Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

10 Reasons to Shop the Commissary

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Being part of the military community has many benefits and the commissary is one privilege everyone should take advantage of. Great savings are not the only reason to shop at the commissary either.

Here are 10 reasons to shop at your commissary.

1. Save Money

Yes, saving money is the No. 1 reason most people shop at the commissary. Consumers save 30% or more on average over commercial grocery stores. “Commissaries are required by law to sell items at prices set only high enough to recover item cost, with no profit or overhead factored into item price.”

Have you noticed all the orange “VALUE” tags lining the shelves? There are on average 300 products in more than 33 categories with this label. These truly are value items as the commissary has worked hard to identify “name brand products that provide consistent value, based on an average lower price than the equivalent store, private label item.”

2. Case Lot Sales

Another great way to save is buying in bulk. Commissaries have customer appreciation case lot sales twice a year stateside. “We choose the items from the list that we think will sell well at our stores,” said Mark Crump, the store manager at the Little Creek commissary. “These are not items that have been sitting in our warehouse.”

Products are marked down and you can still use coupons to further increase your savings.

3. Rewards Card

The commissary rewards card allows you to redeem coupons electronically and all commissaries worldwide accept the rewards card. You can pick one up at the checkout and register it at home or on your smartphone. From there you can browse coupons and add them to your card. New coupons are posted multiple times a week so check it before you head to the commissary. At the checkout simply hand your card to the cashier. With digital coupons you won’t have to worry about clipping coupons at home and having the frustration of leaving them in the car. The rewards card comes as a key chain tag as well, so as long as you have your keys you’ll have your coupons.

4. Click2Go

Click2Go is a new service currently being tested at only 3 commissaries: Fort Lee, VA, Offutt Air Force Base, NE and Travis Air Force Base, CA. Click2Go allows customers to order their groceries online and pick them up at the commissary curbside. If the program proves to be popular the service may be added to more locations.

5. Support Scholarships for Military Children

The Scholarship for Military Children Program provides college scholarships to military dependents. It was “created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency worldwide.” Every commissary awards at least one $2,000 scholarship and more may be possible based on funding and eligible applicants.

6. Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates

This is a federal driven program that includes an internship program for current students, a recent graduates program and the Presidential Management Fellows Program for people who earned an advanced degree within the proceeding 2 years. These programs promote employment opportunities for students and recent graduates in the federal workforce. The commissary supports these programs.

7. International Aisle

There are some wonderful products on the international aisle and you aren’t likely to find them at commercial grocery stores. If you have a sweet tooth or would just like to try a British chocolate bar, grab a Crunchie. It is a honeycomb toffee chocolate bar that will fix your sweet tooth for a few days. The international food aisle isn’t just for sweets; you’ll find a wide variety of products from many countries.

8. Meet Other Military Families

At times being part of the military life can be lonely. Shopping at the commissary gives you an opportunity to meet other families. Striking up a conversation over an item on sale or just how cute the little baby in the shopping cart is one easy way to feel a little more connected.

9. Consistency in Your Life

Moving can put you at odds but there is one thing that can be consistent in your life, the commissary. Looking for a new home, new schools, new stylist and new friends is a lot to worry about. Knowing the commissary is available is one less stress. You won’t have to look for a new grocery store.

10. Support Military Dependents

Many of those working at the commissary are military dependents. You will hear many different accents from spouses from all over the world and notice young baggers that are children of service members. There are also a few retired individuals that will be happy to share a story with you.

These are just a few of the many reasons to shop at the commissary. Why do YOU shop at your military commissary? Tell us in the comments section.

Tips for Traveling with Children During the Hectic Holidays

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Traveling with children during the holidays can be an adventure. The key to a stress free trip (oh how we wish) is preparation. You’ve spent countless hours making sure every detail is taken care of for your family these holidays. Something is, of course, going to go wrong however. Flights get delayed or worse, canceled. Cars get flat tires and holiday traffic can slow down your travel time.

To keep your sanity while driving or flying with your children this holiday season, use these travel tips to find peace and joy.

Tips for Holiday Travel with Children

Expect delays when traveling this holiday season.

  1. Mentally prepare yourself that something might go wrong. The holidays are stressful enough; don’t add to it by expecting travel to be perfect.
  2. Prepare early. There’s nothing like the stress that comes with the last minute to-do list.
  3. Make a list of what needs to be packed and check items off as they go into the suitcase. Keep the list on top of the suitcase until you leave so you don’t question yourself 50 times whether you packed your daughter’s favorite pajamas or your own toothbrush.
  4. Buy small new toys to entertain your children. We all wish our kids would sit patiently but what really happens is they get bored. You don’t need to dip into your Hanukkah or Christmas fund; pick up a few things at the Dollar Store. A new coloring book with Jake and the Never Land Pirates crayons can buy you some extra quiet time.
  5. Pack snacks and drinks. There is nothing worse than a “hangry” child (angry because they are hungry). Choose sippy cups that don’t spill and snacks that aren’t messy. Have wipes and a plastic bag for the trash.

    Tips for Holiday Travel with Children

    What do you pack to keep your children busy?

Driving Tips

  • Make sure the car is clean and extra items are removed. Children will make a mess and you will accumulate things throughout the road trip.
  • Stock the car with supplies. Pack toys, snacks, paper towels and plastic bags for the inevitable mess and extra bags in case your child gets motion sickness.
  • Place things strategically in the car so that they are easy to reach. You don’t want to listen to your daughter beg for something she can’t reach for the next 50 miles. Make sure you can reach things too so you can keep your eyes on the road.
  • Consider your child’s sleep schedule. If it is a short drive, consider waiting closer to nap time so that they may sleep longer. If it is a long drive consider leaving early in the morning so they sleep the first few hours.
  • Dress in layers so that they can be removed in the car. We’ve all heard the whine of “I’m hot” or “I’m cold.” Everyone isn’t going to be comfortable at the same temperature so layers will help even that out.
  • Have directions in more than one area. If your toddler is playing on your phone and your car’s GPS suddenly says “recalculating,” one of you might have a meltdown. He is not going to want to give it up and you need directions. You could do a crazy thing…print out directions.
  • Incorporate bathroom breaks and stretching stops. Make each child “try” to go to the bathroom so you don’t have another one asking to stop 5 minutes later. Provide the opportunity to get out of the car and stretch. Let the kids run around at a rest stop. They’ll wear themselves out and you’ll have some time of peace back in the car again.
  • If your children fall asleep, utilize this as “me time.” Listen to an audio book or grownup music. Turning the radio off and just having a moment of quiet can help you relax as well.

    Tips for Holiday Travel with Children

    Do you prefer to board first or board the airplane last with your kids?

Plane Tips

  • Completely empty your diaper bag or purse and restock it with only the items you need for the flight. When your baby is crying, digging through your bag for his pacifier while trying to board the plane will stress you out.
  • Get to the airport early. Make sure you have enough time to find parking, check your bag, get through the extra-long security line and still reach your gate with plenty of time.
  • Prepare as if your flight might get delayed. Have extra diapers, formula, snacks and toys.
  • Only pack quiet toys that won’t roll away. This will keep you from being annoyed by a noisy toy or continuously picking up your child’s toy.
  • Board the plane early or last. Families are called to board the plane before the rest of the group. If you need to pop down a stroller or settle your children in their seats this is a great time. If you have a fussing baby or an anxious child, wait until the last person boards to give you time to calm them.

No matter how you travel this holiday season, there are many ways to plan ahead and limit stress. You can’t prevent everything from going wrong, but if you take these steps you might just find the Merry in your Christmas.

Want more tips for traveling with small children? Visit the MilitaryShoppers’ Pinterest page.

SCOUT Military Discounts App Makes Finding Discounts Easy

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SCOUT Military Discounts App Makes Finding Discounts EasySCOUT Military Discounts is a fantastic app available for both iOS and Android devices. With more than 125,000 military discounts SCOUT Military Discounts will be your go-to app for all military discounts. Googling military discounts and asking business owners if they offer a military discount will instantly be a thing of the past once you download this app.

The mission of SCOUT is simple: to make every military discount easily accessible to those who deserve it (including your favorite “mom & pop” shops without websites). Our goal is to have this valuable information at the fingertips of the entire military community.

The app is user-friendly, even the least tech savvy user will be able to navigate through it quickly and easily. There is a search feature that lets you find local discounts listed in proximity to your location. You can type in a specific company to see if they offer a discount or browse individual categories. It isn’t limited to retail shops and restaurants; it also includes hotels and travel-related discounts such as rental cars. Auto shops, pet services, photo discounts and more are listed as well.

If you come across a discount, whether online or in-store, you can add the discount to the app. There is a link at the bottom of the home page. Each discount added is verified before being added to the database. This ensures all discounts are properly listed so that they may be utilized fully and accurately. You can also add businesses through SCOUT’s website.

The app has a map view to make finding local discounts easier. Each red flag is a business offering a military discount. Simply tap on the flag to reveal the discount and business information. Tapping once again will take you to a business contact page. From there you can contact the company or get directions to it. This is such a timesaver as it opens in Maps and gives you instant directions.

Another great feature of SCOUT is its USO location finder. Type in a city and it will give you directions to that USO center. There are over 160 locations in 27 states so you are sure to find one near your military instillation. Finding military discounts is fantastic and finding a USO to rest and rejuvenate while getting connected with family is wonderful.

If finding an unbelievable amount of military discounts and USO locations isn’t enough, make sure to keep SCOUT in mind for Veterans Day each year. The app boasts a large list of military freebies offered by businesses that day. This will be great to have at your fingertips, especially since there were hundreds of free meal deals listed last Veterans Day.

With all of these great features, this app is sure to become your go-to app for military discounts, freebies and USO information. When searching for it in the app store type in SCOUT military and it is the first option.

Want to know more about SCOUT Military Discounts? Visit their webpage.

 

Disclose or Hide? Should You Say You’re a MilSpouse During a Job Interview

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Military Spouses on a Job Interview

Do you tell potential employers that you’re a military spouse?

Should you tell an interviewer you are a military spouse? The answer depends on you. There are many professionals that will tell you both yes and no.

I have always been worried about this situation. I have a fantastic education, I’ve traveled the world and I am a hard worker. Unfortunately, my resume looks like Swiss cheese. Being part of a military family can create gaps in your resume. Moving is just part of the experience and I’ve always had a hard time finding the right job.

There are those questions that military spouses fear in a job interview. Why did you choose to move here? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Why do you have gaps in your resume and why are all of your jobs in different states? The recruiters I spoke with all had different answers.

These are average interview questions, but are they really fishing to see if you are a military spouse? It is illegal to ask an interviewee if they are a military spouse so there are some people that use these types of questions to get around it. My biggest fear in saying I was a milspouse was that they would skip past my other qualifications and see me as someone who is going to leave in a short time. Why hire me when they know they’ll be back searching for another person soon?

I would avoid any mention of the military during job interviews for this reason.

My answers would be that I moved to the area because I loved what it had to offer and I was looking for a place to put down roots. Why did I move so much and change jobs often or have gaps in my resume? I loved to travel and learn new things that would prepare me for the right career instead of just a job. At the time, I thought they were great answers and that I had side-stepped the questions. When I got the job I would always feel guilty that I didn’t tell them that I was a military spouse. They would find out all too soon that I was and surprisingly they have never been upset.

That’s when I realized that being part of the military family was not something I should hold back, but a great asset that I should utilize in an interview. Next time you are faced with these questions consider saying that being a milspouse has made you a flexible team player, a quick learner, a problem-solver and the person that they are going to hire.

Don’t worry too much about the interviewer focusing on the likelihood that you will be leaving in a few short years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the average number of years workers typically stay with a job, as reported in September 2014, was 4.6 years. Turnover is high these days as the younger generation chooses to explore different jobs and opportunities.

Disclose or Hide? Military Spouses in Job Interviews

If you do want to get a leg up on the competition there is a program, Military Spouse Preference (MSP), which is designed to help spouses stay in the workforce and find jobs easier when PCSing. It only applies to positions with the Department of Defense (DoD) and for military spouses who meet specific criteria. There are two types of federal employment within the DoD. These include civil service or Appropriated Fund and Non-Appropriated Fund. Those that make the short list of candidates for a job are given preference. If a federal position with the DoD is something you are interested in, utilize this program.

What questions have you been asked in an interview?

What questions have you been asked in a job interview?

For tools beyond Monster.com and Craigslist, use military spouse specific search engines when looking for a job. Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) is there to help you hone your skills and find the right job.

MSEP, a targeted recruitment and employment solution, creates employment connections that provide companies with direct access to military spouses seeking career opportunities and spouses with direct access to employers who are actively recruiting. MSEP currently has more than 220 partners, who have hired over 60,000 military spouses.

Don’t be part of the 25 percent of military spouses that are looking for employment but haven’t found a job just because you are afraid of saying, or not saying, in an interview that you are a milspouse.

Have you experienced this disclosure dilemma in a job interview? How did you handle it?

More Than a Sauce: Why You Should Eat Cranberries Daily

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Cranberries Are a Superfood Yearround

When choosing cranberries, look for plump ones that are deep red and firm to the touch.

Many Americans consider cranberry sauce one of the key components to a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you serve it whole berry or jellied, made from grandma’s secret recipe or simply opened from a can, it is sure to grace your table this holiday season.

For some, this is the only time of the year they eat cranberries. Why? This superfood doesn’t get the praise and attention that it should. It is more than just a delicious side dish. Cranberries are loaded with health-promoting antioxidants.

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of eating cranberries. These include protection against UTIs, anti-inflammatory benefits, immune support, cardiovascular benefits, antioxidant protection, anti-cancer benefits and digestive tract benefits. The key to getting as much nutrients as possible is eating the entire berry.

The most common reason Americans eat cranberries and drink cranberry juice is to fight and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), but did you know the anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries can help lower your risk of periodontal disease? If you are the type of person that hates going to the dentist then you might want to consider adding cranberries to your diet to help lower your risk of periodontal disease and those dreaded dental procedures.

The benefits of cranberries don’t stop there. Antioxidant components of cranberries also hold the key to cardiovascular benefits. This includes a decreased risk of high blood pressure and the lowering of LDL-cholesterol while increasing the levels of HDL-cholesterol.

The biggest studies in the last 10 years show cancer-preventive benefits of cranberries in breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer. It is the phytochemicals in the berries that inhibit the growth and proliferation of several types of tumors.

Fresh cranberries have the highest levels of nutrients. They are harvested in September and October and can mainly be found in grocery stores between October and December. This is perfect timing to add nutrients to holiday meals in a delicious fashion. November 23 is National Eat a Cranberry Day which gives you the perfect opportunity to try out new cranberry recipes before Thanksgiving.

Cranberries are a superfood

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of eating cranberries.

For some great cranberry recipes including Cranberry Delight, Sherried Acorn Squash & Cranberries and Sweet and Salty Cranberry Clusters, visit MilitaryShoppers Recipes page. Or try this cranberry pound cake with orange glaze by jen miller here.

When choosing the perfect cranberries for these recipes, make sure to look for plump ones that are deep red and firm to the touch. These optimal berries are more highly concentrated with anthocyanin compounds which give you the most benefits. While many fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life, cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator for around 3 weeks. If you want to try out a few more recipes before the big family dinner, the long shelf life will allow you to keep batches longer.

Cranberry season is very short so you may want to stock up and freeze them in groups. You can find dried and frozen cranberries year-round as well as cranberry juice. Remember that most benefits come from eating the whole berry so while drinking cranberry juice will provide nutrients, you won’t be getting all the benefits of this superfood.

Try a new cranberry recipe and leave the jelly in the can this year.

Try a new cranberry recipe and leave the jelly in the can this Thanksgiving.

Make the most of this season and eat fresh cranberries while they are at their peak. You can simply pop a few on top of your morning oatmeal or pack a small bag with your children’s lunch to add a few more into your diet. If you’ve always been the “open a can of cranberry sauce” kind of person, hopefully this information on cranberry health benefits will motivate you to try a new recipe or at least add a few more cranberries to your day.

The George Mateljan Foundation’s website says it best: adding cranberries to your diet can “help make every day throughout the year a holiday from disease.”

How do you plan on adding cranberries to your diet? Share your favorite recipes with MilitaryShoppers.

Military Spouses Don’t Wear Rank…Or Do They?

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Military spouses don’t wear rank…or do they? Technically they don’t. Military spouses know this, but mixed signals are given on the subject of military hierarchy. My husband became a chief in August 2013 and I attended the spouse welcome and education night. They gave us 2 books: Guidelines for the Spouses of Chief Petty Officers and Social Customs and Traditions of the Sea Services. I quite possibly could have been the only person that read both of those books that night. Some things were very helpful and others were very outdated. The subject of spousal rank structure came up once.

Additionally, even though there is no rank among spouses, your presence as “the Chief’s spouse” is significant. You are a natural role model for others coping with the challenges of military life.

Regardless of your intent, you will be a role model to junior sailors’ spouses and the example you set will have an impact on the other spouses at the command.

I agree with those statements. I don’t wear my husband’s rank, nor do I want to. Being myself and a positive role model for other husbands and wives is more important to me. I have a good friend that is an officer’s wife and one that is the spouse of a sailor still going through EOD school.

Some of my friends’ husbands are higher rank than my husband but we’re all friends. Why should rank matter?

Some spouses take the military hierarchy very seriously. They feel a sense of entitlement, that they have worked hard over the years and deserve their due. Really? After years of being part of the military community and watching your spouse rise in rank, you’ve experienced a lot. I understand that. Why do you assume an air of superiority?

Do Military Spouses Wear Rank?

A friendly smile and a helping hand can go a long way for all military spouses, whatever their service member’s rank.

The first thought that comes to mind when thinking of my family is pride. My father retired as command sergeant major. I am proud of his accomplishments. I continue to have the same sense of pride for my husband and his advancement. I don’t feel entitled to anything. I do feel special, I will admit. I’ve always thought I was part of something special by being a member of the military community.

When I attended the new chief spouse education night I thought it was quite interesting and somewhat surprising, that the master chief leading the night said not only were we special but that we deserved our due. He specifically said that we do not wear our spouses’ rank, but that we were not to fraternize with lower ranked spouses just as the new chiefs were not to fraternize with lower enlisted. I spoke up. There was no way I was going to let that comment pass. When I said I had friends with spouses of all ranks he said I needed to reevaluate my relationships. Seriously. “Though you do not wear your husband’s rank,” he reiterated, “it is up to you to decide if having those friendships puts your husband at risk of fraternization.” It is recommended that you do not maintain relationships with spouses of lower enlisted. I went home and told my friend we couldn’t be friends anymore. We both laughed.

While rules of etiquette are important to follow, always keep in mind that no rules will replace a warm heart, a friendly smile, and the sincere desire to share in the fellowship and camaraderie of the sea services.

This quote from Guidelines for the Spouses of Chief Petty Officers makes me smile. While what the master chief said was contradictory, this statement should bring it all back in focus. Sure some military spouses have more “mileage” than others. You’ve struggled with multiple moves, repeated deployments and last-minute changes. You’ve experienced a lot and learned a great deal. Why not share that knowledge with the younger generation and help them in their journey rather than put them down? A friendly smile and a helping hand can go a long way.

Military Spouses Don't Wear Rank

Offer a smile instead of asking “don’t you know who I’m married to?”

Have you met a spouse that wears rank? How do you handle military spouse hierarchy?

10 Inspirations for a Military Fall Photo Session

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Autumn is a photogenic season. The vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of the changing leaves transforms any military post from blah to beautiful.  Perhaps you’ve decided to take fall family photos but don’t want to go the usual sit on the front porch with a pumpkin and smile route.

Happy baby girl in a black hat and coat smiling

 

Not sure how to start? Need inspiration?  Looking for ideas? Try to take more creative family photos this autumn with 10 tips from a military spouse. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to capture beautiful moments. You don’t need to hire a professional photographer to take pictures of your family. Practice your photography skills and maybe this year you can save money by taking your own Christmas pictures.

Here are 10 ways to photograph the autumn season with your military family.

  1. Choose a Memorable Place. Are you near the location your spouse proposed to you? If you are within driving distance of the place you took your wedding photos or newborn pictures, those could be great locations. Shooting in a previously used location can bring back great memories and show how your family has grown and changed since those original photos were taken.
  2. Invite the Neighborhood. Fall photos don’t have to be specifically immediate family. Consider asking your friends if they would like to join the fun and capture some great moments too. It can be tough on friendships when the military requires you to move. Make it a priority to take pictures with your friends and your children’s friends at each military installation.military fall photo session
  3. Use Photo Props. What sentiment are you trying to convey? Do you want specifically Halloween pictures or more autumn and harvest-type settings? If you choose to create your own photo set, think about potential props first. Are the supplies you want readily available or will you make them? Do you have the time and patience to make special backgrounds or should you simply make a quick trip to the local garden supply center or local farm stand?
  4. Show Your Silly Face. Don’t be too serious. Let your kids have fun. Watch them as they throw leaves at each other or search for the perfect pumpkin. Great photography doesn’t have to be planned. The best pictures are those you never expected to get.
  5. Snap It with Your Smartphone. You don’t have to have expensive camera equipment. Take pictures with your smartphone. You’ll be surprised how beautiful pictures can turn out these days with advanced technology.
  6. Keep the Camouflage. If your spouse is deployed, take something special of theirs to the photo session so that they will be part of the family pictures. Many friends have used part of their spouse’s uniform: boots, dog tags or cover. You could even have your children or family pet dress in military style to portray the pride your family has in the military.
  7. Stay on Post. Why not take some snapshots at your current military installation? It could be a park, a bridge, the lake or ocean, a forest or even a meadow. The photos don’t need to scream I’m on a military base, so don’t limit your thoughts to a picture in front of the base sign. There are beautiful locations just waiting to be discovered.
  8. Showcase Your Family’s Personality. If you are a close affectionate family, let it show with hugs and kisses. If you spend your days giggling and having fun, let it shine through in the pictures. Think beyond the standard sit up straight and smile directly at the camera routine. Laugh, hug and throw leaves at each other. Be yourself.
  9. Go Beyond Pumpkins. Yes, when most people think of taking fall photos they picture autumn leaves, pumpkins and haystacks. What about flannel lumberjacks shirts or football jerseys?
  10. Let Your Kids Lead. Ask them for ideas. You don’t have to create some magical and amazing setting. Don’t over think it. Less is more. Go to a pumpkin patch and have fun or pick up a few fall items and decorate your home. Remember, this is supposed to be fun. You are capturing family moments not creating stress. Enjoy the fall season and enjoy your family.

What ideas do you have for military fall family photos?

 

Don’t forget to submit your Halloween photos to MilitaryShoppers’ Military Kid Photo Contest. You will be entered to win a $100 Toys R Us e-gift card.

 

Understanding In-State Tuition Options for Veterans Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill

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Understanding the Veterans Access, Choice And Accountability Act of 2014 can be quick and easy. Section 702 specifically states:

The Senate amendment would amend section 3679 of title 38, U.S.C., by adding a new subsection (c) to require VA to disapprove courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning that charge tuition and fees at more than the in-state resident rate for veterans within three years from discharge from a period of at least 90 days service in the military, irrespective of the veteran’s current state of residence, if the veteran is living in the state in which the institution is located while pursuing that course of education.

Pursuant to subsection (c), this provision would apply to veterans using the educational assistance programs administered by VA under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, U.S.C., and to dependent beneficiaries using Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits during the three years after the veteran’s discharge. If the veteran or dependent enrolls within three years after the veteran’s discharge, the requirement to charge no more than the in-state tuition rate would apply for the duration the individual remains continuously enrolled at the institution.”

This law was written to help veterans transition from the military to civilian world through higher education and now includes benefits for their spouses and children using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Previously, public schools were able to charge veterans out-of-state fees if they did not meet in-state requirements. With the passage of the Veterans Access, Choice And Accountability Act of 2014 schools that want to continue to receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits must offer veterans in-state tuition or lose those funds.

In-State Tuition for Veterans Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill

What questions do you have about the in-state tuition for veterans bill?

It can be difficult for veterans and their family to establish in-state residency with the amount of moving the military can require. This bill will now bring relief from these burdens for those planning on taking classes July 2015 or later, as this is the deadline for schools to offer in-state tuition to veterans and their family.

Not all public schools will make this easy however. While they must offer in-state tuition, they can still mandate that you prove your intent to stay in that state and eventually become a resident.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia for example requires veterans and their family to prove they have established “domicile” in Virginia. This intent to remain in the state can be established by not only physically residing in Virginia but also changing records to the state. The standard one-year wait most civilians are required to prove they have made Virginia their home is waved for veterans and their families. They can begin classes on the next term once their review has been processed.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Offers In State Tuition to Veterans

 

To take advantage of in-state tuition veterans and their family must begin college courses within 3 years of separation from service. As long as they are enrolled in courses they will be able to continue using this benefit. Again, schools have until July 2015 to offer in-state tuition so be sure to consider this and your timeline for enrollment. Contact the college or university you wish to attend in order to definitively know their policy. Currently, Student Veterans of America has an interactive map outlining state laws and legislation regarding this matter.

What questions do you have about the in-state tuition for veterans bill?

Plan B: The Military Spouse Breadwinner

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While downsizing the military will trim the government’s budget, it’s leaving a lot of families wondering how they are going to pay the bills. Just last month it was announced that 550 Army majors were told they will be without a job next spring. Some of these soldiers were deployed when they were given the news. While some may have been told ahead of time that their job was on the line, for others it was a shock. How are they going to support their families? Where will they find work? Will their spouse need to return to the workforce as well?

Plan B: A Military Spouse as a Breadwinner

Are you a military spouse searching for a job?

DoD statistics show that 1 in 4 military spouses are unemployed and seeking work. Some may be looking for any position that will pay the bills while others search for positions in their career field. Either way, there are resources available to help you find the right fit for your needs.

Military OneSource is a great tool that has had tremendous success in partnering spouses with jobs. Since 2011 they have employed more than 60,000 military spouses. Their Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) website is a job database. Search your area for open positions or use their career advice section to help you get a start on your job search.

National Military Family Association has a wonderful collection of information including links to just about any military spouse employment channel. It has information on Military Spouse Preference and how to apply with it, how to apply for federal jobs, starting a home-based business and details on unemployment.

Military Spouse as the Family's Breadwinner

Have you been searching for a job?

Military Spouse Corporate Career Network is a free service to all military spouses including those of retired service members and caregivers to those wounded in war. They offer job placement and training. For those spouses that have been out of the career force, they offer gap skills training and apprenticeships.

Each branch of the military has a dedicated program to help spouses find employment. Each program offers classes and seminars on things such as resume writing and interview prep as well as tips on networking. They have dedicated counselors that you can meet with you one-on-one to go over your resume and answer any employment questions.

These are the military spouse employment programs:

Army: Employment Readiness Program

Navy: Spouse Employment Assistance Program

Air Force: Career Focus Program

Marine Corps: Family Member Employment Assistance Program

Coast Guard: Access CG SUPRT or call (855) 247-8778

These are all great resources for spouses returning to work. Remember your fellow military spouses as well. Networking is key these days to finding employment. Attend an FRG event and talk to some of them. They may know of an opening at their company they work for or have tips on how they found a job in that market.

Don’t jump right in and blast your “one size fits all” resume to every company in town. Take the time to tailor it to that specific job. An interviewer typically spends 30 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding if it goes in the trash or into the contact stack. Make sure you read the job posting and put those keywords in your resume. If it is sent electronically, there are computer programs that search for specific words and automatically filter out those that don’t contain them. Employers are busy and don’t want to waste their time on general resumes. Show that you are truly interested in the position by proving you took the time to read their job ad.

Military Spouse as the Family Breadwinner

Being the family breadwinner can be stressful.

Looking for a job can be scary, especially if your spouse will be losing his or her job. Will you now become the breadwinner of the family? Take some time and seriously consider what you want in a job and what is most important to you. How many hours will you be able to realistically work? What is the minimum amount of money you will need to pay the bills if you are the main source of income for the family? Are you willing to take an entry level position and work your way up? Start your job search early so you don’t end up rushing into a job that will make you miserable.

Finding a job to provide for your family is stressful. Utilize these resources and tips to help ease the process.

Are you a military spouse searching for a job? Are you worried about becoming the breadwinner if your spouse is forced to leave the military?

Ex-Military Spouse? Is There Such a Thing?

By

Dear MilitaryShoppers,Untitled-2

My husband and I recently got divorced. The transition has been hard. I am struggling with the idea that I am no longer considered a military spouse even though I endured 7 moves and 3 deployments. Am I an ex-military spouse? Is there such a thing?

–Struggling Civilian

Once a Marine, always a Marine. There’s no such thing as an ex-Marine. It’s a matter of honor, so why would you– the military spouse– feel as though you deserve anything less?

Perhaps you are no longer a part of the military community. Your spouse may have retired, separated from the military after a number of years, been discharged because of a disability or any number of other reasons. Until the question was asked this month, “Is There Such a Thing as an Ex-Military Spouse?” the notion had never crossed my mind. Why would it?

I grew up as an Army brat and was so sad when my dad retired. I felt like I was part of something special and then it was gone. I told him so on Thanksgiving that year when our tradition of visiting the soldiers at the mess halls was missing from that day. It wasn’t just that I got a slice of pumpkin pie at each one (hey I was a kid and there were only 3), but that I got to spend time with my dad and see all the smiling happy faces. I can still picture it, everyone passing plates, the noise so loud with cheer. It may sound funny and so simplistic but at that point my whole life had been part of this great military community. Isn’t it the small things in life that count? At this moment now, I’m considering the question. Did I become an ex-military child? Was my mother now an ex-military spouse?

Once a Military Spouse, Always a Military Spouse

Were you a military child? What memories do you have?

I would never consider myself or my mother that way. The wonderful experiences we had made us who we are. We will never lose that.

I find myself, years later, back in the embrace of the military lifestyle. My husband is in the Navy and so I am an Army brat and a Navy wife. One day he will leave active duty and I will once again say good-bye to this community. Will that really make me an ex-military spouse? No.

Ex-military spouse sounds so harsh. Did we break up? Former military spouse, I could handle that term. We had a great relationship and it will end happily. I will take the memories I have made from the beginning of my life through the beginning of our child’s life.

This has been after all, our life. This was never just a job.

For some, the experience might not have been so magical in their minds. Everything isn’t always peachy. Moving so often has its challenges. Your spouse deploying for long periods of time can leave you vulnerable. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and you’ll make friends and leave friends. You will get frustrated when your favorite thing is broken by the movers or your spouse’s deployment gets extended.

This is all part of it. You are a military spouse.

Once a Military Spouse, Always a Military Spouse

You will make some great memories as a military spouse to reflect upon for years.

When the day comes that you are no longer the spouse of an active duty service member your life will change. You will embark on a new adventure, but the memories you have made will remain part of you.

You served your time just as your spouse did. You earned the right to keep that honor.

The same notion holds true for military spouses who divorce their sponsors. Yes, your official relationship with both the military community and service member has ended. You may feel sad or angry at the onset but looking back you’ll still have the memories of great times as a family. You experienced the same events and emotions as any military spouse.

Some may disagree. You’ll be judged, even if people proclaim that they do no such thing. You may feel ostracized and lose all your connections within the community. It doesn’t matter what they say; you aren’t talking to them anyway. You were part of something special, no matter how long that was.

You are a military spouse, former military spouse if you prefer, but you will never be an ex-military spouse. None of us will.

How do you feel? Is there such a thing as an ex-military spouse?