Flashlights, extra socks, money for the Canteen, shoes that can get dirty, a bar of soap (that may or may not ever get used), a sleeping bag… all the makings of great memories, new friends, growing older.  My boys are once again ready for another great year at a summer camp! After a great week at Camp Ligonier, summer 2011 This year the now seven, almost eight year old, will be old enough to go too.  Imagine that a whole week with the 10 and 8 year old off on an adventure.  A whole week with just time for me, hubs and my 2 year old.  (He’ll be old enough…

I love the theme of this year’s Month of the Military Child!“Celebrate Military Children – the Strength of our Future” Military-Brats are strong!  Active Duty kids move around the country, acclimating themselves to new cultures, new friends, new surroundings.  They, along with our National Guard and Reserve children, are separated from one or both of their parents for long periods at a time. As the mom of four military children I know they hold the key to the future.  I pray for their future.  I work to ensure that they are educated, social and well rounded.  When their dad was deployed we sought the support we needed.  We used programs like Military Kids, the…

This is going to be quick because I need to get outside and play with MY favorite Military-Brats.  It is their first day of Spring Break.  It is over 70 degrees outside.  There is no reason for my to be behind the computer EXCEPT as a quick reminder that April is Month of the Military Child!  What a wonderful group-of people to celebrate.  I am one!  I may be 36… but will always be a Brat!   It has defined me, and continues to define me. My own children, are a different sort of Brat.  They may not PCS every two-years like I did as a child but they have seen their…

The USS Bataan Performing Multiple Missions off Haiti – DoD Roundtable The USS Bataan has begun ship to shore operations with assets from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit with their CH-53 and UH-1N helicopters. They have established a humanitarian relief distribution center near Port-au-Prince. The DoD New Media Directorate conducted a DoD Bloggers Roundtable Discussion with U.S. Navy Capt. Samuel Charles Henry Howard, commanding officer of the USS Bataan from his ship off the Haitian coast. Thank you Captain Howard for taking the time to tell us what your men and women were doing to support the relief efforts! The Bataan medical staff now has 17 patients aboard the ship…