Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Mother’s Day gifts for Moms Who Serve

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Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May – are you ready for it? We have broken down gifts for moms based on the five love languages. Have Mom take the Five Love Languages Test to determine the best way to fill up Mom’s cup. Then, find the love language on the list and see what would work best for your family. Plan ahead to avoid rushing around with these ideas for the Mom in your life who serves in the military.

Words of Affirmation

1.     Personalized affirmation jar: Have everyone in the family write notes or pictures with their favorite things about Mom and reasons why she is loved. The littlest members can draw pictures of Mom. Use a mason jar and design the outside to your liking—consider fingerprint art or using handprints for everyone in the family. This is sure to be a tearjerker.

2.     Handwritten letter or card: You can’t go wrong writing all your thoughts on how awesome Mom is on a card.

3.     Personalized photo book: Add in those words of affirmation along with pictures of the family. Make sure to include photos of Mom!

4.     Wall Art: Choose Mom’s favorite quote or affirmation and have it printed and framed. You can also design and create the artwork at home and give it to Mom.

5.     Personalized Gratitude Journal: Have so much to say it wouldn’t fit in a jar? Have everyone write down their reasons for appreciation for Mom in a journal and hand it to her on Mother’s Day. Be sure to have tissues nearby!

Quality Time

1.     Plan individual dates: Whether you have a small or big family, quality time is not always easy to coordinate. Plan out dates with Mom for one-on-one time and write these on coupons. If quality time is her love language, this will for sure fill her up!

2.     Sign up for a cooking or baking class together. Check out the local library or community college for classes as sometimes they hold family events.

3.     Plan a family getaway: Whether locally or further out, plan a getaway together. Personalize this based on preference—hiking in a local park, heading out to a theme park, or checking off something from your travel bucket list.

4.     Family Project: Do you have a project you want to do? Perhaps you want to add a garden or renovate that older furniture piece. Make Mother’s Day the day you spend time together tackling that project and spending quality time together.

Physical Touch

1. Mommy Spa Day: Make a spa day at home with a complete foot bath, pedicure, manicure, and massage, all while giving Mom her physical touch. Include scented candles, body scrub, bath salts, and a soft towel.

2.     Aromatherapy Oils: Give mom the treat of oils for different occasions to rub on to address those occasions.

3. Massage Gift Certificate: Give the gift of downtime and relaxation with a gift certificate for Mom to get a professional massage.

4. Foot Massager: A foot massager for home or even work provides a relaxing way to take a break.

5.  Soft throw blanket: Look for a cozy blanket made of cashmere, fleece, or faux fur for a cozy blanket for Mom to snuggle up with. Want to personalize it? There are companies that will recycle t-shirts or even baby clothes into cozy quilts.

Acts of Service

  1. Coupon Book: Give mom the ability to ask for things but without asking with a coupon book of things you can do for her.
  2. Professional Cleaner: If you don’t have the ability or time to clean at home, hire a professional cleaner to clean the house deep. This is an act of service that possibly allows moms to have more quality time or much-needed downtime.
  3. Subscription Service: Sign your mom up for a subscription service that aligns with her interests or hobbies. Whether it’s a meal kit delivery service, a monthly book club subscription, or a streaming service for her favorite shows, it’s a gift that keeps giving.
  4. Car Wash: Take the car to get a car wash and detail, or hire a service that will come to her!
  5. Tackle a Project: Is there a project around the house that Mom needs to do? Now is the time to do it!

Gifts

  1. Ember Mug: Caffeine in all its forms is how most mothers function and an Ember Mug keeps a said cup of tea or coffee warm without the ten trips to the microwave.
  2. Tea or Coffee: As said above – caffeine in all its forms. Mother’s Day is the time to splurge on the luxurious coffee or tea Mom enjoys but doesn’t usually purchase for herself.
  3. Favorite Treat: What is the treat that Mom doesn’t get herself but loves? Surprise Mom with her favorite treat; it’s something she won’t really expect!].
  4. A Book on her TBR List: For the reader Mom, give her the book she wants to read but hasn’t yet—and perhaps cut out some time so she can sit and read it.
  5. Something Handmade: Whether it’s jewelry, artwork, or a paper flower, giving Mom a handmade gift is a gift and a gift of time.

These gifts demonstrate thoughtfulness, care, and a willingness to understand Mom’s needs, allowing her to feel valued and cherished on Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day!

Military Appreciation Month

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May officially named Military Appreciation Month to recognize and celebrate those currently serving and previously served in the military. The month holds several specific holidays recognizing military members – Military Spouse Appreciation Day is the Friday before Mother’s Day in May.  Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May, and Memorial Day is the last Monday in May.

Military Appreciation Discounts

Many businesses across the nation offer discounts to the military in honor of Military Appreciation Month. Some of these discounts are offered year-round – like the Waves of Honor program offering free admission to active duty military and their family members at Busch Gardens, Sea World and Sesame Place locations.  Colonial Williamsburg offers free admission for active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard personnel, retired military and veterans, and up to three direct dependents on Memorial Day weekend. In the past, Legoland Discovery Centers have offered a higher discounted admission for the month of May to military members than their baseline military discount. These businesses offer discounts or free admission to thank military families for their service while allowing them to spend quality time together.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a day set aside to recognize military spouses’ contributions to supporting their Active-Duty partners. The unpredictable schedules, deployments, reintegration, training and separations are all managed by military spouses at home. President Ronald Regan established Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984 as part of Proclamation 5184. Many installations and units will celebrate military spouse appreciation with special appreciation events.

If able to, show your military spouse appreciation by thanking them for all they have done, giving them a day off, or simply doing things to help that he/she may not like to do around the house. Record a video expressing your gratitude if you are deployed or out of the area when Military Spouse Appreciation Day occurs.

Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May. Armed Forces Day is a day set aside to recognize and celebrate military members actively serving. President Truman announced the formation of the holiday, specifically stating, “Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense”.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May as a way to reflect on and remember those who served and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. While it has only been an official holiday for about 60 years, it has been a day set apart since after the Civil War.

Honor those who served by visiting memorials. Washington, DC, has several memorials, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and World War II Memorial. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is near Constitution Gardens with three distinct parts: Three Soldiers Statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. The Wall lists over 58,000 names of those who passed serving in the war. The Korean War Memorial honors those who served and lost their lives with statues representing the armed forces and a list of those who lost their lives in the Pool of Remembrance. The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million individuals who served during the war with a memorial with representation for the 48 states and seven federal territories.

Outside of Washington, D.C., the World War II Museum in New Orleans is a great place to visit, learn about the war, and remember those lives lost on not just Memorial Day but every day. Check your local area for memorials that may be specific to your location. There may be ceremonies on Memorial Day specifically to honor those who paid the ultimate price, and this provides an opportunity to take the time to honor and remember them.

Contact your local military cemetery to see if they need help laying flags or flowers on the graves of those who died in service.

While Military Appreciation Month may be just a month, military members serve every day around the globe. Thank you for your unwavering service.

What Does Military Service Look Like in 2024?

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Over the past two decades, the landscape of military service has undergone significant transformation. On the news, you see active service of serving during Operation Enduring Freedom, Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, moldy barracks, and issues with on-base military housing. The military lifestyle doesn’t sound so glamorous. Serve in a desert? Live in a barrack room with mold? Risk life and limb for what pay? What is good about serving in 2024?

Serving in the military in 2024 offers many benefits and opportunities for individuals seeking a meaningful and rewarding career path. As the world continues evolving, so does the military’s role. The military is not just a presence for war but also to pursue technological developments. The world as we know it is changing. And while it doesn’t have the flying hoverboards that Back to the Future predicted, it has some pretty amazing technological advances. Drones are utilized not just for Amazon deliveries, but for intelligence gathering. Cyberskills are needed to rival that of Timothy McGee’s character on NCIS. While McGee is just a character, cyber and gaming skills are skills utilized in the military sphere.

The military provides opportunities for individual professional development and advancement. Through certificates, training, and specific schools through the years, the military offers a way to advance in their current field. Whether through on-the-job training, advanced education programs, or specialized certifications, military personnel have access to resources and opportunities for professional growth that can benefit them both during their time in service and beyond. The military offers tuition assistance, allowing military members to pursue higher education with cost assistance. On each installation, community colleges or universities offer classes and certificates for areas of interest. These allow for an expansion of learning and interests.

Service in the military provides individuals with a sense of purpose and belonging that is unparalleled in any other profession. Military service is not just a job; it is a commitment to something greater than oneself—defending the nation, upholding freedom and democracy, and protecting the rights and liberties of others. This sense of duty and honor instills a deep sense of pride and fulfillment in service members, who know that their contributions are making a difference in the world and leaving a legacy for future generations.

Military service provides networking opportunities. When pursuing their individual interests through shared experiences, the military members and their families build a network of individuals. This network is called upon throughout time in the military career, but also once out of the military field for either career opportunities or continued personal relationships.

Serving in the military provides opportunities for leadership and responsibility at every level. From leading small teams and units to commanding large-scale operations, military personnel are entrusted with significant responsibilities that test their leadership abilities and decision-making skills. These leadership experiences contribute to personal growth and development and prepare service members for leadership roles in civilian careers or future endeavors.

In conclusion, serving in the military in 2024 offers many advantages and opportunities for individuals seeking a rewarding and fulfilling career path. From professional development and educational opportunities, military service provides a unique combination of benefits that can enrich the lives of service members and their families. As the world continues to evolve, the military’s role remains as vital as ever, ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of our nation and its citizens.

Maintaining a Strong Marriage in the Military

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Maintaining open communication and continuing to date each other are essential pillars in nurturing a thriving and lasting marriage. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy for couples to lose sight of the importance of investing time into the relationship. This is especially true for military couples, where the busyness of life is coupled with deployments, training, and lengthy separation from each other. Find ways to connect to build the relationship up and build resilience.

Use Your Unit Resources

Ask the unit chaplain for events at the unit. Some units have dinners with presentations by the chaplain on topics of interest like communication, the Five Love Languages, or reintegration.

If your unit has a Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC), ask if they are holding events. Date night events held by the unit are great ways to enjoy fellowship with your spouse, have tasty food and maybe enjoy an activity together. We have been to Date Night events with a “Paint and Sip” theme, and others solely working on reintegration through open communication.

If you have children, ask about events with childcare. Most events run by the chaplain’s office offer free childcare, but some may charge a nominal fee.

  • CREDO

The Navy sponsors the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) program. The CREDO program offers retreats and workshop programs for Navy and Marine Corps families. The program is divided into regions: CREDO Southwest is based out of San Diego, CREDO MidAtlantic in Norfolk, VA, CREDO Northeast in Connecticut, Pacific Northwest in Washington, Hawaii, Okinawa and Europe in their respective areas.

These areas hold various programs, specifically look for Marriage Retreats. Most, if not all, marriage retreats do not include childcare but some families have swapped childcare for friends so they can each attend a retreat over the year. The marriage workshops do often include childcare, so if that is needed for you and your spouse to get out for a date together, then let that no longer be a barrier!

Date Your Spouse

It is not easy dating your spouse. There are so many variables pulling at the spouses – work, life, the house chores, the car chores, taking care of children. Dating your spouse is an investment in your relationship that pays rich dividends. Carve out that time to date your spouse. So, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a fun outing, or simply a date at home, make the commitment to date your spouse regularly – it’s the key to keeping your love story alive and thriving.

Date Night In

The reality for military families is that the frequent moves make it difficult to have consistent, known childcare. If you recently moved or are in the season without a babysitter but need one to have date nights out on the town, it might be time for date nights in.

Here are some ideas for date nights in after putting the kids to bed:

  • Cooking Class at Home: Choose a new recipe or cuisine you both want to try and cook it together. Turn it into a fun cooking class with YouTube tutorials or cooking websites guiding you through the process. Sign up for events from the USO, as they offer virtual cooking classes with renown chefs like Duff Goldman.
  • Movie Marathon: Pick a movie series or genre you both love and have a movie marathon night. Create a comfortable viewing area with blankets, pillows, and snacks, and enjoy a cinematic adventure from the comfort of your home.
  • Board Game Night: Dust off your favorite board games or try out new ones. Engage in some friendly competition while enjoying snacks and drinks.
  • Home Spa Night: Transform your home into a spa with candles, soothing music, and luxurious bathrobes. Take turns giving each other massages, facials, or foot soaks for a relaxing and rejuvenating evening.
  • Book Club Date: Select a book that interests both of you and take turns reading it aloud to each other. Discuss the plot, characters, and themes over a glass of wine or cup of tea for a literary date night at home.

Air Force Give Parents A Break Program

The Air Force has a special program called Give Parents A Break (GPAB). The program is funded by the Air Force Aid Society and provides relief for active-duty Air Force and Space Force parents who are experiencing stress. Families are referred to the program and given a certificate for free childcare, which is offered once a month.

By prioritizing communication, support, and mutual understanding, military couples can cultivate a strong and resilient marriage that withstands the demands of military service.

Get Ready to Vote!

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“The influence over government must be shared among all the people. If every individual which composes their mass participates of the ultimate authority, the government will be safe.”  – Thomas Jefferson

Our forefathers, Thomas Jefferson included, saw a new world formed—a world where individuals would keep the government in check and prevent overzealous leaders from pushing their taxes and personal agendas on them. For this government to be successful, individuals need to participate. Our participation in government comes in many forms, but the main one is voting.

“This process of election affords a moral certainty that the office of President will seldom fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.” – Alexander Hamilton

Not all elections are presidential elections. While these are the most publicized and likely the most contentious, there are elections at every level. Within your voting residence, you are voting for local chairpersons, mayors, and congresspeople who represent the individuals of that district. To know who is on the ballot and what to expect for platforms, you need to be registered to vote.

Registration

Every vote counts, and collectively, they shape the direction of governance, impact social issues, and determine the allocation of resources. From the small allocation of local funds at the city level, to state to the nation, voting impacts where funding is spent. Voting protects the ability to vote in the future. Voting often decides where resources schools get, which roads are repaired and how many snow trucks to have at the ready. The first step to sharing your opinion on these topics is to register to vote.

Register to vote at vote.gov

For military voters, the Federal Voting Assistance Program, FVAP, provides the ability to vote absentee. Need help registering to vote? Look up your base here to contact the Installation Voter Assistance Office.

Absentee Ballots

Active-duty military and their dependents who live outside their voting residence can vote absentee. Submit a Federal Post Card Application. This form can be printed and sent in annually to ensure that your information is up to date and ready to be utilized for every election you are eligible to vote in.

The MOVE Act requires states to send absentee ballots to absentee voters at least 45 days before federal elections, so look out for your ballot around this time period before an expected election. Contact your local voting office if you haven’t received your absentee ballot and are expecting one. Find your voting residence here.

A few reminders for the military voter:

  • Update Your Address: If you want your absentee ballot to arrive, you must have the correct address for the registrar to mail it to.
  • Update Any Preferences: Don’t forget if you want to vote in certain party preliminaries, you must be registered to vote for that party.

In conclusion, voting is not merely a right; it is a responsibility and a privilege that should be cherished and exercised by all eligible citizens. The outcomes of elections have far-reaching consequences that affect individuals, families, and communities for years to come. By casting your ballot, you can shape the future, advocate for your beliefs, and create positive change in society.  Voting is a cornerstone of democracy and every American citizen should commit to participating actively in the electoral process, ensuring that our voices are heard and our values upheld in the halls of power.

Balancing Career and Family Life: Tips for Military Spouses

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Balancing a career and family life is a challenge for many individuals, but military spouses face unique obstacles due to the demands of military life. With frequent relocations, deployments, and the uncertainty of being part of a military family, finding the balance between career aspirations and family responsibilities can seem daunting. However, with careful planning, support, and a positive outlook, military spouses can navigate these challenges and commit to a career and a family if that is desired.

One of the first steps to successfully balance career and family life is to prioritize communication and collaboration with your spouse. Open and honest discussions about career goals, deployment schedules, and family needs can help both partners understand each other’s priorities and create a plan that accommodates both career aspirations and family responsibilities. While the realities of the uncertainties of the military schedule and last-minute changes do not make this the fail-safe, this provides an opportunity to at least communicate the needs and goals. This does not mean that the active-duty partner can always pick up the slack when the military spouse has heavier demands, but other solutions can be discussed.

Flexibility is key for military spouses seeking to balance their career aspirations with the demands of military life. Flexibility in the schedule. Perhaps the active-duty spouse said they could do childcare pick-up but now cannot due to work schedule, a flexible option is necessary. Whether this is a friend who can do pick up, or a job for the military spouse with flexible hours. Military spouses may need to explore flexible work arrangements, such as remote work opportunities, freelance or contract work, or part-time employment. These alternatives can provide the flexibility needed to accommodate military obligations while still allowing spouses to pursue their career goals.

Networking and building a support system are essential for military spouses seeking to advance their careers while balancing family responsibilities. Connecting with other military spouses, local community organizations, and professional networks can provide valuable support, resources, and opportunities for career advancement. Online communities and social media platforms can also be valuable resources for connecting with other military spouses and accessing job opportunities, mentorship, and career development resources. There are groups on social media for every time of employment that discuss not just job opportunities but training opportunities as well.

Seeking out employers who support military families can also make a significant difference in balancing career and family life. Military-friendly employers often offer programs and policies specifically designed to support military spouses, such as flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and relocation assistance. Researching and applying to military-friendly employers can increase the likelihood of finding a job that accommodates military families’ unique needs while still offering career growth and advancement opportunities.

Support through taking care of oneself is essential for military spouses. Self-care practices such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can help military spouses maintain their physical, emotional, and mental well-being amidst the demands of military life. Prioritizing self-care benefits the individual and enhances their ability to effectively manage the challenges of balancing career and family responsibilities.

Finally, maintaining a positive outlook and resilience in the face of adversity is crucial for military spouses navigating the complexities of balancing career and family life. Military life often comes with unexpected challenges and changes, but approaching them with a proactive and adaptable mindset can help military spouses overcome obstacles and thrive in their careers and family roles. By embracing flexibility, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care, military spouses can achieve a harmonious balance between their professional aspirations and their family commitments.

In conclusion, balancing a career and family life as a military spouse requires resilience, flexibility, and support. By prioritizing communication, exploring flexible work arrangements, building a strong support system, seeking out military-friendly employers, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a positive outlook, military spouses can successfully navigate the challenges of military life while pursuing their career aspirations and fulfilling their roles within their families. With dedication and perseverance, military spouses can achieve a fulfilling balance between their professional pursuits and their commitments to their families, ensuring that they thrive both personally and professionally despite the unique challenges of military life.

Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot Launched

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Military spouses looking to return to the workforce or launch a new career are invited to apply for the new Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program.   This program is part of the Taking Care of People directive from the Department of Defense. The program from the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) section of Military One Source is a competitive multi-year program that provides spouses with paid 12-week fellowships at employers across various industries and locations. All fellowships are located within the continental United States.

The program will run for three years with rolling application acceptance dates. Not all applications will lead to fellowships, but they will lead to connections with a career coach to assist the applicant in getting ready for moving forward with a career of interest.

Eligibility:

-Career-ready spouses of members of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force to include active, reserve, and National Guard components

-Fellowships are chosen based on previous work experience and the applicant’s previous education

How to Apply:

-Click the link here

-Answer the questions to ensure eligibility and then complete the application

-If not able to apply, you will be connected to an SECO career coach

How is a Fellowship Program chosen?

After application, the applicant’s location, education, and ability to commit are taken into account.

There are both in-person and remote fellowship opportunities.

If you have a specific question about the SECO Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program, email MSCAP@uschamber.com.

This program is separate from the Hiring Our Heroes program, which provides coaching and fellowships. If someone interested does not get into the SECO program, check out the Hiring Our Heroes program.

MyCAA

Another program available to military spouses desiring to further their education is the MyCAA program. Spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-6, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-3 who have successfully completed high school and have the ability to request tuition assistance while their military sponsor is on Title 10 military orders are eligible to participate in the MyCAA funding. The first 1,250 approved applicants in pay grades E-6 and O-3 will receive MyCAA financial assistance based on available funding. The MyCAA program provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses. Read all about the MyCAA program and contact information for any questions.

Further resources for spouse employment can be found here.

Starting Sourdough: Making a Scoby and Baking without a Dutch Oven

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Sourdough is an easy and delicious bread perfect for sandwiches, an addition to a charcuterie board or for general bread enjoyment. Over the last several years, making your own sourdough has become immensely popular. This article is for you if not having a scoby or sourdough starter or not having a Dutch oven limited your sourdough-making skills. You can make your own sourdough starter in as little as a week! No Dutch oven? Not a problem with alternative methods for baking your sourdough bread! Check them out below.

Beginner Sourdough Starter Recipe

Ingredients

To create the starter:

To feed the starter each day (Day 3-7):

Mix the starter ingredients in a glass jar, ¾ liters in size or larger. On day 2, just watch for bubbles in the jar. On day three, mix ½ cups of flour with ¼ cups of water. Pour off about half of the starter, and then feed the starter the mix. Repeat this process for the following four days. Feed the starter at the same time every day for consistency.

If a dark liquid forms around the starter on day 3 or further, pour it off.

Your starter should double in size by day 7, with lots of bubbles and a pleasant scent. If the scent smells like gym socks or is just generally unpleasant, it is not a good starter and should be tossed.

If your starter is spongy in texture, with lots of bubbles and a pleasant scent, it is correct and ready to transfer to a clean glass jar. This is where you will take starter for future sourdough recipes. Now grab your favorite sourdough recipe and get ready to bake!

No Dutch Oven? No problem!

While using a Dutch oven helps create a perfect crust and helps retain steam during baking, there are alternative methods you can use to achieve similar results if you do not have a Dutch Oven. Here are a few options:

  1. Baking Stone or Pizza Stone: Preheat your oven with a baking stone or pizza stone placed on the center rack. When ready to bake, slide your proofed sourdough bread onto the preheated stone using a peel or a flat baking sheet. The stone will provide even heat distribution and help create a crispy crust similar to that of a Dutch oven.
  2. Cast Iron Skillet: If you have a cast iron skillet, you can use it to bake your sourdough bread. Preheat the skillet in the oven, and when ready to bake, carefully transfer your proofed dough into the hot skillet. Cover the skillet with a large inverted bowl or aluminum foil during the first part of baking to trap steam and create a moist environment for the bread. Remove the cover halfway through baking to allow the crust to brown.
  3. Baking Sheet with Steam: Preheat your oven with a baking sheet placed on the bottom rack. Just before placing your bread in the oven, add a few ice cubes or pour a cup of hot water into the preheated baking sheet to create steam. Quickly transfer your proofed bread onto the center rack and bake as usual. The steam will help create a crispy crust.
  4. Cloche or Covered Baker: If you have a covered ceramic baker or cloche, you can use it as a substitute for a Dutch oven. Preheat the baker or cloche in the oven, and when ready to bake, carefully transfer your proofed dough into the hot vessel. Cover it with the lid and bake as usual. The covered baker will trap steam, resulting in a crusty loaf.
  5. Improvised Steam Method: Place a metal baking pan on the bottom rack of your oven while preheating. Just before placing your bread in the oven, pour boiling water into the hot pan to create steam. Quickly transfer your proofed dough onto the center rack and bake as usual. Be cautious when adding the water to avoid burns.

While a Dutch oven provides an ideal environment for baking sourdough bread, these alternative methods can still yield excellent results. Experiment with different techniques to find the method that works best for you and your baking setup.

This is your year to make some sourdough bread at home with your own starter and using the baking tools you have at home. Ready, set, bake!

Technology to Assist Increase Voter Turnout In the Military

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How do you overcome voter apathy in the United States? Since 1990, the nonpartisan non-profit Rock the Vote has encouraged young voters to get out and rock the vote. One area of young people especially affected by voter apathy is the military, and it isn’t necessarily for the reasons expected. The challenges of voting via absentee ballot are especially difficult for military members who frequently move or deploy and are unable to update with a current address in the timeframe that voter registration requires or the ballot is never received in the state. VotingWorks hopes to fill that gap.

According to the Federal Voting Assistance Program, 75% of eligible military members vote absentee due to being stationed away from their home precincts. If a service member is deployed, receiving the absentee ballot with enough time to complete and enough time for it to be received in a timely manner is challenging. In 2020, FVAP found that military voter turnout was 27 percentage points lower than civilian voters with similar characteristics. 

VotingWorks is working on technology that would specifically improve the military absentee statistic.  This is in answer to a research project funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to address the challenges of service members voting in their home districts while stationed elsewhere. The project has specific goals, including casting the ballot and confirming that the vote was counted.

The current solution is a digitally encrypted ballot on a deployable terminal using the military common access card (CAC). In a time period when secure networks and computers can be utilized at home by service members, why can’t a CAC be utilized to authenticate and digitally complete and sign a voting ballot? The deployable terminal would then print a paper ballot with a mailing label and send it to the service member’s home state. The paper ballot ensures that there is a ballot available for the audit which typically occurs four weeks after the election.

There are logistical challenges to overcome – submarines, for instance, are not going to be able to transmit ballots. Working out the logistics will take time and effort, but any increase in voter turnout is a move in the right direction. Military service members train and are ready to lay down their life for their country, their vote should be counted and matter.

Do you Know About These Military Esports Teams?

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Esports, short for electronic sports, has emerged as a global phenomenon, captivating millions of enthusiasts across the world. Defined as competitive video gaming, esports goes above traditional notions of recreation, evolving into a multi-billion dollar industry with professional leagues, tournaments, and dedicated fan bases. It isn’t a surprise why – Esports combines the love of electronic gaming entertainment with competition. With the rise of live-streaming platforms and social media, there is wider access to esports, fostering vibrant communities and elevating talented players to celebrity status. As esports gain mainstream momentum, they shape the landscape of digital culture and redefine the notion of sports in the 21st century. The military service branches of the Navy, Army, and Air Force have developed competitive eSports teams.

The Navy Esports team is called Goats and Glory – a nod to the Goat mascot of the U.S. Naval College. The team comprises skilled sailors in all positions and jobs within the Navy, but have technical skills in the gaming world.

The Navy MWR plans to run a fitness challenge in the Spring of 2024 where sailors around the world can compete to win prizes like Xboxes, iPads, gift cards, jerseys, and more. Information is pending, but interested individuals can sign up for the Esports Newsletter here.

The Army eSports team is made of soldiers from active duty and reserves. The team is based out of Fort Knox and travels around the U.S. to compete in competitive gaming events. Travel to competitions is paid for by the Army, in addition to any expenses of certifications or other requirements. The team showcases the various skills and different backgrounds of soldiers, but all with a common interest in a strength in gaming, which may appeal to the younger generations, demonstrating their relatability to the Army.

The Air Force gaming and esports program is open to all Airmen and Guardians, without specificity of rank, age, or background. The gaming community is open to Active Duty, veterans, family, and associated groups within the Air Force. USAA sponsored the gaming league in 2023, with two sections of DAFGL Pro and DAFGL Casual. The DAFGL Pro is the pinnacle competitive team with prizes on offer. The DAFGL Pro team is open to active duty, Guard, Reserves, and DOD civilians with access to a military base. The DAFGL Casual team is open to all who are interested and enthusiastic about gaming. Those who meet the criteria and are interested in joining the gaming community can email contact@airforcegaming.com.

The addition of esports teams within the military branches represents a forward-thinking approach to harnessing technology, teamwork, and strategic thinking. These are skills important for and needed in the military context, and gaming brings them into modern times. By embracing esports, the military branches provide opportunities for skill development and camaraderie among service members and cultivate a deeper understanding of emerging technologies and digital landscapes. As these teams grow and evolve, they serve as a testament to the adaptability of the armed forces in the modern world.