Marriage is vital in providing stability and emotional support, especially in the face of the unpredictable and lengthy schedules inherent to military life. For military families, a strong marriage serves as a foundation that helps both partners navigate the unique challenges of deployments, frequent relocations, and long periods of separation. A resilient marital bond fosters trust, understanding, and communication, which are essential when dealing with the uncertainties and pressures of military service. In this way, marriage becomes not just a partnership but a powerful anchor, helping couples endure the demands of military life together.

Service Branch Specific

Each service branch has a program specifically to assist in developing strong marriage relationships. While each branch has different operating rules, overall if the family is stationed at the base, they can utilize the resource. Check with the chaplain or those running the program for eligibility as some programs may only be open to that service branch.

Air Force

The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center announced the Strong Bonds program offered by the chaplains in the Air Force. The program offers a wide variety of programming not just specific to marriage, but to building strong relationships. Check with the base chapel and unit Chaplain for specific events offered.

Army

The Army chaplain offer programs through the Building Strong and Ready Teams program, facilitated by chaplains to strengthen relationships among soldiers and their families.  From Spouses nights, Marriage date nights and couple events, the program offers a variety of events to support families. Search events by location and type here.

Navy

The Navy offers programs like date nights (and some with childcare!) and weekend retreats geared at providing tools to navigating the military marriage. The Chaplain Corps offer these programs by both region and by base. The Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operations (CREDO) retreats are weekend retreats, usually without childcare, but include hotel, meals and enrichment opportunities to build the lines of communication and understanding.

Check out the offerings here.

Marine Corps

The Marine Corps’ offering for building skills navigating relationships in amidst military life is the Preventions and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP). The program is part of the Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) programs under Marine and Family Support. Check the MCFTB social media or base page for programs and offerings.

Weekend to Remember

FamilyLife offers marriage retreats for all called a Weekend to Remember.  These weekend retreats provide a peaceful, distraction-free environment where couples can focus solely on each other, away from the stresses of daily life. With a blend of insightful talks from marriage experts, practical tools, and guided conversations, participants explore key aspects of a healthy relationship, such as communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy. The retreats cater to couples at all stages, from newlyweds to those who have been married for decades, offering fresh perspectives and time-tested principles to enhance their connection.

There are specific military branch out sessions at certain retreats, and these retreats offer discounted admission to the conference to active duty military, reserve and guard members here, not including hotel fare or meals.

The marriage conferences and tools available to military families are invaluable resources designed to help couples build stronger, more resilient relationships amidst the unique challenges of military life. By taking advantage of these programs, whether through retreats, workshops, or counseling sessions, couples can find meaningful ways to reconnect, improve communication, and strengthen their bonds. Don’t hesitate to utilize the resources available to you; they are there to help you grow together and build a lasting, loving partnership.

Have you created your fall bucket list yet? If you are among the 400,000 active-duty members who relocated this summer, then this is your first fall in a new location. Or perhaps you are still settling into a new base and now is the fall to get out and explore. Whether new or the base is old hat, this fall is a great time to learn about the place the military has you calling home. Fall is a season full of natural beauty, making it easy to find activities that are both fun and affordable. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for exploring the area where you live while building wonderful family moments this autumn.

1. Explore Local Parks and Nature Trails

One of the best ways to enjoy the fall season is by exploring local parks and nature trails.  Make a day of it by packing a picnic with seasonal treats like apple slices, cheese, and warm cider. Encourage your kids to collect fallen foliage to create a nature-inspired craft at home. You could even turn it into a scavenger hunt by making a list of items to find, or you could check out the local or state parks website before going to see if there is a pre-made scavenger list. This is a fun way to engage with the outdoors and learn about the local environment while getting fresh air and exercise.

2. Visit a Local Farm or Orchard

Fall is synonymous with apple picking, pumpkin patches, and harvest festivals. Many local farms and orchards offer affordable activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. Choose a farm that allows you to pick your own apples or pumpkins. Not only is this a great way to support local farmers, but it also provides an opportunity to teach kids where their food comes from.

After the trip, use the goodies collected from the trip to try new recipes. Cooking and baking as a family are perfect ways to build warm memories, and you’ll have delicious treats to show for it!

3. Create a Fall-Themed Outdoor Movie Night

You can turn your backyard or patio into an outdoor movie theater with a few blankets, pillows, and a portable projector. Choose a family-friendly fall movie, like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” and serve seasonal snacks like popcorn with cinnamon, hot chocolate, or spiced apple cider. If you have a fire pit, consider roasting marshmallows for s’mores. The earlier sunset will make for an earlier movie time.

Consider including neighbors and friends to join in the fun.

4. Host a Backyard Campfire or Storytelling Evening

Gather around a backyard campfire or portable fire pit for a night of storytelling and songs. Encourage everyone to share a favorite ghost story or a personal adventure or take turns reading from a favorite children’s book. You can also have fun creating new stories together by playing a “pass the story” game, where each person adds a sentence to the story as you go around the circle. This activity costs little to nothing and provides a cozy way to enjoy the cooler evenings while engaging in creative storytelling and laughter.

5. Plan a Scenic Drive or Bike Ride

Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage by planning a scenic drive or bike ride around your area. Research routes that offer the best views of the changing leaves or follow a trail that leads to a local landmark or a quaint town. Make it a photo adventure by bringing a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful colors, exciting sights, and candid family moments. Create a photo book or digital slideshow afterward to remember the day. This simple activity encourages appreciation for nature and provides an excellent backdrop for some impromptu family photos.

6. Host a DIY Craft Day with Natural Elements

Bring the beauty of fall into your home by hosting a DIY craft day using natural elements found in your backyard or during a walk. Live near the beach? Collect shells, sand or washed-up coral. Living where there area season? Collect leaves, twigs, pinecones, and acorns. Use the natural elements to create wreaths, garlands, or centerpieces. You can also make leaf rubbings or use leaves as stamps to create unique artwork. These crafts are not only inexpensive but also offer a great way add some seasonal décor without spending a ton at the store.

7. Participate in a Local Fall Festival or Community Event

Check your local community calendar for free or low-cost fall festivals, farmers’ markets, or Halloween parades. Many towns and cities host pumpkin festivals, craft fairs, and outdoor concerts. Check the local library calendar or your town or base calendar for events. Attending these community gatherings is a great way to meet neighbors, support local businesses, and enjoy the season’s festive atmosphere and learn how the local area celebrates the season.

8. Start a Family Tradition of Gratitude

Autumn is a season of thanksgiving and reflection. Start a new family tradition by creating a gratitude jar. Throughout the season, encourage each family member to write down things they are thankful for on small pieces of paper and place them in the jar. Read them together on Thanksgiving or at the end of fall and reflect on all the positive moments you’ve shared.

Fall is the perfect season to slow down and appreciate the little things with your family. By taking advantage of these budget-friendly activities, you can explore your local area while creating warm, lasting memories. So, grab a sweater (or light sweater depending on where you currently call home), gather your loved ones, and make the most of this beautiful season

There is a big election coming in November. You may question whether your vote will make a difference.  For many, especially those in unique circumstances like military families, the logistics of voting can seem daunting, leading to apathy or disengagement. The recent history of tight election margins and the importance of every single vote in shaping the future cannot be overstated. Make sure your vote counts, whether you are overseas, serving outside your voter district or can’t get out to vote on the official day of the election.

Absentee, Mail Voting, Early Voting for Military Families

Military families often face unique challenges when it comes to voting. Frequent relocations, deployments, and living overseas can make it difficult to participate in elections. However, absentee and by-mail voting options are available to ensure that every member of the military community can exercise their right to vote, regardless of their location.

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is a crucial resource for military members, their families, and U.S. citizens living abroad. The FVAP provides information on how to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and track the ballot’s status. Military families must understand that they can vote from anywhere in the world, and their votes will be counted just as if they were cast in person on Election Day.

To vote absentee, military members and their families must first register to vote. This can be done by filling out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which also serves as a request for an absentee ballot. The FPCA can be submitted by mail, fax, or email, depending on the state’s requirements. Once registered, voters will receive absentee ballots, which must be filled out and returned by the state’s deadline. In many cases, the ballot can be returned electronically, making the process more accessible for those stationed abroad.

Most districts also offer voting by mail. As a military spouse who may be unable to get childcare or get down to vote the day of the election, voting by mail is critical. Voting by mail means that the ballot is received with plenty of time to complete and sent back in time for counting on election day.

Many districts also offer early voting. Check out your voting district for early voting locations. These may include local libraries, allowing for easy access before the election.

The importance of understanding and utilizing these options cannot be overstated. Every vote cast by military members and their families contributes to the democratic process and ensures their voices are heard, no matter where they are.

The History of Voter Apathy

Despite absentee and mail voting availability, voter apathy remains a significant issue in the United States.

In the U.S., voter turnout has varied widely over the years, with many elections seeing a substantial portion of eligible voters choosing not to participate. For example, in the 2016 presidential election, nearly 100 million eligible voters did not cast a ballot, representing about 43% of the eligible population. This level of disengagement has significant consequences, as it can lead to outcomes that do not accurately reflect the people’s will.

Several factors contribute to voter apathy, including a lack of trust in the political system, feelings of disillusionment with the candidates, and a sense of powerlessness. For military families, the added complexity of absentee voting can exacerbate these feelings, making it even more crucial to highlight the importance of their participation.

All the same, your vote makes a difference. This presidential election has already seen some unprecedented changes in the line-up. Do not decide not to participate because of the attitude “it won’t make a difference.” Do not be one of the nearly 100 million votes like in 2016 who did not register their beliefs or thoughts by voting for a presidential candidate.

Tight Margins and the Power of a Single Vote

The reality of tight election margins often challenges the belief that one vote doesn’t make a difference. History is replete with examples of elections being decided by a handful of votes, underscoring the importance of every individual’s participation.

The winner of the presidential election is determined by the electoral college.   When citizens cast their ballots in a presidential election, they are technically voting for a slate of electors pledged to their candidate of choice. These electors then cast their votes for president and vice president, with a majority of 270 out of 538 electoral votes required to win the presidency. While the electoral college setup may feel like one vote doesn’t make a difference, it does. One of the most famous examples is the 2000 U.S. presidential election, which hinged on a mere 537 votes in Florida. This razor-thin margin ultimately decided the presidency through the Electoral College, highlighting the profound impact that each vote can have. Similarly, in the 2008 Minnesota Senate race, Al Franken won by just 312 votes out of nearly 2.9 million cast, a difference of 0.01%.

The notion that a single vote is insignificant is not supported by history. In fact, in many cases, the opposite is true—individual votes have had a decisive impact on the outcome of elections.

The question of whether voting makes a difference can be answered with a resounding yes. For military families, absentee, by-mail, and early voting provide critical avenues to ensure their voices are heard, regardless of where they are stationed. Overcoming voter apathy and understanding the power of a single vote are essential steps in strengthening our democracy.

Every election presents an opportunity for change, and every vote cast shapes the future. By participating in the electoral process, military families and all citizens can help ensure that the outcomes reflect the true will of the people. In close races, your vote could be the one that makes all the difference.

While there is a lot to look forward to in the fall season, it also marks the beginning of cold and flu season, along with the challenges of shorter days and less daylight. To stay healthy during this transition, adopting a holistic approach that includes good sleep, proper nutrition, vaccinations, exercise, and effective hygiene practices is essential. Here are some key strategies to help you and your family stay healthy this fall.

1. Get Plenty of Rest

Adequate sleep is a cornerstone of good health, and it becomes even more critical during the fall months when our bodies adjust to changing daylight hours. Sleep helps our immune system function optimally, allowing it to fend off viruses and other infections. While studies show that men need less sleep than their female counterparts, it is still vital to get adequate sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night for adults, and ensure children get the recommended amount for their age. Create a relaxing bedtime routine—like reading, listening to calming music, or practicing mindfulness—to improve sleep quality.

2. Healthy Eating Habits

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables packed with essential nutrients that support a strong immune system. Incorporate produce like apples, pears, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, squash, and dark leafy greens into your meals. These foods are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, which help bolster your defenses against illness.

Staying hydrated is equally important, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Opt for warm herbal teas or water with lemon if you prefer a cozy beverage on cooler days.

3. Flu Before Boo

The fall season is also flu season, making it the perfect time to get your annual flu shot. The flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family against the flu virus, which can cause serious health complications, especially for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination reduces your risk of contracting the flu and helps prevent its spread to others. TRICARE covers the flu shot at local pharmacies and offers it at your local Military Treatment Facility (MTF) clinics. It is recommended to get your flu shot before Halloween, remember to get your flu before boo!

4. Stay Active with Regular Exercise

Exercise is crucial for maintaining good health all year round, and fall is no exception. Regular physical activity boosts your immune system, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances mood by releasing endorphins. While it can be tempting to stay indoors as the weather cools, get out and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Go for brisk walks, jogs, or bike rides. Consider at-home workouts, yoga sessions, or even dancing to your favorite music if outdoor activities are limited. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week but remember that every little bit counts.

5. Practice Proper Hygiene: Sneeze and Cough Etiquette

With colds, flu, and other viruses circulating more in the fall, practicing good hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of germs. Teach children and remind adults to sneeze or cough into their elbow or a tissue instead of their hands. This simple practice helps contain germs and reduces the likelihood of transmission to others.  If 2020 didn’t teach you this, here is your reminder – regularly hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is an effective way to minimize the spread of illness. Carry hand sanitizer for situations where soap and water are not available.

6. Boost Your Immune System Naturally

Regularly spending time outdoors can provide a healthy dose of vitamin D, vital for immune function. Even on cloudy days, try to get outside for at least 15-30 minutes. Adequate hydration, managing stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and maintaining a healthy gut through probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or fermented vegetables can also enhance your immune response.

7. Manage Stress and Mental Well-Being

The fall season can sometimes bring added stress due to busy schedules, school commitments, and upcoming holiday planning. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making it more challenging to fend off illnesses. Incorporate stress-relieving activities into your daily routine, such as reading, journaling, practicing yoga, or spending time with loved ones. Maintain hobbies that bring joy and relaxation to maintain mental well-being.

Staying healthy in the fall is about taking a proactive and balanced approach to your well-being. By getting enough rest, eating nutritious foods, getting vaccinated, staying active, practicing proper hygiene, and managing stress, you can build a strong defense against seasonal illnesses and enjoy all that this beautiful season has to offer. Remember, small daily habits add up to make a big difference in maintaining your health and happiness throughout the fall season. So, embrace these practices, and get ready to enjoy a vibrant and healthy autumn!

The process of moving with the military has always been a significant undertaking, involving meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a smooth transition by the service member and their family. The Department of Defense (DoD) is introducing HomeSafe Alliance, the new Global Households Goods contractor, this year. The new contractor reports it is aimed at enhancing efficiency and service quality. These updates promise to make military relocations more manageable and less stressful for service members and their families.

HomeSafe Alliance: Key Updates

The DoD’s new program enhancements, announced in a recent update, are set to transform the military moving experience. HomeSafe Alliance, the contractor managing household goods shipments for the military, is central to these improvements. Here are some of the key updates:

1. Enhanced Customer Service: HomeSafe Alliance is implementing an easily accessible customer service approach, which includes 24/7 support and a user-friendly online portal. This aims to provide military families with timely communication and real-time tracking of their shipments, ensuring they are always informed about the status of their belongings.
2. Improved Technology Integration: The updated program leverages advanced technology to enhance the efficiency of the moving process. This includes the use of easy to read electronic inventories with photos of customer’s belongings allowing for verification of pre-move and post-move condition of items. This, in theory, will make the claims process post-move easier.
3. Increased Accountability: The new program emphasizes accountability and transparency in the moving process. HomeSafe Alliance is required to adhere to stricter performance standards, and there are enhanced mechanisms for addressing and resolving issues that may arise during the move. This focus on accountability is intended to ensure that military families receive the high-quality service they deserve.
4. Support Services: HomeSafe Alliance’s services will include pre-move consultations and post-move assistance. This approach aims to address the various needs of military families before, during, and after their move, making the entire process more seamless and less disruptive.

Tips for Organizing Before a Move

Effective organization can significantly ease the moving process. Here are some general tips to help you prepare before your next move:

1. Create a Moving Checklist: Use comprehensive checklist of tasks to complete before, during, and after the move. This should include everything from notifying utility companies and updating your address to packing and organizing important documents. A well-structured checklist will help keep you on track and ensure that nothing is overlooked.
2. Sort and Declutter: Go through your belongings and sort them into categories: keep, donate, or discard. Decluttering reduces the volume of items you need to move and makes unpacking easier. Consider donating items you no longer need to local charities or put them up on your local Buy Nothing Group.
3. Label Boxes Clearly: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much more efficient and help movers place boxes in the appropriate rooms, saving you time and effort. There are QR stickers you can use to digitally manage what is in each box, or simply use color coded stickers for each room and label what is in each box.
4. Pack a Moving Essentials Kit: Prepare a moving essentials kit with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This might include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies. Having these essentials readily accessible can help you settle in more quickly.
5. Notify Important Parties: Time to prepare for the lengthy task of informing banks, insurance providers, healthcare providers, subscription providers, friends and family of your change of address. Don’t forget to pause anything that is on auto-ship!
6. Take Inventory of Valuables: Make a detailed inventory of valuable items, including electronics, jewelry, and important documents. Consider taking photos or videos of these items for insurance purposes and to help you keep track of them during the move.
7. Coordinate with HomeSafe Alliance: Engage with HomeSafe Alliance early in the process to understand their updated services and requirements. They can provide valuable guidance and ensure that your move aligns with the new program’s standards.

The recent updates to the household goods shipment program, led by HomeSafe Alliance, mark a significant change in the military moving experience. By incorporating advanced technology, enhancing customer service, and expanding support services, the DoD aims to make relocations more efficient and less stressful for military families. Time will tell what tangible impact these changes have for military families. Until then, it is business as usual for the service member and their families to organize as much as you can ahead of time and keep a meticulous record of all communication between the Transportation Service Provider, local DMO/TMO and any other involved parties.

As said in Hunger Games, May the odds be ever in your favor.

Grandparents hold a special place in the hearts of their grandchildren, offering wisdom, love, and a sense of family history that transcends generations. For military families, maintaining that connection can be challenging due to frequent relocations and deployments. However, with the right tools and strategies, staying connected with grandparents, no matter where the military sends you, is entirely possible. This Grandparents Day, let’s explore how to bridge the distance, foster meaningful relationships, and learn about family roots, even from afar.

1. Embrace Technology for Regular Communication

In today’s digital age, technology offers easy ways to stay connected. Video calls, messaging applications, and social media platforms can help maintain regular contact with grandparents. Here are some tech-based methods to consider:

• Video Calls: Platforms like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allow for face-to-face conversations, making the distance feel shorter. Schedule regular video calls so grandparents can see their grandchildren and share in their daily lives.
• Messaging Apps: Use apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger for quick updates and sharing photos. These platforms also support voice messages, which can add a personal touch.
• Social Media: Create private family groups on Facebook or other social media platforms to share updates, photos, and milestones. This keeps everyone in the loop and allows grandparents to feel involved in their grandchildren’s lives.

2. Share Creative and Personal Updates

Beyond standard updates, consider more creative ways to share your family’s experiences:

• Personalized Videos: Record short videos of your family’s activities and milestones and send them to grandparents. This can include anything from a simple “hello” message to a video of a special event or holiday celebration.
• Digital Scrapbooks: Create digital scrapbooks or photo albums that grandparents can access online. Include captions and stories to give context to the photos, making them more meaningful.
• Storytelling: Share stories and anecdotes from daily life, whether through written letters, emails, or voice memos. This helps grandparents feel connected to their grandchildren’s experiences.

3. Send Thoughtful Care Packages

A tangible reminder of your love can be incredibly meaningful. Sending care packages to grandparents can include:

• Personalized Gifts: Include items that reflect your family’s current location or experiences, such as local crafts, specialty foods, or handmade items from your children.
• Family Photos: Print and send recent family photos or create a photo calendar with special dates and events highlighted.
• Homemade Treats: If possible, send homemade treats or baked goods. These personal touches can make grandparents feel cherished.

4. Engage in Shared Activities

Even from a distance, you can engage in shared activities that strengthen bonds:

• Book Clubs: Start a family book club where everyone reads the same book and discusses it during video calls. Choose books that cater to various ages and interests.
• Virtual Games: Play online games or puzzles together. Many games and apps allow for multiplayer options, making it possible to have fun as a group despite the distance.
• Joint Projects: Work on a project together, such as a family tree or a collaborative art project. Share progress and updates through photos and video calls.

5. Learn and Preserve Family Stories

Understanding and preserving family history is a valuable way to connect with grandparents. Here’s how to explore and document family roots:

• Interviews: Schedule regular video or phone interviews with grandparents to record their stories, memories, and experiences. Use these recordings to create a family history archive that can be shared with future generations.
• Family History Projects: Involve your children in creating a family tree or genealogy project. Include stories, photos, and important dates to build a comprehensive picture of your family’s history.
• Memory Books: Create memory books or journals that grandparents can contribute to, documenting their life experiences, traditions, and family anecdotes.

6. Celebrate Special Occasions Together

Even when you can’t be physically present, celebrate special occasions with your grandparents:

• Virtual Celebrations: Plan virtual parties for birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries. Coordinate with other family members to make the event festive and interactive.
• Shared Experiences: Send gifts or plan surprises for special occasions, such as a subscription to a favorite magazine or a gift card to a favorite store.

7. Maintain Consistent Communication

Consistency is key to maintaining any relationship, especially when separated by distance. Establish regular communication routines, whether through scheduled video calls, weekly emails, or monthly care packages. Keeping in touch regularly helps sustain the connection and shows that you value and prioritize the relationship.

Maintaining a strong bond with grandparents despite the challenges of military life requires creativity, commitment, and effort. You can bridge the distance and foster meaningful connections by leveraging technology, sharing personal updates, sending thoughtful gifts, engaging in shared activities, preserving family stories, and celebrating special occasions. This Grandparents Day, take the opportunity to reconnect, share your experiences, and celebrate the rich tapestry of family history that binds you together.