Get with you Quarun-team

In keeping with state-specific guidelines in regards to group size, avoid large group gatherings, and stick to your family or quarun-team, aka the group of people who are in your safe circle and stick to that. While the holidays are a great time to get together with friends, with COVID-19 and flu season, no one wants to be sick over the holidays. Get your group together and celebrate in a fun and unique ways that are as unique as the year 2020.

Make it a Bake Off!

Gather baking supplies, look up your favorite baking show, and find a topic or recipe to try and do it! Have fun together trying something new and maybe you will create your new favorite bread courtesy of Paul Hollywood or custard that Mary Berry would favor.  

Fireworks whenever you want

The sparkling fireworks and the accompanying music is a highlight for outdoor NYE celebrations. Continue them from home before midnight by streaming fireworks from Disneyland via their Youtube channel or from the Nagaoka fireworks Festival show in Japan who as a country have the best fireworks you have ever seen. Just type in “fireworks” on YouTube or an online video search engine of your choice and guarantee you will find the perfect firework style and length to suit your taste.

Craft a Memory Keepsake

While a lot of people are ready to just get the year over with, the truth is, it has happened. While there aren’t vacation photos like years past or birthday parties with huge cakes, chances are there are lots of selfies, pictures of science experiments, and game nights. Consider printing off a few to make a scrapbook or photo book or perhaps a photo ornament. Celebrate the silver linings of this year and build more memories together.

Pjs and a Movie

In keeping with making New Year’s Eve whatever you want, consider cuddling up in comfy PJs, make a couch fort with blanket and pillows, and pop in a movie – you know those digital video discs that we all owned – or stream a movie and relax and enjoy. Make it a phone-free event for extra enjoyment!

Dinner Buffet

While keeping it your family or quarun-team, put out fun plates of veggies, fruit, crackers, jams, cheese, meats and enjoy noshing over a fun appetizer-like dinner that you may see at NYE parties. Remember to never leave perishable food out for longer than 2 hours as that can become a bacteria breeding ground.

Make a Photo Booth

Use things you have at home to decorate a wall – maybe a bunch of tissue paper or wrapping paper to make “stars.” Use paper plates to make face masks, or perhaps dig into your Halloween or dress-up bin and go to town taking selfies to commemorate the year. Use cardboard boxes to make a background frame with a fun slogan or perhaps to make cardboard cut-out glasses.

Bust out the Games

Make it a game day and go to town on card games like Uno or Go Fish, or if you have older family members consider lengthy games of Risk or Clue. Go really old school by playing musical chairs – there is something fun about musical chairs that gets everyone giggly and giddy.

It’s a Dance Party!

Check out the many dance playlists on your choice of device and clear the living room or dining room or dorm room to make it a dance party! Make it personal by getting everyone together to build your own playlist, and share it with your dearest friends. Consider getting friends or family in on it by video chatting with them while sharing the music.

While collectively, the world is looking forward to a new year and continuing to go forward, don’t forget to celebrate and have fun! It may be 2020, but it is still New Year’s Eve!

What are you doing to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Let us know in the comments!

Two changes to the Army’s physical fitness requirements will remain in place for the 2021 fiscal year. Recruits and Soldiers graduating from initial entrance training courses will no longer be required to pass a fitness test to graduate outside of the general physical testing of the course. In addition, failing scores of the new accepted fitness test of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) replacing the Physical Fitness Test will not be counted against soldiers.

New recruits or Soldiers graduating from Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, One Station Unit Training, Warrant Office Basic Course and the Basic Officer leader course will no longer be required to pass a fitness test to graduate. This temporary suspension begins with the new fiscal year of October 1, 2020 and will remain in place until September 30, 2021, the end of the fiscal year. This temporary suspension will align the trainees to the fitness test policy of the rest of the Army.

In 2019, the Army began requiring trainees to pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) to graduate from the training courses, allowing a passing grade even if failing one of the events. Beginning October 1, 2020, the ACFT became the gold standard, the only accepted fitness test replacing the Army Physical Fitness Test. The fitness test was made of six events: 3 repetition maximum deadlift (MDL), standing power throw (SPT), hand release push-up – arm extension (HRP), spring-drag-carry (SDC), leg tuck (LTK) and 2-mild run (2MR). The tests were designed to test flexibility, agility, endurance and strength. However, given the decreased availability for training and testing during the pandemic, failing score will not be counted in the 2021 fiscal year.

The new ACFT testing required new equipment and gear to be distributed to all initial military training locations and duty stations. Coupled with the pandemic restrictions in place for several months in 2020, there was decreased time and ability to train for the ACFT. With the equipment now in place in most locations, Soldiers will begin training and using the equipment to take the ACFT. Training resources for preparing for the ACFT are available here.

On November 2, 2020, then Defense Secretary Mark Esper released a memorandum allowing physical fitness attire in the Commissary and Military Exchange facilities. Historically, any physical fitness attire – including yoga pants – has been a no-go at the Commissary. In fact, it is common for some females to keep skirts in the car to throw over the leggings before running into the Commissary to pick up milk or eggs. But now, no additional skirt needed – athleisure is now authorized.

Per the memo, both service-issued PT uniforms and their civilian equivalents can now be worn inside the commissary and exchanges as long as the clothes are “clean, serviceable and in good condition and appropriately modest.” It further delineated that the Secretaries of the individual Military Departments are “authorized to make exceptions to this policy for Service members based on mission requirements and the need to maintain good order and discipline.”

Bases across the world do have varying clothing policies. Commissaries and Exchanges in the beach-destination of Camp Pendleton and tropical Okinawa allow flip-flops while they are seen on showering gear at other bases. The accepted dress code overall is individualized at each base. The November 2, 2020 memo is meant to cover all bases while allowing continued individualization within the service branches as needed for service members. Any specifics for service members will not apply to military dependents, which includes military spouses and children.

While the military collective is not looking to join the ranks of big-box “People of” groups, you are now allowed to go from the gym to the commissary. And yes, it was already happening, but now it is authorized.

By Marguerite Cleveland

The Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced it will begin 5G testing and experimentation at five U.S. military test sites. Awards of $600 million will fund the largest full-scale 5G tests for dual-use applications in the world. Each installation will have a separate objective for the project and partners will include military services, industry leaders, and academic experts. The goal is to advance the 5G capabilities for DoD. The 5 test sites are: Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia; Naval Base San Diego, California; and Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The Department of Defense is at the forefront of cutting edge 5G testing and experimentation, which will strengthen our Nation’s warfighting capabilities as well as U.S. economic competitiveness in this critical field. Through these test sites, the Department is leveraging its unique authorities to pursue bold innovation at a scale and scope unmatched anywhere else in the world. Importantly, today’s announcement demonstrates the Department’s commitment to exploring the vast potential applications and dual-use opportunities that can be built upon next-generation networks,” said Michael Kratsios, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

The five bases and their objectives:

• Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington – Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Training. JBLM’s objective is to field a 5G network that is secure, resilient, and scalable for 5G-enabled Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. This will enhance mission planning, distributed training, and operational use. The industry partners are GBL System Corp., AT&T, Oceus Networks, and Booz-Allen Hamilton.
• Naval Base San Diego (NBSD), California – 5G Smart Warehousing. NBSD’s objective is a Smart Warehouse that is 5G-enabled and focused on transshipment. The goal is to increase the efficiency of naval logistic operations. This project will serve to validate emerging 5G-enabled technologies. Industry partners include AT&T, GE Research, Vectrus Mission Solutions Corporation and Deloitte Consulting LLP.
• Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Albany, Georgia– 5G Smart Warehousing (Vehicular). MCLB will also develop a smart warehouse to improve the efficiency of logistic operations, vehicular storage and maintenance. Industry partners include Federated Wireless, GE Research, KPMG LLP, and Scientific Research Corporation.
• Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada – Distributed Command and Control. The objective at Nellis to develop the use of 5G technologies for Air, Space, and Cyberspace and to improve survivability for command and control. The industry partner at this site is AT&T
• Hill Air Force Base, Utah – Dynamic Spectrum Utilization. The objective at Hill Air Force Base is to develop a system for airborne radar and 5G cellular telephony to share or coexistence in the 3.13.45 GHz band. Industry partners include: Nokia, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton, Key Bridge Wireless LLC, Shared Spectrum Company and Ericsson.

The $600 million in funding is part of the DoD’s 5G Strategy and part of the roadmap to develop the use of 5G technology. This technology will connect more wireless devices than the current technology allows as well as increase high speeds and quicker response times. A foundational enabler, 5G communications technology is key for all U.S. defense modernization programs and plays an important role in U.S. national and economic security.

By Marguerite Cleveland

Yes, 2020 will have holidays and if you have loved ones stationed or deployed overseas time is running out. The first deadline for a December 25 arrival is November 6.  Here are the 2020 Holiday Shipping Deadlines from the United States Postal Service:

The Postal Service recommends the following mailing and shipping deadlines for expected delivery by Dec. 25 to domestic addresses and Air/Army Post Office/Fleet Post Office/Diplomatic Post Office addresses*:

• Nov. 6   — APO/FPO/DPO (all ZIP Codes) USPS Retail Ground service
• Dec. 9   — APO/FPO/DPO (ZIP Code 093 only) Priority Mail and First-Class Mail
• Dec. 11 — APO/FPO/DPO (all other ZIP Codes) Priority Mail and First-Class Mail services
• Dec. 15 — USPS Retail Ground service
• Dec. 18 — APO/FPO/DPO (except ZIP Code 093) USPS Priority Mail Express service
• Dec. 18 — First-Class Mail service (including greeting cards)
• Dec. 18 — First-class packages (up to 15.99 ounces)
• Dec. 19 — Priority Mail service
• Dec. 23 — Priority Mail Express* service

Did you know you can order free Military Care Kit online from USPS which contains boxes, tape and labels? There are also a variety of Priority Mail^® APO/FPO Flat Rate Boxes and other mailing supplies at Free Shipping Supplies.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the season:

• Ship Online – Visit USPS.com. You can order supplies, print labels and if you ship using Flat Rate Boxes you can schedule a pickup at your home and avoid the lines at the Post Office. Just note that almost 500,000 consumers will use online services on Dec. 14, 2020 so plan to ship prior to that date.
• USPS Busiest Time – If you must visit the post office know that customer traffic picks up beginning December 7. The week of Dec. 14-21 is predicted to be the busiest mailing, shipping and delivery week.
• Use Click-N-Ship for APO & FPO and sending overseas. Click-N-Ship^® allows you to create Priority Mail International^® and Priority Mail Express International^® postage and address labels. When you send an international package through military and diplomatic mail, follow the destination country’s restriction policies, and include customs forms when necessary. Click-N-Ship will guide you through the customs forms process. Click-N-Ship will alert you to some of the prohibitions and restrictions based on the 5-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code^™ you’re shipping to, but you are responsible for ensuring your package complies with the laws and regulations of the U.S. and the destination country. You often need a customs form to ship overseas. Click-N-Ship will also let you know which customs forms you need.
• Note you can’t ship hand sanitizer or flammable sanitizing wipes overseas.
• Properly prepare your shipment correctly. For international shipments tuck an address inside the box in case the box gets damaged and include delivery and return addresses. Also don’t forget temperatures in the desert can exceed 100 degrees so take that into account when planning a care package.

Properly Address Mail Going to an APO/FPO/DPO

According to the USPS website each shipment to an APO/FPO/DPO needs the recipient’s name, rank, and unit, and the APO/FPO/DPO address with the 9-digit ZIP Code^™. Always include a return address. Mail and shipments must be addressed to a specific person; addressing to “Any Service Member” is no longer permitted. To prevent mail from entering foreign mail networks, do not include city or country names in APO/FPO/DPO shipping addresses. Here are properly addressed shipment examples:

Army/Air Post Office (APO)

PFC JOHN DOE
PSC 3 BOX 4120
APO AE 09021

Fleet Post Office (FPO)

SEAMAN JOSEPH SMITH
UNIT 100100 BOX 4120
FPO AP 96691

Diplomatic Post Office (DPO)

JOHN ADAMS
UNIT 8400 BOX 0000
DPO AE 09498-0048

When you think of basic training in the military what do you think about? The typical movie scene of basic training showcases drill sergeants surrounding recruits in tipped hats, yelling and motivating the recruits. This movie scene is referred to as the “shark attack” within the Army.

The U.S. Army Infantry School has created a new program to use in lieu of the “shark attack.” Gone are the days when Drill Sergeants surround the new recruit and welcome them with in-your-face shouting. This generations old welcome to the Army is at its end and it’s a place a new program called “The First 100 Yards”.

The First 100 Yards was developed in early 2020 by the Infantry School and senior noncommissioned officers of the 198th Infantry Brigade, a unit that conducts Infantry One-Stations Unit Trainings. The First 100 Yards program uses training activities with the aim to instill the core warrior values, attitudes and pride of the Infantry community into the recruit. The ultimate goal with this exercise is to instill confidence in the recruits.

The reason for this change is a historical one. The “shark attack” was developed when the Army was a force made up of draftees. The “shark attack” exercise was used to determine who could stand up to the stresses the job as an infantryman would present. In response to training changes needed due to COVID-19, The First 100 Yards was developed for the all-volunteer military force.

The First 100 Yards program is a five-phase event that occurs the first day of the recruits’ 22-week infantry training. The phases include memorization of unit history and chains of command which will be used within the infantry training, conduction of a resupply mission, performing the new Army Combat Fitness Test and observing an infantry squad and weapons demonstration. The First 100 Yards ends when the drill sergeants march the new recruits to their platoon bays for two weeks of isolated training as part of the safety protocols that were developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Command Sgt. Major Robert Fortenberry, the Command Sergeant Major of the Infantry School at Fort Benning stated “this is not designed to be a hazing event but [to] promote attention to detail and urgency to execute a task in a timely manner.” Furthermore, he states that “this lays the foundation for the next 22 weeks of Infantry training.”

To learn more about The First 100 Yards, Fort Benning has released a video where Sgt. Maj. Robert Fortenberry presents the program in more detail.

Heather Walsh is a mom, Marine wife, Navy child, blogger, and lover of all things crafty and Disney. Professionally, she is a Physician Assistant and writer and has a passion for helping others to stay positive and supported. She has been writing since KidPix was on a floppy disk! She is one of three women who founded MilMomAdventures, sharing travel and lifestyle tips for the military family at www.milmomadventures.com . When she isn’t crafting with her kiddos, going on the next adventure, or writing for MilMomAdventures, she has contributed to NextGen MilSpouse, Daily Mom Military and Military Disney Tips while reheating her first cup of coffee for the tenth time.

Should You or Should You Not Get the Vaccine?

It is no secret that this year is a banner year for medical learning. A new respiratory illness has swept the world leaving medical providers and clinical researchers searching for answers.  With COVID-19 cases and precautions increased, preventing the flu will prevent flu cases and COVID cases from co-mingling in the Emergency Room.

Won’t Social Distancing Be Enough?

The key for social distancing measures to lower the spread of respiratory illnesses like the seasonal influenza is how strict the restrictions are kept. If a family wears masks when outside the family home for every outing, even if 6 feet of distance can be maintained outside the family members, this will truly lower the spread of respiratory illness. The key being wearing a mask around anyone except an immediate family member. For most families, this isn’t possible. If there are caregivers in the home, that is an extra person and you have to include the people that they do not wear masks around, like their family, as possible sources. Short answer: no social distancing won’t be enough.

Benefits of the Flu Vaccine

Per the CDC, the flu vaccine prevents illness with the flu, can reduce the risk of flu-associated complications like hospitalization, and protects those with chronic health conditions. While it is well-known that the flu shot does not always prevent getting influenza, a 2017 and 2018 study demonstrated that of those hospitalized with the flu, those who have the flu vaccine had a reduced severity of illness. Similar to social distancing measures, getting the flu vaccine protects the vulnerable populations who may have severe illnesses like babies, young children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions like cancer, heart disease or underlying respiratory conditions.

When Not To Get the Flu Shot

• If you had a previous allergic reaction to the shot – talk to your provider about this if you have a concern
• If your medical provider has advised against getting the flu vaccine due to personal medical concerns
• Under 6 months old – The flu shot is not approved for babies under 6 months

There are egg-free flu vaccines available for those who cannot have the traditional flu vaccine. Call your clinic or pharmacy to find out if they carry the egg-free flu vaccine. Per the CDC, people with egg allergies can receive any age-appropriate flu vaccination and recommends that those with severe egg allergies be vaccinated in a supervised medical setting who can manage severe allergic reactions.

Where to Go for the Flu Shot

All Tricare beneficiaries are eligible for a free flu vaccination at their local Military Treatment Facility (MTF) where available. Historically, MTFs and military clinics get the seasonal flu vaccine later in the season, around October or November.  MTFs prioritize care to active duty service members and may not have enough flu vaccines to provide family members with the vaccine. Pharmacies typically offer the flu vaccination earlier, starting in August and September. Most pharmacies participate with Tricare insurance, except CVS currently, and participating pharmacies will provide the vaccine for free. The age of the dependent depends on the pharmacy so always call prior to going to see what age of children they will vaccinate. A Tricare-authorized provider can also provide the vaccine. Co-pays may be required, depending on your Tricare plan (Prime, Select, Remote, Retired, etc.).

Should I Give my Child acetaminophen or ibuprofen prior to Vaccination?

In an effort to alleviate pain from a vaccination, parents often provide the age-appropriate pain reliever of acetaminophen or ibuprofen prior to their vaccination. This has proven to decrease the vaccine reactogenicity, meaning that the vaccine doesn’t work as well if these medications are given prior to vaccination. Unless your child’s healthcare provider has advised to do so, it is not recommended to give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen prior to vaccination.  

Given the many unknowns about the current pandemic, any effort to limit respiratory illness will allow for the medical resources to treat the sickest. If you are physically able to get a flu shot, consider it.

*This article is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician or child’s pediatrician for you and/or your child’s individual healthcare needs. This article is not intended as medical advice to treat yourself or others.

Heather Walsh is a mom, Marine wife, Navy child, blogger, and lover of all things crafty and Disney. Professionally, she is a Physician Assistant and writer and has a passion for helping others to stay positive and supported. She has been writing since KidPix was on a floppy disk! She is one of three women who founded MilMomAdventures, sharing travel and lifestyle tips for the military family at www.milmomadventures.com . When she isn’t crafting with her kiddos, going on the next adventure, or writing for MilMomAdventures, she has contributed to NextGen MilSpouse, Daily Mom Military and Military Disney Tips while reheating her first cup of coffee for the tenth time.

“There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter. It all matters.” – President Barack Obama

A gentle reminder: The general election is November 3^rd.

Military families, within the 48 contiguous states, Alaska and Hawaii and Overseas locations are faced with voting challenges in elections – voting absentee. It is a myth that absentee ballots are not counted. In fact, all ballots are counted for the final totals – so both absentee and in-person votes count. Even if you are no longer residing where you are registered to vote, Service members and their eligible family members voting rights are protected by The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to vote absentee. The Federal Voting Assistance Program, FVAP, is a valuable resource for military families to enter their information to request absentee ballots, dates to postmark requests and absentee ballots by for counting, find your election office and check the status of your voted ballot.

According to vote.org, absentee voting is conducted by mail in ballot before the day of Election Day.

As a Service member, you can vote absentee while living away from your voting residence.

How to request an absentee ballot?

If you haven’t requested your absentee ballot, check your specific state to see if you have time to send in the Federal Post Card Application, or FPCA. The FPCA is the request card requesting an absentee ballot. This requires printing and mailing it in, which can add more time to the request. Some states have gone digital, so check your specific election office.

Each state has different rules and may have varying deadlines for requesting and submitting absentee ballots. Make sure to check what your state’s requirements and deadlines are for absentee ballot voting.

Can I check to see if I already requested an absentee ballot?

If you want to see if you have already requested your absentee ballot, check the election office  for where you are registered to vote. If you aren’t sure where you are registered to vote – check your Leave and Earning Statement – your voting residence is where you pay taxes. Military dependents voting residence typically coincides with where you claim residence. For dependents who turn 18 overseas, voting residence can be established by the last U.S. address held before moving overseas.  Once you know your voting residence, click your state on the guide map on FVAP to check on the status of your request for absentee.

The date to request an absentee ballot depends on the state and are typically in early October, so check now.

What to do after I request my absentee ballot?

Absentee Ballots should arrive by early October. If they do not arrive check the FVAP for what options you may have.  You can also check with your election office. Some states may have digital information available which can check the status of your request, and if your ballot has mailed.

Worst-case scenario, if you requested your absentee ballot but it will not arrive in time to send the ballot back by your state’s deadline, there is an emergency ballot called a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, or FWAB. FVAP has a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot that can be completed on a computer, printed, signed and mailed here. Remember to use this as a last resort.

While waiting for your absentee ballot to arrive, read and research the platforms of the candidates on the ballot. Learn and discern so you are prepared when you ballot arrives.

I received my ballot, now what?

Vote!

Follow the directions on the ballot in regards to how to fill-in the ballot, and where to sign as proof that it is you and completed by you.

Send it back in!

Each state has varying deadlines for sending an absentee ballot back, so make sure to know what your state’s deadlines are. These deadlines are to there to ensure your ballot makes it back in time to be counted for the election.

The general deadlines are:

October 5, 2020 if you are on a ship out at sea

October 13, 2020 if you are living OCONUS

October 27, 2020 if living within the U.S.

Have more questions?

A general guide for absentee ballot voting is available on the FVAP website. Each state varies on election board names

Heather Walsh is a mom, Marine wife, Navy child, blogger, and lover of all things crafty and Disney. Professionally, she is a Physician Assistant and writer and has a passion for helping others to stay positive and supported. She has been writing since KidPix was on a floppy disk! She is one of three women who founded MilMomAdventures, sharing travel and lifestyle tips for the military family at www.milmomadventures.com . When she isn’t crafting with her kiddos, going on the next adventure, or writing for MilMomAdventures, she has contributed to NextGen MilSpouse, Daily Mom Military and Military Disney Tips while reheating her first cup of coffee for the tenth time.

You’ve been staying socially distant from others for months. No one has crossed that threshold since March. And now you’re getting ready to have movers pack up all your stuff and ship it to somewhere else.

10 Things You Need to Do for a Safe Pandemic PCS

To get yourself ready and keep everyone safe, you should consider doing these 10 simple things.

1. Make Your Wishes Known

Not everyone, unfortunately, is following the same safety precautions. But that shouldn’t mean that your family needs to compromise on safety.

Instead, make your COVID precautions known early and often. Start by letting the move coordinator know what you’re expecting, then repeat that to the company representative.

Post a sign on the door with your expectations for safety: masks, gloves, sanitizer, etc.

Then, remind your movers politely of what you’d like them to do so that you can all stay safe right now.

2. Require Hand Sanitizer

If you can find it, grab a few larger containers of hand sanitizer and station them around the house. Placing sanitizers at your front door, in the kitchen and near the bathroom would be a great start!

3. Offer Masks & Gloves

Not everyone wears masks and gloves or has access to them. To be safe, consider buying a pack of disposable masks and nitrile gloves.

Offer masks and gloves to the movers for your pack-up and your unpack.

Oh, and even though it’s your house, you and your family should mask up for the duration of the packing or unpacking process.

4. Designate a Restroom

You probably already do this, but if you can designate one bathroom just for the movers to use. Stock it with soap, sanitizer, Lysol wipes and disposable paper towels.

5. Pre-Pack as Much as You Can

Whether moving companies will pack Rubbermaid totes as-is or will unpack them and repack them is up to each business. However, many will just pack your pre-boxed household goods without question.

If you’re not comfortable with the movers touching all of your things, consider pre-packing your clothes, kitchen tools and utensils or other high-touch items.

6. Individually Wrapped Snacks & Drinks

Many of us buy the movers pizza or doughnuts as a thank you for a good move. However, it might be smarter this year to buy a bunch of individually wrapped granola bars and stock a cooler with bottles of water.

Less shared food and drinks could mean fewer germs floating around.

7. Shoe Covers to Prevent Germs Walking Around

Stop extra dirt (and germs) from getting tracked inside your house by offering sanitary shoe covers. Mover should use them inside the house as much as possible.

8. Hire a COVID-Safe Sitter

Kids get underfoot during a normal move. But to prevent them from exposure outside your pandemic-safe bubble, consider keeping your children out the house entirely.

Hire a sitter or ask a friend to watch them for the day, if you can.

9. Monitor from a Distance

Getting up close and personal to watch the packers at work isn’t really a thing in 2020. Sure, you should still monitor how things are going, but try to keep your distance.

Check each box before it gets loaded into the truck and ask about what’s in it. Then cross-reference it on your list of items and boxes to be sure.

10. Stocking Up on Cleaners & Wipes

Cleaning has never been more important, especially when you have strangers coming into your home for an extended period of time.

Before the movers come, wipe everything down with a sanitizing cleaner. As people move room to room, consider following them and wiping down any surfaces. When the move is over or if you’re sharing a restroom, wipe it down between users. Basically, clean everything before, during and after!

You’re going to need a lot of Clorox!

How has your family handled a pandemic PCS season? Sound off in the comments!

Veteran and Military Spouse business owners help you launch your business

B y Marguerite Cleveland

The Rosie Network is a great resource for military spouses, transitioning service members and veterans who want to start their own business or grow an existing one. It was founded by a military spouse Stephanie Brown and other veterans who were inspired by the World War II icon Rosie the Riveter and her “We Can Do It” attitude.

The mission of the Rosie Network is to “to build stronger military families by developing entrepreneurial programs and support services that empower active-duty, veterans and military spouses to realize the American Dream of small business ownership, increasing financial stability and self-sufficiency of those who have served our country.” Started in 2011 in San Diego, the network has grown and there are now many opportunities around the U.S. to participate in their signature program, Service2CEO.

Service2CEO is a recipient of the Small Business Association Growth Accelerator Award and is a free program. It is serious training and mentorship provided by experts in their field. The 16-week program consists of both in class and online instruction. During the COVID-19 crises everything will be virtual. Training includes business training in accounting, human resources, cybersecurity, sales, marketing raising capital, record keeping, eCommerce and management training. Local business leaders offer civilian mentorship. The program will also provide free website development, an assessment of your business concept, and help developing your business plan.

“The Rosie Network is a program for military spouse entrepreneurs to take their current business to a higher level or to take their idea and help it come to fruition. The 16-week program takes the students through 8 modules. Each module focuses on a area of entrepreneurship like marketing or customer personas and is led by a subject matter expert in that area. This program is completely free, and students end the program with a live graduation. Previously done in person, it has since pivoted to online instruction and graduations, which has opened the pool of subject matter experts from around the world. The JBLM Rosie Chapter launched in April and is graduating 6 students on August 19th. To graduate the students must complete mentor calls as well as compile a pitch deck to present. Also new this year, is the Rosie Alumni Chapter. Once they graduate, they can participate in the alumni chapter, opening their ability to network with other graduates and mentors. The alumni chapter hosts online learning series talks as well as a professional development book club. I have been the JBLM Rosie Chapter Lead since it launched in April and am excited to have seen the students start with an idea and see it grow. Students now have their business logos and pitch decks to take with them to investors or any sponsorship/partnership opportunity. This is such a great program and I encourage any military spouse thinking of starting a business to participate. A new cohort date will be announced soon for our area,” said Sonia Ramirez-Garcia, Chapter Head for the Rosie Network at JBLM.

The program offers one on one mentoring and peer to peer support. The program provides opportunities to attend community events and many networking opportunities. Attendees can take advantage of financial, legal, and human resource professional services. There are national events as well. The biggest benefit is being part of the Rosie Network and the opportunity to build a business profile page on Rosie’s List.

“Veteran and military spouse business owners are 10x more likely to hire fellow veterans and military spouses. By empowering these individuals with meaningful training and mentorship, we are impacting their families, their communities and our nation’s economy,” Stephanie Brown, The Rosie Network Founder. It is the largest nonprofit working to solve the military spouse unemployment crisis which is at 14-18%, 5 times the national average. According the BSF Military Lifestyle Survey military spouse unemployment costs taxpayers 1.2 billion.

Rosie’s List is like Angie’s List that you see advertised to find local businesses for your home. Rosie’s List is for military family owned businesses. As part of the Service2CEO program you have will learn how to build a profile page on Rosie’s List. It is a searchable, online database for members that helps you market your products and services worldwide. Your profile page is free and describes your business and what you have to offer to consumer. You can also include a shopping cart for direct sales. It is a huge benefit.

The Service2CEO program is highly successful with 86% of attendees reporting a minimum of 150% increase in revenue. It has a 99.5% Net Promoter rating for the program. A net promotor score measures customer experience. The highest score is 100%. Minority and woman entrepreneurs comprised 60+% of attendees.

The Rosie Network also runs the National Veteran & Military Spouse Entrepreneur Awards. The awards recognize those who are willing to take a risk and create a successful business. There are categories for new business start-ups to those for more established entrepreneurs. To learn more about the Servoce2CEO program or how you can nominate a military family business for an award visit The Rosie Network.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com