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Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

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Military Appreciation Month: What is done to honor those who serve? Is it enough?

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May is Military Appreciation Month. Many companies offer special deals to the military and their families to celebrate the month. The marketing of these deals promotes how ‘military friendly’ the companies are. While considerate and sometimes helpful, it is also a PR move. It is a chance to pull in military families to use the discount, attract military supporters favoring companies that give back, and showcase corporate patriotism. But is a military discount enough?

Several military members and their spouses shared that while they appreciate the discount, they would prefer that the discounts are offered year-round versus only on a promotional basis. The promotional basis feels like a strict public relations move and not demonstrating the steadfast support of military members and their families around the globe. The National Parks, for instance, offer a free family pass to military and veterans for year-round access to National Parks. And home improvement stores Home Depot and Lowes offer a year-round discount.

One Marine Corps spouse stated, “We are too dependent on discounts as a form of appreciation, especially when it’s a marketing tactic to get our business. Show your appreciation by supporting nonprofits that support us in the community, host a dinner for deployed families, and match donations to local resources.” The unfortunate reality is that corporate discounts and other benefits are increasingly necessary to make ends meet, but should they be?

When military retirement has decreased from 2.5% to 2% of base pay per year of service and retiree healthcare is increasingly outsourced to understaffed private networks, military retirement is not as stand-alone as it once was; is a military discount enough to make up for that? In all fairness, retirement benefits do not apply to all active-duty military. Per the Army’s statistics, the average service length is typically 2-6 years.

In 2022, the total number of those serving on active duty, reserve, and guard was around 1.18 million. Of those on active duty, the Army had 482,416, the Navy 343,223, and the Air Force (Space Force included) had 328,888. The Marine Corps had 179,378 on active duty. Per the Council of Foreign Relations, this is less than 1 percent of the population of the United States. Per the Census Bureau, the number of veterans continued to decline; in 1980, veterans made up 18% of the population, while by 2018, only 7% of the population, which continues to decline.

This decrease in number corresponds to fewer representatives fighting for those who serve. Reflecting the community, it serves, only 17% of the legislators in the 117th Congress in 2021 were military veterans, whereas, in 1973, 81% of the Senate and 75% of the House had served in the military. The draft of World War II can explain this high percentage. Even in the late 1990s, this dropped to 37% in the Senate and 27% in the House 30 years after the end of the draft.

With such a low number of those serving, and those in Congress, a place of power to change the military culture, a similarly low percentage, what can be expected for thanks of military service?

The Right Now Benefits

For those serving for a few years, the benefits include the GI Bill, the military commissary, and healthcare benefits.  

The GI Bill is the most significant benefit. This benefit allows service members to utilize the GI Bill to pay for a four-year college. If they do not want to or cannot use it for themselves, they can gift it to their spouse or children. This is a financial benefit, especially as the cost of attending a 4-year university soars.

The military commissary is the grocery store on post specifically there to support those who serve. The commissary, supported by congressional funds, provided the most affordable way to shop. The Government Accountability Office has reviewed the commissaries appropriated funding and the business model for the commissary. Over the last ten years, the appropriation funding has dropped several hundred thousand dollars translating to less savings for shoppers as the commissary moves to a self-sustaining business model. For reference, all other grocery stores are self-sufficient, and the commissary is considered part of military pay for now.

One of the many things said during recruiting is that all healthcare will be free for the service member and any family members. While TRICARE Prime does offer free healthcare, is it accessible healthcare? Military Treatment Facilities, or MTFs, were established to care for military members and their families. Over the last decade, available services have dropped in several locations requiring that military families are seen off-post civilian facilities. The civilian medical community is already overwhelmed in many areas, and adding thousands more family members to the system has led to a backlog. The backlog means that family members cannot receive healthcare in a timely manner. That promised healthcare is no longer there. Many medical groups have dropped TRICARE as an accepted insurance due to the low payouts that TRICARE provides. Groups dropping military families also go for the dental coverage of United Concordia. While there was a brief period when MetLife provided dental coverage and did provide more coverage than United Concordia, it changed back several years ago. Like medical providers, many dental providers no longer take United Concordia due to the low payout. TRICARE has started requiring generic medications for all patients, servicemembers, and dependents as a cost savings measure. For medications like Synthroid, a medication for those with low thyroid hormone, the change to generic can negatively affect their health. Generic medications have the same ingredients as brand-name, but sometimes their additives differ enough, over 20% in some cases, to lead to absorption changes – thus affecting their health and wellbeing.

While military discounts are appreciated, does it compensate for the loss in benefits? Many new recruits may not know any better, and perhaps any medical or dental care is better than none. For those seasoned military families who have been in since 9/11, they have seen a real change in provisions – and a drastic one. A discount on Disney tickets is not the same as receiving timely visits with a new provider in a new town.

Service members and families alike would give up discounts if it meant that legislation with real changes passed. If childcare was made more accessible and jobs for military spouses were a true priority, this would be genuine appreciation. The world of the military is no longer a one-income world – it is not sustainable. Inflation skyrockets, and the pay is not enough for many families to get by. However, remaining a two-income family comes with the family’s sacrifice when military members take unaccompanied orders so the spouse can remain on the job.

One military family with 10+ years of service stated, “I’d just like our benefits to be left alone. That would be true appreciation.”

Army Rebrand: Is This The Right Way To Go?

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The slogans of the US Army have changed throughout the history of the service branch. In World War I, the “I Want YOU for the US Army” poster with Uncle Sam was plastered all over towns and recruiting stations. In the 1980s and 1990s, the phrase “Be All You Can Be” was synonymous with the U.S. Army. The early 2000s saw the “Army of One” slogan and “Army Strong.” Most recently, it was “Warriors Wanted.”  As in the circle of fashion with the return of bell bottoms in the 2000s, the return of the Army slogan “Be All You Can Be” is here.

Maj. General Alex Fink told a major news outlet that “We are reinventing ‘Be All You Can Be’ for Generation Z.” Per the Army release, she said further, “Serving our nation is a calling, and one that is fundamentally hopeful. We want a new generation of Americans to see the Army as a pathway to the lives and careers they want to achieve.”

The move to revamp the old slogan came after multiyear research was conducted. The Army star remains, but with the box removed to “reflect the limitless possibilities in the Army.” The change in logo and slogan is a full change in their recruiting brand. They have changed the font and color palate along with motion graphics and a change in photography.

Maj. Gen. Alex Fink, Chief of Army Enterprise Marketing, said within the release that “We know youth seek purpose, passion, community, and connection, but we also know many don’t recognize the Army’s ability to deliver on those needs. We need a brand that effectively communicates the possibilities of Army service.”

To appeal to Generation Z, two films made for recruitment are narrated by Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award-nominated actor Jonathan Majors, star of “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” The films focus on the history of the Army and the options for serving in the Army. The films will be shown during the 2023 NCAA March Madness tournament and be paired with print ads, streaming video, and ads on social media.

Is this the right way to go?

On the one hand, the adults of this age grew up with Mister Rogers’s Neighborhood and loved when Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood was both a reminiscence of this and added a new element. Will that be the same for the reinvention of the Army slogan? These adults cannot join the Army as the oldest you can be to enlist in active duty in the Army is 35, but perhaps they will be understanding and sympathetic to their children joining. Will it be appealing to Generation Z? That remains to be seen. The goal of the Army is that the slogan will lead the recruits to look within themselves to determine what their personal goals are and if the Army can bring them there.

Check Your Military Records

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While it may not be Y2K, the internet has done some crazy things. Including military record information disappearing from military databases.

TSP, the military retirement system, is managed online. The service member indicates what type of split of money they want in each funding type. The service member can also identify the beneficiary of the account if the service member passes before TSP is available. This and other information like a home address and email address were wiped from the TSP database without notification of its members. It did not go across the entire system, but many service members found that all the beneficiaries were wiped from their accounts.

The Army introduced a new human resources platform, the Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army, or IPPS-A. The system rollout also had issues with glitches leading to data removal. The Army has asked that every soldier log in to check and verify their information. Any issues can be reported within the online program by adding a personnel action request. Any platform issues can be noted through a help ticket.

The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, DEERS, is a system utilized to track who has access to military bases and benefits, including the healthcare system TRICARE. DEERS had an update in January of 2023, and many service members were booted from the system, including their family members. Service members had to submit marriage certificates and birth certificates that were previously in the system to DEERS to have the family members added back in and their eligibility dates adjusted.

Within the Army, their system also removed award or promotion points from personnel records and also removed dependent information. The Army said they will have personnel records updated by February 20, 2023, and all dependent information corrected by March 1.

As a service member, it is vital to review and clarify your personnel record. It is important to review any retirement and DEERS information frequently to ensure it is correct. Print out copies of your dependent information, TSP beneficiaries, and DEERS list – this is handy if the system boots your information. Make sure to check your records monthly to catch any potential missing information or errors.

Annual Report on Sexual Harassment in Military Academies Summary

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Mid-March of 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) released the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, Academic Program Year 2021-2022. The report is available online at the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website.

The DOD found that while in 2012-2014, there were efforts made to reduce sexual assault, there was actually an increase in prevalence between 2014 and 2018. Congress mandates that the DOD collect and submit an annual report for each of the Academies. The report includes sexual harassment and sexual violence involving academy personnel at the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, and United States Air Force Academy.

The 44-page report is in addition to a memorandum on actions to address and present sexual assault in the military service academies and self-assessment reports by the academies themselves.  The report demonstrates a continued increase in prevalence rates of unwanted sexual contact, sexual harassment, and “other readiness-detracting behaviors.” The total number of sexual assault reports among the academies was 206, with 114 restricted reports and 92 unrestricted reports. As compared to the 2019- 2020 school year of 129 total reports.   

Sexual harassment complaints also increased, with 15 formal complaints, 20 informal complaints, and 5 anonymous complaints. In total, the United States Naval Academy received 9, the United States Military Academy received 20, and the United States Air Force Academy received 11.

The survey also demonstrated that the students perceived that academy leadership did try to prevent sexual assault or harassment.

Due to these findings and more, the DOD listed that they would conduct on-site installation evaluations, provide outcome evaluation assistance to determine which prevention programs to continue, and work on climate assessments at each of the Academies.

The report outlined further actions for the military departments and academies to incorporate up-to-date sexual assault prevention and response policies, develop a prevention implementation workforce, ensure military justice reform, and implement a return to health policy assisting cadets in balancing their academic goals and needs after a sexual assault. In addition, the Military Service Academies were advised to address the physical separation of survivors and alleged perpetrators. It is noted the Deputy Secretary of Defense will assess the progress made on the programs.

The Secretary of Defense closed out his guidance for addressing the memorandum by stating, “I expect you to reverse the harmful trends at our MSAs. Now is the time to employ the resources with which we have been entrusted and advance our common way forward. Our future leads are counting on you. We must lead the change we require.”

New Way to Renew Military ID Cards

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If there is one thing military life has taught us, it is to hurry up and wait. Prepare for orders, but wait for them. Call TRICARE and be on hold for goodness knows how long. Need to pick up medication for the sick kid, wait in the pharmacy waiting room for at least an hour. Military life seems to have a lot of waiting. Waiting at the ID office for a new ID may not be one of them much longer.

The Uniformed Service ID (USID) care system now has an online capability to renew ID cards. Cards will be printed by the Government Publishing Office and mailed to the card recipient.

Requirements:

  • Sponsor much have a Common Access Card (CAC) and request the renewal of an active USID card (aka not expired)
  • The Sponsor and the card recipient must have an email address listed in DEERS, and it is noted that the DOD has the authorization to contact them
  • The Sponsor’s personnel status must extend at least 30 days from the renewal request date
  • The card recipient has a photo in DEERS taken in the last 12 years
  • The card recipient’s mailing address is in DEERS and is in within the United States, including Hawaii or Alaska

How To Renew:

  • GO to the USID Card Office Online
  • Select “Family ID Cards”
  • Select “Renew Family Member ID Card”
  • The card will be mailed, and an email will be sent to the sponsor and card recipient to acknowledge receipt of the card.
  • Once the card is acknowledged, the new card will be active, and the prior card will be inactive
  • The prior card should be returned but to a RAPIDS ID card site
  • If the card renewal is not approved, the card recipient will receive an email

How smoothly will this process be? Who knows. But hopefully, it leads to a little less waiting in line.

Some military bases have rolled out ID renewal kiosks. The requirements are the same as online renewals. Is there an ID renewal kiosk near you?

New Policy for Unvaccinated Servicemembers

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After the DOD issued new guidance in regards to the COVID vaccination requirements, the military service branches are working to adjust their policies on separation and promotion for those who refused the COVID-19 vaccine. The Pentagon specifically notified the service branches to tell them by March 17th how they would implement the changes.

The Army and Air Force, who also issues guidance for the Space Force, stated that they would remove or correct adverse actions in records related to vaccine refusal. This includes counseling sheets, recorded individual counseling, nonjudicial punishments (NJPs), and current discharge proceedings. The Department of the Air Force further delineated that “promotion records will be corrected to remove or redact all adverse actions related to vaccine refusal.”

While the policy change has occurred, the Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth, stated in the press release that they are encouraging vaccinations, stating “We will continue to promote and encourage COVID vaccination for all personnel to ensure readiness, facilitate mission accomplishment and protect the force.”

The Coast Guard stated they would remove adverse administrative remarks in regard to the COVID-19 vaccination by March 31.

The Navy has now lifted the requirement for COVID-19 vaccination for deployment. The policy does allow commanders to “implement Health Protection Measures at any time,” and this could include restriction of movement when in port. There are countries that military members travel to that have vaccination laws, particularly for COVID-19, so those service members not vaccinated may not be able to attend joint exercises within those countries.

The Marine Corps, a branch within the US Department of the Navy, no longer requires vaccination for deployment. Capt.Ryan Bruce, a Marine Corps spokesperson, told Military.com that “Marines will defer to Combatant Command policies regarding deployments.”

Nothing has been said about the service members who were separated during the period since the COVID-19 vaccine was mandated. The Navy separated 2,089 active-duty sailors over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to USNI.

Operation Purple Camps This Summer – Is There One Near You?

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The National Military Family Association, NMFA, was founded as a Military Wives Association in 1969 and has since grown into the organization that it is today. Operation Purple Camp is a program specifically for military children that was established in 2004. In 2020, Operation Purple went virtual but in-person camps returned in 2022.

Operation Purple. Those two words alone may not mean very much, but they have a big impact. Operation Purple is a camp just for military kids. The color purple was chosen to represent a mix of children from all the branches – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard. What would a mix of those service branch colors make? Purple. In fact, active-duty and veteran military-connected children are from all eight uniformed service branches are eligible to apply. This includes the Army, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Oceanic, and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Public Health Services Commission Corps, as well as the National Guard and Reserve components of each respective branch.

Operation Purple Camps are week-long overnight camps offered tuition-free at various locations across the United States. The goal of the camp is for the military children to connect with other children who have the same lifestyle. It can be difficult to move every 2 years, starting over in a new school that may or may not have other military kids there to connect with. This camp provides an opportunity for these children to meet others like them with similar challenges and to grow and develop new skills.

Operation Purple camp applications open on February 15th of the year they are offered and close on March 15th. Children can only attend one camp per calendar year. Not every application is a guaranteed spot. Applications are chosen based on the criteria, including if the service member is wounded, ill, or injured or if a parent is preparing for or currently deployed. After those children are provided with their camp of choice, the remaining slots are filled with other eligible children.

The applications are not just about the children. The NMFA utilizes the data collected for the Research and Insights Team. This team compiles the data and uses it to create and enhance the NMFA programming.

The camp provides not only an outlet for the military kids to be together but also to grow a community. Mental health and well-being is affected by connection, which the frequent mobility of the military interrupts. The camp is a retreat for military kids to be with others who understand them.

If your child is selected for Operation Purple Camp, there is a $25 hold my spot deposit. This deposit is held until the end of the camp season, at which time someone from NMFA will reach out to ask if you want the deposit returned to you or used as a donation to the program. Other costs may include any COVID-specific testing or protocols and transportation to and from the camp location.

Places/Dates

6/4-6/9: Cooper Landing, AK

6/25-7/1: Mount Washington, MA

6/25-6/30: Williamsburg, VA

7/2 – 7/7: Trinity, TX

7/17 – 7/21: Dahlonega, GA

7/23 – 7/28: Columbia, NC

8/6 – 8/11: North East, MD

8/13 – 8/18: San Diego, CA

Each camp has specific age requirements based on the facility.

While camp applications have closed for the 2023 year, the waitlist is still open at the time of this writing. If you are planning ahead for next year, look for the 2024 dates and locations to be posted in early 2024, with the application period opening in mid-February.

Outdoor Spring Prep Tips

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When the weather is changing, and spring has begun, it is time to prep your homes outdoors. Whether you are living on base or not, you should prepare your outdoors for the change in weather. We have all the tips and tricks you need to get your outdoor space ready for enjoyment during spring and summer to come.

On Post

Pest Control: As the weather changes, and rain is more prominent, it may be more common for mosquitoes or gnats to hang out in your yard. On-base pest control may be commonplace, but also may require a phone call to housing. This differs from base to base and based on which military branch is running the base. While the housing is privatized across all the CONUS military bases, pest control may lie with the base. If the base does the pest control, they likely treat all the areas. If pest control is organized by the privatized housing, you will likely need to arrange pest control treatments. Get ahead by asking for pretreatment for mosquitoes, if it is allowed for your area.

Lawn Care: If you have a fence line, you are likely responsible for lawn maintenance of the fenced-in yard. Warmer weather means that the yard will be growing. Make sure to keep the lawn cared for to limit rodents or other animals that may want to hang out in tall grass.

On most bases, flower beds can be changed while you are living in the home. But make sure to check what will happen to those carefully planned and planted plants after you leave. Some bases totally remove all previous plants and put in basic plants upon move out.

Don’t forget about those windowsill plants! Make sure to pull out any dead plant leaves and replant it as needed. This brings a little spot of spring inside and gives you a chance to decide what plants you have when you may live in an on-post home that does not allow changes to the yard.

Pet Mess: Don’t forget to clean up your pet’s mess. It’s not only important to limit the smell and pests, but also to be kind and courteous to your neighbors.

Wash windows: While the maintenance of the outside of the home should lie with the housing agency, make sure to wash the inside of the windows.

Prep the outdoor space: Do you have a deck or patio? Make sure to wipe down and clean any outdoor furniture. This will remove any debris the winter weather may have brought in, but also make sure it is bug-free and ready to be used on warm days.

Off Post

Pest Control: Same as on-post, with weather changes, so do pest control needs. Make sure to have a spring pest control scheduled to minimize the warmer weather bugs.

Lawn Care: Warmer weather means the grass will begin growing. If your schedule will not allow for weekly maintenance, hire a lawn service. Keeping the lawn maintained may be required by HOA but also will limit small animals that hide in tall grass. Make sure to fertilize, aerate and seed your yard as needed.

Spring is the time to start clearing out the dead plants from the flower bed and re-mulch the area. Plant new plants if desired or find some plants that will last through all the seasons.

Maintain the garden: Weed the flower beds to ensure they do not take over your garden. Replant any plants as needed.

Power Washing: This goes beyond the windows and siding. Make sure to power wash your deck or patio and any steps going up to the home, removing any mildew that can lead to deterioration over time.  Consider power washing any outdoor furniture to remove bugs or winter debris from the chairs or tables.

Don’t Forget the Gutters: Make sure to clean out the gutters in the spring, preparing for wetter weather. You don’t want leaves from the fall to block up the gutter and prevent proper drainage. Improper drainage can lead to roof, gutter, and siding damage which is much more expensive to repair than cleaning out your gutters.

Tree Maintenance: If you have trees in your yard, make sure to trim any branches that may be reaching toward the home or broken. This will prevent a surprise branch break or one landing in your yard, on your home, or car. Check for any trees that may be dying or eroding the lawn area – it may be time to remove those trees.

A clean outdoor look just might inspire you to declutter inside the home this spring – the all-important step for all military families who may PCS or PCA this summer.

Easy Easter Celebrations

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How is the year going by so fast? April is fast approaching with the spring break vacations and the Easter season. Want to create an Easter celebration this spring but looking for an easy one? We have you covered!

Host an Egg Hunt

This is a fun and easy one! Ask in your local military or Buy Nothing pages to see if anyone has plastic eggs up for grabs. Gather the plastic eggs and prepare them for filling.

The filling can be as simple as stickers, tattoos, or favorite snacks. Get the bulk box of your kid’s favorite fruit snacks or bunny-shaped crackers.

Make it a family event by gathering everyone together to fill the eggs. Or make it a neighborhood party, and everyone brings their favorite filling to stuff the eggs.

Set up a date for your friends, military unit, or neighborhood for the egg hunt. This is fun for everyone. The kids enjoy seeking and finding the eggs and then have a blast finding out what is in each egg.

It doesn’t take a lot of effort, and it is a hit for kids of all ages. If you have a lot of participants, check out a park near you.

Easter Activity Party

Looking for some fun and easy activities for a spring gathering?

Try finger-knitting bunnies! All you need is some chunky yarn and your own fingers. There are basic patterns on YouTube and online to help you design the bunny. The idea is that you wrap the yarn around your fingers, so the bunny is sitting and tuck all loose threads into the pattern.

Bunny tubes: Have some old toilet paper rolls lying around at home? Everyone can paint or color their tubes, add ears on top made from thick paper and design a face on the bunny.

Handprint lamb: This is a fun one and is great for gifts for family members. Paint the palm of the child and put the handprint on the paper. Position the paper, so the finger portion is pointing down. Cover the palm of the pain once dry with cotton balls (the wool of the lamb) and put an eye on the thumb. Viola! A fun craft and keepsake.

Handprint and footprint Chick: This one has made the rounds on Pinterest and is still a hit. Cut constriction paper into an egg shape. Cut out hair and put it on the top portion of the egg. Draw on or place on eggs and a beak. On another piece of paper, place painted handprints and footprints. You will only need the top portion of the foot and toes for the chick. Once the handprints are dry, cut out the handprints and the top portion of the foot for the hands and feet of the chick!  This is another fun craft and keepsake.

Marbled Eggs:  Onto cut-out eggs, place shaving cream mixed with dye. Smear the mixture all over the egg papers and let dry. This will leave a marble like the pattern of dye and color. Make a banner of the eggs for the wall or entryway.

Egg Carton Bunnies: Cut out the individual sections of the egg carton. Paint two in a favorite color and put one on top of the other, with the wider portions touching. This creates an egg pattern. Color on the bunny face and add ears. Each kid can personalize these to whatever look or pattern they like. Fill them with candies or treats and you have paper bunny eggs!

Easter Egg Coloring Party

This is a bit of a messy one, but it’s always a hit. Egg dye is cheap; one box will dye more than just eggs. Make it a gathering with neighbors or friends. Have friends bring a few eggs for their kids to dye. Target, Walmart, and the exchange carry egg dyeing kits for ease. Check out kits with stickers for the layering of designs.

Are egg prices too high to color these eggs? Craft stores often have wooden eggs in bulk packs for cheaper prices. Check out “blackboard” eggs in stores like Target – these eggs can be colored with chalk, erased, and colored on again.  Or do one real egg and one egg carton bunny from above – they are still eggs, just a bit creative.

Want to get creative? Instead of dye, put on temporary tattoos. You can even dye the eggs after the tattoos, which is a fun addition.

Easy Easter Chocolates

One of our favorite Easter treats is bird’s nest. It’s a fun, quintessential Easter treat. Mix chocolate and peanut butter with chow mein noodles. Make sure they are covered with the chocolate-peanut butter goodness and shape into bird’s nest shapes and let dry. That’s it – no baking. Once dry, top with jellybeans or egg-shaped chocolate candies – anything that looks like eggs.

Simple Easter Meal

The main: This can be as easy as heating up a pre-cooked ham or turkey. It doesn’t have to be difficult. If the spring season brings warm weather near you, consider using the grill for the main. Marinate chicken or beef and grill them. It is a quick and tasty main dish.

Veggies are easy sides. Get some fresh green beans and saute them in garlic and butter. Going dairy free? Use olive oil!  Roast Brussel sprouts in the oven – add in your favorites or cranberries, almonds, or bacon to add layers of texture and flavor to the sprouts. Don’t forget potatoes – sweet potatoes and russet potatoes bake well and are fun and easy sides for the easter meal.  Potatoes can be cooked in the microwave if you don’t have an oven or are looking for a quick side.

Don’t forget a fruit side. Why not enjoy a classic combo of fruit and Jell-O? This does take a few hours to set, so it is not a quick side, but it is very easy to mix the gelatin and put them in the mold while adding in some fruit – fresh or canned.

Dessert can be as simple as picking something up from the Commissary bakery. Or enjoy the treat of the simple Easter birds’ nests.

What are your favorite treats or activities for a spring or Easter celebration?

Spring Cleaning: The PCS/PCA Way

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Spring cleaning for a military family hits a little differently. It’s a time to clean, and as the cleaning occurs, purge. Purge because a PCS or PCA is in the very near future. And while military families worldwide may not actually know when the move is happening, or even where the end destination will be, the reality is that preparing earlier is better. This is for all the military families that may move this summer, and even if you don’t move, this is a great time to spring clean the PCS/PCA way.

Keep

– Sentimental items – while it may be difficult to move great-grandma’s champagne flutes or your uncle’s cigar box in terms of packing and moving around the world that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep them. Family momentos aren’t items you can purchase later, so worth keeping.

– Photos – this might be a no-brainer, but worth mentioning.

– Basics – don’t toss things you need to purchase later. This might be easier at the moment, but it adds to your personal cost burden. Don’t toss or donate your dishes and pots and pans just to buy new ones so you don’t have to pack or move them. Inflation is not your friend in this.

– Clothes for different seasons – if you have clothes in sizes that you or your family members will wear in the coming years for the winter season and you are living in Hawaii, you may not want to keep them. However, replacing those items could add up in cost if you move to New York next year. The needs and desires of the military always supersede family members’ desires.

–  Sports equipment – if there are items you are still using seasonally – keep them.

Donations

Always have a donation bag or bin ready to go.  Clothes the kids have outgrown, dishes no longer used – these can be used by others. Consider these other items to donate:

– DVDs – if you are streaming it all anyway, you probably don’t need to cart those movies worldwide. Libraries gratefully take these donations.

– CDs – same goes for DVDs; if you are streaming music on an audio service, you may not need to keep all the CDs. Keep a few that are meaningful but it might be time to donate the rest to the library.

– Books – This category also weighs a ton, depending on the books. Consider donating books you may not reference or read frequently to the local library. You can always borrow a book if you have access to a library. Keep those books that you will use, re-read, or reference or are sentimental. If the library won’t take the books, look for a book recycler.

– Food You Won’t Eat or Use – If you have any food you won’t use before a move, don’t wait until the day you are leaving to toss it; donate it now to a local food pantry.

– Clothing – this is an easy one for children who have outgrown clothes. It is difficult to do when you don’t know what clothing type you will need for the next duty station. Whatever you do find, donate to the local base thrift shop or local Veterans organization.

– Stuffed Toys – If you have reached a time in your life that it is time to let go of some stuffed animals, donate them to your local animal shelter.

– Old towels – another donation item that animal shelters need are towels, and they will happily take old towels.

– Linens – Animal shelters often take linens as well to line crates.

– Kitchenware – gently used kitchen appliances like toaster ovens, blenders, and dish sets are welcome at local thrift shops and Goodwill. Check with the local military base thrift shop as well; many new families look to purchase kitchen items at the on-base thrift shops, especially if they don’t have a vehicle.

– Gifts – this one is tricky as it can be a gift from a family member, but if your grandma made a sweater you will never wear, it might be time to donate it.

– Infant care items – if you are out of the baby-raising stage of life, it is time to let go of those infant items.

Discard

While it is difficult to throw away things, especially when they have memories attached to them, it is pertinent before a PCS to discard broken, holey, falling apart items. Toss any expired pantry goods. If your couch is falling apart, or the mattress is only being held together by its fitted sheet, it’s probably time to bulk trash those items too.

Don’t forget outdated electronics. Depending on where you live, you may have to pay for e-recycling, but it is better than moving it to another state and having to dump it then.

Any loose papers you no longer need – shred any items with personal information, but recycle the rest.

A Note about Yard Sales

Yard sales used to be common practice, but sitting out and selling your items takes time. People haggle so you may sell the Osh Koshs your child first walked in for 25 cents. Is that worth it? While the tax write-off may not reach the amount required to write off donating may be the better way.  It will save you time and energy and help others in the community.

The key to moving preparations is the earlier, the better. While you may get last-minute orders, it is important to prep in the spring whether you are moving or not.  Doing an annual prep means less stress and less work on PCS years.