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May is Military Appreciation Month
“… being part of the military tradition and all of the hoopla!” This month is Military Appreciation Month and while it highlights an opportunity for government leaders, civilians, neighbors, extended family and businesses to thank our men and women in uniform, their families and veterans; we should take a moment to appreciate ourselves too! The military lifestyle is tough and we share a unique perspective on world events. Yes, we have/had jobs where our families watched CNN or other news to see where we might be going next. How many prayers have gone up for our safety, protection and success? This month is a great opportunity to reflect on what…
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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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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 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…
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A “Soldier of Finance” Review
Soldier of Finance author, Jeff Rose“Why are you struggling with finances?”Looking for a new approach to financial matters? How about reading a book organized for the military community mindset? The first question a military member says in basic training, “Why am I here?” fits right into “Soldier of Finance” as author Jeff Rose, Certified Financial Planner opens the mission with how he got there and why. A member of the Army National Guard, Jeff served a one year combat deployment and explains how the Guard trained, matured, instilled drive and gave him a purpose. His faith leads the way but the soldier comes out as the book guides you through…
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New beginnings! Are you ready?
The new school year, a PCS this summer, a new job/employment, a deployment return or departure, a new or revitalized faith, a new workout routine, a wedding, a birth, a health crisis … all can be new beginnings for the military community. So how do you help yourself during new “stuff”? Remember the Old! It gives us strength to remember what helped us in the past. Looking at old pictures is a great way to enjoy old friends, family times, previous assignments, etc. More important though is the support emotionally and physically we get from the routines that we created to cope with the military lifestyle. The new school…
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A Gold Star Mom Speaks Up! DoD Blogger Roundtable
Staff Sergeant Carter See Photo Credit BelowStaff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter will receive the Congressional Medal of Honor on Monday, August 26th for heroism at Combat Outpost Keating, Afghanistan on Oct. 3, 2009. There were eight soldiers from Carter’s unit killed during a ferocious battle that day. Pfc. Stephan Mace was one of them and his mother, Vanessa Adelson, has chosen to speak up to the American public about this story to highlight the sacrifices that are being made by the military community. The Gold Star community often serves quietly as Leanne noted earlier this week in her blog, “The Gold Star Family and Our American Flag“. Vanessa Adelson wants…
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GUARD Your Health! DoD Blogger Roundtable
GUARD Your Health! A very clever title and name for a National Guard health website > like it a lot. The Army National Guard launched a mobile friendly “GUARD Your Health” website on the 27th of June! With numerous resources for the geographically dispersed members of the National Guard, they want you to know it is there. With categories for health tools, health topics, benefits and resources, an Ask the Experts section and even personal stories to provide a pathway for others living the Guard Life, the site brings great resources to one location. Col. Anne L. Naclerio, Chief Surgeon, Army National Guard Directorate, and Chair, Women’s Health Task Force,…
