Military Life News

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Give Your Military Child’s Education a Boost with Help from Nabisco and Coca-Cola

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As military families, we have a lot of complications and balls in the air. Consistently, one of our top worries is about our military kids and their education.

Between moving every three years during the K-12 years and saving for their college educations, it’s a lot!

April, being the Month of the Military Child, brings the focus onto the needs of our military kids, especially their education. It’s also a great time to find cool resources and opportunities to help support your military kid and their education!

Educating a child, through the K-12 years or at college, is expensive. Military families are always on the hunt for ways to make this more affordable and possible with budgeting and scholarships.

Give Your Military Child’s Education a Boost with Help from Nabisco and Coca-Cola

Every little bit totally helps. Which makes scholarships and grants a great resource for military families. In honor of Month of the Military Child, Nabisco and Coca-Cola have come together in support of military families to award scholarships to six lucky winners.

One Grand Prize winner will win $5,000 in the form of a check!
Or you could win one (1) of five (5) first prizes consisting of $1,000 in the form of a check!

We love a good scholarship, especially one that’s easy to apply for and comes with very few strings attached. That makes the scholarship from Nabisco and Coca-Cola so sweet!

There’s no purchase necessary to enter or win. And you can enter once daily through 4/30/2019!

Scholarships for Military Kids

Sending a child to college or paying for private school is expensive! Between tuition, fees, uniforms and supplies, the bills collect awfully fast. Having some financial support is often crucial to making quality education a reality.

There are lots of great scholarships for military kids, including this new opportunity from Nabisco and Coca-Cola. A quick Google search will bring you to lots of information about scholarships for K-12 schools and colleges, both generally and specifically for military kids.

With a little bit of financial support, there is so much opportunity for education and success!

Just thinking about what that $5,000 check or even the $1,000 check would do for a military child is incredible. We’re talking books and school supplies. Maybe even a decent chunk of tuition or fees.

Every little bit of financial support truly helps!

Enter for Your Chance to Win!

Throughout April, in honor of the Month of the Military Child, Nabisco and Coca-Cola are offering the chance to win one of five $1,000 checks or the grand prize, a $5,000 check, to help support your military child’s education.

To enter, please text PURPLE to 89884* for a chance to win up to $5,000 for your child’s education! You can also enter online at www.NabiscoMilitaryMonth.com.

This scholarship is 100% limited to military families.

Supporting Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of Military Child, honoring the support, service and sacrifices of our military connected kids. All month long, please Purple Up to show your support of military kids!

Nabisco & Coca-Cola are proud sponsors of the Month of the Military Child!

All month, look for Purple Up events at a military base near you! From major supporters, like Nabisco and Coca-Cola, to national supporters, like DoDEA, or local events, military kids are being celebrated and supported all month long.

Supporting military kids and their education is important. Having Nabisco and Coca-Cola on-board and showing their belief in education for military children is a huge deal!

It’s not just major businesses or organizations that can act to support military kids. Anyone can help military kids find support, resources and success. All it takes is just a little bit of action or one click to start making big changes for our littlest warriors!

You can show your support by:

  • Celebrating the military child in your life
  • Wearing purple, even just a small pin or scarf
  • Sharing Month of the Military Child or Purple Up posts and articles on social media
  • Donating to military child-specific non-profits and causes
  • Volunteering to help military kids on base, at school or through non-profits
  • Advocating for support for military kids at K-12 schools and colleges

This April, help support your military child’s education and future with a cool scholarship opportunity! And share Nabisco and Coca-Cola’s scholarship content with other military families.

How does your family support your military child at school? What do you do for Month of the Military Child?

*NO PURCHASE OR TEXT NECESSARY TO ENTER THE NABISCO MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD SWEEPSTAKES.  Making a purchase or sending a text will not increase your chances of winning. Sweepstakes starts 12:00 am ET on 4/1/19 and ends 11:59 pm ET on 4/30/19.  Open to residents of the 50 U.S. (& D.C.) and active duty U.S. military personnel and their families, stationed within U.S. or abroad, 18 and older. Enter online at www.NabiscoMilitaryMonth.com.  See Official Rules for free alternate method of entry. 1 Grand Prize: $5,000. 5 First Prizes: $1,000.  Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received during sweepstakes period. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Mondelēz Global, LLC, East Hanover, NJ 07936.

Re: text messages. Std. msg. & data rates may apply. Text STOP to end. Text HELP for info. If you enter via text-messaging, you will receive 1 text message in response from an automated system; winners will receive 1 additional text message. Consent is not required to buy goods and services. To view the Sponsor’s Mobile Privacy Policy, http://bit.ly/2lt3IBr. To view Administrator’s Mobile Terms and Conditions, http://bit.ly/2g6zTZa.

It’s Time for an On-Base Dress Code Update

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Every time I go anywhere on base, there it is, staring me in the face. The dress code. I check it out, every single time. At the commissary, the PX, the on-base post office, the shoppette (or Class Six for non-USMC folks).

And I smirk/cringe a little bit every time.

It’s Time for an On-Base Dress Code Update

Let’s be honest, the on-base dress code is a smidge, well, old fashioned and out of date. You know that “no workout clothes” rule? Yeah, I break that on the daily with my black leggings. Sorry, not sorry. As a busy mom of two with things to do, I am aiming for comfort all of the time. And my black leggings are super comfy.

Yet, I still 100% get why we need a dress code. I definitely understand the ban on shorty-shorts and midriff-baring tops. Ditto for sports bras worn as tops.

Let’s Talk About Spandex

Gym attire used to be just for the gym. Put it on, get sweaty and then shower up.

Today? Almost everything I own is a spandex blend of some sort or other. Leggings, jeans, tops. Yeah, it’s all stretchy.

Take a look around today. Go to any military base and visit the commissary or the PX. I’m willing to bet that more than 50% of female patrons will be wearing pants or tops that might be considered “gym” wear. Why? Because they are tight, stretchy, spandex-based athleisure.

And everyone is wearing them, every where.

If the on-base retailers want to spend their time kicking folks out over athleisure-style leggings, that’s totally their prerogative. I get it, I’m technically breaking the rules by wearing leggings. But I’m definitely not going to stop wearing leggings just to shop on base. I’ll go elsewhere.

Flipping Out Over Flops

Know what else technically isn’t “allowed” at on-base retailers? Flip flops. Which I, and almost everyone I know, wears almost exclusively all summer long. For those of us located in year-round warm climates, like SoCal or Hawaii, sandals are a way of life.

I know that patrons have been kicked out of the commissary or the Exchange just for wearing flip flops. It’s definitely more likely at East Coast duty stations, particularly hubs like Quantico.

Let’s be clear: flip flops are not shower shoes. Not even close.

Shower shoes are typically cheap rubber or plastic things, really thin. They break easily, too. You can pick up a pair for under $5 at Old Navy, Target or Walmart.

Now flip flops are more sturdy, with thicker fabric or leather straps. My personal flip flops have embroidery on the strap part. And I’ve had them for about three years or more because they last. These aren’t some throwaway footwear. These are quality. And I would never wear them to shower. Ever.

Over the Top On Tanks

Now, this is kind of a grey area – tank tops. I have some sleeveless tops that are definitely work-appropriate. But, technically, I can’t wear them to shop on-base. Why? Because they are sleeveless “tank tops.”

I get that the dress code really means tanks that were meant to be worn as underwear, like camisoles or sleeveless undershirts for men. But the language is so vague that anything without sleeves or with thinner shoulder straps is included.

My silk sleeveless top? It’s a tank top.

The language of this one needs to be revisited: tank tops covers everything without sleeves that can be worn as a shirt. And that leaves a lot of wiggle room for interpretation.

National Training Center/Fort Irwin

Revise the On-Base Dress Code

Sure, the posters might be laminated and feature models from the late 1990s or early 2000s, but we all know that these dress code rules are way older.

The language just doesn’t match how modern military families live. Plus, the rules are not applied universally. It seems like every single base has their own little quirks and rules, some things that are more tightly enforced than others.

It’s time for our on-base civilian dress code to catch up to the 21st century, a time of leggings and flip flops. Where tank tops in warm weather is typical for men and women.

I understand the need to discourage folks from going straight from the gym to the commissary or PX. It’s smelly and sweaty! But keeping athleisure-type spandex as a “banned” items? Please, that’s ridiculous.

I get the desire to maintain modesty. After all, the military does maintain high standards! Discouraging short shorts and peek-a-boo undergarments is absolutely understood, and much appreciated.

Personally, I like to shop on base. Prices are reasonable for many items and it’s tax-free. Plus, for many years, it’s been convenient for my family, an easy way to save a little on our food bills. I also don’t reveal a lot of skin or really skate too far outside the lines – other than my leggings, flip flops and occassional tank top.

Bottom line: it’s time to check the dress code rules against accepted civilian attire worn by a majority of military spouses and off-duty troops. It’s out of date and restricts the ability of patrons to shop on-base (when enforced).

Do you think that the on-base dress code needs an update for the modern era? Comment below with your thoughts!

Slider image Photo Credit: © Yury Zap/Adobe Stock

Get a Sweet Deal for Spring Break with Military Shoppers

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After a long, cold winter (for most of the US), it’s finally spring! Which means flowers, sunshine and fun spring break vacations for military families all over the world.

But…where to go? There are so many options, often right in your own back yard. It can be super hard to choose just one cool thing to explore!

Discover cool options near and far with the Military Shoppers Travel Rewards program! With flexible search options, you’ll be getting a sweet deal for spring break adventures into the bargain.

Get a Sweet Deal for Spring Break with Military Shoppers

I spend so much time searching online for ideal vacations, reading review sites and playing with different dates or lengths. Even then, I’m not quite sure what I’m getting myself into sometimes.

Flexible Searches for Tons of Destinations

I love that I can search by weeks and change the dates super easily. Plus, I can make my search as wide or narrow as I’d like. From searching the whole US to looking just in the New Hampshire mountains, it’s simple to check out a ton of options. There are international options, too!

I’m able to price compare dates at one hotel or between hotels to find the best price with the best amenities. Then I can try to tailor my vacation to the lowest prices across flights and lodging.

I loved that I could search throughout a whole state, like Virginia, or narrow it down by city or region, like inland or coastal. Again, keeping it flexible in terms of where we’ll be traveling because military life.

Best of all, the lodgings, activities, air and cars are all sourced from major retailers. And members can leave reviews to share their experiences. It’s so helpful when you’re stuck between hotels or even two different destinations.

Military Shoppers Travel program does require that you sign up for the service. The entry level is free and, best of all, earns points with every booking you complete through the website. To earn more points with each vacation, you can level up your account with paid memberships.

When you book, you can redeem points to decrease the cost of your trip. Each point takes one dollar off the final total.

Spring Break Locations on Military Shoppers

Spring break is coming up and that means you’re likely shopping for a great trip. To help you prep, we scouted a few great options for you to check out in prime vacation destinations.

  • Virginia Beach, VA: Check-in to a beach-side resort and enjoy the start of summer in style! Hotels start at $39/night and many offers pools or other amenities. Enjoy local attractions like the Virginia Beach Aquarium, the Cape Henry Lighthouse and Neptune’s Park.
  • Cape Cod, MA: It might be a smidge chilly in early spring, but it’s the perfect way to miss the summer crowds while enjoying all the fun – except maybe ocean swimming! Hotels start at $70/night and are often located near area attractions. Wander along the Cape Cod National Seashore, eat all the seafood and poke through local boutique shops.
  • San Diego, CA: It’s a year-round vacation destination, and a top military hub! Enjoy sun, surf and an amazing food scene, with hotels starting from $58/night. You’ll love exploring the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and the USS Midway.
  • Aspen, CO: Enjoy some spring powder in the Rockies! Ski or snowboard with your families, with rooms starting at $90/night. Rent your board or skis, try a ghost tour or explore Aspen’s history!
Photo Credit: © Dmitry Sunagatov/Adobe Stock

Year-Round Travel with Military Shoppers

We’ve had a great time traveling around Asia for the last three years, but we’re ready to explore the US with our family! Luckily, Military Shoppers has connections to amazing hotels and resorts around the States.

There are so many great ways to use Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards:

  • PCS Hotel Stays: Locked out of on-base TLF? Use the Military Shoppers program to scout extended stay hotels near your next duty station! Make your search super specific to include your desired amenities, like kitchenettes or multiple bedrooms.
  • Family Vacations: We love to check out different vacation spots near and far. I love that I can check options by the week and within a large date range – up to 60 days! It helps with finding a location that’s great for kids and is at a price point that work for our budget.
  • Girl’s Trips: I’ve been plotting ways to get my friends together for fun adventures, without spouses or kids. With options to search in cool locations, like Charleston, New Orleans or Savannah, it looks like my next weekend getaway with friends is coming sooner rather than later!
  • Holiday Travel: We’d love to be able to visit family during or around the holidays, but it can be tough to gauge the best prices and times to travel. I’m excited to use Military Shoppers to help make our holiday travel more affordable!

Do you use Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards program? Share your stories and tips with us!

Organize Your House to PCS Better with Pro Tips

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Every three years, I swear that I’m going to do it. I’ll actually organize the house to PCS better, to make things more efficient. I’ll sort, store, trash and donate starting six months out from our move. I swear I’ll be super prepared!

And yet, here we are, 3 months from our next move with a house that is even more of a disaster than the last PCS. All my promises of doing better, organizing more effectively, apparently disappeared along the way.

But this time I don’t have the luxury of just letting things go again. I need to get my house into optimal PCS mode.

Organize Your House to PCS Better with Pro Tips

It’s crunch time. We’re coming up on this move sooner than later; the days are literally speeding by!

So I called in a pro, Melissa Rogers of Modified by Melissa. She’s an organization guru! Plus, as a military spouse, Melissa totally gets the need to be ultra organized to prevent PCS disasters.

Make Papers a Priority

Melissa’s number one tip is to sort and separate your paperwork and documents before the movers arrive.

So, good news for me! We’ve been doing this for years! I’d still like to go back through and weed out the documents we no longer need and pull out the ultra important stuff.

Paperwork that should be hand carried includes birth and marriage certificates, health records (a digital file is fine), professional licenses, insurance, and anything else that’s irreplaceable. If you’re traveling with a pet, keep copies of their health documents with you, too.

Melissa recommends sorting and storing these valuable papers in a binder or folder with lots of pockets. Another great option is to scan all of these important documents and store them digitally. Even if you need to “official” copy with a seal, the digital files at least create a papertrail.

Liquids & Lotions

I’ve got a few bottles of half used perfume and lotion floating around at all times. That stuff is expensive! I’m not about to trash it just because we’re moving. But I also don’t necessarily want to waste precious suitcase space on those toiletries either.

However, actually packing your liquids can be iffy.

To help your spillable stuff make it safely, Melissa recommends that you put a bit of plastic wrap under the cap, over the opening. Tighten the cap down over the plastic wrap. It will create a seal and stop spills.

Another option is to place your liquids into sealable plastic bags. If something does spill, it will at least be contained in the bag!

To help you unpack later, try to sort your liquids by type: cleaning supplies, soaps, lotions, perfumes and so on. Sorting this way will also prevent your stuff from getting mixed up or spoiled if spills happen. Plus, you’ll be able to quickly place each bag into the correct spot when you unpack!

Keep Things Separated

Did you know that packers will just pack everything in one area? Yup, if it’s in the same general area then it’s all going in the same box! This explains why my linens keep ending up with the board games.

According to Melissa, it can help to sort your belongings and put some space between things.



© diego cervo /Adobe Stock

Consider putting all your towels and other linens together, maybe mixing in other blankets or clothes. Keep artwork and other wall decor in the same section. Basically, if you want things packed together, put them in the same spot to begin with. And if you’d prefer to keep your knives out of the breakables, put them far apart on packing day!

Clean Out Your Closets

I’ve been making passes through my clothes (and my kid’s clothes) for the last six or so months. I’m trying to weed out things that we no longer wear or that are too small or just plain worn out.

I always seem to skip cleaning out my pantry and supply closets though. Which leaves me with boxes of random non-perishables and half-empty bottles of Windex.

Before the movers come, make a sweep of your kitchen. They’ll pack anything that it’s a liquid. We learned the hard way when we opened up a neatly wrapped package containing a 1/4 full bag of white sugar.

Melissa recommends that you pull out anything you really don’t want to see again. Some items to consider removing include anything open, expired, or that you plan on eating between pack out and move out.

Do the same hard edit to your cleaning supply closets.

Trash or “regift” whatever you don’t want to take with you.

Keep the Movers Out

Truth time: you’re gonna need to keep some things secure during the pack out process. Documents, packed suitcases and those last minute cleaning supplies are all things that you 100% do not want the movers to pack.

We’ve all heard the horror stories about orders or passports getting mixed into moving boxes.

To prevent that type of calamity, keep everything you’ll need after the packers leave and on the road (or on the plane) in a separate locked room. Put a sign on the door to keep movers out, too. Living OCONUS? Consider adding a translated sign in the local language, too.

What are your best PCS organization tips and tricks? We’d love to learn some new ways to have a smooth move!

Helpful Tips to Improve the Current PCS Process from a MilSpouse

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PCSing is on everyone’s mind right now. Between safety hazards in on base housing and the fear of losing literally everything during the PCS process, military families are on edge right now.

It seems like military powers that be are prepared to make big changes to the PCS system. But before they do that, I thought I would offer some helpful tips to improve the current PCS system.

Helpful Tips to Improve the Current PCS Process from a MilSpouse

Right now, the big idea on the table is privatizing the PCS system. Basically, one person oversees the process and contracts it out. This would be instead of the current system with multiple steps in the contracting process.

There are some issues with privatizing though.

First, you just have to look at the recent Congressional hearing about privatized base housing to see just how hazardous outsourcing can be for customers. Second, none of this would happen for several years, with the earliest proposed changes coming in 2021.

However, there are some simple steps that we can take to help protect military moves right now.

Vet Moving Companies Properly

Year after year there are issues with who is showing up to actually pack boxes and load trucks. I get it. This is not a glamorous job and is really hard work.

But a quick background check would be great. Some ID before getting hired would be nice, too.

There have been lots of anecdotal stories passed around over the years about less than savory characters being placed in charge of packing the worldly possessions of military families.

Having some measures in place to prevent spur of the moment “hires” for packing personnel would be great. Maybe a list of approved employees that needs to be presented to the gate guard for on base homes would be nice, or a similar ID check method for all military families.

Really, I just want to know the people packing all my stuff into boxes. I want to make sure they’re legit and vetted before I hand over everything I own.

Tracking Protections En Route

Sometimes, it’s not the actual packers that cause worry. Instead, it’s the days or weeks that our household goods are in transit.

Whole shipping containers are lost, trucks wrecked in accidents, and individual items go missing. Clearly, if the entire military spouse community is talking about this, these incidents are not isolated or unusual.

It would be nice to have basic tracking measures put in place to make sure that HHG are being moved in a timely and secure measure. One idea is QR codes or bar codes that can be scanned to update progress.

Increased security measures would also be nice. I recognize that a lot of things are out of my control, especially when my things are on a moving truck and I’m not. But having additional locks, alarms, or other protections doesn’t seem like too much to ask.

Get On Message

Could all the military TMO/DMO/whatever you’re calling it now shops please coordinate your messaging? That’d be great, thanks.

It’s incredibly annoying when families are getting different advice about the “rules” based on where they live or which person they talk to on a given day. One day, you could be cleared for certain things and the next it’s all taken away.

This issue is especially frustrating for moves to or from OCONUS locations. Between coordinating flights and pets and shipments, it’s enough. To add in all the contradictory and flat out wrong information is too much.

Figure out your party line, share it to every single military moving office, and stay on message.

Actual 24/7 Support

Our moving company didn’t show up until 9pm one year. They were slated to arrive at noon. Guess who we couldn’t get in contact with? Oh, the representatives from the actual moving company and the military-side coordinator.

Perfect.

Not having a resource to contact when things go badly is great.

Of course, there are definitely moving companies and military coordinators who go above and beyond. But that’s not standard or uniform.

Proper Packing Training

If anyone wants to learn how to pack stuff the right way, please come to Japan. My grocery bags are efficiently arranged to minimize breakage and spread out the weight.

If the baggers at the grocery store take this level of care, I can only imagine what my actual moving experience will be. I’m prepped for extra layers of wrapping and many boxes of beautifully sorted items.

My big pet peeve is when random things get thrown together. Like knives in with my framed paintings and canvas-based art. Or a wrapped bag of flour. Maybe a fully potted plant, soil included, nestled gently in my white linens.

A quick run down on proper, common sense packing tactics would be ideal.

Simple Claims Process

We’ve been pretty lucky (knock on wood). Over the last decade or so, our damages have been minimal and incidental. A cracked Foreman grill here, and shattered (antique from my Nana) tea cup there. Nothing has been so major that we’ve needed to file a claim.

But I’m waiting for it to happen. I’m prepared for months of battles and storing otherwise worthless items just for the inspection. We’ve got piles of receipts for high-cost items, like our TVs ready to deploy.

It shouldn’t be this way. I shouldn’t need to live with a molding and damaged beyond repair sofa for months while the claim is processed. It’s taking up valuable living space in a probably cramped home.

There’s got to be an easier way to ensure that damaged items are replaced or compensation is paid in a timely manner.

What are your suggestions for easy-to-do fixes for the PCS process? We’d love to get your input!

Photo credit:
© dmitrimaruta/Adobe Stock

Mold in Base Housing? This Isn’t News to MilFams

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There was a lot of shock displayed at the recent Congressional hearings about subpar military housing. Political leaders and privatized housing companies seemed surprised about these issues.

Know who isn’t surprised? Military families.

Having an on-base house with mold, or that’s causing other health and safety issues, isn’t news to us. Working with falling apart base housing is just a part of military life. And it’s one that military spouses have been handling for years.

Mold in Base Housing? This Isn’t News to MilFams

When I joined the military spouse ranks, one of the first things I learned was to get the gouge on where to live. I learned not to stop at checking out the physical location of the home, but to dig into the actual history of the property.

A decade ago, USMC spouses at Camp Pendleton were very aware of the housing issues. We were lucky enough to snag a newly built home. Our house only had faulty (brand new) carpets that deteriorated quickly and stained easily. Plus some neighborhood water mains and electric lines that went down pretty often, considering they were brand spanking new.

We all know about the townhouses located in the next neighborhood. How did we know? Because word was passed about kids getting sick, sick enough to be hospitalized for days on end. We knew about the black mold in the walls, the leaking pipes, the squishy floors, the air vents filled with debris.

We all knew.

Residents started complaining about health issues directly to the housing management company. Some of them got moved into newer housing. Others were told to, essentially, “suck it up.”

The mold-filled homes that they left weren’t gutted to the studs or torn down though. Instead, they were briefly, to my untrained eye, cleaned, minorly spruced up and then rented out again. Folks were given a discounted rate, with some of their BAH being refunded monthly. But they were also living in homes that were likely still filled with black mold.

Base Hazards Aren’t New

The DoD just spent years fighting allegations, now proven, about on-base water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Recent reports show that many, if not most, military bases have some level of unsafe groundwater.

Why are we shocked that base housing would be any different than the water?

It’s not new for military spouses to get the run around when we ask for answers or action. We’re used to the standard line of “We don’t do that here.” Or “It’s not in the regulations.” Hearing “It’s above my pay grade” is getting really old at this point.

If it’s not “your” pay grade or responsibility, I’d like to know who actually is in charge. Who do I talk to about my very real concerns? I’d like a name and a number.

No Plausible Deniability

When we have many hundreds, if not thousands, of cases with rampant mold, lead paint, decrepit walls and more, there is no longer plausible deniability at any level.

Housing companies knew about these issues. ICE complaints were no doubt filed, emails were sent and phone calls were made.

Political leaders, at practically every level, knew about these issues. Perhaps not every Congressional leader or local official in the entire nation. But enough of the leaders in major military hubs should have had this on their radars. Again, calls were made, emails were sent and no meaningful action was taken.

Military families are generally good at documenting things. It’s a skill we’ve honed over years of moving school and medical records, reiterating ongoing concerns to the powers that be, controlling the documents in our households and moving around the world. We’re good at taking the picture, getting the letter and building that paper trail.

It’s all right there, in black and white. Sometimes in living color, especially the pictures of ill children and falling down homes.

To Make a Buck

It’s a running joke in the military. Like your job, but want to double your pay? Become a military contractor.

When the US DoD handed over control of on-base housing to private companies, it shoved military families into no man’s land. There is apparently no higher authority to complain to about issues with housing.

We can’t go to local officials because we’re technically on federal land. Talking to military officials is also out because the DoD no longer controls the houses or their management.

Which leaves us with the actual companies. Except they don’t seem to answer to anyone. They’ve got lengthy contracts for the land and houses, loosely worded. There is no one providing checks on their systems or inspecting the homes.

Instead, the companies are making hand over fist, collecting full BAH allotments from each and every military family living in base housing. No remittance or refunds for falling down homes, for documented health problems, for loss of property due to housing issues.

Start Listening & Taking Action

I’m incredibly proud of the brave military spouses who have been speaking up. Sitting in front of Congress must be incredibly intimidating. Sharing your story in any capacity, in person or through digital media, takes strength and courage.

It’s time that we hold the privatized housing CEOs and Congressional leaders accountable. We need to keep talking about our housing issues, sharing our concerns and asking the hard questions.

Military spouses are a resilient community, ready to take action and make big changes. Let’s work together to create positive change in military housing and hold the decision makers responsible.

What has your base housing experience been? We’d love to share your stories, insights, and advice!

Photo Credit:

Photo Credit:
©devrim_pinar/Adobe Stock

Do You Use Military Life to Excuse Overindulgence?

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“I’m treating myself for surviving another week of deployment.” “We’re celebrating a promotion.” “She’s finally home! Time to go all out.”

Does this seem familiar to you? It’s almost way too easy to use military life as a reason to celebrate – and over indulge.

From fancy steak dinners to decadent chocolate cakes to booze, there is always a reason to treat yourself when you live the military life. Promotions, homecomings of all kinds or even just surviving another tough week separated from your spouse. Anything can become an excuse to over indulge.


© Vladimir Mucibabic / Adobe Stock

Do You Use Military Life to Excuse Overindulgence?

I’ve been there with you. During my spouse’s year-long combat zone deployment, I found a reason to treat myself almost every single day.

Survived the week? Red wine. Handled something without crying? Spoonfuls of cookie dough, straight from the giant, family sized tub.

Every weekend was a great excuse to enjoy a night out with my girlfriends, make a sweet treat or sip on something alcoholic.

I felt pretty good about my choices. After all, my spouse was deployed and I needed to survive this with a shred of my sanity intact. Numbing my feelings with my “treats” was a great way to make that happen.

Until I looked in the mirror and stepped on the scale a few months into the year.

Over Indulging to Numb Feelings

I had packed on a few pounds in just a few months thanks to my overindulgence. Clothes weren’t fitting as well anymore. And I looked a little worse for wear.

I realized that I had been treating myself to avoid dealing with the emotions of deployment, of being truly alone for the first time. It was easier to eat or drink than to actually confront what I was feeling.

Stepping on the scale and really looking in the mirror forced me to confront what I was doing to my body. I didn’t like what I saw and resolved to change.

Which was great, until my spouse came back.

Celebrations to Treat Yourself

Numbing with food or booze is common during deployments, but it’s also an easy habit to slip into when your spouse is home.

It starts with the homecoming celebration, foods they haven’t enjoyed or drinks they’ve been craving. But that could bleed over to enjoying all the local restaurants they’ve missed, too. So you end up eating out more often than not, to treat yourselves.

Before you know it, there’s a promotion in the works, farewell parties, baby showers, holidays and other milestones. Every occasion requires celebrating, right? And that means rich dishes and freely flowing drinks.

You don’t want to be a party pooper, so it’s easier to just join in than take a pass or BYO anything.

Eventually, treating yourself becomes a habit and a lifestyle. And military life has become the reason.

Breaking the Treat Yo’Self Cycle

Do you recognize yourself? Are you treating yourself all the time, creating a lifestyle around indulgences?

Yeah, I was right there with you. And every so often, I find myself slipping back into those routines. Old habits die hard, right?

When I notice that I’m over indulging, I also know it’s time for a personal reckoning. The first step is to hold myself accountable with a food journal and exercise tracking.

When I actually write down everything I’m eating and drinking, the results usually surprise me. It’s easy to overlook those sneaky bites of brownie or comforting cookies when you’re not taking notes. When you see your eating habits in black and white, it’s not so simple to ignore anymore.

I also take a good look at my fitness habits. Am I making it a point to move every day? What am I doing to account for what I’m eating? Weight loss and maintenance is all about balancing calories in with calories out.

Finally, I look at my calendar and appointments. I’m looking for notes about nights out with friends or dinner dates with my spouse. How often am I making a reason to celebrate?

Find a Celebration Balance

Life is all about balance. That’s true for celebrations, too. You can and should celebrate the milestones and victories. And a few nights out with friends, just because, never hurt.

But celebrating and nights out shouldn’t become your lifestyle.

Finding a good balance and making a plan for celebrations is essential.

Try to make celebrations matter. Pick out the milestones that matter to your family most and prioritize those moments. Plan a party, go out to eat and enjoy some desserts.

For other occasions, make a plan to treat yourself within reason. At neighborhood BBQs or farewells (or whatever you’re celebrating), plan to bring a healthy dish and limit your drinking. Enjoy a good time with friends, but also commit to your lifestyle goals.

Have you used your military life to over indulge? How did you break the cycle? We’d love to check out your best tips!

Make the Most of Your On-Base Mayberry Neighborhood Life

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The street lights come on, colors sound, and suddenly you hear a chorus of voices filling the evening air.

“Johhny and Aiden, time to come in!”

“Sydney and Mariah, dinner!”

Kids scatter from the playgrounds while doors open and shut quickly as children sort themselves into the correct house. Bikes are left leaning against fences and neighbors sit down for spur of the moment glasses of sweet tea on porches.

Make the Most of Your On-Base Mayberry Neighborhood Life

Living on-base can feel a lot like living in a Mayberry neighborhood. Everyone knows everyone else, kids play outside almost all the time and there’s always someone there to lend a hand.

It seems like this simpler lifestyle could go on forever, but the years in your on-base Mayberry neighborhood are limited. Sure, you could end up in another similar situation, but then again you might not.

Right now is the best time to make the most of your incredible military community.

Photo Credit:
©devrim_pinar/Adobe Stock

Kids Play Outside All the Time

In a lot of on-base neighborhoods, the kids are always outside. Like, all the time. They’re riding bikes, chilling at the playground and catching air at the skate park. Some are building forts or playing a pickup soccer game.

This isn’t something that happens in off-base neighborhoods. Houses are more spread out, playgrounds might not be within easy reach or it’s just not that safe.

On-base, it’s pretty safe to let your child run to the within-shouting-distance playground with their friends for a bit. Or to let them run down the street for an impromptu playdate with a neighbor.

There are always other kids to play with on base. In fact, it’s hard to find a neighborhood without children at all. From infants to high schoolers, there are usually a whole group of kids in a similar age range.

Borrow a Cup of Sugar

Or grab a can of peas or a bag of nuggets. Seriously, your neighbors are here for you in ways that just aren’t a thing off base anymore.

It’s not uncommon for cul de sacs to have a community text message or Facebook chat. Send a quick message to your neighbors about literally anything.

Run out of an ingredient? Send a message and then just run across the way to grab what you need.

Neighborhood messages have been used to find a last minute sitter, figure out playdates, and even get quick checks at the mailboxes. No need to leave your house and check your box if you’ve got a neighbor headed that way already. It’ll save you the trip only to find an empty mailbox!

Find Support 24/7

What do you need help with? Chances are good that you can find what you need right in your on-base neighborhood. From tutors to yard care to babysitters, you’ll find resources within easy reach.

Many military neighborhoods use social media to connect. Members can post anything they need 24/7.

It’s definitely not uncommon to see a post from a military spouse looking for a date night sitter or wondering about the trash schedule. Social media groups make it easy to connect, find answers and support each other.

Easy Ways to Socialize

Base housing is usually organized based on rank/grade, which means that usually you’ll be living near folks who are at a similar place in life as your family. And this opens up great opportunities to socialize together.

On base, it’s not unusual to have spur of the moment BBQs or weekend fires. With a neighborhood text message or every family outside in the afternoon, it’s easy to make plans together.

You’re together almost all the time, you see each other every day. And getting together is simple.

Ask a neighbor about dinner plans, then suggest combining your grilling to make it into an impromptu party!

Or talk with other parents outside after school to make plans for a kids’ playdate or parents only fire.

Holiday Community Spirit

Whether you’re overseas or just across the country from your family, you’ll still be able to celebrate with people you love! Most military neighborhoods end up celebrating all the holidays, big or small, together.

Every holiday turns into a giant potluck with every family bringing their favorite sides and desserts to share. All the kids play together all day long.

After living on base, it might feel weird to not have a giant all-hands Easter egg hunt.

Having a giant potluck to celebrate with your neighbors make holidays far from your childhood home easier and more festive.

Make Separations Simpler

On base, it’s easy for families to band together and make deployments or TDYs simpler for everyone.

Combining families for dinner, swapping playdate locations and generally working together has saved military spouses on the home front more than once. Living on base makes finding support and teammates so much easier.

Everyone is in this together, dealing with stretches of solo parenting or missing a spouse. Finding your own battle buddy helps families stay sane and survive separations.

What do you love about living on base? Share your experiences with us!

CBO Suggests Tricare Rate Hike, Veterans Benefits Cut to Decrease Deficit

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For the fourth time in five years, the Congressional Budget Office has suggested deep cuts to veterans’ benefits and increases in Tricare fees. These options were put forward as ways to start cutting the nearly $1 trillion national deficit.

CBO Suggests Tricare Rate Hike, Veterans Benefits Cut to Decrease Deficit

The CBO listed over 120 ways to cut federal spending, with increases to fees paid by military retirees using Tricare insurance and decreases in benefits earned by military veterans. These proposals are designed to reduce the federal budget by either cutting costs or increasing revenue.

Even though the CBO makes these suggestions, specifically in regards to military benefits, regularly. However, leaders in the military community are concerned that recent suggestions will appear in President Donald Trump’s budget proposal. This is the fourth time that military benefits have been specifically identified for cost saving measures designed to reduce the national debt.

Tricare Rate Increases for Military Retirees

There are several different options being suggested for Tricare-related fees and premiums.

First, the CBO is floating the option of increasing enrollment fees for working-age military retirees. This would include military retirees under age 65.

Under this proposal, Tricare Prime rates would double. Currently, retirees who joined the military before 2018 and their families pay $297/year for individual plans and $594/year for family plans. With the proposed increase, individuals could see rates above $600/year and families could pay over $1,000/year for Tricare Prime.

Tricare Select members could see new enrollment fees. Currently there are no enrollment fees for most retirees using Tricare Select. Under the CBO proposal, enrollment rates would start at $485 for an individual and $970 for a family.

Retirees older than 65 could see new enrollment fees for Tricare for Life. This Medicare supplement program is currently offered without additional enrollment fees. Suggested enrollment fees are $485 for individuals and a $970 fee for families. These TFL enrollment fees would be in addition to the monthly premiums many Medicare Part B users pay.

Currently, Tricare for Life covers claim amounts after Medicare Part B. Instead, the CBO suggests that Tricare for Life stop paying any of the $750 cost-sharing paying and only pay 50% of the next $7,000 in claims annually.

Together these suggestions could save around $24 billion by 2028. Adding enrollment fees for Tricare Prime and Select would slash $12.6 billion in that time period, with Tricare for Life fees cutting another $12 billion.

These changes, specifically with Tricare for Life, would decrease the financial burden to the government by the amount of fees collected. Additionally, some Tricare for Life beneficiaries might drop the program entirely and elect to purchase a private supplement instead.

Changes to Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs also has opportunities to save money and decrease the deficit. The CBO has identified several specific ways to reduce costs at the VA.

First, they would narrow eligibility for seven identified conditions that are not related to military service. These include Crohn’s disease, arteriosclerotic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hemorrhoids, multiple sclerosis, uterine fibroids and osteoarthritis. Over ten years, this could save up to $33 billion.

Additionally, VA unemployment benefits would end at age 67, which is when full Social Security benefits kick in. This would save about $48 billion by 2028.

$11 billion could be saved by reducing disability benefits to veterans who also receive full Social Security benefits.

Another suggestion would save $38 billion over 10 years by ending disability compensation to 1.3 million veterans with a 30% or lower disability rating.

By eliminating Groups 7 and 8 from enrollment into VA programs, approximately $57 billion could be saved over 10 years. This would remove those without service-related disabilities and incomes above the national threshold as well as those with incomes above or below the geographic thresholds.

Finally, the CBO has suggested that revenue be generated by including VA disability benefits in taxable income. This could generate the $93 billion if all disability payments were taxed, according to the CBO.

Concerns from Veterans Group

The Military Officers Association of America is concerned that the CBO continues to target military retirees as a way to reduce the national debt.

“CBO does this every year. Our biggest concern is that some of these options would make their way into the president’s budget,” Retired Navy Capt. Kathryn Beasley, director of government relations for health issues at the Military Officers Association of America.

Beasley is also concerned that the CBO failed to take into account the recent Tricare rate increases over the last calendar year.

“With all the changes to the military health care system in the past year, we think we simply need to stabilize Tricare,” she added. “It’s been a lot to absorb.”

The CBO stresses that these are simply options included among a broad range of suggestions that will reduce the national debt through cost saving measures or revenue raising opportunities.

Have you seen a Tricare rate hike or change in veterans benefits? We’d love to hear your story. Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Thunderbirds, Blue Angels Release Official 2019 Air Show Schedule

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Grab your noise canceling gear and head to a thrilling military air show this year! Watch the talented military pilots loop, swoop and dive through the sky. It’s an incredible experience your family will never forget!

Both the USAF Thunderbirds and USN Blue Angels have released their 2019 air show schedules.

Thunderbirds, Blue Angels Release Official 2019 Air Show Schedule

Military air shows offer opportunities to connect with incredible pilots and feel inspired by our brave troops. Air shows are open to the general public.

Admission to shows located at non-military base events varies. Contact the specific event or location for more information. Admission to events on military bases is open to the public and tickets are typically free.

Thunderbirds 2019 Air Show Schedule

From the Super Bowl to a pre-holiday show, the Thunderbirds are crisscrossing the US and headed to select OCONUS locations, sharing their aerial exploits and daring.

  • February 3: look for a Thunderbirds flyover at the Super Bowl, held in Atlanta, GA
  • February 17: check the skies for a flyover at the Daytona 500 in Daytona, FL
  • March 3: the Las Vegas Motor Speedway will highlight the Thunderbirds with a flyover
  • March 23-24: check out “Thunder and Lightning over Arizona” on Davis-Monthan AFB
  • March 30-31: “Thunder Over the Bay” will thrill Travis AFB in California
  • April 6-7: go to the “Heart of Texas” in Waco, TX
  • April 27-28: the Thunderbirds will be at Seymour Johnson AFB with “Wings Over Wayne Open House”
  • May 4-5: Keesler AFB in MS will host “Thunder Over the Sound”
  • May 11-12: go to the national capital region for the Joint Base Andrews Air Show
  • May 18: Kirtland AFB plays host to the Thunderbirds
  • May 25-26: the Thunderbirds will be flying at the Jones Beach Air Show in Wantagh, NY
  • May 30: the Air Force Academy hosts the Thunderbirds in Colorado
  • June 1-2: join the “Defenders of Freedom” at Offutt AFB in Nebraska
  • June 8-9: go to Fort Wayne, IN for the Fort Wayne Air Show
  • June 15-16: the Thunderbirds will be in Mankato, MN
  • June 22-23: Dayton, OH plays host to the Thunderbirds
  • July 13-14: the squadron heads to Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia for an international air show
  • July 20-21: the Fargo Air Show will host the Thunderbirds in North Dakota
  • July 24: go to “Cheyenne Frontier Days” in Wyoming to catch the Thunderbirds
  • July 27-28: the Thunderbirds will head to Milwaukee, WI for the Water and Air Show
  • August 10-11: go north of the border to Abbotsford, British Columbia for an international air show
  • August 17-18: the Thunderbirds are in Sioux Falls, SD for the Sioux Falls Air Show
  • August 21: the Atlantic City Air Show in New Jersey plays host to the Thunderbirds
  • August 24-25: Rochester, NY will feature the Thunderbirds in their annual air show
  • August 31-September 2: the Cleveland National Air Show will showcase the talents of the squadron
  • September 7-8: Grisson ARB will host the Thunderbirds for their annual air show
  • September 14-15: the Thunderbirds will participate in the National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV
  • September 21-22: NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA hosts their annual air show, featuring the Thunderbirds
  • September 28-29: the Thunderbirds will go south to Robbins AFB in Georgia for their air show
  • October 5-6: the Puerto Rico International Air Show in San Juan will feature the Thunderbirds
  • October 12-13: check out the Atlanta Air Show in Hampton, GA to see the Thunderbirds in action
  • October 19-20: it’s “Wings Over Houston” for the Thunderbirds as they head back to Texas
  • October 26-27: Sheppard AFB in Texas will feature the Thunderbirds in their annual air show
  • November 2-3: go to the Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda, FL and watch the Thunderbirds
  • November 15-17: the Thunderbirds end their 2019 season at Nellis AFB in Nevada with “Aviation Nation”

For complete details about the USAF Thunderbirds, show dates, and more information, visit their website www.afthunderbirds.com.

US Navy Blue Angels Release 2019 Tour Dates

The Blue Angels, the US Navy’s premier squadron, showcases their talents at a variety of events through out the year.

All events are open to the public. Events held at military bases are typically offered free of charge. Ticket prices vary for events held on non-military property.

In addition to air shows, you can check out a Blue Angels practice session most Wednesdays at the National Aviation Air Museums, located aboard NAS Pensacola in Florida. There are often meet-and-greets with opportunities for autographs and photos at the museum following practices.

You can enjoy a Blue Angels show at locations around the US and Canada throughout 2019.

  • March 16: enjoy the first show of the season at NAF El Centro in California
  • March 23-24: head to Salinas, CA for the annual California International Air Show
  • March 30-31: NAS Key West, FL plays host to the Blue Angels at the Southernmost Air Spectacular
  • April 6-7: the Blue Angels visit Lakeland, FL for the Sun ‘n’ Fun Air Show
  • April 13-14: go to NAS Corpus Christi for “Wings Over South Texas”
  • April 27-28: the Blue Angels head to MCAS Beaufort for their annual air show
  • May 4-5: check out the show at the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, featuring the Blue Angels
  • May 11-12: head to the DC area for the Joint Base Andrew air show
  • May 18-19: the Blue Angels will stun the crowds at the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival in Missouri
  • May 22: the US Naval Academy hosts the Blue Angels
  • June 1-2: check out the Star Spangled Salute Air Show in Oklahoma City, OK
  • June 8-9 the Great Tennessee Air Show features the Blue Angles in Smyrna, TN
  • June 15-16: go to the beach for the Ocean City, MD air show
  • June 29-20: the Blue Angels are featured at the Quad Cities Air Show in Devenport, IA
  • July 6-7: watch the show at the KC Downtown Air Show in Kansas City, MO
  • July 13: the Blue Angels are back in their hometown for the Pensacola Beach Air Show
  • July 20-21: Duluth, MN hosts the Blue Angels for their annual Air and Aviation Expo
  • July 27-28: the Blue Angels are featured at the Grand Junction Air Show in Grand Junction, CO
  • August 3-4: Boeing hosts the Seafair Air Show in Seattle, WA
  • August 17-18: the Blue Angels head to the Windy City for the Chicago Air and Water Show
  • August 24-25: visit New Windsor, NY to see the Blue Angels in the New York Air Show
  • August 31-September 1: head to Nova Scotia for the Air Show Atlantic
  • September 7-8: feel the Spirit of St. Louis at the air show in Chesterfield, MO
  • September 21-22: NAS Lemoore plays host to the Blue Angels in California
  • September 28-29: MCAS Miramar features the Blue Angels in their annual air show
  • October 5-6: Sacramento highlights with Blue Angels in the California Capital Air Show
  • October 12-13: celebrate all things Navy and Marine Corps at Fleet Week in San Francisco, CA
  • October 19-20: visit Texas for the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show
  • October 26-27: enjoy the Jacksonville Sea and Sky Air Show in Florida
  • November 2-3: Moody AFB hosts “Thunder Over South Georgia”
  • November 8-9: welcome the Blue Angels home with their homecoming air show

For more information about the Blue Angels, shows, practices and the team’s history, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil.

Have you been to a military air show? Tell us about your experience!