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Time to Shine! Contest Shines the Spotlight on Military Kids in April

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Military children weather a lot of storms: deployments, frequent moves, making new friends all the time, long separations from parents and family. April, Month of the Military Child, gives all of us a chance to share your child’s resilience and courage!

In support of the National Month of the Military Child, Military Shoppers News is proud to shine the (purple) spotlight on your military child or children.

Share Your Military Child’s Story of Resilience & Courage

Too often the stories of military kids get lost or glossed over, the thanks going to the serving parent or the military spouse.

Not this April!

All of March, we’re collecting stories – from you and your kids. Nothing fancy, just snapshots of their lives as military kids.

Tell about a time when:

  • your military child overcame an obstacle unique to military life
  • they showed resilience in the face of a long deployment
  • your child was able to see the silver lining in a tough situation
  • military life helped to mold your child’s character for the better
  • your military child stepped up to serve their community

Or anything else special, wonderful and amazing about your military child. Which covers pretty much everything, really.

Entering Military Shoppers News’ Month of the Military Child Contest

There’s nothing to mail in, just a quick online submission form.

When entering, please keep the following in mind:

  • this contest is designed to honor military kids up to age 18
  • any military-connected child is eligible – veteran, AD, reserve, Guard, retired
  • be honest and real – we love a heartfelt story!

Please use the form at the bottom of this article to enter. It has everything you need – including the waivers and consent forms.

All submissions must be received by March 31, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. E.D.T. to be eligible for publication and prizes in this contest. If your essay is selected, you’ll be notified in early April, prior to publication of your child’s story and image.

By entering, you’re agreeing to:

  • have your story edited for publication, if selected
  • share your minor child’s photo online, including social media
  • share your child’s name online, including on social media

To enter, you’ll need to upload an original image of your child and/or your family, including the serving parent. If you plan to use a professional photo, make sure you have a signed photo release from the photographer or contact that person to obtain consent.

You’ll also need to upload your original essay. Please ensure that no part of this has appeared in print or been submitted elsewhere for possible publication.

When you submit, you’re agreeing to have your photo and essay edited and published by Military Shoppers.

Photo Credit: ©oes /Adobe Stock

How We’re Honoring Your Military Children

Throughout the month of April, your stories are going to be featured right here on Military Shoppers News and shared all over our social media pages.

Your child’s story of courage and resilience will be in the spotlight!

But wait, there’s more.

At the end of April, three stories will be selected as prize winners and each featured one week in April!

Just by entering, you’re eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card!

Three winners will be selected by Military Shoppers News on April 1, 2020. Each winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card courtesy of Military Shoppers News. The deadline for submission is March 31, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. E.D.T.

The final winners will be announced on Military Shoppers News, and our social media channels on Facebook and via email broadcast.

To be eligible to win, you must be a legal resident of the US with one or more parents who are currently serving, are currently in the reserve or Guard, or who have previously served during the child’s life and are now retired or have EASed from active service.

Children must be under 18 at the time of submission and must have been born during the military service member’s active duty service or during activated reserve or Guard service.

To submit, you must be 18 or older. Anyone connected to the military child may nominate a child. One entry per child please. Multiple submissions for a single child will not be considered. Teachers, parents, neighbors, siblings and other family members may all nominate a military child by submitting a story and photo.

For full eligibility and contest rules, please fully review the fine print on the submission form.

We can’t wait to share your child’s story in April!

How has your military child been resilient and brave throughout military life? Enter our contest to share their story and win great prizes!

Recent Survey of Army Spouses Has Takeaways All Military Spouses Can Use

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A recent RAND survey of Today’s Army Spouses had some interesting findings that all military spouses can relate to. Most were not unexpected, but some issues had me thinking that we can do better in some areas to help our fellow spouses. The issue that really stood out for me is that spouses of junior enlisted soldiers were more likely to indicate a need for general information especially about military practices and culture.  Also, it was noted that spouses who used resources to meet their needs had their needs met. For those that didn’t use the resources the reason given was that they didn’t know about it. I think we need to do a better job of getting information out. Often the information is presented to the active duty member who often doesn’t pass it on to their spouse.

The survey was conducted by the RAND Corporation which is a well-respected research organization. It is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. The survey was conducted with the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences. Here are the key findings:

Photo Credit: ©zimmytws /Adobe Stock
  • Work-life balance, military practices and culture and well-being were the top chosen problem areas
  • The most frequently selected issue was ‘feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or tired’. The next selected issues included feelings of loneliness or boredom.
  • For spouses who expressed a need for help, the top need was emotional or social support.
  • Junior enlisted spouses expressed the greatest need for information especially regarding military practices and culture.
  • When questioned about the resources spouses used these were the most common: personal networks outside the military, other military spouses, a medical provider covered by the military, internet resources both civilian and military, and social media.
  • The most reported reason for not using resources to help was not knowing who to contact.
  • Spouses who used resources had most of their needs met.
  • All spouses indicated having one or more needs unmet.
  • The two highest problem areas not met were health care system problems and military practices and culture.
  • The two areas with the least unmet needs were household management and their own well-being.
  • For those with unmet needs they reported the most stress and the least positive attitudes towards the military and their active duty spouse staying in the military.
  • The most vulnerable were Spouses who were unemployed and looking for work, those who lived far from the military installation, and spouses married to junior enlisted soldiers.

There were a variety of common-sense recommendations made such as revamping Army Family Readiness groups to improve communication and provide social support for military spouses. Look to reach spouses by collecting email addresses (I thought we already did this). The one I felt was most important was to consider targeting vulnerable groups of spouses for outreach.

I also think there are areas we as military spouses can have some impact. One way you can reach out to new spouses is to encourage your active duty spouse to host a gathering at your home inviting the military members that he supervises and their spouses. This can be done at any level from junior enlisted supervisors all the way up to officer ranks because new spouses come in at all levels. It really does make a difference. Often spouses do not receive information from their military spouse about activities and resources that can help them adjust to military life. I can remember as a new soldier going to my squad leader’s home and how it made me feel like someone cared. Make sure to reach out and personally give contact information so spouses know someone they can reach out to. When my husband first took command, we became aware of a soldier and his family living in squalid conditions in an ant infested home. They were young and didn’t realize the landlord’s responsibility. My husband planned a battalion wide week where every single soldier and his family received a short visit by the immediate chain of command. Family members received Family Readiness group information and the team was able to identify any families that could be at risk during the upcoming deployment.

What do you do to help junior military spouses feel welcomed to your unit? Do they feel comfortable asking questions or do people make them feel dumb because they don’t know the answer? We can all make a difference.

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

Air Force Veteran Shares Stories of Women in the Military

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After Amanda Huffman left the Air Force in 2013 after 6 years of service, she traded in combat boots for a diaper bag. But the change from full-time Airman to stay-at-home-mom wasn’t smooth or easy. Amanda felt adrift and without purpose.

“I needed something because I was going crazy being a stay at home mom,” she says. “I lost my identity when I left the military. I needed something to do for me outside of taking care of my son.

Image courtesy of Amanda Huffman

During her deployments, Amanda had loved writing letters home, creating a record of her experiences on active duty for herself and her family. Jumping off from there, she launched Airman to Mom to help people understand her journey and build a community of support.

“For a long time, I didn’t want to write about being a veteran” Amanda explains. “I tried to write about travel and be a mom blogger. People were more interested in that stuff.”

Air Force Veteran Shares Stories of Women in the Military

In 2017, she found her mission and her voice sharing the stories of fellow female service members and veterans. That year, Amanda launched a 31-day series focusing on publishing women’s military stories.

“I started collecting deployment stories in 2017 for a 31-day series focused on deployments,” she shares. “I ended getting responses from primarily women and I was fascinated by their stories.”

This one 31-day blogging series was the launching pad for Amanda’s book and podcast.

Image courtesy of Amanda Huffman

“I wanted to hear more stories,” she says. “A friend suggested that I just do it as yearly series and just do one a week. Then we started talking about podcasting.”

Sharing Female Veterans’ Stories Becomes a Mission

One thing led to another and in 2018 Amanda took the next step.

“I took all my original interviews and turned them into the book, Women of the Military, which is on Amazon. A lot of those are anonymous. A lot of them are still in the military or have hard stories they don’t want to share publicly.”

Women of the Military is available on Amazon in print and digital formats, as well as on Amanda’s own website as an ebook.

Amanda launched her podcast, Women of the Military, in 2019. Initially, women seemed hesitant to share their honest stories of military service.

Some are still on active duty. Others have tender or intensely private stories that they don’t want shared publicly.

“Only two of my original interviews wanted to be on the podcast. Now I have people knocking down my door to be on the podcast!”

Supporting Female Veterans & Future Service Members

Amanda’s main mission is to show that women serve fiercely and proudly. Doing this work feeds her soul and fuels her passion to collect more stories.

“I love to learn and it filled me up. I loved to learn about the history of the military and women’s history.”

Sign up to share your story on the Women of the Military podcast!

Podcasts listeners include current and former military members, as well as those considering military service.

Whoever is listening, Amanda’s goal is to show the many ways that women serve the United States.

Huffman, on left in second row from back, during a deployment in Afghanistan;
photo courtesy of Amanda Huffman

“I want people to know that the reason why women are doing what they are doing today is because of what women have done (in the past),” Amanda explains. “Women have been doing all this stuff. We could go into places that men couldn’t go because we’re women, so the military changed the policies.”

So many of the stories on Amanda’s podcast dispell myths about what women can or can’t do. Sharing these experiences might help other women consider military service.

“Sometimes when you are a woman and you say you want to join the military, your family says ‘No,'” she explains. (It’s r)eally good to connect (with) the next generation with women who have served. (The podcast) helps the young women who are looking to join find resources and connections.”

Amanda hopes that by listening to the podcast, everyone will learn more about the true history of women in the military.

“(It’s c)orrecting people when they say things you know aren’t true. I think by listening to the podcast, they’ll learn a lot of the history of women in the military.”

Do you have a story to share with Amanda? Are you a fan of her podcast? Sound off in the comments!

Fall in Love with Your Buy Nothing Community

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It happens every single PCS: you’ve purged but have nowhere to put all the things you want to have leave your house.

Some of it is awesome quality, but you don’t want to go through the hassle of selling it. Other things are useable but well-loved. And then you have the random odds and ends from your pantry.

Where to bring all of this, well, stuff?

Enter Buy Nothing, a community-building movement that invites you to “gift” the things you’ve KonMaried from your house to your neighbors – for free! It’s literally the answer to everything.

Fall in Love with Your Buy Nothing Community

I’m a recent Buy Nothing group convert. And now I preach it’s gospel to anyone who will listen – Hello, Military Shoppers News friends!

Yes, it seems crazy. Give a whole bunch of your stuff away for free to your neighbors? Nuts!

There is a method to the madness, I promise.

The basic philosophy is pretty much “one person’s no longer needed item is another person’s treasure.” All those random spices and sauces you collected in your PCS prep purge? Someone might really enjoy cooking with them!

Support Your Neighbors with Buy Nothing

Buy Nothing also keeps those gifts hyper-local, too. As in within a few streets or blocks of your house.

Every Buy Nothing group is neighborhood-based, often times by established subdivisions, city districts or zip codes.

Each time you gift items from your home, one of your neighbors picks it up to use in their home. When they’re done, they might opt to post it in the Buy Nothing group again to find another new home. In this way, each item can get used by many families before it’s worn out!

Connect to Your Neighbors’ Gifts via Facebook

Sounds great! I get to off-load all the things I no longer want to people who can currently use them. Where do I sign up?

Actually, it’s all right on Facebook! Every group operates a private Facebook group. New members join by identifying two streets nearby (not revealing their actual address).

Everyone in the group can post “gifts,” or things they’re getting rid of, or “asks,” items they could use.

On gift posts, you can “bid” on the items you might want to claim. There can be clauses, like share a recipe you’ll make with this gift, in order to be considered. Other times, things are offered first-come, first-served.

If you are “gifted” the item(s) of your choice, you’ll connect with the donor to arrange a swap.

For asks, members will explain why or how they need the requested material(s). Sometimes, it might be needed for a short time – like air mattresses for overnight guests or a cocktail dress for a wedding. Other times it is items to keep – like missing ingredients for dinner that night or boots for a child.

Here’s Why I’m Obsessed with Buy Nothing

When we arrived back stateside in summer 2019, I received all of our HHG that had been in storage for three years. In other words, items I had learned to live without and mostly did not miss.

As each box was opened, I kept muttering the phrases: “Why did we keep this?” and “Where are we going to put this?”

The answer to both questions was a resounding “No clue.”

Enter Buy Nothing.

As I unwrapped those “no clue” items, I snapped a picture and posted it to my Buy Nothing group. That let people know it was available for gifting. Sometimes within minutes, I would have comments and replies asking to be considered for the item. And then each thing exited my house, into the grateful hands of a new owner!

100% awesome.

With very few exceptions, I was able to “gift” several moving boxes worth of items I no longer wanted or needed. No trip to the GoodWill. No selling or, let’s be real, attempting to sell.

Sample list of things I’ve gifted:

  • Outgrown children’s clothes
  • DVDs
  • Books
  • Decor
  • Jane Austen action figure (yes, that’s a real thing)
  • Shoes

I posted. It was claimed. And then it was just gone from my porch!

At first, I was just a gifter. As we’ve settled in and winter has arrived, I’ve turned into a giftee as well.

Three years in the sub-tropics didn’t really prepare us too well for, you know, cold and snow. My kids had approximately zero winter clothes or shoes.

Until I was gifted some via Buy Nothing.

I’ve also gratefully received:

  • Home decor
  • Potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and other veggies
  • School uniforms
  • Work clothes
  • An entire wardrobe of barely-worn Lularoe (some new with tags!)

Will You Commit to Buy Nothing with Me?

My USMC husband was super skeptical at first.

“People just, like, give these things away? What’s the catch?”

There is no catch, except the extra cash in your wallet!

After realizing that Buy Nothing is a community based on saving money, he was hooked. Not having to spend on pricey school uniforms completely sold him on the concept.

In total, I would guess we’ve gifted several hundred dollars worth of things we’ll no longer need but that still had life left. On the other hand, we’ve also received about that much back in gifts. It really evens out!

Plus, we’re no longer storing all the things in our (very tiny) house. Once we’re done, the item moves to a new home.

Everyone likes saving money! And it’s a good way to make sure that things get all the way used up, too.

It’s also kind of made for military communities! We rely so much on each other generally. This just makes sure you’re being more economical in the process.

What’s your favorite way to reduce, reuse and recycle? Sound off in the comments!

Military Spouses Seek Wellness with Virtual Retreat

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Built by military spouses, for military spouses, the InDependent Wellness Summit™ is a virtual, week-long retreat that invites military spouses to put themselves first. Book your (free) ticket to holistic wellness for March 2-7, 2020!

This innovative holistic experience is all digital. It’s ideal for busy military spouses who are often solo parenting and/or operating on a strict budget. A virtual retreat means no expensive travel, no hotels to book and no babysitters.

Military Spouses Seek Wellness with Virtual Retreat

This year, military spouses are invited to discover Dimensions of Strength.

“The point is, far too often we focus on feeding our weaknesses. As a result, our strengths become starved and our wellness begins to wilt.”

Dimensions of Strength will focus on creating strength internally, as well as building external support systems you can rely on.

Wellness & Growth on Your Schedule

Each Wellness Summit over the last 5 years has featured expert speakers and curated content to foster reflection and growth.

The 5th Wellness Summit features:

Each interview is delivered as a podcast episode. Summit members can listen at their leisure – whenever and wherever suits them!

Two Ways to Support Your Wellness Journey

This year’s Wellness Summit offers two different levels of participation.

The General Admission Pass is 100% free. You’ll get:

  • digital download of last year’s interview, Finding Your Why with Peter Docker
  • a recent, digital Legacy Magazine issue
  • access to a free Thrive Market membership.

Every summit participant will also be entered into a Prep’d Prize Pack!

Attendees with the General Admission Pass will get each interview in podcast format plus a printable listening guide.

All-Access Pass holders will get additional options. Tickets for this level cost $74.99. The Military Shoppers community can save 50% off All-Access admission with code MILSHOP2020.

Grab your All-Access InDependent Wellness Summit Pass for 50% off with code MILSHOP2020

When you purchase an All-Access Pass, you’ll get everything included with General Admission, plus:

  • access to the Wellness Lounge, a supportive virtual community that deep dives the expert interviews each month
  • extra mini-sessions, LIVE videos, workouts and recipes
  • printable Summit workbook + monthly Lounge workbooks
  • virtual swag bag with freebies and discounts
  • daily Summit giveaways

Book your IWS tickets today!

Watch Together & Build Community

While everyone is encouraged to attend, at either level, the Wellness Summit is also a great opportunity for military spouses to build community.

Book tickets for your neighbors, Readiness Group or other community organization. Then host wellness listening parties!

Prep snacks and drinks to share, do the daily workout together and listen to the podcast episodes. Creating a community like this is one way to build a strong support system!

Is the Summit for Me?

Short answer: yes!

The InDependent Wellness Summit is for all military and first responder spouses – no exceptions. The topics covered are universal to those who serve alongside military and first responder loved ones.

The Summit offers military and first responder spouses a chance to build community and talk about the ways in which our loved ones’ service impacts our lives. It also provides tools and resources to help each of us build strength internally and externally.

You can listen in from anywhere at any time – perfect for widely scattered military spouses. And because it’s a virtual summit, with everything shared 100% online, there’s no impact on your daily life or schedule.

Join the InDependent Wellness Summit from March 2-7, 2020 and celebrate all the ways in which our military spouse community is strong!

Have you attended the Wellness Summit? Sound off in the comments!

New Commissary Patrons Will Soon Have Access to All the Features on the Commissary Website

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     Disabled Veterans and other new Commissary Patrons will have to wait before they will will have access to all the features on the MyCommissary portal. This does not affect their access to shop at the Commissary. “After the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) deploys changes to the MyCommissary portal, our new customers will be able to register their Rewards Card to access Digital coupons and use CLICK2GO at participating stores,” said Kevin L. Robinson, Public Affairs Specialist, DeCA.

      These features allow Commissary patrons to register a commissary rewards card and upload discounts and deals that are only available to authorized shoppers. The CLICK2GO program is currently being tested and will allow commissary patrons to order groceries online and then be conveniently delivered to their car. This feature will provide a convenience especially for the disabled patrons.

     The influx of 4.1 million new users necessitated changes to the MyCommissary portal. “Work to update the MyCommissary portal could not begin until completion of the new authorized user validation tables, which took longer than expected as the volume of data shared between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Manpower Data Center was massive. The tables are now complete and DeCA is making needed system changes to interface with the new validation tables and must test that the validation process works and is seamless to our customers. DeCA’s system changes are expected to be completed by late February or early March,” said Robinson.

     “We ask our new customer groups to be patient as we update the portal user authentication function. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) estimates the access will be available by late February or early March. Customers will be able to tell when the new functionality is available because DeCA will remove the access caveats for the new patron group from the website. We will also formally announce when access to MyCommissary is possible. To be clear, this does not affect our new customers’ in-store shopping access or access to many other areas of commissaries.com,” he added.    

     According to Robinson, newly eligible veterans and caregivers currently have access to many other areas of commissaries.com to include:
•       The Savings Center, which includes our basic sales flyer, information on current sales promotions, the Your Everyday Savings (YES!) program, our private label program also known as Commissary Brands and links to coupons.
•       Healthy Living, which includes DeCA’s Nutrition Guide Program, dietitian-approved recipes, healthy living resources and Thinking Outside the Box recipes that offer quick, healthy and economical solutions for busy consumers.
•       Commissary Gift Cards, available in denominations of $25 or $50.
•       Information on scheduled sidewalk sales, Healthy Lifestyle Festival events and Guard/Reserve on-site sales.
•       Food safety and food recall information.

     DeCA will make an announcement when all the features of the MyCommissary portal are available to new patrons. Check back often for commissary news and updates.

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

Don’t Be a Mean Girl – Military Spouses Need to Support Each Other

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Well it was inevitable that cyber bullying would reach the ranks of military spouses and there is quite a variety of military spouse bullying out there mostly on Facebook. Most military spouses are tough and resilient and take an instance of cyber bullying and let it roll off our shoulders even though our feelings maybe hurt. For some these attacks can come at a moment of weakness when they are at a low point dealing with loneliness and depression. Sadly, we recently lost one of our military spouse sisters to suicide and it is thought that cyber bullying may have played a role.

In reading about this story, I read many articles and the comments as well. One really resonated with me as a young spouse described her experience with cyber bullying. Her husband was deployed, and other spouses had created a Facebook group and made up rumors about her and her husband. They also judged her on her appearance and weight. Unbeknownst to these cruel cyberbullies she was beginning to suffer from depression and almost took her life because of their comments. Luckily, she was able to seek treatment.

Types of Military Spouse Cyber bullying – Here are some of the common types of military spouse cyber bullying found on Facebook:

Making fun of Dependent Status – This type is usually single active duty service members or disgruntled ex-husbands who rant and rave about how military spouses are entitled, haven’t served and are freeloaders.

Rumors – This one is particularly heinous and can often affect the unit as well. People spread rumors that a spouse is having an affair, or a group of spouses are out partying all the time. This one is not new, my mother experienced this during the Vietnam time frame. The husbands were deployed, and a group of wives decided to go to dinner at the Officers’ Club for dinner. Next thing you know it made to the unit and everyone was up in arms not knowing what was going on as of course the rumor became this group was partying and hanging out with other men, not their husbands. Rumors like this can take the focus off the mission.

Just plain mean – This is the bullying where photos are taken and posted online to ridicule a spouse on her looks, how she is dressed or her weight. It also can be directed to someone who asks a question on Facebook and mocking their question or others responses.

What Can You Do to Prevent Military Spouse Cyber bullying or Other Forms of Bullying?

Call it Out. Bullies will often say things on Facebook they would never say in person. This can be an intimidating thing to do as it can often result in that bullying coming down on you. There are ways to be more subtle about this. Report online bullying to Facebook and enlist your friends to report as well. I rarely get told any rumors anymore because I have a reputation of not tolerating it. It is amazing how not saying anything and giving someone a look as they gleefully share a negative rumor can shut them down in their tracks. I also like to ask them who told you that and how do you know this is true? It forces someone to realizes they are spreading rumors and gossiping. Another response, a look of surprise and the comment. “Wow, that’s mean.” You can also make comments online but be careful you don’t get sucked into a bunch of negativity.

Be Positive. Make your comments on Facebook groups and pages encouraging and upbeat. It you can show military spouses in a positive light do so. You can write a blog post or make social media posts highlighting cool things military spouses are doing. This is an effective way to deal with trolls that make fun of military spouse dependent status.

Photo Credit: ©sarayut_sy /Adobe Stock

Report to the Chain of Command – Really think this one through and only do it if the situation warrants it. Bringing bad behavior to light goes a long way towards stopping it.

Mental Health

Military Spouses who are suffering from mental health issues such as depression are extremely vulnerable to cyber bullying attacks. When visiting and participating on Facebook pages and groups pay attention to signs someone may feel left out or hurt by comments directed towards them. Reach out if you feel comfortable by private message and ask how they are doing. Maybe suggest a resource if you sense something is amiss.

Here are a few resources:

  • Military One Source Military One Source has a confidential 24/7 hotline
  • Tricare Crisis Hotlines A variety of hotlines for those seeking mental health help
  • Suicide Prevention Hotline The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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

Are Expensive Goal Oriented and Content Planners Worth It?

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By Marguerite Cleveland

This year after seeing so many of my friends’ cool planners with everything color coded with motivating stickers, I decided to take the plunge. This was after I got over the sticker shock with most being priced at the $50 mark. So, after looking at these for over two years to decide if the investment was worth it, I finally committed and bought two different ones, a content planner and a goal-oriented planner. There are tons of planners available on Amazon at more reasonable prices and many online planners but here is why I chose the more expensive option.

  • Small Business – I am willing to pay more to support a small business especially woman owned. I was amazed at the ability of these ladies to develop a concept that works and bring a product to market.
  • Training – When you purchase a small business planner these ladies are very savvy about planning especially if it is a niche planner such as a content planner. They developed something that works. Follow them on social media and their websites for useful tips and videos on how to use their products.
  • Paper versus online – I am a paper gal. I like the feeling of writing a goal down in ink. When you commit to ink it is a more thoughtful process. And did I mention colorful pens and stickers? You just can’t get that satisfaction from an online planner. I also like the fact that you can have it in front of you as you work on your computer.

Some things to think about before you purchase one. For a content planner you want to purchase one that is focused on an online business whether it is for products or a blog. The planner should have a section that lists information you can use for planning your content such as a calendar listing all the fun days such as National Ice Cream Day or National Plan Your Vacation Day. This is very helpful planning content especially if you are short on ideas. It should have a section to track your statistics for social media. Goals are important so a section to list track goals weekly and monthly. Suggested themes for the month is also a useful planning tool. I also think stickers are an important motivator, so it is nice if that is included.

Goal Oriented Planners are also a useful tool to plan your year. You want one that gives you space to map out some ideas of things you want to do whether it is business or personal goals. You want instructions on how to come up with goals and break them down into long and short term. I also like the goal planner to be my daily planner with space for daily activities and a monthly layout as well.

One last thing you will want to purchased colored pens, pencils or markers to use with your new planner. You can use different colors for personal or business activities or for different members of your household.

 So, are expensive planners worth the cost? I think so if you are willing to use them. I find using something that’s nice often motivates me and this year these planners are going to help me stay organized and grow my business.

     Do you like to plan? What is your favorite planner?

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

Will Tricare Still Cover Your Prescriptions?

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According to recent coverage by MOAA, Tricare will soon be dropping thousands of prescriptions from coverage at MTFs and by mail. You’ll still be able to get the medications you need – just from a retail pharmacy and at full cost.

Will Tricare Still Cover Your Prescriptions?

These most recent changes follow on the heels of a shift started in fiscal year 2018. During the National Defense Authorization Act, the Defense Health Agency was authorized to move certain types of drugs to Tier 4, medications that are no longer covered in any way by Tricare. Their cost does not apply to the annual catastrophic cap either.

Tier 4 drugs are supposed to be limited to those that:

  • Offer little to no benefit generally or relatively
  • Are in danger of doing more harm than good
  • Could be replaced by another drug
  • Come at a higher cost than covered alternative medications

At first, this wasn’t a huge issue. The prescription medications impacted were used by relatively few beneficiaries, according to MOAA.

In August 2019, the first round of Tier 4 medications was announced. It included:

  • Glumetza: an anti-diabetic medication
  • Vimovo: used to treat various forms of arthritis
  • Lexette: a psoriasis treatment

Relatively few of Tricare’s beneficiaries used these specific medications.

Widely Used Prescriptions Get Bumped to Tier 4

In November 2019, Dexilant, a GERD medication, was removed. This change impacted approximately 19,000 Tricare beneficiaries according to MOAA.

At the start of 2020, MOAA learned that Tricare and the DHA were considering moving Cialis and Viagra to the Tier 4 list. This decision was pending a final decision from the DHA director as of mid-January 2020.

A review panel voted 6-2 to remove the brand name medications from the formulary, or covered, drugs. Only the generic version of these drugs would remain available via Express Scripts or an MTF pharmacy.

This vote also determined that men over age 40 would not need prior authorization from their PCM to receive erectile dysfunction drugs. Men under age 40 or those with enlarged prostates would still need authorization.

In addition, this policy change would move other brand name and generic erectile dysfunction drugs to the Tier 4 list. Those could include:

  • Stendra
  • Staxyn
  • Levitra
  • all associated generics of these brand names

From Covered to Non-Covered

When this new tier of medications was announced for fiscal year 2018, a process for consideration was also released.

New drugs could be considered for the move to Tier 4 quarterly on a limited basis. This allowed DHA to identify reasonable generic or formulary alternatives to replace the possibly non-covered medication.

The removal of a medication’s coverage status would take place over an extended period. This would allow patients to consult with their doctors about alternative treatments.

Express Scripts, the prescription mailing service used by Tricare, would also notify beneficiaries of their medication’s tier change 30-60 days before the final switch. At that time, patients would also be informed of next steps to take to ensure continued care.

MOAA’s Concern Over Tier 4 Drug Changes

While there are checks in place to prevent a large number of beneficiaries from feeling the impact of a drug’s change in status, MOAA is concerned that this might not be enough.

They cite the 19,000 patients impacted by Dexilant’s Tier 4 status change in November 2019. There are currently three other formulary alternatives available that are comparable to Dexilant, per a January 29, 2020 search of the Tricare formulary database.

In addition, MOAA is concerned that the panel has not followed the 2018 policy language with fidelity. They especially point to the phrase “provide very little to no clinical effectiveness.” MOAA does not seem to support the idea that the targeted erectile dysfunction medications or the GERD medication meet this standard for exclusion from the formulary.

How often do you check to make sure your medication is still covered by Tricare? Sound off in the comments!

Book Your Dream Vacation with Sweet Military Travel Discounts

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We all want a vacation getaway, but actually taking that break can cost big bucks. Unless you know these sweet military travel discounts!

Get ready for the vacation of your dreams!

Book Your Dream Vacation with Sweet Military Travel Discounts

From all-inclusive to major tourist attractions, you’re going to want to bookmark all of these sweet military travel discounts.

All-Inclusive Military Travel Discounts

After all the stress of military life, sometimes you just need a vacation where you don’t have to worry about anything at all. Something all-inclusive: meals, drinks, entertainment. All of it.

We love these great deals and discounts!

Find a Place to Stay, Cheaper

So you’re not looking for a whole vacation package, just a spot to call home while you’re traveling.

Try these hotels that offer military discounts! All these hotels offer 10% or more off per night.

Bonus: most or all of these hotels brands are available in all major cities and near many popular tourist attractions, like Disneyland and Disney World, as well as overseas.

Not staying at chain? It never hurts to ask if the hotel offers a military discount. The worst they can say is no.

Go to Theme Parks with a Sweet Military Discount

Get all the thrills of speedy roller coasters and build incredible memories with your family when you snag a sweet military discount at these cool theme parks!

Photo Credit: ©Marina /Adobe Stock

Not going to a major theme park? Many of the smaller, regional theme parks offer military discounts on top of less pricey tickets! Just at at the ticket counter when you arrive.

Go Cruising on the Cheap(er)

Everyone loves a total disconnect vacation, especially one where you can enjoy multiple stops in exciting locations. Many cruise lines offer military discounts to make your dream vacation cheaper!

Even More Disney Magic

We’ve covered parks and cruises, but what about general lodging?

Disney World and Disneyland are proud to offer several options to help military families experience the happiest places on earth – cheaper!

  • Shades of Green: located near the Polynesian Resort, Shades is a military-only resort hotel with all the amenities to make your vacation magical. Beyond the special military-friendly regular rate, there are also specials and additional discounts available. Book early to secure your spot!
  • Disney World Resort Hotels: go all-in on your WDW vacation with exclusive discounts at on-property hotels! Some restrictions apply. Call 407-939-7825 to book your magical vacation stay today!
  • Disneyland Hotels: if you’ve ever wanted just a few more minutes at Disneyland, booking a stay (for cheaper) at a DL hotel is perfect!
  • Aulani Resort: head to Hawai’i to experience a tropical destination vacation, Disney style, with a sweet military discount, too!

Tips & Tricks for More Military Travel Discounts

No matter where in the US you are traveling, many attractions and hotels offer military discounts to both active duty and veterans. Use these tips to make the most of your adventure.

  • Call ahead to hotels before you book; ask about any military discounts and then book over the phone
  • Pick several attractions you’re interested in visiting, then call to ask about military discounts
  • Some discounts aren’t advertised online or are offered on an on-request basis – just ask!

Friendly reminder: all US National Parks are open for free to all AD military troops! Be sure to grab your pass today and see all the wonders our great nation holds!

What’s your favorite tip to help military and veteran families vacation for less? Sound off in the comments!