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So Your Child Wants to Join the Military

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Here’s how to help them navigate the process

By Marguerite Cleveland

My eldest son has decided he wants to join the Army. We are currently in the process of helping him navigate through the recruiting process and here are a few things we’ve learned.

Start Early

For high school students you must have completed your junior year and be 17 years of age to enter into what is called the Delayed Entry Program and you can only be in it for 365 days. This gives your child the best opportunity to enter the field that he wants.  Parents will be actively involved in the process and required to sign paperwork if your child is 17. Once they turn 18, they can sign and navigate the process on their own.

The optimal time to begin is the summer between the Junior and Senior Year. We waited until my son’s senior year had started and he ended up missing a few days of school. Have your child go to the website for the service he wishes to join and review what jobs he may be interested in and what the qualifications are. Have them think about things in their life that maybe a factor. For example someone that gets carsick might not be a good fit for the Navy. What are their interests? A more academically inclined student would do well at the Defense Language Institute learning a foreign language while a sports enthusiast might thrive with the physical challenges of an Army Ranger. Are they planning to make the military a career or serve and then go to college? Some military job training offers classes that many colleges will count as transfer credits.The Debate Surrounding Transgender Troops Serving in the U.S. Military

The Process

The first thing to do is take the ASVAB test which is good for all branches of the service. Many high schools offer the test. This test determines if you are eligible for the military and what jobs you are qualified for academically. Once they have test scores in hand they can look to see if they are qualified for the jobs they want.

Find A Recruiter. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Visit the branches of all services and know that you can look at more than one at a time. Each service has different bonuses and jobs available at any one time. Keep your options open and look at everything.

Get your paperwork in order. Promptly fill out and complete any forms your recruiter asks you to. Be honest with all your answers. Your recruiter can help if you don’t understand a question. If your child ever had a broken bone or illness make sure you have copies of their medical records.  If you aren’t fit start working on achieving your fitness goals and know that there are screening weights you must meet to join the military. If your child is not a runner, they need to start. Programs like Couch Potato to 5K found online can help. Basic Training is much less stressful is you are physically fit.

No matter which branch you choose, you will go to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to complete the enlistment process.  There you will undergo a physical and other screening and this is what ultimately determines whether or not you can join. There are 65 MEPS in the U.S and Puerto Rico and one may not be close to you. Your recruiting station will provide transportation, meals and lodging while you go through the process.

Enlistment

Once you complete the process at MEPS if the job is available you want, you can take your Oath of Office. At this point you will ship off to basic training or enter into the Delayed Entry Program with your training starting at a later date. For high school seniors this is two weeks after your high school graduation.

Once your child completes the process and enters into the Delayed Entry Program, they need to stay on track to graduate from High School, stay morally straight, don’t get any tattoos that violate policy and stay fit.  Soon they will be on their way to a bright future.

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.WanderWordsWine.com

Get a Jump on Holiday Packages: 2018 Deadlines for Sending Packages Around the World

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Make sure your loved ones have the perfect presents to unwrap on Christmas morning! You’ll be in the clear when you stick to the holiday shipping guidelines for the US Postal Service.

Mark your calendars to be sure that your packages and cards arrive by December 24!

Get a Jump on Holiday Packages: 2018 Deadlines for Sending Packages Around the World

No matter where you are shipping in the continental US, it’s a good idea to have your goods on the go by December 14 for basic rate options. This includes greeting cards and regular retail ground shipping services.

For First Class and Priority Mail, you have until December 20 to get those gifts in the mail.

If you’re notorious for waiting until the very last second, the absolute last day to get your presents in the mail for the lower 48 is December 22. However, you’ll be stuck paying for Priority Mail Express to ensure that everything arrives by Christmas Eve.

For Alaska and Hawaii, your mail needs to be sent by December 20 for First Class and Priority. At the absolute latest, you can send packages Priority Mail Express on December 22.Our Guide to Sending Care Packages to Your Service Member

Send Your Gifts Overseas

Many of us are missing someone around our holiday tables. If your shipping to a loved one stationed overseas, pay close attention to shipping deadlines.

Whether you are hoping to send something from the US or to the US, it will help to stick to these hard deadlines.

Don’t forget to fill out a customs form before you ship your packages. Cards generally do not need customs forms.

Be sure to register for your free supply of shipping products specifically to send to military members overseas!

APO/FPO/DPO AE Zip 093: Iraq, Afghanistan & Middle East

If you’re hoping to spread holiday cheer to a loved one in the Middle East, including Iraq and Afghanistan, you need to have everything sent by December 4.

All other APO/FPO/DPO Addresses: Europe, Africa & Asia

For folks shipping to and from Europe, Africa, and Asia, be sure to have your packages and letters ready to go by mid-December.

Priority and First Class Mail all need to be shipped out by December 11. The absolute last day for shipping your presents, using Priority Express Military Mail, is December 16.

Address your APO/FPO/DPO packages following this format:

Mail being sent to military or diplomatic post offices follows the US standard address format.

In place of the city, put FPO, APO, or DPO based on which type of post office your mail is being sent to. For the state, use the region: AE for Europe or the Middle East, AP for Asia and the Pacific region generally, and AA for Africa.

Use this basic format:

Rank (if being sent to Active Duty troop) First Name Last Name

PSC XXX Box XXX

FPO (or APO or DPO) (Region: AP, AE, AA) Zip

Non-Military African Addresses

First Class and Priority Mail International should be posted by December 1. Priority Mail Express International items need to be mailed by December 8. For last minute packages, you’ll need to ship your gift by December 16 and use Global Express Guaranteed.

Non-Military Asian, Austrailian & New Zealand Addresses

Make sure that you have First Class and Priority International packages in the mail by December 8. Priority Express International items need to be shipped by December 15. Use Global Express Guaranteed by December 19 for guaranteed Christmas delivery. For Australia and New Zealand, you have until December 20 with Global Express Guaranteed.

Non-Military Canadian & Caribbean Addresses

Have packages going First Class or Priority International in the mail by December 8. You have until December 15 for Priority Express International items and December 20 for Global Express Guaranteed.

Non-Military Central & South American Addresses

Make sure to have First Class and Priority International packages shipped out by December 1. Priority Express International items need to be sent by December 8. Global Express Guaranteed items must be mailed by December 18.

Non-Military Mexican Addresses

Ship off your First Class and Priority Express presents and cards by December 8. You have until December 15 for Priority Express International and until December 19 for Global Express Guaranteed.

Non-Military Middle Eastern & European Addresses

Send your packages, but Priority International or First Class International Mail, by December 8. Priority Express International packages will need to be shipped by December 15 and Global Express International by December 19.

Address Your Non-Military Packages

International addresses are different than the US standard three lines: name, house number with the street, followed by city and state with the zip code.

You’ll want to address your packages and cards using the standard address system in the destination country. Consult with your gift’s recipient for specifics before you send.

Packing Gifts to Arrive Safely

You’ve spent so much time and care to select just the right gifts. It would be a shame for them to arrive damaged or broken.

For fragile non-liquid items, it is recommended that you pack them carefully. Wrap them in layers of tissue or newspaper at a bare minimum. Using bubble wrap is ideal. In a pinch, packing breakables inside of clean socks or tucked in between cushioning items might be okay.

If you are sending liquid items, wrap them carefully to prevent the container from breaking. Spills due to pressure changes are also a risk. It is advised that you place wrapped liquids inside of ziplock plastic bags.

You can also prevent leaks in many items, like lotions and bath products, with a simple plastic wrap trick. Remove the lid of the container. Place a small piece of plastic wrap over the top the now-open bottle or jar. The plastic wrap should be big enough to cover the whole opening plus spread down the sides. Once it’s covered, put the lid back on and tighten it completely.

Food and other perishables should be sent in a sealed plastic bag or hard plastic container.

Never send alcohol by USPS or via international mail. Certain countries may have restrictions on particular goods, like meat products or produce. Be sure to check with your local USPS office for specifics.

Where will you be sending presents and cards this holiday season? Share your farthest flung gift destinations in the comments!

How to Snag a Low Cost or Free Dress for Military Balls

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By Marguerite Cleveland

Military Balls are a fun, exciting event to attend and who doesn’t love seeing their spouse in a dress uniform. While a great time, attire for a formal function can get expensive. Here are a few tips to help reduce the cost.

  • Many military spouses clubs host events offering free dresses. Visit Operation Deploy Your Dress a military spouse nonprofit that collects new and gently used formal attire and gives it out for free to military and dependent ID Cardholders.
  • The USO hosts an event at military installations across the country called Operation That’s My Dress. If you are lucky enough to have this event come to your area, it is the full princess experience. In addition to a designer ball gown or dress there is a high energy fashion show and lots of swag. The best part, it’s totally free.  Visit The USO.
  • Check out the Thrift Shop on your installation. They often have great deals on formal gowns. Early in December and May are peak seasons for people to get rid of things. Local thrift shops and Goodwill are also good options. When shopping thrift shops think vintage to come up with a unique look. Consignment shops will give you a better option for picking up a designer dress and will often come at a higher price. I often find better deals when shopping sales.
  • Trade with friends. This is a great way to get more mileage out of your own dresses. Trade or borrow with friends. I’ve often lent dresses to other spouses. You can make a fun event out of it by inviting over a group of ladies and have everyone bring dresses they would like to trade.
  • Lastly shop when you don’t need a dress. Every time you are out at a department store make sure to peek in the formal dress section. I’ve often lucked out and found a gown for under $50. My biggest score was at a Laura Ashley Outlet and they had a rack of formal gowns and bridesmaids dresses for $7 each. Needless to say I stocked up. I even bought ones that didn’t fit me because I was sure someone I knew could wear it.

Before you pluck down big bucks for a gown, try a few of these suggestions. You never know what treasure you may find.

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.WanderWordsWine.com

Alternative Thanksgiving Meal Options for Troops and Veterans

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Our troops and veterans are scattered far and wide around the country, often far from family to boot. All that distance can make the holidays awfully lonely.

There are several great out-of-the-box options for active duty troops and veterans to celebrate this Thanksgiving!

Alternative Thanksgiving Meal Options for Troops and Veterans

Your military family is ready to support you this Thanksgiving with fellowship and feasting.

On-Base Thanksgiving Banquets

Around the US and across the globe, military installations host Thanksgiving meals for thousands of service members, veterans, and their families.

If you’re in the barracks or forward deployed, head to your neighborhood chow hall. The talented chefs and dedicated personnel help to make the holidays feel more home-like with feasts fit for kings (and queens). You’ll be able to enjoy turkey, all the fixings, dessert, and camaraderie with your fellow service members.

Not deployed or in the barracks? Military installations have Thanksgiving handled for you, too!

MCCS, FSS, and MWR run restaurant facilities on installations worldwide generally prepare a Thanksgiving meal that is open to anyone with base access or on-base privileges. There is usually a very reasonable fee associated with on-base restaurant-hosted. Many are served family-style or as a giant buffet full of appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts.

Each base might have a slightly different twist on Thanksgiving, both at the chow hall and at the family buffet. Look out for regional specialties alongside your traditional favorites! In Okinawa, you might find soba soup sitting next to the stuffing. Perhaps your SoCal feast will feature some Southwestern flavors, like enchiladas or fajitas. Down in the Carolinas, smokey barbeque could be the guest of honor alongside the big turkey.

Veterans’ Group Feasts

VFW and American Legion posts often host Thanksgiving celebrations for free. You may need to be a member or a guest of a member to join the feast.

This is a great opportunity to connect with your fellow veterans and build community.

Volunteers and donations, of food or money, are welcome for these events. The general community is encouraged to support our military veterans during the holidays, even if you are not a VFW or AL member.

For information, contact your local VFW or AL post.

Other veterans’ groups near you may also offer Thanksgiving meal opportunities. Contact your local veteran service organization chapters for more information. You can find general contact information on this VSO approved list from the VA.

Host or Join a Friendsgiving

Military families have been doing Friendsgiving since before it was something cool or even called Friendsgiving.

Basically, get together with a whole bunch of your nearest and dearest friends. Divvy up the food responsibilities between all the guests. Make sure that someone is tasked with bringing plates, silverware, and drinks.

On Thanksgiving, gather together and enjoy excellent food plus great company!

It helps to be really organized when planning a Friendsgiving. Keep a running list going that details who is bringing what. Ask which dishes need a space in the oven, which can be reheated in the microwave, and which are okay as-is.

Teaming up with a neighbor or hosting at a larger community space can be crucial. You’ll get more oven space, plus extra room to enjoy throughout the day.

Have a plan for Thanksgiving events, like crafts for the kids and maybe watching the big game for the adults. It will help to keep peace and provide activities outside of the kitchen.

Adopt-a-Single Service Member

There’s always room for one more at the Thanksgiving table! Your family can help make the holidays feel more cozy and loving by extending an invitation to single troops on your local military base.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, save space at your table for a few single service members or veterans.

Reach out to your local military base and connect with their morale program office. Or contact a specific unit and speak to the family readiness leader. These folks can help you spread the word.

Share your event date and location. Be sure to include how many seats you have available and a little about your family dynamics. As guests RSVP, ask them about their food allergies or aversions. You’d hate to dish up a dairy-filled meal to someone who honestly can’t eat it!

Stay in contact as Thanksgiving approaches. You could even invite your new friends to join other turkey day events. Plan to get together for a local turkey trot before you eat. Setting up video chats with their families back home might also be a nice way to help them feel at home. Play board games or go outside for a game of touch football.

Troops and Veterans: how have you celebrated the holidays far from home? Share your favorite tips, tricks, and memories!

Connecting Veterans to Schools

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Every veteran has a story to tell. And our children need to hear those stories. This November, it’s important that we work on connecting veterans to schools so that our future generations know and understand the meaning of selfless service.

There are easy ways to bring stories of military service into our schools this month and throughout the school year.

Connecting Veterans to Schools

Bringing veterans and their stories into schools is just missing two key components: action and cooperation.

It’s important that teachers and schools take action to bring Veteran’s Day programming into their classrooms and schools. Worksheets and coloring pages are great, but learning about veterans is more meaningful when children can hear the stories first hand.

Local veteran’s organizations and military units can reach out to local schools, offering to send in guest speakers or provide learning opportunities. Taking this first step can lead to an ongoing relationship with schools, bridging that military/civilian divide!

How Military Units and Veteran’s Groups Can Connect with Schools

Military units — active duty, reserve or National Guard — are relatively stable even though the actual personnel might change over time. All it takes is just one person or unit reaching out to a teacher or school to build a relationship.

First, talk to your unit, base, or regional public affairs office. They will have guidance about how to connect with non-military organizations. There might already be relationships in place that you could draw on while setting up a Veteran’s Day program.

Next, contact area school districts, individuals schools, or use a personal connection at a school. Ask if the school is open to guest speakers from your base or command. Explain that your team will be sharing age-appropriate stories about military service and why they’ve chosen to serve.

Every military base should also have a School Liaison Officer (SLO). This individual, or office, should already have developed connections with on-base and local public schools. Talk with the SLO to find out the best people to talk to at the school(s). Or work together to build a Veteran’s Day program for schools.

How Schools and Teachers Can Connect with Military Veterans

It just takes one teacher with an initiative to build a great Veteran’s Day Program!

First, check with your school’s administration to learn the process to bring guest speakers to your classroom. You can also reach out to colleagues. Gauge their interest in participating in this program.

Then, connect with local military bases, units, and veteran’s groups. Try:

Outline what you are looking for, the ages this presentation would be reaching, and several ideal dates and times.

Once you have speakers on board and the go-ahead from your school leadership, set up the Veteran’s Day schedule! Make sure to include supporting activities and resources for teachers to use in their individual classrooms, too.

Get help building your own Veteran’s Day program with resources from the History Channel’s Take a Veteran to School Program.

Veteran’s Day Resources to Use in School and at Home

There are great ways to build connections to Veteran’s Day at your school or at home even if you can’t get an in-person speaker.

One great starter activity is to read an age-appropriate book with your child or students. Operation We Are Here has an excellent list of children’s picture books. The Cincinnati Library goes beyond picture books with recommendations for Veteran’s Day books from early readers to adults.

Next, you might consider reading “In Flanders Fields,” a famous poem about World War I by John McCrae. It has become connected with Veteran’s Day. Older students can dive deeper into the meaning of this poem, examining the history and symbolism behind the words. Younger children can listen to the poem and share their feelings or impressions. Another idea, for all ages, is to create art inspired by “In Flanders Fields.”

The National Education Association and the Georgia 4H program both have complete lesson plans available to teachers.

The NEA features several Veteran’s Day lesson plans aimed at elementary, middle, and high school students. Teachers, and parents or homeschooling families, can access individual lesson plans. Each lesson plan comes with directions, linked resources, and supplementary materials.

Georgia’s program has a complete packet that includes Veteran’s Day resources for teachers and students. It’s aimed at elementary and middle school students, but can be leveled up for older children. The entire document is printable. Parents could even print out just the pages they need. Or download this as a PDF ebook for on-the-go use on a tablet.

Whether you’re hosting guest speakers or DIYing an in-class lesson, it’s super important to share our veterans’ stories.

How will your local schools be celebrating Veteran’s Day this year? We’d love to hear your stories!

Thanksgiving Meal Assistance for Service Members & Military Families

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Thanksgiving is traditionally a day of plenty. However, putting all that food on the table can be a struggle on tight military budgets.

Many military families may qualify for Thanksgiving meal assistance from military support organizations.

Thanksgiving Meal Assistance for Service Members & Military Families

If your family could use a boost this holiday season, check out these great opportunities to build your festive feast.

Operation We Are Here

Enjoy a turkey and all the fixings with Holidays Meals for Military from Operation We Are Here! Registration is still available for many 2018 events.

In 2010, Ken Ruff witnessed a young military family struggle to pay for their Thanksgiving meal. They had run into unexpected expenses after their soldier returned from deployment. Ken stepped in to pay for their groceries — under $20 total.

It bothered him that military families were unable to celebrate Thanksgiving with a good meal. That year, he pledged to help military families put food on the table during the holidays.

Currently, Holiday Meals for Military helps over 10,000 families in over 40 locations around the US. Meal kids include turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and veggies to feed a family of four.

Thanksgiving events end on November 17, but Operation We Are Here plans to host Christmas events in December. For more information, check out their Facebook page.

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance offers a Thanksgiving meal program for the “sheep dogs” in our country. If you are currently serving, or have served, in the US military, with EMS, law enforcement, or fire and rescue, SDIA could help you have a happy holiday season.

The deadline to apply for SDIA’s Thanksgiving meal program is November 15.

The application requires proof of service, like a DD214 or other official document. SDIA also takes into account the number of people in your household, plus any dietary restrictions.

The goal is to provide families in need with complete Thanksgiving feasts on Turkey Day.

Armed Services YMCA

Each year, ASYMCA locations donate over 25,000 baskets of food to junior enlisted families in need during the holiday season.

Baskets may vary, but will likely include traditional Thanksgiving feast fixings.

To register for a basket, please visit your local ASYMCA.

Spirit of Sharing (S.O.S.)

Through their Adopt-a-Military-Family program, S.O.S. helps connect military families in need with resources to make the holiday season merry.

For families in need of assistance, S.O.S. accepts nominations of deserving families throughout the year into the Adopt-a-Military-Family program. Provide information about your family’s needs and military service through the online application to be considered for assistance in 2018.

Soldier’s Angels

Holding a festive holiday celebration when someone is deployed, missing, or your family is dealing with struggles can be hard. Soldiers’ Angels is here to help with their Adopt-a-Family holiday program.

Families must meet certain qualifying criteria to register. Once accepted, families are “adopted” by volunteers who aim to help them host a holiday to remember through donations and other assistance.

Other Local Organizations

For military families who will have trouble holding a Thanksgiving feast, there is also local help available.

Please reach out to the local branch of these organizations and services:

  • United Way: many branches offer community Thanksgiving meals and/or Thanksgiving baskets to low-income families
  • YMCA: some branches may offer Thanksgiving food assistance to families in need
  • Food Banks: many local and regional food bank groups offer additional food and assistance to families during the holiday season
  • Salvation Army: Salvation Army posts may offer community meals and/or holiday food assistance baskets to families in need
  • USO: some locations may host meals for military families or troops or use the USO to help get connected with other organizations that offer Thanksgiving food assistance programs
  • Veterans’ Service Organizations: your local VFW, American Legion, or similar groups may offer Thanksgiving assistance for families locally
  • Banks and Credit Unions: many local branches may offer, or know about, a program in your area that provides assistance
  • Grocery stores: many run food drives that are either independent from or connected with local food assistance organizations; contact a manager to learn more

Other Options for Food Assistance

For some families, that holiday budget might be tight but you might not quite qualify for food assistance programs. This holiday season, try these tips to bring things in under budget.

  • Coupons: Be extra savvy with your coupon clipping and look out for deals that give you bonus offers. The Commissary is currently running a coupon deal that nets you money off of a turkey when purchasing participating products with a particular coupon. Look for the circular in your mailbox or your local Commissary!
  • Potluck: Cut costs when you team up with other families for holiday feasts. Plan to split the costs of the turkey or another main course, then provide family-style sides and dessert to share.
  • Keep it small: Turkey might be traditional, but chicken can be a whole lot cheaper. Switch out your feast items for similar, but less costly, items. Use chicken instead of turkey, make homemade gravy, and consider reducing the number of sides to keep costs in check.

How do you keep your holiday meal budget in check? Share your cost cutting ideas, or places to seek assistance near your military base, in the comments!

 

Smithfield Foods Hosts ‘Bacon for Life’ Sweepstakes

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ATTENTION ALL BACON LOVERS! Did you know you could enter to win a lifetime of FREE BACON? Yes, that’s right, we said free bacon for life!

Smithfield Foods is hosting the ‘Bacon for Life’ Sweepstakes and one Grand Prize Winner will receive a lifetime of free bacon. Can you imagine what you could do with free bacon for life? BLT’s, bacon topped soups, bacon wrapped pork, maple bacon donuts, bacon, egg & cheese sandwiches, asparagus wrapped in bacon, baked bacon, bacon wrapped scallops, fried bacon, bacon and eggs, bacon and grits, bacon on the side, bacon wrapped figs, candied bacon, bacon for breakfast, bacon for lunch and bacon for dinner! The list goes on…get inspired by one of Smithfield’s recipes here.

Even if you’re not lucky enough to become the One Grand Prize Winner and earn free bacon for life, Smithfield Foods will award five First Prize Winners with a year of free bacon. Five Second Prize Winners will be awarded a bacon bicycle. Ten Third Prize Winners will receive a cornhole board. Five hundred Fourth Prize Winners will be awarded bacon pint glasses. And five hundred Fifth Prize Winners will receive bacon slap koozies. That’s A LOT of bacon swag!

 

Don’t wait! Enter now. Here’s how:

  1. Purchase or Mail In (No Purchase Necessary)
  2. Enter Code
  3. Chance to Win

Sweepstakes ends December 31, 2018 11:59 p.m. E.T. *For more details and Official Rules, visit www.baconforlifesweeps.com

Discounts and Freebies to Expect from Your Favorite Restaurants this Veterans Day

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It always feels nice to be appreciated. This Veterans Day, those who have served our nation will have the chance to feel the love!

Military veterans, as well as those serving on active duty, can take advantage of great Veteran’s Day deals and discounts.

Discounts and Freebies to Expect from Your Favorite Restaurants this Veteran’s Day

This year, there are tons of exciting restaurant meal discounts and freebies available to veterans and active duty troops.

Before you head out the door, double check the date and time of the meal deal. Some locations are offering discounts or freebies on Sunday, November 11. Others are thanking veterans on Monday, November 12. Each restaurant also has a specific timeframe during which their deal is valid. Different meals and drinks are available during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Be sure to bring your military identification with you to the restaurant. The staff will need to verify your service. Other options are to wear your uniform, as allowed by your branch of service, presenting a DD214, VA ID card, or another document that verifies your identity as a veteran, active duty troop,  or member of the Guard, or Reserve forces.

If you play your cards right, you might not need to pay for food all day!

Start Your Veterans Day with Breakfast & Coffee

Get your morning started right with breakfast. Take advantage of free coffee, donuts, pancakes, and more!

  • Village Inn: Grab a free breakfast from Village Inn on Sunday, November 11.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts: Pick up a free donut, one per ID, while supplies last on Sunday, November 11.
  • Krispy Kreme: Get yourself a complimentary donut with a cup of coffee at Krispy Kreme on Sunday, November 11.
  • IHOP: Dig into a stack of Red, White, and Blue Pancakes from IHOP on Monday, November 12.
  • LaMar’s: Bring a military ID with you to claim a free donut plus a 12 oz. coffee from LaMar’s on Sunday, November 11.
  • Country Kitchen: Enjoy a Country Scramble at Country Kitchen on Monday, November 12 when you bring your military ID.
  • Friendly’s: Pick from breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Friendly’s on Sunday, November 11.
  • Perkin’s: Order a Magnificent 7 breakfast meal at Perkin’s on Sunday, November 11.
  • Bakers Square: Choose between pancakes, waffles, and french toast meals at Bakers Square locations on Sunday, November 11.
  • Bruegger’s Bagels: Enjoy a hot coffee, any size, from Bruegger’s Bagels on Monday, November 12.

Try a Free Appetizer on Veterans Day

Treat Yourself to Lunch or Dinner on Veterans Day

Take a break for a complimentary meal, at lunch or dinner, at your favorite restaurants. Will you be heading out for steak, burgers, Mexican, or barbeque?

Head to a Buffet for a Free Apps to Dessert Experience

Fill your plate, again and again, at a free buffet this Veterans Day!

  • Cicis: Enjoy pizza, pasta, and more at Cicis on Sunday, November 11.
  • Golden Corral: Golden Corral will open it’s famous buffet to all military members, past and present, from 5-9pm on Monday, November 12.

Enjoy a Sweet Treat on Veterans Day

Finish your Veterans Day with a yummy dessert!

  • Cracker Barrel: Savor a yummy, down-home dessert at Cracker Barrel on Sunday, November 11.
  • Menchies: What topping will you add to your fro-yo? Go nuts on Sunday, November 11 at Menchies!

Remember, some offers are only valid on Sunday, November 11 while others are for Monday, November 12. Each freebie’s conditions vary. Bring documentation of your military service, like wearing your uniform or carrying your ID, with you to the restaurant just in case.

It is also advised that you call your local restaurant location in advance. Not all locations participate. You could also check with national, regional, and local restaurants in your area to see if they offer a discount or free meal that is not otherwise advertised.

Which free meal will you be enjoying on Veterans Day? Let us know your favorite Veterans Day deals and discounts in the comments!

Celebrating Military Families: In November Commissaries Recognize Uniqueness, Sacrifices of Service Lifestyle

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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:         74-18                                                                                                                       

Date:                              October 25, 2018

Media Contact:             Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

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

E-mail:                           kevin.robinson@deca.mil

 

Celebrating military families

In November, commissaries recognize uniqueness, sacrifices of service lifestyle

By Kathy Milley,

DeCA Corporate Communications

 

FORT LEE, Va. – Military life is not easy on families. Theirs is an ever-changing environment brought on by continuous military moves. It means frequent extended absences of a spouse.

For Lisa Molinari, who writes the military family blog “The Meat and Potatoes of Life,” it meant difficulties maintaining a legal career with such a transient lifestyle – 11 moves within eight different locations. It also meant caring for a special needs son while in duty stations with limited services.

“It’s the little things and frankly, when someone tells my husband – or even me – ‘Thank you for your service,’ this means so much more than one might expect,” said Lisa Molinari, a long-time Navy spouse.

“We know the challenges of a 28-year military career, so when someone acknowledges that a military family has made sacrifices to serve the country, it is very meaningful and appreciated.”

During November’s celebration of Military Family Month, the Defense Commissary Agency offers its thanks in acknowledgement of all those emotional goodbyes, transitions and sacrifices that are part of military service life, said Defense Commissary Agency Deputy Director Michael Dowling.

“We are proud to serve our resilient military families, understanding the stresses they endure,” Dowling said. “Striving to provide a valuable benefit, we work hard every day to say thank you by bringing a feeling of home to our military families no matter where in the world they may be.”

Commissary support goes far to inject a sense of normalcy in the unusual situations that military families face wherever they’re stationed, Molinari said.

“With all the instability of military life due to frequent changes in location, schools and homes, commissaries provided a bit of consistency that was always comforting,” said Molinari.

“No matter where we lived,” she added, “I was able to shop at a commissary and not feel lost – I knew the routine, I knew the products, I knew the prices and I knew that someone would always bag my groceries for me. Sometimes it’s the little things that keep a military spouse from going crazy.”

Anyone, even those not military affiliated, can give a military family the feeling of home by sending them a commissary gift card offered for purchase by authorized patrons at every store worldwide and by anyone online at commissaries.com.

-DeCA-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can You Still Vote Absentee in the Mid-term Elections?

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By Marguerite Cleveland

With the November, 2018 Election coming up it is nonstop coverage on local, national news and social media. Typically turnout for midterm elections is less than in a Presidential election year but 2018 could see record voting. There seems to be a lot more energy about voting this year. If you procrastinated, can you still vote absentee in the mid-term elections? The answer is maybe and is state specific. Here are a few tips and things you need to know to navigate the process.

  • Call or go into the Voting Assistance Office at the installation you are stationed at. They are very helpful and provide the following services: information on voter registration and the absentee ballot procedures, material on the voting process, how to request an absentee ballot and mailing the completed forms. Assistance is available to all uniformed service members and their eligible family members and some eligible civilians.
  • Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program at www.FVAP.gov. Click on the tab for military voters. Then click on Voter Registration and Ballots. This will give you a map of the United States. Click on your state to find out the dates to request and mail in a ballot.
  • Will my absentee ballot be counted? According to www.Vote.org, “Yes, all votes are counted, whether they’re cast in-person or by absentee ballot.  It is a common misconception that absentee ballots are only counted during very tight races.  This misconception stems from two things: one, absentee ballots are often counted for days after the election since many are coming from abroad; two, absentee ballots are often a small percentage of all voted ballots.  Many elections have a clear winner, so the absentee ballots that are still being counted after election night don’t affect the results as predicted right after the polls close.  As absentee voting becomes more popular, however, an increasing number of elections are decided by absentee ballots.
  • Your home of record is where you came into the service. Your voting residence is the state on your LES for tax purposes. These may or may not be the same. When registering to vote; register for the state on your LES. Do not register to vote in the state you are stationed at! Registering to vote is one step to making that state your residence and if you are in a state that has state income tax it could have a big financial impact. Also be aware that your spouse does not automatically share the same voting residence. Refer to your Voting Assistance Office for help if you aren’t sure.

In the future, plan ahead so that you can vote in your state’s elections. When you PCS, make sure you update your address with your state. If you need to register to vote make sure you do so by the beginning of October which is the cutoff for some states. Your vote does count so make sure your voice is heard no matter where you currently live.

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.WanderWordsWine.com