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Online Vocational Training Scholarship for Veterans
There are so many opportunities afforded to our military veterans after all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. However, sometimes we just don’t know what is out there. There are 15,000 job openings in the commercial-food service industry for service technicians and Vet2Tech wants to provide scholarships to Veterans for the online vocational training that is required. Head to Vet2Tech Scholarship Challenge! to learn more (including how to apply for this scholarship opportunity: http://vet2tech.org/nonprofit-attacks-high-veteran-unemployment-rate-provides-funding-for-vocational-training/ Hurry for this one though. Applications are due Friday, January 31st. Share this opportunity on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest (you can use the handy tool bar on the left if you aren’t mobile)…
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Inspiration for Veterans Day > A Critically Wounded Hero and His Wife Speak Up
As Veterans Day approaches my thoughts (and I am guessing many Americans as well) frequently go to images of World War II veterans, local veteran recognition, parades, corporate efforts for veteran employment announcements and images of Arlington National Cemetery. CPT Edward Klein and wife Jessica See below for photo creditThe wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have created a new focus on veterans and one that often (thankfully) includes the wounded heroes who will bear the scars, invisible injuries and lost limbs of war. Captain Edward Klein, US Army, a triple amputee due to an IED attack in Afghanistan, and his wife Jessica joined the DoD Blogger Roundtable to discuss their…
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The Gift of Guns & Gratitude
Yesterday I bought a gun. I guess that sentence has more weight then I intend, especially because it is a gift for my husband’s 40th birthday, coming up towards the end of the month. But *I* had to fill out all the paperwork, the gun is registered in my name and the clerk made it very clear it was mine. Yep, it’s mine. But here is my story. The conversation with the clerk started off a little rough, especially because my gun knowledge is about this much > . < Not much at all. I knew what kind he wanted and he had pointed some out in a flier so I brought…
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Watch out for Scammers during the Government Shutdown
The government shutdown is having an impact on Americans (and the military community specifically) in numerous ways. The added inconveniences, costs (commissary closings), loss of income, reduced training opportunities and much more are adding stress to military families too. With this turbulence comes the opportunity for scammers to target you as well. These folks are out there and they take advantage of everyone; but the military lifestyle creates some unique challenges and many times the bad guys know this. With the current reduced government protective resources the identify theft folks are working overtime right now; the new health care law is new and a bit confusing which opened the door…
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A simple compliment and my heart smiles
Have you ever thought about how far a compliment can take someone? A couple of weeks ago my parents were visiting when one of them made the simple but genuine statement, “Leanne, your house is always so clean.”, and the other was quick to agree. Now let’s take a step back. From my perspective, my house is not clean. There are four boys (five including hubs). Weekends and evenings involve soccer, homework, Legos, Hot Wheels, running, jumping, playing. Although all of us are involved in one shape or form in keeping the house tidy (to the extent it can be) I am the cleaner. and cleaning is just not my thing. I love a clean…
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A View of Military Family Security and the Washington Naval Shipyard Attack
See Photo Credit BelowDo you feel safe on or near your military installation? News media coverage of the two attacks on military installations (Washington Naval Shipyard and Ft Hood) and Islamic terror attacks in Kenya and Pakistan against foreigners visiting a mall and Christians in church have again raised awareness of personal and family security. Last week’s Washington Naval Shipyard murders and the Fort Hood terrorist attack in 2009 against our soldiers remind us that it is a turbulent world in which we live. A downright scary world for some and our military community is certainly in the limelight. The Department of Defense is starting a couple of reviews to…
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Girlfriends
Ah vacation … what is meant to be a great time to get away can be so very stressful. Especially those hours leading up to a trip. Packing the van for a family trip is my personal hell. Setting the expectation that my husband will help me when I want him to help me always leaves me… disappointed, frustrated, misunderstood. To say my husband works hard is an understatement. That I get. Let’s put it this way, vacation is scheduled to start today (like at 0800) and he is at work. There was nothing he could do about that fact. I have accepted that because flexibility is the name of the…
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Take Care of Your Family While on that Hike
Sign In at the TrailheadMost military families are active! They do not sit at home and whether they explore the local area or visit a county/state/national park they can find themselves challenged in new and different ways. Avoiding injuries or illness while staying active can take some planning and thought. During a recent trip I hiked in the Adirondack National Park/ New York State Forest and it was certainly a great time. But I did take a few precautions based on where I was going and what I knew about the area. So a bit of intelligence gathering about the location of a hike can be critical. Do you…
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New and Old Adventures for the Military Family
Old adventure!A military PCS is always an adventure! In fact, “military lifestyle” is a synonym for adventure. Finding new fun things to do in your new community after a PCS can be challenging for a military family! Heading outdoors, new schools, new jobs, getting out the front door, off the installation, exploring social opportunities, meeting new friends, visiting local highlights, browsing new malls, walking new trails and playing on new park equipment can be the best of times. But last week I had the greatest time exploring an adventure from the past! Charleston, South Carolina was a wonderful place to live but the summer’s were hot and humid and each…
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A change of view, a new perspective
Check out this handsome guy. He is the definition of Enthusiasm.Brand new glasses and he is seeing the world a little bit clearer. But let me tell you how EXCITED he is about his new view. His excitement about his glasses is quite contagious. You can’t help but smile as he talks about no one recognizing him at school tomorrow, who is going to comment, how he can. not. wait. for a new school day. A little chuckle wells up as he asks for another wipe to clean his glasses. And as he says, “WOW, I can read the clock now!” you know that change is good. How about your new…
