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Hiking in the Cold North
I set a personal record for a winter hike yesterday! It was a cold day but not bitter like it had been for a while (seemed like months actually). It was a long ways from those hikes in Panama, Nevada, Florida, Virginia, Texas and other warm places that the Air Force sent us. Much closer to Iceland, Illinois and Washington state in many circumstances like the wind chill (about zero during the hike), the snow covered surface and cloud cover. Maybe I should explain why I hike outside in the wintertime? I think they forgot to plow us today!First, I like a challenge! Yep, it is a challenge to get…
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Express Scripts and Tricare on Twitter and other social media
Yikes, a week of a much needed medication on hand and the refill is disapproved by Express Scripts/Tricare! What next? We have been a beneficiary of the military medical system for almost 43 years and have found it to be caring, responsive and helpful in most cases but last week we ran into an illogical response to a refill request for a non-formulary medication. I did find a new way to reach out when we needed help quicker than “you can appeal, provide documentation and fill out the paperwork”, etc, etc when you have a week’s worth of medication left. Our family doctor had tried to explain but received…
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Our Flag and Memories of 9/11
It was a simple act this morning: lowering the flag to half staff to remember 9/11/2001. It was a cool and wet morning and at first, I hesitated. Why should I head out within a week of chemotherapy, etc. I could find all kinds of reasons to sit in my comfortable chair and sip coffee… I was still on active duty; in fact, my crew had landed from an overseas mission in the middle of the night and headed home for some well deserved rest that was not to be. Half asleep and time zoned from a trip half way around the world, I was surprised to see and hear…
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Stomping Out Sarcoma 5K Fun Run/Walk > Wordless Wednesday
#FASTSOS #CureSarcoma #SarcomaAwarenessMonth Join Us Dale Kissinger, ie. “Col K” is a co-founder of MilitaryAvenue.com and retired Air Force pilot who served with the best of the military community from the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force. He flew combat rescue and special operations helicopters, fixed wing trainers, special operations airlift and retired while flying the C-17 as the Vice Wing Commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing at McChord AFB. He served his country during conflicts in Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan.byColonel KonWednesday, July 16, 2014Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestMilitary Life:5K Fun Run Walk,Cancer,Col K,Sarcoma Awareness Month,Sarcoma Cancer
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Stomping Out Sarcoma > A Warrior’s Way
“The hills are getting tougher at times…” A Fun Run/Walk, A Bike Ride Fundraiser, A Physical Fitness Plan, A Facebook Support Group, An “Awareness Month”: What do they have in common? For this warrior, they mean fighting Sarcoma Cancer through new awareness and research, survivor support and fitness for the many battles ahead. So “what is sarcoma?” is often the first question this warrior often hears. “You look healthy?” is often the second one (at least until my hair fell out during chemo). Sarcoma in this pilot’s parlance or from the perspective of someone with boots on the ground, is a soft tissue (think muscle, fat, nerves) or bone cancer.…
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My Inspiration, the Veteran in my life
Veterans Day, a day to honor and thank veterans, has come and gone. However, the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate a veteran should never be passed. As an Army National Guard wife I swell with pride whenever my husband wears his uniform to serve our country. When I remember deployment and months that I have been without him I shed a tear but then think to myself we did it! When I think about how his very basic need to serve has driven him to do just that, and to do that with honor, I remember the many qualities that attracted me to him so many years ago. But my pride in my husband stems much further back…
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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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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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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…
