Military Life News

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Can Military Spouses Have It All?

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What is “having it all?”

For me, having it all means having a job in my profession with my spouse also working in his field. It means a decent house in a safe neighborhood and reliable child care. Having it all means the ability to take a vacation every year. Having it all means that my marriage, family life, professional life and personal interests are able to work together.

Do You Think Working Military Spouses Can Have It All?

What do you think? Can military spouses have it all?

With the recent release of their study, The Force Behind the Force, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) lays out some troubling statistics.

Essentially, this study tells us what military spouses already know: we are underemployed and unemployed in staggering numbers as an almost direct result of our spouse’s military service.

In his opinion, 2012 Military Spouse of the Year Jeremy Hilton dissects the results and reaches the conclusion that military spouses cannot “have it all” in the traditional work/life/family balance. And he’s not wrong.

The “powers that be” offer solutions: volunteer, work for the government or work remotely. Which is great, for those lucky few who have the skills in the markets that allow those kinds of flexible jobs.

In my time as a military spouse, I have sacrificed almost a decade of professional teaching experience so that my husband can honorably serve this country. Since receiving my master’s degree in 2009, I have taught in a school district for 2 years. I know that my personal job prospects suffer for each year that I am out of the classroom. Even with writing an education blog and being active in professional learning networks online, I am moving out of the loop.

My salary expectations are suffering too. My peers, with similar degrees earned at similar times, are several steps ahead of me. This way of paying teachers is not unlike the military and government method: years of experience and education combine to indicate a salary. With only 2 years on the books, I’m earning at least 4 years – 4 steps – below my peers.

When I have voiced concerns about this in online forums, some military spouses have been dismissive and down right critical.

After all, I knew what I was getting into. I should have expected to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars every few years to get a new license or maintain a current license.

If not, I should be prepared to walk away from an expensive education and a profession that I am passionate about. Or find a different passion or cobble together some other wage earning position(s). No slack should be cut. I should be happy with what I get, even if it is scraps compared to what my professional peers rate, these critical voices tell me.

Here’s the thing: I have seen how I could have it all.

I had it all for a very brief window. I had my dream job in my dream school. My spouse also had an assignment he loved. We were both being paid competitive wages, with the opportunity to advance. We had reliable and affordable child care.

And then we got PCS orders.

Suddenly, my career was at square one. Child care involved endless waiting lists and it was just easier to stay at home with my child. I gave in. I stopped fighting. I told myself that I couldn’t have it all.

Then we moved again. So I started again.

Now we are expecting another child, which is amazing, except that it means that my career will once again take a back seat. If I wasn’t a military spouse, I would have been in one or two districts over the last 6 years. I would have earned tenure on the faculty. I would have earned Family Medical Leave Allowance. I would have been able to bank sick days for years to compensate for the post-birth time off.

So, can military spouses have it all?

In short, yes. Sometimes.

When all the stars align and the pieces of the puzzles fall into place, for brief periods of time, military spouses can have it all. I have been to that promised land and I have been kicked out again.

Most of the time, military spouses will probably not have it all.

By the time we line up the child care and the best job, orders will be imminent. Or another child will be on the way. Or deployment and training will pop up again.

And we will be back at square one: new location, no job, a few kids and gaps in our paid job experience that no amount of volunteering or blogging will ever hope to fill.

We will be chasing our professional licenses, hunting on the job boards and calling child care places to see if there is any hope of an opening.

We become part of the statistics for unemployed or underemployed military spouses.

What do you think? Can military spouses have it all?

Dear DeCA, Please Expand the Click2Go Program

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If I had the option of going inside my commissary or shopping online for groceries with curbside pickup, I would opt for the convenience of the curbside pickup. Every. Single. Time.

That’s why when the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) announced the pilot program for Click2Go, the commissary’s online shopping and curbside pickup program, I was doing my happy dance inside my kitchen. Sure, DeCA was doing the pilot program at only 3 locations – Fort Lee, Va., Travis Air Force Base, Calif. and Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., but I was convinced that my commissary at Fort Detrick, Md., would be next in line.

Turns out my happy dance was a little premature.

Currently DeCA doesn’t have any plans to expand the Click2Go program, but the agency also doesn’t have any plans to eliminate the program.

I feel like it’s one of those military moments of “It is what it is” logic. It’s good for the people stationed at those 3 locations that offer Click2Go. But for the rest of us, don’t hold your breath.

Yet this optimistic commissary shopper isn’t giving up on her hope for Click2Go. I believe in the success of the Click2Go program and maybe all DeCA needs is a little nudge of positive reinforcement. Well here it is.

3 Reasons Why DeCA Should Consider Expanding the Click2Go Program

Convenience for Commissary Shoppers

I truly want to shop at the commissary, but sometimes pesky excuses get between me and its sliding doors.

Here’s an example of how these mental roadblocks go down inside my head:

I need to go to the commissary but…

  • I don’t have enough time to go and pick up my daughter from school.
  • My baby is napping. I really don’t want to take him out of his car seat.
  • It’s raining.
  • It’s snowing.
  • I don’t have cash to tip the baggers.
  • It’s payday. That place is going to be a zoo.

If I had the option of Click2Go, I would jump over those mental roadblocks with this simple phrase –

I’ll use Click2Go.

Boom. Mic drop. Done. No more excuses not to go the commissary.

Competition with Other Curbside Pickup Options

Click2Go isn’t the only curbside pickup game in town. You, like me, most likely have other curbside pickup options in your city. Many national grocery stores offer this service and many military spouses are taking advantage of this convenience.

That’s money that should be going to the commissary. But it isn’t. Why? People will pay for convenience. If the Click2Go program was expanded to more commissaries, more patrons could have the best of whole worlds –convenience combined with the competitive pricing offered at the commissary.

Listening Earns Loyalty

Every time I see a military spouse posting on Facebook that she’s “in love with the curbside pickup” at another store, it’s a sign that DeCA needs to expand its Click2Go program.

Customers are looking for a curbside pickup option, no matter, where they shop. When MilitaryShoppers asked commissary patrons what types of changes they would like to see at their commissary, they said that they want to see the Click2Go program expanded to more commissaries.

Making changes based on customer feedback earns customer loyalty. We know that the Department of Defense and DeCA are these massive government agencies and 9 times out of 10 we feel like our opinions don’t matter to the leadership. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if DeCA embraced this trend in convenient shopping options and expanded its Click2Go program? They already developed a pilot program. The pilot program is working. The pilot program is continuing at those 3 locations.

Now we just need to see it at 284 locations. Is that too much to ask?

Have you used DeCA’s Click2Go services? Would you use this service if it was available at your commissary? Learn more about Click2Go here.

5 Athletes We Are Cheering for at the Paralympics

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The 2016 Paralympic Games will take place in the same venues as the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The games run from September 7-18. There are 22 different sports featured during the games with para-canoe and paratriathlon each making their debut this year. It will be an exciting time with 160 nations sending more than 4,350 athletes to compete.

How much do you know about the Paralympics and who will you be cheering for? We’ve made it easy to get caught up so you will be ready in time for the opening ceremony.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) organizes the Paralympics with the goal

“To enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.”

Organizers hope that the courage and determination these athletes show will inspire others and bring equality to all athletes.

5 Athletes We Are Cheering for at the Paralympics

Did you know that there are more than 21 million Americans that have a physical disability?

The IPC has been running the Paralympics since 1989, however the United States Olympic Committee did not start the U.S. Paralympics until 2001. Through the U.S. Paralympics athletes with physical disabilities are able to train at sports facilities across the United States.

The U.S. Paralympics expanded to include the military in 2004. The Paralympic Military Program supports service members and veterans that have been wounded in service. These injuries include amputations, traumatic brain injuries and visual impairments.

Here are 5 veterans we will be cheering on during this year’s Paralympics.

Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Brad Snyder is a Naval Academy graduate and Naval Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician who became blind in 2011 after an improvised explosive device detonated.

Exactly one year after the explosion he competed in the 2012 London Paralympic Games and won a gold medal. He went on to win a total of 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal in swimming events at those games. This year will be an exciting time yet again to watch him compete in the pool.

Shawn Morelli, an Army engineer officer, was on a mission in Afghanistan in 2007 when an improvised explosive device detonated near her. She suffered neck and nerve damage, brain trauma and became blind in her left eye.

Retired now, she is a member of the United Health Care Pro Cycling team. She has qualified for 4 events including two on the velodrome and two road races.

She was also nominated for an ESPY award this year. Morelli recently broke the women’s C4 pursuit world record in Italy. She is the top-ranked female rider in the world in her classification.

Melissa Stockwell was an Army officer in 2004. She lost her left leg after a roadside bomb exploded in Baghdad. She is a three-time Paratriathlon National and World Champion and swam in the 2008 Paralympics.

While she was unfortunately the first female American soldier in history to lose a limb while in active duty combat, she became the first Iraq War veteran to compete in the Paralympic Games as a swimmer in 2008 placing fourth in the 400-meter freestyle.

This year Stockwell will be part of Paralympic history as an athlete in the first paratriathlon.

Staff Sergeant Michael Lukow serves in the Army. He is now part of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program as a Paralympic archer.

He lost his right foot on a mission in Iraq. He became interested in archery during his rehabilitation. Lukow learned once again how to walk, this time with a prosthetics and braces, by retrieving arrows. His love for the sport was instant.

Sergeant Elizabeth Marks is a combat medic and Paralympic swimmer. She is also part of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. She will compete in the Paralympics in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke. She won 4 gold medals at the 2016 Invictus Games.

She suffered bilateral hip injuries in Iraq in 2010 and came close to death while recovering in the hospital from a respiratory infection.

All of these military veterans deserve our respect and our voice cheering for them in the 2016 Paralympics. Will you be watching and cheering for them?

You can learn more about the Paralympic Military Program by clicking here.

Should We Believe Congress When It Comes to the Commissary?

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Congress is constantly debating military benefits and the commissary is frequently at the top of the list. Every year when the Defense Bill reaches the floor consumers stand weary to see what will happen to their commissary benefits.

Congress claims they are looking out for service members, veterans and their families, but are they really?

Is Congress trying to save the commissary or looking for an excuse to close it down? If you listen in on any of the subcommittee meetings, you might not be so sure of the answer.

Should We Believe Congress When It Comes to the Commissary?

Congress isn’t out to cause harm to military families by cutting the commissary.

It might be hard to trust that lawmakers are on the side of military families. They are constantly talking about budget cuts and changes to military benefits. Service members and their families have sacrificed so much. They were promised benefits to compensate them for their service.

Over the years however, we have all watched as benefits are cut, diminished and altered.

What my dad was promised back in the 70s is not what he ended up with when he retired from the Army almost 30 years later.

Congress isn’t out to cause harm to military families by cutting benefits though and all changes aren’t bad either. I’ve witnessed some great changes in the last 8 years that I’ve been a Navy spouse.

You won’t find any of the committee members saying they want to do away with the commissary. They all pledge that they are working hard to keep the commissary going. It’s the business process they are trying to improve so that the commissary won’t depend on the government and taxpayers to it keep running.

The simple truth is they want military families to have the benefit of shopping at the commissary –they just don’t want to pay for it.

As so many things come down to it, it’s just about money. How can Congress cut the budget? If they truly didn’t care about the morale of families, they could simply vote to do away with the commissary. It really could be that simple.

Instead, they have taken extensive measures to dig into what can be done to save the commissary.

Congress hired a firm and spent nearly $4 million to research ways to make the commissary self-sufficient and competitive with commercial grocery stores.

They looked into privatizing the system, but that didn’t pan out.

They talked about what increasing the prices could do to level the playing field with commercial grocers and patrons balked at the idea.

They tested the idea of variable pricing by market and that resulted in some families coming out ahead while others found their pockets lighter.

Finally, the research team talked about creating a commissary brand private label. That had mixed results in discussion but this year it will be tested. DeCA will be introducing private label items by the end of the year. They are still in the process of seeking companies to put in proposals to create the private labels. Congress is waiting for the results of this idea.

We will be waiting to see what happens next, because that’s all we can do.

It’s another year of wait and see.

Will the commissary benefit continue or will Congress look at the price tag and decide to make significant changes? Unfortunately, only time will tell. In the meantime, take advantage of this benefit and do your shopping at the commissary.

Do you believe the leaders of Congress when they say they are working to protect our commissary benefit? Why or why not?

Why These 5 Military Bases Are Our Favorites

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Sure, every military base or duty station has its perks, but some military bases just stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Why These 5 Military Bases Are Our Favorites

Which military bases are your favorites?

These 5 military bases, for a variety of reasons, are the best bases that our writers have ever lived at.

Presidio of Monterey, California

If you love going to the beach in the fall, then this is the place for you! It’s jeans and sweater weather almost all of the time, with the gorgeous Pacific Ocean just steps away. On the beach, you can stand and watch the fog roll in, see it swirl around you and blanket the coastal town in mist.

Beyond the scenery, freshly picked produce from local farms is available everywhere you look! Plus, with the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course close by, it’s easy to hit the links or check out the annual Pro-Am tournament.

For military spouses, volunteer opportunities, on base and off, abound. The opportunity to study alongside your spouse is also available, as space allows at the Defense Language Institute. Some spouses have been able to study a second (or third!) language while in Monterey. Since the Presidio is a joint services installation, being here allows everyone to bust out of their service-centric bubbles and create even more amazing friendships!

San Diego, California

From Camp Pendleton up north to Miramar in the east, with Coronado holding it down in the south, this whole region is a fan favorite for military bases.

And what’s not to love? Beautiful beaches, with low waves for the little ones and big surf for the brave. Nearly perfect weather year-round, sunny skies daily and rarely a cloud to be seen. The flowers are blooming all the time and the ocean breeze cools off even those rare scorching hot days.

For foodies, this is the place to be: with Mexican, Asian and soul food (plus so much more) available around the clock.

Animals lovers rejoice! The world famous San Diego Zoo just celebrated its centennial and is hosting fun events through the end of 2016. Its sister park, the Wild Animal Park in Escondido, lets visitors get up-close and personal to the animals on safari-style tours.

Out east, and slightly north, lies Temecula Valley. This wine region is producing reds, whites and sparklings that will please even the most discerning palates.

With military bases all over this area, you are never at a loss for resources, health care or community connections. For families, couples or those flying solo, SoCal is the place to be!

Stuttgart, Germany

If you are looking for castles, forests and international travel opportunities, Stuttgart might just be your military base.

Located close to the German/French border, Stuttgart is in the heart of Europe. By rail, road or air, you can access all that this continent has to offer easily. From lunch in France to shopping in the Black Forest or buying a car in Sweden, all of these adventures and more can be yours!

As you travel, don’t neglect the places closer to home. Stuttgart features beautiful castles, stunning parks and festivals year-round. Their Oktoberfest is the second largest volksfest worldwide, behind Munich.

Near the holiday season, the Christmas market is open for business with artisan crafts and local cheer. When you factor in museums and the opera, Stuttgart is a cultural mecca!

JEB Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia

Located in the heart of Hampton Roads, an epicenter of East Coast naval operations, JEB Little Creek is combined with Fort Story as a joint service base for the Navy and Army.

Little Creek is easy to get to and close to so much. From beautiful beaches to the history of Virginia, this region is sure to be a winner for you! Plus, you can watch the ships head into and out of the port.

Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking and running trails along the coast or in one of many local parks. For history buffs, this region offers museums on local, national and military history.

Let’s not forget the food! From fresh from the boat seafood to boiled peanuts to down home Southern cooking, you can find it all here.

Within driving distance, you can access the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic. A trip up the coast gets you to Jamestown, where the first English colonists settled. Military families should head inland for Civil and Revolutionary War battle sites.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital, and one of the busiest military hubs in the United States, Washington, D.C., is a great place to live like a local!

D.C. is a great place to pick up running, biking or walking. Just picture it: ending your run at the Lincoln Memorial as the sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol. Perfection!

D.C. is the perfect place to explore like a tourist. Almost all the museums are free and you can visit national landmarks, like the White House on your weekends.

You can also see live music, comedy and explore tons of different cuisine. Comedy and music shows are hugely popular in the U Street corridor. Ethiopian, Vietnamese and El Salvadorian foods are fan favorites with the locals.

What are your favorite military bases? Tell us in the comments!

5 Recipes Where Beer Makes It Better

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Did you know that humans have been drinking beer for nearly 7,000 years? And that nearly every ancient culture in the world, from ancient Mesopotamia to the Incas had some kind of fermented grain concoction as part of their diet?

Is it any wonder then that modern day beer-aficionados have finally given this glorious brew a day to call its own?

The first Friday in August is International Beer Day. So take a moment to pop the top and savor a glass, can or bottle of your favorite brew.

Maybe a pilsner is your go-to.

Maybe a hefeweizen or a stout is more your style.

Better yet, with Oktoberfest, football season, and the holidays fast approaching, I challenge you to embrace all the flavors beer has to offer by not only drinking it, but cooking with it too.

Here are a few of MilitaryShopper’s favorite beer-licious recipes and some tips for finding just the right brew to go with whatever happens to land on your plate.

Do you cook with beer? Here are our 5 favorite recipes that use beer.

Do you have a favorite recipe that uses beer as an ingredient?

5 Recipes Where Beer Makes It Better

OKTOBERFEST INSPIRED GRILLED BRATWURST

If there was ever 2 things that absolutely belong together it’s sausage and beer.  This recipe takes bratwurst to the next level. I can practically smell the sauerkraut and thyme from here.

Pairings: Just like the recipe, bratwurst, grilled pork, grilled chicken, seafood, and spicy foods pair well with a good lager. Just make sure you’ve chilled it perfectly. According to the experts over at Epicurious, for the best flavor, it should be served between 40°F and 50°F.

EASY BEER BREAD

Easy and bread don’t usually belong in the same sentence, but this recipe has just 3 simple ingredients. Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked bread? Scratch that. Freshly baked BEER bread? I think not.

Pairings: Let it never be said that beer isn’t sophisticated enough for a cocktail party. Wine tends to be the go-to accompaniment to those fancy cheese trays, but it’s not your only option. Try a pale ale with sharp cheddar or a fruit beer with soft cheeses like mascarpone.

Need more ideas for great beer and cheese pairings? The folks over at BeerAdvocate have everything you need.

BELGIAN BEEF ROAST

The crockpot might be the working man’s (and woman’s) best friend. Let’s see, there’s beef, onions, garlic, butter, and yes….BEER! And did I mention, it practically makes its own gravy right there in the pot? Follow this easy recipe and your mouth will start watering the minute you walk in the door.

Pairings: Though the recipe isn’t specific, hearty roasted meats like a beef demand a full-bodied brew. Try a porter or a stout in the recipe, and then pour some in your glass to go with it.

Wondering what goes best with sushi or chicken wings? Check out this great article over on Men’s Fitness.

AMERICAN BEER BATTER FRIED VEGETABLES

Cooking with beer isn’t just reserved for meat-eaters. If you prefer a lighter fare, or just like a little veggie with your meat, try this smorgasbord of beer battered veggies. Even the kids will love these!

Pairings: For strong, earthy vegetables like mushrooms and potatoes, try an earthy brew with lots of good hoppy flavor. For sweeter root vegetables, try a caramel porter.

Craving onion rings? Nothing goes better with them than a spicy aioli and a nice, cold pale ale.  Get even more great vegetable and beer pairings from Food and Wine (who knew they knew beer too?)

 CHOCOLATE GUINNESS CHEESECAKE

Who said you can’t have beer for dessert? Ready to absolutely knock the socks off your dinner guests? This recipe takes a little bit of work, but the payoff is so worth it. Chocolate and beer? Yes, you really can have it all.

Pairings: Picking the right brew to have in or with your dessert can be a bit tricky. Strong flavors like dark chocolate pair well with stronger flavored beers. Sweeter dessert can make your favorite brew taste more bitter than usual, so try something fruit-based or look for beers that tout fruity undertones.  Get more dessert and beer pairing from Serious Eats.

Do you have a favorite recipe that uses beer as an ingredient? Share it with MilitaryShoppers for a chance to win a $50 commissary shopping spree.

 

4 Tips for Becoming the School Lunch Master

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The dog days of summer are nearly complete which means that back to school is just around the corner. What’s our first challenge as we prepare for parent-teacher conferences and report cards? School supplies. We’ll claw through mounds of 3-ring binders and pocket folders.

But while you’re checking off the annual school supply list and double checking the bus route schedule, don’t forget to spend a few minutes thinking about lunch.

No, not your lunch, the amazing, delicious and healthy school lunches you’ll pack for your entire brood each and every day. What? What’s that?

You don’t have time to pack your child’s lunch?

Just the thought of packing your child’s lunch stresses you out?

Getting your kid to eat a healthy school lunch is like trying to lick your elbow? Hold up, don’t worry. You can do this. Here’s how:

4 Tips for Becoming the School Lunch Master

Packing healthy and delicious school lunches doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are 4 tips to make it easier.

If You Pack It, They Will Eat It: 4 Tips for Becoming the School Lunch Master

Gather School Lunch Ideas Before the First of School

I have a hard enough time just figuring out what shoes to wear every day and I don’t exactly have hours to brainstorm school lunch ideas. If only there was a tool that allowed people with this uber-secret super power to share their wonderful, magical lists of amazing school lunches with the world. But, wait! There is!

A quick Pinterest search for school lunch ideas will give you more ideas than you can shake a stick at.

Worst-case scenario, Google “school lunch ideas,” but whatever you do, don’t feel like you have to reinvent the wheel. Learn from those who have already mastered the art of the school lunch.

Quick Tip: If your kids are old enough, let them help you find ideas for lunch. Recent research shows kids involved in food prep often eat better. Plus it’s a great opportunity to talk about what’s healthy and why eating right is so important.

Get the Right Tool for the Job

Now that you’ve pinned enough school lunch ideas to feed your kid until he’s 21, it’s time to gather all of the nifty tools that make packing all of those lunches a breeze. Keep things like sandwich and snack-size food storage bags on hand at all times. Better yet, your budget and the environment will thank you for the purchase of reusable compartment containers.

Check your local Exchange and if you can, invest in several reusable compartment containers so you can pack more than one lunch at a time. Search for containers that are easy to open, easy to clean, and are dishwasher/microwave safe. Oh, and don’t forget the cold packs.

Quick Tip: Want to buy those reusable containers, but have a kid who is notorious for losing them? Try a reward system. A small daily or weekly reward (could be a quarter, could be a peanut butter cup in their lunch at the end of the week) can help remind them to bring their lunch containers home. Plus it’s a great opportunity to talk about being responsible for their things.

Prep Instead of Panic

Nothing can send me into a panic like waking up late on a school day. The easiest thing to fall by the wayside in a moment of fight or miss the school bus? Yep, lunch.

Eliminate the stress and strain (and the temptation to toss a handful of pretzels and an over-brown banana in her lunch box) by prepping school lunches the night before.

Quick Tip: Carve out an hour or so each weekend to prep things for lunches during the week. Boil a few eggs, cut carrots and celery into easy-to-pack sticks, pre-load small containers with peanut butter, hummus or ranch dressing for easy packing.

Don’t forget to get the kids involved. If your children are older, let them chop veggies. Younger kids can help wash fruit or put stuff in storage bags.

Think Beyond the Sandwich When Thinking About School Lunch

Remember all of those amazing lunch recipes you pinned? I’d wager to say that most of them didn’t involve slapping a little PB&J between 2 pieces of white bread.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good PB&J, especially with a few sour cream and onion potato chips squished flat in the middle (I know it’s strange, don’t judge!), but a lot of kids get bored with the same thing day after day after day.

The key to making things perfect for school lunches is keeping everything bite-sized. No kid wants to bust out with a fork and knife, trust me. Try skipping the bread all together. Substitute cucumber slices, tortilla wedges or even mini waffles to mix things up.

Quick Tip: Prepare an extra dinner serving each night. Pan roasted sausage slices with a little barbecue sauce, meatballs with marinara, caprese salad, and sticky rice balls all make great sandwich-free lunch options.

What tips do you have for packing a healthy school lunch? Share your ideas in the comments section.

10 Reasons To Donate to Feds Feed Families

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The 2016 Feds Feed Families campaign is in full swing and there is still time for you to help make a difference.

What started in 2009 as part of President Barack Obama’s United We Serve campaign to gather nonperishable goods for hungry families has grown into an amazing program collecting almost 52.7 million pounds of food, cleaning and hygiene items. All of these donations are made by federal employees throughout the country.

The USDA leads the way in Feds Feed Families again this year. They have pulled together every federal agency to gather as much nonperishable food and other items that they can. Amazingly, last year the total amount collected came to more than 17.9 million pounds. The Department of Defense played a good role in this by collecting more than 3.2 million pounds of food and hygiene items for the Feds Feed Families program. Almost half of that came from commissary employees and patrons, with donations totaling 1.6 million pounds.

You can make a difference with Feds Feed Families by making a donation of nonperishable food, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies.

If you need motivation, here are 10 reasons why you should donate items to the Feds Feed Families program.

You wouldn’t allow a child to go hungry. Food banks see a shortage in summer months as less donations come in and demands increase. During the school year, many children are able to get meals at a reduced rate or even free if their family meets certain government requirements.

In the summer months when school is out, families must look elsewhere to feed their children. This is when local food banks get hit the hardest. That is why the Feds Feed Families campaign runs from June through the end of August each year.

A staggering 1 in 6 Americans suffer with food insecurity, meaning they often go hungry or worry about having enough to eat. That’s an astounding 50 million Americans that don’t know where their next meal is coming from or if they’ll have enough to eat.

Since 1985, the commissary has been making donations to local food banks. As part of Feds Feed Families, they are able to make a bigger contribution and so can you.

Military families are also hungry. Military families and service members unfortunately are not immune to this suffering. Not all military families can make ends meet and put sufficient food on the table for their families. Statistics are hard to come by and that’s why new studies are being done, to accurately document how many military families are using food assistance programs.

The reality is, you likely have some food in your pantry that you can donate. You know there is at least one item in there you are never going to eat, that can of asparagus in the back of the pantry you’ve been ignoring for example. You know you aren’t going to eat it, but there is someone out there that would love to have it. You can help ease their burden by making a donation of this and any nonperishable items you have at home. You can download a list of items the Feds Feed Families campaign is looking for.

The Feds Feed Families program is hassle-free. Even if you don’t feel like going through your pantry, you can make a donation. Most commissaries have pre-filled bags with items Feds Feed Families is looking for.

All you have to do is pick one up on your next grocery run and pay for it. Simply drop the bag in the Feds Feed Families donation bin on your way out.

It’s completely hassle-free.

This is a great teaching moment for your children. Many kids these days have a huge disconnect in where their food comes from. Those that have enough to eat don’t necessarily think twice about the cost of food. This is a great life lesson you can share with your family: be grateful for what you have, be kind to others and be an example for the next generation.

If nothing else moves you, you can write your donation off your federal taxes.

If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, you can join a gleaning event. This year in particular, Feds Feed Families is pushing families to gather extra fresh food by clearing fields of unused produce. This is known as gleaning. Your children can use this as a service project.

Have you always wanted to be a part of something bigger than yourself? This is your opportunity. Every office of the federal government is asked to participate in Feds Feed Families.

Because you can. If you aren’t worrying about where your next meal is coming from, make a difference for someone who is worrying – donate to Feds Feed Families today.

For more information about the Feds Feed Families campaign, visit the USDA’s Feds Feed Families page.

Online Communication Keeps Military Families Connected

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When my husband deployed, I thanked my lucky stars that we were living in the 21st century. My beloved was often just a keyboard and computer screen away.

Online Communication Keeps Military Couples Connected

Online communication allows military couples to stay connected during times of separation.

I immediately thought about my grandparents: continents away during World War II and communicating through unreliable snail mail. Deployments were a lot longer then, too. The troops were gone for years sometimes, with very little communication to the folks back home.

Today, we have an app for that!

There are more ways to connect than you can imagine and military families have found or tried many of them. From video chats to instant messaging services, from email to virtual reading programs, there is something out there for everyone. Most of these online communication services can be accessed right from a smartphone or laptop, anywhere in the world!

The benefits of online communication really boil down to just one thing: connections.

Every time a unit deploys, that means that many military families are operating without one parent for months at a time. The parent at home takes on twice the work with less down time. Suddenly, one person is in charge instead of two.

For that parent, being able to reach out to their deployed spouse can help to make solo parenting that much easier. When a child has a great success, it can be shared and cheered together. Or when a child has a not-so-great moment, the parents can plan together on how to handle it and show a united front.

For military children, online communication keeps them connected to their deployed parent.

When there is a big win or a bad day, a child can immediately email Mom or Dad to share their feelings. Or they can message them. Or use a video call.

Just seeing their parent’s face keeps those channels of communication open and operational. When a child relies on one parent for so long, it could be easy to see the other as not a part of the game. This can make it harder for everyone when the deployment is finally over.

With quality online communication, both parents are on the team at the same time. They are making joint decisions and working together as a family to handle every situation.

That online connection can start even before or at birth. With the heavy deployment cycle of the last 15 years, many service members have been “present” for the birth of a child via video. Sharing something so precious, from so far away, is priceless.

While a parent deploys, families often are also far from grandparents, aunts and uncles. Virtual connections via online communication can help here too. Many military children grow up seeing Grandma and Grandpa via video chat or through shared online photo albums. Having these avenues open, during deployments or not, is vital to keeping extended families connected across the miles. Online communication provides networks and resources to draw on, no matter where military families are located.

Even small things, like the locations of documents or tools, can be almost instantly shared through online messages or emails. So when the car inevitably breaks down or the washer needs a part, searching for the insurance or manuals won’t add another stressor to the situation.

Ultimately, the benefits of online communication come down to one main thing: connections. Yes, there are thousands of little intangibles that make up the idea. The soccer game live streamed to the middle of the Pacific. Christmas morning presents via Skype. Seeing a family vacation from across the world. All of these little moments that are shared together online create connections through communication.

For military families, keeping their connections alive during deployment is the biggest benefit of all.

How has online communication benefited your military family during a deployment? Share your story in the comments section.

Case Lot Sales Are Back!

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September’s around the corner and the kids will be back to school sooner than you think. It’s time to stock your pantry with snack and lunch items. What better place to do it then at the upcoming Case Lot Sales?   With savings high and prices low, Case Lot Sales are the perfect solution to help you prepare for the upcoming school year. So go ahead…

Stock Up and Save!

Visit the Case Lot Sale store dates page for your local commissary sale dates.

What items will you see at a Case Lot Sale?

The Case Lot Sales offer items that you typically find at club stores, as well as individually packaged items that can be bought in bulk.  These sales are a great opportunity to stock up on a wide variety of pantry items at discounted prices.

Don’t miss out on your local commissaries Case Lot Sales! For additional information on the upcoming Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sales, please visit the DeCA website.