Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

15 Corporations Looking to Hire Veterans

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Veterans Day, November 11, is quickly approaching. Soon restaurants will begin advertising free meals, stores will offer discounts and people will be making more of a point to thank veterans for their service.

These gestures are nice, but there is more businesses can do for veterans.

They can hire veterans.

There are currently more than 20 million veterans. That’s a lot of people to thank. The unemployment rate for veterans overall last month was 4.3 percent. That number has been much higher in recent years, but the government has been doing a lot to encourage businesses to hire veterans. They have also introduced programs, such as Joining Forces, to motivate businesses to hire veterans like never before and the rate of veteran unemployment has dropped.

15 Corporations Looking to Hire Veterans

If you are an unemployed veteran, use this list as a tool for finding the right job for you.

There are many companies that are military friendly. These businesses hire a large number of veterans. They specifically target veterans with their recruiting efforts. Most of them have special programs specifically for veterans and help them make an easy transition into civilian jobs.

Military-friendly companies also help develop veterans into leadership roles.

The following is a list of military-friendly companies verified by Military.com and Military Times. The former keeps a running list of military friendly businesses and each year Military Times puts out a list of their best employers for veterans.

If you are an unemployed veteran, use this list as a tool for finding the right job for you or pass it along to someone you know who is looking for a new career.

15 Corporations Looking to Hire Veterans

Verizon was ranked No. 1 by Military Times as the top military-friendly employer. They advertise that 85% of military jobs translate to Verizon jobs.

Union Pacific Railroad employs more than 9,800 veterans. They believe military service members bring a unique set of skills to the job and recruit military heavily.

USAA provides insurance, investments and banking products to veterans, service members and their families. They also employ a great deal of them.

PwC is a consulting firm that has received the Seven Seals Award and has been listed on numerous top lists for military-friendly businesses. They are also highly rated for military spouse employment.

BAE Systems is in the defense and aerospace industry. They offer jobs that allow veterans to continue doing jobs that are mission-centered.

Booz Allen Hamilton is committed to hiring veterans and wounded service members. They offer mentoring programs to help transition from military life to civilian. They employ more than 7,400 veterans.

Intuitive Research and Technology Corp. is growing in the engineering services sector. Fortune lists them as the No. 1 workplace to retire from.

The Boeing Co. employs more than 22,200 veterans. They have excellent track record of working with veterans helping them transition into long-lasting jobs. They are heavily invested in supporting military families.

CACI International focuses on information technology and provides IT services and solutions for defense, intelligence and homeland security. They have veteran advocates that help veterans make the transition to civilian life.

Capital One has excellent benefits for activated reservists. They are number 10 on Military Times list of top military-friendly employers. They are also in the top 100 for best companies to work for in 2016 according to Fortune.

Amazon has worldwide operations and is actively recruiting veterans. They employ thousands of veterans and military spouses. In May, they pledged to hire 25,000 veterans and military spouses over the next 5 years.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service has more than 40,000 jobs in 20 different career areas. They employ over 4,000 veterans and continue to hire more daily.

BNSF Railway operates one of the largest freight rail transportation networks in America. They have been hiring veterans since the end of the civil war. BNSF Railway has hired more than 9,000 veterans since 2005 and have pledged to hire 5,000 more by 2018.

CSX Transportation is the largest eastern railroad and one of the top military-friendly employers. They are part of a group of more than 80 companies that have come together to collectively hire 100,000 veterans by 2020.

General Electric employs more than 10,000 veterans. Amazingly, one in 14 GE employees is a veteran. They have transition assistance programs, military employment programs and veterans networking.

Each of these companies has their own recruiting methods and veterans can apply to them directly.

There are many avenues veterans can use to seek help with preparing resumes, cover letters or with filling out applications such as the Veterans Employment and Training Service. Other groups include Feds Hire Vets, Hire Heroes USA, We Hire Heroes and the National Association of American Veterans.

Do you work for a company that is actively recruiting veterans as employees? Tell us about it in the comments section.

Pro Tips for Military Travel

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Do you have the travel bug?

Traveling as a military service member or family member can be super easy and super cheap. If you know a few pro tips to start.

Pro Tips for Military Travel

What are your military travel tips?

ITT

Every branch of service has a morale or travel office.

Each office has a price sheet with local attractions and package deals to places farther away. You can find deals at other bases, even if you don’t live there.

For example, Travis Air Force Base offers deals and discounts to Napa Valley tours or hotels. In Okinawa, ITT offers complete tour packages to places like South Korea, Tokyo and Thailand.

Pro Tip: Before you go, check with ITT for discounted tickets near your destination.

Space-A

Did you know that the military flies to many prime destinations around the world? Think: Germany, Hawaii, Japan and England.

Most of these flights are open to eligible active duty service members, military dependents and retired personnel. Often there is a small fee or no cost at all.

There are a few catches with Space-A though. First, flights can be canceled at any time and seats fill quickly. Second, seats are filled based on category. So by the time that they get to you, all the seats might be taken. Also, certain destinations are only available from certain departure locations.

Finally, there is a process to sign up and actually get on board. It is time consuming and nothing is guaranteed. Meaning, you could get a Space-A flight to your vacation, but need to pay commercial fare on the way back.

Pro Tip: Check out Space-A flights, but know that nothing in 100% certain. Be ready with back-up plans just in case things fall through or change.

Military Airline Discounts

Southwest: Southwest offers military discounts on flights. However, the exact price is not advertised on their website. To get more information on discounted fares, call: 1-800-I-FLY-SWA.

American: To and from certain locations, American Airlines does offer military fares. Again, these prices are not advertised. Instead, contact them: 800-433-7300 (CONUS English line, available 24/7).

Delta: Like other airlines, Delta offers military fares, but does not advertise specific rates or discounts. To reach reservations/customer service, 24/7 from the United States, call: 800-221-1212.

United: Through Veterans Advantage, United offers a 5% discount. However, Veterans Advantage is a paid plan that opens up discounts at a variety of major U.S. businesses. To check on other offers, call the airline directly.

JetBlue: There are fares available for both official travel and for leisure travel. To find out more or to book, contact the airline.

Pro Tip: Not sure if your airline offers a military fare? Call customer service and check! The worst they can say is no.

Free Bags on Flights

JetBlue, United, Delta, American, and many other airlines all offer free bags to active duty military. The official line is that the service member or dependent family must be traveling on official orders, usually for PCS. However, gate agents will often allow free bags for service members no matter what.

The number of free bags can vary, from 1 to 5 per person. Check with the airline before you fly or be prepared to pay.

Be careful when PCSing OCONUS though! The commercial airline might let you check 5 bags per person, but the Patriot Express or Space-A will limit you to 2 bags or less.

Pro Tip: When checking bags, it never hurts to flash that military ID or bring your active duty spouse with you. And carry a copy of those orders everywhere!

Layover Lounge

Many major U.S. hubs host USO lounges. Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Boston are just a few of the places where troops and families can rack out for a few in between flights.

USO airport lounges are typically staffed 24/7 by volunteers, so be sure to say thank you. Inside, you will find free snacks and drinks, clean bathrooms and a place to recharge your tech toys. Some lounges, like Seattle, have showers, a luggage room and even quiet rooms for sleeping.

If you hold certain credit cards, like AMEX Platinum (fee free for military), you automatically get access to Centurion Lounges (AMEX Platinum only) or can enroll for free in the Priority Pass lounge program. These lounges are a little more upscale, with complimentary alcoholic beverages available.

Pro Tip: Find the USO (outside of security) or see if your credit card comes with airport lounge (inside security) perks.

Vacation Discounts

Delta Vacations: This vacation program offers a set amount off of booked travel based on final package cost. This service lets you bundle flight, hotel, car rental and activities.

Sandals & Beaches: These premium all-inclusive resorts offer a 10% discount to U.S. military personnel. You can combine flights with your hotel stay, too. All stays include all you can eat, drink and play (non-motorized land/water sports). Sandals is adults only. Beaches is family friendly!

Non-inclusive hotel chains, like Hilton and Sheraton, also offer government and military rates. You can often choose “military/government” when booking or call your hotel to check for special discounts.

Pro Tip: Save a bundle when you book all-inclusive or package deals through some providers. You can choose the special rate when booking national hotel chains. No discount mentioned? Ask!

What are your military travel tips? Share them in the comments section!

4 Tips for Finding Military Discounts

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Military discounts save military spouses and service members money. Who doesn’t want to save money? Everyone. We are all looking for a deal or a discount as a way to spend a little less when dining or shopping off base.

But let’s say that you recently moved to a new location. When you find yourself living in a new city, you are often unaware of which businesses offer military discounts.

What is a savvy money-saving military spouse to do?

Here are 4 tips for finding military discounts at your new location, wherever that may be.

4 Tips for Finding Military Discounts

Are you wondering which local restaurants offer a military discount?

Download military discounts apps on your smartphone.

Downloading a military discount app on your smartphone is the easiest way to find the local restaurants and stores that offer military discounts. There are several different apps available for military families.

I use the SCOUT military discount app. This app, which is free on both Google Play and iOS, is a comprehensive app for identifying military discounts near me. When using the app, I can easily see which businesses offer a discount through the map view.

For example, if I’m shopping at the outlet mall, I can see the red flags on the map and know which retail stores offer a military discount. (Thank you Express!) I can also see how much the discount is.

I like that I can easily add a military discount to the SCOUT military discount app. It takes less than 5 minutes and I feel like I’m helping out other military spouses when I add in my military discount tip. They really need to know about the local coffee shop that offers free coffee for military service members in uniform on Tuesdays. Don’t you agree?

Ask about military discounts in your local spouses Facebook group.

When you’re new to a city, you have a lot of questions. You are looking for the best Chinese take-out place and most affordable hairdresser who will get your color just right.

Where do you turn to for these answers? It’s your local spouses Facebook group.

Every military installation has an “unofficial” spouses Facebook group where you can post your questions and other military spouses will answer it. When you’re asking for recommendations for a vet for your pet or best romantic restaurant to celebrate your anniversary, don’t forget to ask if those businesses offer military discounts.

Follow websites that showcase military discounts.

Information about military discounts is always within your fingertips. Websites, like MilitaryShoppers, are dedicated to sharing military discounts with you. The information is out there, so take advantage of it. Sign up for the MilitaryShoppers newsletter or like us on Facebook so that you know everything there is to know about military discounts. Click here to sign up for the MilitaryShoppers newsletter today!

Ask for a military discount at your favorite restaurants and stores.

For years I simply forgot to ask for a military discount. Don’t be like me.

Whenever you are paying, make it a habit to sweetly ask “do you offer a military discount?” and have your military ID card ready to show the cashier. It never hurts to ask.

What are your tips for finding military discounts in your new city? Share them in the comments section.

Consider Supporting These Veterans Organizations with the CFC

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The Combined Federal Campaign, CFC, is in full swing. You can show some love by donating to support your favorite charities through the program. The CFC is the world’s largest workplace giving campaign providing federal employees the opportunity to make donations to charities locally, nationally and internationally.

What is the CFC and why is it needed?

Charitable donation requests in the workplace were unregulated prior to 1961. Some offices pressured employees into making donations while others did not allow it at all. That changed when President John Kennedy officially mandated the U.S. Civil Service Commission create and regulate fundraising in the federal service sector. Formal authority was then given to allow fundraising at federal offices.

Over the years, the program has evolved. The CFC is now the world’s largest annual workplace charity campaign with more than 200 CFC campaigns each year. The giving season runs from September 1 to December 15. Last year alone, federal employees donated more than $177 million to charities through the CFC.

The CFC is open to all federal employees, which includes military service members. Individuals can choose the charity or multiple nonprofit organizations to make tax deductible donations to.

There are over 18,000 charitable organizations on the CFC’s approved list. These include local charities, national nonprofits and international organizations.

You choose the amount you would like to donate and when you would like to have it deducted from payroll or if you want to make a one-time donation.

The goal of the CFC is to provide monetary support to non-profit organizations that support health and human services. The program is designed to help federal employees find efficient ways to make a difference.

Why should you give through the CFC?

If you plan on making a donation to a charitable organization during the year, using the CFC can make it quick and easy. They can spread your donation out over time so that your charity has a steady income throughout the year.

Unfortunately, dishonest people create elaborate scams to get your money. The CFC checks each nonprofit that applies to be on their approved list of charitable donations for authenticity. You can also do your own research through Charity Navigator. They evaluate charities sighting the actual money that is used for their purpose vs how much is spent on other things so that you can make an informed decision on which to donate to.

Who should you give to?

It is up to you and your family to decide which group to donate to. Military families tend to give to nonprofit military-related causes.

More than $2.5 billion annually is donated to the over 40,000 American charities with military-related missions.

Most of these organizations do wonderful work, but some are not very transparent, are not financially stable, are not accountable and do not help service members and veterans as much as they claim. Do your research to make sure your money is well spent.

Here are 6 military related charities you can trust to use donations appropriately.

Consider Supporting These Veterans Organizations with the CFC

It is up to you and your family to decide which group to donate to. Military families tend to give to nonprofit military-related causes.

The American Red Cross: Their goal is to respond to emergencies nationally and internationally. 90.1% of their donations go directly to the program. This includes providing food and shelter to people affected by disasters, collecting blood through blood drives, supporting troops and their families and training people in first aid.

Fisher House Foundation: 91.7% of their profits go directly to providing comfort homes to military and veterans’ families, at no cost to them, when they need to be close to a treatment facility for a family member. Amazingly, there is at least one Fisher House at every major military medical center in America.

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust: 95.8% of their donations go directly to their program to help physically and psychologically injured veterans. They provide food, shelter and necessities to homeless and at-risk veterans. They also provide accessibility and mobility items to veterans with vision or hearing impairments.

Southeastern Guide Dogs: They received a 97.34 rating, out of 100, on Charity Navigator. One of their programs is Paws for Patriots. This provides veterans with visual impairments guide dogs, veteran assistance dogs to veterans with PTSD, and facility therapy dogs to major military medical centers.

Hope For The Warriors®: Receiving a 94.18 rating, this group offers comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families that help them with transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources.

Our Military Kids: 94.1% of funds go directly to provide support through grants to the children of National Guard and Military Reserve personnel who are deployed, as well as to children of injured service members in all branches. Funds can go toward extracurricular activities, tutoring, and to programs that help nurture children while a parent is deployed or recovering from injury.

Which veterans’ organizations do you donate to through the CFC?

Privatization Proposal Leaves Many Questions Unanswered

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In the ongoing battle to retain commissary benefits, privatization is one option being considered. The hope is that privatization will eliminate the $1.5 billion DeCA budgetary shortfall.

Several large retail companies were asked to provide insight on what such a program might look like. Though the names of those solicited was not revealed, it’s hard to imagine that retailers like Walmart and Target weren’t in the mix.

But is privatization of the commissaries really the answer? Let’s break down this proposal.

Would Prices Go Up?

Many might be surprised to learn that most grocers operate at a profit margin significantly less than the 5% surcharge currently charged by commissaries. And that profit margin includes the cost of facility maintenance, labor, and taxes, plus shipping and distribution. Combined with the national distribution capabilities, massive buying power, and private label options of companies like Walmart, it’s unlikely that the overall cost of most items at a privately managed commissary would go up. We might pay more for some items, but less for others.

However, commissary pricing is almost always less expensive for high-ticket items like dairy and meat.

Would a major retailer be willing to reduce an already skinny profit margin to ensure prices on these items stayed the same?

What about taxes? There is currently no tax at the commissary. Would the same be true for a privately managed facility?

And let’s not forget about our OCONUS commissaries. Is a large retailer in a position to manage these overseas locations?

Are there any restrictions on a private company conducting business in foreign country? Would those restrictions potentially add to the cost of items sold there?

And would a private company be willing to eat losses to ensure service members and their families still have access to the products they need at the prices they can afford? Or would those costs, in turn, cause an increase in pricing at OCONUS locations?

Would Jobs Be Lost?

Approximately 60% of DeCA’s 18,00 employees are veterans, dependents and spouses. Any potential for the loss of jobs is reason enough to give careful consideration to any kind of management transition.

That being said, retailers like Walmart have employment programs for military spouses and veterans.

Is it realistic to assume that some employees would be allowed to keep their jobs? Probably, but the big question is would they be kept at the same rate of pay and offered the same benefits?

And how many current DeCA positions would be eliminated due to duplication within a current private provider’s business structure? Positions like purchasing, logistics, accounting, human resources and others could be in jeopardy.

Will Privatization Create Competition with AAFES?

In a recent report presented to Congress, the success of the AAFES Exchange program relies heavily on a close relationship with commissaries.

But with private retailers, even those typically seen as grocery-only, offering up everything from holiday décor to furniture, would privatization create a conflict of interest? Would those retailers be willing to eliminate those items? If not, would the loss in potential sales at exchanges throw a currently self-supported business model into ruin?

Is Privatization a Viable Option?

With so many questions left unanswered and the unlikely willingness of a major retailer to accept the rules that restrict profit for commissaries, privatization hardly seems like the answer to DoD’s budgetary woes.

But in truth, any push to eliminate or change the program feels likes overkill. While the $1.5 billion budget deficit looks like a large sum, it is less than 1% of the total defense budget.

According to a recent nonpartisan report, every single taxpayer dollar spent equates to nearly double the return in value of benefit given to service members and their families.

Is there any other benefit program that can boast such a claim? And what about a plan B? Should implemented privatization fail to support a pricing structure that provides the same level of value, will additional taxpayer dollars then be called upon to increase service member pay to bridge the gap?

Ultimately, it comes down to this: Are the risks of privatizing the commissary worth the potential loss of such a widely used program? Is it worth the loss or erosion of yet another benefit promised to a community who already sacrifices so much in service to their country?

What do you think it means that a “significant number of companies” have expressed interest in operating the commissaries?

How to Find a Work From Home Job

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The never-ending cycle of hunting for a new job is a struggle we military spouses know all too well. Many spouses turn to work from home opportunities as a way to remain employed despite moving every 3 years.

How to Find a Work From Home Job

Do you work from home? How did you find your work from home job?

But sometimes finding a work from home job is enough to make you question your sanity.

Do steady, dependable and legitimate work from home opportunities exist?

Of course they do!

Check out this list of work from home resources and then get to work!

Work from Home Job Boards

Telecommuting and remote work are no longer the oddball, sketchy positions they used to be. Tons of reputable companies offer work from home positions in areas like communications, customer service and project management. There are lots of job boards out there. Here are a few with good reputations:

  1. Flexjobs.com. There is a fee for access to the site ($50 per year, with options of quarterly or monthly subscriptions), but this is one of the top work from home job boards out there. Search for freelance and remote opportunities listed by hundreds of well-known companies.
  2. VirtualVocations.com. This site requires an annual fee, but offers a great list of remote work opportunities. Jobs include computer and data entry work, to writing, marketing and more.
  3. Indeed.com. Free to use, just put “Remote” in the location search field to find all kinds of telecommute and remote positions. You can even set up keyword alerts so you don’t have to visit the site every day.

Work from Home Jobs Where You Are the Boss

Starting your own business might be the best work from home opportunity out there, but it does require you to get smart on business laws and regulations. State, county and even city laws can impact the kinds of businesses you can run from home. They also regulate taxes. If you live on-post or overseas, additional rules may apply, so check with your housing office.

  1. Get Crafty. If you’re a master with a glue gun, crochet hook or paintbrush, consider turning your hobby into a great home-based business. Sites like Etsy.com, Artfire.com and Amazon Handmade take all hassle of building an e-commerce website. Good pictures are essential, so if you can’t take them, hire a photographer who can.
  2. Cottage Industries. Many states have cottage industry laws that are designed to help nurture budding home-based businesses. If you can bake like a master or if you grow tomatoes like there’s no tomorrow, consider selling your wares and produce at local farmers markets. Each state (and sometimes county) has different rules, so be sure to do your research.
  3. In-Home Child Care. In-home child care can be a great way to earn an income while helping other military families. Just like other businesses, check your state, county, city and military installation rules for running this kind of business for children.
  4. Direct Sales. If you love to meet new people and try out great products, direct sales might be the job for you. Choose from a vast array of products – everything from make-up and home goods to food and wine – and work as much or as little as you like. Some direct sales companies will even ship to FPO/APO boxes, though specific regulations and rules apply, so make sure you check with the company you are interested in and your installation. The Direct Selling Association website is a great place to start.

Freelance Jobs for Military Spouses

  1. MadSkills.com. A newly launched military spouse-owned business, MadSkills is out to help connect military spouses with companies who need their mad skills. If you’re a whiz at building websites, graphic design, project management, writing, and more, then check them out. It’s free to create a profile.
  2. Other Freelance Communities. It can take some time to build up a reputation to keep you busy all the time, but there are many freelance communities offering a wide range of freelance opportunities. Check out Freelancer.com, Guru.com and UpWork.com. Free accounts are available, but paying the small upgrade fee can provide greater visibility of your profile and open up a greater field of work. Craigslist can also be a good resource for freelance work, just do your due diligence before accepting any work listed there.
  3. Millie.com, which is managed and run by veterans and military spouses, hires “Scouts.” Scout opportunities are open to active duty, Gold Star spouses or newly retired military spouses who are willing to use their experience PCSing, buying and renting homes, deployments, community involvement and volunteering to help military families transition into new locations. This could include walking through potential rentals or letting a handyman in to do some repairs on a service member’s house.

Do you work from home? How did you find your work from home job?

Expect to See More Cuts to MWR Programs

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Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is a huge part of military family life. MWR programs in different branches provide much needed support and services to service members and their families.

MWR typically provides staffing and funding for libraries, pools, arts and crafts centers, woodworking shops and auto hobby centers. Other support programs include sports and recreation programs for adults and children. This could include team sports and physical fitness centers on many bases. MWR also funds on-base child development centers (CDC), youth center, teen center and other youth programs.

There will be a $105 million cut in the Army MWR budget in FY 2017.

This is in addition to a separate 23% workforce reduction over 2 years in Army Community Service Centers. These cuts could result in the closure of some facilities and programs. In addition, the budget cuts could result in hours being reduced or fees increased. Army soldiers and their families are the most impacted by these cuts. The cuts took effect on October 1.

The garrison commander will determine how cuts are applied at each base. This means that services and resources impacted will be varied by location. Army families should expect to feel the effects in calendar year 2017.

Army officials, including Lt. Gen Kenneth R. Dahl of Army Installation Command Management, have committed to maintaining CDC funding.

Many Army posts have already been readjusting services and programs for the last 5 years. Some bases have been working to offset costs through investing in programs. The investments ensured that the programs were either profitable or breaking even. Those that did not meet this benchmark were removed or totally revamped.

Outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, and auto skill shops are most likely to be affected by these cuts. Fitness centers could also see reduced hours and staffing.

Volunteers may be able to staff some programs. However, the program structure would need to allow volunteer support. This would allow some services to continue operating, even with the budget cuts.

The cuts should not affect remote or isolated duty stations where comparable services are not available off-base.

Four Army posts should expect to see impacts from the MWR cuts in the near future.

Expect to See More Cuts to MWR Programs

Is your military base impacted by MWR program cuts?

Fort Carson, Colorado:

The 4th Infantry Division will continue to provide staffing coverage for gyms and fitness centers. There will be slight, $1 or less, increase in fees for some programs. The Friday Night Date and Caring Saturday programs are also slated to be reduced. MWR funds both programs. Programs that are costly or have low turn-out are also on the chopping block.

Fort Huachuca, Arizona:

MWR is cutting $500,000. Ammo sales and weapon rentals will stop at the Sportsman’s Center. Skeet and trap shooting, plus Saturday Range 3, will still be available for people who bring their own weapons. There is no word about additional cuts.

Fort Jackson, South Carolina:

This base will see significant cuts in MWR programs and services. One fitness center will completely close. The other 3 centers will be open for 90 hours weekly. The library will be open 5 days instead of 7. One pool will close. MWR funded recreation trips are going to be completely cut. The auto hobby center will be open 4 days instead of 5.

Fort Sill, Oklahoma:

Fort Sill is facing a 25% cut in taxpayer funding. The library’s hours will be reduced. There will also be new fees for the pools, outdoor recreation and special events or programs.

Will other military branches be impacted by MWR cuts?

The budget cuts will also impact joint service bases where Army MWR has the lead. This includes bases that previously had both or all branches providing MWR programs, but switched to have these services provided only by the Army.

The Navy has also made cuts to its MWR programs. Many bases have closed art and craft centers, wood shops and auto centers. There are no additional changes predicted or anticipated this year.

The Marine Corps has not scheduled any cuts to its MWR programs this year. However, the service will continue to look at services and programs.

The Air Force has not released information about potential MWR service cuts.

While these services do not plan to cut services at this time, MWR programs could be changed or removed in the future.

What do you think about the cuts to MWR programs at military bases?

Why I Need a New Best Friend at Every Duty Station

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“It takes a village to raise a child.”

While I wholeheartedly agree with that statement, I also think that we can just drop the whole “to raise a child” bit. For me, it just takes a village. By village, I mean friends. Especially a best friend.

Why I Need a New Best Friend at Every Duty Station

Finding a new best friend at every duty station is tough, but it’s so worth it!

Yes, we all have that one best best friend. The guy or gal who knows all of your secrets since the beginning of time. Who has been with you through the best and worst of times.

As military spouses, we can also benefit from having a best friend at each duty station.

It’s so comforting to have someone that gets you. When your spouse is gone or working late, it’s nice to have someone to explore your new location with. It’s great for trying out all those cutesy cafes, wandering around historic districts and even watching that rom-com for the millionth time.

Finding that best friend over and over and over again is just plain hard though!

First you have to put yourself out there in a serious way. It means meeting the neighbors, mingling with other military spouses in the new unit and trying out new clubs or groups.

Then you have to follow-up. Send texts, become Facebook friends or send out smoke signals. Sometimes, even that isn’t enough.

After you find a friend, then begins the vetting process to determine best friend potential. You need to dig into shared interests, common agreements about life and a joint love of wacky jokes (or whatever your thing might be).

If it’s not a good match, you’re stuck starting over again!

Sometimes, finding a new best friend can seem like climbing Everest: worthwhile, but a battle to accomplish. Just doing this a few times in a lifetime is unbelievably hard. Finding a new best friend every 3 years, or less, can seem nearly insurmountable! It’s almost enough to want to give up on the whole idea of a bestie and just stick to casual acquaintances.

You still have people to hang with, but without all the stress of being joined at the hip. Or having to “replace” your friend when one of you moves.

It’s tough finding a new best friend, yes, but it is so worth it!

Your new best friend could be where you least expect. I’ve found best friends while running, in my spouse’s office and through friends. She or he could be the person right across the street!

Part of finding a new best friend is going to involve putting yourself out there, yes. So many friend-finding opportunities are just part of the military life!

Mandatory fun days, pre-deployment briefs and living on-base are all chances to bump into someone who could be your PERSON.

Before you know it, you are swapping salty military spouse stories, sharing recipes and are inseparable.

There are also other great ways to find your next best friend. Check out a local fitness meet-up, like Stroller Warriors or a cross-fit box.

If you are religious, seek out a church, temple or Bible study in your neck of the woods.

When you come with youngsters, find a preschool support group like MOPS or a gym with a child care co-op program.

For those heading to work, your new pal could be your desk mate or office neighbor.

No matter how you found your new best friend, having one is important.

When the going gets tough, military spouses need someone to rely on. With our spouses gone often, or mostly in-and-out, a best friend becomes the person I rely on.

When I’m sick, she brings me medicine or chicken soup or takes the kids for the afternoon. We swap date night child care duties or have weekly dinner/play dates when the guys are gone. If the car breaks down, I know I have someone to call from the mechanic. I always have a dinner partner when cookie dough a la tube is on the menu too.

It’s why I need to have a best friend at every duty station.

I need a village to help get me through the tough times and to celebrate the best times. My best friends, no matter where I am or where they are, have helped me to survive and thrive in this military life.

How did you find your best friend at your current duty station?

Your SKILCRAFT Purchases Create Jobs for People Who Are Blind

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Meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. Long-term improvements that empower communities do not start and end with a single person.

Achieving tangible outcomes from concentrated efforts takes dedication, collaboration and compassion. When these three factors merge, long-term positive change for our country and our citizens happens. That’s what happened when National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the federal government and the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) joined together for the mutual benefits of manufacturing SKILCRAFT® products and making them available in military commissaries and exchanges.

In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) signed legislation requiring federal government agencies to purchase certain products produced by people who are blind. In signing this law, FDR confirmed his belief that Americans with disabilities could produce high-quality, competitively priced products for federal and military customers.

During World War II, people who were blind working at NIB associated nonprofit agencies manufactured mops, brooms, mailbags and pillowcases for service members. In the 1950s, military commissaries began selling SKILCRAFT dishcloths, doormats and clothespin bags. The SKILCRAFT logo lets shoppers know that these high-quality products are made by people who are blind.

Today, NIB and its associated agencies produce more than 5,000 SKILCRAFT products. NIB and its nationwide network of associated agencies are the largest employer for people who are blind in the United States. Last year, NIB and its associated agencies generated nearly 500 new jobs for people who are blind, including veterans who sustained injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, more than 5,600 people who are blind are employed in NIB’s network.

The successful partnership between NIB and DeCA is an example of how #InclusionWorks for both people who are blind and the organizations that hire them to produce high-quality products.

The hashtag #InclusionWorks is this year’s theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), “a nationwide campaign celebrating the skills and talents workers with disabilities bring to our workplaces,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. This federal observance, first recognized by Congress in 1945, is held every October.

“By fostering a culture that embraces individual differences, including disabilities, businesses profit by having a wider variety of tools to confront challenges,” said Jennifer Sheehy, deputy assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. “Our nation’s most successful companies proudly make inclusion a core value. They know that inclusion works. It works for workers, it works for employers, it works for opportunity, and it works for innovation.”

Here’s how #InclusionWorks for SKILCRAFT products sold at military commissaries.

NIB recognizes that meaningful employment leads to more independent lives for people who are blind. Despite continued gains in employment, seven out of 10 working-age Americans who are blind are not employed. This statistic fuels NIB’s mission to create, sustain and improve employment opportunities for people who are blind.

NIB and its associated nonprofit agencies:

  • Employ more than 5,600 people who are blind across the country
  • Pay an average hourly rate of $10.92
  • Offer rehabilitative services to more than 128,000 people who are blind
  • Operate 151 Base Supply Center stores on military and federal government facilities
  • Produce 7,000+ different products, including 5,000+ SKILCRAFT products

Each of us, as commissary shoppers, have the opportunity to create jobs for people who are blind by purchasing these high-quality SKILCRAFT products. When we buy sponges, mops, kitchen gadgets, plastic flatware and brooms, we play a role in how #InclusionWorks in our country.

Your purchases lead to opportunities.

Opportunities lead to jobs.

Jobs lead to independence.

When you purchase SKILCRAFT products at your local commissary, you help to create jobs for people who are blind.

That’s how #InclusionWorks in America.

For more information about SKILCRAFT products or NIB, visit http://NIB.org/ShopSKILCRAFT.

Military Travel Discounts to Get You There

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Holiday travel will soon be upon us. With all of the added costs of holiday meals and gifts, don’t let the high cost of travel keep you from enjoying your time away.

Check out these great military travel discounts to help you get where you need to go and enjoy your time away.

Military Travel Discounts to Get You There

What is your favorite military travel discount?

Military Travel Discounts on Airfare

Space-A travel is one of the best ways to save money on airfare. Never flown Space-A before? No worries! Fellow MilitaryShoppers.com writer Julie Provost’s article Space-A Travel for the Military Spouse has you covered.

You’ll need to be flexible with your arrival and departure dates and times, but Space-A is one of the most cost-effective ways for military families to travel.

If Space-A isn’t available, check out these other airline discounts:

  • Southwest. Discounts are available to service members by calling Southwest at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA. You will need to show a military ID upon check-in to get the discount.
  • American Airlines offers a military discount, but you have to call 1-800-433-7300 for access to those special rates. They also offer a 50% discount on pets within the continental United States and Canada.
  • Delta Airlines. Delta has a great military discount program. Get discounts on airline travel by calling 1-800-325-1771. You can also bundle travel options by visiting their Military Vacation page.
  • US Airways. Service members and their dependents can take advantage of special military rates by calling 1-800-428-4322.

Military Travel Discounts When Traveling by Train

It might be a little old fashioned, but if you have a little more time, and you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, consider taking the train.

Even better, make taking the train part of your vacation plans. You’ll get to experience travel the way it used to be and see spectacular views you won’t get anywhere else.

  • Amtrak offers a 10% military discount, though some limitations apply. Get all the details on their site.
  • Royal George Route Railroad. Make a train ride part of your vacation and book a trip on the Santa Express. And don’t forget to take advantage of the 10% military discount.
  • Take a trip through the Great Smoky Mountains on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and get a 20% military discount.

Military Travel Discounts When Renting a Car

When you rent a car, be sure to ask for a military discount. The following car rental companies offer great military discounts.

If you are a USAA member check their travel site for additional rental car discounts. Get all the specific details by visiting your favorite car rental website.

Other Military Travel Discounts

Sometimes getting off the beaten path means taking the road, or rather the method, less traveled.  If you’re up for a little adventure, consider one of these great travel options. And don’t forget the military travel discount!

  • Taking the bus can be an adventure and Greyhound offers a great military discount. Get 10% off walk-up fares and pay no more than $259 for travel anywhere in the United States.
  • Not everyone knows how to fly a plane, but if you do, take advantage of military discounts when renting aircraft. All American Aviation Services out of Fayetteville, N.C., and serving all of the American southwest offers military discounts on aircraft rentals. Need an aircraft in Southern California? Check out Pacific Air’s military discount. Peak Aviation in Colorado Springs also offers a 5% military discount.
  • If camping or traveling by RV is more your style, check out the Tentsfortroops.com website for campsite and RV site locations that offer free or discounted stay for military service members and their families.

What is your favorite military travel discount?