Military Spouse Network
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As a member of the United States Armed Forces I often hear: “Thank you for your service.” But how often do we thank a military spouse?
Who thanks those who work behind the scenes to make the home life of military personnel less of a concern so military members can focus on the task at hand? Soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, Coast Guards — they are all people with personal lives and personal affairs. When we are overseas we have to leave everything behind. I can’t tell you how important it is that things at home are “squared away.” Soldiers worried about their children, their home, their bills or their parents will not be able to focus on the mission. This isn’t a job you can do half-heartedly or amid distraction. See More
Veterans United Network’s Christy Lewis breaks down some of the best ways to make the perfect care package for your soldier.
There are certain things that are impossible prepare for, losing a spouse being chief among them. As a military spouse I can talk about the possibility, discuss options and get finances in order ahead of time. I have thought about the very real possibility that my husband would be killed, captured, disabled or severely injured either physically or mentally. I have prayer and support networks, but I will just never be prepared for that reality.
When I first heard the news about Robert Bales, the soldier accused of killing 17 Afghan civilians, I felt an intense mixture of horror, disgust, sadness, fear, grief, loss and confusion. I was angry at a soldier for killing Afghan civilians, including children. I was angry that someone would do this. I felt like screaming and crying and yelling. See More
I decided to bust some of the more common military myths. While I think people are generally supportive of military families, the disconnect between civilian and military families is growing. For example, I was talking with a friend the other day about the chore of filing annual income taxes when she blurted out: ”Your husband doesn’t pay taxes, though!” I was taken aback by this person’s assumption that military service somehow gets veterans “off the hook” when it comes to paying their share.
This military-civilian disconnect can lead to some serious misunderstandings, so I want to set the record straight on the most common military myths I have heard regarding spouses and families.
I am very excited to introduce something new from Military Spouse Central: We are going to start having live group video chats! This will be an awesome opportunity for you to talk to other military spouses, ask questions, vent, get ideas for care packages and relate to other spouses who know what you are going through.
Friday, March 9, at 4 p.m. CST
Your perspective as a military spouse and overview of resources and how to get advice, support and help. See More
A big part of military life is learning to cut through red tape. You need appointments just to make an appointment.
Before you lose your mind, here are some tips to help you make your way through the paperwork:
Making care packages is a great way to show your spouse you care, regardless of whether you craft a valentine or collect some of their favorite items from the store. It’s a super way to feel connected to your spouse.
Remember that medium size packages (under 15 lbs) typically ship in about 14 days, but it can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly. With Valentine’s Day less than a month away, now is the time to get those love-themed packages together and out the door.
I thought we would have a little bit of fun and wrote this light hearted piece to parody of “The 12 Days of Christmas“. I had a lot of fun writing this and I hope that you enjoy reading it!
On the 1st day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
PCS orders for across the country!
On the 2nd day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Two Skype calls,
and PCS orders for across the country, second time in three years!
On the 3rd day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls, long awaited,
And PCS orders for across the country! See More
Being apart from your spouse during deployment is one of the difficult realities of military life. The holidays can be unfortunate reminders of their absence.
But there are ways to keep your deployed spouse involved in your holiday traditions and make the season family-oriented. Here’s a look at five options: See More
If you’re a military spouse, you know your chances of moving are pretty high. And that can wreak havoc on career plans. A sudden PCS from Hawaii to Kansas can turn a promising degree in tourist management into a hollow document.
But some degrees and career paths are a bit more travel-friendly than others. If a military lifestyle is likely part of your future, consider five degrees and professions that travel well. See More
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