Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Alone and Lonely on Valentine’s Day

By

*This article was originally published on February 4, 2015.

For whatever reason, my husband always seems to be away from home on Valentine’s Day. He is either away for training, deployed or even at school. This means that ever since we became a military family, I have spent almost every Valentine’s Day alone. I think he was home last year and we didn’t even really know what to do with ourselves. We were so accustomed to spending that holiday away from one another.

Each year, I’m trying to figure out a way to make it through this romantic holiday that the rest of the world seems to be embracing.

 

It would be easy to ignore the day or pretend it isn’t a real holiday. On the other hand, I really want to find ways to make it special even when my love is on the other side of the world.

One way to connect with your spouse during this time is by sending a Valentine’s Day care package. You can take the time to find some of their favorite items to put in the package.  You can make it as romantic as you would like. Make sure that you do send the package in enough time so they get it before February 14.

 

At home, you can make plans to do something fun with your friends or your children. Host a Valentine’s Day play date. Have all the moms bring something to eat and have all the children bring valentines for each other. I have always felt better about missing the holidays with my soldier when I can spend the day with others, especially those who know what it’s like to be alone on those special days.

Treat yourself to a nice dinner. When we were in Germany, I had 2 small children at home with me. It wasn’t possible to take myself out to eat on Valentine’s Day. I also knew if I did, seeing couples together might be hard. I decided to order in my favorite food from a local restaurant. I put the kids to bed early and ate my meal while talking to my husband online. A very modern military way to spend Valentine’s Day. Of course it wasn’t the same as having him home, but it made life a little easier on that day.

Sometimes you just can’t talk to your spouse on Valentine’s Day. This can make it harder but try to remember, it’s only one day. Set up a time to chat as soon as you can and make the day special for your kids and your friends.

I have also found that making Valentine’s Day cookies, putting up a few decorations and thinking about how I fell in love with my soldier can help me embrace the holiday even though we are apart. Sometimes it is the little details that can help you get through the tough days of a deployment or a busy training schedule.

Related: 5 Tips for Saving Money During a Deployment

Missed holidays are going to happen when you are married to someone in the military. There is nothing you can do to change that. You can however make the day a little nicer and plan to have a good holiday anyway.

Is your spouse working, gone for training or deployed on February 14? What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

*This article was originally published on February 4, 2015.

Photo Credit:
© artmim/Adobe Stock

Will Your On-Base Home Be Tested for Lead?

By

Lead poisoning is a widespread and growing problem at Army bases, according to investigative reporting from Reuters.

Unfortunately, no one has a clear picture of the extent of lead poisoning in military children because the Army often failed to report test results to state authorities.

Will Your On-Base Home Be Tested for Lead?

According to a 2017 memo from The Villages on Benning, 2,274 out of 4,001 on-base homes contained lead-based paint at Fort Benning.

Between 2011 and 2016, the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas processed over 1,000 blood tests for lead in young children that showed elevated results. Brooke Army Medical Center reported testing approximately 200 children per year in that 5-year span.

This blood test is a simple finger-prick blood draw and costs approximately $10. Many, if not most, U.S. children go untested for lead every year. It is unclear how many military-connected children do or do not get tested for lead poisoning annually.

Texas, like most states, requires that all elevated testing results be reported to the state authorities. However, Brooke did not report their findings in many cases. Neither did Fort Benning, Ga.

This lack of reporting kept state and federal authorities in the dark about the growing issues surrounding lead poisoning in military children.

Military Response to Investigation

After Reuters investigative reporting uncovered the Army’s lead-based problems, the Army drafted a plan to test 40,000 possibly lead-contaminated homes on military bases nationwide. Homes with young children – an at-risk population – would have the highest priority for immediate testing. Approximately 100,000 children live in military housing.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are going above and beyond current requirements to ensure the safety of our soldiers and their families who work and live on all of our installations,” Army spokesperson Colonel Kathleen Turner said in a statement. “We are currently evaluating all options to address these concerns.”

Homes built before 1978 would be tested for lead contamination in the soil, water, paint and other likely areas in the residence.

However, these far-reaching plans to rectify a potentially dangerous situation are not approved for action as of August 28.

Aging Military Family Housing Linked as Possible Source

Military family housing began to change hands from Defense Department management to private management in the 1990s. At the time, on-base homes were often old and in a state of disrepair. Contractors were brought in by the private companies to renovate, and often rebuild, on-base communities.

However, as recently as 2005, the Army admitted that even these homes weren’t up to their own standards. Their report indicated that as many as 75% of its 90,000 homes on military bases nationwide were falling into disrepair.

“As homes deteriorate, the risk of children’s being exposed to hazardous materials…would increase,” the military report noted.

In 2016, a DoD Investigator General report found privatized military family housing to be vulnerable to poor maintenance and management. This left military families at risk for exposure to dangerous materials in run-down homes.

Lead-based paint and other materials are primarily evident in homes built before 1978. Homes that were built using such products are considered safe, so long as they are properly maintained.

The issue arises when those lead-based paints and other materials begin to decay, disintegrate, peel and breakdown. Peeling lead-based paint releases contaminated dust into the air. It can also be easily handled or ingested by curious young children.

According to a 2017 memo from The Villages on Benning, the company managing Fort Benning housing, 2,274 out of 4,001 on-base homes contained lead-based paint.

Effects of Lead Poisoning

Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. Peeling paint or other materials are easy for small children to touch or eat out of curiosity.

Symptoms range from immediate to long-term and involve multiple bodily systems.

Children might experience:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue or sluggishness
  • Pica or eating non-food items compulsively
  • Seizures
  • Developmental delays
  • Learning differences

Women who are pregnant can expose their unborn children to lead unknowingly. Infants with lead poisoning are more likely to be born prematurely, have a lower birth weight and to experience slower growth rates compared to typically developing peers.

Adults are not immune to the effects of lead poisoning. While the symptoms are different from infants and children, lead poisoning is no less serious for adults.

Adults with lead poisoning might experience:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Mood disorders
  • Memory problems
  • Low sperm count in men
  • Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in women

If you believe that you or your family may have been exposed to lead-based paint or materials in military housing, it’s important that you get tested as soon as possible.

Contact your medical care team, your housing management company and relevant military authorities. The Army issued an updated guidance for military families living on Army posts. You can read it by clicking here.

 

Military Families File Lawsuit Over Mold in On-Base Housing

By

Suing the government can seem like a losing battle. Remember the song “I Fought the Law and the Law Won?”

Fortunately for some military families at Keesler Air Force Base, the corporation which manages the on-base housing is a private entity and not the government which means they are not protected against lawsuits.

Eleven military families recently filed suit against the Hunt Southern Group and Hunt MG Property Management which manages Keesler’s on-base housing. The lawsuit claims the company did not adequately treat mold in the properties. The families have accused the property management company of fraud, conspiring to conceal dangerous conditions, breach of contract and gross negligence. Residents began complaining of mold in 2015, according to the residents, maintenance attempted to treat the mold with soap and water.

Search “How to Remove Black Mold” online  and you will be instructed to use products which contain chemicals such as bleach and ammonia. Soap and water does not populate in the search.

Military Families File Lawsuit Over Mold in On-Base Housing

Residents say they repeatedly requested the property management company to address the mold issue but say Hunt failed to do so.

In 2017 environmental testing of the properties discovered high levels of Aspergillus and some Stachybotrys. Aspergillus is a common mold, however high exposure can lead to allergic reactions and lung infections which can spread to other organs.

Stachybotrys also known as “Black Mold” affects the respiratory system. Symptoms of Stachybotrys exposure can include a chronic cough and wheezing, headaches and exhaustion. Additional symptoms can include hair loss, anxiety, confusion, memory loss and numbness in limbs. If not treated, long-term mold exposure can lead to severe illnesses and possible death, especially in very young children and people with pre-existing health conditions.

I bet this makes you want to run right out and sign a lease with your on-base housing office, right?!

The lawsuit contributes the mold to poor insulation of the air conditioning system which resulted in sweaty air ducts and water damage.

The combination of the water damage and humid hot weather in Biloxi, Mississippi, created a perfect nesting ground for the mold to grow and spread.

Residents say they repeatedly requested the property management company to address the issue but say Hunt failed to do so.

According to Cindy Gersch, vice president of corporate communications for Hunt companies, the corporation created a plan of action to address the mold concerns, which included an HVAC modification plan to remedy the condensation issue in the ducts.

It was unclear whether these changes were made prior to the lawsuit being filed. I can’t imagine anyone filing a lawsuit if this “plan of action” was put into place after the residents first complained.

All rental homes have flaws – creaky floors, leaky faucets, a noisy refrigerator – these things may be aggravating, but they won’t kill you. Mold is not just a minor inconvenience. It can cause some terrible symptoms and illnesses.

As members of the military community, we have all heard of or experienced buildings on bases which contain black mold. After all, mold is common in humid climates.

It is the failure to remedy the problem which is concerning in this case.

Unfortunately, the alleged mold found in the Hunt Southern Group properties is not an isolated incident among military housing.

Lawsuits have been filed against Lincoln Military Housing in the past and some monetary judgments were made in favor of the residents. Based on these cases the families at Keesler Air Force Base may stand a good chance of winning their lawsuit.

Does the discovery of toxic mold in base housing make you think twice about living on post?

Cellphone Companies Announce Military Discount Programs

By

In this fast-paced world, cellphones have become less of a convenience and more of a necessity, especially in the military community.

With deployments, training exercises and relocations, it is imperative to have the ability to stay connected with spouses, family and friends. It’s imperative and it’s expensive! Cellphone service can cost more than a car payment.

Several cellphone providers have announced discount programs for the military to help elevate the high cost of cellphone service. Check out the discounts the top carriers are offering.

Sprint Unlimited Military Plan

Sprint offers a 50% discount on the basic unlimited plan to military and veterans. The discount applies to additional family lines associated with the primary line. The first line is $60 a month (no discount applied), each additional line receives a 50% discount.

Four lines will cost $100 a month and include unlimited data, talk and text nationwide, Hulu, 500 MB mobile hotspot, DVD-quality streaming, global roaming in more than 185 worldwide locations, unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada, and 5GB of 4G LTE data.

One of the biggest concerns with switching service is the coverage. So how does Sprint’s coverage compare? According to an article published in “WhistleOut,” Sprint has the “fourth-best” coverage in the United States. The good news is in the regions Sprint is available the reliability of the service is pretty good.

If you are stationed anywhere from the East Coast to mid-Texas or the West Coast, Sprint offers reliable coverage at a great rate. If you live in the mid or south-west region of the United States, you may want to opt for a different cellphone provider.

Verizon Military Discount Program

Verizon is the Cadillac of cellphone providers when it comes to coverage areas, however, they do not offer quite as deep discounts for military members.

Verizon recently announced a military discount program. With this deal, you could save up to $40 on four lines under any of Verizon’s three “unlimited” plans. The basic unlimited plan or “go Unlimited” starts at $40 a month per line and requires at least four lines be opened to receive this price. The basic plan would cost a family of four $120 a month.

Related: 4 Ways to Save on Your Cell Phone Bill

This plan includes unlimited talk, text and 4G LTE data, DVD quality streaming (480p), unlimited mobile hotspot (600 kbps), Verizon Up Rewards and text and data in Mexico and Canada.

To receive the monthly savings, customers must enroll in Verizon’s AutoPay program and use paperless billing.

T-Mobile One Military

T-Mobile has recently rebranded and is the cellphone provider to watch, in my opinion. They are third in line for coverage which includes most of the United States, except for parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming and a very small area in southwest Texas near the Mexican border. I have driven through this area several times and there is pretty much no service available with any carrier.

With T-Mobile’s military discount, a family of four would pay $100 a month. These plans include most of the same services as the other carriers with a couple of notable additions. Netflix, texting and data abroad including 210 countries, in-flight texting and one hour of data on flights in the United States and what I think is the best part, all taxes and fees are included in the price, so your $100 cell phone bill is $100.

Another plus, T-Mobile has committed to hiring 10,000 veterans and military spouses and offers career training.

They don’t just have sales jobs. They offer a variety of positions from HR to IT.

AT&T

I intentionally left AT&T for last, because their military discount plan really isn’t worth much of a mention in addition to all the problems AT&T users have recently had (did you experience the major outages in 2017?).

They have a wide coverage area in the United States, coming in at a close second to Verizon. The military discount offered by AT&T is 15% off monthly service charges on qualifying plans. Their unlimited plans start at $70 a month for one line. In my opinion, 15% doesn’t come close to the amazing discounts the other carriers are offering.

These military discounts can really help military families lower their cellphone bills while still staying connected to the ones they love!

Are you looking to change your current cellphone carrier? Would you switch to one that offers a military discount?

10 Military Discounts for When You’re Stationed in SoCal

By

Welcome to glowing sunsets, mountain hikes and seemingly endless summer! Sunny Southern California can be a dream duty station for those lucky enough to get assigned here.

With beaches and wineries and, let’s be honest, Disneyland so close by, you’re going to want to go everywhere and do everything. But checking items off your SoCal bucket list can get a little pricey.

Keep costs down and hit the tourist hot spots with these military discounts.

10 Military Discounts for When You’re Stationed in SoCal

1. San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo has been a leader in zoos and wildlife conservation for more than 100 years. Visit the historic zoo, located in Balboa Park or head to the Safari Park in Escondido for a day of adventure. With military discounts, service members and their families can save a little bit on their trip!

Active duty troops get complimentary access to both parks with their DoD ID. Military dependents can claim 10% off their daily admission fees too. There are no limits on how often troops and their families can use these discounted tickets.

Veterans and non-active duty reserve troops are not offered a discount at the gate. Tickets with discounted pricing are offered through ITT or MWR offices at military bases throughout Southern California.

2. SeaWorld San Diego

You’re sure to have a whale of a good time at SeaWorld San Diego! Head down to San Diego’s bay area for a fun-filled day of thrilling rides, entertaining animals shows and learning about our oceans.

Active duty troops and their dependents can spend a day at the park for free, thanks to the Waves of Honor military salute! This deal expires on December 31, 2018, but is typically renewed annually.

Through September 30, 2018, veterans and up to three guests can go to SeaWorld for free!

3. Hornblower Cruises

It’s fair winds and following seas for deploying service members with a dinner cruise package from Hornblower Cruises! They’ve included special extras to help make this often stressful time a little more enjoyable.

Military personnel and their families can enjoy discounted Hornblower cruises anytime when they purchase tickets through their base ITT or MWR office.

4. San Diego Padres

Take your family to the ballgame with discounted tickets! Attend a military salute game for cheaper. Going on a Sunday gets you a bigger discount too.

Make sure to bring a little extra for Cracker Jack and a drink. Maybe you’ll even catch a foul ball!

5. Legoland California

Get your brick on at Legoland and SeaLife Aquarium! Spend the day at Legoland with a 25% discount or hop between the theme park, water park and aquarium with a combo ticket. Combo tickets up the value with increased discounts and free days!

If you’re going spur of the moment, claim up to 10% off at the gate with your military ID. When you visit ITT or MWR, you can even grab discounted annual passes!

6. Temecula Wineries

Enjoy a staycation in Temecula with discounted hotel rates and winery tastings. Head to Old Town for a taste of the old west or stay at a winery resort for an immersive experience. Grab discounted tasting coupons to local wineries through 2018 to celebrate the valley’s 50 year anniversary.

Related: 30 Military-Friendly Wineries and Breweries You’ll Want to Sample

Many wineries are child-friendly, with open lawns and occasionally a playground! Bring a picnic and make a day of your adventure to the Inland Empire.

7. USS Midway

Check out the Navy of the past with a visit to the USS Midway on San Diego’s Embarcadero. Active duty military can board for free! Veterans can also claim a discount on tickets.

Stroll the decks and reminisce about the quality of chipped beef on toast at the cafe. Military kids will love to peek at the bunkrooms and see where the racks are on board.

8. Old Town Trolley Tours

Dip your toes into all San Diego has to offer with a fun hop-on hop-off trolley tour. From Old Town to Coronado, you’ll learn all about the history of this wonderful city. Head to ITT and MWR for discounted tickets.

In November, military personnel and veterans can hitch a ride for free!

9. Knott’s Berry Farm

Brave the big drops and loop-the-loops on some giant roller coasters at a discount! Military troops and their families can grab cheaper admission every day when you show your ID at the gate. However, military personnel need to be present to qualify for the discount.

While you’re there, say “hi” to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends. Grab a chicken dinner and make sure you leave room for dessert!

10. Disneyland and California Adventure

It’s not SoCal without a visit to Mickey and company! Now you can go to the Happiest Place on Earth with a sizeable discount.

Grab multi-day passes with the Military Salute ticket packages. Some packages offer options to hop between Disneyland and California Adventure! You are limited to six tickets per military family per year. This deal is also only for active duty troops and their dependents.

When you buy military tickets, you’ll also qualify for a discounted PhotoPass.

If you’ve already used your Military Salute tickets, discounted passes are available at ITT and MWR offices nationwide. Make a total vacation of it and stay at Disneyland with a military discount. Call the resort or book online to qualify.

What are your favorite SoCal military discounts or special offers? Share your top spots in the comments!

5 Things to Consider When Making Your Duty Station Wish List

By

How many times have you had to make your duty station wish list? I’d say for us that it’s too many to count, but I did count. This is my 17th house. How did that happen and where did the time go?

5 Things to Consider When Making Your Duty Station Wish List

PCS orders are always a gamble or perhaps it’s luck of the draw.

Our time at this house has just come to an end as well. I’ve always been up for adventure and loved moving. We’ve been here for three years now and I keep thinking it has to be time to go. I haven’t lived anywhere this long since I was a kid.

Whether it’s your first time making a duty station wish list or your twentieth, talking about the different options is sure to have you on the edge of your seat. You can request a specific location but don’t get your heart set on it.

It’s always a gamble or perhaps it’s luck of the draw.

Even if you are told you have PCS orders to one location, it can always change.

We just made our wish list and for a brief moment we had verbal orders to our first choice. Then my husband got promoted. That’s fantastic of course, but we lost our PCS orders. There wasn’t an opening at that location for his new rank. We got our second choice. Technically we still have verbal orders so until I see it in print, I’m not signing on the dotted line for a new home.

Have you made a duty station wish list and gotten your first pick?

Making a wish list is not universal across the branches.

For the most part though, you provide a list of your top three choices for your next duty station and a detailer tries to match what’s available. Some people merely fill out a paper, while others “have an in” with the detailer. They have been known to work a bit of magic to get desirable orders. Not everyone gets that chance though. Sometimes service members are given their choices and told to pick. The higher the rank, the fewer choices there are for the most part. That can be good.

I have mixed feelings about our choice. Part of me wants to go on another adventure, but then I also love that this location has so much to offer for families. As we have grown older and had children, our priorities have changed and what we look for when making our wish list has too. What things do you consider when making your wish list?

Here are five things to consider when making your duty station wish list:

Do you want to go somewhere new or are you trying to get back to a place you’ve already been? What was it about the previous duty station that makes you want to go back or what is it about the new place that makes you want to move there?

What is the work schedule like for your spouse? Will you see more of them in one location or will they be traveling more? A few of my friends moved overseas, which is exciting, but their spouses are constantly flying back to the United States for training.

For my family, at this duty station my husband works over an hour away but deploys every six months for six months. We don’t see much of him here and that’s why we live near the city instead of in the middle of nowhere where the military base is.

Is your job transferable? If you work, will you be able to transfer with the company? Consider certifications that might need to be renewed in certain locations as well. Are there job opportunities otherwise or will you not work?

What is family life like in that area? If you have children, what are the schools like? Are there many activities for families? Will the weather be agreeable for getting out of the house to play and sightsee?

Will there be family support? This could be from the family readiness group or family support office. Will there be base events or are there enlisted or officers spouses clubs? Consider groups out in town as well.

Making friends and having a support group is key to enjoying your duty station.

There are many things to consider when making your duty station wish list. No matter where you’re sent, it’s up to you to make the most of it. If you go with a positive outlook, make friends, learn about the area and get to know the place, you will be more likely to have a great experience.

Make your duty station wish list, but be open to a new adventure. Hopefully you’ll get your first pick, but if you don’t, that’s ok too.

How do you decide where to take PCS orders? What’s on your duty station wish list?

5 Military Discounts for Your RV Rental Adventures

By

Are you renting or taking your RV out this summer for some family fun time?

Make sure you get the most for your money with military savings. There are many RV rental companies that offer military discounts as well as military campgrounds that are a lot of fun for low prices. Here are five recreational vehicle rental companies to consider when planning your RV adventure.

Getting a Military Discount when Renting a Recreational Vehicle

If you don’t own an RV and need to rent one, you’ll be happily surprised to find that many RV rental companies offer military discounts. Some MWR facilities also rent RVs.

Share My Rental is a company that matches would-be RV renters with owners in California. They offer a 5% military discount.

RV Rentals USA gives a 5% discount to military families renting an RV in Texas.

Bates International has special military discounts for renting RVs across America and Canada.

American Dream Vacations is a veteran-owned business that offers military discounts for RV rentals.

Roadrunner RV Rental is also a veteran-owned business that offers military discounts for RV rentals.

Affordable and Convenient Military Campgrounds

Looking for a campground? Check out some of the wonderful military campgrounds to take your RV to this summer. They are operated by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office of each branch.

The Air Force has more than 60 camping locations around the world. They even have a frequent camper program.

If you plan on taking a few trips with an RV, joining the Air Force’s frequent camper program is a great idea. Membership gives you access to information about camp sites and it also has incentives for visiting them. A wonderful bonus is that you can earn up to 25 free nights of camping at USAF campgrounds.

One campground to try is Birch Lake Recreation Area in Alaska. It has amazing views.

The Army’s MWR has a great collection of campgrounds around the country as well.

If you’re planning on parking your RV at an Army MWR campground, try Fort Benning’s Army Recreation Area in Destin, Fla. I’ve lived in Destin twice and its emerald waters cannot be beat. This campground is situated right on the water with amazing restaurants within walking distance. You can also rent boats from this MWR office.

Related: 5 Simple Recipes for Your Summer Camping Trip

The Navy MWR also has fantastic campgrounds to enjoy with your family. If you find yourself in Florida, the Oak Grove Park in Pensacola, Fla., is a great place to camp.

All the way on the other side of the country is Cliffside RV Park at NAS Whidbey, Wa. This is great place to visit. Your family can explore the area and perhaps see a bald eagle.

All of the MWR campgrounds offer great amenities in a wonderful setting. You can’t beat the rates either.

If you want to venture to non-military campgrounds, make sure you check to see if they offer a military discount before making your reservation. Encore and Thousand Trails offer a 20% discount at RV sites around the country.

I love that you can park your RV at Jellystone Park. Really. There are over 80 Jellystone Parks across the country. They have great amenities including electric and sewer hook-ups, water, 30- to 50-amp service and picnic tables. Don’t forget the military discount.

Tents for Troops is a program where your family can go camping for free. They offer a minimum of two nights stay at RV sites for free. This is possible through the generosity of large organizations that donate the space to active duty military families.

There are so many great opportunities for RV vacations that you’re sure to find the right one for your family.

Where have you taken an RV on vacation?

Parental Leave Policies Extended for Service Members

By

New parents will soon benefit from more generous paid maternity medical leave, as well as primary and secondary parental leave instituted by the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

These new policies were updated as part of the Department of Defense Parental Leave Program and are retroactive to December 2016.

Parental Leave Policies Extended for Service Members

How do you think these generous parental leave policies will impact military families?

Military Extends Parental Leave Policy for Service Members

The updated and expanded parental leave policies apply to birth parents, including same-sex couples, as well as adoptive and surrogate parents.

Maternal convalescent leave and either primary or secondary parental leave may be combined. Non-convalescent parental leave can be used at any time within the child’s first year of life or after adoption.

Parental leave doesn’t have to be taken immediately after birth or adoption but can be spread out as desired by the service member. However, the allocated leave days must be taken consecutively.

Parents can determine if the active duty member will serve as a primary or secondary caregiver. Birth mothers are not automatically categorized as the primary caregiver.

Related: Should Women Be Included in the Draft?

While the coverage is relatively uniform in terms of inclusivity, there are some slight variations across the services. Additionally, the Army has not announced any changes to their parental leave policies at this time.

Air Force

Active duty airmen can now take up to six weeks of maternal convalescent leave. In addition, primary caregiver leave is also six weeks. Secondary caregiver leave is 21 days.

Personnel may only hold one caregiver designation

This policy is among the most generous of all four services that have announced changes.

“We now have not only the most generous parental leave policy in the Department of Defense, we have the most generous parental leave policy in the federal government,” Kaleth Wright, chief master sergeant of the Air Force, wrote in a Facebook.

Coast Guard

Those who serve in the Coast Guard are granted six weeks of maternal convalescent leave. Primary caregiver leave is also six weeks, with 21 days of secondary caregiver leave allowed. This new policy increases the secondary parental leave from 10 to 21 days.

“The strength of our Coast Guard families determines the strength of our Coast Guard,” said Adm. Karl L. Schultz, Coast Guard commandant. “That’s why time off to care for new family members is really a readiness issue.  Our members need – and deserve – time to bond with their new child and adjust to new routines so they can return to work ready to keep the nation safe.”

Navy

Sailors are authorized six weeks of maternal convalescent leave. Primary caregivers can take six weeks and secondary caregivers can take 14 days.

“Navy’s parental leave program supports Sailor 2025’s goal of removing obstacles that negatively influence a Sailor’s decision to stay Navy when they are looking to start or raise a family,” according to a statement from the Navy.

Marine Corps

Marines can take six weeks of convalescent leave, as well as six weeks of primary caregiver leave. Fourteen days of secondary caregiver leave is authorized under the updated policy. This mirrors the Naval parental leave policy as the Marine Corps falls under the Department of the Navy.

Extended Parental Leave General Policies

All updated parental leave policies are retroactive to December 23, 2016. Troops may combine maternal convalescent leave with either primary or secondary caregiver leave.

While leave categories may be taken separately or jointly, they must be taken in their entirety within the first year following birth or adoption. Service members can only qualify under one of the caregiver categories, per the descriptions in their service-specific guidance.

How do you think these generous parental leave policies will impact military families?

Deployment Is a Great Time for a Healthy Change

By

by Amanda Marksmeier, Guest Contributor

No one wants to get the news a loved one is deploying. While it might be tempting to press the pause button on your life, instead press the reset button.

Deployments are the perfect excuse to reset and refocus on your health.

Everyone wants to know how to make deployment go by quickly. Our instinct is to rush through unpleasant times and circumstances. Instead of looking at a deployment as something to blitz through, use deployments as a time to set and achieve personal goals.

Deployment Is a Great Time for a Healthy Change

Whether it is incorporating meatless Mondays or taking a paddleboard yoga class I thoughtfully use deployments as a way to participate in activities which will improve my life, mind and body.

Goals Keep You Focused and Achievement Keeps You Going

I will be the first to admit, setting goals can be challenging.

If your goals are too low, you will get bored.

If they are too high, you’ll get discouraged.

What do you want to accomplish while your spouse is away? Want to form better eating habits, find balance or start exercising?

Whatever you choose, commitment to it. Decide what you need to do to achieve your goals and start preparing prior to deployment. Schedule time in your calendar to focus on your goals.

Your health is just as important as FRG coffees.

Once you have established your goals, write them down. Put them in plain sight where you will see them daily. Hang your goals on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror. They will serve as a constant reminder and motivate you to keep going.

Set Realistic Goals

Saying “I want to lose 50 pounds in a month” is not only unrealistic, it is unhealthy. If your deployment goal is to lose weight talk with your health care provider and decide what is a reasonably goal.

Losing weight is like a marathon. Pace yourself and take it one day at a time.

Don’t Stay Busy, Stay Active

The thought of working out can be intimidating and exhausting, particularly if you haven’t done it in a long time. Don’t overthink it. Any movement is a step in the right direction.

If you don’t enjoy running, don’t sign up for a marathon. You’ll hate preparing for it and it will be so much easier to quit.

Find something you enjoy and start moving.

Related: How Does Tricare Work When You ‘Move Home’ for the Deployment?

Love dancing? Try a Zumba class. You can show off your mad dance skills while burning a ton of calories.

Searching for balance? Yoga can help you breathe and stretch until you find inner peace.

Frustrated over the deployment? Boxing classes are a great way to get cardio in and frustrations out.

Whatever you choose to do mark it on your calendar, invite friends to join you and get moving.

You Are Not Alone

Human beings are not meant to go through life alone. We survive and thrive in community settings.

Build a community with people who share similar interests and goals. Befriend your neighbors, parents at your child’s school or military spouses in your unit.

You will need these friendships to get through this deployment.

Be Healthy Together

Once you have established your community start scheduling healthy meals and workout dates. Find buddies who will be motivating and keep you accountable.

When we were stationed in Georgia a neighbor and dear friend used to come get me for daily walks. She didn’t give me the opportunity to say no.

Another dear friend in Tennessee would sign us up for crazy exercise classes.

I love both these women because they kept me motivated and made me accountable. I needed to be strong-armed into exercising. My friends knew this and complied.

It doesn’t matter whether you are the one motivating or the one that needs motivation, the important thing is to find accountability partners who will accomplish deployment goals with you.

Deployments can be lonely and draining especially if you only view it as a time away from your spouse. Don’t dwell on the separation.

Think of deployments as a time to focus on yourself and your goals.

If you change your focus it will change your outlook on the situation. When my husband drops the deployment news I get a bit excited thinking about the things I want to achieve while he is gone.

Whether it is incorporating meatless Mondays or taking a paddleboard yoga class I thoughtfully use this time to do activities which will improve my life, mind and body.

How will you use the next deployment to make healthy lifestyle changes?

Amanda Marksmeier is an Army wife and mother of four. She works as an employment specialist assisting the military community in achieving their career goals. Amanda is also a contributing writer for a quarterly employment journal and has written for several military affiliated blogs.

Pet Sitting Options for Military Families

By

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but if you’re worried about your furry family member back home it can be anything but stress-free. Finding reliable pet pitting options can be challenging for military families. We move often and need to start from scratch building our pet care support teams.

3 Pet Sitting Options for Military Families to Consider for Their Summer Vacations

Whether you’re headed away for a long weekend or a few weeks to visit your parents in Montana, here are three pet sitting options for you to think about no matter where you are stationed with the military.

Pet Sitting Options for Military Families

Do your due diligence before hiring a pet sitter or kennel. It’s important that you like and trust the folks who will be caring for your dog or cat while you are away.

Pet Boarding Facilities

Some call them kennels (we’ll use this name) or pet hotels, but generally, these are places where multiple animals are being cared for at the same time.

Kennels are businesses that are typically owned and/or operated by individuals that have a background in pet care. They often offer complimentary services, like grooming, training or doggie daycare too. Some are operated by a veterinary clinic.

Each animal will have their own separate living area or kennel, where they will spend their days and nights. Many kennels include daily exercise in their basic package or offer extra daycare type interaction for an additional cost.

Kennels often offer trial daycare in order to ensure their facility is a good fit for your pet. They also require current vet records with evidence of standard vaccinations.

Pros:

  • Kennels are licensed businesses and have to follow laws regarding cleanliness or licensing for pet care services.
  • Your animal will get professional level care in a dedicated facility.
  • Your pet has the option for social interaction with other animals or with humans.
  • You can add on other services during your pet’s stay.
  • Staff is trained on basic animal care and health issues.

Cons:

  • There will be multiple pets in the kennel at once.
  • More than one species of animal might be boarded.
  • You will not be able to predict how your pet interacts with the other animals during the exercise or socializing portions of the day.
  • Your animal will be in a kennel, which might be different than their traditional home environment.
  • There may be a wait time.
  • Fees are non-negotiable and might add up quickly depending on your pet’s needs.

Private Pet Sitters

Another option is to work with a private individual pet sitter. This service is typically operated out of a person’s home and may or may not be licensed.

Pet sitting service platforms, like Rover, help connect pet sitters with clients. They off protections and guarantees to both their customers and their service providers.

Another option is to find an individual on your own, through social media or advertisements. You might even connect in-person by using a friend or neighbor!

Private pet sitters typically care for the pet in their home. Your pet is treated as a member of their family. Often pet sitters will watch one pet at a time or only the pets from one family at a time. If they do have their own animals, or might be watching another pet, private pet sitters could offer to arrange an initial meet-up to make sure everyone gets along.

Pros:

  • Your pet(s) might be the only one at the home.
  • Your pet will be treated as a member of the family and be in a home environment.
  • Rates are often flexible, but are usually all-inclusive (treats, walks, socialization, etc.)
  • You know exactly who will be caring for your pet.

Cons:

  • Pet sitters might not have extensive training or experience in pet care. They might simply like pets!
  • Private pet sitters may or may not be officially licensed to operate this business in this location.
  •  No other services (grooming, training) will be offered.
  • The pet sitter may or may not have training for pet health emergencies.

Pet + House Sitting

Some pets do best in their own homes. Having someone come directly to your pet can be a great option for pets that need minimal care, like fish, independent pets, like cats or reptiles, or elderly animals.

When you have a pet sitter come directly to your home, they might also water your plants, take in the mail and make your home look “lived in.”

There are different options for this type of in-home service.

  • Full care: someone stays in your home the entire time you’re away.
  • Occasional care: someone drops by your home several times throughout the day to provide walks, playtime, food and water.
  • Dog walking: someone comes at pre-arranged specific times to take your dog for a walk or to a dog park; this is not a good option for multi-day trips, but might work for a long day trip.

Pros: 

  • Your pet is in a familiar setting with all their creature comforts.
  • Your home has human activity, which could be a deterrent for burglars.
  • Your pet has regular human interaction and exercise on their typical schedule.

Cons:

  • You need to provide a key to the pet sitter.
  • The sitter has access to your home and possessions.

How to Select Your Pet Sitting Option

Before you make a final decision, it is good to explore all options to find the best fit for your pet, your budget and your own personality.

As you consider your options, it’s important that you ask questions pertaining to your pet and situation.

Consider asking all pet sitters and kennels:

  • What is your experience with caring for pets? Do you have references?
  • How will my pet interact with other animals?
  • How often will my pet go for walks/be let out of his kennel?
  • What is your pet security plan? Does your yard/facility have a fence? Will you let my pet off-leash?
  • What will my pet’s day be like when she stays with you?
  • What records and health certificates does my pet need in order to work with you?

For private pet sitters, consider asking:

  • How many other pets will be in your home during my pet’s stay?
  • Where will my pet be sleeping?
  • Will you be taking my pet off your property? If so, could you please explain when and where?

For in-home sitters, you need to ask:

  • What measures are in place to protect my possessions and security?
  • Do you/your employees have current background checks that I can review?

No matter what, do your due diligence before finalizing a pet sitter or kennel. It’s important that you like and trust the folks who will be caring for your dog or cat while you are away.

Who takes care of your pet when you go on vacation?