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How to Move Your Plants with You to Your New Duty Station

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When trying to make that rental property or on-post house feel like home, if you are anything like me, adding something green and growing is a must. Two (green) thumbs up if that new home also has room on the back deck from some container gardening, or better yet, enough yard space for a garden.

But no matter how hard you work to cultivate that bumper crop of cucumbers or nurture the philodendron that has occupied the corner of your living room for so long it’s practically a family member, PCSing often means you have to leave your plants behind.

How to Move Your Plants with You to Your New Duty Station

Have you moved your plants from one duty station to another?

But, if you happen to be preparing for a CONUS PCS, then you may just be able to take some of your little leafy friends with you. It just takes a little bit of planning.

Before you move any plant, make sure you check local laws for both the state you are departing and the one you are about to call home.

Some states restrict or prohibit the import or export of some types of plants. The reasons are many. The most common of which is that some plants can destroy or negatively impact local habitats, so check the law first.

House Plants

Some packing companies will allow you to ship plants, especially if the pick-up and delivery dates are a week or less apart. If your mover will ship plants, ask if they have special boxes for just this sort of thing.

If not, you can prepare your plants for shipment by lining the inside of a sturdy box (big enough to completely surround your plant) with plastic. You’ll also need enough bubble wrap to pack the plant in the box to keep it from tipping over.  You might also consider cutting some holes in the side or top of the box to let as much light into the box as possible without damaging the integrity and sturdiness of the box.

Oh, and make sure your plants are the last thing on the truck. It will help make sure they don’t get damaged because something heavy gets stacked on top and it will ensure they are the first thing off the truck when the movers arrive at your new address.

Most indoor plants can survive in the darkened conditions of a packing box with a good watering for about 3 to 5 days. If it’s going to be longer than that before your household goods arrive, then consider shipping it ahead to a friend or ask a neighbor to ship it to you after you get to your duty station.

If your plan is to keep your plants with you, say in the back of your car while you are moving, just make sure you give them some time in the sun and if temperatures get extreme (too hot or too cold) take them inside with you when you stop to rest for the night.

Outdoor Plants

For outdoor plants, the process gets a little trickier. You can give yourself a head start by planning for a potential move when your first plan your garden. And just like house plants, if you are going to ship an outdoor plant, the trip can’t be more than 3 to 5 days inside a box.

Bulbs are a great option for replanting. Daffodils, tulips, peonies and countless others all start with a bulb. While you can dig up bulbs at any time during the year, it’s best to try to pull them out of the ground before spring (this might mean the previous fall if you have a heavy winter season.) Allow your bulbs to dry a bit away from sun and wind and then store them in a paper bag. They are fragile, so pack them like you would anything else that is breakable.

Small shrubs and trees can also be transported without too much hassle. When removing them for transport, just make sure you keep the entire root ball intact. Wrap the entire ball in plastic, and then use paper or plastic wrap to ensure the remainder of the plant isn’t damaged during the move.

If taking a big bush or tree with you isn’t possible, consider taking a cutting. Roses, violets, begonias, citrus trees, poinsettias and geraniums are popular option. Take the time to research the best way to take a cutting for each type of plant and just like the other options, try to limit the time the cuttings are without sunlight and water to no more than 5 days.

If you happen to grow plants with seeds that are easily harvested, like watermelon or squash, take the time to dry the seeds, then store them in a paper envelope and when the season is right, plant the newest generation at your new home.

Have you moved your plants from one duty station to another? What tips would you offer?

How to Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel

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“Ummmm, I think I forgot the third copy of his health certificate!”

My face was absolutely panicked as I rechecked my dog’s travel folder, for the third time. I had put everything in there, in order, as directed. I had read all the rules 30 times, at least.

But we were still here, on the way to the airport and not sure what happened to that third copy of the health certificate.

Before you take off, make sure that you completely prepare your pet for air travel.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel

Do you have any tips for traveling with pets?

Before You Book

Unless you are traveling on PCS orders, you might have a little more flexibility with flights. Do some research into different airlines, where they fly and their pet policies.

Some airlines only allow small dogs and cats in the cabin. Others will allow animals in the cabin and in cargo, but only in the continental United States. There are just a handful of carriers that will transport pets in the cargo area overseas.

There are also size restrictions for pets flying in the cabin. Every airline is slightly different, so be sure to triple check your pet and his travel carrier before you pay. For pets flying in cargo, there are different charges based on the size and weight of your pet plus her kennel.

Additionally, there are temperature restrictions, especially for pets in cargo. Typically, pets are not allowed to fly if it is over or under a certain temperature. This is for their safety and comfort, as well as for your peace of mind.

Your pet should also be checked out by a veterinarian. This is especially true if you are PCSing overseas since your furry friend will need a clean bill of health to move with you. Your vet can help you work through any concerns you might have, like age or anxiety, and make recommendations to keep your pet comfortable during the trip.

Pet Prep

After you book, do some research into kennel requirements. Most airlines have specific rules about the size of the kennel compared to the size of the pet. Be sure you are getting the correct kennel for your flight!

Once you have the kennel, get your pet used to it. Make it a safe space where he is rewarded. Start feeding your pet in the kennel. Give treats whenever your dog follows your command to go into the kennel. You could also move his pet bed into the space or set it up by your cat’s scratching post.

Another idea is to make trips fun. Take your pet for car rides in the kennel, ending at a dog park or back home. Give lots of praise, cuddles and treats for good behavior.

If your pet is very anxious about flying, talk to your vet about possible solutions. You should also be checking in with your vet or seeking treatments according to the pet import or travel rules of your destination.

Week Before the Trip

Pay another visit to your vet’s office. Have your vet double-check your pet’s health. Be sure to ask for a certificate of health.

Depending on where you are traveling, there may be different health certificate requirements. When traveling overseas, many countries require a USDA certified veterinarian to complete a health certificate within 10 days before the pet’s arrival. Different countries also require various vaccines, microchipping and quarantine procedures.

Your vet can help with all of these. Most military veterinary treatment facilities are well versed in the pet travel rules, especially for PCSing families.

The week before your trip, you should also gather your supplies:

  • pet pee pads
  • water and food containers
  • zip ties
  • kennel labels

Now is also a great time to really make sure that you have all the copies you need of your paperwork. You do not want to be driving to the airport when you realize you’re a copy short!

Night Before the Trip

Get your kennel ready. Place the pee pads inside and tape a few extra inside of a ziplock baggie to the top of the kennel. Freeze water inside of the water bottle or bowl. This way it won’t spill everywhere during take-off. Place labels on the kennel and be sure that your information is visible. Make a few baggies of food for your pup. Tape these to the kennel as well.

Prepare your paperwork too. Secure these as directed by the airline, usually in another ziplock or watertight bag on the outside of the kennel. Keep a few extra copies in your carry-on bag, just in case.

Make sure that you have a copy of your pet’s flight itinerary, especially if he is flying separately from you or in cargo. Take a picture of him on your phone for visual identification in case there are questions or concerns later on.

In your luggage, make sure you have everything you will need for your pet at your destination. Also, pack some baby wipes and maybe a travel-size bottle of fabric spray.

Right Before You Fly

Take your pet for a nice long walk in the morning to get some energy out. Feed him according to your vet’s instructions and administer any medication as directed (and legal). Many airlines won’t fly animals that have been sedated, so clear that with your vet and check the airline’s policy.

At the airport, before you drop off your pet or before you board, make sure to take one last walk. Offer lots of praise and love as you kennel your fur baby. Make sure there is enough water in the container and that the food is ready to go as needed.

Have your pet’s paperwork ready to go at check-in. Keep the zip ties handy for securing kennels going cargo.

If your pet is flying in the cabin, keep a small empty pet water bottle with you through security. Fill it up at a water fountain before you board. Keep food and treats, as well as any medicines, in your carry-on bag.

When You Land

After you deplane or reunite with your pet, take her out for a potty break right away. If there has been an accident in the kennel, now is the time to deploy those baby wipes. Clean up your pet and their crate, replace the pee pad and maybe give a quick spritz of that fabric spray.

I went back through my folder one last time.

And I finally found that third copy of the health certificate. We were all set to fly!

What are your tips for traveling with pets?

 

CFC Questions Left Unanswered?

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Every year, MilitaryShoppers posts articles that aim to guide you along the donation process when CFC season nears.  This year is no different.  We will help to answer your looming questions and hope that we’re able to shed some light on the different ways you can donate and to which charities.

Recently, we came across an informative article from the Department of Defense, that we think will help deepen your understanding of the Combined Federal Campaign and perhaps answer any questions we may have left unanswered!

Find that article here! And don’t forget to #showsomelovecfc

Still have questions? Submit them to bschmalz@militarymedia.com and we will designate an article to answering your personal questions about the Combined Federal Campaign.

States Aim to Streamline Professional Licensing for Military Spouses

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Moving to Nebraska and want to be a nurse, dental hygienist or athletic trainer? You’re in luck! New laws allow you to obtain a one-year temporary license in several health-related professions.

States Aim to Streamline Professional Licensing for Military Spouses

If your profession requires a license, it is in your best interest to reach out to the licensing agency in your new state.

If you’re not relocating to the Cornhusker State, you can still take advantage of military spouse licensing agreements. Many states have streamlined professional licensing for military spouses.

Which states? Which licenses?

According to Military OneSource, 49 states have agreements in place to help military spouses through the licensing process. Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa do not currently have reciprocity agreements specifically for military spouses.

New York is not indicated to have military spouse specific reciprocity on the map. However, as of March 2017, New York does offer simplified licensing options in many professions for military spouses. There is an application process that is New York specific and your license must be in good standing in another state. Applicants also must pay the appropriate fee and submit the application for their desired license.

This process is true for the rest of the United States as well.

Each state requires a different application process to obtain a reciprocal license. Every state requires that applicants verify their military spouse status. To complete the application you will also need to provide evidence of a current license and/or education from another state. This will require providing transcripts, copies of your license(s) and supporting documents.

There may also be additional requirements in many states. These requirements may include:

  • proof of employment
  • professional exams or equivalent assessments
  • fingerprints or background check
  • first aid, AED and/or CPR certifications

There are also different professions that are considered eligible in each state. Some states don’t appear to target or exclude specific fields. Other states are limited to education professionals. Still other states exclude lawyers and teachers.

The license you can obtain also varies. Some states offer a temporary license as a hold over until the professional license is approved. In many states, the application process is expedited. Often a longer-term provisional license is granted in lieu of a full certification. This can allow professionals to complete additional requirements for full licensure.

What if my license isn’t covered?

For many professions, there aren’t national certification standards. While there are lots of similarities, especially in medicine and health professions, there are also lots of differences.

States naturally tend to favor candidates who have completed education in their jurisdiction. Especially in education and legal professions, there may be statutes and requirements specific to each state.

However, before you give up hope, check out the state licensing agency for your profession. For educators, that is usually the department of education. For lawyers, it is the state bar association. Other professions, like medicine, health or beauty, all have licensing boards. While there might not be specific language related to military spouses, there are usually avenues for professionals who have been prepared out of state or who are seeking reciprocity with a current license.

If you have questions, contact the office indicated by your professional licensing agency. With a few questions, you might be able to clarify the process or ask about military spouse licensing statutes. A new program might have been put in place and not publicized!

Are there any hidden issues?

Reciprocity, whether you are seeking it through a military spouse certification program or through other avenues, seems to mean that if you bring a current license from State A, then you should get a similar license from State B.

This is not always the case.

In some states, certain professions have employment requirements in order to obtain a reciprocal license. This is often seen with teachers. This clause means that applicants must have completed a certain number of years working professionally in order to qualify for reciprocity.

There are often state-specific professional exams. This is the case for lawyers and teachers, as well as other professions. Unless there are other programs in place, applicants might need to pass these tests in order to be licensed. It can pay to keep your results from previous states’ tests and ask the licensing board to review those before you pay for the new tests.

Bottom line: if your profession requires a license, it is in your best interest to reach out to the licensing agency in your new state.

Does your job require a state license? Have you had difficulty getting a state license after a PCS? Tell us in the comments.

Military Retirement or Promotion Gifts Your Service Member Will Treasure

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Promotions and retirements are marked with a ceremony and plenty of military pomp and circumstance. But in addition to all of the official protocols, a thoughtful gift can help show your support to their military career and provide a reminder of their years of service when it is time to retire or transition.

Do a quick online search and you’ll find thousands of vendors offering up some really great promotion or retirement gift ideas. It can be a little overwhelming.

How do you pick the right gift? The one that says “I support and love you” and “I am proud of your accomplishments?”

Here are 10 ideas to inspire you.

Military Retirement or Promotion Gifts Your Service Member Will Treasure

Have you given your service member a promotion gift that he or she loved?

For Promotion

The Traditional Black Pen

No soldier’s uniform is complete without a black pen, so they make a perfect gift. Just make sure the barrel isn’t too wide to fit into the pen slot on their uniform and make sure the color is within regulation. Have it engraved with the new rank and date of promotion or total days of service. You might even consider making this gift a tradition with each promotion. That way, you’ll have a whole collection when it comes time to transition or retire.

A Cup of Memories

Coffee, tea, water or beer, pick his or her favorite beverage and make it a promotion gift. Have it personalized to reflect the new rank or a motto that resonates with your spouse.

Books of Interest

Consider a military strategy book or a biography of a military hero as a gift. Make the gift even more special by asking members of the service member’s unit to add a note of encouragement to the inside pages.

Photographs

Make sure you take photos of the promotion ceremony and consider having professional photos taken with your newly promoted family member. If you are having a post-promotion celebration, make sure you take a group photo and have attendees sign the matting or a card that can be included when the picture is framed.

Tools of the Trade

As service members move up in the ranks, their responsibilities grow. Consider gifts that help them establish their office or help them in the field. Things like a name placard for their desk or a multi-purpose utility tool.

For Military Retirement

The Shadow Box

All of those old unit insignia, rank pins, medals and awards perfectly arranged into a piece of art. Go traditional or something a little more unique, shadow boxes are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Check out these ideas or if you’re feeling up to it, this gift makes for a great DIY project.

Flags

Many veterans like to fly flags in front of their homes. With a little advanced planning, you can request a U.S. flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capital. Or consider coordinating with the installation command of a favorite duty station and request a flag flown there.

If your service member is just beginning their career, consider purchasing a flag at your first duty station and have it flown at each one up until retirement! Just make sure you observe proper flag protocols as you take it from place to place. You might also consider a Corp or Branch flag. Check your local exchange or military surplus store to buy your flag.

Words of Wisdom

Ever hear that story about the Dad who bought a copy of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” and had his child’s teacher’s sign it as she was growing up and then gave the book to her at graduation? As service members grow through the ranks, they serve with many leaders. Consider modifying this idea by finding a really great military leadership book and having unit leadership add a note to your service member as they depart each duty station.

Or use social media to reach out to those service members your spouse served with in the past and ask them to send you a card or note, along with a picture, that you can have printed into a bound memory book.

Memory Boxes

Kind of like a hope chest, memory or keepsake boxes are wooden chests used to house all of the memories of service. You could include a uniform, pictures, awards and all the other bits and pieces that come with a long military career.

A Lasting Impact

Consider donating to a nonprofit organization and purchasing a stone or plaque in your service member’s honor (Check out the Name-A-Seat program at the Pritzker Military Museum). This gift takes a little more research, but if there is a cause or location near and dear to your service member, this might be the perfect way to commemorate their service and give back at the same time.

Have you given your service member a gift that he or she loved? Tell us about it in the comments section.

5 Creative and Useful Ways to Welcome Your New Neighbor

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It’s PCS season. You are either moving into a new neighborhood or someone new is moving into your neighborhood.

Finding a friendly face can make all the difference in adjusting to a new home. Here are 5 creative ideas on how to welcome your new neighbors.

5 Creative and Useful Ways to Welcome Your New Neighbor

No matter what you do to welcome your new neighbors, just reaching out to say hi is enough to make them feel happy.

5 Creative and Useful Ways to Welcome Your New Neighbor

Deliver a Home-Cooked Meal

There’s nothing quite like home-cooked food when you’ve been eating out during a PCS. Think about how long you actually go without a good home-cooked meal when moving. You stop cooking ahead of packing to make sure everything is clean, organized and ready to be boxed up. Then your kitchen gets packed and you find your family eating out until everything is unpacked in your new home. That can be a lot of takeout meals or at least microwaved dinners.

Welcome your new neighbors with something you’ve cooked. It doesn’t need to be a whole meal. You could make lasagna, enchiladas, a pasta dish or a breakfast casserole. A one plate meal makes clean up easy for the new family and they will be grateful to have a home-cooked meal. You could also bake cookies, brownies or sweet bread. Anything homemade will be welcomed over takeout.

Give Them Your Favorite Local Takeout Menus

If you aren’t that ambitious or you just aren’t sure what the family likes to eat, bring them local takeout menus. It can be fun trying new restaurants when moving to a new area, but it also can be intimidating. You don’t want to waste your money on something that turns out not to be good. If you don’t know anyone locally to ask their opinion on restaurants, you just have to try them and find out first-hand.

A list of good restaurants and perhaps restaurants to avoid is a great welcome gift to new neighbors. You likely have some takeout menus in your junk drawer at home so you won’t even have to make a trip out.

Offer to Pick Up Basic Essentials from the Commissary

Unpacking is a daunting task. You have to get most of the boxes out of the kitchen before you can go to the commissary and get groceries in order to make a meal.

Welcome your new neighbors by offering to pick up a few basic things for them when you go to the commissary. A gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs or some fresh fruit can go a long way in making someone feel at home.

Bringing over a few basics is a good way to make friends and help them settle in. Of course they will have to do a big shopping trip at some point, but bringing over some basics to get them started is really nice.

Share Your Knowledge About the Area

Finding your way around a new city can take a long time. Having a neighbor that knows the area in and out can be great. You can offer suggestions on where to eat, shop, play and explore.

Ask your new neighbors what kind of things they like to do. If they like to be outdoors, perhaps you could share information on good hiking and camping locations or outdoor recreation facilities. If the family has young children, let them know where child-friendly places are. Is there a zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens or children’s museum nearby? Let them know about traffic too. What time is rush hour and are there any roads to avoid at certain times? Valuable information can be as good of a welcome gift as a physical present.

Bring Over a Welcome Basket

If you are a creative and crafty person and want to bring over a gift, Pinterest has plenty of ideas for welcome baskets. There are a lot of clever and puny sayings to go with them as well.

One idea would be to make a movie night basket. You could put together a movie, movie theater tickets or Red Box code for a free movie night along with popcorn. Add a note that says “Just poppin’ in to say welcome to the neighborhood.”

Another idea would be to drop off a house plant with a note that says “We’re so glad the Navy (or whichever branch is applicable) planted you here.”

There are tons of ideas like these available online or perhaps you are clever enough to come up with one of your own.

No matter what you do to welcome your new neighbors, just reaching out to say hi is enough to make them feel happy. Take the first step in making friends and go over and introduce yourself. Who knows, it could be your next best friend moving in.

What is the best welcome gift you’ve received from your neighbors?

Have You Noticed Price Changes at Your Commissary?

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Prices have already started shifting at the commissary under the new variable pricing strategy. Have you noticed a difference? The change began earlier this spring when the commissary tested the new program out in 10 stores.

Now the variable pricing strategy is being implemented across the country. Don’t worry; you’ll still see great savings.

Have You Noticed Price Changes at Your Commissary?

Michelle Hooper, a customer service ambassador at the Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Commissary, scans prices. Luke won the 2015 Defense Commissary Agency’s Director’s Award for the Best Superstore. (DeCA photo)

If you missed the big announcement, last year the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorized a significant change in how the commissary determines the price of goods. Previously, the commissary set prices at cost plus a 5 percent surcharge. That surcharge money was used to maintain commissary facilities and to build new ones, such as the $38-million commissary at Fort Belvoir.

DeCA, the Defense Commissary Agency, which operates the commissaries, is funded by taxpayers’ money with a budget of $1.3 billion annually. Washington has been trying for years to get the commissary to be more self-sufficient and rely less on federal funding.

This year they are finally attempting to do just that. Variable pricing is one of their strategies. The commissary will also be introducing store brand products as well.

What is variable pricing?

Previously, the products at the commissary were sold at cost plus the 5 percent surcharge. Under variable pricing, the prices of goods will no longer be that simple.

Instead, many factors are taken into consideration when setting the price of products. This includes the market price, cost of obtaining the item, how well the items sell and more.

This isn’t something new the commissary came up with or that those in Washington fathomed. It is how commercial grocery stores determine their prices. The commissary is now embracing a similar pricing system.

Prices have always changed at the commissary based on the cost the commissary incurs for items from manufacturers. Many factors cause manufacturers to change the price they charge, such as weather and their cost of doing business.

Prices will now fluctuate with the market instead of simply with the manufacturers. While some prices might be going down, others might go up. Overall savings at the commissary will not change however.

How much will each region save?

Commissaries are grouped into regions. Market research is conducted in each region to determine the prices goods will be set at. This includes comparing the prices of about 1,000 products locally as well as the estimated 38,000 products that are checked nationally.

The cost of living varies across the country and with that is the cost of food. Researchers then are tasked with comparing the prices of items at different grocery stores across individual regions to determine the best price to set commissary products at. As the cost of living is higher in some areas and lower in others, so too will be the savings level in each region.

These savings will range from 17.6 percent to 44.2 percent over commercial grocery stores depending on which region you are in. Below are the regions and the overall savings expected.

Region            Savings %

New England            21.4%

South Atlantic          19.9%

South Central           18.1%

Pacific                       20.9%

Mountain                  17.6%

North Central           20.2%

Alaska/Hawaii          32.6%

Overseas                    44.2%

Which region am I in?

Now that you know how much savings each region is expected to save, you may want to see which region you are in. Commissaries aren’t in typical geographical groupings, as Virginia is included in the New England region as opposed to the South Atlantic for example.

To find out which region your commissary is in, look for your military installation on this map. Are you in the region you expected? How do you feel about the savings percentage your region is expected to get?

Next time you go to your commissary, check the prices and see if you can tell a difference.

Have you noticed a change in prices at your commissary? Which items did you notice have a price difference? Tell us in the comments section.

Why a PCS Stinks for Military Kids and Tips to Make It Better

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While supporting a parent’s military career, military children are asked to leave behind the familiar and embark on the unknown. The school they finally learned their way around, the best friends they’ve made and even the perfect bedroom must be given up when the PCS orders are cut.

Managing that transition as parent can be especially hard when you are worried about household goods and travel plans.

But here is an easy-to-remember acronym to help you mitigate any of the fears and angst your kids might have about PCSing: Frame, Acknowledge, Include, Re-engage and Support.

Why PCSing Stinks for Military Kids and Tips to Make It Better

Try these 5 tips to smooth the PCS transition for your military child.

Frame the PCS in a Positive Light

Kids are so quick to pick up on our moods and fears, so even though you might be freaking out about moving to someplace you’ve never heard of, try to frame the idea of moving in a positive way.

Try to think of moving as your next great family adventure.

Talk about how moving helps your family support their service member parent and why their service is so important. Emphasize the positive possibilities like making new friends, seeing different parts of the country or world, trying new foods, and remind them that you get to do it all as a family.

Acknowledge Your Child’s Feelings

A certain amount of resistance and fear about a move is to be expected and completely natural. Make sure you acknowledge any fears your children might have about moving and discuss ways to overcome those fears.

It’s OK to share that you are a little nervous about the move yourself, but don’t stew in those feelings. Take steps to help keep your frame of mind positive.

Include Your Children in the Planning Process

Try to include your kids in the planning stages, if they are old enough. Things like having them help with your pre-packing garage sale or planning the route you will be taking as you travel between duty stations can help kids feel like they have a role in your move.

If you can, incorporate some leave time during your transition and include some quality family time as part of your relocation process. A weeklong cross-country road trip means you’ll have the opportunity to stop and see things you’ve never seen before and may never see again. Create memories that will give your family something to laugh, cry or smile about. You don’t have to spend a ton of money, there are all kinds of amazing sites across the country (and abroad) that just require your time and appreciation. A little online research can help you find those kind of places.

And while you’re surfing the web, spend some time learning about your new duty station and then daydream together about things you’d like to do or see when you arrive.

Re-Engage in Normal ASAP

This part takes a little bit of planning on your part, but it’s another way to include your kids before the move. If you’ve got a soccer player or dancer or artist-in-the-making, find at least one activity you know they will enjoy and try to get them involved right away. It will give them something to look forward to and create a sense of the familiar in a new place.

Also, when it comes to unpacking, consider setting up your children’s rooms first. The sooner you can get back into your family routines, the better.

Before you leave your old duty station, be sure you get good contact information – cell phone numbers, emails and mailing addresses for friends you are leaving behind. A regular letter or Skype session is a great way to stay connected and it can really help kids who are moving (and those who are left behind) feel a little less isolated.

Support Your Child Through This Transition

No matter how many plans we make, there will always be that bump in the road we can’t possibly prepare for. Make a point to really talk to your kids about their feelings and listen to their concerns during your transition and after you arrive at your duty station (and for months afterward!).

Change is hard. Remind them that their feelings are normal. Then make sure you talk about things you can do as a family to help make the transition a little easier.

Have a conversation with your military child about moving. Ask them: What aspects of the PCS do you think stink? How can I make moving better for you?

KLEENEX Brand and SALUTE Honor a Hero at Charlotte Motor Speedway

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​The Memorial Day holiday has special meaning to many Kimberly-Clark families, and this past weekend, our KLEENEX Brand – in partnership with Disney-Pixar and JTG Daugherty Racing – honored one of those families on the No. 37 Kleenex-sponsored NASCAR, driven by Chris Buescher, during the 600 Miles of Remembrance race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

This special car was painted to resemble Lightning McQueen, the main character in the upcoming Cars 3 movie, which was a big win for our KLEENEX Brand’s ongoing partnership with Disney.

Chris Buescher comes in for a pit stop during the 600 Miles of Remembrance race at Charlotte Motor Speedway

However, the team quickly realized that this high-profile opportunity with Disney-Pixar also created the opportunity to prominently pay tribute to a K-C family member who had made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  They reached out to Kurt Rodine and our SALUTE employee resource group for help to identify a family to honor.

“Requesting this type of info is a bittersweet ordeal,” says Kurt.  “It is great that we get the opportunity to honor a fallen warrior, but the fact that we are honoring them means they have given everything they had to our country.”

The team selected a nomination from Ken Schell, Operations Manager at our New Milford facility, to honor Special Warfare Officer 1st Class (SO1) Jason Lewis. SO1 Lewis was a member of the US Navy SEALs and was killed in combat in 2007 in Bagdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The team worked with Schell and the family to have Lewis’ name printed on the windshield of the car for the duration of the race.

Members of the JTG racing team install a new windshield with Special Warfare Officer 1st Class (SO1) Jason Lewis’ name at the top

Ken shared a statement from Jason’s mom, Jean, and the Lewis family: “Jason was a strong, determined, committed young man who only had the mindset to succeed. He would push through any roadblock to do what was best for his family and country. Jason’s steps throughout his life were determined by God who was always a force in his life. We appreciate racing team for remembering our loved one on this Memorial Day.”

 

Halo Top Ice Cream Comes to Commissaries

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Halo Top Creamery. All opinions are 100% mine.

The timing could not be better for ice cream.

Halo Top ice cream, a low-calorie, high-protein and low-sugar ice cream, is available at commissaries at military bases throughout the country – perfect for the summer. Halo Top is made using only the best, all-natural ingredients so that it tastes like regular ice cream. Unlike regular ice cream, you can eat an entire pint and not feel guilty.

Hold up…did you say healthy ice cream?

Everything we know about ice cream up until this point tells us that the words “healthy” and “ice cream” don’t go together. But it’s time to change your ice cream assumptions.

Halo Top prides itself on producing a healthy ice cream that tastes creamy and delicious like the real deal without all the sugar, calories and carbs. It’s a healthy ice cream that actually tastes like ice cream.

Sound too good to be true? Don’t take my word for it.

Stop by your commissary to pick up a pint of Halo Top ice cream.* Or two. Or three. With 17 flavors, including Red Velvet, Peanut Butter Cup and Birthday Cake, there’s a favorite flavor for everyone in your family.

Halo Top Ice Cream Golden Seal Sweepstakes

And while you’re sampling all 17 flavors of Halo Top ice cream, you may find yourself leaving your commissary with more than ice cream during the month of June.

To celebrate their 5-year anniversary, 5 lucky pints of Halo Top ice cream were sealed in gold. Not real gold, of course, but the prizes associated with these 5 pints is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The Golden Seal, which can be found underneath the pint seal, has a prize list that includes: a 4-day vacation for 2 to Maui, $5,000 gift card for groceries and a Make-A-Wish sponsorship which will allow winners to grant wishes for children in their local communities.

Not a winner? Halo Top reminds ice cream lovers that there’s a silver lining, or in this case, a gold lining, in their Golden Seal Sweepstakes. Anyone with a losing seal can be entered to win a VIP package of all Halo Top pints by simply snapping a selfie with the seal. Don’t forget to use #HaloTopGoldenSeal when sharing your selfie to be entered to win.

Five additional grand prize winners showcasing their selfies could potentially win a year’s supply of Halo Top and a Halo Top branded mini freezer. Yes, a year’s supply of Halo Top ice cream!

Visit your commissary and dig into a pint of Halo Top ice cream today!

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Visit halotop.com/goldenseal for complete rules.