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What the Military Community Wants from Washington

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Dear Washington,

Election season has passed, and a new administration is getting ready to take office. That means it’s time for you to take stock of our military capabilities, troops and their families. Yes, the U.S. military is a huge organization and encompasses so much.

However, please take a minute to listen to us, to me, to find out what we want and need from you, right now and for the next 4 or so years.

First, take a hard look at the budget.

Actually look at it with a critical, non-partisan eye. Is there a place where we could trim a little bit of fat without reducing force readiness and family support?

We know that this department has become a huge and growing part of the annual budget. And we also know that something probably needs to change. Please try to do this judiciously, cutting or reducing funding for the (many) redundant portions of the budget while preserving those parts that serve a major purpose in our lives.

We don’t want military funding at the expense of other services we depend on, like education and other programs that serve the general population.

We use these, too. We want them funded and functional.

Next, we need more than lip service about your support.

It’s all well and good to “support the troops” in your speeches and press conferences, but will you actually follow through? A great first step is making sure that our equipment is funded for proper maintenance. With this, include money for adequate training on the equipment. If you want troops ready at a moment’s notice, then they need to be able to access perfectly running equipment AND know how to use it.

Cutting corners here can lead to deadly accidents.

Our fighting force is now a family. That means spouses and kids who depend on the military for both financial and lifestyle stability. If you cut programs that help support military families, you will quickly draw our ire and disdain. This includes medical care, employment programs, child care facilities, commissaries and family readiness programs.

If you want the troops to be ready to go, the whole family needs to be prepared and supported. When those on the homefront feel unstable, that deployed service member can’t do his or her job well.

Don’t forget the veterans, either.

For years now, we have watched the endless saga of corruption and mismanagement at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Hospitals and VA health care facilities have endless waits, leaving many in the lurch. These waits have added extra stress to those suffering from mental and physical health conditions.

Take this department to task and shape it up. Get rid of practices or personnel that are costing lives every day and streamline the process to receive care.

Veterans wrote a blank check to our nation and were willing to sacrifice their very lives to protect ours. The very least we owe them is top-notch medical and mental health care when they leave service.

Help us connect with the other 99%.

About 1% of our country serves in the military. That leaves most Americans without a connection to our troops and their families.

In years past, the entire country banded together to support our troops through war bonds, rations and taxes. Right now, it seems that most Americans just don’t understand what it means to serve our country. Help us to show everyone else what it means to live this life.

Highlight our sacrifices, beyond just the feel-good stories about homecomings and the devastating stories of loss. Help people understand that we have been at war for over 15 years. This war isn’t funding itself.

Pay us what we are worth.

Have you checked on the salaries for our service members from top to bottom lately? Without the “luxuries” of the commissary and military health care, many families wouldn’t be making it financially. Even with these benefits, there are too many military families who qualify for WIC, welfare programs and food stamps. That’s unacceptable.

In addition, due to operational tempo and frequent moves, many military families are trying to make it on just one salary.

Pay our troops what they are worth, based on the work that they do for our country. And pay them without factoring in the “benefits” we all count on just to make it from payday to payday.

These are just a few thoughts, Washington. If you need more ideas, just ask.

MilitaryShoppers readers, what do you want from Washington?

From the Mountains to the Oceans, Your Favorite Military Bases

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Our team of writers shared their list of their favorite military bases and now it’s your turn. So many of you commented on that article and shared with us your favorite places that you’ve been stationed at that we wanted to write a second article about the best military bases around the world.

We’ve collected the highlights and would love to get even more feedback from our readers on this topic.

Your 7 Favorite Military Bases

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

With Army base Fort Lewis and McChord Air Base located so close together, consolidating was a great choice. By joining forces, both services are better able to serve everyone. Roberta Castile loved living there!

“You have a choice where to shop,” she commented.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is located in Lakewood, Wash., on the Puget Sound and near Mount Rainier. With easy access to Olympia and Tacoma, military families stationed here have access to both the great outdoors and city life!

Travis Air Force Base

If you enjoy being in the center of the action, this might be the military base for you! Travis AFB is located in the greater San Francisco Bay area and close to Napa and Sonoma valleys.

Residents can experience the culture of San Francisco close at hand. Napa and Sonoma are some of the premier wine destinations in the United States and the world.

In addition, Travis is a passenger travel hub with Space-A transit available to many other locations around the world.

“(The) food is awesome and the sights are too numerous to mention,” commented reader Eric. “If you ride motorcycles like I do, they have some of the best backroads anywhere in the world!”

MacDill Air Force Base

Located near Tampa, Fla., MacDill is a beautiful place to spend a few years, or to retire! The base itself is located on land right in the middle of Tampa Bay, with access to the water.

This is also a center for Cuban culture and cuisine. If you like a little more adventure, theme parks are also close by. Outdoorsy types can play on the water and land, with almost endless options to stretch their muscles.

MacDill is also close to St. Petersburg, which is a top tourist destination. The sub-tropical climate means that you will never be too chilly. With an average of 361 sunny days per year, this is the perfect place to soak up some rays.

Yokota Air Force Base

Traveling overseas is a great opportunity for military families and Yokota AFB is the perfect military base to explore Asia. Starting close to home, military members can visit Tokyo and mainland Japan, including Tokyo Disney. There is so much to see, do and taste here! From eating traditional sushi and ramen noodles to learning about the culture of geisha to visiting ancient castles, your duty station bucket list will always be full.

If you want to go farther afield, it’s fairly easy to visit South Korea, Hong Kong and other Asian countries.

Fort Bliss

Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas, is a hub of military activity on the edge of the United States. The US-Mexico border is only a hop, skip and a jump away! That means that you have access to amazing Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine and culture.

Ciudad Juarez is right across the border in Chihuahua, Mexico and offers lots of great places to eat and places to explore. El Paso also has its own exciting locations to visit, like outstanding regional wineries and a world-class zoo.

Plus, the base has undergone renovations in recent years.

“The Freedom Village and the expansion of the base has made a big impact with the military and civilian community, offering a variety not found on other major installations,” commented Celio Quinones.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

For those that like it chilly, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson should be on your short list. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, this is a great place to connect with your adventurous roots.

Mount Denali is within traveling distance, as is Chugach National Forest. JBER is also located close to the water, although this bay will definitely be chillier than Tampa!

As an added bonus, living in Alaska counts as being stationed OCONUS, which means you get all the OCONUS perks, without really leaving the United States!

Patrick Air Force Base

Do you have a thing for space travel? Patrick Air Force Base south of Orlando, Fla., is perfect! This base operates Cape Canaveral, which supports space launches from the Kennedy Space Center.

As a bonus, Patrick AFB is located in southeastern Florida, within easy reach of the theme park center of Orlando. Plus, there are all the beaches and vacation destinations that will be super close to your new home!

Did we mention YOUR favorite military base? If we missed it, please let us know in the comments! Tell us where you loved being stationed and why.

7 Programs Working to Reduce Veteran Unemployment

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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans in November 2016 grew to 4.8, up over a point from the same time last year. With all military services continuing to engage in troop reduction, the number of unemployed veterans may see an even bigger increase in the years to come. But no veteran needs to face the daunting search for employment alone.

Check out these 7 organizations working to help veterans find meaningful employment.

7 Programs Working to Reduce Veteran Unemployment

1. USO Transition 360 Alliance – Hire Heroes USA

In this program transition specialists work one-on-one with transitioning service members to set career goals and strengthen their resumes. The program also sponsors transition workshops to help improve networking and interviewing skills and creating job search plans. Registered users can also use the Hire Heroes job board to connect with employers interested in hiring transition service members, veterans and their spouses. Interested applicants can register on the USO website.

2. Corporate America Supports You (CASY)

Founded in 2010, CASY’s mission is to attract transitioning service members, veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserves and provide the services and training necessary for job placement. Their Train2Hire Program provides opportunities for skills training. Their Recruiter Connect™ Program connects job candidates with corporate and small business recruiters. CASY’s services are provided at no cost to veteran applicants. Since its inception, CASY has helped more than 22,000 applicants find jobs. Interested veterans can get started right away by visiting the CASY website and registering for their services.

3. NS2 Serves

Established in 2013, NS2 Serves trains and employs veterans in high-tech careers. The program serves post-9/11 service members, reservists and Gold Star spouses who meet program requirements. The full-time paid training provides instruction in “world-class software solutions that support U.S. national security, leading to official SAP certifications.” Applicants are accepted on a semi-annual basis. Apply on the NS2 Serve website.

4. Helmets to Hard Hats

Veterans and service members interested in a career in the construction industry can register with Helmets to Hard Hats. In addition to job boards with veteran-only job postings, H2H offers federally approved apprentice programs at no cost to veterans, and because it is federally approved, GI Bill benefits can be used to supplement income during the apprenticeship process. Interested applicants can get more information and register by visiting the H2H website.

5. Wall Street War Fighters

Based in Philadelphia, Wall Street War Fighters offers a 6-month training program that provides class work, field work, exam preparation and testing, mentorship, apprenticeships and internships for veterans interesting in pursuing careers in the financial industry. The training program includes housing, food, transportation to and from training and job interviews, professional clothing and a small stipend at no cost to accepted participants. Veterans interesting in the program can learn more at the organization’s website.

6. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

The largest post-9/11 veteran’s organization, IAVA uses research and in-person and online programming to help veterans connect with employers, industry experts, mentors and other employment resources. Participants in the VetsRising Career Bootcamps receive personalized assistance developing and reaching career goals. Joining is easy, just visit the IAVA website.

7. Startup Veterans

In the years since World War II, the number of veteran starting new businesses has tumbled from 49% to just 6%. Startup Veterans aims to change that. Designed to support veterans with a business idea, the program offers 16 weeks of entrepreneurial development training. The program has an online application, and selected applicants will be interviewed by phone before final acceptance. Find out more about the application process and requirements on the Startup Veterans website.

Have you utilized a program that works to reduce veteran unemployment? Tell us about it in the comments section.

16 Military Discounts for Fitness Enthusiasts

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Military discounts are abundant at restaurants and retail stores, but when it comes to fitness products and gyms, they are scarce.

Service members and their families are some of the most active individuals and make up a huge shopping network, yet the discounts aren’t there. We’ve done the research and put together this list to help you find gyms and fitness products that offer a military discount.

16 Military Discounts for Fitness Enthusiasts

Rogue Fitness: Rogue Fitness is a popular site to purchase fitness equipment. They have everything from CrossFit gear to dumb bells to apparel. Their staff includes many current and former service members and their spouses. They ship to APO/FPO addresses.

The Exchange: You don’t need to search for a military discount, just shop at your local Exchange for great savings. Remember that they price match so visit customer service if you find a better deal on the same product they sell.

Gold’s Gym: Gold’s Gym offers a great military discount on enrollment plus 20% off dues.

YMCA: The Y has a program where some locations provide free membership for military spouses while their service member is deployed. Some of those locations also offer respite care.

24 Hour Fitness: G.I. Jobs magazine ranked 24 Hour Fitness as a top military friendly employer. They employ many military spouses as well. They offer a military discount on membership and will freeze your account for you if you receive orders that would place you more than 25 miles away from one of their fitness centers.

ACE: Ready to take your fitness to the next level? ACE offers personal trainer and group fitness instructor certifications.

IHRSA: IHRSA created the Joining Forces Network. This brings gyms across America together to provide free memberships to families of deployed Reservists and National Guard members.

Christian Fitness Factory: A 10% military discount is always available to active and retired military on fitness equipment.

Go Ruck: Founded by former Special Ops soldiers, this company creates and sells tactical fitness gear. They offer a 25% military discount.

Foot Locker: Foot Locker offers a 20% military discount with military ID.

Champs Sports: Champs gives military members a 20% military discount with a military ID.

Nike: Nike offers a 10% military discount on Nike.com as well as at Nike, Converse and Hurley stores.

Finish Line: Finish Line has a 20% military discount.

Again Faster Equipment: They have a 7% military discount on fitness equipment.

Under Armour: Under Armour offers a 10% discount to active duty and veterans on their website and in all Under Armour stores. Online purchases are verified through  ID.ME.

Military Cyclist: Military Cyclist offers special pricing for military families. Why look for a new bike shop every time you PCS, when you can get a military discount online? Military Cyclist is owned by a military family and was designed specifically for service members and their families.

These are a few great military discounts available on fitness equipment, gear and gym memberships. Don’t forget about the fitness center at your military installation while searching for the right gym. Most bases have a gym where family members can work out for free. Sign up for a class and give it a try before paying for a gym membership.

Have you ever thought about making a career out of your love for fitness? Having a portable career as a military spouse is important. Many spouses earn fitness certifications and personal trainer certifications that allow them to find jobs anywhere a PCS move might take them. There are programs to earn these certifications where the cost is covered by MYCAA for spouses. If you are interested in taking your fitness enthusiasm to the next level, visit the gym at your local base. Many staff members are military spouses. You can talk to them about certification and job potential.

Are you a fitness enthusiast? Which of these military discounts have you used in the past? Which ones surprised you?

Why Your Family Should Make Family Goals for 2017

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“Don’t count the time, make the time count.”

As a military spouse, I often feel like I’m constantly counting time. I count down the months until we move to Hawaii. I count down the weeks until my husband comes home from deployment. I count down the minutes until bedtime.

When I’m counting down the time instead of making the time count, I miss the highlights of life. I’m stuck in the day-to-day task list. Did we make any memories as a family in the past year? Or were we so focused on homework, ballet recitals and work deadlines that we didn’t take the time to enjoy life?

Making a family goal for the new year helps me slow down and remember what’s most important in my life.

Here are 12 goals that your family may want to embrace in the new year. These 12 ideas are a starting point for your family’s discussion about choosing a goal for 2017. Don’t try to do all 12 goals. Pick one that you can do together throughout the 12 months.

Note: Whatever goal your family makes, write down your goal in the present tense. This goal isn’t a hope or a wish. With a realistic action plan, your family can achieve your goal.  

In 2017 my family is an active family. Everyone in my house benefits from fresh air, sunshine and physical activity. We know that. Yet we are tempted to stay inside and watch a movie when our bodies really need a bike ride.

In this goal, schedule a weekly family outdoor activity.

In 2017 my family is a curious family. When we moved to Mississippi 2 years ago, I made a bucket list of the local attractions that I wanted to visit.

Can you guess how many we’ve crossed off the list?

Exactly 3.

I tend to return to familiar places instead of exploring new ones. I need to push myself to be curious and go outside my comfort zone.

In this goal, plan a weekly curious day where your family finds a new park, visits a local museum or eats dinner at a new restaurant.

In 2017 my family is a face-to-face family. Limiting screen time is like eating vegetables in my house. We know we should do it, but we don’t do it as much as we probably should.

In this goal, turn school nights into no-screens nights. You will be surprised how easy a blanket policy like this can work for small children.

In 2017 my family is an “outside the box” family. After a long day, making a homemade meal is the last thing I want to do.

I want to order pizza. For the second time this week.

But with proper meal planning, we can eat healthy and balanced meals nightly. And honestly eating healthy doesn’t have to be time consuming. Check out these quick and healthy recipes from DeCA’s dietitian.

In this goal, set aside an afternoon for meal planning. Depending on your child’s age, he or she may be able to help with meal prep.

In 2017 my family is a responsible family. I once had a deployment goal of teaching my kids to be responsible for their own belongings. This meant hanging up their backpacks when they came home from school, putting their shoes by the front door and clearing their dishes when they finished eating breakfast. Rocket science, right? Teaching responsibility for personal items is no easy task. But with constant and consistent reminders, my kids will do it.

In this goal, set a nightly 7-minute timer where every family member picks up and puts away their personal items that may be scattered throughout the house.

In 2017 my family is a green family. Making smart environmental choices isn’t difficult. For my family, it means bringing reusable grocery bags to the commissary, turning off the lights when we leave a room and purchasing food items with less packaging. Many habits that are good for the environment are also good for your bank account.

In this goal, pick one non-negotiable green policy that your family will embrace in 2017.

In 2017 my family is a patriotic family. My children know that their father serves in the military. But do they know that their grandpa and uncle were both in the Army? Probably not. I want my children to value military service and to be grateful to veterans for their service and sacrifice.

In this goal, volunteer with a veterans organization or simply teach your children to tell a veteran “thank you” when they meet one.

In 2017 my family is a less-is-more family. My house is crowded and it’s not with people. It stuffed with stuff.

In this goal, commit to making thoughtful purchases in the new year. For example, stick to your shopping list at the store and wait 24 hours before buying an item online. Those late-night impulsive purchases are the worst.

In 2017 my family is a giving family. We know that it’s better to give than to receive, but how often do we give? Giving is on my radar during the high-demand holiday season but I forget about it during the rest of year.

In this goal, your family volunteers regularly with a nonprofit organization.

Pro-tip: You can make a donation to your favorite charity through the Combined Federal Campaign.

In 2017 my family is a frugal family. Spending less and saving more money is a constant goal of mine. Do you feel the same way? Like all habits, spending less isn’t going to happen naturally. I need to put forth the effort to examine our spending habits and make a spending plan. It isn’t fun but it’s so important.

In this goal, sit down with your spouse to make a spending plan for the next year. Break it down into weekly spending plans to help you achieve your financial goals in the new year.

Pro-tip: Sign up for MilitaryShoppers newsletter to have tips on saving money, military discounts and commissary specials delivered to your inbox.

In 2017 my family is a reading family. It’s only 20 minutes. But sometimes prioritizing those 20 minutes of nightly reading is more like 17 minutes of nagging to read and 3 minutes of actual reading.

In this goal, set a reminder on your phone to “alert” you when it’s time to read together before bed.

In 2017 my family is a “no” family. Does anyone else feel overwhelmed and over-scheduled? Our weekends are filled with birthday parties and military social events. I like the weekends to be a time to recharge our batteries, not drain them completely.

I have the control to do that and the power is found in one small word: no. I plan to practice saying “no thank you” a lot more in 2017.

In this goal, thoughtfully consider one event or activity that you can decline to attend every month.

Does your family make goals for the new year? What is your family goal for 2017?

11 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Kids

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Sparkly dresses, champagne toasts at midnight and partying until the ball drops might be a thing of the past for parents. Unless you are ready to pay a hefty babysitter fee.

Luckily, you can still party like it’s 1999 with your kids! Well, maybe not quite that much fun, but pretty close.

Here are 11 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your children.

Host a Kid-Friendly Soiree

Call up your other parent friends and invite them over for a fancy dress party. Serve finger foods like chicken nuggets and mini hot dogs, with champagne for the grown-ups and apple juice for the little ones.

Make Mocktails All Night Long

Older kids, and many adults, want to celebrate with fancy drinks but not the day-after results. Create fun mocktails with seltzer water, soda, fruit juice and garnishes. Make a mocktail of the hour and bust it out every 60 minutes. Check out these suggestions!

Celebrate a Different Midnight Ball Drop

The new year arrives at different times around the globe, which means that you don’t need to wait for midnight EST. Pick another location that matches your kiddo’s bedtime and roll with it! Live stream their celebrations, set the clocks ahead to match their time zone and blow your horns when the clock strikes midnight, over there. Kids get the fun of celebrating 2017, without staying up all night long.

Launch Sky Lanterns

Recreate the classic scene from the Disney movie “Tangled.” Sky lanterns symbolize hope and good wishes. They are perfect to ring in a new year! Have your kids write down their resolutions, wishes or prayers for 2017 and include them with the lantern. Then launch your lanterns as the sky is growing dark or just before bedtime. Make sure you are in a safe location and away from fire hazards. Check with your local fire department just in case.

Roast Marshmallows at a Christmas Tree Bonfire

What better way to get rid of a very dry Christmas tree than to have a bonfire! Gather up sticks and branches from the last winter storm or buy a few cords of wood. Invite your friends over to cook hot dogs and roast marshmallows over the flames. As a bonus, you’ll be nice and toasty while you enjoy some fresh air as 2016 ticks away. Just make sure you are following fire safety guidelines for your area!

Have an Epic Game Night

Bring out ALL the board games for one night of endless playtime. Make it a family affair or invite friends and neighbors over to play with you. Start with the classics and end with modern favorites or play games that you loved as a child. It’s a great chance to share memories and practice winning (and losing) with grace.

Invite Friends to Eat Around the World

New Year’s Eve at home is a great opportunity to try out all those Pinterest recipes you’ve been saving all year! Start early, with fun appetizers, and end with dessert just before bed. In between, try out recipes, tapas style, from around the world. Sushi from Japan, hummus and pita bread from the Middle East, bangers and mash from England, or poutine from Quebec.

To keep your New Year’s Eve menu kid-friendly, try serving Candy “Sushi” Fruit Roll Ups.

Go where your taste buds take you! If you’re really ambitious, you could attempt to coordinate a new food with when midnight arrives in that country or region.

If you’re not ambitious, you could order take-out from a variety of restaurants.

Snuggle on the Couch with a Classic Movie Night

Go with classic movies from the golden age of cinema or your favorite Disney movies as a kid or really any combination of movies you love. Snuggle up on the couch with popcorn, candy and pizza, then push play.

Celebrate Hannukah

The Jewish festival of lights ends on January 1, 2017. Celebrate hope and faith by lighting your own candles, menorah or sparklers. Play dreidel and eat delicious latkes or sufganiyot, a deep-fried doughnut filled with jelly or custard. Then initiate your children to the glory that is the “Hannukah Song” by Adam Sandler. Maybe edit out some of the more risque bits though.

Organize a Living Room Slumber Party

Set up sleeping bags, or make a tent out of blankets. Watch movies, play games and eat junk food until the kids fall asleep! Then you and your spouse can keep the party going, quietly, or can join your children in dreamland.

Make a Fancy First Breakfast

After all the celebrating the night before, refuel with a delicious breakfast on New Year’s Day! Go all out with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast and juice (or mimosas). While you eat, ask your family to talk about goals for the new year or remember their favorite parts of 2016.

How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve with your kids?

Why I Think Military Wives Are More Likely to Binge Drink

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Almost every military spouse I know indulges in wine, beer or liquor. Sometimes all 3. And we drink on the regular.

So the study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) isn’t really a shock. SAMHSA found military wives are more likely to use and abuse alcohol than civilians. We’re only talking about wives because there were not a significant number of males who responded to the study.

The study found that 67.8% of responding military wives, ages 18-49, had used alcohol within a 30-day window. Among same age civilian women, 53.8% reported using alcohol. Military wives also tend to binge drink at higher rates than civilians, 31.5% compared to 22.7%.

The same study found that rates for illegal drug use were about the same for military wives and civilians, 12.8% compared to 12.9%. Military wives are less likely than civilians to use marijuana, 5.1% of military wives versus 8% of civilians.

The rates of drinking and drug use aren’t super surprising.

Our troops can’t use illegal drugs or even medical marijuana without risking their careers. Having a spouse that uses is not going to be looked on favorably. Especially since it’s been drilled into us that “our behavior reflects on our service member.” That’s for better or worse taken very seriously!

Drinking is an outlet for many service members and their spouses. It’s a way that we can unwind and escape reality for a little while. It’s almost taken for granted that booze is going to be consumed at military social gatherings. I don’t mean a six-pack either. We’re talking a keg.

For those who ARE taken back by these statistics, keep some things in mind.

We have been at war since 2001. That’s 15 straight years of combat deployments, extended overseas tours and knocks on the door. Put yourself in our collective shoes and try it on for size. Just for a day or a week.

You’re home, alone or with your children, and your spouse is a world away. You know he’s taking fire and if he’s not then someone else is engaged in battle. There is very little contact and every day brings news that another service member has been KIA. That next knock on the door could be at your house. Or your best friend’s house. Or someone in your neighborhood. It could be anyone and it’s going to be someone.

This is the reality that many military wives have been living for a decade and a half. We’ve been doing this back-to-back-to-back. And moving all over the globe, far from our own families and homes. Can I pour you a drink?

The operational tempo has impacted our mental health.

About 10% more military wives (29.1%) report mental health concerns than civilians (19.7%). No, there is no “official” correlation (yet) from the scientists who study these things. This is what I know.

It’s what I understand after moving 4 times in 8 years.

It’s how I felt during and after his year-long combat deployment.

What I know from having 2 children without my mother to lean on.

It’s what saying goodbye to countless friends does to a person.

It’s the experience of working so hard for a career or an education, just to have it yanked away because your husband got new orders or is deploying again.

Military life is not for the faint of heart and even the strongest of us can bend and break under the constant pressure.

It’s so easy to slip into a pattern of having a glass of wine at night, just to unwind or destress or relax. After a day of barely holding it together, it feels nice to have the world get a little fuzzy and rosé colored.

We are tightly wound.

So when we DO get the chance to let our hair down, it’s going to be epic. That means bar hopping, shots or even just one glass of wine too many. Our spouses are under a lot of pressure too. Plus, many units and bases have a culture of drinking, hard.

There are so many events that make drinking easier or even seemingly “required.” Birthday balls, homecomings, hail and farewell ceremonies, retirements, promotions and even just a neighborhood barbecue are all great excuses to drink. After all, it’s a party, right?

Alcohol is one of the leading ways that people self-medicate to deal with depression, anxiety or countless other mental health conditions.

So, a good time brings an excuse to let loose and to hide the way many military wives truly feel. For many of us, that good time comes with every girls night out, dinner with friends or Tuesday afternoon playdate.

We are young adults.

The SAMHSA study found that there were more military wives in the 18-25 age group than among most married women, ages 18-49. When many of our peers are off at college, we’re holding down on the homefront and managing a household. Having both done full-time college and run a household at a very young age, I can tell you that being an adult is harder than taking most college classes. There is no appealing the grade when you overdraw your checking account and can’t pay the electricity bill.

For many of us in the 18-25 age range, this is our first time away from home and cohabitating with another adult. We are young, immature in every sense of the word and still figuring it out. When you add in the other factors of stress, deployment and moving away from a support system, it’s no wonder that many young military wives drink.

Actually, college students drink heavily, too. And they are in that same 18-25 age bracket. Maybe the drinking isn’t quite so “shocking” when it’s framed that way instead.

Here’s take-away: military spouses drink and have mental health concerns, but we don’t do drugs.

It’s your turn: why do you think military wives are more likely to drink than their civilian counterparts?

DeCA Dietitian Encourages ‘Thinking Outside the Box’

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Can I confess something? When my children were young and my spouse was constantly coming and going, there was a time when I cooked everything in the microwave.

Looking back, I am more than a little embarrassed at the amount of boxed dinners I prepared for me and my brood. To be fair, when my kids were young, the internet was still a newfangled mysterious thing and Pinterest wasn’t even a word yet.

Shamefully, I sacrificed nutrition for convenience. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has fallen into the trap of ease versus nutrition.

Which is why the “Thinking Outside the Box” initiative created by DeCA’s registered dietitian, Deborah Harris, is such a good idea.

Harris joined the DeCA team earlier this year and her impact has been nothing but positive. In a recent interview Harris revealed she doesn’t “want to tell people what they cannot eat,” instead she wants “them to be knowledgeable about what it is they are eating.”

And what better place to promote that awareness than at military commissaries worldwide? In the biweekly commissary flyer (and online), she offers healthy and easy dinner ideas that feature specials at the commissary.

Dinner plans and a sale? Nothing wrong with that.

Harris Understands the Demands of Military Life

Harris comes to DeCA with plenty of military experience under her belt. Raised as a Navy brat, 1st Lieutenant Harris served as a dietitian in the Army for 4 years at both Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Fort Sill. She is a certified diabetes educator and a maternal child health specialist.

Prior to joining DeCA, Harris was the director of network programs for the Michigan Fitness Foundation. She also worked as a public health specialist for the SNAP-Ed program and worked to help educate students, parents and other community members about nutrition and obesity prevention across the state of Michigan.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

DeCA’s Dietitian Provides Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas

You can find meal ideas in the biweekly sales flyer, but even if you don’t regularly shop at the commissary, you can still take advantage of Harris’ dinner ideas.

Visit the Healthy Eats section on the DeCA website to browse new and archived recipes.

On the menu this week? Stovetop Tuna Mac. Stovetop Tuna Mac is just a handful of simple ingredients and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

Quick Stovetop Tuna Mac

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta (elbow, rotini, or rigati)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 12-16 oz frozen broccoli
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 oz nonfat evaporated milk
  • 8 oz sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 5 oz can tuna in water, drained
  • Dry mustard, salt & pepper to taste

Boil pasta according to package directions. Add ¼ tsp of salt to the water and cook until pasta is tender (8 to 10 minutes). Drain pasta and return to the pot along with 2 tbsp of butter and mix until butter is melted. Microwave frozen broccoli according to directions on package.

While that’s cooking, whisk together 2 eggs, nonfat evaporated milk, ½ tsp salt, dash of pepper, and ¾ tsp of dry mustard. Add mixture to pasta and stir gently. Set heat to low and add cheddar cheese, heat until the cheese melts and the sauce is slightly thickened and creamy.

Remove from heat and add the drained tuna to the cheesy pasta. Gently mix.

Serve with broccoli and enjoy! This recipe serves a family of 4.

If tuna isn’t your thing, check out these other great recipes:

Thankfully, I eventually realized making healthy choices for my family was infinitely more important than convenience. With great deals and recipes right at your fingertips, you won’t have to make the same mistakes I did.

And just in case you’re still sitting on the fence, just pretend I’m your mother, whispering in your ear, “Eat your veggies and make healthy choices.”

For more “Thinking Outside the Box” recipes, visit DeCA’s Healthy Eats.

65 Clothing and Apparel Stores that Offer Military Discounts

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Military orders send us across the country and around the world, but that’s no excuse for not looking our best.

Military exchanges offer great deals on name-brand clothing and apparel, but many clothing retailers are happy to offer military discounts to service members, veterans and their families. It never hurts to ask for a military discount, so don’t be shy, just be prepared to flash your valid military ID.

If you’re looking for a solid, no-fuss military discount, shop at these great retailers. Who knows, a fabulous pair of boots or your new favorite pair of jeans might be in your future.

In-Store Military Discount

Some in-store discounts may vary by location and you will be asked to present a valid military ID. When in doubt, just ask! Also, keep in mind that many chain stores are independently owned and discount amounts and dates may vary by location.

  • Abercrombie & Fitch: 10-15%, at manager’s discretion
  • Adidas Shoes: 10%
  • Aeropostale: 10-20%
  • Alfred Angelo: 30% off bridal gowns
  • American Eagle Outfitters: 10-15% off, at manager’s discretion
  • Anchor Blue: 10%
  • Ashley Stewart: 10%
  • Banana Republic: 15% off on full price items
  • Bass Pro Shops: 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
  • Boscov’s: 15%
  • Cabela’s: 5%
  • Christopher & Banks: 10%
  • Claire’s: 20%
  • Dress Barn: Discount and participation varies by location
  • Eddie Bauer: 15% discount (some promotions excluded)
  • Express Clothing Store: 10% discount, can be combined with other coupons
  • Extreme Outfitters: Up to 20% off military gear
  • Forever 21: 10%
  • Gander Mountain: 5%
  • Gap: 10% discount on the first of every month (may vary by location; in-store only).
  • Hanes Outlet Store: 10%
  • Hot Topic: 10-20%
  • Jockey: 10%
  • Jones New York Outlet Store: 10%
  • Kohl’s: 15% military discount at select stores nationwide
  • L.L.Bean: 10% discount at select stores nationwide
  • Loehmann’s: 10%
  • Maurices: 10%
  • New York & Company: 15%
  • Old Navy: 10% military discount (may vary by location; in-store only)
  • Pac Sun: Discount varies by location
  • Payless: 10%
  • Rackroom Shoes: 10% (varies by location)
  • Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Stores: 15%
  • Rockport: 15%
  • Steve Madden: 10%
  • Stride Rite: 10%
  • Timberland: 20%
  • Tommy Hilfiger: 10%
  • Under Armour Outlet Store: 10%
  • Wet Seal: 10%

Clothing Stores that Offer Military Discounts Online

Some retailers offer the best of both worlds – in-store and online discounts! When shopping online, you will need to verify your military affiliation through ID.me or Troop ID. It only takes a few minutes and the discount is well worth the effort.

  • Allen Edmonds: 25%
  • Bonobos: 15% discount for up to 5 orders per year
  • Converse: 10%
  • Alter’d State: 15% discount on regularly priced merchandise
  • Carhartt: 10%
  • Frank & Oak: 20%
  • Lady Foot Locker: 20% discount with Veterans Advantage card
  • Nike: 10%
  • Orvis: 10% discount with the Veterans Advantage Card
  • Overstock: Free Club O membership for military personnel
  • Pirate’s Yacht Club: 15% off using code Military15
  • The Limited: 10%
  • Torrid: 10% discount in Torrid stores or by calling to place an order with a Torrid Personal Shopper
  • Wilson’s Leather: 10% off in-store with military ID or call 1-866-305-4704
  • CafePress MILPRIDE20* Save 20% off orders from CafePress.com; MILPRIDE25* Save 25% off orders from CafePress.com (September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017)

Military Discount Available When Shopping Online Only

Forget the hassle of hunting for parking and dealing with the crowds. Put your feet up and let your fingers do the shopping with these online-only discounts.  Just make sure you take the time to verify your military affiliation before checkout. A few clicks and you’re done. The hardest part is waiting for the delivery guy.

Which of your favorite clothing stores offer military discounts? Tell us in the comments section.

Is a Disabled Veteran Eligible to Shop on Base?

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A MilitaryShoppers reader recently asked if a disabled veteran was allowed to shop at the commissary. That’s a good question.

You would think the answer should be yes, a disabled veteran can shop at the commissary but it isn’t that simple.

There are a variety of categories of people who are allowed access to the commissary and unfortunately, being a disabled veteran does not automatically grant you shopping privileges.

The guidelines are clear — a disabled veteran must be 100% disabled to have those privileges. There are other categories the disabled veteran may fall under though that would allow him/her to use the commissary. We’ve gathered all the information below to help you determine who is eligible to shop on base.

Who is eligible to shop at the commissary?

Uniformed Personnel: this includes all military branches, the USPHS Commissioned Corps., the NOAA Commissioned Corps, members of the Reserve Components and cadets and midshipmen of the Military Service academies.

Retired Service Members: There are different categories of retired personnel that are entitled to commissary privileges:

All personnel carried on the official retired lists (Active and Reserve Components) of the uniformed services who are retired with pay, granted retirement pay for physical disability, or entitled to retirement pay whether or not such pay is waived or pending due to age requirement; or enlisted personnel transferred to the Fleet Reserve of the Navy and the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve, after 20 or more years of active service.

Officers and crews of vessels, lighthouse keepers, and depot keepers of the former Lighthouse Service who retired.

Retired wage marine personnel, including retired noncommissioned ships officers, and crew members of vessels of NOAA and its predecessors (the Coast and Geodetic Survey and the Environmental Science Services Administration).”

Medal of Honor Recipients:  All Medal of Honor recipients are granted commissary privileges.

100% Disabled Veterans: Honorably discharged veterans that have 100% service-connected disability or a 100% unemployability as classified by the Department of Veterans Affairs are able to shop at the commissary.

This unfortunately means if you are a 99% or less disabled veteran, you don’t qualify.

Authorized Family Members including dependent children, lawful spouse, former un-remarried spouse, surviving spouse, surviving family member and surviving spouses and dependents of veterans that were honorably discharged posthumously determined to have 100% service connected disability have shopping privileges.

DoD Civilian Employees Stationed Outside the United States and their families can use the commissary.

Official DoD and Military Services Organizations and Activities: Any official DoD organization can use the commissary.

Involuntarily Separated Uniformed Personnel: Any service member that is involuntarily separated from active duty, as long as it is not for adverse reasons, can shop at the commissary for 2 years from the time of separation. A Select Reserve that is involuntarily separated also has a 2-year grace period to use the commissary.

Service Members Who Receive Sole Survivorship Discharge are granted commissary privileges for 2 years after the date of separation or after 2 years from when they were notified they had that privilege.

Hospitalized Veterans: Honorably discharged veterans can use the commissary when they are hospitalized in a location that also has a commissary. Note that this does not include veterans getting outpatient treatment.

DeCA Employees: DeCA personnel can purchase items for personal consumption during working hours to be consumed during breaks.

DoD Presidentially Appointed, Senate-Confirmed (PAS) Officers.

American National Red Cross (ARC) Personnel: They may be granted shopping privileges by an installation commander.

United Service Organizations (USO): USO leaders and their families who are assigned to overseas can use the commissary.

There are a few more exceptions to overseas commissaries. You might be surprised that DeCA does not decide who can shop at the commissary. The government decides based on the compensation status the service member or their family receives.

You can stop by the Pass and ID office if you think you should be able to shop on base but did not find a category here that you fit under. They have information on military benefits and issue ID cards.

They can also supply a visitor’s pass for a guest to join you on base. If you have commissary privileges, you are allowed to bring a visitor to the commissary, but they are not able to make any purchases.

While this is a lot of information, to answer the reader’s question if a disabled veteran can shop on base, the answer is only if they are a 100% disabled veteran or if they fall under any other category.

How do you feel about the requirement that a disabled veteran be 100% disabled to shop at the commissary? Do you think a disabled veteran of any percent should be allowed to shop on base?

Do you have a question about the commissary? We’d love to answer it. Please post your question in the comments section.