Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

What I Do When I’m Feeling Lost and Alone

By

Silent tears ran down my cheeks. I tried to look straight ahead and listen politely, but my mind was racing with a million questions.

The nurse turned to me and said “sweetie, are you OK?”

I nodded. I wasn’t OK. I wasn’t fine. Inside I was freaking out. Outside I was trying hard to appear calm.

“How often do I need to change the wound dressing?” I asked the nurse.

I was sitting in a surgeon’s outpatient room. I had a minor surgery to remove a cyst near my collarbone. As part of my follow-up care for proper healing and to prevent infection, I needed to have the wound dressing changed twice a day.

“Can I do it myself?” I asked the nurse.

“Of course not. Just ask your husband to do it.” she said.

My husband, of course. That would be the logical solution. But my husband wasn’t at home and wouldn’t be at home that night. He was gone for a week. A military assignment that he couldn’t miss and now I felt lost and alone.

“In that case, ask your mom or your sister,” the nurse said.

I shook my head.

“A close friend?” she offered.

Who in my neighborhood would be the person that I could ask to change the dressings for my minor wound? See even as I type this question, it seems like such a minor thing. But to me at that moment it wasn’t a minor thing.

It was a huge inconvenience. I’m a private person and now I needed to tell an acquaintance that I had a cyst on my collarbone and oh, by the way, can you change my dressings for it?

So embarrassing.

It was a level of friendship that I wasn’t emotionally prepared to climb into with one of my neighbors when I stepped into the surgeon’s office that morning.

I felt so alone. Really truly alone.

Have you ever felt lonely in military life? Do you ever feel so alone even though you are surrounded by the military spouse community?

What I Do When I'm Feeling Lost and Alone

What do you do when you feeling lost and alone?

Feeling lonely is normal. Feeling a little lost and feeling so alone happens to even the most outgoing military spouses. It happens to the perky and positive ones too.

It’s an emotion that can slap you across the face when you realize that you need someone to help you. That’s when I feel alone. I feel alone even though I know I can call any other military spouses in my social circle at any time.

But I know I can’t feel alone for too long. Here’s what I do when I’m feeling alone in military life.

I allow myself to be humble.

In the case of the cyst removal post-surgery care, I need physical help. It wasn’t a pleasant task. It wasn’t like asking a friend out for lunch or coffee. It was a basic medical care kind of request. And there was nothing that this person was going to get out of helping me. No benefit whatsoever.

It’s humbling to ask for help in these kinds of circumstances. You realize all the things that you do independently and take for granted. Depending on the kindness of strangers (even if they are also military spouses) can be a tough pill to swallow.

But in these moments, I allow myself to be humble. I remind myself that it’s perfectly normal to ask for help. In fact, the nurse told me I needed this help. I couldn’t do it myself. I couldn’t be Wonder Woman. I couldn’t be amazingly-awesome-independent military spouse.

In this case, I needed to be a humble, swallow-your-pride military spouse.

I allow myself to forgive.

My immediate reaction to these types of situations is anger toward my husband. Stupid Navy. Stupid deployment. Of course he isn’t here to help me. Of course not. It starts with a seed of frustration, branches off into anger and then flowers with bitter fruit of resentment.

Being mad at my husband for a situation that he can’t control doesn’t bring me any closer to a solution. My anger doesn’t change the fact that I need help and I feel alone.

During these times of loneliness, I allow myself to forgive my husband. Clearly it’s not his mistake. It’s not his error. But I need to tell myself that I forgive him for being gone during this time. Forgiveness brings me a step closer to acceptance. Once I have acceptance that I can’t change his deployment I can focus on what I can control in this situation.

I allow myself to be vulnerable.

When I reflect on periods of loneliness in my life, I find that my feelings of being alone were related to my desire to appear strong instead of weak to others.

I didn’t want others to know that I had a cyst. I didn’t want others to know that I needed help. I worried about what others would think of me instead of allowing myself to be me. I wasn’t allowing myself to be vulnerable.

Being vulnerable is part of friendship. If you don’t allow yourself to be vulnerable, your friendship won’t deepen. Trust can’t happen without secrets. Empathy can’t happen without mistakes. Loyalty can’t happen without alliances.

When I allow myself to be vulnerable with a potential friend I am letting this person know that I value her as a friend. I’m ready to trust her with my personal baggage. I’m ready to let her in.

I’m ready to ask her to change my wound dressing.

Finally I don’t feel so alone anymore.

Do you ever feel lonely in military life? What do you do in those moments when you feel so alone? Tell us in the comments section.

Now Is the Right Time to Transfer Your GI Bill to Your Kids

By

A benefit for military service members is the GI Bill. While many take advantage of the great opportunity to go to college with this financial support, others choose to pass it on to their spouse or children.

This option wasn’t always available and might not remain so, which makes now a great time to decide if transferring your GI Bill is the right move for your family.

Now Is the Right Time to Transfer Your GI Bill to Your Kids

Talk to your spouse and children to see if transferring your GI Bill benefits to one or all of them is the right decision for your family. Don’t wait until politicians change, take away, or make receiving these benefits harder.

What is the GI Bill?

The GI Bill is a government program that helps service members meet the financial needs of continuing their education once they leave the military. It was initially only available to the service members who met certain qualifications. Over the years the rules and benefits have changed.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the latest form of the bill. It provides money for approved educational programs for up to 36 months of school for service members, which must be used within 15 years after leaving active duty.

In 2009, a law was passed to allow service members to transfer these benefits to their spouses, children or both.

Who is eligible?

Any service member that completed 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, that is on active duty, or that was honorably discharged or discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days is eligible.

What is covered?

Monetary funds are available to cover up to 36 months of educational courses for approved programs that include higher education, vocational training and now flight school for example. Other financial support may be provided to cover a monthly housing allowance, annual books and supplies and one-time rural benefits.

Am I eligible to transfer my GI Bill?

In order to transfer your GI Bill, service members must meet certain requirements. Anyone on active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted, who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and also meets these requirements may transfer benefits:

  • Has at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval and agrees to serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces from the date of election.
  • Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval, is precluded by either standard policy (by service branch or DoD) or statute from committing to 4 additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute.
  • Transfer requests are submitted and approved while the member is in the Armed Forces.

Why transfer your GI Bill now?

If you, as the service member, do not have any intention of using the entire 36 months of educational benefits, you might want to consider transferring some or all of the benefit to family members. The government started this program as a way of helping service members transition out of the military as well as an incentive to join the military. You have earned these benefits, so don’t let them go unused.

Last year Congress discussed changing the GI Bill benefit to make it more difficult to transfer to family members. They talked about increasing the number of years the service member must commit to in order to transfer the benefit. They also discussed limiting the scope of the benefit.

No legislation on this has been brought up, but the possibility is there. Why leave it to chance if you don’t have to?

How do I transfer my GI Bill?

Active duty service members may designate, modify and revoke a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) request on the Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) website.

After approval, there is one more form to turn in before a family member can use these benefits. Family members are required to apply to use the transferred benefits by submitting a VA Form 22-1990e with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Is there anything else I need to know about transferring the GI Bill to my spouse or children?

Family members enrolled in DEERS that are eligible for benefits at the time of transfer are able to use the benefits.

Spouses are able to use the benefits at the time of transfer, but children must wait until the service member has completed at least 10 years of service. The child or spouse can use it while their sponsor is actively serving or after they leave the military.

Military children cannot use the transferred GI Bill until they finish high school, or an equivalent, or turn 18 years old. The child is entitled to the monthly housing allowance even while their sponsor is on active duty, but the spouse is not. A spouse has 15 years to use the benefits once the service member separates from active duty, but the child does not have this restriction. They do however age out of eligibility at 26 years old.

Talk to your spouse and children to see if transferring your GI Bill benefits to one or all of them is the right decision for your family. Don’t wait until politicians change, take away, or make receiving these benefits harder.

Has your service member transferred his or her Post-9/11 GI Bill to you or your children?

 

Commissary Privatization Is Not the Answer

By

We recently published an article, “Commissary Closures: It’s All or Nothing,” and received quite a bit of feedback on it, especially about commissary privatization. Emotions run high when the topic turns to the potential of commissary privatization or even worse, closure.

Don’t panic; your commissary benefits are currently safe.

Commissary Privatization Is Not the Answer

Commissary privatization isn’t the answer. Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force.

The government is however trying to do away with the cost associated with the operation of the commissary. After our article was published, a lot of MilitaryShoppers readers voiced their opinions. Here is what they said:

Char Johnson said

Privatization is NOT the answer! How many benefits do you think taking away from our military (active or retired) will be acceptable! What happened to honor and trust, something our members of Congress don’t seem to recognize? I am a military wife of a retiree. I/we travel to the commissary and exchange at least three times per month, and we utilize our privileges to the max. Don’t take away something that has been earned and promised. Start taking away from those who vote against what we have and what our soldiers have earned.

Mrs. Johnson makes an excellent point, where will the cutting of benefits end? Service members are promised benefits when they join the military. That is a recruiting tool. If men and women are willing to put their lives on the line, getting a few benefits for themselves and their families make a big difference.

Many have already seen significant cuts to what they were promised.

Tricare has had several changes over the years, many of which are not ideal. Retirement benefits have shrunk in size and increased in cost. Education benefits have improved, and the exchange and commissaries have remained a constant. Service men and women, along with their families, have earned these benefits and were promised them.

Now the government wants to save money by taking away some of the $1.3 billion annual Department of Defense subsidy the commissary receives. Millions of dollars have been spent researching how to keep the commissary running without government funds. Many options have been considered including commissary brand products, commissary privatization and variable pricing. So far, none of these are the answer. In the meantime, military families keep shopping at the commissary.

The majority of service members and their families shop at the commissary. It might be just once a year for some but for many, it’s multiple times a month. The slogan “it’s worth the drive” is true. I no longer live near a big commissary, even though we are active duty. The tiny 6-isle commissary 35 minutes away is worth the drive just for the savings on meat alone.

Daryel Covington also makes the drive. He said

I travel about 150 miles round trip sometimes twice a month! BTW, I’m a 70-year-old retiree and need the saving! And no I will not support a price increase nor could I support privatization.

Mr. Covington travels to the commissary to save money and realizes that if the prices go up, the commute won’t be worth it. For some, saving money isn’t the main reason they shop at the commissary though.

William C Simmons said

I am a retired airman who served 26 years. My wife and I are today over 80 years old and shop the commissary once every week. Our children have long left home and we live alone. The commissary is a great convenience to us. Of course we could shop local grocery stores; it would not be the Military Family we loved for so many years.

I share the same sentiment with Mr. Simmons. I love saving money of course, but I mostly like to shop at the commissary because of the military community or family feeling.

I grew up doing our weekly grocery shopping with my mom at the commissary and now I do it with my son. While the Simmons don’t have any children of their own left at home, they feel like they can still shop at the commissary and have that military family feeling.

If commissary privatization is realized, that sense of family may get pushed out of the way for corporate profits.

That’s what all of this comes down to, money. The government wants to save money and we just want to save our benefit. They have spent millions of dollars researching how to save money. Commissary privatization isn’t the answer.

Charles leaves us with this thought. He said

The amount the commissary gets subsidized is a small price given to our active duty troops/retirees and their families for the many contributions and sacrifices they gave to our country. So much more funds could be saved by eliminating the enormous careless [government] spending.

If we agree that commissary privatization is not the answer, what is the answer when Congress needs to cut the funding for commissaries? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

10 Tips for New Commissary Shoppers

By

One of the biggest and potentially best, perks of military life is the commissary. Land of less costly staples and often unique foreign foods, the commissary can be a pretty great place.

When you are new to military life, the commissary can be a bit intimidating, especially if you are shopping without your service member. It’s a grocery store, but not exactly. There are some written and unwritten rules that run the commissary.

Here are 10 tips to make your commissary shopping experience a pleasant one.

10 Tips for New Commissary Shoppers

1. Always Bring Singles

The very friendly people bagging your groceries work for tips and tips only. Their take-home pay is based on your generosity and goodwill. If you just have a few bags, drop a buck or two in the wooden box or glass jar. If the bagger has packed many bags, takes them to your car and stows them in the trunk, give a bigger tip please!

2. Clip Coupons

The prices at the commissary are already below the out-in-town shops’ prices, but coupons should not be neglected. Grab the flyers at the front of the store and pull out a few before you shop. Or plan in advance with the Sunday coupon inserts or weekly circulars.

Don’t forget to use your Commissary Rewards Card app. You can digitally clip coupons that way or by visiting Coupons.com.

Even if you use coupons occasionally, you can still score big savings on staples like cereal, diapers and snacks.

3. Military Coupons

Throughout all commissaries are special military-only coupons. These deals are often even better than the manufacturer coupons distributed to the general public. Plus, the discount window tends to be longer, giving you more time to stock up.

4. Pay Day

Service members get paid on the same 2 days each month. Like clockwork. If you value your sanity, avoid shopping at your commissary on those days. Go a few days before or a few days after.

The 1st and the 15th are not days you want to “just run in real quick for some milk.”

5. Case Lot Sales

A few times a year, most commissaries will close a section of their parking lots for case lot sales. A case lot sale is the perfect time to stock up on toilet paper, paper towels, canned goods and bulk snack items for hungry kids. Almost everything is even cheaper than normal and there are often coupons that give you an even bigger price cut.

6. Checkout Etiquette

In civilian grocery stores you just find the register with the shortest line and go there. In the commissary there is one giant line that funnels to the registers. It makes sure that each check-out is not overwhelmed with people and that baggers all get equal amounts of work.

On your first trip, don’t be that person who cuts the line. Join the big queue and bring something to entertain the kids (and you) while you wait.

7. Restocking Day

This might vary slightly from base to base. Generally there is 1 day a week that the whole store is restocked. Find out when this day is and shop on that day. By sticking to restocking day for shopping, you will get fresher veggies and produce. You will also get first grab for new items or popular things that go fast at your commissary.

8. Holiday Feasting

If you like a big turkey for your holiday meal, it is better to scope it out early than to wait until the last minute. Since these big ticket items are considerably less than civilian grocery stores, holiday foods tend to go fast. This means that you might not find a turkey the week of Thanksgiving. It’s better to clear some freezer space in late October than to be caught without one later.

9. Item Requests and Suggestions

Food is changing. Americans are eating very different things than they were even 5 years ago. Just look at the explosion of gluten-free and organic products!

If you want to see something on your commissary shelves, ask. Email the manager. Their contact information is always on the receipt and on the commissary specific website.

You can contact the procurement or department manager too. Often, if a regular distributor carries the product you want, it will show up in stores. Then send a thank you note or email.

There are also comment boxes near the management office of every commissary. If someone went above and beyond, or you liked a particular item, write it down and put it in the box. This is the only way that each store knows what is going right and what needs to be corrected.

10. Time to Shop

This varies based on where you are. Many locations, particularly northern Virginia and southern California, have a huge military retiree population with commissary privileges. This group tends to shop in the late mornings on weekdays. If you are OK with moving a little slower and navigating around motorized carts, this might be a good time for you.

Many families with working parents shop on Saturdays or after church on Sundays. The store will be crowded and full of kids. Also, stores don’t restock on weekends, so this is a prime time for something to run out.

The best way to figure this out is to hit your local commissary on a few different days and times. Find out what works best for your shopping style and stick with it.

What commissary shopping tips do you have for new military spouses? Share them in the comments section.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

By

There is little doubt (and actual scientific evidence) that pets help us live longer, happier lives. The cost of raising a pet can, however, take a chunk out of a family budget.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

Adding a pet to your family can be costly. Check out this list of military savings for pet owners.

As a new pet owner myself, exploring ways to save money was at the top of my list. A little research later, and I’ve got an entire list of military savings for pet owners.

How to Find Military Savings as a Pet Owner

Plan Before You Become a Pet Owner

Planning ahead can help to keep pet costs manageable. Before you bring an animal home, take time to do some research.

Some breeds are prone to costly health issues. If the breed you have your heart set on has a propensity for health issues, make sure you plan ahead. Save money each month in an emergency fund or get a pet insurance policy. These policies are inexpensive and readily available. Check with your insurance provider…USAA has a plan!

If you’re thinking about getting a pet, adoption is a great, budget-friendly option. Many shelters and rescue organizations offer free or low-cost adoptions, plus spay/neutering and micro-chipping services at reduced costs.

You might also consider adopting an adult dog. Many adult dogs are already fixed, have all the vaccines younger animals require, and are house-trained.

Don’t forget to consider your military lifestyle when selecting a pet. Long hours away from home, frequent TDYs, pending PCSs and on-post housing restrictions should play a role in the breed, size and age of any animal you decide to add to your family.

Winner, Winner, Fido’s Dinner: Military Savings on Food for Your Pet

Dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, lizards…they all have to eat. But feeding your pet doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Almost every major pet food manufacturer offers a coupon. You can find them on Coupons.com or by using the Commissary Rewards Card app. It only takes a few minutes to print them or sign up for a mailer, so spend the time and save the money.  And don’t miss great deals and contests brought to you by Purina!  Purina has great savings for all of your pet food needs and sponsors a new contest for a $50 Commissary gift card hosted by MilitaryShoppers.com every month.

Pet owners can maximize their military savings by shopping at the commissary and buying dog food in bulk at the case lot sales. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of pet food offered at the commissary. The commissary even has refrigerated organics! Be sure to check the pricing. Sometimes buying multiple smaller bags and boxes is less expensive per ounce than the big bags.

Military Savings on Medicine and Vet Visits

Regular check-ups are essential and ensure any potential issues are found early. Save by using on-post veterinary services when possible.

If no services are available at your military installation, reach out to local shelters or animal control services. They often offer discounted services for things like vaccinations, spay/neutering and emergency care. If neither of these are an option, research reviews of veterinary clinics in your area. Ask for a military discount or new client discount.

Military Savings on Grooming

Grooming is an essential part of pet health and it is something you can master at home. Clippers can be a bit expensive, but properly maintained, they pay for themselves after just a few uses.

And while not all animals enjoy bath time, the cost of shampoo or cleanser, a couple of towels, and some patience is infinitely cheaper than a trip to the groomer.

If you decide to use professional grooming services, don’t forget to shop around and read reviews. Watch the paper and weekly sales mailers for coupons. Ask for a military discount when visiting a professional groomer.

Military Savings on Toys and Accessories

While they love an occasional treat, our pets really love just spending time with us. Instead of buying toys, spend time with your pet, taking them for walks or do whatever rabbits and llamas do for fun.

For non-traditional pets, like lizards or snakes, save the money to invest in a good habitat or warming light so your pet is comfortable and safe.

For cats and dogs, consider making your own toys and scratch posts. There’s no shortage of how-to info online.

Military Savings on Pet Sitting

We hate to leave them, but sometimes it’s just not possible to take our pets everywhere we go. Instead of costly kenneling costs, consider trading pet sitting services with another pet-loving military family or hire a teenage neighbor to care for your pet while you are away.

Be sure to explain specific rules and expectations and let your caretaker know about any allergies or mischievous tendencies.

Are you a pet owner? What tips would you add to this list of military savings for pet owners?

Why a Surprise Military Homecoming Is an Awful Idea

By

Deployment is almost over! The countdown is only a few weeks, days or hours. I am ready. Kind of.

I still need to clean the house, corral the kids, hose off the pets and pick out a stunning outfit for the BIG DAY.

Except now, here he is. The house is dirty. The kids are running amok. The dog just got skunked and I’m wearing sweats. I am so not ready for this military homecoming!

My worst nightmare is a surprise military homecoming.

Maybe because I’m an ultra Type-A planner who likes to be moderately in control at most times. To me a surprise military homecoming just seems like a bad idea.

First, the whole surprise thing. It’s a random time of day and the doorbell rings. There’s a person wearing some sort of uniform standing at my front door. For me, it would be heart-stopping shock. Not joy, shock about the potential despair that might be coming. All because there is a uniformed person on my doorstep, without warning.

Part of deployment is the mental prep and gamification of it. The countdown is front and center on the fridge. In my mind, I’m ready for X day. With a surprise military homecoming, the spouse or family might not be mentally ready.

Why a Surprise Military Homecoming Is an Awful Idea

A military homecoming doesn’t need to be a surprise to be special for your family.

Along with the mental prep work to welcome a service member home, comes some deep selfishness.

We have been apart for goodness knows how long, and my bed has been empty. The children have not seen their father in forever it seems. And we need that moment of just us-ness.

But a surprise military homecoming takes away that intimacy. They take away the “us-ness” of the moment by bringing other people into the mix.

It’s sheer logistics. Someone else will see him first, be next to him first, drive him first and arrange his first food.

Call me selfish, but the only humans I want to share those firsts with are my children. The deployment has been a build-up to the moment my spouse steps off the bus, plane or out of formation. I need the closure of that very first kiss.

Beyond just the “first” moments, let’s talk about the whole planning aspect of these surprise military homecoming shenanigans.

The service member has to contact someone at home to arrange everything. Someone has to be there to get her. She has to have food and something to drink, plus provide a change of clothes. The props have to be set up in advance, ready to go. Plus, someone has to move the spouse and kids into the correct position at the proper time.

That is a LOT of work. Chances are that the TV crew members don’t help out every person who wants to pull off one of these surprise military homecomings.

Last, but not least, let’s talk about the lies involved with a surprise military homecoming.

The building blocks of marriage are truth and trust.

After months apart, the service member has decided to keep a HUGE secret from his or her spouse: the time and date of return. Not only has she just not mentioned it, the service member has also likely actively engaged in deception to conceal the return window.

Reintegration following deployments is challenging enough without starting off with a giant lie. Failing to be truthful about when you are returning can be extremely hurtful.

Not to mention, the weeks leading up to reunions are unbelievably busy: cleaning, haircuts, notes to school, arranging child care, more cleaning, meal prep and getting children ready to be back in a 2-parent household again.

Just showing up can put a seriously huge (but happy) wrench into a lot of this prep time. Plus, there might be last-minute “distraction” adventures that families have planned to just get through the final few weeks or days.

I know I hit Disneyland an awful lot the month that a year-long deployment was winding down. What if my husband had picked a spontaneous Disney day to “surprise” me? He’d have been locked out while I rode Space Mountain, that’s what.

So, by all means, go right ahead and do your supposed to be fun and emotional surprise military homecoming stuff.

But please, before you get deep into plans, remember that not everyone likes surprises. Some families on the homefront need the non-surprise reunion to wrap their brains around the whole situation.

Trust me, even without the surprise aspect, every military homecoming is full of love.

Now it’s your turn: How do you feel about a surprise military homecoming?

Disabled Veterans May See Increase in Benefits

By

Thanks to Congressman Ralph Abraham of Louisiana, disabled veterans may see an increase in benefits at the end of the year. Dr. Abraham’s HR 5588, the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016 was signed into law this summer and takes effect on December 1, 2016.

Disabled Veterans May See Increase in Benefits

What do you think of legislation aimed at increasing and expanding benefits for disabled veterans?

The bill quickly made its way through the House and Senate and was signed into law by the president in under a month. The bill itself is quite simple:

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase, as of December 1, 2016, the rates of veterans’ disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.

Each such increase shall be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance [OASDI]) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

In short, each year legislation has to be drafted to approve an increase in cost of living allowance (COLA) for disabled veterans. The increase will match that of social security. While social security automatically increases each year as the cost of living does, the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act does not have a stipulation for automatic adjustment.

To me, this seems to be an outdated way of doing things. If social security can automatically increase with the cost of living, then why doesn’t the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act?

Abraham looked at this process and introduced HR 677, the American Heroes COLA Act. This bill would enable the veterans’ COLA adjustments to be automatic each year freeing up the House to work on other bills and saving veterans and their families the frustration of waiting to see what will happen with their pay each year. The House quickly passed this bill, but the Senate has not done anything with it.

For now, disabled veterans can plan their finances for the short term knowing the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016 was signed into law.

They will have to wait for the politicians in Washington to decide if they will pass the American Heroes COLA Act and make it an automatic adjustment each year.

Note however, while the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2016 has been signed into law, it does not mean that an increase in pay is guaranteed.

The amount that disabled veterans may see as an increase will be the same increase as social security. The last time social security did not increase was in 2000.

It won’t be until the end of the year that the exact amount of an increase will be known. It will only be increased if there is an increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

The compensation programs for disabled veterans were originally put into place to help relieve the financial burden disabled veterans face by not being able to earn wages due to injuries sustained during military service. The amount of benefits disabled veterans receive is based on the degree of disability they qualify for.

Abraham, a veteran of the Army Reserves and National Guard, has been working to get disabled veterans better benefits. These 2 bills are not his only accomplishments in regards to veterans’ issues since being elected to office.

He has also chaired the VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. He has worked toward getting disabled veterans the help they need when they need it and at locations convenient to them through the Veterans’ Choice Program. This program would make it easier for veterans who live in remote areas to seek medical treatment from doctors near them, rather than wait for an appointment at a VA facility.

Last year Abraham also cosponsored HR 1994, the VA Accountability Act. This bill passed the House but the Senate has yet to consider it. If the VA Accountability Act were to become law, the VA would become accountable for its actions. They would finally be able to fire or demote employees that have failed to do their job.

Thanks to Abraham, disabled veterans might be getting better benefits in the future.

What do you think of legislation aimed at increasing and expanding benefits for disabled veterans?

3 Things You Need to Know About Military Coupons

By

I often think that grocery store shoppers divide into 2 types of people: those who have a coupon for every single item in their shopping carts and those who shrug their shoulders when asked for their coupons.

When you’re standing in line behind the person who has a coupon for every bottle of shampoo, bag of potato chips and container of baby formula, it is impressive to see their total savings. These commissary shoppers are super organized. They know how to get additional savings using military coupons.

What the rest of us – the ones without the coupons – need to know is that we can all be savvy military coupon users at our commissaries. Here’s how to do it.

3 Things You Need to Know About Military Coupons

Using Military Coupons Has Never Been Easier

Gone are the days when you bought your local Sunday newspaper for the stacks of coupons. Put down your scissors, sister. You won’t be needing that.

Today’s commissary shoppers can find military coupons online with user-friendly websites like coupons.com. Within minutes, you can digitally clip and print military coupons to use during your weekly grocery trip. Here’s what DeCA says about coupons from the internet:

Commissaries gladly accept Internet or home-printed coupons provided they meet the following requirements: the coupons must have a typical barcode and Product Identification Number (PIN) or GS1 DataBar. A Dot Scan Barcode may appear below the expiration date, but is only required if stated on the coupon, e.g., “Do not accept without a Dot Scan Barcode below the expiration date.” Internet coupons cannot be accepted for free products, however, “Buy One Get One Free” coupons are acceptable if they meet all other requirements.

To print these military coupons correctly you may need to download the site’s printer software. Once you do that, you will be ready to print your coupons on a regular basis.

Military coupons are also available through the commissary rewards card. I recommend downloading the commissary rewards card app on your smartphone after you register your card. I use these military coupons like other people use Target’s Cartwheel app.

Near the end of my shopping trip (once my cart is full, but before I’ve gotten in line) I use the free Wi-Fi available at my commissary to open the commissary rewards card app. Then I clip the military coupons for items that I’ve already placed in my shopping cart. When the cashier asks for my military ID card, I also hand her my commissary rewards card.

Commissary rewards cards are free. You can pick one up from your cashier that next time you are at the commissary.

If you really miss the sound of scissors slicing through coupon ads, you can always pick up a military coupons ad section at your commissary. These military coupons can be used only at commissaries. Look for these coupon packets either at your commissary’s front lobby (near the shopping baskets) or ask your bagger for one. My bagger will often slip one in my shopping bag.

You Won’t See Double or Triple Coupons Days at the Commissaries

The commissaries aren’t able to have promotions that increase the value of your military coupons. Here is the reason, according to DeCA’s website:

Commercial stores who offer these types of promotions get paid by the coupon issuer only for the face value of a coupon, and have to absorb the costs of “doubling” or “tripling” coupon face value in their pricing and profit structure.

Because commissaries are required by law to sell goods at prices set only high enough to cover the cost of those goods, commissaries make no profit from which to pay the costs associated with “double” coupon promotions.

Additionally, DeCA cannot use funds provided for the operation of commissaries to support such promotions, because law strictly prescribes the uses of these funds, and “promotional support” is not among the allowable uses of these funds.

Then I read this on DeCA’s military coupon policy webpage:

Commissaries do occasionally offer a different type of “double coupon” promotion than described above. For these promotions, manufacturers or other coupon issuers agree that commissaries may accept more than one coupon on the purchase of an item, and usually supply large numbers of coupons to patrons in the commissary in support of such promotions. These “double coupon” promotions involve doubling the number of coupons accepted on the purchase of an item, but DO NOT involve doubling (or otherwise increasing) the face value of a coupon.

I haven’t seen a double coupon promotion offered at my commissary, so I’m very curious about these promotions. If anyone has seen a double coupon promotion at their commissary, tell us how it worked in the comments section.

You Can Use Military Coupons at OCONUS Commissaries

Military spouses living overseas can redeem military coupons at their commissaries. In fact you can use an expired coupon up to 6 months after its expiration date.

My mom thought that this expired coupon policy was delightful when I was living in Okinawa, Japan. She would send me her expired coupons and I would gladly use them every time I shopped at the commissary.

What questions do you have about military coupons? Tell us in the comments section.

Our Favorite Feel-Good Commissary Stories

By

The commissary stocks your favorite foods. From fresh deli meats to moist birthday cakes, the commissary carries nearly everything a military family needs to bring the flavors of home to their homes.

These stores are so much more than just the items on their shelves. It’s the people we meet and personal connections we make that keep us going back time and again. We asked our readers to share their favorite feel-good commissary stories with us. Here’s what they said.

Our Favorite Feel-Good Commissary Stories

Always On

When the power went out at the air base in Incirlik, Turkey, this July, all military personnel and their families were left in the dark. The commissary still had full power, thanks to an independent generator. In the middle of the political turmoil, families were unable to charge their cell phones or use the internet to connect with loved ones back home.

So the commissary set out chairs, power cords and shared the store’s Wi-Fi with the community. Service members and families could swing in for pantry staples and get in touch with their families stateside. Plus, the commissary was the only open building with air conditioning!

Paying It Forward

Our budgets are often tight, even with a consistent paycheck coming in. It can make buying essentials, like milk or diapers, challenging for many military families.

Near Fort Bliss in Texas, the local Fox affiliate stopped into the base commissary to surprise military families by picking up their tabs. At the register, they stopped several customers and offered to pay for everything in their shopping carts. Just as a way of saying “Thank you for your service.”

One young mother explained a little bit more about her tight budget. The Fox team sent her back into the commissary to load her cart with diapers and milk for the kids. Then they paid for the whole thing!

Littlest Helpers

It’s the little things that make commissary trips or any shopping trip with kids easier.

Lizann, a military spouse, told me about a special connection between their son and one grocery bagger. On every grocery trip, this military spouse makes sure to be in this bagger’s line. This bagger remembers their little boy and lets him help her bag their groceries. She always greets him by name and often gives him a sticker.

It’s a great reward for helping his parents!

Special Attention

A military spouse on a specific diet in a new place can be a struggle. When one military spouse needed to skip the rice on her sushi, the kind people at the sushi counter were more than ready to help her.

They created special sashimi plates for her, with just fish and no rice. They also shared the nutritional labels for all of their products with her.

And every time she goes in, the sushi staff chats with her about her day!

Food Requests

Speaking of special diets, it can be costly to adhere to an exclusionary meal plan. One spouse was paying very high prices for non-dairy items out in town. And she was having to make multiple trips to different stores to track down specific products, Meg told me.

While grabbing some items in the dairy section one day, she bumped into the section manager. She shared her frustration about the lack of non-dairy yogurt with him.

The manager checked with the suppliers to see if the product was available for stocking. It was!

Less than 2 weeks later, her specially requested non-dairy item was on the shelves! Plus, the department started adding even more dairy-free products.

Touch of Home

On a 6-month tour in Italy, having a commissary with American food items helped one veteran feel more connected to home.

On weekends, he and his friends would go to the commissary and load up on their favorites. Then they would cook and eat together. It helped these troops to feel more connected to home, especially when stationed overseas.

For families with small children, it is also important to have the same foods no matter where they live. Being able to open the pantry and make macaroni and cheese while living in Japan is comforting.

The commissary also makes it easier to take new favorites with you. The diversity and depth of their international foods aisle makes it simpler to create authentic Spanish, Japanese or German meals while living in Kansas.

Recognition

Murphy’s Law struck one military spouse less than 24 hours after her husband left for his deployment.

While buying essentials at the commissary, she discovered that her military dependent ID card was missing. She searched high and low: in the car, in her purse and all around the store. Even retracing her steps in the parking lot. Nothing.

And her groceries were still sitting in the cart. Her face was burning with embarrassment!

Luckily, the commissary manager saw her predicament.

“I know you. You shop here all the time. You’re good!”

With groceries purchased, she finally found the missing ID in the parking lot of her children’s school! And never forgot this act of kindness.

Do you have a feel-good commissary story? Share it in the comments section.

Military Discounts for 17 Tech Products, Services

By

Military families live in a high-tech world and I’ll be the first to admit, I love it! Getting my hands on the latest technology isn’t always in my budget, but with military discounts from some of the best tech companies out there, bringing the latest tech gear home is a little easier with a little discount.

Military Discounts for 15 Tech Products, Services

Have you used any of these military discounts? Tell us about your favorite military discounts in the comments section.

Here are 17 military discounts that military spouses and service members don’t want to miss when buying the latest tech products and services.

Military Discounts for 17 Tech Products, Services

Military Discounts on Computers

If you’re anything like me, you have a love/hate relationship with your computer. I’ve been known to completely wear out a laptop. By the time I’m done with it only half of the keys on the keyboard are even readable.

If you are in the market for a new computer (which for me, is pretty much all of the time), here’s where to go to score a great military discount on one.

  • Dell offers a 10% military discount on selected computers and laptops. The discount can be redeemed through the AAFES Exchange website or by verifying your military affiliation through TroopID on the Dell website.(Bonus tip: Sign up for Dell Advantage rewards and you could earn 10% plus get free 2-day shipping!). Get the details here.
  • Apple. Their discount varies by product, but in general it ranges from 5% to 15%. Military discounts are primarily offered on computers, iPads and iPhones. There may be an additional discount offered on a protection plan. You can get the details on Apple’s military discounts here.
  • Lenovo offers up to 40% discounts on PCs, including ThinkPad.
  • Microsoft has a 5% discount on PCs, tablets and accessories, plus a 10% discount on software. Get the details here. Service members can also save 30% on Office365.
  • HP offers a 20% discount to service members as well as free shipping. Sign up here for more details.

Military Discounts on Cell Phone Services

I don’t go anywhere anymore without my cell phone. Do you even remember what life was like before we were connected 24/7?

Whatever you do, don’t pay full price for your cellular service.

Almost every major wireless provider offers a military discount.

Keep in mind that all cell phone service discounts require verification with a DD-214, military pay stub, and/or military ID card. Restrictions apply, so make sure you understand the fine print before agreeing to these military discounts.

  • T-Mobile offers up to 15% off to active duty and veterans. Visit a T-Mobile retail store near you for the details.
  • AT&T Service members and veterans get a 15% discount on qualified monthly services. A DD-214 or military ID card is required for verification. Get all the details here.
  • MetroPCS has promotions throughout the year that target military spouses, veterans and service members. Visit your local MetroPCS store for more information about its discounts.
  • Sprint Wireless. Service members and veterans receive a 15% discount on select rate plans. A verification form is required to qualify for this discount. Get the form here.
  • Cricket Wireless offers a 15% discount to eligible military members and retirees. The discount is only available by visiting your local Cricket Wireless store.
  • Verizon Wireless has a 15% off of monthly wireless service and a 25% discount on select accessories.

Military Discounts on Gadgets and Gizmos

What would technology be good for if we couldn’t occasionally use it to have fun or make our lives easier? Check out these military discounts from companies that fall into the categories of gadgets and gizmos.

  • Gotenna. Gotenna can turn your smartphone into a GPS or text device, even if you don’t have a signal. They offer a 15% military discount with service affiliation verification. Get the details on any product listing on their site.
  • iRobot. Thinking about getting a Roomba? Did you know iRobot offers a 15% military discount? Verification is required through ID.me. Get the details here.
  • BestBuy. The discount varies by amount and location. Ask your local store manager if they offer a military discount.
  • UnderArmor offers a 10% military discount on its fitness gadgets. Verification is required through ID.me. Get the details on their site.
  • Dish For My RV extends exclusive offers for military members. Get the details here.

Military Discounts on Home Security Services

Since service members spend a lot of time away for deployments, field trainings or TDYs, making the investment in a good home security system and service just makes sense. Make your home a little safer thanks to these great military discounts.

  • My Alarm Center offers a discount on the installation and reduced monthly monitoring fees for military service members. All the details are available on their site.
  • ADT Home Security. USAA members can take advantage of a 10% discount on installation and monthly monitoring costs. You can find out more about this discount by clicking here.

Are you looking for more military discounts? Visit our Military Discounts page.