United Through Reading (UTR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between service members and their families through the power of storytelling when service members are separated from their families. The program allows service members to record themselves reading books to their children, which helps maintain strong emotional connections during deployments, long separations, or training assignments. This initiative offers military families a unique way to nurture relationships, reduce anxiety, and promote literacy, ensuring that distance doesn’t erode the bonds between loved ones.

How the Program Works

The heart of United Through Reading’s program lies in recorded story sessions. Service members can choose from a collection of children’s books provided by UTR, record themselves reading aloud, and send the video back home. Family members can play the recording as often as they like, giving children the comforting experience of hearing their parent’s voice, even from thousands of miles away. UTR offers several ways to participate:

• At Military Installations and Events: UTR stations are present at USO centers, military libraries, and other key locations where service members can make recordings.
• Virtual Participation: Service members who cannot access a physical recording location can record videos from their own devices using the UTR app and send them digitally.
• Books for Every Age: The program provides age-appropriate book selections for children of all reading levels, encouraging engagement for families with kids of all ages.

This flexible approach makes it easier for families to stay connected, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Using the UTR App

1. Download the App

The UTR app is available for free download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Look for “United Through Reading” and install it on your smartphone or tablet.

2. Create an Account

After installation, you’ll need to create an account. Simply provide your name, military affiliation, and email address. You can also log in through a partner organization’s portal if applicable (such as the USO). The account allows you to securely store and share your recordings with family members.

3. Choose a Book to Read

UTR offers access to a digital library of children’s books within the app. You can either select a book from this library or use a physical copy that you have on hand. The library includes books for a wide range of reading levels, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for older children.

If you’re using your own book, simply position it so that it’s visible in the recording for children to follow along.

4. Make the Recording

Once you’ve chosen a book, follow these tips to record your video:

• Find a quiet space: Minimize background noise to ensure clear audio.
• Position your phone or tablet: Prop your device at an angle that captures your face and the book (if using a physical copy).
• Read naturally: Engage with the story as you would if reading at home—use different voices, pause for effect, and have fun with it!
• Keep it short: Aim for 5-10 minutes to maintain children’s attention, especially for younger audiences.

If needed, you can pause and resume the recording to make adjustments.

5. Save and Share the Recording

After recording, review your video to ensure the sound and visuals are clear. When satisfied:

• Save the video within the app or upload it to the UTR secure platform.
• Enter the recipient’s details (like the child’s name and caregiver’s email).
• The app allows you to send the recording directly or download it to share through email or messaging platforms.

You can also choose to store multiple recordings to send later or re-watch when needed.

6. Track The Story

The app offers an option to track how often your videos are viewed, giving you insight into how your child is engaging with the stories. This feature provides a great way to feel connected even when you’re not physically present.

Using the United Through Reading app is a powerful way for service members to stay connected with their children, especially during extended absences. It offers the convenience of recording from anywhere, with the added security of private sharing. In 2023 alone, UTR facilitated more than 7,000 recordings, with nearly 80,000 books provided to military families. Whether you’re reading your child’s favorite story or exploring a new book together, these recordings create cherished moments and memories that last well beyond the deployment.

For more details or to get started, visit United Through Reading.

If this Hurricane season has taught us anything, it is the unpredictable nature of these storms. Hurricanes Helene and Milton did significant damage up and down the eastern seaboard. While hurricane season thankfully ends in November, be prepared for next season with this list for disaster preparedness, with a few lessons from those who experienced losses this year.

1. Document and Catalog Belongings

• Video your home’s interior and exterior: Walk through your house with a camera or smartphone, capturing valuables and major appliances. Make sure to talk through items on video and show any serial numbers.
• Create an inventory list: Write down item descriptions, model numbers, and estimated values. This catalog will be essential if you need to file an insurance claim after the storm.
• Store documents securely: Upload videos and inventory lists to cloud storage, ensuring access even if paper copies are lost.

2. Move Valuables to Climate-Controlled Storage

• Relocate precious items: Move heirlooms, jewelry, or important documents to climate-controlled storage located outside flood-prone areas.
• Consider off-site digital backups: Scan critical documents like insurance policies and store them digitally.
• Elevate items within your home: Place remaining valuables on higher floors or shelves to protect them from floodwater, make sure to move them away from windows as well.

3. Review and Update Insurance Policies

• Check your insurance coverage: Make sure your policies include flood insurance, which is often separate from standard homeowner’s insurance.
• Update policy details: Verify coverage amounts for your home and belongings to ensure they align with current market values.
• Document contacts and policies: Keep your agent’s contact information and policy numbers accessible for easy reference during and after the storm.

4. Compile a List of Reputable Contractors

• Research and vet local contractors: If you own your home, make a list of licensed and reputable contractors before the storm hits.
• Ensure availability: Confirm contractors can respond quickly after a disaster.
• Avoid post-storm scams: Use trusted sources, like your insurance company, to find professionals for repairs.

5. Strengthen Your Home’s Defenses

• Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.
• Secure outdoor furniture and any loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Trim trees and branches near your home to prevent damage.

6. Stock Emergency Supplies

• Have a 72-hour emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and necessary medications.
• Keep a radio on hand to receive weather updates if power is lost.
• Make sure to have a generator if you live in an area prone to long power outages.

7. Evacuation Plan and Contacts

• Identify evacuation routes and have a plan to leave early if necessary.
• Share your plan with friends or family outside the storm zone.
• Keep fuel tanks full and emergency cash on hand in case of power outages that impact ATMs and gas stations.

By preparing early, reviewing insurance policies, safeguarding important items, and having a reliable contractor list, you’ll be better equipped to protect your home and recover quickly after the storm. Planning ahead makes all the difference when every minute counts.

October is the perfect time for military families to start preparing holiday shipments, especially for loved ones stationed overseas. With postal timelines tightening as December approaches, it’s crucial to send gifts and care packages early. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has released specific deadlines to ensure military mail reaches its destination by December 25.

Important USPS Deadlines for Military Mail 2024:

For guaranteed delivery by Christmas, consider these cutoff dates for various regions and services:

• APO/FPO/DPO ZIPs 090-099, 340, and 962-966:
  • First-Class and Priority Mail: December 9
  • Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS): December 16
  • Space Available Mail (SAM): November 6
  •  

For certain remote or high-demand areas, such as ZIP 093, PMEMS is not available. Families should carefully select the appropriate service to avoid delays. Additionally, free flat-rate boxes are available for military mail, and USPS offers discounted rates, including $21.15 for its largest Priority Mail flat-rate box, which includes a $1.50 discount for military destinations. Remember, printing the mail label online also comes with a discount on the mail price, and allows you to drop off the labeled package at your local post office without waiting a line – that is a win during the busy holiday season.

Packing Tips to Ensure Safe Delivery

• Label clearly: Avoid listing the service member’s country to comply with military mail guidelines.
• Customs Sheet: Be as detailed as possible on the customs sheet.
• Include an internal address card: In case the exterior label is damaged, placing a duplicate label inside the package ensures it still arrives.
• Order supplies early: Free military care kits, containing flat-rate boxes and tape, can be requested from USPS by calling 800-610-8734 or visiting the USPS website.
•  

USPS anticipates processing over 12.6 million pounds of military mail this season, making it essential to plan ahead. Shipping early reduces the risk of delays caused by high mail volume and ensures your loved ones receive their holiday surprises on time.

By organizing now, families can avoid the holiday rush and make sure their gifts bring a touch of home to service members abroad. For further details, including complete USPS guidelines, visit their official holiday shipping page​

The holiday season can be challenging for military families, especially when facing a permanent change of station (PCS) or potential deployments. Moving close to the holidays introduces a unique set of obstacles—balancing celebrations with the logistics of packing, shipping gifts, and maintaining family traditions. Here are practical strategies to ensure a joyful, organized holiday season amid a PCS move.

1. Declutter Early and Lighten Your Load

A PCS offers the perfect opportunity to declutter before the holiday season. Downsizing makes packing smoother and reduces moving costs. To avoid stress:

• Donate or sell unused items. This will free up space for new gifts and keep your household manageable when unpacking in a new location.
• Involve the whole family: Have children sort toys or clothes they’ve outgrown to turn decluttering into a pre-holiday project.
• Digitize sentimental items: Scan family photos, children’s artwork, or holiday cards to save space.

Streamlining your belongings will reduce moving burdens and create a fresh start in your new home.

2. Plan Holiday Shipments Early

If family members are stationed overseas, plan gifts with USPS’s military mail deadlines in mind. Here’s a quick look at USPS shipping deadlines for military destinations to ensure delivery by December 25:

• First-Class & Priority Mail: December 9
• Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS): December 16
• Space Available Mail (SAM): November 6

You can also use free military care kits from USPS, which include flat-rate boxes and mailing supplies. Taking care of gift shipping early will help you avoid delays and ensure your packages bring holiday cheer to deployed loved ones​.

3. Maintain Traditions, Even from a Distance

Traditions are essential to military families, especially when facing separation. Even if your family is scattered across different time zones, here are ways to stay connected:

• Virtual celebrations: Plan a video call to decorate the tree or open gifts together, keeping the spirit of togetherness alive.
• Create care packages: Sending small holiday-themed items, like a family photo ornament or handwritten notes, keeps connections strong.
• Pre-holiday celebrations: If PCS overlaps with the holidays, celebrate early with a “Christmas in whichever month you can” to create memories before parting ways. Maintaining family rituals—even modified ones—provides continuity, particularly for children experiencing frequent relocations.

4. Prepare for PCS During the Holidays

PCS orders near the holidays require extra planning to stay organized and festive. Here’s how to manage both:

• Pack strategically: Separate holiday decorations and essential items into easy-access bins so they can be unpacked first in your new location.
• Ship gifts directly: Ordering online and shipping to your next duty station or loved ones can save space in your moving boxes.
• Work with your installation’s family services: Many bases offer support through holiday programs, like toy drives or community meals, easing the burden during relocations.

Staying organized ensures that both the move and celebrations go smoothly, without losing the holiday magic.

5. Be Flexible and Stay Positive

Relocating around the holidays can feel overwhelming, but flexibility is key. Embrace the changes and try to create new traditions wherever you are. Holiday joy doesn’t depend on location—it’s about who you share it with. Whether you’re decorating a palm tree at a tropical duty station or making snowmen at your new base in Alaska, adapt and find the beauty in each new experience.

Navigating a PCS during the holiday season takes preparation, but with early planning and the right mindset, you can maintain family traditions and create new memories—whether at home, abroad, or en route to your next destination. Stay organized, ship gifts early, and embrace the season’s challenges with flexibility. These efforts will ensure a smoother transition for your family while keeping the holiday spirit alive.

Several military organizations and non-profits accept candy donations to support troops and their families. After Halloween, donating excess candy is a great way to share with the community, and lessen the temptation for endless candy snacking in your home. Here are a few military and veteran organizations that typically accept candy donations:

1. Soldiers’ Angels – Treats for Troops

• About: Soldiers’ Angels runs the Treats for Troops program, which collects candy to send care packages to deployed service members and distribute it to veterans in VA hospitals. Schools, businesses, and individuals can participate.
• How to Donate: You can mail candy directly to Soldiers’ Angels, or find a participating candy collection site near you on their website.
• Website: Soldiers’ Angels – Treats for Troops

2. Operation Gratitude – Halloween Candy Give-Back Program

• About: Operation Gratitude collects candy for their Halloween Candy Give-Back Program, which sends sweet treats to deployed troops, veterans, and first responders. They encourage schools, dentist offices, and community groups to participate by hosting candy drives. In 2024, the program is on hold, but may resume collection in the future.
• How to Donate: You can register as a donor on their website, mail candy, or drop it off at a collection site.
• Website: Operation Gratitude – Halloween Candy Give-Back Program

3. Support Our Troops – Halloween Candy Collection

• About: Support Our Troops is a charity that sends care packages, including candy, to deployed service members. Donated candy can be included in these packages to give troops a taste of home.
• How to Donate: Check the Support Our Troops website for details on how to send candy donations.
• Website: Support Our Troops

4. Operation Shoebox

• About: Operation Shoebox sends care packages to troops overseas and welcomes candy donations. They include candy in care packages as a treat for soldiers and to share with local communities they serve.
• How to Donate: You can mail your candy donations directly to Operation Shoebox.
• Website: Operation Shoebox

5. Freedom Alliance

• About: Freedom Alliance is an organization dedicated to supporting military families and veterans. They sometimes collect Halloween candy as part of their care package initiatives.
• How to Donate: Check their website for any special candy collection drives or reach out to find out how to donate.
• Website: Freedom Alliance

6 .Operation Care and Comfort

• About: This non-profit organization provides care packages to deployed military personnel. They welcome donations of candy, which they include in holiday and general care packages.
• How to Donate: Check their website for current candy drives and details on mailing donations.
• Website: Operation Care and Comfort

Tips for Donating Candy:

• Individually Wrapped Candy: Most organizations request individually wrapped candy for hygiene and safety reasons.
• Avoid Chocolate in Some Cases: Some organizations suggest avoiding chocolate during warm months due to melting during shipping.
• Contact Before Donating: Always check the organization’s website or contact them to confirm their current needs and donation guidelines.

Stay Local

If you are military connected family, chances are you are near or on a military base. Consider sharing candy bags with single military members who are on the base – this may be their first Halloween from home. Share candy with units or offices by donating to your military members unit or reaching out to the family advocacy offices at the local base if candy would be useful. Don’t forget other first responders like the local fire station or paramedics – they enjoy a little sweet treat now and then too after their long shifts.

By donating candy to these organizations, you can spread some Halloween cheer to the military community. 

The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times for military families, especially when a loved one is deployed. The absence of a parent, spouse, or significant other during a time traditionally filled with togetherness and celebration can create emotional hardships. However, with intentional communication and creative traditions, families can stay connected and keep their bonds strong. Here are practical ways to foster those connections and maintain resilient relationships for all age groups during a holiday deployment.

1. Staying Connected with Children During a Deployment

Children, regardless of age, may find it difficult to understand and cope with the absence of a deployed parent during the holidays. It’s important to address their emotional needs in ways that resonate with their developmental stage.

• Young Children: For toddlers and preschoolers, the concept of time can be hard to grasp, so the absence of a parent may feel incredibly long. One effective way to help them stay connected is through daily routines that incorporate the deployed parent. For example, creating a “Countdown to Homecoming” calendar with stickers or drawings for each day that passes gives them something tangible to understand the passage of time. (But don’t forget to build in some ability to buffer as the military may in true military fashion adjust return dates as needed.) Reading bedtime stories on video or audio from the deployed parent can help maintain a sense of comfort and familiarity. Using apps or virtual calls where the deployed parent can participate in holiday activities, such as decorating or opening gifts, can also be very meaningful.
• Older Elementary Children: These children may have a better understanding of why their parent is gone, but they still need support to stay connected. Encouraging them to write letters, draw pictures, or create artwork that the deployed parent can display can help them express their feelings. Some families create a “Deployment Scrapbook” where children can add updates, photos, and notes about what they’ve been doing. This can be shared with the deployed parent via care packages or during virtual calls, making it a shared experience that brings everyone together.
• Teens: Teenagers may feel more independent but still deeply miss the presence of a parent during the holidays. Regular virtual check-ins through texts, video chats, or social media can help maintain a connection, especially if they’re given space to express their own experiences and challenges. Engaging teens in planning holiday surprises for the deployed parent, such as recording special videos or compiling family memories, can give them a sense of purpose and closeness, even from afar.

2. Strengthening Marriages During a Deployment

Deployments can take a toll on marriages, but the holiday season offers an opportunity to reaffirm love and commitment. Staying emotionally connected, even from a distance, is crucial to keeping the relationship strong.

• Communication: Consistent, open communication is key. Scheduled video calls can provide a sense of regularity, even if just to catch up on day-to-day life. It’s also important to make time for more intimate conversations where couples can share their hopes, frustrations, and dreams. Sending personalized care packages with thoughtful items, like a favorite snack, a handwritten letter, or holiday decorations, can remind the deployed spouse of home and their partner’s care.
• Shared Traditions: Keeping shared traditions alive, even from a distance, can help spouses feel connected. For example, some couples watch the same holiday movie at the same time, even if they’re miles apart, and text or call each other afterward. Others write 12 Days of Christmas letters, where each spouse sends a letter for 12 consecutive days leading up to Christmas, keeping the connection strong.
• Future Planning: Using the holiday season to talk about future plans—what you’ll do when the deployment is over or how you’ll celebrate together next year—can help both partners feel more secure. Planning for reunification and discussing what both partners hope for when the deployment ends can reduce the stress of reintegration.

3. Building Resilience in Family Relationships

The strength of family relationships during a deployment not only helps loved ones cope with the temporary separation but also builds long-term resilience. This resilience is essential, not only during the deployment but also in the difficult period of reunion and reintegration when the service member returns.

• Support Networks: It is crucial to create a solid support system during the deployment—whether through friends, family, or military spouse groups. Having people to turn to during tough moments helps ease the stress for the family and the deployed service member. The more resilient and supported the family feels the easier it will be to reintegrate and adjust to life when the service member returns.
• Strengthening Bonds: Children who feel connected to their deployed parent during the holidays are more likely to have a smoother adjustment when the parent returns home. Consistent communication and shared traditions foster a sense of continuity that helps them transition through the deployment and beyond. This also applies to the marital relationship—strong emotional bonds during separation lead to a smoother reunion, reducing the tension and potential emotional distance when the deployment ends.
• Resilience in Reintegration: The effort to stay connected and build traditions throughout a deployment pays off when it’s time for reunion. The family has already practiced staying emotionally close, which helps ease the reintegration process. Families who have built resilient relationships are better equipped to handle the shifts in dynamics when the service member returns and life at home resumes a new normal.

While deployments can make the holiday season difficult, there are many ways to stay connected and strengthen family relationships. Whether through virtual calls, shared traditions, or thoughtful gestures, maintaining a sense of togetherness is possible even from a distance. By fostering resilience in these relationships, military families not only support each other during the deployment but also prepare for a smoother reintegration when the service member returns.

While October is here, it doesn’t seem like the holidays are approaching; they are just around the corner. This year can be especially financially challenging as the pressures to provide a “magical holiday” may seem difficult while keeping finances intact. For military families, holiday spending can be particularly challenging, especially when paired with frequent relocations or deployments. However, with planning, budgeting, and taking advantage of various support programs and resources, it’s possible to enjoy a stress-free holiday season without breaking the bank. Here’s how to prepare for the holidays with financial fitness in mind.

Layaway: Spreading the Cost Over Time

One of the most effective ways to prevent a holiday budget bust is by utilizing layaway programs. Layaway allows families to reserve items and pay for them over time, rather than making one large purchase all at once. This approach spreads the cost of holiday gifts over several weeks or months, making it easier to manage within your budget.

Many retailers, including military exchanges, offer layaway programs during the holiday season. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), for example, typically has a holiday layaway program that waives the fee for toys and other holiday-related items, making it easier to purchase gifts for children without straining your wallet all at once. By using layaway, families can gradually pay off larger items like bikes, electronics, or holiday decorations without putting everything on a credit card, which can lead to high-interest debt after the holidays.

Plan Ahead to Avoid a Holiday Budget Bust

Planning ahead is essential to keeping your holiday spending under control. Start by creating a holiday budget that outlines what you can afford to spend on gifts, meals, travel, and entertainment. Break down your budget by category, and be realistic about how much you can spend without going into debt.

• Start Early: Begin shopping early to take advantage of sales and avoid the last-minute rush. Purchasing gifts throughout the year can help spread costs and prevent a large lump sum of holiday expenses all at once.
• Use a Gift List: Instead of feeling pressured to buy a lot of gifts, create a list of the people you want to buy for and assign a budget for each. This way, you’re less likely to overspend or get carried away with impulse purchases.
• Look for Deals: Keep an eye on holiday sales, clearance sections, and coupons. Shopping during Black Friday or Cyber Monday can help you score great deals on gifts and holiday essentials, allowing you to stick to your budget.

By setting a budget and sticking to it, you’ll avoid the dreaded January debt hangover.

Experiences Over Material Gifts

One way to ease the financial burden of the holidays is by focusing on creating memorable experiences with family rather than focusing solely on material gifts. There are numerous military programs that offer free or discounted experiences for service members and their families, which can make for wonderful holiday memories without the high cost.

Waves of Honor is one such program, offering military families free admission to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and other theme parks. Instead of purchasing multiple holiday gifts, consider spending a day at one of these parks, creating lasting memories without the high price tag. Experiences like these allow families to bond and celebrate the season together while reducing the need to buy expensive gifts.

Many museums, parks, and zoos also offer discounted or free admission to military families, which can be a great way to enjoy the holidays without overspending.

Holiday Support Programs for Military Families

Some military families may be able to utilize holiday support programs designed to provide assistance and cheer during the holiday season. These programs can help with everything from holiday meals to gifts for children, ensuring that financial struggles don’t take away from the joy of the season.

• Operation Homefront: During the holiday season, Operation Homefront’s “Holiday Meals for Military” program delivers holiday meal kits to service members and their families. These kits contain all the ingredients needed to prepare a festive meal, helping families stretch their budgets further during the holiday season.
• Blue Star Families: Blue Star Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military families, offers various holiday programs. One such program is their annual holiday toy distribution event, where military children can receive toys for the holidays. Blue Star Families also partners with other organizations to offer special events, giveaways, and activities that bring holiday cheer to military families. Follow Blue Star Neighborhood for your local area to learn more.
• USO Holiday Programs: The USO, known for supporting military members and their families, has a variety of holiday initiatives. Many USO locations host holiday parties, gift giveaways, and even meals for military families. These events provide a sense of community and connection during the holidays, especially for families who may be away from extended family or dealing with deployments. Follow your local USO for such opportunities.

Many of these programs have eligibility criteria, so make sure to read all such required criteria before signing up.

Stay Financially Fit for the Holidays

Financial fitness during the holidays is achievable with a combination of smart planning, budgeting, and utilizing available resources. Layaway programs, early planning, and focusing on experiences over material goods can all help spread out the costs and reduce financial strain. In addition, military support programs like Operation Homefront, Blue Star Families, and the USO provide much-needed assistance, making the holidays brighter without adding to your budget.

By preparing in advance and using these resources wisely, military families can create a memorable and joyful holiday season without financial stress.

As the cooler months approach, military families must prepare their homes for the changing weather. Whether you’re stationed on base or off base, ensuring that your housing is ready for the fall and winter months is crucial for maintaining comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. In addition to colder temperatures, families in the Southeast must remain vigilant during hurricane season, which lasts through November. Preparing your home now can help you avoid last-minute repairs and costly heating bills when temperatures drop.

1. Prepare for the End of Hurricane Season (Southeast)

If you’re stationed in the Southeast, fall doesn’t just bring cooler weather but also the tail end of hurricane season. Even though it may seem like the peak storm months are behind you, the season doesn’t officially end until November 30. Preparing your home for potential storms can protect your property from damage and ensure your family’s safety. Here are a few key tips:

• Check for leaks: Inspect windows, doors, and your roof for any signs of leaks. Seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulk to prevent water from entering your home during heavy rain.
• Clear gutters and downspouts: Leaves and debris can clog your gutters, leading to water damage during a storm. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clean and working properly to direct water away from your home.
• Secure outdoor items: Any outdoor furniture, grills, or decorations can become projectiles in high winds. Secure or bring them inside when a storm is forecast.
• Stock up on emergency supplies: Even though it’s late in the season, it’s wise to have an emergency kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, batteries, and first aid supplies. Some will do a mad dash and buy out all the water when a storm is approaching, get ahead of it by buying some early.

2. Check Heating Systems Before It Gets Cold

As the temperature drops, you’ll rely more on your heating system to keep your home comfortable. Whether living on base or in private housing, checking your heating system before you need it can prevent unexpected failures during cold snaps.

• On-base housing: If you’re living on base, now is the time to test your heating system. Turn it on to ensure it’s functioning correctly, and listen for any unusual noises or signs of malfunction. If you notice any issues, put in a maintenance request with your housing office as soon as possible. Quick action can prevent larger issues later on and ensure you have heat when the cold weather arrives.
• Off-base housing: For families living off base, it’s essential to have your heating system inspected by a professional before the cold weather hits. A thorough inspection can catch any potential problems with your furnace, heat pump, or boiler. Additionally, check that all heating vents are unblocked, and replace filters if necessary to ensure maximum efficiency.

3. Ensure Insulation Is Up to Date

Proper insulation is key to keeping your home warm during cooler months without driving up your energy bills.

• On-base housing: If you feel drafts or notice uneven heating in your home, it could be a sign of poor insulation. Contact your base housing maintenance team to inspect your home’s insulation. They can address any issues and ensure your home retains heat more effectively.
• Off-base housing: If you’re renting or owning an off-base home, check the insulation in your attic, walls, and floors. If your home is older, you may need to add or replace insulation in these areas. Additionally, check for drafts around windows and doors. Installing weather stripping or using draft stoppers can prevent heat from escaping and keep your home warmer.

4. Fall Cleaning and Home Maintenance Checklist

A good fall cleaning and home maintenance routine will prepare your house for cooler weather and help you address potential issues early. Here’s a checklist to guide your fall preparation:

Fall Cleaning Checklist:

• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and water damage.
• Clean windows and inspect them for any leaks or drafts. Apply weather stripping if necessary.
• Deep clean carpets and upholstery, which accumulate dust and allergens over the summer.
• Organize and declutter closets to make room for winter gear, such as coats, boots, and scarves.
• Check for pests: Colder weather often drives pests indoors. Seal cracks, and use traps if necessary.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist:

• Test your heating system to ensure it’s functioning properly.
• Inspect insulation in your attic, walls, and floors.
• Seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working.
• Reverse ceiling fans: Set your ceiling fans to spin clockwise to push warm air down into the room.
• Drain and store garden hoses to prevent freezing damage.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from the house to prevent damage during storms.

By taking these steps to prepare your home for cooler weather, military families can ensure their homes remain safe, comfortable, and efficient. Addressing potential issues before the weather turns will also help prevent costly repairs and reduce energy consumption as you head into the winter months.

Halloween is a time for fun, creativity, and a little bit of spooky magic, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on decorations. In fact, with a bit of ingenuity and materials you likely already have around the house, you can create a hauntingly festive atmosphere without breaking the bank. Here are ten budget-friendly Halloween decoration ideas to transform your home into a spooky spectacle this season.

1. DIY Ghost Lanterns

Ghost lanterns are a classic, simple, and affordable decoration that can be made from old mason jars, empty glass containers, or even plastic cups. Simply cover the jars with white tissue paper, cheesecloth, or even gauze. Use a black marker to draw spooky ghost faces on the outside. Place battery-operated tea lights or glow sticks inside for a soft, eerie glow at night.

2. Spider Webs from Cotton Balls

You don’t need to buy store-bought spider webs when you can make your own with cotton balls! Pull apart the cotton balls to stretch them into thin, web-like strands and drape them over doorways, furniture, and windows. You can enhance the effect by placing small plastic spiders within the webs, or you can make your own spiders using black pipe cleaners and googly eyes.

3. Toilet Paper Roll Bats

This is a great way to recycle old toilet paper rolls into something fun and spooky. Paint the rolls black and cut out bat wings from black construction paper. Glue the wings to the sides of the rolls and add googly eyes or draw on eyes with white paint or a marker. These cute little bats can be hung from the ceiling with string or placed around your home for a playful touch.

4. Milk Jug Jack-o’-Lanterns

Instead of carving pumpkins, try making Jack-o’-lanterns out of empty milk jugs. Wash and dry the jugs, then use a black marker to draw funny or spooky faces on them. Fill the jugs with string lights, glow sticks, or battery-operated candles to create glowing, ghostly faces that can line your porch or walkway.

5. Paper Bag Luminaries

Paper bag luminaries are a simple and inexpensive way to create a warm, spooky atmosphere. All you need are brown paper bags, scissors, and battery-operated candles or glow sticks. Cut out Halloween-themed shapes like pumpkins, bats, or ghosts on the sides of the bags, then place the light source inside. Line your walkway or porch with these homemade luminaries to create a welcoming glow for trick-or-treaters.

6. Egg Carton Spiders

Turn old egg cartons into creepy crawlies with a little bit of paint and imagination. Cut apart the individual cups of the carton, paint them black, and add black pipe cleaner legs and googly eyes. These lightweight spiders can be scattered around your home, hung from the ceiling, or placed in webs made from cotton or yarn for a fun and spooky effect.

7. Ghostly Hanging Sheets

For a classic haunted house look, use old white sheets or pillowcases to create hanging ghosts. Drape the sheets over balloons or lightweight balls and tie them off with string to create a head. Use a black marker or felt to draw on ghostly faces, then hang the ghosts from your trees, porch, or even inside your home for an eerie floating effect.

8. Cardboard Tombstones

Transform old cardboard boxes into a spooky graveyard by making tombstones. Cut the cardboard into tombstone shapes and paint them gray. Once dry, you can use black paint or markers to write eerie epitaphs like “R.I.P.” or “Here Lies…” on the tombstones. Stick them in your yard or around your home to create a haunted cemetery look.

9. Pumpkin Balloons

Balloons are an inexpensive way to create festive Halloween decorations. Buy a pack of orange balloons and inflate them to resemble pumpkins. Use a black marker to draw Jack-o’-lantern faces on each balloon, then hang them from the ceiling or scatter them around your house. For an extra effect, tie green ribbon to the top of the balloon to resemble a pumpkin stem.

10. DIY Monster Doors

Turn your front door into a monster to greet trick-or-treaters. Use colored construction paper or cardstock to create large eyes, sharp teeth, and a monster nose. Tape these features to your door and add a strip of crepe paper or a black trash bag across the top of the door to resemble hair or eyebrows. This DIY project is simple, budget-friendly, and creates a bold statement for any entryway.

Bonus Tip: Thrifty Materials and Recycling

For all of these decorations, don’t be afraid to get creative with the materials you already have at home. Old newspapers can be turned into paper mache, leftover fabric can be cut into creepy shapes, and even food packaging can be repurposed for Halloween decor. Visiting a local thrift store or dollar store can also yield inexpensive supplies like yarn, candles, and black paint.

With a little creativity and some basic household materials, you can decorate your home for Halloween without spending much money. From DIY ghost lanterns and cotton ball spider webs to monster doors and egg carton spiders, there are countless ways to transform everyday items into spooky decorations. Not only are these ideas easy on the budget, but they also offer a fun opportunity for families to work together and get into the Halloween spirit.