The winter sky is open, without a cloud in sight, just a lone star shining. Make a wish! If a military spouse could make a wish upon a star that would come true this Christmas season, it would be to have a glimpse into the future by a year, maybe even two.

Into The Unknown

Every year, or two or three, the military family moves. Military orders are issued, and within weeks or months, the family decides if they will move with the service member or stay behind. Moving means uprooting everyone – the military spouse’s job, if there is one, a new home, a new school, and new medical providers, including therapies. Will the movers pack up things well, or will there be a broken mess on the other end? Will we find a house? Will there be good school programs? What about the dentist, doctors, physical therapists? This unknown causes an increase in stress for everyone in the family.

Planning Ahead

If there was one wish, it would be to have that glimpse in the future, to have an idea of where life will lead to manage expectations. Instead of at the last minute, planning could happen, meaning less stress. It would mean being able to plan dental visits on time instead of being told at the next duty station that, no, there are no open appointments for six months because “you should plan ahead.” It means transitioning children into dance, karate, or music programs that suit them best versus what programs have room for them. It would mean finding affordable housing, or better yet, being able to go on the military housing list with enough time to actually be offered a house when still living at that duty station instead of when you are being packed up to move somewhere else. Knowing ahead would provide stability.

Health and Home

We would know where we were living. This would lead to a lot less stress. In the real estate market, rental and purchase prices are skyrocketing. BAH is not keeping up with these costs in many areas that military members serve. Looking ahead means planning financially and picking the best place and home cost. This would mean less stress of living in a hotel for months or choosing “the best of the worst.” If OCONUS orders are in the future, plan ahead for car purchases or sales to lessen the financial burden of a large purchase if it is unnecessary. Wow, knowledge really would be power.

When knowing where to live, the decisions for schools, kids programs, dentists, and doctors come quickly. Find programs that best suit your family within your comfortable driving distance. Find therapists that accept TRICARE and provide care promptly, lessening gaps in treatment and care. If the military spouse works, it means being able to plan ahead for jobs or licensing and certificates if they are needed for employment. It would mean no gap in financial security in the dual-income family. Less financial stress means less stress overall. The military lifestyle is generally stressful; the unknowns of moving catalyze the stress level upwards – knowing ahead would manage that stress for all family members.

Yes, it is true. There are a lot of unknowns in the future. There is unrest in the world; there is worry. But for the little corner of the one military spouse who just wants stability, comfort, and less stress, a glimpse into the next year or two would be a fantastic wish come true. It’s just wishful thinking.

Moving military families will continue with the current system for moves for a bit longer. U.S. Transportation Command, or US TransCom, is the command providing coordination of air, land and sea transportation for the entire Department of Defense. This organization houses the Defense Personal Property Program, which handles and coordinates military movers for the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard. The change over to a new company has been delayed. US TransCom and its new contractor, HomeSafe Alliance, are working through technical difficulties and will not be transitioning to HomeSafe Alliance taking over the coordination of moves under the Global Household Goods Contract.

The goal of the transition was for it to occur in September of 2023. Due to the technical difficulties leading to issues with the HomeSafe Alliance application from working with the interface of a new MilMove platform. Once the application is up and running, moving military families could track inventory and request assistance for any issues that arise.

US TransCom awarded the contrast to HomeSafe Alliance in November of 2021 for around $20 million dollars. HomeSafe Alliance is a joint venture of existing moving companies, made specifically for US TransCom to coordinate military moves. Per the November 2021 press release, “We are honored to partner with the military community around the globe,” said Alan Thompson, HomeSafe CEO.“Combining our HomeSafe Connect advanced digital solution and global program management expertise, we will dramatically improve the relocation experience for our service members, civilians, and their families. Our solution will significantly expand and reward quality performance and is an important catalyst in the transformation of the military household goods moving industry.”

Their website states services will start in 2023.  HomeSafe Alliance has developed a HomeSafe Connect app to connect with a new MilMove site, replacing the current website. The connection will allow for 24/7 access to updates on where household goods are and 24/7 customer service. Per an October news release, HomeSafe Alliance is looking to hire military spouses to assist with their 24/7 customer service and fill other necessary roles. There is no pending date on when these two interfaces will work.

When the transition is completed, military movers will check the Defense Personal Property Program to see if their move qualifies for the new system. Once verifying that the MilMove site can be utilized, all guidance will be found on the new website, and the HomeSafe Connect application will allow seamless connection. According to a TransCom fact sheet, these changes will continue to occur over the following years.

Whether this transition will help smooth the difficult process of military moves is yet to be seen. PCS time is fraught with frustrations by military families – military movers that do not show, assistance that is difficult to reach through the current system, and often delays in shipping or large amounts of missing items. Time and testing will tell if this system is a useful tool for addressing the issues of the current military move system. With 300,000 service members and families moving yearly, plenty of testing will occur.

Like it or not, the holiday shopping season is here. The months have flown by, and the holidays are here. Whether you enjoy shopping or not, shopping for a military service member isn’t always easy. Looking for last-minute gifts to get your service member? Look no further!

1. Coffee, coffee, coffee – Every service member enjoys caffeine. The deployments, work-ups, shift work, and long hours are conducive to a caffeine-fueled lifestyle. Some awesome veteran-owned coffee brands have names with funny nods to the military lifestyle. Aerial Resupply Coffee and Fire Department Coffee are great places to start. If caffeine through tea is more your service member’s mode of caffeination, check out Valhalla Tea Company or Star-Spangled Tea.

• Spices – Get spicy in the kitchen with fun spice blends. Smoked Bros Premium Spice Blends has various spice mixes, from breakfast-inspired ones to full-on flavor BBQ rubs.  Or perhaps a Saffron-based spice is what you are looking for – Rumi Spice is it. Dry rubs and BBQ sauces are bountiful and flavorful from Veterans Q. All of these companies are veteran-owned, which is another reason to check them out.

• Massage Gun – All those caffeine-infused hours on top of the stress of the job, and perhaps the commute on top, means a little relaxation is vital for rest and restoration. Massage guns come in all shapes and sizes. If your service member is in physical therapy or works with a physical therapist, they can recommend one. The local base exchange or durable medical equipment shop may also carry some. Amazon has decent models at affordable prices as well. This may be a gift for your service member, but it can be used on most adults. Check with your medical provider for any questions or health concerns before use.

• Projector – Many families have moved to streaming devices, but these little streaming sticks are mobile. No longer tied to the cable box means you can lose the big tv and get a projector. The projector can project an image of any size on a blank wall at home or outside on a fence line or outside of the home. It is great for hosting movie nights or even gathering buddies for a football game. Your service member will love a projector. There are various types of sizes, costs, and capabilities. Whichever you choose, make sure to get a hard case carrying case for it because you will definitely be bringing it with you for every PCS.

• Durable Gear – Any durable gear is appreciated. Durable phone cases, durable phone chargers, and even durable coffee makers to take to the field or to work. Keep your service member hydrated with a durable water bottle that won’t break or bust when dropped off the roof of a vehicle on accident. Durable sunglasses that can survive being run over. There are many brands of durable gear. Check out the military exchange website, and shop across the brands online for the best deals.

• Fitness Dice – Physical fitness is a key component required for military service. Working out isn’t always fun or exciting; fitness dice mix up the workout. There are various options on the market, from traditional six-sided dice to octagonal to those for families and those for HIIT exercise. Choose the best fit for your service member.

• Blaze Pods – The light-up Blaze Pods are utilized for training, play, and recovery.  In fact, the Beckhams popularized their use with their plank challenge program, using the lights to activate and remain mobile while doing planks. These tools add a different variety to the workout and may motivate the younger family members to get involved. Use the lights as cones for a sprint or to create a serpentine for stability exercises. If David Beckham uses it, it will probably be a hit.

• Anything Using the Nato Alphabet – There are some hilarious products, from coffee mugs to t-shirts to posters. Sayings with the “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” to more colorful options make service members giggle and are likely to be appreciated by their coworkers as well.

An Apple A Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Okay, not quite. But eating your fruits and vegetables during the cough and cold season does provide antioxidants and vitamins that boost your immune system. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, in addition to tomatoes, red and green peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and cantaloupe, are great sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital for healing wounds, protecting bones and teeth and protecting the body.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Per the Mayo Clinic, an adult male of normal health living in a normal climate needs 15.5 cups of fluid a day, and a woman of normal health living in a normal climate needs 11.5 cups. This doesn’t include drinks that dehydrate you, like coffee, caffeinated teas, or alcohol. Maintaining hydration allows the body to send appropriate hunger signals and maintain optimal function – meaning limiting illness.

Keep Up With Exercise

Maintaining health should be an everyday thing. One way to maintain a healthy body is through exercise. This can be walking daily, riding your bike with friends and family, or a more regimented workout routine. Keep this up during the holidays. While it may look varied if you have to travel during the holidays, maintain some healthy activity. Exercise maintains muscle, which helps maintain body weight, and boosts cardiovascular health, which may lower the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Wash Your Hands

This may seem basic, but if there is anything the last few years taught us, people must be reminded to wash their hands. Whatever the reason, handwashing stations have become more available. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water after touching common touch points like railings, chairs, escalators, or door handles. If you can’t remember how long to wash your hands, sing Jingle Bells in your head. No sink nearby? Consider carrying sanitizer or washing or looking for sanitizer stations.

Get Your ZZZZZs

A healthy amount of sleep helps reset your body’s functions. According to John Hopkins,  “a healthy amount of sleep is vital for ‘brain plasticity,’ or the brain’s ability to adapt to input,” in addition to lowering your immune system – which can make you prone to getting sick. Think of sleep as the body’s reset button – it processes the day, heals any issues, and boosts your body’s functions for the next day.

Stay Zen

While meditating on a busy train or practicing mindful breathing while waiting in the school pick-up line may seem silly, these are important tools for maintaining health. The holidays are a busy time of year, with increased time and schedule demands. Remain mindful of your limitations – don’t be afraid to say no to a third potluck that week because you don’t have the time to make a dish. Take time for yourself, daily if possible, through meditation, mindful breathing, or even yoga. Managing your stress will increase your ability to enjoy the fun you have planned during the holidays.

Mindful Eating

Just like getting in your fruits and veggies, make sure to be mindful of your eating. Eat slowly, instead of rushing so you can listen to your body’s hunger cues. Indulge in the holiday treats, but maybe not every day. Maintaining healthy nutrition will maintain your energy and ability to enjoy the holiday festivities.

Cheers, in Moderation

Like any time of year, if you choose to indulge in alcohol, do so in moderation. Alcohol can lower your hunger cues, causing you to eat more and disrupt your normal sleeping patterns if you have more than a few adult beverages. Mix up alcoholic drinks with mocktails and water.

Minimize Crowds

This one may be difficult. Maybe you’ve got your friend’s daughter or son’s dance recital to see, or you are checking out the local Nutcracker production for the holidays. If you are joining larger gatherings than you have in years past, consider the fact that for years, these individuals may have been wearing masks, and now they aren’t. People may not remember coughing into their elbow, so they share their sneezing or cough with the room. Boosting and protecting your immune system while there, cleaning your hands frequently, and avoiding touching your mouth, hands, or eyes after touching something that doesn’t belong to you may limit exposure to cold and flu viruses.

This doesn’t mean you won’t get sick ever. In fact, getting ill boosts antibodies and helps your overall health, but no one wants to be sick over the holidays. If you get sick, take breaks –  limit the sugar intake, skip the packed auditorium, and stay home to rest and hydrate appropriately. Call your medical provider to be evaluated if an illness lasts several days or a fever persists despite anti-fever medications.

When you think of stocking stuffers, the image may be strolling down the aisles with that big red cart leisurely picking up items. The reality is rare, and it can become quite expensive. While grocery shopping at the military commissary, consider picking up a few things for stocking stuffers.

Local Vendors

Many commissaries feature local vendors or artisans at the front of their stores, especially for the holidays. From floral displays to local spice or baking mixes, there is a variety of local options. Consider checking these out to support a local vendor, all while sampling the beauty or taste of the local area you currently call home.

Spice Mixes

Spice mixes make great stocking stuffers – they are small and are great options for trying different mixtures. There are grill mixes for the person who likes to grill in the family and crock pot packets for the meal planner. There are even dip mixes for the snacker. There are many to choose from, from boxes to bags to bottles. Try one or two this year and make a mental note for the others in the future.

Baking Mixes

Boxed and bagged cookie and cake mixes are great ways to explore different flavors. There are even no-bake versions for a delicious and quick sweet treat! King Arthur often releases holiday baking mixes, including Gingerbread Cake and Cookie mix or even their donut mix! Remember to check out the health food aisle for gluten-free versions as well.

Bread Mixes

From mixes needing a bread machine to mixes to mix by hand and enjoy, or pizza crust mixes to focaccia – bread mixes are another fun stocking stuffer. It gives the gift of food and time together baking in the kitchen or working, building baking skills, and food exploration in younger children. The baking aisle includes options from sourdough, banana bread, cinnamon swirl, blueberry, and holiday bread mixes. If you can’t find what you are looking for, chances are there are some options in the seasonal section of the commissary.

International Aisle

The International Aisle is a favorite aisle, no matter the season, especially during holidays. It is a gem packed with fun foods to explore. From Pocky from Japan to lemon curd from the UK to zingy mustard from Germany, there is a lot of food to explore. Try something new for each family member – the perfect surprise for the stocking that will be tried and enjoyed.

Holiday Section

Remember to peruse the holiday section. These are where more international items are available, specifically for the holidays – minced pies, rich fruit pudding, shortbread, and tea mixes. Each Commissary location offers a variety, but some brands, like Walkers, remain the same, providing an opportunity to continue the holiday tradition of enjoying these treats no matter where the military sends you.

There is no need to make a special trip to the store for stocking stuffers. Save time and money and check out unique options while picking up stocking stuffers at your local commissary.