vinaigrette over potatoes. You can cut potatoes or slightly crush them, so the warm potatoes take on the dressing flavor.

Shaved Carrot Salad

You don’t need iceberg lettuce or spinach to have a salad! Consider shaved carrots in lieu of lettuce for a salad. This is perfect for bunnies while adding color to your salad. Consider shaving rainbow carrots to add all spring hues to your salad. You can also shave radishes and beets to add more reds and purples to your salad. Mix in sliced grapefruit or oranges with a light vinaigrette for a light and refreshing salad.

Rosemary Rolls

Refrigerated rolls move aside and try your hand at these homemade rosemary rolls. If you have a favorite basic bread recipe, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary at the final rest to add a fresh element to your bread. Don’t forget to add whisked egg to the top of the rolls for baking to add a crunchy, glazed look to your rolls. These do take planning as you need to let your bread mix rise and rest in between, but with great planning comes great rolls!

Fresh Fruit with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette

A fruity gelatin mold this is not. Chop seasonal fresh fruit into a bowl. Stick to what you know everyone will eat. Talk about eating your colors, this is an easy and fun way to eat the rainbow. Once you have all the desired fruit chopped, mix together ¼ cup of honey, 1-2 teaspoons of lime juice, and a ½ teaspoon of lime zest. Once mixed, pour over your chopped fruit. It can be made ahead of time, but any fruit like bananas may become brown or soft, even with the lime juice on it to prevent it from browning.

Add these sides to your meal repertoire is visually appealing and delicious! Save them for barbeques and gatherings throughout the spring and summer for seasonal, budget-friendly, and refreshing sides.

Inside Out: Emotions of Deployments

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“Hey, babe…”

That phrase is known by military families everywhere. The “hey” phrase means that either orders have come – either to move or deploy. Deployments come with a variety of emotions. Like the stages of grief, there are stages of deployment. These emotions are normal and natural states of deployments for every family member.

Anger

Deployments don’t come at “good times.” There are birthdays, anniversaries, births, planned vacations, illnesses in family members. Units include thousands of individuals; it is not possible for every person to be accounted for in planning a deployment. Deployments happen to assist other countries in need, protect U.S. assets, and complete humanitarian missions – there are no planned or predictable timelines for them. It is normal to feel angry that deployment is occurring. Angry that the military member will miss events, angry that you may have to single parent.  As a military member, you can also feel angry about leaving.

Kids can get angry too. And they may not even know why they are feeling angry or be able to express it by saying “I am angry.” They may just act out, scream, or be angry at you for what feels like little things (the wrong color cup was used). Tell them how you feel and tell them you understand why they are angry and it is okay to talk about it.

Address the anger, determine if there is anything you can do to change the things you are angry about. If you are angry about missing a vacation, try to move that vacation to before deployment or plan a big vacation when you get back.

Sadness

Like anger, you may feel sad about the things that are missed during deployment and missing the service member during deployment. Sadness is a powerful emotion – it can leech into everyday activities. It can feel like even the simplest thing, washing dishes, pulling laundry is upsetting.

Children can cry over small things or cry when seeing pictures of military members. Like an adult, they feel the same emotions but aren’t always able to express them through words. When you are feeling the emotions of sadness, you can tell your child you are feeling that way too and want to talk about it. This may give them the opportunity to share how they feel as well. Teens may express sadness through both sadness and anger. Just like younger children, sharing how you feel may allow them to open up to talk about their emotions.

Overwhelmed

You just want the military member back to commiserate with, talk to or even help with the never-ending daily tasks. That feeling of being overwhelmed with everyday life is part of the cycle of emotions. You may want a break. For the adult family member left behind, consider hiring a babysitter to get alone time, or a cleaner once or twice a month for a mental health break from daily chores. These may seem like small things, but just having a little help or even adult time can reset the brain when feeling overwhelmed.

Children may not be able to express feeling overwhelmed. Younger and older children alike may act out when overwhelmed. Because they are acting out doesn’t necessarily mean they feel overwhelmed, but asking open-ended questions may help you get to the root cause.

Joy

When you are nearing the home stretch, the end of the deployment – the feeling of joy and excitement appear. It is a time to get excited about the military member’s impending return. The excitement of surviving and maybe thriving during deployment, the sense if relief, often accompanies the joy. It is a time to embrace the excitement – maybe make plans for post-deployment leave or plan for a few days to just be together. Don’t make too many plans without the military member’s involvement, coming home is exciting for them but it usually takes hours or days for them to travel home, and they will likely be exhausted. The military member may also not want to be around crowds for a while after a return, so going on vacation may be overwhelming post-deployment.

Apprehension

It is normal to be nervous or apprehensive about the returning military member’s return. It will take time for the family member to get back in the swing of things. New routines have likely been established since daily life like bills, laundry and activities had to be completed solo for the last several months. Family members may have changed as well. Children likely have grown and changed, and the adults may have changed interests as well. Make sure to discuss the feelings of joy and apprehension with the family members.

The key to these emotions is addressing what you can change and acknowledging what you cannot. There may be things you can’t change but addressing them can help the family member move forward. Children of all ages may not be able to express with words how they are feeling, but if you share with them how you are feeling they may also open up about how they are feeling.

What To Know For Moving Day With Pets

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When you are moving – whether moving door to door, across the country or around the world, there is planning that is required for all family members. This includes your furry family members. On moving day make sure to have a plan to keep them safe, happy, and calm.

Before Moving Day

Set aside pet food, leashes, kitty litter boxes so you have enough for the moving days. It isn’t always easy or simple to run to the store to get needed items when packers or there or you are trying to get the truck packed. Planning ahead and having these items helps keep the packing and moving process smooth.

Make a plan for your pet for moving day by having a safe space for them.

Moving Day

Kennel, Pet Daycare, or Neighbors

If your pet has a routine of being in their kennel for the day, they may do well being in their kennel while items are being packed. It is their safe space and routine, so putting your pet in the kennel may be the perfect way for your pet to hang out for the day.

Check with local pet daycares in the area for moving day. There is a variety of pet daycares, so ask neighbors who they recommend or have used personally so they can give advice. While they may be pricey, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they offer a military or multi-day discount. The daycares provide both a space for your pet and engage them in play throughout the day. This is perfect for high-energy pets who may be unable to get out their energy when they come home for the day because they have to clean, or just want to crash after a busy day.

If there is a neighbor who normally watches your pet when you are on vacation, asking them to watch your pet for moving day is a natural idea. Your pet knows them and will be comfortable with them while they are away from your home for moving day.

A Word About OCONUS moves

If your move includes a flight overseas, make sure to get the pet space ASAP. Get the medical clearance for your pet done as quickly as possible to make sure you can reserve a pet space on Patriot Express (military flights) or pay for a pet spot on the commercial airlines. When flying commercial, make sure there is a pet space for every flight to avoid hiccups at each stop. Also, always call the airlines weeks prior to arrival to ensure there are no restrictions on your pet’s breed for flying so you can make plans ahead of time instead of hurried plans a

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things At the Commissary

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Grocery shopping is a necessary activity to support daily life. It doesn’t mean it has to be boring. In fact, there are some gems at the Commissary on the post if you know where to look. Here are a few of my favorite things at the Military Commissary.

  1. Canned Coffees. It isn’t a surprise that caffeine is necessary for survival on some days. Deployments, work-ups, PCSing are times of high stress often coupled with less sleep, making caffeine essential. Canned coffees come in a variety of options. Check out the international aisle of Japanese coffees and even milk tea. Check out the dairy section for refrigerated canned coffees with oat milk, no milk, or milk in a variety of concentrations. If you can’t find what you are looking for, check the beverage stands by the cash registers.
  2. Pre-Cut Fruit and Veg. When we are heading to the beach, PCSing or just looking for a shortcut for the week, the pre-cut veg and fruit are a go-to. There are packs of veg cut for stir fry and fruit in all varieties. This saves on time during a busy week, and helps when PCSing and staying in hotels without kitchens or just grabbing a healthier option for lunch on the go. Check out the produce section or the fridge in the entryway.
  3. Platters. Another big shortcut for a busy week or when hosting a get-together is the deli platters. There are sandwich, vegetable, fruit, and meat and cheese platters of a variety of sizes at reasonable prices. Again, providing a shortcut at a reasonable price. When PCSing, the sandwich platters can feed movers and packers for a decent price, and even provide chow for the family for the day. The fruit and veg platters can be divvied up for meal planning for lunches, adding the valuable resource of time to the day.
  4. Frozen Meals. Whether PCSing or entering a busy season of life, let’s face it – sometimes frozen meals enter the weekly meal rotation. TV dinners in all varieties exist – but there are even some healthier options with vegan, low-salt in addition to cuisine varieties like Indian, Mexican, Asian flares. Check these out if you are in the temporary lodging facility, or even after a big grocery trip to lessen the stress for the evening meal.
  5. Frozen Meat. Have you ever seen the freezer by the meat section that is full of pork, chicken, veal, and beef? The combo freezer is for meat that has been frozen prior to their sell-by date and is discounted. This is a great way to grab meats that you would throw in the freezer for crockpot or instapot meals later anyway and at savings.
  6. Local Finds. Each commissary has different stock because they negotiate with local vendors for items. We have found pies and even seafood from local vendors at Commissaries across the United States. This is a great way to grab local finds, like Julian Pies from the Camp Pendleton commissary, without the hour drive to Julian. There has even been local honey found before – a great way to get a jump start on treating those local allergies (just remember that honey cannot be fed to children under 1 year).

What are your favorite things from the military commissary?

Planning for Retirement: Which States Make Military Pay Tax-Free?

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Retiring from the military is not just a job change. The military life is just that – a lifestyle. It comes with a long list of acronyms one must know and understand to PCS (and that’s just one acronym), it requires patience and understanding through work-ups, deployments, long training. Because of the unique challenges of military life, it also creates a community of those who understand and live it. When you leave the military, you are potentially leaving behind the community you know and understand.

After 20+ years of traveling the country, and perhaps the world, it is now time to choose where to live. When you haven’t chosen a job or location for two decades, it can be an overwhelming choice. One factor for many military families looking to make the decision on where to retire is a financial one. Many states do not charge income tax on military retirement pay, but some limit the amount of pay that is tax-free. Get to know the options when weighing your military retirement move.

Alabama: Retiree pay is tax-free

Alaska: There is no state income tax for the state of Alaska, so retiree pay is tax-free!

Arizona: Retiree pay is tax-free after the 2021 bill was passed.

Arkansas: Retiree pay is tax-free

California: Following federal rules, California does not currently offer tax exceptions on military retiree pay.

Colorado: Retiree pay under the age of 55 can exclude up to $10,000 income from their taxable income, those age 55064 can exclude up to $20,000, and those age 65 and up can exclude $24,000 of income

Connecticut: Retiree pay is tax-free

Delaware: Up to $2,000 of military retirement is excluded for those under age 60 and $12,500 for those 60 and older

District of Columbia: Following federal rules, DC does not currently offer tax exemptions on military retiree pay.

Florida: There is no state income tax for Florida, so retiree pay is tax free.

Georgia: Retirees who are over 62 or permanently disabled may be eligible for an exclusion of retiree pay.

Hawaii: Retiree pay is tax-free

Idaho: Retiree pay is tax-free for those over age 65, and over 62 for disabled retirees.

Illinois: Retiree pay is tax-free

Indiana: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2022.

Iowa: Retiree pay is tax-free

Kansas: Retiree pay is tax-free

Kentucky: Up to $31,110 is tax-free.

Louisiana: Retiree pay is tax-free

Maine: Retiree pay is tax-free

Maryland: The first $5,000 is tax-free and once age 55 or older $15,000 is tax-free.

Massachusetts: Retiree pay is tax-free

Michigan: Retiree pay is tax-free

Minnesota: Retiree pay is tax-free

Mississippi: Retiree pay is tax-free

Missouri: Retiree pay is tax-free

Montana: Following federal rules, Montana does not currently offer tax exemption on military retiree pay. Additionally, up to $4370 is tax-free if the adjusted gross income is below $36,420 and the amount tax-free decreases for funds above this.

Nebraska: As of 2022, all military retirement is tax-free.

Nevada: There is no state income tax in Nevada.

New Hampshire: There is no state income tax in New Hampshire, there is tax on interest and dividends.

New Jersey: Retiree pay is tax-free. Honorably discharged veterans qualify for a one-time $6,000 tax deduction in the year after discharge.

New Mexico: Following federal rules, does not offer tax exemption currently.

New York: Retiree pay is tax-free

North Carolina: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2021.

North Dakota: Retiree pay is tax-free

Ohio: Retiree pay is tax-free

Oklahoma: The greater of 75% of retirement pay or $10,000 is tax exempt.

Oregon: Any military service before October 1, 1991 may be able to deduct a portion of retirement pay. Any military retirement for service after that is taxed normally.

Pennsylvania: Retiree pay is tax-free

Rhode Island: Retiree pay is tax-free

South Carolina: Those under the age of 65 can deduct up to $17,000 of retirement pay while those 65 and older can deduct up to $30,000. However, there must be other income outside of military retirement to qualify for this.

South Dakota: There is no state income tax in South Dakota.

Tennessee: There is no state income tax in Tennessee, there is tax on interest and dividends.

Texas: There is no state income tax for the state of Texas.

Utah: Retiree pay is tax-free as of 2021.

Vermont: Retiree pay is taxed based on federal rules.

Virginia: Retiree pay is taxed based on federal rules.

Washington State: There is no state income tax for the state of Washington.

West Virginia: Retiree pay is tax-free

Wisconsin: Retiree pay is tax-free

Wyoming: There is no state income tax for the state of Wyoming.

While taxes aren’t the only thing that is a deciding factor for military families retiring, it certainly is part of the equation for long-term financial stability. Where are you looking at retiring after the military?

Try These Twists For Superior Spring Salads

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When the temperatures warm up, the home improvement stores are filled to the brim with plants, and the produce aisles at grocery stores begin to be more varied, salads become more prominent as a meal. While salads for some can be seen as “bird food” or even “girl food,” salads can be hearty, filling, and varied with these additions.

Varied Cheeses

If you are not dairy-free, consider adding feta or goat cheeses to add a tangy flavor to salads. If you are dairy-free, there are great dairy-free alternative cheese shreds to add to salad.

Beyond Traditional Veg

Blanched cut asparagus add a great crunch to salads. Don’t forget about fresh peas as well – if you don’t have fresh, thawed frozen peas work too. Avocado adds a creamy texture to salads while packing healthy fat. Sliced radishes add a pop of color to salad and crunch – bonus that kids may magically like them in “chip” size versus whole. Add kohlrabi or sugar snap peas for extra fun and crunch. Shaved brussel sprouts add a texture and greens to a salad.

Vary the Traditional Veg

If you have picky eaters or looking to add variety to salads, consider carrot shreds instead of sliced carrots. Marinated beets and even mushrooms change the flavor profile enough for a variety for everyone to try. What about baby corn or bamboo shoots for more crunch and variety? Even if you don’t have the bounty of fresh produce, some canned veg adds pizazz to salads. What about olives?

Fresh Herbs

While it isn’t typical to add fresh herbs to salads themselves, they aren’t just for salad dressing. Consider tossing in chives for an added zesty zing to your salads. Basil is a natural complement to salads with tomatoes. If you are making a Greek salad with feta cheese and tomatoes, don’t forget about adding fresh mint to your salad.

That’s Nuts

Nuts like pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts (although they aren’t actual nuts) add crunch and protein to salads. Consider toasted almonds or walnuts for extra flavors profile changes.

But Those Beans

If you have some mixed beans, leftover chickpeas, or even kidney beans – these are a great addition to salads adding protein and flavor to salads. Beans will soak in the flavors of dressings adding a bonus of flavor to spring salads.

Just Add Fruit

Salads aren’t just for vegetables. Add sliced strawberries to a salad with salty balsamic and creamy goat cheese for a change. Mandarin oranges, sliced chicken, and rice noodles add an Asian flair to a crunchy salad. Sliced pears can add a nice crunch to salads. Think beyond the regular salads and mix in your family’s favorites.

More Than Lettuce

The greens in salads don’t have to be just iceberg or romaine lettuce. Consider mixing up greens with mixed greens like arugula, butter, watercress, or red leaf lettuce. And you don’t have to stick to just one lettuce type for salad – be a rebel and mix them all together for a variety of peppery flavors or crunch.

Let Them Eat Meat

You don’t have to stick to one flavor of the meat. Add chicken, steak, veggie burgers, salmon, tuna with any flavor profile. This is a great place to mix in leftovers. If you made a steak but don’t have enough for everyone to have a typical portion, consider slicing them and adding them to salads.  

Even More

Crunchy rice noodles and tortilla strips can add an extra crunch and style to salads. Crotons, or even chopped crunchy bread, can elevate a salad.

Don’t Forget Pasta

Not all salads are greens. There are noodle salads, orzo salads, and even potato salads that can be varied and provide a fun element to meals.

Salads are not all the same and are great places to mix in leftovers. They aren’t just for lunch or a side and can easily be a main meal if you add in some of these varieties. What salads will you make this spring?