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Tips and Resources to Keep On Keeping On During COVID-19 Lockdown

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You’re working from home, and so are your kids. Leaving the house except for essentials is frowned upon. But you’ve got to keep on living, right? Even when you’re in lockdown mode thanks to COVID-19. Don’t worry, we’ve got you…from a safe distance of course.

Tips to Keep On Living In COVID-19 Lockdown

Even when you’re practicing social distancing, self-isolating or in full-on quarantine, you can still enjoy your life and be semi-social.

Photo Credit: ©Marina Andrejchenko /Adobe Stock

What Are The Essentials?

Yes, in some places you can still leave the house, but only for life-essential reasons. Things like:

  • necessary medical appointments
  • groceries
  • medication
  • work, if not already working from home (in some states work has been limited to essential employees only including grocery store employees, gas station attendants, pharmacy employees and medical staff)

****PLEASE BE SURE TO REFER TO OFFICIAL SOURCES AND YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR UP TO DATE GUIDELINES AND STIPULATIONS REGARDING COVID-19****

However, if you don’t need to leave the house, it’s better to stay home. There’s absolutely no need to:

  • get a haircut
  • spiff up your manicure or pedicure
  • visit a bar or restaurant
  • get buff at the gym
  • go to the beach
  • congregate in the park

Before you start your car, hop on a bus or ride the subway, be sure to truly consider the risks that now come with your trip. Coronavirus aka COVID-19 is spreading rapidly around the globe, with a mounting death toll. Every social or public interaction is another chance to pick up the virus or spread it to others.

However, you can live your life with an abundance of caution with joy and purpose!

Try These Activities When You’re Stuck Inside Solo

We love some good social distancing right now. Less germs, right? But all that alone time can get to be a bit, well, lonely.

Try these ideas to be social while staying in your own space:

  • Netflix Together: you can watch your favorite movies or binge a show together, with your friends, while still staying separated with a Chrome extension called Google Party!
  • Virtual Book Club: you’ve got time on your hands, and so do your friends, so read a book together and then discuss via FaceTime
  • Cooking Show: hop on Facebook LIVE during your next cooking session and share it with friends, a la Jennifer Garner.
  • Workout Together, Apart: jump on your Peloton and take the same “class,” use your treadmill to run the same distance or do the same YouTube workout video at the same time.

Social Distancing with Kids at Home

Maybe you’re not alone, but only because your kids are also at home since schools are closed. Days 1-3 seemed fine, but now you’re reaching your absolute limit.

Check out these ideas and resources to get you through:

  • Daily Schedule: create a loose schedule to organize your days – kids do better with structure!
  • Khan Academy Learning Plan: kids from PreK-12 can follow a comprehensive learning schedule from Khan Academy, a free digital learning service.
  • Join LiveStreaming Content: gain some sanity and add some fun with daily LiveStreaming educational kids content from professionals!
  • Exercise Together: fire up a YouTube kids’ workout, like Frozen yoga from Cosmic Kids, and get moving together.
  • Think Outside the Traditional Learning Box: everything can be learning if you let it! Try gardening, baking, sorting, cleaning, reading, watching TV, internet rabbit hole searches, etc. to pass the time and explore their interests.
  • Do Science Together: try easy science experiments with your kids for simple educational fun!

You’ve Got Time for Things You Never Had Time For Before

“If only I had the time to…”

Now fill in that blank. What’s something you wish you had time for, but never did because of your busy, modern life?

Due to COVID-19, maybe you’ve got time on your hands. And now you can do the things you never have time for, plus some essential household chores that just need doing.

Add these to your to-do list:

  • Start a New (Non-Social) Hobby: embroidery, scrapbooking, a new fitness trend – right now is the best time to try a new hobby!
  • Clean Your Closet: really go through all your clothes and be ruthless with your deep cuts, donate things you don’t want or use to a Buy Nothing community to “regift.”
  • Read: pick up an actual (or virtual) book and read it.
  • Garden: you’ve got some pots or land that are just begging for plants. Weed, till and plant those seeds!
  • Deep Clean: it took staying home 24/7 for the dust on the baseboards to drive you crazy. Take action and deep clean your home. Do one room a day to space it out.
  • Disconnect: you always say you want to socially distance yourself from the constant stream of social media or news alerts. Good news: now you can – guilt free!

Keep Living Your Life During the COVID-19 Shutdown

You can still do so many things, just in different ways, even when socially distancing yourself from others.

Try these creative ideas;

  • Date Night: instead of going to dinner and a movie, watch a new release that’s streaming and enjoy a homecooked meal together.
  • Exercise: your gym is a no-go, but you can still bike, hike, run and walk outside, with at least 6 feet of space between you and others. Add in some bodyweight moves for extra strength. Or tune into a YouTube workout video, for free, right from your house!
  • Fancy Dining: now is a great time to make like Julia Child and cook. Pick a favorite restaurant recipe and recreate it at home. You could also make up a meal using what’s left in your pantry.
Photo Credit: ©Monkey Business /Adobe Stock

So keep on keeping on, or KOKO during COVID-19. Don’t worry, we’ve got you.

For up to date information and the latest news on Coronavirus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and WWW.CORONAVIRUS.GOV.

How are you keeping your sanity during the COVID-19 pandemic? Tell us in the comments

Commissaries adjust shopping limits, implement ‘No ID touching,’ begin 100% ID checks and prepare for suspension of early bird hours

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NEWS RELEASE

Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800

Tel:  (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105  DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105 

FAX: (804) 734-8248  DSN: 687-8248

www.commissaries.com

Release Number:        27-20                                                                                                                        

Date:                              March 18, 2020

Media Contact:           Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                               (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                         kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Commissaries adjust shopping limits, implement

‘No ID touching,’ begin 100% ID checks

 and prepare for suspension of early bird hours

By Kevin L. Robinson,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: Go to the DeCA website to read this online.

FORT LEE, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency announced several operational policies to help stores better serve customers during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

These policies include the following actions:

  • Effective immediately, a 100-percent ID card check at all commissaries, so that only authorized customers – this includes disabled veterans with VHIC cards – will be able to shop. While this policy is in effect visitors will not be allowed to enter the commissary. This is designed help with social distancing and crowd control. Children under 10 with their parents don’t have to have an ID card.
  • Effective March 15, to prevent customer-to-customer spread of germs, commissary cashiers no longer handle patron ID cards. Instead, customers will be asked to scan their own ID. Cashiers can use the handheld scanner if available or have the customer scan their own card.
  • Effective March 19, all commissaries will suspend early bird shopping to allow more time to clean and restock the store.
  • In a move to lessen panic-buying, the agency instructed its store directors worldwide to use their discretion in placing the shopping limits necessary to help maintain stock availability.

Rear Adm. (Ret.) Robert J. Bianchi, DOD special assistant for commissary operations, announced the shopping limits policy March 14 in response to a growing number of customers engaged in unauthorized purchases for the purposes of resale or hoarding.

The shopping directive, effective immediately, gives store directors more authority to quickly tailor shopping limits, as required, to keep more products available for more customers, Bianchi said.

“These decisions should not contravene or override any restrictions or guidance provided by installation commanders,” Bianchi said. “However, in the absence of installation commander direction, our store directors are now authorized to make local decisions as they deem necessary to control stock shortages through instances such as panic buying and unauthorized purchases for resale.”

            From the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, commissaries overseas – starting with stores in Italy, South Korea and Japan – instituted shopping limits on items such as hand sanitizers, disinfectants and toilet paper.

As coronavirus fears ignited a surge of customer activity worldwide, it became necessary for commissary officials to counter panic buying to take care of all customers, Bianchi said.

“Now our store directors have the flexibility to institute shopping limitations if no directives exist,” he said. “They still must inform base leadership when they are implementing these restrictions, but they can use my authority to move forward.”

From a product availability standpoint, commissaries continue to work with their industry suppliers to support the needs of senior leaders on the ground at each location. This support manifests itself through increased deliveries to the commissaries that need it most. For overseas stores this means emergency airlifts of high-demand items to counter delays of shipboard supply containers.

“We know this is a potentially stressful time for all concerned,” Bianchi said. “But together we will meet these challenges and support our service members and their families throughout the duration of this crisis wherever necessary.

 “We always recommend to our customers that they calmly purchase what they need and avoid any panic buying to ensure products are available for others in their communities.”

Preventing virus spread at stores

The “No ID handling” policy is just one of many actions stores are implementing to help prevent COVID-19 exposure, said James “Jay” Hudson, principal deputy director of DeCA’s Store Operations Group.

 “We consider the health and welfare of our customers and our employees our No. 1 concern,” Hudson said. “Our stores are following the highest standards of the Department of Defense’s health protection. This means we’re using disinfectant cleaners to wipe down our checkout areas, restrooms and shopping carts frequently. We’re also ensuring our associates practice routine hand washing and other basic sanitation measures to avoid spreading germs.”

Hudson also said DeCA encourages its employees to closely monitor their health, and asks them to stay home if they, or someone in their household, are sick.

Commissary customers should continue to refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Coronavirus site for updates and guidance regarding this virus. Updates related to the commissaries can be found on DeCA’s Coronavirus page.

-DeCA-

Army Family Supports Homeless Communities Where They’re Planted

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Army spouse Marla Bautista knows the homeless community firsthand. She was homeless as a teen.

Now, she’s enlisted her husband, Army SSG Ulisses Bautista, to help homeless communities wherever they’re stationed through targeted donations and partnerships.

SSG Bautista is a geospatial engineer with the US Army. Marla is the 2019 Fort Drum Military Spouse of the Year and accomplished writer, with a published book as well as many bylines to her credit.

Army Family Supports Homeless Communities Where They’re Planted

courtesy of Marla Bautista

“As a teenager, I was homeless at some point. I know how hard it is to live without the basic living essentials to have a positive and productive life,” M. Bautista shared. “I promised myself if I ever got out of that situation I would give back to people in need.”

Through The Bautista Project, Marla and Ulisses create high-end home decor products. Then they donate all profits directly back to homeless community support organizations in their community.

courtesy of Marla Bautista

“Everywhere we move, we literally just google homeless shelter and then call around to different shelters and find out what their needs are,” M. Bautista explained. “We start within one community and then branch out from there.”

Now, the Bautistas are on a mission to widen their support network, shedding light on the homeless communities that exist alongside military bases and around our nation.

“(Many people) don’t realize that there are people out there who just need a little help to get back on their feet.”

Recognizing Everyone’s Humanity

M. Bautista says that one of the hardest things for homeless people is feeling less than human and disconnected from their surrounding community. Part of their mission of giving back is to restore an individual’s sense of worth and connection to others. And it’s something that each of us can make a point to do every single day.

courtesy of Marla Bautista

“A lot of times we turn our heads away,” M. Bautista says. “Instead say, ‘Hello, I don’t have money for you, but I hope you have a good day. I hope your day goes well.’ Making that connection helps that person to feel seen and human.”

The Bautistas are committed to going beyond the everyday gestures of humanity to make a tangible impact, supporting homeless people in many ways.

“We work with all homeless communities,” she explains. “In the veteran community, we do provide extra support for our veteran communities. We provide basic living supplies and education resources to homeless communities.”

Belonging Boxes, Blankets & Pillows

The Bautistas created a Belonging Box, filled with essentials and personal items that help homeless individuals feel seen and connected.

courtesy of Marla Bautista, The Bautista Project

“We want people to feel like they belong to a community and that there are people out there that want them to do well.”

Inside are basic daily hygiene items, like a towel, soap, razor and shaving creme. These boxes help individuals without a home stay clean and feel more like themselves.

Marla was very young when she became homeless and knows that many homeless children might feel adrift.

It’s important to have something that is theirs, that no one can take away from them. In response to that, the Bautistas create and distribute blankets and pillows to homeless youth.

“In New York, we collected uniforms from the soldiers at Fort Drum, cut them up and created blankets and pillows,” she says. “We wanted to give them something that was theirs, something that no one could ever take away. And that was the blankets and pillows.”

courtesy Marla Bautista, The Bautista Project

Giving someone something that is theirs is important.

“It’s something that belongs to them and it’s something that no one can ever take away.”

Sharing Opportunity & Education

“I was a very young girl,” M. Bautista shares. “I could have easily gotten caught in the human trafficking system. And luckily I didn’t. But if there was one person out there to mentor me or guide me or provide me a place to sleep, I could have done a lot of things. I was out there because I had nowhere else to go.”

With that in mind, the Bautista Project offers homeless individuals support to change their life circumstances in big and small ways.

“Our organization provides food, hygiene items, and if need be transportation like bus tokens or bus passes. Or hotel vouchers if we have them.”

Changing the narrative around homelessness also means giving folks a hand up.

“We want to try to encourage the homeless community to get an education, whether that be high school or college.”

“We help with FAFSA,” M. Bautista says. “If they want to pursue a trade, we help with training, resumes and providing clothes for interviews. We provide financial literacy and self-care and also academic achievement.”

Connecting with New Communities After Every PCS

The Bautistas have made it a point to give back and serve others with every single PCS.

“When we were in Fort Drum, we primarily served the Watertown community and worked a lot with veterans peer to peer,” she explains. “We also partnered with ‘We Rise Above the Streets’ in Syracuse, a non-profit organization providing food and living resources for homeless communities.”

After a PCS to Florida, the Bautistas have recommitted to supporting Tampa-area homeless communities and organizations.

“In Tampa, we’re going to continue working with veterans peer to peer,” she shares. “But we’re also shifting our focus to the Tampa area. We’ve been working with Hillsborough County here.”

Everyone Can Make a Difference, Big and Small

“The issue of homelessness is a universal issue.”

The Bautista family and The Bautista Project operate from this basic assumption.

“No matter where we’ve gone, no matter what country we’ve been to, the need is still the same,” she explains. “They’re looking for a sense of belonging. The homeless community wants to feel as if they belong. And that’s what we believe.”

They also believe that each of us can make a positive impact on the world – and on the homeless community near us.

“We always encourage people to donate, not necessarily money, but we do encourage you to keep blessing bags in your car, keep snacks in your car.”

Blessing Bags can include a small snack, a gift card to a local quick food location and travel-sized hygiene items.

“We can all make a difference in the world. The smallest gestures change the world.”

You can sponsor Belonging Boxes in your community or support The Bautista Project’s mission. Contact them at thebautistaproject@yahoo.com

Are you concerned about the homeless veteran population or have a resource to support them? Sound off in the comments!

It’s Time to Get Your Applications in for the 2020 Operation Purple Camp

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Operation Purple Camp offers military children a free week of summer camp and gives them a chance to connect with other kids who have shared experiences. The camp is a program offered by the National Military Family Association each summer. Children from all uniformed services, including National Guard, Reserve, Space Force, and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and United States Public Health Service may apply.

The deadline for Summer 2020 Camps is April 12, 2020.  First preference is given to military children who have a parent that was wounded, ill or injured during service or have been deployed 18 months prior to or after May 2020.

Military Spouse Pam McFarland is a fan. “Alex loved the camp that year. It was well run, and he had a great time. It was a great opportunity for him to spend some time with other kids who also had currently deployed parents,” she said.

Operation Purple Camps are held throughout the country and you can visit the Interactive Map to click on a state you might like to send your child to. A listing will pop up giving you all the specifics for that camp such as location and the age group range for the program. Many of the camps are held at YMCAs, 4H, or church camp facilities. Once you have completed your application and you are notified your child was selected to attend an Operation Purple camp session in 2020 they will be required to submit an online “Hold My Spot” Deposit of $25 per child.

Your child can expect to enjoy a great summer camp experience. Each week includes arts and crafts and outdoor activities, like ropes courses, canoeing, swimming, archery, and climbing walls. The counselors and camp staff are trained to help children adapt and overcome the stressors of military life. They will meet other military kids who understand what it is like to have a parent in the military. Campers are encouraged to share their experiences and their sacrifices are honored.

Why Purple? Purple is the color of the military child and it also is what you get when you mix of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine Corps red, and Navy blue. Operation Purple Camp has served more than 64,000 military kids since its inception in 2004, and the memories made last a lifetime.

Currently with Covid-19 or Corona Virus in the new, here are the safety steps Operation Purple Programs are taking:

  • First and foremost, we want you to be safe.
  • We are carefully monitoring the situation and listening closely to advice and directives coming from the CDC and the federal government.
  • Here are some extra precautions being taken to ensure families stay healthy:
  • Camps are increasing how often surfaces are cleaned.
  • We are working on getting extra hand sanitizer, but please bring your own if you have it; Hand sanitizer is getting harder to come by.
  • As for travel, please for the safety of all campers, stay home if you or anyone in your family is sick. We will refund Hold My Spot payments if you are unable to attend due to illness.

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

What the Department of Defense is Doing to Improve the Quality of Military Housing

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Privatization of military housing was supposed to provide new and updated housing inventory to the aged housing on many military installations. In the past year, the news has been filled with stories of mold and substandard construction while work orders fell behind. About 30% of military services members and their families live in privatized housing.

Recently, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper and the service secretaries joined to sign a Tenant Bill of Rights. This document sets form 15 of the 18 rights that were mandated by law. The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act includes housing provisions for on base housing. These include a dispute-resolution process, move in/move out procedures, development of a common lease agreement, and the public availability of home-maintenance histories.

The secretaries from the military branches and senior executive from private housing companies are currently meeting quarterly to discuss ways to improve housing. According to a recent press release from the Department of Defense (DOD), providing quality housing to families is the Defense Department’s highest priority. The DOD Official recognized in the past, the department “took its eye off the ball” overseeing privatized housing on installations but said the housing today is in much better condition than it was, but more work remains. The release listed some of the recent improvements:

  • The official said some improvements include:
  • Publication and implementation of a Tenant Bill of Rights
  • Improved communications and transparency with service members, lawmakers and the public
  • Additional personnel to oversee the success of housing improvements
  • Improved housing inspection
  • Focusing the attention of leadership and landlords on helping residents achieve their rights.

In June 2019 a survey was sent to nearly 200,000 residents of privatized housing to provide input on the draft resident bill of rights by CEL & Associates, a third-party consulting firm that administered the feedback collection, tabulation and analysis on DOD’s behalf. The finalized Tenant Bill of Rights goes into effect May 1, 2020. Some highlights are:

  • Meeting health and environmental standards and having working appliances and utilities
  • Having easy-to-understand leases that outline any additional fees, identify the military tenant advocate, and spell out the dispute resolution process
  • Providing prompt and professional maintenance and repair
  • Providing common documents, forms and processes for housing units that will be the same for all installations.

Here is a link for The Complete Tenant Bill of Rights

It is encouraging to know that with all the issues in housing that the DOD and Congress are scrutinizing the private housing companies and providing more oversight. Service members deserve to have a safe, healthy home for their families to live in as well as timely maintenance when issues do occur. How have your experiences been with on base housing?

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

Spotlighting the Visible Impacts of Hidden Brain Injuries

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Since 2000, over 400,000 military troops and veterans have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In March, the Defense Health Agency’s Defense and Veteran’s Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) is shining a light on the impact of TBIs, as well as honoring the strength of wounded warriors and their caregivers.

Spotlighting the Visible Impacts of Hidden Brain Injuries

Thousands of veterans, from World War II to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, have been diagnosed and treated for TBIs.

With medical progress and more understanding about how the brain works, there has been more compassion and wider treatment options. However, today’s veterans and troops with TBIs still need support from their families, medical teams and their communities as they heal and move forward.

Throughout March, the DVBIC will highlight resources aimed at preventing and recovery from TBIs, as well as inspiring stories from survivors. Learn more at A Head for the Future.

Resources for Troops & Veterans

One of the first steps to treating TBI is recognizing the symptoms as early as possible. To help, the DVBIC offers a checklist of possible symptoms.

It’s also important to be aware of the co-occurrence of TBI and PTSD. Both result from traumatic experiences and can impact your overall health for years.

Once you suspect that a TBI might be impacting your health, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible in order to begin treatments. While TBIs are life-altering, there is hope for recovery with a variety of medical, surgical and other interventions.

Bottom line: getting a handle on your TBI requires awareness and action

Hidden Brain Injury Resources for Families

TBIs impact the entire family, from spouses to kids. From pre-diagnosis through recovery, getting the entire family on-board is essential.

DVBIC has resources to help start the conversation. Their guide to talking to kids about TBI is essential reading for any family dealing with the diagnosis.

For caregivers, it’s important that you have resources at your fingertips, both to support your loved one and to support yourself.

As you start down this journey, it’s important to understand what TBI means for your loved one as well as what it means to you. Using the DVBIC’s learning modules for caregivers and family members, you’ll feel more prepared to support your veteran or service member.

It’s also important to know that while you’re focused on caring for others, it’s equally vital that you take time for yourself, too. Practicing self-care makes you more effective and empathetic towards others.

Resources for Everyone

Knowing where to turn is essential. It’s important for veterans with TBIs, for caregivers and for families.

Use these resources to get help and have tough conversations, together.

Hope for Recovery

No matter where you are on the journey, it’s important to know that there is hope of recovery.

DVBIC is sharing inspiring stories of veterans who have gone on to do great things after TBI.

Check out all of the videos at A Head for the Future!

Veterans have gone back to school, literally climbed to great heights and provided support to other veterans with TBIs.

Preventing Future TBIs

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to TBIs, this is extra true.

Head injuries can occur in unexpected places, as well as in more conventional settings. That’s why it’s important to properly protect your head.

When riding a bike, skating or doing similar activities, it’s vital to always wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets are also a must when riding in an ATV or on a motorcycle. In fact, any activity that involves high speeds or great heights needs proper safety equipment, starting with a helmet.

Driving is another leading cause of TBIs from impact injuries and crashes. Using seatbelts and following vehicle safety instructions regarding airbags or child seat placement is critical.

Slips, trips and falls in the workplace or around the home can also cause severe TBI. Wet floors, debris and poor lighting can lead to serious tumbles. For homes with young children, it’s important to secure heavy furniture to walls and block stairs with safety gates.

While combat or blast-related TBI are not 100% preventable, injuries on the homefront are sometimes easier to avoid with a little bit of forethought and care.

Are you a veteran with a TBI? Do you love someone with a TBI? Share your favorite resources for support with us!

The Commissary Surcharge, What is it? Could it Be Going Away?

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An oft misunderstood aspect of shopping at your local commissary is the 5 percent surcharge added to your total when you check out. Many question this fee and think it adds to their cost making the commissary not as good a deal. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) calculations include applicable taxes in commercial grocery store prices and surcharge in commissary prices. Average savings over off base grocery store vary on your location but in 2019 range from 20% or more in stateside commissaries to 35.1% in Alaska and Hawaii and 42.2% overseas. The average savings from all commissaries is 25.6%. So even with the surcharge you can save quite a bit shopping at the commissary.

According to a recent article in the Military Times by Karen Jowers, the commissary surcharge could be going away per a Pentagon proposal. It is a complicated because the commissary surcharge is mandated by law and is used to for construction and maintenance of facilities. A few surcharge facts from DeCA:

  • The 5 percent surcharge added to every commissary customer’s receipt – goes directly back into the benefit, paying for the modernization and replacement of stores. It’s the funding source for maintenance and repairs, store equipment and store-level information technology systems, such as checkouts.
  • It is not a tax. Surcharge dollars go back into stores, paying for the construction and modernization. In fiscal 2018, the surcharge budget is nearly $271 million.
  • The surcharge has been set at 5 percent since 1983, and cannot be changed without congressional approval.
  • The surcharge’s history traces back to 1879 and features various applications and rates through the years leading up to 1983. Through the years, thanks to the surcharge, patrons have a direct role in sustaining and enhancing their commissary benefit.

According to Jowers, the Pentagon proposal to do away with the surcharge is part of draft legislation to change the law.  It appears the purpose is to allow the money currently raised by the surcharge to be used for the commissaries operating fund and to do away with the surcharge fund. This would take money for basically reserved for a building fund and move it into day to day operations of the commissary saving money on the Pentagon budget for commissaries.

She interviewed Kelly Hruska, Director of Government Relations for the National Military Family Association who voiced concerns. “I have a lot of questions. I still don’t understand how the variable pricing will be adjusted to make up for loss of surcharge.” I’d like to understand where the proposal came from, and the purpose of the proposal. I don’t know how this would help the customer. You’ll be raising shelf prices that won’t benefit customers. Since customers compare prices — if the commissary price is higher, they’ll shop elsewhere.”

My concern is what happens if money is moved out of the surcharge fund. What will pay for the maintenance and improvement of our commissaries? Also, if there is no surcharge will prices go up at the commissary?

Currently there is no information on this new proposal on the DeCA website. When information on changes to our benefits leak it is a good thing because it allows us to advocate for our benefits with Congress. The legislature has ruled against Pentagon requests in the past so if a benefit is important to you make sure to write your Congressional representatives to let them know.

How COVID-19 is Impacting Military Families

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Hearing news of people exposed to COVID-19, a.k.a. novel Coronavirus, being quarantined at military bases in the United States brings back memories of soldiers returning from Africa who were quarantined at Joint Base Lewis-McChord a few years ago. I lived there at the time and remember feeling tinges of concern. Overall though, I was sure all the necessary precautions were taken and that those that lived on the base would be safe.

I recently visited my son at Lackland Air Force Base where some of the people exposed to COVID-19 are quarantined. He said they could see the people in Hazmat suits visiting and how eerie it was. Overall he wasn’t concerned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, novel Coronavirus data so far suggests the illness is mild, although the elderly and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19.

Another concern is with regard to our friends stationed in South Korea, particularly in Daegu where Coronavirus is widespread. Their posts on Facebook attempt to be positive, but you can read between the lines and see they are worried. All the schools are closed, and the children are doing all their assignments virtually. No one is quarantined on the base, but soldiers aren’t allowed to go to any businesses off the base and family members are asked to avoid leaving as well. Even all large gatherings such as church services are canceled. The local government off the base has banned large groups and asked that the populace remain home. I can imagine that it is challenging for families stationed there, especially not knowing whether they can travel or not.

In a recent Department of Defense (DoD) news briefing, Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper said, “For the past six weeks, defense leaders have been meeting to plan for any possible scenario with the virus that first surfaced in China. “We’ve issued a variety of [memoranda] and directives advising the force on how to deal with Coronavirus.”

One thing that is important to know is that the military already has plans in place to combat a pandemic or infectious disease outbreak. Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff reiterated this at the press briefing and stated that the military is executing those plans. The DoD is monitoring what is going on in the field and reacting accordingly. For example, an exercise in South Korea has been postponed due to the large outbreak in that area while Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand is continuing.

One thing a lot of people don’t realize is the military has research laboratories. The mission statement of the Military Infectious Diseases Research Program (MIDRP) is to protect the U.S. military against naturally occurring infectious diseases via the development of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic assays and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved vector control protection systems (to prevent transmission of infections by insects, ticks, etc.). According to Milley the labs are working “feverishly” to try to come up with a vaccine.

Esper recently conducted a detailed meeting with DoD civilian and military leadership, including all the service secretaries, the COCOM commanders, to ensure the entire department is equipped for all scenarios: short and long-term, domestic and international. “Commanders of individually affected geographic commands have all the authority they need, and we’ll provide specific guidance to their troops as the situation continues to evolve. Meanwhile, NORTHCOM remains the global integrator for all DoD efforts and entities. My number one priority remains to protect our forces and their families; second, to safeguard our mission capabilities; and, third, to support the interagency whole-of-government approach. We will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure that our people are safe and able to continue their very important mission,” said Esper.

We will see how the situation pans out in the next few weeks, but I feel the Department of Defense has a good handle on the situation especially for service members stationed overseas.

For more information and updates on COVID-19, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/ and https://www.defense.gov/.

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

Space A Travel Tips and Tricks

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     Have you ever wanted to try Space-A Travel but were a little intimidated? It is a great option for free travel if you are flexible. The Air Mobility Command (AMC) flies planes around the world and when there is unused space it is available for Space-Available flights. Military Service Members and their families can travel around the country or the world for little or no cost. It is very unpredictable but if you have a flexible time frame and take the time to plan, Space-A can be a fun adventure. Most bases have lodging available for TDY and PCS moves. When those spaces aren’t reserved, they are also open for Space Available reservations.

Photo Credit: ©Christine /Adobe Stock

     So how do you find out about using all these great low-cost options. First visit the Air Mobility Command website and go to the AMC-Space-A travel section. This spells everything out in black and white. If you have difficulty reading military jargon check out Military Space Available Travel which has info on flights and lodging. Stephanie Montague, a retired military spouse, created Poppin’ Smoke a blog about travel using your military benefits to stay and fly. She also has a Space-A getting started guide which is very informative. Another option is to check out Military One Source which has a great section on Space-A Tips and Tricks.

     Most AMC terminals run a Facebook page which has all the information on what flights are available. It is useful to visit and look at dates that have past. For example, flights don’t just leave from military bases some leave from airports. A quick look at flights to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany showed 72 seats released and only 32 used with the lowest category a CAT VI which means even if you were the lowest category on that flight you would have made that flight. Whereas another flight showed 10 seats released, 10 used and they took CAT II so if you were a CAT VI you would not have made that flight.  The Facebook pages typically post a 72-hour flight schedule and many post the monthly schedule as well.

     The basics (make sure to visit Air Mobility Command to verify eligibility, paperwork, etc.) to take a flight are:  

  • Sign-up – Up to 60 days from when you expect to take your trip and at each potential terminal. There is some gamesmanship involved. Many like to show up about 50-55 days out so they have been the longest on the list for their category and it also allows a few days after your arrival at the terminal in case you don’t get on a flight the first day before your 60 days is up and you have to sign up again.
  • Double Check – A few days prior to travel call the terminal and verify your standing on the list.
  • Check In – On the day of your planned trip arrive at the terminal with all the required documents and your baggage at least one hour prior to roll call when they call the names for that flight. Make sure to double check the times for roll call as it can change as well as the flight times.
  • Wait – Now you wait while they call the names and hope that you are called. If you are not called, you are still eligible for the next flights to your destination or you can look at other flights leaving that day.

     A few things to increase your odds of success. Give yourself a three-day buffer on each end of your vacation. Most Space-A flights are scheduled Mondays thru Fridays. Be flexible if you want to go to Spain and can get a flight to somewhere in Europe take it. Once there you can possibly take another flight to Spain or find cheaper commercial options to get there. Don’t fly on drill weekends or during school breaks as you will have a difficult time getting a flight.

     So, what do you do if you don’t make your flight or something unexpected happens? Montague says you must be adaptable. “We adapt by being flexible and prepared to move. Flexibility is key when your destination changes to an unexpected location. Preparing to strategize means having your resources at hand to coordinate lodging, transportation, and other logistics wherever you land. Case in point. Last year we were flying Space-A from Japan to Europe, and we thought our most likely landing point would be Ramstein AB or NAVSTA Rota; those bases have frequent flights from the US, and we’ve flown in and out of both terminals several times. As it turned out, the final leg of our journey was from JB McGuire to Spangdahlem, Germany. We had never flown via Spangdahlem, but we knew that the base is somewhat remote and doesn’t have as many passenger services as Ramstein. While waiting at McGuire, we researched the logistics and our transportation options in Spangdahlem so that we knew exactly what to do when we hit ground. When flying into a terminal for the first time, research that location as much as possible before boarding, and begin strategizing your next move when you land.”

     So you have finally arrived at your destination, now what? If you did your planning, you investigated Space-A lodging opportunities. In addition to lodging on the military bases there are also some great Armed Forces Recreation Centers. The one most familiar to everyone is the “Shades of Green” at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. There are also the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany; the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, Korea; the Hale Koa Hotel in Fort DeRussy, Hawaii.; and the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. These are awesome luxury resorts if you can get into them. Also check the MWR site at the military base you plan to go to for other lodging options. Fort Story in Virginia Beach is a beach front option to stay at. Another option is Pacific Beach on the west coast of Washington State which is an old Navy base turned into a resort. Each branch of service has a lodging website for example Navy Lodging. You can find options online by searching for military lodging which will give you tons of options to plan your trip.

     Another option for getting advice on Space-A travel is to ask your fellow military spouses about their experiences. Facebook pages for military spouses or your military base are a great resource to ask questions. Often the military clothing sales stores on the base will have books on taking a space-a flight or books on lodging options.

     Have you ever taken a Space-A trip? What was your experience like?

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

Swing into Spring Break like a Boss

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Spring break might still conjure up visions of the epic MTV specials, complete with tons of tanning oil and the latest pop stars dancing on the beach in, say, Cancun. But you’re ready for something a little less 1999 and more 2020, with a fun, adventurous spin.

Something for adults – only. No kids, no MTV-type specials. Just a 21+ good time.

Swing into Spring Break like a Boss

Buckle up for exciting adventures to treat yourself for spring break in 2020!

When You’d Like to Just Relax:

You’ve worked hard all year (okay, since your New Year’s 96…) and you deserve to just do nothing. For like a week straight. Nothing.

You’re going to want to book your trip here:

  • Sandals Resorts: not only do you get a 10% military discount, but these tropical resorts all also host their own world-class spas, tons of gourmet restaurants and have gorgeous white sand beaches with comfy chairs. Relaxation game: high.
  • Temecula Creek Inn: located in SoCal’s wine country – and convenient to San Diego and Camp Pendleton – Temecula Creek Inn offers 20% off to military personnel. Sip world-class wine, putt and chip on pristine greens and then unwind in the on-site pool. Vacation: complete.
  • Ballantyne, Charlotte, NC: relax in the spa at this luxury resort. Book your stay for 15-20% off between February 1 and June 15. With on-site golf, dining and spa treatments available, you’ll leave 100% ready for your next night pulling 24-hour duty.
Photo Credit: © Dmitry Sunagatov/Adobe Stock

When You’d Like to Find Adventure

Sitting on a beach is nice, but what you really want is a complete adrenaline rush. Your on-duty exploits and adventures are just not enough for you!

Book a trip here to keep on exploring:

  • Flyga Twiga: this military-spouse owned business builds custom safari experiences for travelers of all levels, in destinations around the globe. From hanging with a lion pride to spying on gorillas in the mist – and so much in between – you can create the perfect adventure together!
  • Pink Jeeps Tours: explore the exciting Southwestern US with a legendary tour company, for 10% off all tours! Hop into a bright pink vehicle and bump around the Grand Canyon, Death Valley or Sedona with other adventurers.
  • Wildland Trekking: get out on the trail with this supportive hiking tour company! You can score deals on spring hikes, up to 25% off, right now. This company lets you hike in luxury, with tents, meals and an expert guide provided.

When You’d Like to Use Your Passport

Your passport is feeling a little lonely, a little empty. And you’d like to add some stamps on spring break.

Perfect. You’ll want to book these vacations:

  • New Sanno Hotel: stay in the heart of Tokyo at a budget price! You’ll love this military-only hotel for its location and amenities. Explore the many sides of Tokyo, from the ancient to the wildly modern.
  • Edelweiss Lodge: explore the German Alps and dig into some brats at this military-only resort in the heart of Bavaria! Bonus: there are tours you can book and a spa to relax, plus on-site dining.
  • Contiki Tours: for an adventurer who wants to see everything and do it all, this exciting company is perfect for you! There are options around the globe, with trips available on six continents. Mention code HEROES for a special discount.

When You Want to Be on a Boat

Yeah, hotels are nice, but you’re here for a floating city filled with literally everything you could ever want on vacation.

Food and drinks? Yup. Entertainment? 100% here for it. Swimming and relaxing at the spa? Totally. Adventure “in location” or at each new destination? Absolutely.

You’re gonna want to check out these different cruise options:

  • Carnival Cruises: no matter where you want to travel, Carnival probably goes there. From Europe to Alsaka, Australia to the Carribean – there is a wonderful multi-day vacation package ready for you. Military personnel and retired veterans are eligible for discounts on select cruises.
  • Avalon River Cruise: sail the scenic waterways of Europe, sipping Old World wine and nibbling on luxury food as you go. You can score great deals on sailings through 2021 right now!
  • Disney Cruises: yes, there will be kids on board, but you might never know! With tons of adults-only locations on-board, you can go the whole trip without seeing even one child! Plus, there are magical cruise deals to be had for military members.

No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for this spring, there’s definitely something out there – often with a steep military or last-minute deal available! From staycations to spa trips, off-roading exploration to serene cruises, you’re sure to enjoy spring break 2020.

What are your favorite adults-only vacation with a military discount? Sound off in the comments!