Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

‘The Savings Are Real’

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NEWS RELEASE

Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800

Tel:  (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105  DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105 

FAX: (804) 734-8248  DSN: 687-8248

www.commissaries.com

Release Number:         02-19                                                                                                                        

Date:                              January 11, 2019

Media Contact:             Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                                (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                           kevin.robinson@deca.mil

‘The savings are real’

For commissary’s senior enlisted advisor, the benefit is personal

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: For photos of Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka O’Neal, go to

https://www.flickr.com/photos/commissary/sets/72157675474028927.

FORT LEE, Va. – Like most authorized commissary patrons, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka N. O’Neal lives off the installation, where it would be more convenient to shop in the commercial grocery stores near her home.

However, convenience doesn’t always save money.

“Even as an E9, I still prefer my commissary over the so-called discount stores outside the gate,” said O’Neal. “And when I hear others talk about saving money, I just say why don’t you go to the commissary? I’ve done my homework, comparing sales receipts from the commissary and the civilian stores – the savings are real.”

As the new senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director, O’Neal makes it her business to learn everything she can about the commissary benefit so she can help other service members and their families save money. It’s a mission that she doesn’t take lightly.

“Right now I’m busy getting grounded in DeCA’s operations,” O’Neal said, “and concentrating on the mission, vision and focus areas that [retired Rear] Adm. [Robert J.] Bianchi, [DOD special assistant for commissary operations] wants me to target.

“From a senior enlisted advisor’s perspective it’s all about communications and messaging,” she added. “The ultimate challenge remains: How do we encourage our lower enlisted and mid grades to shop in our stores when many of them may be off post and near a number of commercial grocers? Messaging is so important as well as the ability of leaders to take our messaging and influence our patrons – and it’s all through communication.”  

In her previous assignment, O’Neal served as command sergeant major of the Joint Munitions & Lethality Life Cycle Command at Rock Island, Illinois.

At DeCA, she is the agency’s military advocate for enlisted service members – active duty, retired and reserve components – on all commissary benefit issues. The senior enlisted adviser is also the agency’s chief liaison to the military’s senior enlisted leaders.

“CSM O’Neal has an extensive background as a military leader,” Bianchi said. “As our new senior enlisted advisor, we are confident her experience will serve us well as she endeavors to help our patrons maximize their shopping experience and help us understand our patrons’ concerns about their commissary benefit.”

Throughout her nearly three decades in the Army, O’Neal has held a variety of battalion-, brigade- and command-level assignments that include the 1st Theater Sustainment Command (TSC), formerly known as COSCOM (1st Corps Support Command);  44th Medical Command; U.S. Army Special Operations Command; 1st and 4th Infantry Divisions; and the U.S. Army Materiel Command. O’Neal also provided logistical support for the production of the movie, Black Hawk Down, in Rabat, Morocco, and the Joint Logistics Command in Karshi Khanabad, Uzbekistan.

“I’ve always been an advocate for our commissary,” O’Neal said. “I just believe if you don’t take advantage of these benefits they will be on the chopping block; and we won’t realize what we had until it’s gone. Then it will be almost criminal to tell a young private to spend their money outside the gate, where they won’t get the same savings.”

She joined the Army as a parachute rigger in 1990 and later changed to automated logistical specialist in 1998. Her career has taken her to places such as Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Carson, Colorado; Camp Carroll, Korea; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and in Germany, Miseau and Kaiserslautern.

O’Neal holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Trident University International, (Cypress, California) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Campbell University (Buies Creek, North Carolina).

O’Neal’s complete biography is posted on the DeCA website.

-DeCA-

Assistance for Military Families Who Want to Strengthen Their Marriage

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Military life is rough on a marriage. Deployments, repeated moves, short-notice TDYs or trainings all take their toll.

The good news is that the US military divorce rate is approximately 3% to 3.1%. This marks a period of relative stability, with divorce rates hovering in this range for the last four years. It also is fairly comparable with the average US divorce rate of 3.2%.

Part of this change, from an all time high of 3.7% in 2011 during the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, could be due to marriage supports and programs available to military couples.

Assistance for Military Families Who Want to Strengthen Their Marriage

The military, across all branches, has recognized that the deployment tempo and other stressors of this life play a role in marital stress. Repeated deployments to combat zones, unaccompanied overseas assignments and short-notice assignments can all be extremely stressful. For spouses, they might be dealing with the additional stressors of employment uncertainty and frequent stints as a solo parent.

Having resources and opportunities to strengthen your military marriage is crucial to maintain happiness and stability. Your marriage doesn’t need to be in crisis in order to seek assistance. May programs are open to any married couple!

Your military base might have additional resources not listed here.

Marriage Retreats

Each service offers weekend retreat options designed to help strengthen and renew military marriages.

Marriage Care is an Air Force program offered over the course of a weekend. It is open to all active duty, reserve and Guard Air Force personnel.

The Army offers Strong Bonds, a program that helps families and couples build resiliency to deal with the rigors of military life. Programs are offered for couples, families and unmarried individuals.

CREDO is the marriage and family program offered to Marines, Sailors and the Coast Guard. Programs are offered at 10 locations around the world with varying themes to meet different needs. These are spiritually-based retreats.

Military marriage retreats are offered at no cost across all services. Child care may or may not be provided, so be sure to make arrangements as needed. Registration is first come, first served. Many retreats fill up quickly and are in high demand.

MFLC Couples Counseling

Every military base offers confidential counseling via Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs). While many know about their individual counseling sessions, couples counseling is also available.

Each session is 100% confidential, with no notes taken and no files created. The MFLCs are all trained and licensed counselors, some specializing in marital counseling.

Counseling is free and available on an as-needed basis. Contact the MFLC office on your base (search your base + MFLC) to book your first appointment.

Religious Couples Counseling

If you and your spouse have a strongly faith-based relationship, you might also seek confidential help from a trusted chaplain or other religious leader.

To get started, contact your religious leader to schedule an appointment. Your sessions will be largely faith-based and work to strengthen your marriage by grounding it in religious beliefs and resources.

Faith-based counseling services vary by base and individual chaplain.

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Other Counseling Options

Your marital enrichment is not limited to CREDO retreats, MFLC counseling or sessions with a chaplain. There are several other counseling and marriage strengthening programs available to military couples.

MilitaryOneSource can connect you with a trained counselor via online or phone-based non-medical counseling. Sessions are free and confidential.

You can schedule your first session by calling 800-342-9647. Phone lines are open 24/7.

DIY Support Options

Our military lifestyle is super busy, leaving almost no extra time to spare. If that sounds like your family, you can also DIY marital strengthening programs!

  • Love Every Day: a website that sends you and your spouse prompts daily. They might be random acts of kindness, questions or other activities designed to strengthen your marriage.
  • Couples Therapy Workbook: a workbook, by Kathleen Mates-Youngman, designed to facilitate conversations that will ultimately strengthen and grow your relationship.
  • Love Dare: a prompt-based couples journal that “dares” you to commit to mindful, purposeful acts of love every day for 30 days.
  • 5 Love Languages: learning how you best receive and give love so that you can be intentional in how you demonstrate your affection to your partner.

What Happens If…

Truth time: marriage is hard and takes work. Sometimes, even counseling and retreats aren’t enough to get back on track or heal a relationship.

That’s okay.

If you find yourself headed down this road, there are also resources that can help you navigate this next chapter.

  • MilitaryOneSource: contact non-medical counseling to talk to a counselor about your feelings. It can help you to process what’s happening and to make a plan for the next step.
  • MFLC: working with a counselor in person can help you to process your journey and create a plan to move forward.
  • JAG: contact your local JAG office for guidance about military divorce proceedings. Your JAG office can represent one party in a divorce, but not both. They may not represent you in civil court.
  • Branch-Specific Supports: each military branch provides specific supports and created certain regulations that govern military divorce. Contact your JAG office or unit commander for more information or resources.

How has your military marriage survived and thrived? We’d love to hear your best advice!

How To Make the Most of Your Commissary Benefits in 2019

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You’ve heard the hype. “Save incredible amounts of money at the commissary!” But do you know all the ways to make the most of your commissary benefits?

Listen, I’ve been there with you. When I started out, I wasn’t too sure about just what the commissary could do for me and my family.

Until I took my Mom on a shopping trip. Don’t worry, I paid. I asked her to guess the total for our trip. She was about $100 over. Her eyes got bigger and bigger as our cart was emptied, items scanned and the total was shown.

How To Make the Most of Your Commissary Benefits in 2019

Now, I’m a commissary convert – at least when it comes to certain things. I learned how to make the most of my commissary benefits. Now I’m sharing my best tips with you!

Check the Discount Shelves

Did you know that there is a discount shelf? Sometimes it’s a whole mini section! I swing through there once per visit. Usually, there are four parts to the discount section: frozen meat, cold/refrigerated items, bakery goods, and everything else found on shelves.

I find all sorts of goodies at a reduced cost, from gourmet bread to snacks for my kids to kitchen basics like trash bags.

Mostly, you’ll find goods that have been dinged up or have damaged packaging. The coffee pods inside are still 100% perfect, but the box makes them unsellable at the standard price.

Discounted items are generally not expired, but they might be close. So check the dates on everything that’s edible and plan accordingly.

Order Custom Meat Cuts Cheaper

We just did this over the holidays! For New Years Eve, we wanted to make prime rib, a cut thats not normally stocked in the meat section.

Sure, we could have gone out in town but the cost would have been a lot more. Actually, buying meat at the commissary generally is mostly cheaper than out in town with comparable quality. Don’t believe me? Do your own cost comparison!

Instead of going with a different cut or paying more, we simply asked the butcher. Yup, your commissary has a butcher or at the very least an employee who mans the meat section. We just told him the cut we needed, the approximate weight we wanted and an ideal pick-up date. Then we just showed up, got the meat and paid.

Done.

Plan Before You Shop & Save

Meal planning is such a time saver! It’s also great for reducing food waste and sticking to an eating plan, like whole foods or skipping gluten.

It’s easy to create your ideal meal plan in advance. You might even be able to save a little money in the bargain section, too!

First, use commissary sales fliers to find items that are at reduced prices. Then, see if there are any other discounts if you use your commissary rewards card. Use those as your anchor items and build your menu around that! If you’re feeling extra thrifty, you could even try to match on-sale commissary items with active coupons.

And if you’re located OCONUS, you can use coupons up to six months past their expiration date! Saving money for the win!

Shop for Staples

When I hit the commissary, I’m looking for those staple items. I fill my cart with things that I need routinely and that typically cost more in regular grocery stores.

At the commissary, I like to shop for toilet paper and paper towels, dairy products, and meat. My kids’ snacks are also much less expensive than local grocery stores, too.

Combine your major purchases with coupons for extra savings!

Look for Unique Items

Another great perk of the commissary is a super diverse international section. In many traditional supermarkets, you might find items from Asia or typical American-style Mexican cuisine. Of course, you’ll get a whole aisle for Italian food.

At the commissary, you can find everything from real Japanese ramen to authentic spotted dick (yeah, I know but it’s a real British food) to straight-from-Germany mustards. Every corner of the globe is covered in the commissary. That’s because our armed forces are located in every clime and place!

Plus, you can often find unique produce items that aren’t always available in the local stores. I’ve seen Okinawan sweet potatoes in SoCal!

Familiar & Friendly

I love to use my commissary benefits on the regular! So much so that some of the baggers know my kids on sight. It’s so nice to see friendly, familiar faces when we shop.

Plus, especially overseas, it’s nice to have access to my normal brands and foods that I can’t find on the economy. The extra savings doesn’t hurt either!

What are your favorite commissary benefits? Do you have secret money saving tips? Share your insights and stories with us!

Do You Bury Yourself in Social Media?

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A few months ago, I looked up and realized that I was pretty checked out of my own life. More accurately, I was checked out of my actual, non-virtual life. I had buried myself in social media, diving in to escape the stress of real life and using my virtual work as an excuse.

I didn’t wake up one day and just decide to basically “live” on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter. My habits were developed and honed over the last decade of military life. I’ve been driven by necessity and opportunity, business and escape.

Are you there, too?

Do You Bury Yourself in Social Media?

At first, I used internet chat rooms. That was way back in 2008 or 2009, before Facebook was the monolith of social interaction that it is today. Chat rooms were how I connected with other significant others while my spouse was away at training and MOS school.

But it was easy to disconnect, as simple as shutting my laptop or hitting the power button.

As Facebook expanded, it was easier to connect and find communities. My social plans, like unit events or neighborhood parties, were planned on Facebook. Our unit maintained a Facebook page. My business was, and still is, social media based.

Photo Credit:
©devrim_pinar/Adobe Stock

Facebook was the connection to my husband when he was deployed for a year. It was how we connected and shared pictures.

Facebook is how I stay in touch with distant family members, including my own parents and sister, no matter where the military sends us. They love seeing my kids grow up. Having Facebook and Instagram makes it really easy to get those glimpses of lives lived far apart.

Social Media was Taking Over My Life

Pretty soon, I was checking Facebook multiple times each day. The rise of the iPhone and apps made my habit easier to access. My social network was in the palm of my hand, just a swipe or touch away.

Waiting at the doctor’s office or at the mechanic, I was swiping through social media. Facebook and Instagram became my default “killing time” activity.

As we moved around the country and then the world, social media was my way to keep friendships alive. It was my research tool to make moving a little bit easier, checking out the latest info on our next base or collecting travel tips for our next adventure.

Later, as I created my blog and launched a parent coaching business, spending hours on social media could be spun as “work.” I was creating posts, building connections with potential clients, and growing my network.

My Escape from Life

Really, social media had kind of taken over my life. I was no longer “present” in my actual real life.

Instead of experiencing my OCONUS life, I was hunting for the next best ‘gram spot or a way to twist a cool trip into a social post. I was “working” by scrolling on Facebook instead of playing with my kids.

Enough was enough. There is nothing so important online that it trumps living real life.

But I also get how useful social media is for military spouses. We almost need it to get the best picture of our next PCS move – schools, housing, commutes, jobs and possible friendships connections.

Try a Social Media Diet

I needed to do something. Cutting all ties just isn’t realistic. My business lives online, so I do need accounts to make it more profitable and functional. But social media would no longer be my focus.

My first step to reconnect with myself and my life was to take Facebook and Twitter off of my phone. Instagram stays, for now, but with time limits. Now, I get notified when I reach 30 minutes of daily Instagram use.

Facebook checks will be limited to just a few times a day, only when my kids are at school. It’s such a time suck and is really overwhelming sometimes.

I’m making a point to only hop onto my computer during working hours, when the kids are at school. Once they get home, the computer is shut and the phone will be mostly down.

I’m giving myself some grace. My tech is where my recipes are stored, how I do quick research and is the keeper of my music library. So, my phone or iPad might be out during dinner prep. Or I could be hunting for a playlist to listen to with the kids. Little kids have lots of questions, and they need answers fast. Hello, Google.

I’ve been doing this social media diet for the last month or so. And already, I’m feeling so much lighter and happier. I’m present with my kids in a way that I really haven’t been in a while. It feels so very good to not be buried in my social media bubble anymore.

Have you been burying yourself in social media? Or have you broken a virtual habit? Share your story with us!

What Military Spouses wished Their Peers of Different Generations Knew

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By Marguerite Cleveland

There can be a bit of a generation gap among military spouses and sometimes that can lead to misunderstandings or hurt feelings. After conducting some informal interviews among military spouses of varying generations here are a few things I learned.

Those spouses of a certain generation, the old-timers or those who have just been around a while want you to know they appreciate you and your youth and energy. They want you to know that this military sisterhood is such a bond and this sisterhood is what got them through the past 20 years. One thing that is very important to them is the military traditions that have been passed down to them and that they try to pass on to you. It is not meant to be a “these are the rules and you have to do it this way”, although it may come across that way to you. It is more like in a family how you pass down or teach the next generation how to make a beloved family recipe or maybe how you always go to your grandmother’s for Thanksgiving Dinner. These welcomes, farewells, coffees and teas were shared with them when they first started out. They may have seen a commander’s wife farewelled with a tea and looked forward to the day when they would get to experience that.

Their biggest pet peeve (and this goes across all the generations) is the lack of people RSVPing to an invitation or waiting until after the date has passed by. Many events are so logistically intensive and you need an accurate count to plan for the event. We often laugh about the movies showing military events in the past where the clock ticks to the time of the event starting and everyone gets out of the car at the same time and heads to the door. The old-timers wish you would adhere to that and not arrive early.  If they needed help they would have arranged for it ahead of time and that last ten minutes is their time to take a breath and freshen up before their guests arrive.


© digitalskillet1 /Adobe Stock

The newer spouses, the young ones, or those just starting on their journey wished you wouldn’t call them millennials. Did you know some millennials are now 37 years old? They also want you to know they appreciate the struggle you went through in tougher conditions and all that you did for the next generation of spouses. They also really appreciate the Family Readiness Groups and social events even though they might not always be able to go.  They say those groups help them to stay connected to the military.

The most important thing they wished you would remember is that they are going through everything for the first time. So even though you may roll your eyes at their comments about missing their husband when he departs on their first month long training event, this is the first time for them and they are away from their families. They also wish you would take the time to explain the traditions without just dictating do this, this and this. Another area they really struggle with is wanting to participate and volunteer but having difficulties with childcare. The costs have skyrocketed and there is rarely any free child care available.

No matter what the frustrations at times, the military sisterhood is there for you when you need it. Good communication is key and also needs to be empathy to understand what the other is going through. What do you wish your fellow military spouses knew?

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

Spice Up Your Diet with Healthy International Cuisine

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Who said that diets needed to be bland or boring? You can totally eat delicious, flavorful dishes that are healthier for you!

Best of all, you can find all the ingredients you need for these yummy internationally-inspired dishes right at the commissary!

Spice Up Your Diet with Healthy International Cuisine

Yes, the commissary carries all the standard American basics: marshmallow fluff, Chef Boyardee and tons of peanut butter. In between all the basics are incredibly tasty international foods that will add variety and spice to your diet.

Many of these foods are connected to military duty stations around the world, from Asia to Europe and around the US, too.

Asian Cuisine to Enjoy Tonight

There are tons of duty stations through Asia, from South Korea all the way to Southeast Asia. The commissary carries a broad spectrum of cuisines and delicacies from all of these rich cultures.

Pick up a bottle of bulgogi sauce and thin cuts of steak. Marinate the steak in the sauce, then cook as preferred. Use your spiced up Korean-inspired steak to top a salad or rice bowl!

For salad, use whole peeled oranges, sliced radish, and slivered almonds to add crunch. In a rice bowl, top with kimchi, zucchini, and toasted sesame seeds.

You could also grab a package of noodles – ramen, udon, or soba – from Japan. Simmer your noodles in vegetable or chicken broth, or DIY your own soup base.

Serve them steaming hot in a bowl. Add in boiled eggs, pickled radish, bean sprouts and thin slices of meat like chicken or pork. You could even add tofu. It’s the ultimate Japanese comfort food on a chilly winter day!

Throughout Asia, stir fry is the quick meal of choice. It’s so simple to make and it’s a great way to use up leftovers.

In a hot pan, quickly cook up meat or tofu with the veggies of your choice. This is a great way to finish up leftover lean meats, like chicken or pork. You could add soy or teriyaki sauce, but it’s delicious with a little bit of ground ginger and sesame seeds, too.

Serve your stir fry with a bowl of rice, a side of noodles or as a stand-alone main dish.

Spicy Southeast Asian Cuisine

Even though Vietnam is known for balmy weather, soup is a mainstay of their traditional cuisine. Make your own pho at home with ingredients from the commissary!

Pick up rice noodles, fish sauce and the other ingredients in the baking and international aisles. You’ll love the delicious smells filling your kitchen while your soup simmers!


Photo Credit: © nblxer /Adobe Stock

Serve piping hot with traditional toppings, like spicy chilis, Thai basil, bean sprouts and sliced lime.

For a spicy appetizer, or main course, pick up rice paper wrappers and sweet chili dipping sauce. Make your own fresh spring rolls!

Follow the directions on the rice paper wrappers to prep them. Then fill each wrapper with thinly sliced fresh veggies, cooked shrimp or shredded chicken. Dip your spring rolls into the chili sauce for a yummy way to eat healthy!

Enjoy the Flavors of Germany

Germany might be known for sausages and beers, but there are healthier dishes mixed in. In fact, sauerkraut is known to be particularly good for improving digestion!

Whip up pork chops and sauerkraut for a taste of Germany wherever you are stationed! Bread pork chops and bake until golden brown. For a healthier option, skip the breading and grill your meat instead!

Serve with a hearty helping of sauerkraut, your favorite green vegetable and a side salad.

Make breakfast for dinner with German pancakes. You won’t even have to shop for special ingredients. Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.

Dish up your pancakes with a side of sliced fruit or scrambled eggs. And remember to go light on the syrup!

Bring English Food to Your Table

It’s a small but mighty nation with yummy food to match. Add a British twist to your table with healthy versions of classic foods.

Make your own lightened up fish and chips with frozen fish from the commissary. Choose a white fish, like cod or tilapia, that has already been cut into small filets.

Skip options that already have breading and do it yourself. Add just a light coating of flour along with salt and pepper. Bake until cooked through.

You could buy pre-made fries, like sweet potato or traditional crinkle cut fries. But it’s fun to DIY this, too! Slice potatoes into fry-sized strips, season and bake until golden brown.

Another great British choice is bangers and mash, or sausages and mashed potatoes.

Lighten this up by choosing turkey sausage and using mashed cauliflower or a cauliflower/potato blend. Skip the heavy cream and dairy by opting for vegetable broth and just butter in the mash. Add an extra helping of your favorite vegetables to fill your plate with healthy choices.

What delicious international cuisine have you discovered at the commissary? Share your best finds in the comments!

How to Lose Holiday Weight on Your Military Base

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Halloween rolls right into Thanksgiving and then we head into the month-long overindulgence of Christmas followed by New Year’s Eve. Chocolate everything, turkey with extra gravy, cookies and all that stuffing. I’m ready to lose holiday weight STAT.

There are tons of great options in the military community to help trim down after a busy holiday season.

How to Lose Holiday Weight on Your Military Base

Everything you need to start getting back into fighting form is right outside your door, and on your local military base!

Eat Right at the Commissary

Getting back into shape starts by eating right and your commissary has tools to help you find healthy foods. As you’re shopping, keep an eye on the shelves for nutrition labels to help you choose better-for-you foods.

The Nutrition Guide Program has helpful labels so that you can find healthier foods. Everything is color-coordinated and features an eye-catching graphic logo. You’ll be able to figure out which items are organic, low fat or whole grain.

Where I normally get into trouble are the middle aisles, where the snacks live. To avoid temptation, stick to the outside of the store. That’s where the whole foods are housed. The only exception you might want to make is for the freezer section, especially frozen vegetables and meats or seafood.

Fill your cart with produce, dairy products and meats or seafood.

Get Fit for Free at the Base Gym

Every military base has at least one fitness center that’s open, for free, to troops, dependents and retirees. Head down to your local base gym to check out what they have to offer.

Many fitness centers have a variety of standard equipment, like cardio machines, weight machines and free weights. Some centers also offer additional resources, like a pool or track.

You can drop into group fitness classes or join an accountability club, too! Many military fitness centers provide free group classes, like spin or yoga, as part of their programming. Some locations might also provide accountability programs, like running or cycling clubs. Log your miles every week to earn rewards!

Join a Military-Centered Fitness Community

If the gym isn’t your thing, connect with a non-traditional exercise group.

A super popular running group that’s already established is Stroller Warriors. No stroller or kids required! Join your local chapter for a January run. Groups are easy to find. Search your base and Stroller Warriors on Facebook.

You could also create your own DIY fitness group wherever you are located. Team up with friends, neighbors or folks in your unit. Get together for gym sessions, try out CrossFit workouts of the day or head out for a run. Use free YouTube videos or create your own programs together.

Keep each other accountable by tracking workouts and nutrition on a fitness app, like MyFitnessPal.

Hire a Personal Trainer

Fitness and personal training is a huge market in the military community. No matter where you are stationed, there are certified personal trainers in your military community.

Many personal trainers are military spouses who tailor their programs around their clients’ busy lives, factoring in deployments, erratic schedules or lack of child care.

Rates vary by location, so reach out to your local military community. Your on-base fitness facility might even have recommendations or personal trainers on staff.

Work with a Nutritionist

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut at the chow hall or cooking the same kid-friendly meals. Or you might be trying to eat better, but aren’t quite sure where to start.

Find a military-connected nutritionist or meal planner in your community.

A certified nutritionist can create an eating plan that accounts for your fitness levels, food preferences and other dietary needs. Your nutritionist can help you find recipes, share eating tips or introduce you to different foods.

Some nutritionists also run in-person or virtual accountability groups. You’ll be able to harness the power of a supportive community to make big changes in your life!

Plus, military-connected nutritionists will have experience shopping at the commissary. And they might be able to direct you to hidden gems on the economy, too.

Your MTF might have nutritionists on staff or have a curated list of preferred nutritionists.

Get Active with Others

Your MWR or FSS, as well as your local single service member program, might offer cool opportunities to get active with others in your community.

Depending on your location, you could find ski trips, hiking, scuba diving or horseback riding. Check with your MWR, single service member or FSS office to get specifics about excursions and trips near you.

Start Small First

There are tons of great options for military troops and families to get back in shape and lose holiday weight. It’s tempting to jump in all at once and try everything.

Instead of overwhelming yourself by trying everything together, start slowly and take small steps. Figure out what is the most reasonable and easiest place to start. Maybe make a plan to join a fitness group or overhaul your eating plans. Then add on next steps as you go.

What are your best tips to lose holiday weight? We’d love to check out your ideas and advice!

Prepping Your Family for a PCS Move

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Helpful tips to make everyone look forward to the adventure

By Marguerite Cleveland

The first PCS move I can remember as a child was a three-week adventure I still recall to this day even though it was over 40 years ago. It was an epic trip from San Diego, California to Newport, Rhode Island with five kids, our dachshund Cleopatra, Mom and Dad; all in a Pontiac Station wagon. What an adventure it was crossing the desert at night to avoid the heat, seeing Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, and Mesa Verde National Park. We got snowed in when in Colorado and ate spaghetti for six straight meals while visiting family (the go to meal in the 70’s for lots of people) in Louisiana. What could have been a challenge for many was a great adventure due to my Mother’s always positive demeanor and my Father’s excellent planning and organizing skills.

PCS moves can be challenging and stressful, but we all signed up for this life so embrace it and look at the positives.  My Mother began prepping us about three months out. “I’ve got the go bug,” she would say. “I am so tried of living here and ready to see somewhere new.” I am sure she had mixed feelings and would miss her friends, but she never let us know anything other than she was so excited to be moving. I have to say it was infectious. We never worried about leaving friends behind because she had us so focused on the fun places we were going to see and all the new people we would meet. So that is tip number one. No matter how you feel embrace the PCS and get your kids onboard. Act like you’re happy even if you aren’t because believe me whining and complaining especially in front of the children will make it much worse. I have made over 30 moves in my lifetime and I can tell you there is always something you can focus on at your new location that will bring you joy.

Plan, plan and more planning. Research your trip and make reservations well ahead of time but make sure they are cancelable. Also, don’t try to ironman it and wear yourself out. You get paid travel pay for 350 miles a day. Take advantage of that and drive 7 to 8 hours a day when traveling with kids. Always book a hotel with a pool. It’s a great way to get out all that pent-up energy after a long day in the car. Save money by bringing a cooler and plan picnic lunches. Always carry snacks.  You never know when you will hit a long stretch of road with no stops. I still have a trip notebook from one of our many moves. Give each child a notebook, colored pencils (crayons can melt in summer heat) glue sticks and safety scissors to journal their trip. We would stop at visitor’s center to get brochures to use in our books. One of my Mother’s most important rules. Stop every two hours and everybody out of the car to stretch and use the facilities. This was always nonnegotiable and avoided unnecessary stops.

To this day I still get the “Go Bug”, just that sense of wanting to see and do something new. So even though you may not be happy about your move try to focus on the positives not the negatives. It really does make a difference.

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.WanderWordsWine.com

Make 2019 the Year to Get Your Degree

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How Can Military Spouses Find the Money For It?

By Marguerite Cleveland

So you’ve decided you want to go back to school, now what? A great place to start is Military One Source Spouse Education and Career Opportunities. This website is a wealth of information to get you on track. Get information on finding the perfect career for you. Learn about the education requirements for the career you are interested in. Are you ready for employment and how to find out? Also learn about career connections that can help you land your dream job. You may find you don’t need a four year degree to pursue your dream. For example the local community college near where I live offers a computer certificate and graduates can expect jobs with median salaries of $60K and with the 2 year degree a median salary of $80K. So it is important to do your research.

Visit your Installation Education Center and find out what programs are available to you. Many installations have classes offered right on the base from a variety of colleges. If you find yourself stationed OCONUS this is a good way to continue your education. The centers also serve as testing centers for a variety of professional tests and certifications as well as college tests such as CLEP and the SATs.

If you are a junior military spouse you are eligible for the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account Scholarship or MYCAA. This program helps you to pursue a license, certificate, certifications or an associate degree to help you get the education you need for a portable career. One that can move with you when you PCS around the globe. You can receive up to $2000 a year and a total of $4000. You can use your scholarship at any institution approved for participation in the program.  For more information call Military One Source at 800.342.9647, Operators are available 24/7 but the career counselors are available M-F 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST and Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also find out more about the program at www.militaryonesource.mil.

There are a variety of scholarships available to military spouses. Many military spouse clubs offer scholarships to military spouses. I know one base that offered a $15K and a $10K scholarship to a military spouse and only had five spouses apply that year!  The amounts were not disseminated a head of time as they never know how much money they will raise.  Many military organizations and unit associations offer scholarships. A quick GOOGLE search will give you tons of options like the Thanks USA Scholarship that provides up to $3,000 in funds for school or the National Military Family Association which offers a variety of military spouse scholarships. Also many scholarship search engines will let you filter by military.

There are so many opportunities now for going to school. I managed to cobble my four year degree together with a combination of tests, traditional classes, credit for military experience and since there was no internet at the time, a video course.  Today you can go to school online which is great with frequent moves, but you have to be disciplined to complete a program this way. You can also do a mixture of live classes and online courses, look at what fits your needs. Also don’t just lock into college as the only source of education. Consider technical schools, apprenticeships, internships or vocational schools. Some unions even offer courses to learn a trade. The key is to know yourself and what is going to be a good fit for you.  What are your educational goals? Post in the comments below.

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.WanderWordsWine.com

Why I’m Grateful To Be A Military Spouse

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Endless moving, constant change, long deployments, never feeling 100% secure in a career because of the PCSing. It’s a lot of stress. Being a military spouse is certainly no cakewalk, even under the absolute best of circumstances.

But…

5 'In Uniform' Rules All Military Spouses Should Know

Photo Credit: Lauren Nygard Photography

I wouldn’t dream of living another life. Ever.

I might not like every part of this military spouse life, but I do love it. It’s given me freedom and support in equal measures, with lots of joy mixed in, too.

Why I’m Grateful To Be A Military Spouse

This life may not be easy, but I’m incredibly thankful to be on this journey!

1. I’m surrounded by experts in all things, all the time

My daughter was very, very ill recently. The doctor’s office was closed and I wasn’t sure what to do. I called the nurse advice line but didn’t feel 100% confident in their suggestions. They couldn’t actually see my poor girl or really get the full picture over the phone.

Instead, I phoned a friend. She’s a nurse and lives just one street over. In minutes, she was in my house with advice I trusted because I trust her. The next day, she called again to see how things had played out and to walk me through what the next steps might look like.

She’s not the only professional I know either. Just in my neighborhood, I’ve got a hairdresser, makeup artist, accountant, pharmacist, personal trainer, vinyl artist, and EMT. Those are just the folks I know!

No matter what problem I have, there is a military spouse friend I can call.

Help with my blog or business? It’s handled.

Medical advice? Done.

Buying, selling, renting or managing real estate? Didn’t even break a sweat.

Any direct sales company from books to makeup to unmentionables? You betcha!

2. I’ve lived farther from “home” than I ever thought possible

I grew up in a small New England town where most people stayed, at least, in the county. My life from college graduation on was mapped out: find a teaching job sort of close by, stay there for 20-30 years, retire and then travel.

The farthest my feet had taken me was up to Montreal and Quebec City for a college student exchange program.

Right now, I’m typing this post from my couch in Japan.

Japan.

I’ve gone from the person who was content to maybe cross a state line to grab a great job to a literal world traveler. We’ve lived in California, DC, and now Japan.

I never thought I would get to visit anywhere beyond the US or maybe western Europe. Now, I can say that I’ve lived in Japan!

3. My kids have bathed elephants in Thailand

They’ve eaten pho in Vietnam, worn hanbocks in Seoul, tried sushi in Tokyo, and walked paths through thousands of years of history.

We have seen the world, thanks to this military life we lead.

Without the gift of our overseas duty station, traveling throughout Asia would have been a pie-in-the-sky dream. We would have stuck with the wonders of America, and been very thankful for the experiences.

But now, I have the image of my daughter’s surprised face the first time she touched the rough wrinkled skin of an elephant. My son’s laughter at the shisa dog dancers rings in my ears. I can still taste the Cao lau, made from scratch with water from an ancient well, in Hoi An.

4. I can try new things often

Traveling brings new adventures no matter what, or where, we explore. But I’m talking about personal and professional new things.

Remember, I thought I would be a teacher for a few decades? Instead, I’m dipping my toes into freelance writing and running my own virtual business. I’ve been able to serve families around the world as a tutor and homeschooling coach. I wrote a book, something I never thought I would do in a million years.

Yes, I’ve been a teacher and worked in schools, too. So that dream is still very much alive!

And our next move has even more potential for reinvention. I can choose to return to the classroom, dive into non-profit work that I’m passionate about, or continue to build my personal brand.

Without the constant moving and changing, my “brand” would still be what it was on college graduation day: elementary and special education teacher.

Instead, I’ve been able to explore different interests and areas with a little bit of a safety net. I’m still not 100% sure where I’ll land next, but I know it will be something exciting and amazing.

5. I get to be Cinderella at least one night a year

Growing up, my best friend and I would go to JC Penny and try on the prom dresses. We weren’t shopping for anything. It was just for fun. Putting on a fancy dress, sweeping your hair up into a formal updo, and wearing more makeup than normal is exciting!

I love that one night every year I get to play Cinderella with my own handsome knight in shining armor on my arm.

So, I might moan and groan about finding a sitter or trying to get dressed with a toddler underfoot. But deep down, I live for this. The ball is my Super Bowl.

I love to see everyone in fancy clothes, on their best behavior before dinner and then breaking it down on the dance floor after dessert.

Watching the motivational videos, especially the Birthday Message, makes me tear up every year. If there’s a remotely poignant guest speaker, I’ll be trying to hold back the waterworks!

I’m so grateful to be part of this supportive, adventurous, incredibly talented military spouse community!

Let us know why you’re thankful to be a military spouse!