Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Military Struggles to Recruit and Train Troops

By

The military services of the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force are an all-volunteer force. These individuals have volunteered their time, energy, and abilities to serve and protect the American public. Being an all-volunteer force comes at a price – the inability to fill every job needed for the military services.

The job market outside of the military, the civilian job market as it were, has seen great changes in the last decade. The minimum wage rising to double digits is just the beginning. The pandemic showed that many civilian jobs could be done remotely effectively, leading many Americans to continue their work at home with the easier commute and improved work-life balance. While the military is no longer supporting Operation Enduring Freedom overseas, the operational tempo of preparedness has not slowed in all branches of the military.

In the spring of 2022, the Air Force announced that they would be offering bonuses upwards of $50,000 to recruits who were open to going to training quickly. According to a press release, qualified recruits were offered bonuses with they would leave within five days or less.

In January of 2022, the Army announced that for the first time ever they would be offering enlistment bonuses of $50,000 to highly skilled individuals committing to six years. Until January of this year, the maximum bonus was $40,000. That’s still a sizable amount.

The Navy has now offered a bonus of $25,000 for those who will commit to leaving in a matter of weeks after their commitment.

Other offerings of retention bonuses are being offered to keep the U.S. military up to snuff. Major General Ed Thomas, the Air Force Recruiting Service commander, shared in an interview with Military.com that the military recognizes its competition in the civilian job force. “If you can work at Buc-ee’s along I-35 in Texas you can do it for $25-an-hour starting salary. You can start at Target for $29 an hour with educational benefits. So you start looking at the competition: Starbucks, Google, Amazon. The battle for talent amidst this current labor shortage is intense.”

According to Lisa Lawrence, a Pentagon spokesperson, the Department of Defense saw about 200,000 transitioning military members. According to the Air Force Times, about half the number of airmen enlisted in 2021 as compared to the previous year. The Army reported that they did not meet the recruiting goals by several thousand. This means that the number of individuals transitioning out of service in a year are not matching the number that are entering. There are less military members overall.

What does this mean for the military? Recruiting and retention bonuses are at an all-time high. The Air Force is dedicated $31 million to recruiting bonuses this year which is about double the planned budget. The Army has increased their enlistment bonus to $50,000 and offering a first duty station of choice – a surprising move for any military family who knows you are the mercy of the military as to where you live. The Air Force is offering up to $100,000 in reenlistment bonuses and the Navy is offering jobs like network cryptologist incentives to make pay around $90-$100,000.

It isn’t just money or job potential that is threatening the all-volunteer force. It is also the health of the recruitable group – the 17 to 24 year olds. Per the CDC, about 40% of that population is obese – a metric that deems them unable to join the military services as they would not meet the physical fitness standards. In addition, the pandemic has led to a division- those who vaccinate and those who do not. The military requires vaccination for COVID to remain in the military service, and certainly requires it for recruits. According to Senator Thom Tillis of the Senate Armed Services Committee, only 8% of the American population has even considered military service. With such a small group even considering, and the job market providing ample opportunities, will the military fill their ranks?

Five Budget Friendly Meals to Try

By

Grocery bills are increasing across the country. Individual items are increasing in price which makes creating affordable meals more challenging. Here are some of our favorite meals that typically cost around $5. The best part is these meals are not only frugal but also appeal to all ages in regard to taste and enjoyment.

Cincinnati Chili

The bonus with this meal is that the filler to the chili is spaghetti. At less than a dollar a box for spaghetti noodles, it adds a great backdrop for seasoning. The Cincinnati Chili is what it is because of the seasonings – chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon. In a crockpot combine, browned ground beef with 6-ounces of tomato paste, 4 cups of water, one can of tomato sauce, chopped onion, and minced garlic. The seasonings vary based on spice level, but a general rule of thumb is to increase or decrease cayenne pepper based on spice level desire. Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon cloves, ¼-1/2 teaspoon cayenne, and 1 1/2 teaspoon salt to the crockpot. Splash in Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar and mix. Cook on low for 8 hours. If you want to really go crazy, add in shaved chocolate (or save for topping). When you are ready to eat, prep the spaghetti. Put a bed of spaghetti on the plate and top with a scoop of chili.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This is another crockpot gem and takes a few items. The ingredients include chicken breast, corn tortillas, cheese, enchilada sauce, and sliced olives. Put the chicken in the crockpot and pour enchilada sauce over it. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Once cooked, shred the chicken in the sauce and top with cut tortillas into strips. Top with shredded cheese and sliced olives. Cook for another 30-60 minutes. If you have tortilla chips, you can also use those instead of tortilla strips. Have leftover meat, use that. Rotisserie chicken makes a great quick fix for the casserole when you only have 30-60 to prep a meal.

Red Beans and Rice

This can be an easy and jazzed-up recipe. Combine a can of kidney beans or soaked dried kidney beans with spices like pepper, cayenne, salt, basil, sage, and a bay leaf into a pan and cover with water and chicken or vegetable bouillon. Cook the beans until soft and mix in a can of diced tomatoes. Cook rice separately and pour beans over rice. Add in leftover meat or veggies for added flavor. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before eating.

Hawaiian Fried Rice

This one is a great one to combine leftovers. Saute cooked rice in a saucepan with oil. Combine in vegetables and meat of choice. Spam or ham are good choices. Add in chopped pineapple and you have added the tropical flavor. Don’t forget to scramble an egg in the rice for the ultimate fried rice touch.

Homemade Pizza

Enjoy pizza at home with the personalization of any ingredient your family enjoys. Making a pizza crust with pizza yeast is not as difficult as making bread. Make the pizza crust based on the pizza yeast package. Add in Italian Seasonings for extra flavor to the crust. Top with pasta sauce, desired cheese, veggie and meat and bake! What are your favorite pizza toppings?

Topping ideas include:

-Roasted veggies like fennel, broccoli, tomatoes, red bell peppers, mushrooms, eggplant

-Roasted pineapple

-Roasted garlic

-Picked veggies like cucumbers, jalapeños, red onions

-Capers and olives

-Prosciutto, pepperoni, salami, sausage

-Cheese options like parmesan, mozzarella, gouda, cheddar

Do you have a favorite budget meal?

Transitioning from Military Service? Check Out These Opportunities

By

Transitioning from military service? Hiring Our Heroes organization has several programs for those transitioning. Transitioning service members are those active duty service members who plan to transition out of the military within 180 days. The Fellowships through Hiring Our Heroes can be used for SkillBridge. There are four programs through Hiring Our Heroes.

  • Corporate Fellowship Program
  • Salesforce Fellowship Program
  • Career Forward Fellowship Program
  • Career Forward Training Track

Corporate Fellowship Program

This program offers professional development training and hands-on experience. Participating organizations have developed relationships with Hiring Our Heroes to provide their insight to participants in the program. Those enrolled in the program are matched with a host company that best fits the candidates’ needs and goals. Then on-the-job training provides knowledge as well as networking opportunities and classes. There are three cohorts a year, with rolling applications.

Salesforce Fellowship Program

The Salesforce Fellowship Program is a partnership between Hiring Our Heroes and Salesforce providing their 12-week program of experience to allow for a transition to a Salesforce career. Like the other Fellowship Program, the host company is matched for the fellowship candidate based on skills and preferences. The Salesforce organization provides training, classes, and certification exams. There are three cohorts a year, with rolling applications.

Career Forward Fellowship Program and Training Track

The Career Forward program is a new program specifically made to train in Google Career Certificates. The certificate fields have in-demand jobs, making it ideal for those transitioning out of military service. Those enrolled in the Google Career Certificate program enroll in a certificate of choice. The certificates are in data analytics, IT support, project management, or user experience design. The programs are self-paced, and can usually be completed part-time in a period of three to six months. The program comes with the support of Hiring Our Heroes staff and others enrolled in the program. The network is invaluable, especially alongside the certificate program. At the end of the program, the Hiring Our Heroes program aids with resume writing, job searching, and interview preparation.  The entire program is virtual and can be completed when living overseas, if returning to the states within one year.

Life outside the military can feel foreign, especially for those who have had a career within the military spanning decades. Hiring Our Heroes recognizes this and has tools to provide a transition into a career of interest.

PCS Vacation Road Trip!

By

Tis the season for PCSing – fa la la la la la la nope.

Ah, okay, so it is the season for PCSing, but it isn’t especially exciting or festive. PCSing often comes with a drive to the next location. When the time to move comes along, it can mean it’s time for a fun road trip. Don’t just take routes A to B, make it an adventure and make it a PCS Vacation Road Trip.

The first step is to ask off for leave in conjunction with the PCS. Each PCS move comes with a certain number of days off. Depending on the distance, anywhere from 7-9 days are allotted. Add in 10 days of leave and you have a good chunk of time off to see the country.

Take Your Time

The hard part about PCS is the stress. Sometimes you just want to get from point A to B to get it done. But taking time off in conjunction means you can take it slow. Drive only two hours and then stop at a park and play for several hours. Check out the list of museums offering free admission in the summer as part of the Blue Star Museums program. This program is a collaboration between the Blue Star Families program and the National Endowment for the Arts. Museums that participate offer free admission to the military members and their families from Armed Forces Day in May to Labor Day in September.  Check out National Parks along the way while utilizing the National Park Military Pass. The National Parks offers a free annual pass to military members and their dependents, and it can be renewed as long as valid ID can be shown at renewal. An epic road trip to be had! All those Pinterest boards and travel Instagram accounts you have followed may be inspiration, but you can live it.

Stop Along the Way

Perhaps you have taken the time off and planned your route but really only see three or four cities you want to explore, make the most of it. Drive those long hours and miles to get to the destination (safely) and then stay for a few days. Check out extended stay hotels with kitchens to make the most of the stay. Having longer stays means you can actually jump into the pool instead of just walking by it on the way in and out the door on your long legs. You can enjoy the local scenery and check out local cuisine.

Historic Routes

Across the country, the I-40 stretches and plays host in some areas to Route 66. Corduroy Road goes through the Carolinas on the east coast. Maybe you grew up on the Oregon Trail, well you can drive along with parts of the route from Illinois to Oregon. Want to take on the first road for cars? That’s the Lincoln Highway for you. There are so many amazing road trips to be had – just need the time to make it happen, and PCS time can be that opportunity.

Make It A Vacation

If you are like the many Americans, you have vacation days left to burn. According to Forbes, in 2019 there were 768 million unused vacation days. And in 2020, 55% of US workers did not use all of their paid time off. Do not be a statistic. Take the time. If the operation tempo at work led to the inability to take time off, this is your chance. Make the most of the PCS and take the vacation.

PCS time is a stressful time period- make the most of the known ability to take time off and make it a vacation to lessen the stress.

Disney Discounts for Your Summer Vacation

By

Are you feeling the hankering for some enjoyment with the Mouse or Princesses? Or perhaps you are feeling the desire to head to Batuu. If this is your goal for the year, there are Military Salute tickets on offer. The tickets are valid through December 16, 2022.

Heading to the park for 5 days? There are several options. Park hopper means you can go from park to park. This means for Disney World you can move from Epcot to Hollywood Studios to the Magic Kingdom to the Animal Kingdom with ease throughout the day at the time you desire. This means Disneyland hopping from Disney California Adventure to Disneyland and back again to your heart’s content. Park Hopper Plus means all that plus the water parks. There are two water parks at Walt Disney World – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.  There is not a plus option for Disneyland.

Genie+ is now in place of Fast Pass or Max Pass. The Genie+ program is an add-on program allowing for purchase of Lightning Lane pass – aka a timed ticket to go to a ride allowing you to limit the ride wait.

The following ticket prices are for anyone age 3 and up. These are individual ticket prices.

Walt Disney World Military Salute Ticket Pricing

5 Day Military Salute Ticket

– With park Hopper option: $349 plus tax

– With Park Hopper Plus Option: $379 plus tax

– With Park Hopper Option and Genie+ service: $429 plus tax

– With Park Hopper Plus Option and Genie+ service: $454 plus tax

4 Day Military Salute Ticket

– With park Hopper option: $329 plus tax

– With Park Hopper Plus Option: $359 plus tax

– With Park Hopper Option and Genie+ service: $389 plus tax

– With Park Hopper Plus Option and Genie+ service: $419 plus tax

Walt Disneyland Military Salute Ticket Pricing

3 Day Military Salute Ticket

-With Park Hopper: $225

-With Park Hopper and Genie+: $285

4 Day Military Salute Ticket

-With Park Hopper: $260

-With Park Hopper and Genie+: $340

After purchasing your tickets, don’t forget to make park reservations via the Disney Park Pass system.

The only blackout dates at Disneyland tickets are for spring break, April 9-April 17, 2022 which have passed as of this writing.

There are no blackout dates for Disney World Salute tickets.

If you are looking to capture family photos, don’t forget Memory Maker at Walt Disney World. This package is specially priced at $98 for military. It includes all photos and videos from your vacation (for up to 30 days from the date of activation), including magic shots and rides that take souvenir photos. This

Don’t forget about the one base installation ticket office. These offices have the Military Salute tickets, and because they are sold on federal property are without tax. That saves a pretty penny or two.  Disneyland Military Salute tickets are only available through Military ticket offices on base and are not available for purchase at Disneyland.

Grocery Delivery from The Commissary Is Here

By

The Defense Commissary Agency, DECA, has been planning for grocery delivery and it starts June 1 at 8 military bases.

In April, DECA awarded grocery delivery contracts to two veteran-owned companies. The pilot program will run through the summer, ending August 30th.  After the contract award, the delivery companies integrated and tested their technology with the commissary grocery ordering system. The plan for the same-day delivery is that grocery delivery within 3 hours for orders placed Monday through Friday.

The contract for the eastern commissaries is ChowCall based out of Chesapeake, Virginia.  The contract for the commissaries on the west coast is YouUp Delivery Inc, out of Roswell, Georgia.

East coast Commissaries participating in grocery delivery through ChowCall are:

– Fort Belvoir, Virginia

– Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

– Fort Bragg South Commissary, North Carolina

– MacDill Air Force Base, Florida

– Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia

West Coast Commissaries participating in grocery delivery through YouUp are:

-Fort Lewis, Washington

-Miramar Naval Air Station and San Diego Naval Station, California

The doorstep delivery cost is planned range between $3.80 and $4.15. This is much less than grocery delivery fees from big box stores. The plan is for delivery to be provided within a 20 miles driving distance from the commissaries. The hours of operation for delivery were not readily listed or available.

The co-founder of YouUp Delivery, Inc, Harold Earls is a retired captain from the Army. He remarked on his personal desire for convenience when it comes to grocery cost. He said he has specifically created his company with the goal to serve the military community, specifically through the commissary.

The CEO of ChowCall, Todd Waldemar, is a retired Marine. He currently works with restaurants on military bases and is excited about adding grocery delivery to their support.

The goal of both companies is to hire military spouses to work with the company to provide grocery delivery. Working for the delivery company will come with hourly wage plus tips. Per http://www.youup.us/hire, the hourly wage will be around $20 an hour. ChowCall is also hiring per their LinkedIn. That is quite a wage for grocery delivery, and much higher in comparison to other large companies that provide grocery and meal delivery around the U.S.

Like Click2Go, the commissary employees will still shop for the items that the military family desires from the store. Then the filled orders will be ready for pick up for the grocery delivery contractor. The application for grocery delivery will group the deliveries in the best and most efficient order.

The commissary provides about 20% cost savings in comparison to other grocery stores. Even with the few dollars grocery delivery fee, there will still be a grocery savings for military members.

The website for coordination of grocery delivery was not readily available at this writing. Will you use commissary grocery delivery?

Air Shows Are Back: Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Schedule in 2022

By

2022 is the year of all things. Movies are back in theaters. Travel is back and booming. And military orders are back to being delayed at normal proportions. One of the best things about 2022 for the lovers of aerial flyers is that the Air Shows are back!

The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Official 2022 Air Show Schedule is here!

These military air shows have a lot to offer. Outdoor fun, gathering space, entertainment, and aerial skills. Military base air shows often come at the low cost of free, which makes them even better!

Thunderbirds 2022 Air Show Schedule

The Thunderbirds will perform in 31 locations shows this season from March to November. While some dates have passed, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the Thunderbirds throughout the rest of their season.

2022 Schedule:

March 26-27: Columbus AFB, Mississippi

April 2-3: Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina

April 9-10: Lakeland, Florida April 23-24: Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas

April 30-May 1: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

May 14-15: Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington

May 21-22: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware

May 25: Colorado Springs, Colorado

May 29: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana

June 4-5: Fort Wayne, Indiana

June 11-12: Ocean City, Maryland

June 18-19: Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota

June 25-26: Hill Air Force Base, Utah, North Dakota

July 2-3: Battle Creek, Michigan
July 16-17: Duluth, Minnesota

July 23-22: Great Falls, Montana

July 27: Cheyenne, WY

July 30- July 31: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

August 6-7: Abbotsford, Canada

August 20-21: McMinnville, Oregon

August 27-28: Avoca, Pennsylvania

September 3-4: New Century, Kansas

September 10-11: New Windsor, NY

September 17-18: Joint Base Andrews, Maryland

September 24-45: McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas

October 1-2: Huntington Beach, California

October 15-16: Edwards Air Force Base, California

October 22-23: Fort Worth, Texas

October 29-30:  Sanford, Florida

November 5-6: Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

For more information on the USAF Thunderbirds, show locations and dates, visit their website at www.afthunderbirds.com. It is recommended to check their website and the location of the show for the most up to date information on scheduling.

Blue Angels 2022 Air Show Schedule

The Blue Angels have flown over the 75 years! 2021 was the first show season flying the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. In 2022. the Blue Angels will fly in over 30 shows from March to November ending at their home base of Pensacola, Florida. While some dates have passed, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the Blue Angels throughout the rest of their season. If you are local to one of their planned performances, it will surely be worth the watch.

2022 Schedule:

March 12: NAF El Centro, CA

March 19-20: NAS JRB New Orleans, LA

March 26-27: MacDill AFB, Florida

April 2-3: NAS Kingsville, Texas

April 9-10: JB Charleston, South Carolina

April 23-24: Vidalia, Georgia

April 30: Vero Beach, Florida

May 1: Vero Beach, Florida

May 14-15: Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota

May 21-22: Dover Air Force Base, Delaware

May 25 and 27: US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD

May 28-29: Jones Beach, NY

June 4-5: Eau Clairse, Wisconsin

June 11-12: Chesterfield, Missouri

June 18-19: Millington, Tenessee

July 2-3: Traverse City, Michigan

July 9: Pensacola Beach, Florida

July 16-17: Ypsilanti, Michigan

July 23-24: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

July 30-31: Dayton, Ohio

August 6-7: Seattle, WA

August 13-14: MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

August 20-21: Chicago, Illinois

September 3-5: Cleveland, Ohio

September 10-11: Knoxville, Tenessee

September 17-18: NAS Oceana, VA

September 24-25: MCAS Miramar, CA

October 1-2: Minden, Nevada

October 8-9: San Francisco, CA

October 22-23: NAS Jacksonville, Florida

October 29-30: Houston, TX

November 5-6: Peachtree City, Georgia

November 11-12: NAS Pensacola, FL

For more information on the USNA Blue Angels, show locations, and dates, visit their website at www.blueangels.navy.mil. It is recommended to check their website and the location of the show for the most up-to-date information on scheduling.

Pack up those noise-cancelling headphones, pack a picnic and find an airshow near you!

First Reactions to Top Gun Maverick

By

While 2020 was the planned year for the release of Top Gun: Maverick, 2022 is the year it reigns supreme. The film opened officially on Memorial Day weekend and is shaping up to be the top hit for actor Tom Cruise who reprised his role as everyone’s favorite rogue Naval Aviator, Maverick. While the film opened up to the public for the long weekend, military bases played host to free advanced screenings the weekend before. From a World War II hangar in Hawaii to the theater on MCAS Miramar, the original home for the Top Gun school, military families were treated to the film and in some cases treats like meals courtesy of the Gary Sinise Foundation.  Other locations had question and answer sessions with behind-the-scenes personnel to provide an inside look into the film and filmmaking.

Hawaiian shirts and aviators were donned. The opening music felt familiar, and 131 minutes of storyline, reminiscence, and jet scenes played out for all those in the theater.

While the pilots, of course, found holes in the plotline (why are the masks off?) and the uniforms weren’t perfect, the film was enjoyed by all. The call signs were discussed – especially Bob. Without a spoiler, his call sign makes sense once the character is introduced.

For the Gen Xers who grew up watching the film on VHS and listening to the soundtrack on the classic cassette tape, it was validating to see “the old guy, the O6 who still has it” said another military member.

Many military members commented on the nostalgia it brought forth. One family member commented, “I laughed, I cried…pretty sure I was an emotional mess.”

The enjoyment of seeing the film amongst those military members and families who know and understand what it is to live that life led to clapping, laughing, and jeering altogether. Also, for those who enjoyed the 1986 Top Gun many times, the nods to the first film brought a chorus of awes. Also, it brings to mind the reality of intensity and loss in military life. As a military family member said, it brought “all the feels wrapped up into one movie.”

The reality of the film is that Naval Aviators were behind the scenes too. And while the pilots and their families and friends had to stay silent until the film came out, the entertainment of the film was brought to life with Hollywood magic and Naval Aviator skill. The training and talents of those pilots brought the power and beauty of flight to reality and to the screen for all to enjoy.  

Great Balls of Fire! Whether for nostalgia or to enjoy a new flick, the film was a hit. Several military families are going to watch the film again, and in IMAX or 4D to get more of the experience. Because they feel the need…the need for speed.

My PCS Unpacking Playlist

By

It isn’t a surprise that PCS season is a stressful time for military families. While the stress increases and the ability to take personal time or breaks dwindles, it’s time to take the stress breaks how you can get them. One of those ways is through music. According to medical studies, music has the added benefit of lowering stress. So, while you are unpacking your boxes, and suitcases and rearranging your lives, blast these songs and sing aloud.

Bridgerton Soundtrack – Now don’t start watching the show because that will easily become a distraction, but the music is pleasant. The genre is classical meaning you won’t be singing out, but you will be able to hear children or the other adult in the house while unpacking if they found the coveted towels. Don’t forget to check out the Bridgerton covers – these are classic renditions of popular songs, and you might just be surprised by how much that song you didn’t enjoy previously sounds so much better.

Hawaiian Tunes – Who wouldn’t rather be on vacation in Hawaii on the beach with a sea breeze blowing through your hair. Choosing the sound of waves over the sound of tape coming off boxes may not be an option if you are unpacking from a PCS, but you sure as heck can pretend by listening to some island melodies.

Calypso – Well, if you can’t be on a tropical island, perhaps you can pretend you are on a cruise. All those boxes you are unpacking are souvenirs from your suitcase…okay, maybe not 100 times over, but this music is sure to boost your mood while unpacking. Feel free to dance along while you wrap and pack or label all the boxes.

Top Gun Soundtrack – The original, cannot comment on the new movie or if there will be one. The mix of ballads and power songs will boost morale, and, depending on your age, will bring up fun memories. Just remember not to play volleyball with the box of kitchenware – that’s breakable.

80s Rock – Even if you aren’t an 80s kid, chances are you have heard at least a few of these songs. They are great songs to belt out stress to. With classics like Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust (hopefully that isn’t a comment on your kitchen glassware) and Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine, you can’t go wrong.

Power Ballads – When you get to the end of packing hours or just need the motivation to get started, it’s time for some power ballads. Hootie and the Blowfish’s Let Her Cry, Bryan Adams’ (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, and Meatloaf’s I Would Do Anything for Love may feel pretty real as you unpack your home for the first or fourteenth time because the military gave your family order. Feel free to grab a spoon or hairbrush and sing along.

Your Favorite Movie Soundtrack – Maybe Top Gun isn’t your thing. Maybe you prefer the music of the swashbuckling genre, wizarding type, or more of the animated type that will make you giggle through the boxes. Choose your favorite movie, and it is sure to make at least 30 minutes of unpacking go smoothly and boost your mood as you decide where those books will go.

Your Favorite TV Show Soundtrack – Now, most shows don’t necessarily have a soundtrack, but some do. And if you enjoy British television, then check out their soundtracks. Often, the melodious tunes are played by an orchestra, adding an element of elegance to their songs. Shows like Downton Abbey, The Crown, Mad Men, Poldark, and Doctor Who have excellent soundtracks.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow – The ultimate, it will get better son is an excellent song by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. It is relaxing and happy. Kermit the Frog also makes an excellent version, and if you want to listen to renditions of this song all day, we won’t blame you.

Organizing, packing up, and labeling your belongings is a busy and stressful time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a little enjoyment to it with an amazing playlist.

How A Military Family Celebrates Memorial Day

By

What does Memorial Day mean to you? According to History.com, Memorial Day was originally Decoration Day, which sprung from the Civil War as a way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during that diving war. Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act designating Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and creating a three-day federal weekend in honor of it. Memorial Day became official in 1971. What Memorial Day is today is altogether different with sales ads in the mail, in the stores, on your social media.

We honor Memorial Day in two ways – to honor and celebrate those lives sacrificed.

In Honor Of

As we have moved around the world during my husband’s military career, we haven’t had a consistent place we honor those who have fallen. When we lived near Washington D.C., we would take our family up to the memorials to reflect on the past –  World War I, World War II, Vietnam. We recently went to the exhibit about September 11, 2001 and its impact on the military at the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico, Virginia. You don’t have to live near D.C. to honor the fallen. There are memorials worldwide, literally, where families can visit and reflect and honor the fallen.

If you are looking for a burial site near you, check out the American Battle Monuments Commission website.  There are memorials around the World from, Belgium to the U.S. special cemeteries are occurring at the ABMC sites for Memorial Day, check out their scheduled ceremonies here.

Normandy France

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer is where around 9,388 service members are buried after the invasion of Normandy in World War II. Those living in Europe can visit the historic site to reflect on the history of the place and the lost lives to change the trajectory of World War II.

Washington DC

As the capital of the United States, Washington DC is host to many museums and memorials. World War I Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial welcome veterans and visitors alike around Memorial Day. Arlington National Cemetery also is open to visitors.

If you are not living near a cemetery where someone you know is there, you can ask the local cemetery if they are doing anything in honor of Memorial Day. We have lived in many places where the local cemetery puts out small flags in honor of those who served, and you can help with that. It’s celebrating someone who may not have family nearby or someone who has no more living relatives.

In Celebration Of

Honoring the fallen doesn’t just happen at the graveside. If your fallen friends are not near where you can visit-remember the poem, they are not there….

It’s okay to have a barbeque. When veterans talk about their fallen friends, they reflect on the positive things that person did in their life for them. They review their impact on the people around them. Those people likely enjoyed a BBQ or two, and they would want you to. Memorial Day can be a time to try new recipes and gather with loved ones. The hope is that you remember the fallen as you enjoy a barbeque with friends and family. Reflect on the sentiment of remembering the fallen.

The reality is that America would not be what it is today without the wars that shaped us – the Revolutionary War that founded us, the Civil War shaped us, the World Wars that brought us into a new century and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedoms – the war that many know personally. It is only fitting to gather with family and friends and celebrate what those battles brought us – freedom. Freedom is not free. And that is why we honor and celebrate Memorial Day.