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Military Spouses Band Together In Face of No-Notice Deployments

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His retirement papers were literally ready to be executed this month. Instead of riding off into the sunset he was prepping to board a plane for the Middle East as part of a rapid response force to help quell the increasing tension in the region.

Across the US, stories just like this are being played out in thousands of homes as military families quickly send their loved ones off on no-notice deployments. Retirements will be put on hold, babies will be born and milestone events will happen – all without a clear return date for many deployed troops.

Some troops are leaving in as little as hours with others getting a few days or weeks to prepare. Forward deployed troops on non-combat missions have been rerouted to support actions in the Middle East.

While many of these units are rapid response teams, trained and prepared for exactly these situations, it doesn’t make it any easier for families left behind on the home front with little to no warning.

Military Spouses Band Together In Face of No-Notice Deployments

In the face of the upheaval a no-notice deployment brings, seasoned spouses and non-profit organizations have been rallying together to provide community and support to military families everywhere. From powerful messages going viral on Facebook to counseling support offers, the military spouse community is coming together with a singular focus.

Kellie Artis, Fort Bragg Army spouse and COO of MILLIE, shared her thoughts in a viral Facebook post that has been republished on Jo, My Gosh. She reflected on the impact these quick, unexpected troop movements is having on the Fayetteville community. Artis has seen groups of women, sitting silently with tension and worry evident in their interactions. She’s seen an increase in the number of soldiers in uniform running errands out in town, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.

“Uncertainty is a given in this lifestyle, but it hits hard when it’s out of the blue and under such looming circumstances. There’s a painful tension between pride and apprehension; importance and fear.”

Seasoned Spouses Share Wisdom, Support as Community Copes with Traumatic Deployments

Artis has been in this same position during earlier troop surges.

“I remember sitting alone during one such deployment with my sister and 6-month-old daughter at a Fayetteville restaurant and our server came over to tell us our meal was taken care of by another patron,” she wrote. “She didn’t tell me who, but I knew. There was an older couple sitting in a corner, he with his Vietnam-era VFW cap on and she with sympathetic tears in her eyes. We barely exchanged words, I couldn’t without sobbing, but we didn’t have to. She squeezed my hand as we stopped by their table to thank them and that was all we needed to share. I’ll never forget that.”

Rapid and short-notice deployments are not limited to US Army units. Many USMC spouses have faced, and are facing, similar situations.

A USMC spouse who wished to remain anonymous shared how unprepared and overwhelmed she was for deployment orders that went through in under a day.

“You always heard how you can get deployed less than 24 hours, it really does happen,” she shared. “The timing wasn’t great. Our children always pick where they want to go for dinner on their birthday. Our youngest had picked where he wanted to eat that night and we had to tell them the news their dad was leaving the next day for deployment.”

However, she shared advice that got her family through this no-notice deployment.

“Things we had planned as a family and vacations got canceled, but we made other plans to look forward to each month to make the time pass.”

She advised picking one big thing to do with your family every month. It helped her to focus on something good and made the time pass more quickly. Having a busy schedule for the kids, with sports and Scouts, also helped her to focus on the present.

Military Spouses Rely on Each Other for Support, Assistance

When she found out her husband was deploying, another anonymous USMC Infantry spouse was weeks away from giving birth after a challenging pregnancy when her husband told her about his upcoming deployment. While it wasn’t a few hours turnaround time, it was still a shock during an already tumultuous moment in their family.

Luckily, his unit allowed him a little bit of flexible time to support his spouse. He was able to be there for his child’s birth and early weeks. However, the next time he will see her will be when she is over 6 months old.

At first, this USMC Infantry spouse was unsure of how she would manage. But her spouse community stepped into the gap, providing support and encouragement when she needed it most.

“I didn’t know how I was going too, but again, you adapt,” she explained. “We truly are stronger and more capable than we think. The (spouses) around me had a huge impact on getting through this. They are amazing. They get groceries for me or just watch my toddler sometimes.”

Having a community to support her allowed this Infantry spouse to survive and thrive during an unexpected deployment.

“The only way to cope is to find a support system,” she said. “If you don’t have a family, find other military moms. It’s key.”

Ways to Help Military Families Right Now

If your military community is impacted by the recent and on-going rapid deployments, it’s important to connect with each other and show support. Even if your family isn’t directly impacted, you likely know someone who is in the think of the whirlwind.

Use these ideas to “keep on, keepin’ on” as one spouse said:

  • Swap babysitting duties so everyone can run errands, exercise or simply have a minute to think
  • Meal prep together because many hands make light work
  • Set up regular play dates for children
  • Offer to help each other with chores, cooking, child care
  • Carpool for school drop off and pick up, sports and scouts
  • Call, text or email just to check-in
  • Make a meal for a family in the middle of prepping for deployment
  • Listen

The most important way that you can show up for your military family and community is to simply be there and be ready to listen without judgment.

If you need someone to talk to, MilitaryOneSource has a hotline. You can call them, 24/7 at 800-342-9647.

How are you supporting your military community during this moment? Share your ideas and opportunities in the comments!

US Rapidly Mobilizes Troops in Response to Increased Middle Eastern Threats

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Touched off by the US Embassy attack in Baghdad, the Middle East became a high-conflict zone in the opening days of 2020. Further escalating tensions were the US-ordered airstrike that killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and a US Embassy attack in Kenya by al-Shabaab.

In response, thousands of troops across the country are being deployed rapidly into possible combat zones in an effort to support US forces already in the region.

Escalating Tensions & Further Conflict Between US and Iranian Forces in Middle East

On the night of January 7, Iranian forces launched concentrated missile attacks at US bases located in Iraq. Dozens of missiles were directed at two US bases, with Air Base al-Asad being struck by 6 of the explosives.

Iranian forces claimed “dozens” of US dead, but DOD officials had not confirmed any casualties. As of the morning of January 8, officials would only state that they were still assessing damages and casualties, according to a Washington Post article.

The recent missile attack is claimed by the Iranian government and their forces as opposed to non-affiliated fighters in the region. This action is reportedly in direct retaliation for the US airstrike that killed Soleimani.

President Donald Trump declined to address the nation on January 7th and reportedly sent Vice President Mike Pence to brief Congressional leaders about the airstrike from Iran.

Trump tweeted updates on the situation throughout Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning prior to his national address on Wednesday.

Trump Continues to Tweet Foreign Policy & Updates

This latest Twitter update from the President comes on the heels of a series of Tweets over the previous week related to the US airstrike, embassy attack and future actions of US troops in the region.

On January 5, Trump tweeted that his Twitter feed and updates should serve as legal notice to Congress of potential future actions against Iran.

He also implied that he was willing to attack Iranian civilian and cultural sites in a series of tweets on January 4. Targeting cultural sites and civilians explicitly is a violation of the Geneva Conventions.

US Rapidly Mobilizes Troops Across Branches in Response to Increased Middle Eastern Threats

In the middle of this war of words on Twitter, service members and military families are experiencing fast deployment notification and execution, with some units leaving in a matter of hours and others waiting for the incoming call to report.

Members of the 82nd Airborne’s Immediate Force Response unit, operating out of Fort Bragg, were given just a few hours notice of their deployment. According to 82nd Airborne spokesperson, Lt. Col. Mike Burns, troops in this unit are given a 2-hour window to report to base, deploying rapidly after that.

“So whether they were on leave, whether they were home drinking a beer, whether they were, you know, hanging out, throwing the kids up in the yard, you get the call and it’s time to go,” he said.

Seven hundred soldiers from this unit deployed within hours of the Embassy attack, with up to 2800 more troops following in the days after Soleimani’s death.

Burns also noted, in an interview with Business Insider, that this was not a typical deployment. Troops were instructed to leave cellphones and other personal electronic devices at home.

Other units are also mobilizing rapidly to shore up defenses in the region. Additional Marines were deployed to the US embassy in Baghdad to provide additional support and force protection.

In addition, as of January 8, 2,500 Marines from Camp Lejeune will also be headed to the Mediterranean as part of the 26th MEU. These troops were already operating in this theater but will cancel planned international training exercises to join the Navy’s 6th Fleet, according to reports from Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Comer, a U.S. 6th Fleet spokesman to USNI News.

Take Flight with 2020 Military Air Show Schedule

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Take in the sounds of freedom in 2020 with a thrilling air show by the USAF Thunderbirds and US Navy Blue Angels. These legendary flying units have shows across the US and around the world this year. Check out the schedule to figure out the best location(s) for your fun flightline experience!

Take Flight with 2020 Military Air Show Schedule

In 2020, the Blue Angels are flying in 29 air shows or events between March and October. The Thunderbirds will be doing about 35 flyovers, events or shows this year. With all these shows, you’re sure to find at least one coming to an air field near you!

Blue Angels 2020 Schedule

The Blue Angels start flying in March and keep soaring through October. Check them out at one of these locations:

  • March 14: NAF El Centro Air Show
  • March 21-22: Lancaster, CA – LA County Air Show
  • March 28-29: MacDill AFB Air Fest
  • April 4-5: NAS Kingsville, TX – Wings Over South Texas Air Show
  • April 18-19: JB Charleston Air and Space Expo
  • April 25-26: Vero Beach, FL Air Show
  • May 2-3: MCAS Cherry Point Air Show and Open House
  • May 9-10: Dyess AFB Big Country Air and Space Expo
  • May 16-17: McGuire AFB – Power in the Pine Air Show and Open House
  • May 20: Annapolis, MD – US Naval Academy Air Show
  • May 23-24: Jones Beach, NY – Jones Beach Air Show
  • May 30-31: Scott AFB Air and Space Show
  • June 13-14: Eau Claire, WI – Chippewa Valley Air Show
  • June 20-21: Millington, TN – Memphis Air Show
  • June 27-28: Dayon, OH – Dayton Air Show
  • July 4-5: Traverse City, MI – National Cherry Festival Air Show
  • July 11: Pensacola Beach, FL – Pensacola Beach Air Show
  • July 18-19: Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada – Wing Cold Lake Air Show
  • July 25-26: Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Air Show
  • August 1-2: Seattle, WA – Boeing SeaFair Air Show
  • August 15-16: Brunswick, ME – Great State of Maine Air Show
  • August 29-30: Ypsilanti, MI – Thunder Over Michigan
  • September 5-6: Cleveland, OH – Cleveland National Air Show
  • September 12-13: Baltimore, MD – Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore
  • September 19-20: NAS Oceana Air Show
  • September 26-27: MCAS Miramar Air Show
  • October 3-4: NAS Point Mugu – Naval Base Ventura County Air Show
  • October 10-11: San Francisco, CA – San Francisco Fleet Week
  • October 16-17: Pensacola, FL – Blue Angels Homecoming Show

If you can’t catch one of these shows, swing by Pensacola, FL in between formal air show to see a practice session!

Thunderbirds Air Show 2020 Schedule

Prepare for takeoff with the Thunderbirds first 2020 show in February and carry on through mid-November.

Schedule out your Thunderbirds shows now:

  • February 16: Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Florida (Flyover)
  • Mar 14: Laughlin AFB, Texas – Fiesta Of Flight
  • Mar 21-22: Luke AFB, Arizona – Luke Days Air and Space Expo
  • Mar 28-29: March ARB, Calif. – March Field Air and Space Expo: Thunder Over the Empire
  • April 4-5: Lakeland, Florida – Sun-N-Fun Fly-In & Expo
  • April 18-19: Maxwell AFB, Alabama – Beyond the Horizon Air & Space Show
  • April 25-26: Columbus AFB, Mississippi – Wings Over Columbus
  • May 2-3: Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Fort Lauderdale Air Show
  • May 9-10: Beale AFB, Calif. – Wings Over Recce Town, USA”
  • May 16-17: Shaw AFB, South Carolina – Shaw Air and Space Expo
  • May 23-24: Miami Beach, Florida – Miami Beach Air & Sea Show
  • May 28: Colorado Springs, Colorado – USAFA Graduation Fly Over
  • June 6-7: Salinas, Calif. – California International Airshow
  • June 13-14: Ocean City, Maryland – OC Air Show
  • June 27-28: Hill AFB, Utah – Warriors Over Wasatch Air & Space Show
  • July 4-5: Battle Creek, Michigan – Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival
  • July 11-12: JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska – Arctic Thunder Open House
  • July 18-19: Duluth, Minnesota – Duluth Air & Aviation Expo
  • July 22: F.E Warren AFB, Wyoming  – Cheyenne Frontier Days
  • July 25-26: Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota – Ellsworth Air & Space Show
  • August 1-2: Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota – Grand Forks AFB Air Show
  • August 15-16: Chicago, Illinois – Chicago Air & Water Show
  • August 22-23: Avoca, PA – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Armed Forces Airshow
  • August 26: Atlantic City, New Jersey – Atlantic City Thunder Over The Boardwalk Airshow
  • August 29-30: New Windsor, New York – New York Air Show
  • September 5-6: Gardner, Kansas – KC Air Show 2020
  • September 12-13: London (Ontario), Canada – Airshow London
  • September 19-20: Huntington Beach, Calif. – Pacific Airshow
  • October 3-4: Minden, Nevada – Aviation Roundup Airshow
  • October 10-11: Edwards AFB, Calif. – Aerospace Valley Air & Space Show
  • October 17-18: Fort Worth, Texas – Bell Fort Worth Alliance Air Show
  • October 24-25: Rome, Georgia – Wings Over North Georgia
  • October 31-November 1: Sanford, Florida  – Central Florida Air and Space Show
  • November 7-8: New Orleans, Louisiana – “NASJRB New Orleans Air Show”
  • November 14-15: San Antonio, Texas – 2020 JBSA Air & Space Show & Open House

Take-Off with The Blue Angels

The Blue Angels first took off in 1946 when Admiral Chester Nimitz formed the squadron. His goal was to raise awareness of naval aviation and improve morale in the fleet.

Since then, the Blue Angels have thrilled audiences in daring precision flying performances around the world!

In 2015, they welcomed their first female pilot when Marine Capt. Katie Cook stepped into the cockpit.

Every year, approximately 11 million flying fans head to the flight line to watch the Blue Angels take off.

Take Flight with The Thunderbirds

First taking off in 1953, the Thunderbirds were formed to showcase the newly formed US Air Force.

They have featured a female pilot, Major Michelle Curran, since 2019. She is currently returning for her second season with the Thunderbirds.

The Thunderbirds also travel the farthest overseas of US military precision flight squadrons. They have 2020 shows scheduled in Alaska and Ontario.

Will you be seeing a military air show this year? Share your favorite in the comments!

Host Your Best Ever Super Bowl Party with Supplies from the Commissary

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Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or really just there for the commercials, everyone can agree that the big game requires incredible snacks. And the Commissary is fully stocked to create your best ever Super Bowl party!

Host Your Best Ever Super Bowl Party with Supplies from the Commissary

We’ve got you covered for drinks, appetizers, snacks and bigger bites. Huddle up and run the play for a great 2020 Super Bowl bash!

Special Teams Snacks

Set up a yummy spread to please everyone.

  • Chips & Dips Bar: grab all of the chips and dips or DIY your own with an allergen-free recipe from military spouse owned Physical Kitchness! Get tons of variety, from savory to sweet, to match every palate.
  • DIY Nachos: this can double as a heavy appetizer or main dish, but it equally great as a snack station. Set out salsa, guacamole, sour cream and all the nacho fixings.
  • Veggies & Fruits: pick up a platter or two of pre-sliced veggies and fruits from the Commissary. Dip is usually included, which makes it so simple for game day!
  • Pigs in a Blanket: grab cocktail weiners from the Commissary and wrap them in heat-and-eat croissant dough. Bake, serve and go!
  • Taquitos: if you’re doing nachos, you can double down with frozen, fully prepped taquitos! Serve with shredded cheese, enchilada sauce and sour cream.

Appetizers to Run Interference

Sure, you could just make the snacks into an appetizer station, but that ruins the fun of the party. Try these easy ideas, all made with ideas straight from the commissary!

Photo Credit: ©zoryanchik
/Adobe Stock
  • Swedish Meatballs: grab a pack of frozen meatballs and then follow the rest of this recipe from The Skinny Fork for Game Day Meatballs!
  • Chili: whip up a big batch of chili, loaded with ground beef and all the beans. Serve it as is, with baked potatoes or as a topping for your versatile nacho bar.
  • Meat on Sticks: pop different cuts of meat, like beef or chicken, onto sticks then bake, broil or grill until cooked. You can spice things up with different seasonings, like BBQ sauce or curry-inspired spice blends. We like these bacon wrapped grilled chicken kabobs from The Bakermama.
  • Wings & Drummies: is it even a game without chicken wings? Grab frozen, pre-seasoned, wings and drumsticks from the Commissary’s freezer aisle for a simple Super Bowl appetizer.

Mains that Stick to Your Ribs

Football means winter. Winter means hearty, yummy food that fills up hungry bellies. Try these easy Super Bowl meals for your party!

Photo Credit: ©Bart /Adobe Stock
  • Homestyle Stew: whip up a yummy stew, using meat from the Commissary’s meat department. Add carrots, onions, potatoes and diced or stewed tomatoes to the beef along with stock. Serve with baked potatoes and crusty bread.
  • DIY Flatbread Pizzas: set up a pizza station with pita bread, sauce, cheese and other toppings. Keep the oven hot and quickly cook up custom pies for your pals. These cook up super fast, about 5-8 min per “pizza.”
  • Slow Cooker Ribs: set it and forget it meals are the best! Combine ribs, 1/2 can of Dr. Pepper and your favorite BBQ sauce in your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours, plenty of time before the big game!
  • Lasagna, Any Style: layers of gooey cheese and savory sauce plus pasta sounds incredible! Instead of DIYing this, grab a family-sized frozen dish for a simple heat and eat option that’s sure to please a crowd.

Don’t Skip Dessert!

If you thought you were done with dinner, you were wrong! Celebrate sweet victory with desserts that everyone will enjoy.

Photo Credit: ©dusk
/Adobe Stock
  • Cookies: pretty simple, but crowd-pleasing. Head to the Commissary’s bakery for a pre-made tray of cookies or pick up some cookie dough in the dairy aisle. Either way, it’s deliciously easy.
  • Oven-Roasted S’Mores: layer a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place graham crackers halves on the foil, topping with marshmallows. Place in the oven, set to broil, briefly. Top with 1-2 squares of chocolate and the other half of each cracker. Serve with napkins – this can get messy!
  • Ice Cream Bar: set out several fan-favorite ice cream flavors, plus toppings like whipped cream, hot fudge and cherries. Everyone can dish up their own sundae exactly the way they like.

Crowd-Pleasing Beverages

Having a good drink situation is ideal, especially for Super Bowl. It’s basically an all-day party and you need to stay hydrated.

Add these to your shopping list:

  • Wine: 1-2 bottles each of red, white and sparkling
  • Beer: 1-2 variety packs, maybe from a local brewery or from one local of your preferred team
  • Liquor & Mixers: grab the ingredients to make basic drinks, like gin and tonics or margaritas.
  • Non-Alcoholic: grab a whole bunch of soda, water, sparkling water, ice tea and juice – it’s not just for kids!

Love to host Super Bowl parties? Share your best tips with us!

Fitting Fitness into a Busy Military Life

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Trips, TDYs and running your kids everywhere. Who has time for getting or staying in shape? You can find sneaky ways to try fitting fitness into your busy military life!

Fitting Fitness into a Busy Military Life

So you don’t have time to get in a full workout at the gym. No sweat! You can find simple ways to add fitness to even the busiest of days in super creative ways.

Make Your Walk Challenging

Park farther away from your office or the store. Take the stairs or go the long way around.

Every step you take is burning extra calories! Over time, those little steps add up.

Working at home or hanging with the kids? Go for a walk around the block a few times every day. Bonus: pushing a stroller or hauling a small human around is a great whole-body workout!

Ready to add a challenge? Up the ante! Try these ideas:

  • Walk the stairs a few times
  • Find a hill and hike up
  • Do lunges for a block, then switch to high knees
  • Stop at every crosswalk and do squats
  • Pause at benches or hip-height walls to do pushups
  • Add in a few spurts at a faster pace, like a brisker walk or a jog

Take 15 Minutes to Sweat

Got 15 minutes? You have time for a quick workout!

Fitness doesn’t have to involve hours of lifting or miles of running. It can be a quick burst of high intensity in small segments.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a growing trend in fitness. HIIT workouts are pretty much what the name implies: short periods of very energetic movements. Think: jumping jacks, jump squats, plank jacks and other similar compound movements.

You can find simple HIIT workouts on YouTube. Having instructional videos to guide you is super helpful to staying on track and getting your sweat on effectively.

Try these channels:

  • PopSugar Fitness
  • Physical Kitchness (owned by a USMC spouse!)
  • Fitness Blender
  • The Body Coach TV

All of these channels have workout videos that fit a full-body workout into 20 minutes or less. Best of all, many videos require little to no special equipment!

Workout Where You Are

Running around all day leaves very little time for actual running or lifting or workouts generally. Instead of trying to find a full hour or more to get a workout in, you can add moves into your normal routines.

A great place to workout quickly is the playground. Yes, seriously.

Try these moves:

  • Suspended Knee Tucks: place feet into a swing’s seat and balance on your arms; tuck knees to chest while contracting abs
  • Bench Jumps: do a box jump-type move, just onto a wide bench or low wall
  • Stair Lunges: place one leg onto a play structure stair, then lunge
  • Bulgarian Split Squat: facing away from a bench or high stair, prop the toe of one shoe onto the elevated surface and the other leg forward into a lunge position; squat
  • Tricep Dips: find a bench, place your hands behind you and then lower your behind off the bench and toward the ground

Do a few of these moves 10-15 times each, 3-4 rounds total. Or for as long as you’re at the playground. Whichever comes first.

By mixing your workout into your normal routine, it’s easy to multi-task! Plus, even if you don’t have kids, chances are good that there’s a playground near you. Even if you just have 15 minutes, you can squeeze in a great full-body workout.

Fit Fitness Into Your Errands

You’ve got lots of things to do, but also need to squeeze in a workout. What do you do?

One option is to run the errands, literally. You could also bike, but it’s not as punny.

Map out the places you need to go:

  • Grocery Store
  • Post Office
  • Bank
  • Pet Store

Then pick an option for carrying your items, like a comfortable backpack or bike-bags. Then gear up and go. Hit your must-go spots and break a sweat at the same time!

If you’re trying to juggle errands, workouts and kids, load the kids into a jogging stroller or equip their bike with a decent handlebar basket. Drop your purchases under the stroller or into the bike basket as you burn calories.

Find What Works for You

Fitness can happen, even if you are super busy. All it takes is just a few minutes here and there to do a few moves. Even if you don’t break a total sweat, you’ll still be working muscles and burning calories.

It’s all about creating fitness moments and building a routine that works for your life.

What’s your best tip to fit fitness into your busy military life? Share your ideas in the comments!

Take Care of Your Cold with Commissary- Sourced DIY Recipes

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‘Tis the season for colds, flu and generally feeling run down. While loading up on all the meds seems like a great course of action, sometimes whipping up a homemade remedy is just what the doctor ordered.

Take Care of Your Cold with Commissary- Sourced DIY Recipes

All you need to DIY your own at-home treatments starts with a trip to the commissary.

Feel Better, No Meds Needed

Start your day off with a little extra pep in your step, or just getting back to feeling semi-normal again.

Grab your favorite brand of eucalyptus or tea tree soap and hop in the shower. Johnson’s Soothing Vapor Bath for Babies is also great for adults, too. Lather up and breath deeply.

The steam from the shower combined with the scent of the soap will help to open your sinuses. You’ll feel better!

If you have more time, or you’re taking a sick day, draw a nice, hot detox bath. Add in some Epsom salts, essential oils and more of your preferred cold-remedy bath gel. Close the bathroom door to trap the steam and soak away your cares, plus also hopefully your cold.

If you don’t have time for a soak or a shower, you can set up a steam inhalation kit at home. Boil water and then pour the very hot water into a bowl. Position your nose and mouth over the bowl, draping a towel around your head and the bowl to trap the steam. Close your eyes and inhale deeply.

Everyone remembers the classic smell of Vick’s VapoRub from their childhood. Perhaps wafting off of a grandparent nightly? That go-to grandma cold remedy is still totally legit. Bonus: it comes in more scents than just the classic eucalyptus, too. Slather that on your chest, back and feet. Breath deeply.

At night, steam up your room with a humidifier. You can pick up one at the Commissary. Add a Vick’s humidifier insert for extra soothing effects.

Rest Up to Heal Yourself

The best remedy for winter colds and flu season is to simply rest.

Seriously, take a sick day. Cuddle up on the couch, sip soup and tea (see recipes below). Take a bath. Do nothing.

Healing yourself takes time. Taking a day to do nothing other than rest and heal is essential to getting better.

Plus, your co-workers will thank you for not spreading germs around the office.

Cook Up Your Cold & Flu Remedies!

Grandma was also right about chicken soup being great for a cold. Science has shown that there are real benefits to enjoying your favorite bowl of chicken soup, noodles or rice optional.

Seriously, the recipe you use doesn’t matter. Here’s the one we use:

Ingredients:

  • cooked chicken, chunked or shredded
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
  • other optional veggies: potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas – literally anything you want to throw in the pot
  • 1 carton chicken stock or broth
  • oil or butter
  • salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage

How to:

  1. Heat the oil or butter in a large soup pot, then add the onions and celery. Cook until softened, slightly clear and fragrant.
  2. Add the celery, corn and other veggies. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
  3. Add the chicken and garlic, cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, adding water or another carton of broth to your preference. Add salt, pepper and other spices.
  5. Heat until boiling then reduce to a simmer until all veggie are tender. Add noodles if desired.
  6. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve piping hot!

Yum!

It’s also important to stay hydrated when you’re feeling poorly. Drinking hot tea can help you to feel better, too! Try our simple recipe, based on the original recipe from The Spruce Eats.

Ingredients:

  • 8-10 oz hot water
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp fresh or powdered ginger
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric

How to:

  1. Heat water to boiling.
  2. In a mug, combine all other ingredients. Adjust amounts to preference, but a generous amount of honey is recommended.
  3. Grate fresh ginger, if needed, and add to the mug.
  4. Add the boiling water and stir to combine. Wait until cool enough to drink and enjoy.

Turmeric has been noted for anti-inflammatory properties generally, but not specific to colds. Ginger is also anti-inflammatory as well as being anti-microbial. Honey also has similar properties, plus the added benefit of specifically being good for relieving coughs and sore throats.

Best of all, you can grab all the essential ingredients for all of these at home cold or flu remedies right at your local Commissary! Brave the trip yourself or ask a sympathetic friend to pick up some essentials for you.

What are your tried-and-true DIY cold or flu remedies? Share your wisdom in the comments!

PCS Season is Around the Corner – What To Do Now!

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Summer PCS season is right around the corner and it is not too early to start to plan even before you receive those ever-elusive orders. I’ve always been super disorganized and looked with awe at my fellow military spouses with their PCS binders and elaborate coding systems for moving boxes. I even know one friend who tapes down the dimensions of a U-Haul truck on her floor and begins packing in plastic crates and loads them in her fake U-Haul until she packs the real one a few days before the move. It is really a genius system if you can be that organized. Here are a few tips for the less organized to help keep your sanity.

  • Once you know your next duty station see what your options are for housing on post. If the waiting list is long you will need to consider other options. Rentals which will open for the summer are usually listed after the start of the year. The best ones will go fast. I personally do not like to rent sight unseen. What we typically do as a family is at Spring Break if it is close enough to drive to (about an eight-hour drive) we will go check out the new duty station as a family. If you must fly, my husband will spend spring break with the kids, and I will fly to the new location to check out schools and rental options.
  • Important Documents. We don’t use a binder, we keep everything in a fire box and that includes birth certificates, social security cards, marriage certificate, car titles, and passports. You should know where everything is but for the less organized find them and pick a way to keep track of them. I like a firebox because it is difficult to lose.
  • Start the PCS Purge. It is not too early to think about what you can get rid of. We have never gone over our weight limit by doing this. Consider getting rid of stuff in those boxes you have shipped every PCS move and never unpacked. Get rid of outgrown clothes and toys. Your local installation Thrift Shop accepts donations and profits are donated as community grants and scholarships. If you start early this doesn’t have to be stressful. I just do one room a week until complete.
  • I tend to keep a well-stocked pantry. It is too early to stop grocery shopping, but I like to get an idea of what we have and to start planning to use it up prior to our move.
  • Start thinking about how you want to move. We always use movers but a DITY move may be a good option for your family. If you have lots of stuff and especially if it is a cross country move it is just easier to have someone else do the packing and moving. PCS season is super busy so as soon as your spouse has your orders get into transportation to schedule your move. You will have better options and more likely to get the days you want.
  • The Fun Part, dreaming about your new duty station and planning your trip. We always take the full amount of travel time authorized by the military and make it a fun trip. I get online and start reconning pet friendly hotels and activities. Having a pet does limit you but we still have managed to make fun trips. The goal is not to arrive at your new duty station exhausted.

I loved all 30 of my moves (yes, it is a lot, but I was a military brat, served 12 years and became a military spouse. Yes, there are challenges, but I love seeing and living in new places. So, take the time to do some pre-planning and a little organizing for a stress free move. What are your favorite PCS tips? Post below to share.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Tax Season 411 for Military Troops & Families

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W2s will soon be hitting MyPay accounts around the world. Tax season is here, and we’ve got the 411 to help military families get the most bang for their buck.

Tax Season 411 for Military Troops & Families

Tax season can be stressful, especially for military troops and families. When you’re stationed far from your home of record or own several properties across multiple states, taxes can get interesting. Add in time in tax-free zones or small business ownership, and your military family’s taxes are super complicated.

However, knowledge is power. So we’re here to drop all our best intel and get you fully prepped for tax season 2020.

Know Your Deadlines

Tax season officially starts in late January, around January 27. W2s and other employer tax forms should arrive in the mail or be posted in your online pay portal by the end of the month.

Keep these handy for the whole process.

At the same time, you should also be getting tax forms from your bank, any investment accounts and other earnings.

Starting on or around January 27, you’ll be able to file your taxes with the IRS and your home of record. You will need to complete your filing or apply for a deadline by mid-April, usually on or around April 15.

Special Military-Specific Considerations

Did you know that BAH doesn’t count as “income” for tax purposes? That’s right: it’s exempt!

BAH and a whole host of other special military pay and benefits are not taxable. You can snag the whole list (from tax year 2018) from the IRS.

You can also claim deductions for uniform purchases, education and child care – although these are not all military-specific.

I’m Ready to File, Now What?

You have lots of options when filing, actually!

The military runs free tax centers on all major military installations, staffed by trained personnel. They can guide you through the process of filing state and local taxes. This is better for individuals and families with relatively uncomplicated taxes.

You could also file everything yourself, through the IRS or another online tax prep system like TurboTax. The IRS form is specifically for federal taxes. Each state also provides avenues to file without a preparation fee as well. Check with your specific state for more information.

MilitaryOneSource also offers free tax filing services for military troops through their MilTax software.

For more complicated taxes, like for property owners or small business owners, might require additional support from a tax professional.

You could opt for a larger accounting and tax prep firm. Turbo Tax and TaxSlayer all offer discounts and/or free tax support for military personnel. Each of these companies offers online tax filing support and assistance. Taxpayers will need to provide proof of military service along with all tax documents to qualify for the discount.

What If I Need Tons of Help?

Sometimes taxes are too much to muddle through even with online support or software. That’s when military troops and families can turn to local accountants, tax preparers and CPAs.

Many military spouses and veterans operate small businesses offering these services. Working with a military-connected accountant means that they’ll better understand the complications of your tax return because they probably have one that is just as challenging!

If a military-connected accountant isn’t available in your area, there are many large and small firms that can process your claims. Liberty Tax is a popular off-base company that offers a military discount. H&R Block is another popular tax company that has years of military expertise.

What Do I Need to Know in 2020?

Accountant Brandyn Cox, of BMC Accounting, shared some essential info that all military troops and families need to be tracking this tax season.

  • Military personnel are the only group allowed to still claim moving expenses; the rules changed for everyone else in 2017
  • You have until June 15 to file if you are deployed or stationed outside of the US and Puerto Rico
  • Spouses can file on behalf of their deployed spouse, as long as IRS Form 2848 has bee submitted

Cox notes that it’s also important to check the most recent tax updates for tax year 2019. There have been some changes to automatic deductions and claims you can make this year.

Avoid This Major Military Pitfall!

In addition to these important points, Cox passed along advice that all military troops need to know.

“Common mistakes I have seen military members make nowadays revolve around taking distributions from their TSP,” he said. “When you take that money out of a Traditional TSP, you’re going to incur a penalty equal to 10% of that distribution.”

There might be additional taxes on that TSP withdrawal as well.

“You’ll also want to withhold income taxes for that as well,” explained Cox. “Depending on your rank, filing status and number of kids claimed you are usually going to want to withhold no less than 12%”

In other words, pulling money out from your TSP could cost you big in the long run.

How do you handle tax season? Share your best tips and tricks in the comments!

Why is the National Guard or the Reserves Such a Great Option for High School Seniors?

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Do you have more children then your GI Bill transfer can fund or maybe want to use it for yourself or your spouse? The Army/Air Guard and Military Reserves can be a great job for your high school senior and help to fund a debt free education.

Active Duty is not the only way to go for military education benefits. The Reserves and National Guard offer a variety of educational benefits that make this a great option for any student but especially average students who may not qualify for any scholarships. Here are some opportunities:

  • One Weekend a Month – Do a drill weekend and pick up some extra cash. Enlistments also included access to the commissary, Exchange, and everything MWR offers.
  • As a member of the National Guard or Reserves you have access to health care with a low monthly fee.
  • Tuition Assistance – Currently you receive 100 percent which is up to $250 per semester hour. You can take up to 18 semester hours for a total of $4,500 per year.
  • The Air Force has its own Community College of the Air Force which helps you turn your military education into a degree.
  • Many career fields in the military can lead to college credit. Most schools will give you up to four hours in Physical Education credits for boot camp.
  • Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Degree Network System (SOC DNS) – This is a great program which allows you to establish a “home college” which will grant the degree. You must take 25% of your degree credits through the “home college”. The rest of your degree can come from transfer credit from other colleges, military experience and through testing like the CLEP tests.
  • CLEP tests – These usually cost $89 each but you can take at the education center for free. This is a great way to earn college credit.
  • The Montgomery GI Bill Select Reserve (MGIB-SR) and Post-9/11 GI Bill maybe options available to you and provide money for education.
  • Student Loan Repayment – Some fields offer this bonus which helps to pay off your student loans.
  • Bonus – Some fields offer bonuses up to $20,000.
  • If you join the Army or Air National Guard, check the state that you live in for more benefits. Many states offer free tuition for members of the Guard.
  • You can check with a recruiter if your child is really interested and wants to start as soon as possible. There is a Split Option program which allows a Junior in High School to go to Basic Training the summer between their junior and senior year. Once completed they will participate in monthly drills and then complete their training the following summer.

     These are all huge educational benefits which can go a long way to paying for a college education. I think military training also helps with maturity level as well and can lead to a more positive outcome when attending college. What ways have you come up with to help your child pay for college.  

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Are You Going Dry for January? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Dryuary is now officially a thing that people do. But what is it and why should you consider skipping booze to kickoff the new year? We’re breaking down the history, possible benefits and sharing yummy mocktail recipes to get you through all 31 days!

Are You Going Dry for January? Here’s What You Need to Know

After the excess of the holidays, taking a month off from alcohol generally can be a great way to reset your health and mindset in the new year. Plus, those who have accepted the challenge claim that they also see financial benefits that last the whole year!

Dryuary can a concept created in 2013 and officially branded in 2014 by Moderation Management, a non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals in cutting back or cutting out alcohol entirely. The concept of Dryuary is to help people rethink their relationship with alcohol generally and create a pattern of more moderate/minimal drinking going forward.

Photo Credit: ©Brian Jackson /Adobe Stock

Make the Commitment to Go Booze-Free

It all starts by setting your intention. The Dryuary website offers a place to make a virtual pledge to live alcohol-free in January. Once you’re registered (it’s free!), you’ll receive emails and virtual support regularly as you skip booze this month.

Before you start, it’s important to be honest about your current alcohol consumption. Think about the amount of alcohol you have regularly consumed over the last year and the last month. Dryuary advises that those who typically consume more than 5 beers, or the equivalent amount in other forms of alcohol, consult a doctor prior to starting. Going cold turkey at that level of regular imbibing can have serious health consequences.

After you’ve decided and made your pledge, tell your support system about what you’re doing. Ask them to support you on your journey, even if they’re not going dry.

Friends and family can help by:

  • Not judging your decision
  • Offering non-alcoholic options at get-togethers or parties
  • Joining the challenge

Remove Temptations

It won’t be easy to stick to your challenge if you’ve got bottles of beer, wine and hard liquor staring you in the face daily! Time to clean out your fridge and liquor cabinet.

Bonus: you’re going to be decluttering your house at the same time.

If you don’t want to just dump all your booze, hide it. Find a hard-to-get-to place in your house, like the very back of a very high kitchen cabinet or the farthest corner of a storage closet. Out of sight, out of mind. Plus, if you do get a craving it’ll be hard to a) remember where you stored everything and b) hard to access.

Consider party and event invites in January.

Create a plan to skip the bar at events you can’t or don’t want to skip. Bring a bottle of seltzer or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage with you to the party, if possible. For potlucks, you can offer to stock the booze-free section with yummy drinks that everyone can enjoy.

For events that might present too much temptation or that you’re not super excited about, consider declining the invite entirely. Send your kind regrets to the host. If it’s a close friend, you might consider suggesting an alternative like coffee instead of cocktails.

Benefits & Possible Risks of Dryuary

As mentioned above, individuals who habitually drink more than 5 beers or the equivalent daily need to consult a physician prior to starting Dryuary. There could be possible negative health risks to going cold turkey without medical supervision.

While you should definitely talk to a medical professional before making any major lifestyle changes, there are definite benefits to giving up alcohol for January.

  1. Weight Loss: You’re consuming fewer calories since you’re cutting out the alcohol. Many drinks are calorie-laden, which isn’t always obvious. Plus, you’ll skip the extra snacks that often sneak up on you when you’re drinking, especially socially. Fewer calories equals weight loss!
  2. Reduction in Liver Fat: Your overall liver fat can drop by as much as 15% when you give up alcohol for just a month, according to Dr. James Ferguson, a liver specialist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham in England, in an article posted to NPR.
  3. Blood Glucose Levels: Dr. Ferguson also noted that blood glucose drops by about 16% by skipping alcohol for a month. This lowers your risk for diabetes.
  4. Better Sleep: US News reported that just one drink can disrupt the quality of your sleep. By not drinking for a month, your sleep patterns could be healthier, resulting in better mental awareness and general health.

There are anecdotal studies that show continued decreased alcohol consumption in February and March. However, there are also studies that show going dry for a month can also lead to binge drinking or increased general consumption in February and March.

Enjoy a Yummy Mocktail at Cocktail Hour

You’re skipping alcohol, but you can still treat yourself with a tasty beverage sans booze. Try these recipes!

Do you go dry for January? Share your favorite tip, trick or mocktail recipe!