Army Wife Talk Radio: Recent Episodes
Army Wife Network
Army Wife Talk Radio is the internet talk radio program to empower YOU in your military life journey. It is brought to you by the Army Wife Network Command Team and military-supportive sponsors. AWN is a collective group of military spouses and military community members on a mission to globally empower other military spouses, families and service members by providing resources that engage, educate and encourage. Check out all of our empowering resources at www.ArmyWifeNetwork.com.
In the latest episode of The Mission:Milspouse Podcast, Kathleen Palmer speaks with Jen McDonald. Jen is an award winning author with two published books, has features in anthologies, Chicken Soup For The Soul, Stars and Stripes, Military.com, Red Book, and Good Housekeeping. She also hosted the Milspouse Matters Podcast for more than 5 years. With more than 3 decades as a military spouse she leans on those experiences to provide support and empathy to military spouses. Jen is also a mother of four and grandmother who has now settled down in Texas and started a new adventure in fiction writing. Connect with Jen via social media @MilspouseMatters, @JenMcDonald88, @JenMcDonaldWriter or via her websites: http://www.milspousematters.com ; http://www.jen-mcdonald.com
Jen is offering two book bundles to our listeners! There are two ways to enter the giveaway: You can email us at Hello@missionmilspouse.org with ” Milspouse Matters ” or ” You Are Not Alone ” in the subject line, or by commenting ” Milspouse Matters ” or ” You Are Not Alone ” on any of our posts regarding this episode on our social media channels. If you are selected as one of the winners you will have the choice of receiving BOTH of her books in print or Kindle edition.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Jen McDonald. Don’t forget the amazing giveaway opportunity that Jen has just for you! Nevertheless, we greatly appreciate your support. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP #1042: You Are Not Alone first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Join Mission: Milspouse Deputy Director of Marketing, Lindsey Rauch as she interviews Dr. Lisa Dunne Author, Speaker, President of Chula Vista Christian University and Founder of the Academic Rescue Mission.
Dr. Lisa Dunne is an industry disruptor in the field of education. In addition to founding Chula Vista Christian University, she has launched 32 national K to 12 homeschool academies that are dedicated to rescuing the next generation from the toxic traits of traditional education. She is a dynamic, award-winning educator, author, and speaker with 25 years of classroom experience. She holds a Ph.D. in human development, as well as two Master’s degrees. Dr. Dunne is the author of several books, including The Multigenerational Marketplace, a guide to developing Christian communication competencies in the workplace, The Science of Social Influence, a primer on media’s insidious influence on identity, and Relating through the Lifespan, a Christian perspective on lifespan development and intergenerational mentoring. Her podcast is The Communication Architect (available on iTunes and Spotify), and her weekly radio show MindsetMatters can be heard every Saturday at 10:30pm on KPraise Radio. Her latest book, Outsourced: Why America’s Kids Need an Education Revolution, is available at OutsourcedTheBook.com and on Amazon. She has been married to her British husband, Adrian, for 33 years. They have two intelligent and compassionate homeschool graduates, Ethan and Cymone, who are their true résumé. Dr. Dunne finds great joy in coaching and teaching all generations, helping them discover God’s purpose and plan for their lives.
Connect with Dr. Dunne: www.AcademicRescueMission.com; http://www.CVCU.us
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Dr. Lisa Dunne. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP #1037: Homeschooling for Military Families first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In the latest episode of The Mission:Milspouse Podcast, Kathleen Palmer speaks with Anna Larson from Milspouse Transition. Anna Larson is an entrepreneur, copywriter, digital marketer, marketing strategist. Her newest adventure is the creation of a transition program designed specifically for military spouses, it is called Milspouse Transition. Milspouse Transition was created when a library card brought a military spouse to her knees in the hunt to find answers specific to military spouses in the process of transition from Active Duty to civilian life. Anna is also passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, she hosts a short coffee chat live stream of best practices for small businesses, monthly events for The Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE), and live streams twice monthly to provide community, conversation and support for military spouses with Spouse Link. She has also been featured in various publications, podcasts, and live streams.
Milspouse Transition is on a mission to help military spouses around the world navigate successfully out of active duty military life and on to finding new adventures. They do this by providing tools, resources, information, and community to support every military spouse the way they need it.
Get in touch with Anna and her resources at: https://milspousetransition.com/
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Anna Larson. Nevertheless, we greatly appreciate your support. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP #1041: The Milspouse Transition to Civilian Life first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In today’s episode, Lindsey Rauch our Deputy Director of Marketing, will share with us an interview with Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation. In his interview today, Ken will share the latest on Fisher House’s work supporting military families, and how to support military families beyond the military holidays. The Fisher House is best known for its network of 97 comfort homes where families of wounded, injured or ill service members and veterans can stay at no cost while their loved one receives treatment far from home.
As Chairman and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation, Ken has dedicated his life to service. He is a business leader and philanthropist with an unwavering dedication to serving those who have served our country. As a partner of Fisher Brothers, Ken presides over the daily operations, managing and leasing of one of the country’s most successful family-owned real estate development and management companies. Ken is strongly committed to serving our military community as he carries on his Great Uncle, Zach Fisher’s, legacy as chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation.
In addition to these roles, Ken currently serves as co-chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum and served as the chairman of the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida. Ken attended Ithaca College and received an honorary Doctorate of Commercial Science from the University in May 2016, among other recognitions including being named one of America’s Best Leaders by U.S. News & World Report. Most recently, he received the West Point Association of Graduates’ Sylvanus Thayer Award for 2022. Additional distinctions form a long list of honors from organizations including the United States Marine Corps, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veteran Affairs, HillVets, the Friends of the Vietnam Memorial, and many others.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about the Fisher House Foundation and their work on supporting military families, you can connect with them LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook or on their website.
The post MMP# 1040: A Follow Up With Ken Fisher of The Fisher House Foundation first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In the latest episode of The Mission:Milspouse Podcast, Amie Fisher speaks with Moni Jefferson, the founder and CEO of AMSE, The Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs. Moni Jefferson is an innovator committed to social impact. An active duty Air Force Spouse and accomplished multi-venture entrepreneur specializing in public relations, marketing strategy, business development, and community building. Moni is known for advocating for military spouse entrepreneurs and international speakers across local and national venues. Since 2014 Moni has helped build and scale multiple military spouse programs. Moni was invited to the White House and featured in Military Spouse magazine on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square, Inc., and Forbes Next 1000 entrepreneurs for her work.
Her most recent venture as the CEO and Founder of AMSE since 2019 has helped over 10k + military spouses all around the globe to start, scale, and sustain their businesses. AMSE is the first fully digital military spouse entrepreneur program and platform with education, community, digital masterclasses, resources, national partners, and more. It was built by military spouse entrepreneurs for military spouse entrepreneurs. AMSE was inducted into the DOD’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) in its first year for its work and impact on the military spouse community and the Spouse Ambassador Network part of Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces Initiative. Moni is offering a free two week access to AMSE for our listeners, if you own a business or would like to start one this is the place for you! Visit https://amseagency.com/membership to sign up. You can connect with Moni at the following: EMAIL: hello@amseagency.com; Website: amseagency.com; IG: www.instagram.com/monijefferson / @amseagency; FB: www.facebook.com/monijefferson / @amseagency; Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moni-jefferson/ @amseagency; Twitter: @monijefferson / @theamseagency
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Moni Jefferson. Nevertheless, we greatly appreciate your support. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP #1039: The Importance of Investing in Yourself as a Milspouse first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In the latest episode of The Mission:Milspouse Podcast, Kathleen Palmer speaks with Allison Davidson from Crashpad Connections. Allison has been with her husband, Peter, since 2017. Allison’s best friend introduced them at Columbus AFB where her husband was in Peter’s UPT class. Since then they have been stationed in Mississippi, North Carolina, England, and Texas. They have two kids Avery (4) and Miles (1.5) and three pets: Zoey, Goose, and Phoenix. Allison is an avid Disney fan and loves to travel. When she’s not helping clients find a home at their next training location, she’s either baking, reading, or doing a Peloton class. In this episode Allison will dive into how Crashpad Connections can help your family during temporary duty assignments, during a PCS transition and more.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Allison Davidson. Nevertheless, we greatly appreciate your support. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP #1038: Crashpad Connections first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In the latest episode of The Mission:Milspouse Podcast, Kathleen Palmer speaks with Holly Vega of Military Hearts Matter. Holly Vega is a connector and a supporter, striving daily to connect military families to resources while supporting military spouses to collaborate to pursue their dreams. She is a heart health advocate and believes that education is the key to personal and professional growth. She is a Marine Corps spouse, and a proud mother of three kids, when she is not tending to her small farm, “Sweet Tea Island,”you will find her volunteering or planning an event. In 2020, Vega officially co-founded a non-profit organization, Military Hearts Matter (“MHM”). Together with a board, volunteers, and ambassadors of military spouses and veterans, the organization is paving the way to fully support the military heart community.
Holly shares about the mission of Military Hearts Matter and her military experience.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Holly Vega. Nevertheless, we greatly appreciate your support. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP #1036: Military Hearts Matter first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Join Kathleen Palmer (KP), the Mission: Milspouse Director of Content as she speaks to the military spouses about raising military children AKA brats. As a mom and military spouse herself, KP has hands on experience navigating the ups and downs of parenting in a military family as you move around the globe. Please raise a glass of your favorite beverage and remind yourself even the smallest task completed is still a victory to be celebrated!
Thank you for tuning in to this special mini episode with Kathleen Palmer. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP# 1035: To all the Military Mamas and Mothers of Dragons first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Join Mission: Milspouse Partner Relations Coordinator, KateLynn Heavilon as she interviews children’s book author Monica Voicu Denniston. Monica shares her experience of coming into her own as a military spouse, as well as the inspiration behind her book, “Maggie the Military Rat.
Monica Voicu Denniston is an active duty Air Force spouse and mom to three military brats. She is a first-generation Romanian immigrant who developed a passion for picture books while using them to learn English when she was eight years old. Monica has a law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law, where she currently teaches legal writing. She and her family have lived in Sacramento, California; Newport, Rhode Island; and Madrid, Spain. They call the Bay Area, California home.
Connect with Monica: maggiethemilitaryrat.com, @maggiethemilitaryrat (Instagram); maggiethemilitaryrat (Facebook)
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Monica Voicu Denniston. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP Show #1033 Maggie The Military Rat first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Join Lindsey Rauch, the Mission: Milspouse Deputy Director of Marketing as she explores the origin and purposes of the Month of the Military Child. As a mom and military spouse herself, Lindsey has hands on experience and advice on navigating the ups and downs of parenting in a military family. From partaking in community events to utilizing resources for military families, Lindsey will discuss how you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these young heroes! Tune in for inspiring stories and actionable tips to honor the resilience and sacrifices of military children. Let’s come together to show our appreciation this month! More information about Month of the Military Child can be found online through sources such as Military OneSource and MCEC.
Thank you for tuning in to this special mini episode with Lindsey Rauch. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP Show #1032: Month of the Military Child first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Join Mission: Milspouse Executive Director, Juliana Hauska, as she has a candid conversation with military spouse content creator, Erin Muhlenbeck. Erin is an active duty Air Force spouse with over 10 years of experience in the military lifestyle. She is a former special education teacher turned stay at home mom to one five-year old son. Erin creates humorous and relatable content for the military spouse over on Instagram, where she is extremely candid about the reality of being a military wife living with mental health. Listeners can follow Erin on Instagram @erinmuhlenbeck!
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Erin Muhlenbeck! As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP #1031: Motherhood and Mental Health first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Join us today as we talk to Daniel Taylor from DTV…DTV Daniel Television is a content creator who helps incoming military families “PCS to Germany” with preparation videos, local travel information, and lifestyle vlogs as an American living in Germany.
Daniel “DT” Taylor has been living in Grafenwoehr, Germany with his wife and puppy since 2014.
His blog focuses on three simple things:
1) PCS Preparation for US Military Families Moving to Germany
2) Local Travel within Germany, Europe & Beyond!
3) Local Content as Americans Living in Germany
Learn more at his website: https://www.dtvdanieltelevision.com/
If you’re moving to Germany, take advantage of my free checklist! It has been downloaded by thousands and it’s the most efficient online resource for relocating to Germany – https://dtv-daniel-television.sellfy.store/p/free-pcs-to-germany-checklist/
The post MMP #1030: PCSing to Europe? DTV is there for you. first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
30 Before 30 Milspouse EditionIn today’s NEW episode, Juliana Hauska, our Executive Director at Mission: Milspouse, shares her 30 things that she has learned before hitting the big 3-0! Being a military spouse adds its own flavor to the mix from decoding acronyms to perfecting the art of packing at the speed of light. Whether you’ve got 10 years or 10 weeks until you hit that life-affirming 3-0 milestone, here is a sprinkle of milspouse personal knowledge you should make (and keep) before you get there.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Juliana Hauska. Nevertheless, we greatly appreciate your support. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
30 Before 30 Milspouse Edition this week, what podcast episode is next week?Additionally, did you know? We release a new podcast EVERY Monday. Be sure to join us next Monday for another insightful episode featuring another special guest to the Mission Milspouse Command Team. Lastly, explore more captivating podcasts until then in our Podcast Library. We have 1,024 other podcasts to choose from while you wait.
Subsequently, thank you for your support and listening to this episode! We couldn’t do life without you. Looking for other milspouse content? Check out our blog section HERE.
You can find tons of resources and education within any part of our website. Also, let us know one of your 30 before 30’s as you’ve embarked upon 30 or are heading towards 30 in the comments!
See you next Monday, Mission Milspouse listeners!The post MMP #1029: Mini Cast – 30 Before 30 Milspouse Edition first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In the latest episode of The Mission:Milspouse Podcast, KateLynn speaks with Kayla Corbitt from The Operation Child Care Project. Kayla is an award-winning advocate, trusted authority, consultant, and subject matter expert in the arena of military child care. She is an active-duty military spouse whose husband serves in the United States Army. Kayla’s passionate initiative and dynamic business expertise combine to bring groundbreaking resources to military families in need of child care assistance through data-driven decision-making and authentic storytelling.
Kayla shares about the history of their non-profit organization and their survey focusing on the correlations between childcare and mental health for military spouses. There is still time to complete the survey which can be found at www.occproject.org
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Kayla Corbitt. Nevertheless, we greatly appreciate your support. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
The post MMP Show #1028: The Operation Child Care Project first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Welcome to the latest episode of Mission: Milspouse Podcast! This week, Juliana Hauska, your Executive Team Leader here at Mission: Milspouse will share the stage with other fellow command team military spouses! Meet our incredible military spouse Command Team members joining our episode today: Lindsey Rauch, Deputy Director of Marketing, and KateLynn Heavilon, part of our Building Bridges team. Get ready for some real talk and candid insights from fellow milspouses like yourself!
Today’s show is extra special and showing all the real.
We’re shaking things up by answering YOUR questions about milspouse life!Tune in as we answer the following questions, along with many more:
- What can I do to get more engaged with other spouses at my current duty station?
- What is something you wish you knew before becoming a military spouse?
- What is the hardest part of being a military spouse?
- What is the best part of being a military spouse?
- What is your fondest memory of being a military spouse?
- What are the unspoken rules of being a military spouse?
Plus, we’ll share some heartfelt stories and practical tips to help you navigate this unique journey.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Juliana, Lindsey, and Katelynn for our first ever military spouse speaks expert panel. Nevertheless, we greatly appreciate your support. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
Be on the lookout for next week’s podcast release!Additionally, did you know? We release a new podcast EVERY Monday. Be sure to join us next Monday for another insightful episode featuring another special guest to the Mission Milspouse Command Team. Lastly, explore more captivating podcasts until then in our Podcast Library. We have 1,026 other podcasts to choose from while you wait.
Subsequently, thank you for your support and listening to this episode! We couldn’t do life without you. Looking for other milspouse content? Check out our blog section HERE.
You can find tons of resources and education within any part of our website.
See you next Monday, Mission Milspouse listeners!The post MMP# 1027: Spouse Speak Q&A first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In our newest episode, Executive Director Juliana gets to spend time with the PCS Homegirls Tracey Greene + Annie Pepoon. Get ready as they talk about the upcoming PCS season and provide you with tips for buying and selling houses. They will share their top reasons why hiring a qualified vetted agent is a MUST if you are PCSing this season. Protecting, educating, and supporting other military families is a no brainer in our world – so we strive to help provide these free services to help our people!
Annie and Tracey are two military spouses who, after years of friendship, decided to start an online community in order to help educate and support military families in the home buying and home selling process. As military spouses themselves with over 14 PCS moves between them as well as 8 home sales/purchases across 10 states, they understand the difficulties that can arise for military families when trying to navigate the home buying and selling process. They are both licensed and professional real estate agents in their current duty station states.
Their goal with The PCS Homegirls is to serve the military community with a genuine calling to protect, support, and educate military families in the home buying process. They strive to teach the importance of hiring a qualified agent who understands military life, and offer an agent connection service free of charge to all of their military families! Additionally, they want to provide useful resources while at their current duty stations such as PCS tips and advice. The PCS Homegirls detail base guides and information in their Living Like a Local Series, as well as other PCS and military related topics.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP# 1026: PCS Homegirls first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Mission Milspouse Podcast: Embers in the London Sky by Bestselling Author, Sarah SundinIn today’s Mission Milspouse podcast, Kathleen Palmer, our Director of Content, interviews bestselling World War II novelist Sarah Sundin. Notably, Sarah shares her newest novel, “Embers in the London Sky.” This moving narrative explores the war through the eyes of a mother separated from her child and a BBC correspondent navigating the flames of truth. Embers in the London Sky is a must read book in 2024!
Sarah Sundin, residing in California, is the bestselling author of “When Twilight Breaks” and other honored novels. In addition, her books have received starred reviews from top publications, including Booklist and Library Journal. Furthermore, visit her website or find her on social media for more information: @sarahsundinauthor
Thank you for tuning in to this episode featuring Sarah Sundin. Nevertheless, we greatly appreciate your support. As we strive to align our guests with our mission, we encourage you to leave a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. After leaving a review, please send us a screenshot to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @missionmilspouse for a special gift.
Embers in the London Sky this week, what podcast episode is next week?Additionally, did you know? We release a new podcast EVERY Monday. Be sure to join us next Monday for another insightful episode featuring another special guest to the Mission Milspouse Command Team. Lastly, explore more captivating podcasts until then in our Podcast Library. We have 1,024 other podcasts to choose from while you wait.
Subsequently, thank you for your support and listening to this episode! We couldn’t do life without you. Looking for other milspouse content? Check out our blog section HERE.
You can find tons of resources and education within any part of our website.
See you next Monday, Mission Milspouse listeners!The post MMP #1025: Embers in the London Sky first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today’s show, we’re thrilled to bring you an interview conducted by our Executive Director, Sharita Knobloch, as she chats with today’s guest, Christine Hinrichs, the host of MilSpouse Mastermind Show.
The post MMP #1002: Milspouse Mastermind first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In honor of Mission: MilSpouse celebrating their 1000th episode earlier this week, our Executive Director, Sharita Knobloch, brings us information on the Power of Legacy and how important it is in our MilSpouse life.
Don’t forget that no matter where you’re at on your military journey, new or seasoned that we’ve been there and you are NOT alone. We’ve got your six!
The post MMP# 1001 – The Power of Legacy first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Today we are bringing you an EXTRA SPECIAL EPISODE in honor of us celebrating 1000 episodes of Mission: MilSpouse, formerly known as Army Wife Network and Army Wife Talk Radio! On today’s show, we’ll listen to an interview conducted by our Executive Director Sharita Knobloch as she chats with 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus – who just appeared on America’s Got Talent!
The 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus is based out of Fort Liberty, North Carolina and represents 19,000 soldiers who serve in the 82nd Airborne Division. Their mission is to provide music to the Fort Liberty community and they have performed all over the country, including having made an appearance on the Today Show. A video of them singing an a cappella tune while waiting for a routine jump went viral in 2022, thrusting the soldiers into the spotlight, and it has continued to gain popularity.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus and their claim to fame on America’s Got Talent, you can find them on social media by their handle @82ndairbornediv and to follow America’s Got Talent, follow them @AGT. Also, be sure to catch their next LIVE performance on America’s Got Talent on Tuesday, September 19 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on NBC and we encourage you to cast your vote for them as well! The top two acts from the show that night that receive the most votes will move on to the finale which airs the following week. Let’s help the chorus to rock the vote!
Resource Recon with Annie & JadeThis week’s Resource Recon is about sharing your story, straight from one of our expert bloggers in our band of bloggers, How Do I Know if I Have a Story to Tell? By Julie Tully
She writes: “I love to write but I’m not sure what to write about. How do I know if I have a story to tell? I’m asked this question all the time and here’s what I believe: If you’re called to writing, then you have a story to tell. The trick is figuring out which story or stories those are . . .and that can be simpler than you think.”
She goes on to give tips on how to determine your genre and tells you to write on!
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaIn honor of our 1,000th episode, I’d like to celebrate our Everyday Empowerment Award accomplishments. In the three years since the program began, I have had the honor of recognizing close to 150 empowering milspouses and nonprofit organizations who help support our military community. I’ve had the chance to meet so many inspiring people and organizations and have had the opportunity to spread the word about their empowerment right here in the Empowerment Patrol Reports. It has been an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to recognize even more of you as we head into our next thousand episodes.
If you’d like to recognize someone or an organization for the “Everyday Empowerment” award, simply head to our website at missionmilspouse.org. Select the Get Involved tab, where you’ll then click Empowerment from the dropdown menu and you’ll find the Nomination Form!
Recipients will receive a digital certificate, on-air recognition via our podcast, and will be included in a social media reel each month with their fellow winners. Nonprofits that are selected will receive a $100 donation from us here at Mission: Milspouse to support their continued work within the military community.
We would love to give praise and recognition to spouses and organizations who are helping you throughout your milspouse journey.
Moxie Minute with Amie FisherGreetings, unstoppable military spouses! Can you believe it? We just hit the remarkable milestone of 1,000 episodes on this journey of moxie and empowerment. I’m Amie Fisher, and today, we’re taking a joyous ride down memory lane, celebrating the incredible moments that define us as Mission Milspouse.
Remember those early days when we were just taking baby steps on the podcast stage? Fast forward to today – a thousand episodes later – and we’ve weathered storms, celebrated victories, and embraced every twist and turn. Just like military spouses, we’ve got that unstoppable moxie within.
Let’s talk about the pandemic that shook the world. While it might have forced others to pause, we at Mission Milspouse, formerly Army Wife Network, soldiered on, proving that moxie is our middle name. We didn’t just adapt; we thrived, because that’s what military spouses do. We rallied, shared stories, and created a virtual haven where we continued to learn, connect, and uplift each other.
And remember our grand rebranding? Just like a caterpillar emerging from its cocoon, we unveiled a new identity, stronger and more vibrant. From Army Wife Talk Radio to Army wife Network to now Mission: Milspouse, it is an honor to serve and contribute to every branch and component of the military. So welcome to you all new Spouses! It’s a testament to the spirit of renewal and growth that military spouses embody every day.
But wait, there’s more! We’re now a certified 501(c)3 organization, working tirelessly to support our fellow military families. Our journey from Army Wife Talk Radio to Mission: Milspouse is a testament to the evolution, the transformation, and the unwavering moxie we’ve displayed.
And let’s not forget the incredible guests who’ve graced our mic – from singers and authors, high-ranking military personnel, entrepreneurs, to all around supporters of military life they’ve shared their stories, their insights, and their own incredible displays of moxie. They’re a reflection of the power of unity and connection within our community.
Speaking of community, let’s turn the spotlight back to you, the incredible military spouses. Through the years, you’ve shown moxie that could rival superheroes. You’ve faced separations, relocations, and endless uncertainties, all while standing by your service members with unwavering support.
From World War II to today, military spouses have carved their names in history with their moxie. Remember Rosie the Riveter? She symbolized determination and strength during wartime. And guess what? You’re modern-day Rosie the Riveters, showing resilience and courage in every role you undertake.
So here’s to us, military spouses, and to the 1,000 episodes that represent our journey. With each moment we’ve shared, each story we’ve told, and each laugh we’ve had, we’ve stitched together a vibrant tapestry of moxie, courage, and unity.
As we charge forward into the next thousand episodes, let’s remember that our moxie knows no bounds. With love, humor, and the indomitable spirit of a military spouse, let’s keep writing our story – one episode at a time. Until next time, keep thriving, keep showing that moxie, and keep rocking this incredible journey!
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of August 28, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Navy and Coast Guard Team Up to Save DiversIt was a team effort near Cape Fear, North Carolina, to save four stranded divers. Ben Wiggins, 64, Luke Lodge, 26, Daniel Williams, 46 and Daniel’s son, Evan Williams, 16 Were diving off the pleasure boat Big bills when they went missing for 18 hours. .
The divers were able to send an SOS message with a strobe light and get the attention of Air Station Elizabeth City. A C130 crew then flew out and dropped a life raft from the back of the plane and then alerted the coast guard for location and pickup.
The four men’s journey started out at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and they were found about 70 miles away. They were taken to shore and reunited with their families with no reported injuries.
“When the Coast Guard goes out on a search and rescue mission, our goal each and every time is to find people and return them to their friends and family. In this case, it’s exactly what we were able to do. It’s at the core of what we do,” Captain Tim List, commander of the Coast Guard Sector of North Carolina, said. “The ocean is a pretty dangerous place, and it can be a lot of fun to be out on the water, but having the right safety equipment and the right information is critical.”
We love a good military collab! Good job Sailors and Coasties!
Find out more at cnn.com
Jenny Comes Home
A World War Plane has found a forever home and a future makeover in her future! and Selfridge Air Museum at the Selfridge National Guard Air Base in Michigan is abuzz with the news
The World War I bi-plane known as a Curtiss JN-4 is being purchased and donated by Financial Credit Union.
“There are currently only seven Jenny aircraft left in the world and now our museum will have one of them,” Ed Kaminski, deputy director of the museum said, in a news release.
This particular Jenny has suffered a landing accident in her past and the museum is fixing to fix her up good as new! While a new addition to the museum, this air base has seen its fair share of Jennys, the first one utilizing the air base in 1917 in the hey day of WW1.
Used extensively at the air base as training planes during that time period, the museum knows it will take a lot of long hours and no how to get this old girl back into tip top shape.
“You’re recreating something that was built 80 years ago,” Kaminski said, adding everyone involved is looking forward to the work. “They’re all kids at heart. Instead of building a model airplane they are building the real thing.”
“We’re all excited about it,” Kaminski said. “It’s very historic to have a Jenny at Selfridge.”
Sounds like the perfect home for Jenny! Hope she likes her facelift! No shame in getting a little work done!
Find out more at americanmilitarynews.com and selfridgeairmuseum.org
Mission:Milspouse Hits its 1000th EpisodeYour favorite podcast around, Mission:Milspouse in case it was not obvious, is celebrating its 1000 episode!
Currently known as Army Wife Talk radio, it started in 2005 and then merged with Field Problems, and Loving A Soldier blog to become the army wife Network in 2009. The organization did a major re-haul just a few short months ago to be inclusive of all branches and our male spouses.
They are a fully vetted 501C3 organization and everyone you hear speaking on this show, the behind the scene magicians, and the ones who keep the lights on for the blog and website are 100 percent volunteer.
So, if you’re feeling generous, here’s my shameless plug that donations are accepted and welcomed with glee and rejoicing.
Here’s some words from some of our senior staff!
Our boss babe and captain my captain Sharita Knobloch says:
As cheesy as it might sound, Mission: Milspouse changed the trajectory of my milspouse life and attitude. I began volunteering with the organization in 2014 as a blogger, because honestly… my attitude as a spouse was not what you would call “optimistic.” But I began my mission to write with a positive spin (even in the hardships). Now, nearly 10 years later, I can say that I’ve learned more about how to be an effective leader, the power of our milspouse tribe, the secret weapon of “embracing the suck” in a collective community, and the gift of volunteering than I could have ever imagined!
KP Palmer, the queen of words, blogs, and sass chimes in:
“One of the best ways to empower someone is to give them a canvas for their voice. That is what we do at Mission: Milspouse through our blog. We enable spouses of all branches to share their experience, their spirits, and their resources to help others on this journey. As content director, I am honored to read, edit and publish those unique voices and share their stories with the Milspouse world. Write on spouses, write on!”
Interested in joining our team? We’re always looking for new faces and brains! (In a non creepy zombie way) contact us at missionmilspouse.org.
Happy 1000 episode, Mission Milspouse! You don’t look an episode over 800.
Today in HistoryOn August 28, 1963, MLK JR delivered his iconic “I have a dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC in front of more than 200,000 people.
King had a speech prepared, starting with a recitation of parts of the emancipation address. Toward the end of the speech, Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer and friend, cried out for him to “tell them about the dream!” He then began his “I have a dream” speech, almost completely improvised.
The speech starts with:
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
And ends with:
When we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, Black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last.
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode! We’re lucky to continue an 18-year legacy of empowering military spouses. We now serve all branches and components. Whether you are new to this military life or your furniture has multiple stickers, we are here for you.
Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
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Join Jade as she shares her personal journey through career challenges as a military spouse. In this enlightening MiniCast episode, explore Jade's insights, triumphs, and the invaluable resources she discovered along the way. Discover how to navigate career hurdles with resilience and tap into essential support systems. Tune in to empower your own professional journey!
The post MMP #999 – Empowerment Pathways first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today’s show, we’re thrilled to bring you an interview conducted by our Executive Director, Sharita Knobloch, as she chats with today’s guest, our very own Director of Empowerment, Amanda Bicknese, also known as Mandy Maree, about her new novel, Meet The Teacher.
The post MMP #998: “Meet the Teacher” first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today's NEW mini-cast, Chrissy Gibbs, our Director of Development here at Mission: MilSpouse brings you information about the Care Team, which is something that is not widely talked about and can be an uncomfortable topic.
The post MMP# 997 – Care Team first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today's NEWEST episode, Annie Pierce, Director of Marketing and Events here at Mission: MilSpouse, interviews Erin Lorenz, Program Coordinator of Military No Stress PCS, a non-profit organization that offers a free concierge service to military members and their families facing PCS moves.
The post MMP #996: Military No Stress PCS first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today’s episode, Lindsey Rauch, Deputy Director of Marketing, joins us to share how to overcome seasons of sickness in motherhood. She shares her personal stories of struggles and triumphs and encourages mothers that there are ways to make the most out of the hard seasons of parenting, such as watching our kids and families go through seasons of sickness.
The post MMP #995: Motherhood: Surviving Seasons of Sickness first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today’s NEW episode, Lindsey Rauch, your Deputy Director of Marketing here at Mission: MilSpouse interviews Bree Carroll, an Air Force Spouse, event strategist and military marriage advocate.
The post MMP #994: Stronger Together: Celebrating Military Marriage Day 2023 and the Bonds that Endure first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today's episode, Callie Bunter, Deputy Director of Podcast Production, talks to us about some tips and encouragement from her own experience of making to most out of your current duty station and learning to bloom where you are planted.
The post MMP #993: Bloom Where You Are Planted first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today’s NEW episode: Mission: MilSpouse Command Team interviews special guest Julie Eshelman, who is the founder of Building Military Families Network, a fairly new non-profit with a mission to provide an empowering and supportive network as a beacon of hope to military and veteran families who fight silent battles while navigating military lives and infertility.
The post MMP #992: Silent Battles: Navigating Military Life and Infertility first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today's episode, Amie gets real about doing what she said she'd never do—buying a house she hasn't walked through! Join us for the wild ride of moving back to familiar places, the good, the bad, and the power of second chances.
The post MMP #991: “Whispered Whispers: The Never Would I Ever Follow-up” first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today's NEW episode: Mission: MilSpouse Command Team interviews special guest is Carol Watanabe, founder and CEO of Defenders Gateway.
The post MMP# 990: Defenders Gateway first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Thank you for joining us for this week's mini-cast. On today's episode, Annie Pearce talks about how she is figuring out life with two kids, which she sums up as 1 + 1 = A Lot.
The post MMP# 989: 1 + 1 = A Lot first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today's NEW episode, Kathleen Palmer will be interviewing author Karin Tramm, a retired DoDEA educator about her newly released book “100 Days Smart”, which chronicles the first 100 days of the COVID-19 pandemic while teaching on an American Army installation in Northern Italy, the epicenter of the European crisis.
The post MMP# 988: “100 Days Smart” by Karin Tramm first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today's episode, Sarah Robichaud talks about the importance to advocate for yourself as you navigate your milspouse journey.
The post MMP# 987: Learning to Advocate for Yourself first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today's NEW episode: Strength, Service & Unwavering Faith, join us as we explore Jill Solhjem's remarkable role as an Army Chaplain Spouse for almost 35 years, supporting her husband through 72 months of deployments and military operations.
The post MMP# 986: Jill Solhjem: Strength, Service & Unwavering Faith first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Thank you for joining us for this week's mini-cast. On today's episode, Dr. Sharita Knobloch as she talks about something near and dear to her - the MilSpouse Tribe and the 7 Reasons to LOVE your MilSpouse Tribe.
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On today's show, Mission: MilSpouse will be interviewing and chatting with Kayla Moreno, an inspiring military spouse currently living in Hawaii, mom of three, and recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
The post MMP #984: Kayla Moreno – Multiple Sclerosis first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On today's minicast episode, Jade Fusaro, will be diving into an essential topic that can make a significant impact on your military journey and giving you valuable insights and strategies on how to help you tackle the challenge of researching your new duty station.
The post MMP #983: Now What? Researching Your New Duty Station first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
On this week's show, Lindsey Rauch interviews Kate Horrell, a retired Navy spouse and personal financial educator who comes to us to talk about college funding strategies when you have the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
The post MMP #982: College Funding Strategies When You Have the Post 9/11 GI Bill first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Whether you are having a busy military season, busy work season or busy parenting season…or even all three simulanteously…it is easy to toss yourself into autopilot and become distant from your spouse when you need to be relying on each other the most. In this week’s mini-cast, Chrissy Gibbs will be sharing some tips and tricks on how to stay connected with your spouse during busy life seasons.
Don’t forget that we are here for you no matter what you are going through in this military life. To hear more, listen below.
The post MMP# 981: Staying Connected to Your Spouse in a Busy Season first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In today’s episode, Lindsey Rauch will be interviewing Jerad Knight about his advocacy for male dependents and the mission of Ohana Homefront Foundation.
Jerad Knight is a U.S. Army Veteran, military spouse and mental health advocate. After retirement from the Army, Jerad transitioned into life as one of the often unseen male military spouses. In his role as a manpendent, he advocates for the challenges that male military dependents often face within established family support groups and what these groups can do to end the stigma that often surrounds them. He is the active Advocacy Director for Ohana Homefront Foundation and represents male spouses and our military community as the 2023 AFI Buckley Space Force Base Spouse of the Year
Resource Recon with Sarah and JoleneThis week’s Resource Recon is all about our Embrace Your Base series.
As PCS season unfolds across the military like a summer wave at the beach, many military spouses and families find themselves relocating to a new home. Whether this is your first PCS or your tenth, it is a daunting process to reestablish your life somewhere new.
Enter: Mission: Milspouse’s Embrace Your Base, a blog series covering nearly 50 different military locations. Our Mission: Milspouse Command Team and Band of Bloggers have compiled insider details regarding local realtors, off-post health care options, specific installation information, spouse testimonials, social media connections, hidden gems of the area, and some bucket list things you have to do before you leave.
You can find this series and more on our website.
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaDo you know a milspouse, service member, family member, community member or nonprofit organization who goes above and beyond to empower the military lives of others? Nominate a stand-out empowerment champion for Mission: Milspouse’s “Everyday Empowerment” award! This could be a relative, spouse, nonprofit, or a battle buddy you’ve met along the way.
“Everyday Empowerment” winners will receive a digital certificate, a token of our appreciation IRL (that’s in real life), on-air recognition via our podcast, and be included in a social media reel each month with their fellow winners. Nonprofits that are selected will receive a $100 donation from Mission: Milspouse to support their continued work within the military community.
To nominate someone or a nonprofit, simply head to our website at missionmilspouse.org. Select the Get Involved tab, where you’ll then click Empowerment from the dropdown menu and you’ll find the Nomination Form!
We would love to give praise and recognition to spouses and organizations who are helping you throughout your milspouse journey.
Moxie Minute with AmieThis week, let’s talk about empathy!
Brene Brown has shared some research on empathy, where it’s been discovered that having high levels of empathy leads to leadership, academic, and professional success as well as success rates in marriage and effective organizations. She states, “The bottom line is that empathy is essential for building meaningful, trusting relationships, which is something we all want and need.”
Empathy is a powerful skill that can be learned and practiced. A scholar from England, Teresa Wiseman shares that there are four defining attributes of empathy. They are (1) to be able to see the world as others see it (2) to be nonjudgmental (3) to understand another person’s feelings, and (4) to communicate your understanding of that person’s feelings.
Something I want to add that is important for us to remember is that we need to practice self-empathy too. If you are experiencing any feelings of doubt, shame, guilt, unworthiness, or any negative emotions about yourself, be the friend you need in that moment. How might you respond if a friend was in that situation? Would you help uplift and empower them? If so, try to remember the same should be said about you. Empathy is a strength that opens your heart and leads to compassion.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 17, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Brandon Act signed to Help Combat Mental Health Stigma in the Military
Two weeks ago the Brandon Act was signed by the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr.
It’s goal is to improve the referral process for active duty members when it comes to mental health. It also seeks to make it easier to seek a mental health evaluation confidentially.
The Brandon Act is named after Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta who died by suicide in 2018
“Our greatest strength is our people, and we are committed to their well-being,” Cisneros said. “Therefore, I firmly believe that seeking mental health treatment is a sign of strength and resilience. This policy, spurred by the passage of the Brandon Act, is an important step in ensuring that our service members are able to seek mental health treatment when and how they need it. We honor Petty Officer Brandon Caserta’s memory by ensuring that our military services have procedures and processes in place that allow service members to seek help confidentially, for any reason, at any time and in any environment, and aim to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.”
This policy allows service members to seek a mental health evaluation at any point, time, or reason, while keeping the evaluation confidential and unable to impact the service member’s career.
This policy will roll out in two phases.The first phase must happen within 45 days and requires all services to provide a plan to implement this policy for all active duty service members. The second phase will be the act of implementing this policy for all non active duty service members.
If you are a veteran and struggling with a mental health crisis, please contact 988 Veterans Crisis Line, Military OneSource nonmedical counseling, and the 24/7 Psychological Health Resource Center. To our service members, you would go to the doctor if your foot was broken or your wrist was sprained. Mental health issues are not your fault and should be treated like any other injury. You are too valuable to our military, to your family, and to the world to lose.
Find out more at defense.gov
Army Corps of Engineers is Pumping the Breaks for Sea Turtles
In Savannah, GA, the corps of engineers has agreed to do a study on the impact of local sea turtles before dredging the sea channel during spring and summer. Georgia conservation group One Hundred Miles moved to sue the Corps over the impact the dredging would have on local wildlife but agreed to pull back when the corps offered to do a study on their impact.
“The Corps has now committed to what we’ve asked for, to go back and review the science,” Catherine Ridley, a One Hundred Miles vice president, said Monday. “The science is clear: Spring and summer dredging puts Georgia’s sea turtles and decades of conservation progress at risk.”
The Army Corps said in a statement Monday that it is undertaking the fuller environmental study to “ensure robust public, agency, and stakeholder engagement” as well as “full evaluation of the impacts that this action may have to the human and natural environment.”
It is the Corps job to keep the sea channels clear of debris and sediment so that all ships may pass safely. Since the 1990s it has been law to dredge only from December to March when the sea turtles are not nesting and would likely not be found in the shallow channels. This was lifted in 2020 when the sea turtles were taken off the endangered list.
The Army’s argument for moving dredging to spring and summer is that the reactions do not take into account other marine wildlife such as whales who are more likely to be injured in the winter months. It also makes finding contractors hard as they are on such a tight timeline.
A study in Brunswick, GA, showed no significant impact to sea turtles by dredging in the warmer months but the conservationists say that this test is not conclusive enough. No word on how long this new study will take.
I do love sea turtles and hope they come up with a compromise where everyone wins. What I have a hard time getting on board with, however, is paper straws. I said what I said.
Find out more at Federaltimes.com
Lawmakers Investigate Spouse Business Federal Contract Rates
15 lawmakers are asking federal agencies to track how many military spouse businesses are federally contracted.
“This change would ensure that military spouse entrepreneurs are adequately represented and accounted for,” said Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash., in announcing a letter sent to the Office of Management and Budget May 10th
This concern is being brought up because while spouses are allowed to bid for federal contracts, there’s no tracking system to see how successful their bids are and if the percentage of contracted spouses is equitable to their peers.
Decencies and gaps cannot be addressed as there is no way to know where they are successful and where they are failing. It is the hope that this can address the employment gap of military spouses which has not budged from 20 percent.
These lawmakers hope to accomplish this data collecting by adding military spouse as an option on the Federal Procurement Data System. This change would not give spouses contract priority, but agencies can see that they are military spouses and use this information in their hiring process.
This might seem like a small step, but every process worth doing starts with baby steps.
Find out more at federaltimes.com
This Day in History
On May 22, 1980, the arcade game sensation Pac-Man was released and Shibuya, Tokyo, held the world’s first lucky players of this highly addictive classic, first hitting the controls on this day 43 years ago.
It was directed by Toru Iwatani with a nine man team, and the idea originally began with a think tank on finding a game that would appeal to women as well. Most games at the time were sports or war related and the game world was buzzing for an idea to get women onboard with the growing gaming scene.
The game was filled with bright colors to entice younger players as well. He got the idea of the Pac-Man character from looking at a pizza with one slice removed.
It was originally called Puck-Man because in Japanese the phrase Paku paku taberu means to gobble something up. It had to change to Pac Man over here in the States because they were worried that puck sounded too close to….. well…. a popular swear word that could make the game a target for vandalism.
Pac-Man went off to be a huge success generating more than 14 billion in revenue to date. All I know is that Pac Man makes me hungry, and I might go pack a way pizza myself!
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
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Let’s PCS baby! Completing a PCS is difficult in the easiest of situations, it can be more difficult when children are involved. This week, our Director of Marketing, Annie Pearce, will be sharing with us some tips and tricks on how to PCS with your newest addition, inspired by her current challenges of preparing for and completing a PCS with a newborn.
Don’t forget that we are here for you no matter what you are going through in this military life. To hear more, listen below.
The post MMP #979: Let’s PCS Baby! first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In this week’s episode, Jolene McNutt will be talking to Sarah Otto about Ohana Homefront Foundation.
Sarah Otto is a retired Navy Spouse and fierce advocate who has spent over two decades advocating for service members and families of the Armed Forces. She is the co-founder and President of Ohana Homefront Foundation and is the 2017 and 2018 NSF Dahlgren Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year.
Ohana Homefront Foundation is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization founded in 2021 to help close the gap regarding mental health awareness and suicide prevention within the military community. Their mission is for every military service member, veteran and family member to receive comprehensive and inclusive mental health and wellness support services.
Resource Recon with Jade and AmandaThis week’s Resource Recon is the theme for the month of May. If you’ve visited our Instagram, you might notice that we have been focusing on what we appreciate this month, from Teacher and Nurse Appreciation weeks to Military Appreciation Month and Military Spouse Appreciation Day to Mother’s Day. There are just so many special moments going on this month and so much to be thankful for!
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are spotlighting our MRE team winner, which by the way, MRE stands for Motivated and Ready to Empower, Kathleen Palmer.
As Mission: Milspouse’s Director of Content, Kathleen is an educator and project seeker from Texas. In her 25 years as an Army spouse, Kathleen has taught and coached in six different states and Germany. Kathleen has a big heart for both Army families and soldiers, having served as a Soldier for Life counselor in both Germany and Korea. Her favorite part of Army life is her acquired community of battle buddies!
Kathleen loves words (both speaking and writing them) and has contributed to AWN, NMFA, The Fort Hood Sentinel, The Army Spouse Handbook, Inside Abu Ghraib, Memoirs of Two US Military Intelligence Officers, and The Army War College at Carlisle. Her favorite writing piece about being an Army wife is “The Lady in the Grey Suit” which was published in 2015 in Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors (Vol.3). You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, or on her website, Life Is Messy, Love Big. Just like Kathleen, the site is a WORK in Progress!
Kathleen, we thank you for your service in honoring our mission and for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Moxie Minute with AmieThis week, let’s talk about vulnerability.
The team and I have been reading a novel from Brene Brown recently, who is all about the power of vulnerability. I’ve also recently read The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulburg, where one of the pillars of groundedness is vulnerability. The word itself can sound scary, but in order to connect, accept, and build relationships, vulnerability is essential. People can see through facades and perfectionism. We all genuinely yearn for others to share their authentic selves and for us to feel comfortable being our authentic selves. By embracing vulnerability, you build confidence in yourself.
As Brene Brown states, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they are never weakness.” It’s okay to be YOU. You are enough.
Until next time spouses, Moxie up!
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of May 14, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Sage Sails the Seas
Ahoy Sage! A three year old Labrador Retriever is taking on the high seas and climbing aboard the USS Gerald R Ford as the Navy’s first service dog. She is the first to pilot a new military initiative called the Expanded Operational Stress Control Canine program. This program has hopes of boosting mental health, morale, and resiliency to our troops.
Sage is just on the ship on a six month loan, however. She is trained and owned by Mutts on a Mission, a non for profit based out of Virginia. Cmdr. Genevieve Clark, the chaplain for the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, will serve as Sage’s primary handler. She undertook 120 hours with mutts on a mission to be mission ready.
“One of the positives of having Sage aboard the ship is her help in breaking down some barriers to utilizing mental, emotional and spiritual resiliency resources,” Clark said in a Navy news release. “Sailors are coming to more warrior toughness events and improving their morale through the vast network of resiliency resources the ship offers, with Sage now present at these opportunities.”
Mutts on a mission has been around since 2008 and has mostly trained dogs to deal with PTSD and mobility issues in veterans. Sage has been training for this moment since she was 8 weeks old. She has been brought onto naval ships before and her trainers are more than confident she’ll take her extended stay with stride.
No pressure, Sage, but the Navy will be following her adventures closely before deciding to take this initiative to the next level. The ship is stocked with plenty of pee pads, canine medicines, and even a canine life vest!
Fair winds and calm seas, Sage! I hope the ship is also stocked with treats!
Find out more at NavyTimes.com
The USS Cooperstown is a Home Run for American Hero Ball Players
The Navy has commissioned the USS Cooperstown, its name honoring the 70 American professional ball players who have served in the US military. Cooperstown is the town in New York where the hall of fame is located.
Hall of famers Joe Torre and Johnny Bench were present at the ceremony, with Torres saying “It is critical that we honor the legacy of these Hall of Famers, not just for what they did on the field, but for what they sacrificed and what they accomplished off the field. Their legacy lives on with the USS Cooperstown and with the sailors here today and in the years to come.”
The players being honored have spanned from civil war veterans to the Korean War and sport household names such as Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays. The new ship even comes with a sporty motto: “Americas Away Team.”
From New York City the ship will now make its way to its new home in Mayport, Florida. Nothing more American than our national pastime and our national floating metal boats of freedom, and putting them together is a beautiful sight.
Find out more at The Hill.com
Breaking Glass Ceiling at US Army Special Ops
Command Sgt. Maj. JoAnn Naumann has become the first female Sergeant Major of U.S. Army Special Operation Command (USASOC).
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve the men and women of [Army Special Operations Forces],” Naumann said during Monday’s change of responsibility ceremony, according to a command news release. “It is my honor to be a part of this team. I’m excited to be back at Fort Bragg. I know well how much you invest in people because you’ve done that for me.”
USASOC oversees the training and educating of the US Army’s elite forces such and rangers and special forces. “USASOC combines a vast range of warfighting skills, from raiding and airfield seizures, to human-terrain mapping and cultural analysts,” their website says.
She comes hot off the press as the Senior NCO of the special forces command of Korea and has earned two Bronze Star Medals, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, the Order of Saint Michael, and the Knowlton Award.
She is replacing Sgt. Maj. Michael Weimern who will now go on to be the sergeant major of the army. Congrats, Sergeant Major Naumann! You accomplishments show that you have the brains and brawn to shatter any ceiling in your way!
Find out more at taskandpurpose.com
Today in History
On May 15,1940 the first nylon stockings were sold. In 1939 DuPont, the chemical company, set the stocking world on fire by its invention of nylon. In its heyday up to 4 million were being purchased a day. It was cheap, durable, and sheer, three benefits that stockings of old simply did not have.
The hype was short lived, however, as the entering of America into WW2 forced DuPont to stop covering ladies legs and start producing parachutes, airplane cords, and rope. This shortage caused nylon stockings to be one of the most sought after items on the black market. Some women would even marker a line up their legs to give the appearance that they were wearing nylon stockings.
After the war was over DuPont went back to the stocking making business. One newspaper even had the headline: “Peace, It’s Here! Nylons on Sale!”…..except they could not keep up with demand. This led to the nylon riots. Yes. You heard that right. Women would line up by the tens of thousands to get their hands on stockings and would wait for hours, only to find the store’s shipments did not contain tens of thousands of stockings. You can imagine how that went.
Fortunately DuPont was eventually able to catch back up with demand and peace reigned in America once more. You say you’d never, but I’ve seen how y’all behave over a Dyson vacuum on Black Friday and I do not believe you.
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP #978: Ohana Homefront Foundation first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
So your spouse has decided to join the military? Now what do you do!
In this week’s episode, Lindsey Rauch gives advice to some of the new spouses that may be joining us about what to do after their Spouse has made the decision to join the Military. Being a part of a military family comes with it own unique sets of challenges and changes but also comes with a beautiful life and she will give you some insight on being in a new military family and some of what to expect.
Just remember, you are never alone in this milspouse life, we’ve been there, and we’ve got your six. To hear some of Lindsey’s tips and tricks, listen below.
The post MMP #977: “So Your Spouse has Decided to Join The Military” first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
In this week’s episode, Dr. Sharita Knobloch will be interviewing Brigadier General Michael Meese about the Survivor Benefit Plan, SBP Open Enrollment and what benefits it provides to service members and their spouses.
Mike is the President of American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association and a specialist in veteran issues, as well as veteran and military finances. He retired from the United States Army as a Brigadier General after a 32-year career and has written two books, the Armed Forces Guide to Personal Financial Planning and American National Security. He is a graduate of the National War College, U.S. Military Academy, and earned his Ph.D., MPA and M.A. from Princeton University.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about AAFMAA, you can find them online through multiple platforms. You can connect with them on Facebook and Twitter by their handle AAFMAA and Instagram @AAFMAAofficial. Their website is www.aafmaa.com.
Resource Recon with Jolene and ChloeThis week’s Resource Recon is all about supporting your military family, especially when you have family members with special needs to think about! Defense Health Agency, one of our expert bloggers, shared two resources to help empower you and your family. If you have a family member with special needs or a serious illness or injury, you may not know where to turn for help. Many resources are available to you and your family, including the Exceptional Family Member Program, also known as EFMP, and MilitaryOneSource. You can talk to an EFMP coordinator at your local installation. Each program is specific to your branch of service and registration is used to coordinate assignments to support families with special needs. You can reach out to Military One Source to find your local EFMP Office at your installation. Military One Source is a hub for getting support at many levels and is there for military members and their families 24/7/365. You can contact them at 1-800-342-9647 or check them out online.
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, the nonprofit organization, Mission Alpha Advocacy.
Powered by volunteers, Mission Alpha’s purpose is to push legislative and policy changes for military families living with disabilities and special needs. They work with military leadership, providers, organizations, industry experts, and legislators to help those families with exceptional needs gain access to better healthcare benefits. They’ve got several initiatives set for 2023 to help streamline the referral process and to ensure autistic beneficiaries have quality access to ABA services. The volunteers of Mission Alpha Advocacy are passionate about empowering military families with the knowledge to self-advocate for world-class healthcare and quality of life.
On behalf of Mission: Milspouse, thank you so much to Mission Alpha Advocacy for doing your part to empower military families all across the globe.
Until next time, I’m Amanda Bicknese, reminding you empowered spouses empower spouses!
Moxie Minute with AmieOn this week’s episode, Amie shares with us an acronym that she put together for us to think
M is for Motivation. Remind yourself of your own gifts and abilities and even some of the difficult times you’ve overcome in the past to stay motivated and achieve your goals.
O is for Optimism. Cultivate a positive outlook and focus on the good, even in the difficult times.
X is for eXperience. Embrace every experience as a tool for growth and learning. Use your experiences to grow and become stronger.
I is for Initiative – we need to take the initiative to get the help we need, to make our own path and create the life we want.
E is for Empowerment. Empower yourself by focusing on the things you have control over.
Use this acronym to stay Motivated, Optimistic and Empowered.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 17, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
US Army Aviators Take a Knee
Following a terrible month for our army aviation involving two separate crashes and the loss of 12 heroes, all non essential flights were grounded to reset and retrain.
“The safety of our aviators is our top priority, and this stand-down is an important step to make certain we are doing everything possible to prevent accidents and protect our personnel,” Gen. James C. McConville, the Army’s chief of staff, said in a statement. “During this stand-down, we will focus on safety and training protocols to ensure our pilots and crews have the knowledge, training and awareness to safely complete their assigned mission.”
They could take to the air once again as soon as the retraining was finished, with a deadline of May 5th for active duty advisors and May 31st for Guard and Reserve. The training focused on risk mitigation, maintenance, and flight planning.
The two helicopter crashes were not related to each other, with the first happening between Blackhawks in fort Campbell, Kentucky and the second between Apaches in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. The impact to both these communities, however, is a heavy one. The military is taking this seriously in this short reset and is making sure our pilots come home safe at the end of the day. This grounding is not unheard of and is standard procedure when training accidents hit a drastic increase.
Let us hold up our army aviation community as they take back to the skies. The best way to honor the fallen is to arrive back on the ground safe and sound.
Find out more at New York Times.com
Navy Saves Americans in Sudan
The USS Brunswick, along with unmanned United States drones, are leading the charge in rescuing American Citizens from war torn Sudan. The Brunswick is classified as a non-traditional Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport. A DOD spokesperson has released a statement that says “The Department of Defense deployed U.S. intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets to support air and land evacuation routes, which Americans are using.”
It has moved approximately 300 people from Sudan to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The journey took about 12 hours in total. The USS Lewis B. Puller is also on the Red Sea standing by to give aid. This brings the Total of Americans seeking refuge after fleeing Sudan to around 1000.
The past few weeks have been rough for the country of Sudan, as the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, led by rival commanding generals, have been fighting with little regard to civilians and the casualties left behind.
Rescue efforts are still ongoing, and our brave seamen are working hard to save American lives.
Find out more at nbc.com
Flex that Feico for Free
There’s a new legislative proposal up to bat that would provide free credit monitoring for military spouses and other family members. Active duty service members have enjoyed this perk for the past five years as part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
This amendment being proposed to include family members is being spearheaded by Sen. Tom Carper, D-Delaware; Sen. Amy Klobuchar,(clowbashar) D-Minnesota; Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-North Dakota; and Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana.
This amendment would also include national guard members.
This service roughly costs 30 dollars a month out of pocket and would be a welcome way to monitor family finances without an added price tag.
“The current law … provides a safety net for most but not for all of our uniformed services as we would intend,” said Jack Du Teil, president of The Military Coalition, in a statement provided in the senators’ announcement. “The key to oversight is to expand the current law to include all service members — a course of action TMC has long supported.
While I’m no finance guru, I appreciate any help I can receive, especially when it’s free! Thanks TransUnion and our legislators for acknowledging that an important part of a soldier’s financial health is the dependents.
Find out more at militarytimes.com
Today in History:
On May 8th, 1886, the Coca Cola was sold. Originally meant to be a “tonic” to numb nerve pain, Col. John Pemberton originally hoped it would be an answer to his and many other civil war veterans’ morphine addiction.
It was first sold at his store the Pemberton’s Eagle Drug and Chemical House in Columbus, GA under the name Pemberton’s French Wine Coca nerve tonic. When Georgia tightened its prohibition laws against alcohol, the wine was taken out, African kola nut was put in, and coca cola was born with the first bottle being sold at Jacobs Pharmacy in Atlanta, GA on this day.
The cursive Coca Cola logo we all know and love is in Pembertons handwriting. He sold it as a cure for many diseases, including morphine addiction, indigestion, nerve disorders, and headaches. It sold for five cents a glass. Rumor still has it that the original recipe had actual cocaine, but the recipe for this famous drink….all versions of it…. Are still held under lock and key.
If you happen to be at Fort Moore, formerly known as Fort Benning, you can still see the original drugstore just minutes from base, or take the day trip to Atlanta and see the Coca Cola museum! I don’t know you but I will be celebrating the day like I do most days. With a coke and a smile!
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
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Have you ever heard yourself say “We would never do that…” or “Never would I ever!” when you hear about some people’s experience? In this Minicast, Amie talks about the “never would I ever” experiences that we may come across in this military life and how we can work together to support one another through all the seasons of our lives when these moments pop up.
We are here to support, inspire, and empower you. You are not alone on this journey. To hear more about Amie’s tips of empowerment to help get through the “Never Would I Ever” moments, tune in below:
The post MMP #975: Never Would I Ever – MilSpouse Edition first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee are New York Times bestselling co-authors who have written “The Long March Home”, a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope. Set in 1941, this is the tale of three best friends stationed in the Philippines at the beginning of the United State’s involvement in WWII… and the girl they left behind in Mobile, Alabama.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Marcus Brotherton, visit marcusbrotherton.com or you can connect with him online via Facebook or Instagram. And if you would like to learn more about Tosca Lee, visit toscalee.com or you can connect with her online via Facebook. You can also buy their book The Long March Home at any major retailer.
Podcast Partner: First Command FinancialWe would like to thank today’s Podcast Partner, First Command Financial Services.
First Command provides complimentary financial plans for all active duty U.S. military service members. Their mission is to “coach those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.” With four out of five financial coaches coming from the ranks of military spouses or veterans, they’re uniquely qualified to help you pursue financial security. Visit firstcommand.com to learn more and find a financial coach near you.
Again, thank you First Command, for being this week’s Podcast Partner!
Resource Recon with Chrissy and AngeliaLet’s take a look at the elephant in the room, PCS Season…
For those new to this MilSpouse life, PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station but in short, it means that it’s time to move!
With the summer quickly approaching, many military families are in a state of limbo with trying to schedule pack out dates, find housing and resources at their new duty station and even trying to figure out how to travel with their furry family members. We have SO many resources on our website about these specific topics.
We can help you through it all with our PCS One Stop with checklists, documents and tips and tricks from experienced MilSpouses.
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, Kristi Cabiao, who was nominated by Karen DeMay.
Kristi, a medical doctor married to the Air Force, is raising multiple kids and one is on the autism spectrum. Despite the academic background and practicing medicine, there was one challenge Kristi never anticipated tackling to the degree of which she has; going into a figurative battle with Tricare regarding Tricare’s overbearing and outlandish requirements of dependents seeking/needing speciality care relating to autism.
Kristi left her job as doctor to be the full time caretaker of her autistic child AND she founded a nonprofit organization designed to empower the military family in various stages of military life with knowledge to self-advocate for world-class healthcare and quality of life. Her organization, Mission Alpha Advocacy, pushes legislative and policy changes for military families living with disabilities and special needs. Kristi is working to not only provide confidence and empowerment to fellow military families, she is working to reduce the frustration and stress of the bureaucracy that is the Tricare system. She’s working to bring common sense changes to Tricare that will reduce parental frustration when military parents are doing everything they can to raise their military kids while navigating a mountain of medical providers and corresponding treatments for their exceptional family members.
Kristi lives “Everyday Empowerment” because she tirelessly fights the fight behind the scene to make military life a little easier for her brother and sister families.
Moxie Minute with AmieAs military spouses, we often put the needs of our service member and family members first. It can be easy to forget to take care of ourselves in the midst of deployments, PCS moves, and everyday life. But the truth is, self care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Whether it’s taking a bubble bath, going for a run, or simply taking five minutes to meditate, it’s important to make time for yourself. Take a break and recharge your batteries. Because when we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to take care of those around us.
So, this week, let’s all make a commitment to prioritize our self care. Let’s take a step back and do something for ourselves, something that brings joy and relaxation. Let’s make self care a habit and not just a one-time thing. Remember, self care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. So take care of yourself, and in turn, you’ll be better equipped to take care of those you love.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 17, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Military Children Masterpieces Shine at the White House
A temporary art exhibit was displayed in the White House for April, in the hopes of bringing awareness to the month of the military child and the sacrifices they make. This was done as a part of Joining Forces, a White House initiative to support military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors. The art display consists of ten mini suitcases to symbolize the frequent moving and pick up and go lifestyle many military children experience. On the suitcases are artwork depicting the places the military has taken them.
This was inspired by a poem called “My Military Suitcase written by a fourth grade marine child and displayed at the White House last year. “It’s my hope that this beautiful art installation helps White House visitors better understand and appreciate the unique experiences of the children who serve alongside U.S. service members and veterans.,” the First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement.
A recent study has shown that the average military child moves 6-9 times during their school age years and change schools three times more often than their civilian peers.
To learn more or see some of the display go to militarytimes.com
The Marines’ Newest Recruit Has a Pawful Lot to Learn!
Over at the marine recruit depot in San Diego, California, Private Bruno is learning all the ropes of his new career from his mentor, Cpl. Manny. Only catch? They are both English bulldogs.
Pvt. Bruno, a five month old pup, has officially assumed the role as the depots mascot while Cpl Manny is retiring to the east coast with one of his beloved keepers.
While they’re both easing into the transition, the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service has been snapping adorable pics of the two bulldogs hard at work including answering phone calls, calling formation, rucking, and doing pt. While the depot is sad to see Manny go, he is ready for his new life in Philadelphia.
They have big boots to fill as both pups are named after war heroes. Manny is named after Sgt. Johnny R. Manuelito, a Navajo Code Talker. Bruno is named after Maj. Gen. Bruno A. Hochmuth, the first General to die in Vietnam.
Sorry Marines but I think it’s safe to say that this Private and Corporal are the cutest recruits the Marines have to offer!
To see the adorable pictures or read more go to militarytimes.com
A Reunion Worth the Wait
Four US Air Force vets were friends and roommates 50 years ago during the Vietnam war. They all went on to live separate lives and take separate paths. Last week, they finally got to get the gang back together again. Alan Price, David Thibodeau, and John Sutherland were all roommates at Clark Air Base in the Philippines in a dorm they called “happy hollow”. These roommates were all C-130 pilots who would fly cargo from the Philippines to Vietnam and Thailand. The fourth friend is Bobby Nida who flew F4 phantom fighter jets but was welcomed into the roomy circle by Sutherland since they had been buddies at Texas A&M.
All four men made it through the war with Nida being the only one with a close call. They went on to be career military men, airline pilots and cargo pilots. Several of them married nurses they had met in the Philippines or other bases in their careers. They decided to stop delaying a reunion when Nidas wife passed away last year.
“I decided after 50 years it was time to get together. “There’s a bond,” Alan Price said. “Everybody’s had a solid career and everyone looks so well.”
Let this sweet story be a reminder to us that no time is never too much time apart when it comes to our military friends who become family!
Find out more at americanmilitarynews.com
Today in History
On May 1st, 2011, Osama Bin Ladens death was announced. He technically died May 2nd, but due the time difference the US got the news the day before. He was shot and killed in his Pakistani compound located in the city of Abottabad. He met his end by Navy Seal Team Six in an operation code named Neptune Spear. The whole raid lasted approximately 40 minutes.
This ended nearly a decade-long manhunt for the man who is most well known as the mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Anyone involved in the military during this time period all slept a little better the night of May 1st, 2011. And while death is never a celebration, Justice always is.
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP #974: “The Long March Home” first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
For those of us who have completed a PCS before, it can be difficult and sometimes traumatizing to find all new resources. One of the most important ones is finding a new hairstylist. In this week’s Mini-Cast, Cheyenne will be sharing tips on how to find a new hairstylist after a PCS.
Don’t forget that we are here for you no matter what you are going through in this military life. To hear more, listen below.
The post MMP #973: Tips for Finding a Hairstylist after a PCS first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
As a military spouse, have you ever heard the phrase “But you knew what you signed up for?!” You are not the only one! Megan Brown has heard that discouraging statement more times than she cares to remember. But did she know? Honestly, no. She fell in love with a military man and had dreams of adventure. Never in her wildest dreams did she anticipate the challenges and heartache that would follow.
In “Know What You Signed Up For”, Megan helps military spouses see that we’re right where we’re supposed to be—chosen for this specific time and place. This is written as a love letter to her younger self and to military spouses like her and to create a resource for future generations of military spouses because for her to encourage them to find themselves amongst their roles as military spouses.
MEGAN B. BROWN is a seasoned military spouse, mother, Bible teacher, and military missionary. Megan is the Founder and Executive Director of MilSpo Co. She is passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus to the active-duty military community in hopes of kickstarting restoration and revival. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Ministry Leadership, Megan lives in South Mississippi with her husband, M. Sgt. Keith Brown, U.S. Air Force, and their four energetic children.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Megan Brown, you can visit her website by clicking here or connect with her online via Facebook, Instagram. You can also buy her book “Know What You Signed Up For” through most major book retailers.
Resource Recon with Chrissy and LindseyThis week’s Resource Recon is all about traveling Space A!
How many times have you found yourself checking the price of tickets to find out you can’t afford your dream vacation? Do you dream of traveling abroad or just up for an adventure in general? The military offers a great way to travel using Space Available travel.
At first glance, Space A travel may seem cumbersome and confusing, but if you do the right research and have some flexibility in your schedule, it really isn’t hard! We have compiled some resources regarding Space A here.
If you are looking to travel on an adventure and have some flexibility in your schedule, jump on board and utilize your resources to see the world!
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaDo you know a milspouse, service member, family member, community member or nonprofit organization who goes above and beyond to empower the military lives of others? Nominate a stand-out empowerment champion for Mission: Milspouse’s “Everyday Empowerment” award! This could be a relative, spouse, nonprofit, or a battle buddy you’ve met along the way.
“Everyday Empowerment” winners will receive a digital certificate, a token of our appreciation IRL (that’s in real life), on-air recognition via our podcast, and be included in a social media reel each month with their fellow winners. Nonprofits that are selected will receive a $100 donation from Mission: Milspouse to support their continued work within the military community.
To nominate someone or a nonprofit, simply head to our website at missionmilspouse.org. Select the Get Involved tab, where you’ll then click Empowerment from the dropdown menu and you’ll find the Nomination Form!
Moxie Minute with AmieFor military spouses, being audacious can mean having the courage to pursue your dreams and ambitions, despite the challenges that come with the military lifestyle. It means being bold, daring, and willing to take risks.
This week I read about Mary Edwards Walker, the only female to be awarded the Medal of Honor. She was also a women’s rights advocate, abolitionist, and spy, and even a prisoner of war for four months. Walker became the first female U.S. Army surgeon during the Civil War. She was even arrested in New Orleans for dressing like a man. She had always worn men’s clothing for comfort. Walker responded by saying, “I don’t wear men’s clothes, I wear my own clothes.” Mary Edwards Walker was truly audacious, and her example inspires us to have moxie in the face of whatever challenges we may encounter.
As a military spouse, you have already shown audacity by committing to a life of service alongside your partner. But don’t stop there. Be audacious in pursuing your own goals and passions, even if it means taking a different path than you originally planned. And remember, we’ve got your back.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 24, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
DEERS IDs Goes Digital
If you’re one of the lucky few with a good ID picture and want to keep it, or if you just enjoy avoiding the DEERS office like a Best Buy on Black Friday, then I have some good news for you! You can now renew your ID card online! Well…. Technically your sponsor can. But. You get it. After your sponsor applies for it on the RAPIDS website it will be delivered to your door!
Navy Sets Sights on New Museum in DC
The Navy released several concept designs last week for a museum they hope they can garner enough support and funds for in DC, located in the Navy Yard on the Anacostia River. Five out of 37 entries were displayed for the showcase, all submission coming from architectural firms. These five designs are not guaranteed a run for first place, however, and are meant to garner attention and also entice other firms to through their hats in the ring as well. This museum would be the first military museum within the District of Columbia, as both the army and marine museums lie just outside of the city in northern Virginia.
Let’s hope for smooth sailing for the navy as they embark on this ambitious museum enterprise!
MFAN is a Fan of Your Application!
The Military Family Advisory Network is looking for applicants to join their 2023-2025 advisory board! In order to join you must be a military family member. Their website defines this as:
- The spouse of a veteran (retiree or separatee)
- The spouse of a National Guard or Reserve member
- The spouse of an active duty service member of any branch of service (Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, or Space Force)
- The spouse of a wounded, ill, or injured veteran
- The spouse, partner, or former spouse/partner of a veteran, Reservist, Guard member, or active duty service member.
- A veteran who left service within the last five years
They are, unfortunately, not currently accepting applications from active duty service members, OCONUS spouses, or children/siblings of active duty service members.
MFANs mission statement, found on their website, states that “The Military Family Advisory Network envisions a world where all military-connected families are empowered to thrive. Our mission is to understand and amplify the needs of military-connected families and inspire data-informed change.”
Today in History
On April 24, 1898, Spain declared war on America.
An often forgotten chapter of American history, the Spanish American War lasted only three months and three weeks. Long story short, both countries wanted the other country out of the island of Cuba. Spain couldn’t risk losing their presence there, as the Spaniard people were still upset over the abandonment of Florida. Spain was worried it would cause a revolution. The US was lobbying behind the Cubans rallying for their independence from Spanish rule. This, in turn, would give the US a much needed stepping stone to having a presence in the Caribbean. These high tensions boiled over when the U.S. Navy cruiser Maine mysteriously exploded in the Havana Harbor and killed over 200 American sailors.
War quickly followed, and the ten week conflict showcased American heroes like Theodore Roosevelt, but also led to much death, not just in battle but also from yellow fever. The American victory in this war led to Spain losing the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The first two of those become American territories later on. It was also the end of Spanish presence in the new world, and the introduction of America as a global contender.
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #972: “Know What You Signed Up For” first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
April is the month of the military child and honestly, we’re all making things up as we go. In this Minicast, Sharita talks about her children’s resilience. The thought of resilience can seem buzzworthy and not realistic, but it’s about bouncing forward when facing adversity instead of bouncing back as we learn and grow. Sharita has 5 ways to foster this ability in our children.
You’re never alone in this milspouse life, we’ve been there, and we’ve got your six. To hear Sharita’s ways to foster this ability in our children, listen below.
The post MMP Show #971: 5 Ways to Foster Resilience in Your Military Child first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
You never know who you will reach with your story and who it will resonate with. We have the unique ability to pass on our stories to younger military spouses to raise them up to continue to build a strong community. Don’t forget to tell your story. That is what Natalie Walters continues to do with her book Blind Trust.
Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can’t stop herself from going all in to find out why he’s coming after her. Unfortunately, she’s going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.
Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolas Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous–to both the mission and his heart.
Natalie Walters is a bestselling and award-winning author of Targeted, SNAP Agency, and Harbored Secrets series. She lives in Texas with her husband, kids, and an ornery goldendoodle named Scout. Natalie is an all-around empowering military spouse and author of “Blind Trust” which closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless!
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Natalie Walters, you can visit her website by clicking here or connect with her online via Facebook, Instagram. You can also buy her book Blind Trust at any major retailer.
Resource Recon with Amanda and JadeIn this week’s Resource Recon, let’s talk about one of our blogs, by our awesome expert bloggers, Hiring Heroes USA, titled, “Interviewing: The Two-Way Street.”
Written by one of their Transition Specialists, Sidney Hubner writes: Interviewing is a critical step in the job search process, and it’s essential for both the employer and the candidate to ask the right questions. Traditionally, the interviewer is the one who asks the questions to learn about the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and fit for the role.
However, in recent years, a new trend has emerged – the interviewee interviewing the company.Sidney continues to share more about interviews today, in which there has been a shift, giving the candidate a much more active role in the interview. She discusses topics such as culture, growth opportunities, and the company’s needs and nature.
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are spotlighting our MRE team winner, which by the way, MRE stands for Motivated and Ready to Empower, Jade Fusaro.
As Mission: Milspouse’s Director of Podcast Production, Jade has been an empowering and supportive Command Team Member! A little about Jade is she was born and raised in New Jersey. The Garden State had many things to offer Jade, including when she meet her fellow New Jersey husband on Veterans Day weekend in 2014 while he was home on leave.
Jade studied at Rutgers University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Sport Management. In the past, Jade has worked in many industries, including sports athletics, management, restaurants, social media, and as a certified barre fitness instructor. Recently, Jade accepted a position in the financial department of a local trauma hospital.
Jade and her husband are currently stationed in South Florida, where they are again enjoying the beach, summer year-round, cortaditos, and being back on the east coast closer to family. In Jade’s spare time, she enjoys connecting with her family and friends, taking fitness classes, attending or watching sporting events, taking pictures of her cat, enjoying a good Italian meal, meditating, and learning something new.
Jade, we thank you for your service in honoring our mission and for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Moxie Minute with AmieIt’s PCS season once again, and I know it can be a stressful time for many of us. But let’s not forget that we’re all in this together, and we have the strength to get through it. I say that as I am here looking at tubs that need to be packed. That’s right, the Fisher Fam is moving soon, like next week soon. So a few things for us to remember:
First and foremost, take a deep breath and remember that this is another adventure we get to experience as military families. Secondly, let’s not forget to take care of ourselves during the chaos of moving. Lastly, remember that it’s okay to ask for help.
Our military community is full of supportive and understanding people who are there to lend a hand during this time. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the resources available to us, whether it’s through our unit or support groups. And remember, you will find all kinds of great information on our Mission:Milspouse blog, just type Embrace Your Base in the search bar.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 17, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Marines Save the Day at a Virginia Chick-fil-ACpl. John Darby, Cpl. Bradley Feldkamp, and Lance Cpl. Nicholas Dural was recently honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in Quantico, Virginia. All three marines were newly minted marine embassy security guards and were waiting for their visas and flight information to go on to different parts of the world. The three men stopped at a Chick-fil-A in North Stafford, VA on their way to get haircuts when a fight took place.
Two teenagers approached another teenager and things got heated. They bumped into a woman who was knocked down, Dural went to check on her. That’s when one of the juveniles pulled out a knife and the marines jumped into action. Using defense tactics they had been trained to use, they quickly were able to pin the assailant.
Find out more at cbs.com
Army Tackles Pacific in Ambitious ExerciseTalisman Sabre, a large scale exercise taking place in Australia, is set to take off this summer. During this exercise, the 8th army sustainment command will deliver a large amount of equipment over a vast amount of land involving harsh landscapes and conditions. This exercise will also help keep the army ready to enlarge presence in the pacific region of the world as the need to deter China grows.
Find out more at militarytimes.com.
Northernmost Military Base Gets New NameThule Air Base in the country of Greenland is sporting a new name with Innuit roots. Now called Pituffik Space Base, the name upgrade now reflects native ties and its ever growing affiliation with the space force. The name Pituffik comes from the original settlement the base was built upon. The original settlers were forced to relocate in the 1950s when Thule Air Base was built. Thule comes from the Roman mythological term Ulta Thule, meaning the northernmost place possible.
Find out more at military.com
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #970: Blind Trust first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
It’s no surprise that being a military spouse is difficult. In this Minicast, Jade is reflecting back on the challenges that military spouses face during the first year of marriage. She talks through the challenges and her tips for getting through them. Here’s to embracing the suck together!
Don’t forget that we are here for you no matter what you are going through in this military life. To hear more of Jade’s tips to face the challenges of marriage in this military life, listen below.
The post MMP Show #969: Reflecting Back on One Year of Marriage as a Milspouse first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Mom2Mom Global is a worldwide network of volunteers who support breast/chest feeding families and advocates for military families. Their purpose is to provide consistent, high-quality peer support through local chapters and liaisons at U.S. military installations, to increase access to accredited lactation professionals for all military families, and to provide a channel to raise awareness and solutions for the concerns of military breastfeeding families.
They’re committed to: maintaining the highest standards of accurate, up-to-date, evidence-based information; providing a friendly and encouraging atmosphere where anyone who supports breastfeeding is welcome and where each parent finds the support to reach their own individual breastfeeding goals; supporting and celebrating diversity and equity for military breastfeeding families and advocating for military and civilian policies, procedures, and laws that provide breastfeeding military families universal access to resources, support, and solutions to meet those goals.
Kelly Quinn (Bell) has been volunteering with Mom2Mom Global since 2019 and is the Director of Advocacy, Support, and Military Relations. Kelly has almost 24 years of service, all in the Reserve, and is currently enrolled in Mom2Mom Global’s Military Lactation Counselor certification program. Kelly has worked to change DOD-wide policies including the authorization of the lactation undershirt, the waiver to TB MED 530 that authorizes breastmilk storage in DFAC refrigeration, and co-authoring the white paper which led to the publication of the Army’s Parenthood, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Directive. Kelly has 2 daughters and works as a nurse care manager in the primary care clinic at the Des Moines VA. She also helps admin the Facebook group The Army Mom Life.
Krystle Wallace graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the United States Coast Guard Academy. She served 5 years active duty and 10 years as a reservist. She obtained her Master’s Degree from Union Institute University specializing in Human Lactation. She has been a Le Leche League Leader in Jefferson Parish Louisiana and Broward County Florida. She also worked as a Certified Lactation Counselor at New Orleans Baby Cafe. She has been with Mom2Mom Global since 2019 in various roles and is currently the MiLC Program Director. She obtained her IBCLC In December of 2021. Krystle is married to her active duty spouse with 2 children, one dog, and a cat.
If you are interested in learning more about lactation education, and supporting families, either visit mom2momglobal.org/milc-certification or email milc@mom2momglobal.org with the heading “#PutSomeBreastMilkOnIt, I want to become a MiLC!” And you will receive a 15% discount off the general price to enroll in the Military Lactation Counselor certification program. No other discounts/offers will be applied with this offer.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Mom2Mom, you can visit them by clicking here or connect with them online via Facebook, Instagram, or you can find a Military Lactation Counselor here.
Moxie Minute with AmieToday’s word is Fearless.
Military families know better than anyone the importance of facing fears head-on. Whether it’s sending a loved one off to a deployment or facing the unknowns of a new duty station, fear can be a constant companion. But it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate true moxie.
So how can we cultivate fearlessness in ourselves and our families? It starts with recognizing that fear is a natural and normal human emotion. But we don’t have to let it control us. We can practice taking small risks, challenging ourselves to step outside our comfort zones, and focusing on the things that matter most to us.
So let’s embrace our fears, take on new challenges with courage and determination, and show the world what true moxie looks like. Alright spouses, until next time, Moxie Up!
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 10, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
DECA Says Goodbye to Commissary DirectorBill Moore has announced he is stepping down from his role as commissary director and retiring on March 31. He has spent 40 years as a government employee and has been overseeing commissary operations for almost 3 years. Moore hinted in his statement that they are now working towards delivery options. Customer satisfaction has also risen since Moore took over, increasing from 83 to 89 percent.
Find out more at military times.com
Cruisin with the Navy Once Again
Tom Cruise is currently on the high seas with the Navy for the 8th installment of his Mission Impossible franchise titled “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two”. The details are still a bit hazy. You’ll have to wait a bit to see this new navy/cruise collab on the big screen, however, as Dead Reckoning part one isn’t even out until July 14 of this year. Part 2 is slated to be released summer of 2024.
Find out more at federaltimes.com
Naval Mystery on the Outerbanks
The same day a house out of Rodanthe, North Carolina, mysteriously floated out to sea, a navy vessel washed ashore. The vessel was bright orange, 16 feet long, and had notes with a phone number attached to it. This number belonged to the Norfolk Naval Air Station, approximately 100 miles north of where the vessel was found. The vessel had been reported as sunk, which is why the navy was not searching for it.
Find out more at Americanmilitarynews.com
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Resource Recon with Sarah and Amie
This week’s Resource Recon is all about our Ultimate PCS One-Stop.
Here at Mission: Milspouse, we’ve faced our fair share of relocations, DITYs, government moves, overseas stints, and everything in between. We’ve been there and done that, and we have the stickers to prove it. With all that experience, we know how stressful it can be. Packing and loading means moving all of your belongings—special things, irreplaceable heirlooms—and none of us really want things broken or damaged. While we can’t ensure there won’t be casualties of PCS, we can help you prepare to make the move a little smoother.
We know it can be a lot of information, so we have broken it down into smaller sections on our website to help you stay on top of your PCS. Visit https://missionmilspouse.org/ultimate-pcs-one-stop/ to learn more.
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, Stephanie Curnow, who was nominated by Amanda Krieger.
Amanda shares, “Stephanie opened 27 West with the intention to hire military spouses, and she has done so. As a military spouse herself, she understands the challenges that military spouse’s face with their frequent moves and gaps in their resume. She doesn’t see these things as a problem, rather she empowers other military spouses by seeing their talents and offering gainful employment.
By opening 27 West, Stephanie has encouraged me to shop small, connected me with military spouse owned and veteran owned businesses, and helped me find confidence through fashion.”
On behalf of Mission: Milspouse, thank you so much to Stephanie for doing your part to empower military families all across the globe.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #968: Mom2Mom Global first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
We all experience pain in this life. In this week’s Minicast, Lindsey opens up about her recent pain and how she has learned that there can be purpose to your pain. We cannot avoid pain, so why not use it? Life experiences can be painful and it can feel lonely at times.
We’re here to make sure you don’t feel alone on whatever journey you are going through. To hear more of Lindsey’s tips to help pain have a purpose, listen below.
The post MMP Show #967: There Can Be Purpose to Your Pain first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
We’ve all been through bad experiences and it’s easy to feel alone as you go through them. But to be there for someone else who is going through something you already went through can be powerful. Author Jessica Manfre has a goal of leaving this world a better place than when she came into it and that’s where the book “Never Alone” came into play.
A fellow author and military spouse told her she had a story to share and challenged her to think about what she wanted to bring to our community as a resource. She thought of all of the pain points and chose loneliness. We’re not as alone as we think, friendship is such a beautiful gift. But don’t forget to give yourself space and time to feel your feelings and don’t give into toxic positivity.
Jessica Manfre is a licensed master social worker, author, and co-founder of a non-profit, Inspire Up. She is also the co-founder of the global acts of kindness campaign, GivingTuesdayMilitary. Jessica’s passion lies in serving others and advocating for those in need.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Jessica Manfre, you can find out more by clicking here or connect with her online via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. And if you would like to learn more about Inspire Up, click here or connect with them online via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Lastly, you can find the book “Never Alone” at any major retailer.
Resource Recon with KateLynn and Jade
This week’s Resource Recon is all about our blog!. One of our newest bloggers, Julie Eshelman, who wrote “THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF THE MILITARY….AGR!” This blog gives us a little history on their families military journey. Did you know what Active Guard Reserve was?
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, Brunella Costaglioa, who was nominated by Julie Tully.
Julie shares, “I met Brunella when I was first considering writing my memoir. She had just launched The Military Editor Agency. There was an immediate connection between us after our first call and I knew I would be foolish not to work with her. From day one, she became my cheerleader and advisor. It is because of her expertise and guidance that I felt brave enough to seek out a publisher and go public with my story. And now, I am also honored to call her a friend. She’s one of a kind.
Not only is Brunella a talented editor and author, but she is also an incredible advocate for the military. Like I’ve told many people, Brunella is a person you want to have in your corner. The term “everyday empowerment” could’ve been coined with her in mind—she empowers the military community everyday. We are all the better because she exists.”
On behalf of Mission: Milspouse, thank you so much to Brunella for doing your part to empower military families all across the globe.
Moxie Minute with AmieToday’s word is Fearless.
Military families know better than anyone the importance of facing fears head-on. Whether it’s sending a loved one off to a deployment or facing the unknowns of a new duty station, fear can be a constant companion. But it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate true moxie.
So how can we cultivate fearlessness in ourselves and our families? It starts with recognizing that fear is a natural and normal human emotion. But we don’t have to let it control us. We can practice taking small risks, challenging ourselves to step outside our comfort zones, and focusing on the things that matter most to us.
So let’s embrace our fears, take on new challenges with courage and determination, and show the world what true moxie looks like. Alright spouses, until next time, Moxie Up!
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 3, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
New Initiatives for the Military FamilyIn an attempt to combat ever rising cost of living, the DOD has released initiatives to help with the financial burdens facing our military families. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a plan of attack to lower the cost of childcare and help spouses get back into the workforce. This plan includes universal pre-kindergarten at Department of Defense Education Activity Schools in the next five years and flexible spending accounts for child care expenses, allowing service members to set aside 5000 pre tax dollars.
Find out more at military.com
DECA Goes Purple for Military ChildrenThe month of the military child is in full swing, and the commissary is calling on its tiniest customers to partake in a fun contest! DECA is hosting an art contest for little artists pre k through 12 to show off their skills, win some kinder eggs, and celebrate the month that is all about them.
The contest is titled “The World We Travel” and kiddos are encouraged to make a piece portraying their favorite place the military has taken their family. One winner from each commissary will be selected in three categories pre-kinder to 4th grade, 5th to 8th grades and 9th to 12th grades.
To enter, grab a form at the commissary guest services desk or go online at http://www.commissaries.com/military-child-month.
Entries will be accepted from the first day of April to the last.
Blue Angel Flies High Over Glass CeilingLook out boys, there’s a new angel in blue! Lt. Amanda Lee has joined the naval blue angels, being the first woman to earn a coveted spot on the show team. Lee enlisted in the navy in 2007 and earned her commission in 2013. She has served in two combat deployments on the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman.
Find out more at military times.com
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #966: Book, Never Alone— Jessica Manfre first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Do you have a song that you can relate to? In this week’s Minicast, Kathleen shares some songs from her favorite decade that relate to milspouse life. Her theme song is “I Can’t Drive 55” with the first lyric being “One foot on the brake and one on the gas’. From someone who says she doesn’t have wisdom to share, Kathleen has some great thoughts (and dare we say tips) on this milspouse life.
We’re here to support and encourage you as continue on this journey. To hear all the songs Kathleen relates to milspouse life, listen below.
Happy Birthday Kathleen!
The post MMP Show #965: I Can’t Drive 55 first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Founded by two military spouses who saw gaps in care and support in their own communities, Hope for the Warriors is constantly evolving to meet the ever changing needs of military families. The organization is striving to provide strength, stability, and a sense of community. This is further helped by the fact that the staff is all veterans and/or military family members.
The non-profit promotes overall wellness in someone’s life and they look at the whole family – the veteran, the spouse, and the family as an overall unit. Hope for the Warriors empowers military spouses through education to change their life roles to better met the needs of their spouses with their Military Spouse & Caregiver Scholarship program. Check out if you are eligible for the scholarship here and apply before April 30, 2023.
Kristy Warren has been with Hope For The Warriors since 2015 where she first managed the social media presence for the national nonprofit, to now leading the Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship Program and working as a case manager for Transition Services as a Certified Professional Career Coach. Being a former military spouse, Kristy feels very fortunate to advocate for higher education and employment for military families. After many military moves, including Jacksonville, N.C., MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and Beaufort, South Carolina she currently resides in her hometown of Pittsburgh with her six year-old son.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Hope For The Warriors, you can visit them by clicking here or connect with them online via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or LinkedIn.
Resource Recon with Chrissy and Sarah
This week’s Resource Recon is all about our blog! One of our latest posts comes from our Protocol and Etiquette Team, in their recent post titled, Customs and Courtesies for Traveling Abroad & Avoiding a Faux Pas!, they write:
In Europe, utensils are held and used differently, the fork on the left using left hand to eat and knife to the right; unlike America, they do not switch hands to eat. It is OK to begin eating when you are served at a German restaurant since they typically serve a meal as soon as it is prepared.
Unlike in America, it is OK to rest your forearms on the table edge when not eating, but not OK to put your hands in your lap during the meal.
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are spotlighting our MRE team winner, which by the way, MRE stands for Motivated and Ready to Empower, Angelia McMichael.
As Mission: Milspouse’s Partner Recruitment Specialist, Angelia married her best friend and high school sweetheart, Bobby, in 2008 in their home state of Oklahoma. She has had the unique perspective of being both an Army reservist spouse (2008) as well as an active duty spouse (2010).
Angelia and her family currently reside in North Carolina, where her husband of 13 years works as a Civil Reconnaissance Sergeant at Fort Bragg. She is a full-time momma to four amazing, and sometimes wild, kiddos. She is also a “parent” to a rambunctious German Shepherd, Delta, and a sassy cat, Poppy. You will often find Angelia adventuring with her family and friends, or trying to sneak in a quick nap.
Angelia attended Rogers State University, where she obtained her EMT certification. She hopes to return to school soon to work towards a nursing degree.
Angelia, we thank you for your service in honoring our mission and for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Moxie Minute with AmieToday’s new word on our list is grit.
Being a military spouse requires a whole lot of grit. It takes determination and perseverance to navigate the challenges that come with this lifestyle, from frequent moves to long separations from our loved ones. But as the saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and that’s where our grit comes in.
Grit requires us to use our challenges as opportunities to grow and thrive. As Angela Duckworth, the author of the book “Grit,” puts it, “Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” And that’s exactly what we do as military families – we keep on running, no matter how tough the course may be.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of March 27, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
DECA Says Goodbye to Commissary DirectorBill Moore has announced he is stepping down from his role as commissary director and retiring on March 31. He has spent 40 years as a government employee and has been overseeing commissary operations for almost 3 years. Moore hinted in his statement that they are now working towards delivery options. Customer satisfaction has also risen since Moore took over, increasing from 83 to 89 percent.
Find out more at military times.com
Cruisin with the Navy Once Again
Tom Cruise is currently on the high seas with the Navy for the 8th installment of his Mission Impossible franchise titled “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two”. The details are still a bit hazy. You’ll have to wait a bit to see this new navy/cruise collab on the big screen, however, as Dead Reckoning part one isn’t even out until July 14 of this year. Part 2 is slated to be released summer of 2024.
Find out more at federaltimes.com
Naval Mystery on the Outerbanks
The same day a house out of Rodanthe, North Carolina, mysteriously floated out to sea, a navy vessel washed ashore. The vessel was bright orange, 16 feet long, and had notes with a phone number attached to it. This number belonged to the Norfolk Naval Air Station, approximately 100 miles north of where the vessel was found. The vessel had been reported as sunk, which is why the navy was not searching for it.
Find out more at Americanmilitarynews.com
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #964: Hope For the Warriors first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Have you found yourself receiving orders to a remote duty station? What about the thought of living away from a military base? In today’s Minicast, Sarah shares some tips she’s applied when moving to a remote location to help make for a smooth transition. Integrating into new communities can feel isolating or unwelcoming. But, when you get out and explore your new “home” it makes leaning into your community less intimidating.
We are here to support and encourage you as continue on this journey. To hear more about Sarah’s tips on thriving in a remote duty station, listen below.
The post MMP Show #963 Tips to Thriving in a Remote Duty Station first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
The welfare of our family means the utmost importance to us. But have there been moments where you’ve been left feeling overwhelmed, like you have tried everything and have nowhere else to go? EFM has created a commonplace to support families of all branches and unite their voices. As an advocate, they tackle big problems, in efforts to change policy and laws both medical and programmatic.
Today’s guest is Rebecca Emerson, who is the Executive Director of Exceptional Families of the Military (EFM).
EFM is a volunteer-led, 501c(3) non-profit organization specializing in helping DoD families enrolled in DoD’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). They are EFMP families themselves and have multiple online support groups with about 7,000 EFMP family members DoD-wide. They provide direct support, support groups, and also work on legislative and policy priorities on behalf of our families. They are part of the Tricare for Kids Coalition and the EFMP coalition, the largest group representing EFMP families.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Exceptional Family Members, you can visit them by clicking here or connect with them online via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or LinkedIn.
Resource Recon with Jolene and Jade
This week’s Resource Recon is all about our blog! One of our latest posts comes from one of our command team members, Lindsey Rauch, in her recent post titled, How to Grocery Shop During Inflation, she shares a few easy steps to shop while on a budget:
- Plan your meals
- Choose meals with similar ingredients
- Go back to the basics – similar to above – protein bowls!
- Make it from scratch
- Cut out big brands and “snacky” items – hummus and veggie sticks, nuts, fruits, homemade muffins
Moxie Minute with AmieToday’s new word on our list is grit.
Being a military spouse requires a whole lot of grit. It takes determination and perseverance to navigate the challenges that come with this lifestyle, from frequent moves to long separations from our loved ones. But as the saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and that’s where our grit comes in.
Grit requires us to use our challenges as opportunities to grow and thrive. As Angela Duckworth, the author of the book “Grit,” puts it, “Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” And that’s exactly what we do as military families – we keep on running, no matter how tough the course may be.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of March 13, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Relief for Type One Diabetics Through TRICAREGood news for military family members with Type 1 Diabetes! The costly Omnipod 5 insulin pump is now officially covered by TRACER
It is covered by the Tricare pharmacy benefit as of mid February. Beneficiaries must have pre authorization from their PCM and it is only covered through Tricare approved civilian pharmacies, not in home care delivery services or military hospitals. If the device is purchased at a non network pharmacy, the beneficiary will have to pay full price, but can be refunded through Tricare if a claim is filed.
It has already been out on the market for over a year but not covered by Tricare until a month ago. It had cost desperate families quite a pretty penny, with the starter kit costing 635 and then costing 280 dollars for five refill pods which need to be changed out every couple of days. With this new coverage beneficiaries will pay 38 dollars per 15 pods. Or roughly 38 dollars a month.
What a relief for type one diabetic dependents and their families! Here’s wishing many more hours of counting your blessings instead of counting your numbers!
*Find out more at militarytimes.com.
Tax Incentives for Hiring Military Spouses?Bipartisan legislation was presented in the Senate and House this week that would give companies tax incentives when they hire military spouses. If this bill is passed it would give the company a tax credit that would be equal to 40 percent of their employees first year wages. This program is called the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and companies have already enjoyed tax credits through this program when they hire veterans.
Military Family Advocates have been fighting for spouses to be included in this program for years. 21 percent of military spouses are unemployed which is roughly 2 to 4 times higher than regional averages. It has steadily held on to this percentage for the past eight years.
*Find out more at military times.com.
DOD Gives Flag Etiquette Crash Course for Military MembersThe DOD recently sent out a memo concerning flag etiquette during the end of a busy sports season. They pointed out that military members could not assist in any flag ceremony where the flag could be desecrated, including the flag trailing off parachutes or gliders and the unfurling of stadium size flags.
They reminded service members that the flag should never be carried horizontally but always aloft and free, and should never touch anything beneath it including the ground, water, or merchandise. While it’s hard to find a member of the military family that doesn’t get teary at a flag during a pre game national anthem, it’s important that the flag is given the respect it deserves, in honor of our past, our future, and the ones who died defending it.
After all, the star spangled banner flies over the land of the free, not on its ground!
*Find out more at Washingtontimes.com.
That’s it for me! This is Emma Tighe with News 6, where information empowers.
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, Julie Tully.
Julie is a familiar friend to us here on our podcast. She is known as a cowgirl-turned-nomadic Navy spouse. Julie is the author of Dispatches from the Cowgirl, a memoir that captures her extraordinary experiences of living in Africa as the spouse of a naval nomad. Her book is available on Amazon and other bookstore retailers. You can learn more about Julie and her books by going to her website, julietullywriter.com or finding her on social media via Facebook or Instagram.
All that to say, thank you so much Julie, for being an empowering military spouse and author! And on behalf of Mission: Milspouse, thank you so much for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP #962: Exceptional Family Members first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
We all know what a staycation is and it’s becoming more of the norm. Today in this Minicast, Chrissy talks about how to make the most of your staycation. She gives us five tips for how to best plan a staycation. Chrissy gives us questions to help understand everyone’s expectations.
We are here to support, inspire, and empower you. You are not alone on this journey. To hear more about Chrissy’s tips for the best staycation, listen below.
The post MMP Show #961: Make the Most of Your Staycation first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Time away from our soldiers can affect the storyline of our everyday lives during their absence. Their departure can set the stage for the onset of unique challenges. In Gretchen McLellan’s recent books When Your Daddy’s a Soldier, she provides children with the experience of seeing themselves in between the cover of a book. She depicts the real and raw emotions that can often times fill our homes as we prepare for the departure and arrival of our soldiers.
Gretchen McLellan is an Army Brat, wife of a veteran, mother, grandmother, former reading specialist and author of five picture books. Her father was a veteran of three wars and a career infantry soldier. She spent her childhood on the move, living in Rockville, Maryland; Springfield and Charlottesville, Virginia; Ft. Benning, Georgia; Tampa, Florida; Heidelberg, Butzbach, Stuttgart and Munich, West Germany; and Teheran, Iran, both on and off bases. As an adult she has settled in Camas, WA.
It has been one of her lifetime missions to represent military kids in print. The military, one of America’s oldest and nearly invisible subcultures, is underrepresented in children’s literature. She provides a mirror for kids like her by giving them a voice in her recent release When Your Daddy’s a Soldier. By providing a window into their world, she hopes to build understanding and compassion for them and their families. She explores many issues close to the Brat heart in her picture books and middle grade fiction.
Listeners, if you want to connect with Gretchen, you can find her by clicking here or connect with her on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Resource Recon with Amanda and AngeliaOne of our latest blogs comes from our expert blogger, Hope for the Warriors, in their recent post titled, HOPE’s ‘Giant Leap’ with the U.S. Space Force, shares:
The United States Space Force recently celebrated its third birthday, though many folks probably don’t even know the newest branch of the United States Armed Services exists or what its members are responsible for.
When officially announced on Dec. 20, 2019, the Space Force became the first new military branch since 1947. There have been calls for such a United States military branch since man first started exploring space. That’s why we were so excited when we able to tour the Pentagon, where the Space Force is headquartered, in December.
Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda Today we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, Patty Hernandez. She was personally nominated by Amanda!
Patty is a huge encourager willing to spread joy through her authenticity and laughter. She’s an awesome person and friend who inspires others by simply being her. Amanda has gotten a chance to read her debut novel, and it instantly become one of her favorite books. She highly recommends checking out the novel Twenty-Seven by P.L. Hernandez, you won’t regret it!
All that to say, thank you so much Patty, for being an empowering, inspiring milspouse and friend! And on behalf of Mission: Milspouse, thank you so much for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Moxie Minute with AmieThe next word on our list for Moxie – Nerve.
Now, when you think of nerve, you could be reminded of the courage and bravery it takes to face the unknown. We don’t always know where we’re going to live or how long we’re going to be there. We don’t always know when our loved ones will come home or if they’ll be safe when they travel or they’re away. The thing about nerve – it’s not about being fearless. It’s about acknowledging our fears and doubts and then pushing past them anyway. As the writer Ambrose Redmoon once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”
And that’s exactly what we do as military families. We face our fears and doubts with nerve and determination, because we know that something else – our love for our spouses, our country and our commitment to our families – is more important than our fear.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of March 6, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
SGLI Reaches a New HighStarting March 1st, 100,000 dollars will be automatically added to every service member’s life insurance policy, bringing the total from 400,000 to five.
The Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Policy, or SGLI, will increase even if the service member has previously reduced or declined it. It will also increase not only for active duty but reserve and guard members as well. The monthly premium will increase as well, going up to 31 dollars, a six dollar price hike. This is a universal price and rank and age is not influenced by the premium.
The Veterans Group Life Insurance, or VGLI, is also increasing from 4 to 500,000 dollars but the veteran must request it as it is not an automatic changeover. This increase is the first increase in the program since 2005 and will make the Department of Veterans affairs the 12 largest life insurer in the United States.
Find out more at militarytimes.com
American Idol and American Hero ReuniteWhen Kaylin Hedges, a 15 year old from Pound Ridge, New York, auditioned for American Idol, she had no idea that would only be the first thrill of her day. She had chosen the song “Already There”, by Lonestar. A song about a family missing their husband and father while he was away and him letting them know he was always with them.
This is a familiar feeling for military families and one Kaylin knows well, as her military father is currently serving overseas. Her rendition brought a standing ovation from the judges, and judge Katy Perry told her before they would vote that her dad had recorded a special message for her.
1SG Jeffery Hedges said on an iPad recording: “It’s your dad. I miss and love you very much. I wanted to tell you I have nothing but pride and admiration for you. I know I’ve missed many holidays, birthdays and major life events for you, but I just want you to know, that no matter where I am, I’m already there. So, take a look around.”
The judges then told her to take a look around and her dad entered the room. This surprise was not only a shock to her but her mother, who had no idea he was there either.
Learn more and watch the video clip at wideopencountry.com
Soldier Donates Life Saving Bone Marrow to ToddlerSpc. Gavin Dingus had been registered on Be The Match, the national bone marrow registry, for several years when he enlisted in the army at the age of 22. Just two years after joining, he got the call that he had come up as a match. Be a Match called to let him know he was a good candidate for a little one year old girl named Avery who had pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He did not meet the toddler during the transfer, but she did get to meet her hero in November of 2022 and are now good buddies.
To learn more about registering as a donor please visit Be The Match. Com.
That’s it for me! I’m Emma Tighe with news 6, signing out!
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP #960 Book: When Your Daddy’s A Soldier first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Have you ever felt like your job, career, or even motherhood has become your identity? In this Minicast, Amanda shares with us the personal battle she has faced with Imposter Syndrome. She includes some helpful tips we could apply in any phase or season of life when we’re struggling with identity. In the ever-changing life of a military spouse, may you be rested and rooted in your true identity.
We are here to support, inspire, and empower you. You are not alone on this journey. To hear more about Amanda’s tips to battle Imposter Syndrome, listen below.
The post MMP Show #959: Tips to Battle Imposter Syndrome first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Many of us can recall the unique set of challenges that affect our daily lives from big moves, to deployments and homecomings, or even processing grief. The idea of being “prepared” can feel unattainable when life is encompassed by change and uncertainty. To help overcome these obstacles Sesame Workshop has created resources to prepare families and help them remain flexible in turbulent times. They have incorporated realistic and approachable models to help parents and children process “big feelings” together.
In the research process for developing their videos, Sesame Workshop reached out to military communities, caregivers, and providers. They received a lot of feedback and discovered gaps in research and approaches for modeling good behavior with children. In response they developed specific methods that make talking through challenges in military families playful and engaging.
Tara Wright serves as Senior Manager of Content Design in the U.S. Social Impact department at Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind the beloved children’s show, Sesame Street. In her work at Sesame, Tara creates engaging content for young children and families, as well as practical, approachable tools for the providers who serve them–all with the goal to help nurture smarter, stronger, and kinder communities. While always backed by research and on-the-ground expertise, her writing often also draws on her roles as Marine Corps wife and mama to three boys under five.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Sesame Workshop, you can find our more by clicking here or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
Resource Recon with Kayla and LindseyOne of the blogs we recently posted was called “The Frozen girl from the south” by Claire Schwartz and it is about, you guessed it, a military spouse leaving her warm comfort in the south to move to frigid Alaska. She writes,
“Do I know what the journey to Alaska holds for my family? Absolutely not. However, I can’t wait for this southern girl to find out.
The military has many obstacles, but a lot of that is building you as a person. I’ve been learning as a new military wife you have to be open minded, you can never plan a single thing, and you have to be just as dedicated to serving this country as your spouse.”
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are spotlighting our MRE team winner, which by the way, MRE stands for Motivated and Ready to Empower, Lindsey Rauch!
A little about Lindsey is she is a madly in love army wife to her husband, Matt. A proud mom to her six month old son, Malachi. A dog mama to a huskie, collie mix and a business owner. Lindsey has her MS in family marriage therapy and MS in mental health and wellness for family and marriage dynamics from Grand Canyon University. She is also a speaker, blogger, mentor, and motivator.
Lindsey’s husband joined the military after five years of being married as a civilian family, so she has a heart for new military spouses who feel completely lost or foreign to military life. Additionally, she has a heart for military families with sick children as she has struggled through the isolation of being at a foreign post in a new city, trying to find support and the best health care for her child. She is now known as the military NICU mama. In her free time you can find her sipping on a good cup of tea, reading a book, being active, exploring the great outdoors, fishing, writing, or traveling the globe.
Lindsey, we thank you for your service in honoring our mission and for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Moxie Minute with AmieOur Moxie word of the day is, tenacity, which is defined as the quality of being able to grip something firmly, being very determined, and continuing to exist. Tenacity is a quality that has been exemplified by many remarkable women in history. It’s the ability to persist in the face of obstacles and to keep pushing forward despite the odds.
I heard a chaplain recently say a firm grip isn’t drift. If we have a firm grip on our lives, our spouses, our families, our own circle of control we can remember that the craziness of military life is just a part of the bigger picture and not the whole of who we are. So for any spouse that thinks they might not have enough to put on your resume, think about the leadership skills, management, and communication skills involved in our daily lives and what could be accomplished if we put them to use in our communities, careers, or future endeavors. So as an essential quality for our military spouses, resilience, and determination we are an integral part of the military community and a shining example of what it means to be tenacious.
Another example is shown by Rosemary Williams, a Marine spouse with a 22 year career as a journalist. She became the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for military community and family policy and is still a major advocate for military spouses today. She once said ” I learned the value of being tenacious. It takes grit and determination to make it through the tough times, but it’s worth it.”.
Let this serve as a reminder that you too can make it through the tough times and be an example for other as well. Ok everyone, until next week, Moxie Up!
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of February 27, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Super DOD Addresses Military Spouse Food Insecurity A survey administered by the Department of Defense given to military spouses came back with concerning results regarding food insecurity. The survey revealed that one out of four spouses had experienced food insecurity, but only 3 percent used benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) .The survey also addressed topics like spouse employment, PCS moves, financial health, child care and satisfaction with military life.
The military is taking steps to address the ever growing concern of food insecurity. This includes the newly congressionally mandated Basic Need Allowance, a monthly allowance designed to help keep food on the table for military families struggling with food insecurity. To be eligible for this allowance you must be an active duty service member with dependents whose gross household income and household size put them below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines for their geographical location.
Here’s to the military tackling this all important issue head on! Everyone deserves a seat and a meal at the table, especially our military families.
Find out more at militarytimes.com
Super Marines Share Kidney and SuperbowlJohn Gladwell and Billy Welsh met each other around 20 years ago during their time in the Marines. They stayed in touch and checked in from time to time. That all changed when in 2019 Billy made a Facebook post explaining that he had polycystic kidney disease and desperately needed a kidney donor. John answered the call and his kidney turned out to be a perfect match. Gladwell flew to Philadelphia where they endured a 10 hour procedure that was completed successfully.
While the buddies have a vital organ in common they have one difference that came to play big time this year. John is a KC chiefs fan and Billy is an Eagles fan. Word got around about their inspiring friendship and good hearted rivalry. So much so it caught the ear of Eagles President Don Smolenski and his Chiefs counterpart Mark Donovan. They pulled together to get the marine buddies an all expenses paid trip to the Super Bowl, including side by side tickets. While football is America’s game, sacrifice and bravery is the calling of our military heroes. Hope you enjoyed the game fellas! Sorry about the loss Billy! Your team may have lost but you have a brother for life!
Find out more at Marinecorpstimes.com
New Program Means New Career Prospects for Overseas SpousesThe Navy and Air Force are leading the way for overseas spouses to acquire DOD jobs more quickly. This new direct hire authority will cut through some the red tape that slows down the hiring process, hopefully shaving two weeks from applying to hiring. Many DOD organizations already prioritize spouses in their hiring process, but it can still be quite a lengthy process. With overseas spousal unemployment rates of 21 percent, these two branches are hoping to simplify the process.
“We recognize that spouse employment is a fundamental quality of life issue for our airmen and guardians, especially for families in overseas locations,” said John Carbone, director for civilian force management for Air Force Manpower, Personnel and Services, at the announcement of the pilot program. “We’re hoping having access to this new hiring authority will open up greater opportunities for spouses, which in turn will positively impact military retention, the financial well-being of the family, and Department of the Air Force readiness.”
The program was authorized by congress in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. The Defense Commissary Agency (DACA) and the Department of Defense Education Agency (DODEA) are two organizations that are already jumping on this program and implementing it into action.
Find out more at militarytimes.com
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #958: Sesame Workshop first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Just becoming a military spouse involves stepping out of your comfort zone. In this Minicast, Jade uses her personal experiences to give us tips to further jump out of your comfort zone. There are a lot of experiences that can cause military spouses stress. We can embrace this and look for experiences that can help us grow as a person and to grow our circle of support.
Share with us how you intentionally step out of your comfort zone. And to hear Jade talk more about stepping out of your comfort zone, listen below.
The post MMP Show #957: Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
The horrors of war has a way of challenging anyone’s faith. And you can easily find yourself adapting to wars in a dark way. On top of that, once you get out, you can feel a loss of community. The Shadow of Death is a candid, poignant story of one warrior’s descent into unimaginable despair—and his glorious redemption in God.
In Fernando Arroyo’s powerful new memoir, The Shadow of Death: From My Battles in Fallujah to the Battle for My Soul, Arroyo details his career in the military, as well as his crisis of faith. Once he was home, the anger, depression, and alienation continued to grow, even leading to a suicide attempt. But God’s loving hand never stopped reaching for Fernando.
Fernando Arroyo considers himself privileged to serve those who served our country, with the goal of ending veteran suicide. He works as the Veterans Program Director at Step Forward Academy as a coach and mentor for veterans transitioning to civilian life. He helps them develop a career path to a living wage and connects them to a healthy community.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Fernando Arroyo, you can find our more by clicking here or connect with them on social media via Facebook. You can also find his book The Shadow of Death at any major book retailer. Also, don’t forget to check out Step Forward Academy by clicking here – they want to help veterans find a career to earn a living wage, they have coaches and mentors, and it’s all free.
Moxie Minute with AmieHere is an acronym that I have put together for us to think of when we hear about Moxie.
- Motivation: Remind yourself of your own gifts and abilities, and even difficult times you have overcome in the past to stay motivated to achieve your goals and navigate the unique challenges of military life.
- Optimism: Cultivate a positive outlook and focus on the good, even in difficult times. It will take hold and help you push through.
- Xperience: Embrace every experience as an opportunity for growth and learning. And, use your experiences, both good and bad, to not only grow and become stronger. But to eventually help others as well.
- Initiative: We need to take initiative to get the help we need, to make our own path, to create the life we want; don’t wait for opportunities to come to you.
- Empowerment: Of course from your Empowerment Team, Empower yourself by focusing on those things in your life that you do have control over, and making decisions that align with your values and goals. And again, use that knowledge you are gaining to empower others in your community.
So there you have it: M.O.X.I.E. I hope you can use this acronym to help you stay motivated, optimistic, and empowered, no matter what life throws at you. With M.O.X.I.E., we can handle anything that comes our way with grace and strength. Until next time, Moxie Up!
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of February 13, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Military Partnership Grows with GoogleGoogle has announced a partnership with the Department of Labor’s Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot (ENPP). Through this dynamic duo pairing Google will offer the Google Career Certificates and Google Cloud Certification programs in fields including Data Analytics and IT Support to military members transitioning out of the military and their spouses. This service is free of charge and will be offered at many military installations around the globe.
This partnership allows military members and spouses to access the same tools but without a price tag to go with it. Found out more at grow.google
Tricare for Guard TroopsA battle and discussion that has gone on for ages is the argument of National Guard families and access to all Tricare benefits. While allowed to have Tricare, it has always come with a price tag. That could change for Maryland Guardsmen thanks to the Healthcare for Heroes act currently being introduced at the State’s House of Delegates. If this bill passes, not only do they have access to free Tricare but will also be reimbursed.
Learn more at militarytimes.com
Sesame Street Rocks On for Military FamiliesWhile it’s been around since 2006, Sesame Street for Military Families has just launched a brand new batch of resources from the Sesame Street Workshops. The new videos released are titled , “What Went Well,” “Keep It Simple,” “Still and Quiet,” “Meal Planning,” and “Daily Movement,”. “Every little moment of self-care can have a big impact. Sesame Workshop is here with resources and support for our military and caregiving families who give so much of themselves in service to their country.”
Find out more at sesamestreetcommunities.org
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Resource Recon with Amanda and AmieThis week’s Resource Recon shines a spotlight on one of our incredible bloggers, Angel Garcia. In her recent blog titled “NOVA: It’s Not For The Weak of Heart”, Angel writes “No duty station is created equal. You could fall in love with one place and be destroyed by another. All military spouses aren’t created equal either. What one spouse can endure; another could fall apart. What one spouse considers a cakewalk; another spouse feels like she’s walking a tightrope across the Manhattan skyline”
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, Tonya Miyano. Nominated by Amie Fisher, who shares with us a little about Tonya and how she empowers others:
Amie states, “My family has moved several times in the last 6 years especially and that gets harder as the kids get older. We have three kids and homeschool them. The first one graduated and is on her own, the second one is 17 and almost done, and we have a 13 yr. old daughter still. I have gotten a little stale on the fun side of homeschooling to be honest. It’s more difficult when they are older teens to drag them on field trips and get togethers. And Death Glare if you slip and mention a “play date” Anyway, the 13 yr. old tries to act cool like big brother but I know she was missing out. We also live off post here, which is another struggle not being in a neighborhood with other teens. That is where Tonya comes in. She moved to the area with enthusiasm and planned events on her page with vigor! When I finally met her in person at one event and mentioned her ‘explosion of plannings’ she just laughed and said something like, “We move so often, and it’s hard enough. I just wanted to jump right in meeting families and taking in everything this city has to offer while we are here. The schooling part still happens but to not take advantage of all the field trip adventures we have available every move would just be wrong. And if something isn’t already going, I figure I will jump in and host or lead it.” That she has!”
On behalf of Mission: Milspouse, thank you so much to Tonya Miyano for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #956: The Shadow of Death first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Who’s got moxie… what even is moxie? In this Minicast, Amie talks to us about moxie. Moxie sums up what Mission: Milspouse hopes to help every military spouse achieve – energy and pep to approach every day with a can-do attitude, courage and determination when faced with any situation that military life throws their way, and guidance and resources so that military spouses have the the know-how to navigate the ever changing military lifestyle.
We hope to empower military spouses everywhere so that they might have moxie. To hear Amie talk more about moxie, listen below.
The post MMP Show #955: Who’s Got Moxie first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Many people can recall the exact moment their lives changed forever. The horrific accident. The miscarriage. The day someone walked out. The moment their innocence was taken. What happened was wrong and it hurt, but it doesn’t have to define their lives forever. There is a way to overcome trauma and embrace a brighter future. That’s where REBOOT Recovery comes in.
In Healing What’s Hidden: Practical Steps to Overcoming Trauma (Revell, September 2022), Evan and Jenny Owens, founders of REBOOT Recovery, offer practical, step-by-step processes to help readers acknowledge their trauma, heal their invisible wounds, and reclaim their future so they can live beyond the anxiety, depression, and shame that trauma leaves behind.
Evan Owens is cofounder of REBOOT Recovery where, along with his wife, Jenny, he provides a unique blend of clinical insight and Christian faith-based support to those recovering from trauma. Evan is the executive director and regularly appears on Newsmax, RightNow Media, Pure Flix, and nationally syndicated podcasts. Evan and Jenny have three sons and live outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
Jenny Owens is cofounder of REBOOT Recovery where, along with her husband, Evan, she provides a unique blend of clinical insight and Christian faith-based support to those recovering from trauma. Jenny is an occupational therapist and serves as the head of research, presenting REBOOT’s research findings at universities and scientific conferences across the country. Evan and Jenny have three sons and live outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about REBOOT Recovery, you can find our more by clicking here or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And if you would like to connect with Evan and Jenny Owens via social media, you can connect with them on Facebook or Instagram.
Resource Recon with Amanda and AmieThis week’s Resource Recon is all about our blog! One of our latest ones from our Band of Bloggers member, Tina McRae, titled, Coupons Can Change Your Life.
Tina begins this blog with sharing, “When I began my journey as an Army wife, it became apparent to me that budgeting, meal planning, and clipping coupons would be a necessity to make my service member’s paycheck go farther if we wanted to experience life’s “extras.” This is not just a skill, but a lifestyle.”
Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda Today we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, Leslie Coffey. Nominated by Giselle Curnett, who shares with us a little about Leslie and how she empowers others:
Giselle states, “Leslie is the VP of Military engagement for American Corporate Partners. She has been a military spouse for 23 years. She is compassionate, charismatic, and she truly cares about military spouses’ well-being in every aspect. I consider her to be a great mentor and someone who understands our struggles, but who also celebrates our wins. She and ACP have made a great impact in my life as a military spouse for only 4 years. Leslie knows our struggles and she always supports with resources and her knowledge of so many things. She is very inspiring and a true leader.”
On behalf of Mission: Milspouse, thank you so much to Leslie Coffey for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Moxie Minute with AmieWe want to take the time to tell you that we are here for you. We are so excited to have you as a part of M:M’’s pages and podcast. We hope that you reach out and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and our blog. We would also love to hear from you. Email us anytime with questions or thoughts or ideas, we will definitely get back to you on that.
If you know something that you think would take off or help a spouse. That is what we are here for, we are all about pouring out free resources and being here for other military spouses. And because we’ve been there we’ve been through deployments, we’ve been through PCSs, we’ve been through DITYs, moving on our own, we’ve moved without our spouses, you name it we’ve probably done it a few times over.
That is what’s so great about this team is that we are volunteers and we genuinely care about each and every one of you and we are here for you guys just as much as we are here for our own team members. So keep an eye out for new things like I said, new blogs; jump on our stories, tag us, we would love to see what you guys are up to and share those moments with us so that we can encourage each other together. Ok everyone, until next week, Moxie Up!
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of February 6, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Super Bowl Honors 50 Years of Female Naval AviationThe pregame show before the big game on Sunday involves a special tribute flyover celebrating the women pilots of the Navy. This year marks 50 years since the first class of women started flight school in Pensacola, Florida in 1973. You can find digital playing cards of the pilots taking part in this momentous flyover at dvidshub.net
Find out more at militarytimes.com
AFN Scores a Touchdown with Free Super Bowl ViewingAFN’s new livestream service, AFN now, will be providing military overseas Super Bowl coverage absolutely free of charge. This service is only two months old but is up to the task! This App is free of charge for not only the military member but any family member, veteran, or retiree living overseas. You can download and register at afnnow.mil
Find out more at defense.gov/
Finalists Chosen for USAA and NFL’s Salute to HeroesCincinnati Bengal’s TE Hayden Hurst, San Francisco 49er’s TE George Kittle, and Washington Commander’s head coach Ron Rivera, are the three finalists chosen for Salute to Heroes, an award given to NFL players and coaches for exceptional charitable work for the military community. USAA will give $25,000 in the award recipient’s honor to the official aid societies representing each of the military branches. The NFL will match USAA’s donation of $25,000, which will be donated to the award recipient’s military charity of choice.
The giving of the award will be airing live Thursday, Feb. 9 at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT on NBC, NFL Network and Peacock from Symphony Hall in Phoenix. Find out more at NFL.com.
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #954: REBOOT Recovery first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Have you ever wondered how to relate to spouses of other branches? In this Minicast, Lindsey reminds us all that we’re all fighting the same battles. We’re all one big family. It may be daunting, especially if you are new to military life, but we all go through similar experiences.
This life isn’t easy and we all could use support. To hear more of Lindsey’s tips for relating to spouses of other branches, listen below.
The post MMP Show #953: How to Relate to Military Spouses of other Branches first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Our veterans served America. They protected us and our way of life. We must stand by them. Our veterans know about patrolling land, sea, and air. Veterans in hospice are on their final fight and in their last patrol. And that’s where Veteran’s Last Patrol comes in.
Whether it goes by the name “battle buddy” or “shipmate” or “wingman” — all veterans understand that tough assignments are best faced together. Last Patrol tries to connect volunteers to veterans in their geographical area for friendships during end-of-life care. We encourage volunteerism, fellowship, and cooperation with hospice providers and nursing homes to bring new friendships when friendship matters most — so a veteran’s last patrol isn’t alone.
Colonel (Ret) Claude Schmid served 31 years in the U.S. Army. Commissioned as an Armor officer, he served in combat units around the world. Believing that no veteran should depart this life without a friend nearby, Claude volunteers extensively for veterans in hospice. In 2019, he founded Veteran’s Last Patrol, a non-profit dedicated to befriending, honoring, and supporting veterans in end-of-life care. The non-profit seeks volunteers and supporters around the country and is presently active in 24 states.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Colonel (Ret) Claude Schmid, you can find our more by clicking here or connect with him on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Resource Recon with Jolene and KateLynnThis week’s Resource Recon is all about our blog! On our blog, there was a recent post titled, Never Far Apart, written by one of our Band of Bloggers, Claire Schwartz. Here’s an excerpt, “When we think of being far apart, we often have our service member in mind. But our friendships in military spouse life may be far apart but not in our hearts.”
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are spotlighting our MRE team winner, which by the way, MRE stands for Motivated and Ready to Empower, Annie Pearce!
A little about Annie is that she was born and raised outside of Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers & Penguins!). Annie met her husband Chris in Alexandria, VA, while he was assigned to The Old Guard. Three PCS’es later, they are living at Fort Drum, New York while preparing for their second baby and another PCS.
Annie’s passion for event planning has led her to volunteer for non-profit organizations, including the AMA Triangle and Innovate Raleigh. She has served in multiple roles for large events including Event Director for Fail Fest Raleigh, Trade Show Manager for High Five Conference, and has managed multiple events for an economic development organization. Annie holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication from Ithaca College.
Annie, we thank you for your service in honoring our mission and for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Moxie Minute with AmieTime seems to start ramping up about now as many start to fill up their calendars with events, some may be getting orders, others may be getting just whispers of a future move. Either way, are we letting life just happen to us or are we living with Purpose, trying to make the most of each day?
A passage from Richard Leider’s book The Power of Purpose says: Purpose is fundamental and gives life meaning. It is what moves us. It is the conscious choice of what, where, and how to make a positive contribution to our world.
This week let’s look for that within ourselves and encourage others along the way. If you are struggling with finding your gifts or how to express them please reach out to us, I would love to share some resources with you. Message us on any platform and add somewhere ‘To Amie, purpose.’
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of January 30, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Surveys Out for DOD SchoolsIf your child attends a DODEA school anywhere in the world, you can now have your opinions heard thanks to the DODEA stakeholder feedback survey. This survey, open until February 4th, is voluntary, anonymous, and open to any parent of the approximately 67,000 students enrolled in DODEA schools in the continental United States and abroad. Make sure to check your DoDEA student information email address or find the survey at DODEA.edu/data center.
For more information please go to dodea.edu
VA Foots the Bill for Mental Health EmergenciesAs of January 17, veterans have access to free mental health services through the Department of Veterans Affairs, whether they are enrolled in the VA or not and whether or not they seek help at VA hospitals or civilian. Through this new policy veterans can receive 90 days of outpatient care and 30 days inpatient. This new policy also takes care of copays and transportation costs and fees.
If a veteran in your life is struggling and needs immediate help, please dial 988 to call the veterans crisis line. Find out more at taskandpurpose.com
Frogmen Swim to Honor SealsIn Tampa Bay, Florida, for the 14th year in a row locals gathered to swim the frigid waters to honor fallen Navy Seals on January 15th. The Tampa Bay Frogman Swim involves a 3.4 mile watery trek from St. Petersburg to Tampa Bay. These 150 something brave athletes are not just swimming for their health. Instead they devote their time and training to raise money for the Navy Seal Foundation.
Find out more at wtsp.com and navysealfoundation.org
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #952: Veteran’s Last Patrol first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
What happens the day after those tear jerking home coming videos? In this Minicast, Annie and Amie discuss their personal experiences with reintegrations from their spouses’ multiple deployments. Each person is different and each deployment is different. So it’s best to set each other’s expectations leading up to reintegration.
Don’t forget to have grace with each other – because nothing about this military life is easy. To hear more of Annie and Amie’s tips for a smoother reintegration, listen below.
The post MMP Show #951: The Day After first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
You or someone you care about has undoubtedly experienced some kind of significant trauma. Untreated trauma can lead to long lasting effects such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and difficulties maintaining intimate relationships. However, every memory from that trauma doesn’t have to continue to traumatize you.
The good news is that you can heal—and it doesn’t have to take a lifetime. That’s where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) comes in. This is a unique type of psychotherapy proven to help people recover from trauma and improve the quality of their lives. Dr. Deborah Korn talks with us about trauma, EMDR therapy, and the process of recovery as discussed in her new book, Every Memory Deserves Respect.
Deborah Korn, PsyD, is an internationally renowned pioneer and expert in EMDR Therapy. She devoted the early years of her career as a clinical psychologist to working with traumatized veterans and their families. As an active and respected member of the EMDR International Association, she presents and consults internationally on Complex PTSD recovery with a specialization in the treatment of adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Dr. Korn or her book Every Memory Deserves Respect, you can find our more by clicking here. You can also find her book at every major book retailer.
Moxie Minute with AmieI recently read in a Brene Brown quote that “Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage. It takes a lot of courage to show up and be all in when we can’t control the outcome.” If that doesn’t sound like our lives as military spouses then I don’t know what does. *
We often must face situations that are out of our control. And while we are married to people who rush into gunfire, jump out of airplanes, and other terrifying things, those of us maintaining the home front might fear that worrying, or even talking about those struggles can be seen as weakness, but it isn’t. We all understand the unique demands of life and the importance of having a strong support system.
And who better understands this life than our fellow Milspouse? So let’s muster up our moxie by having the courage to share as well as listen, and support each other along the way.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of January 23, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
Army Corps of Engineers is Feeling Feline in 2023The Army Corps of Engineers located in Portland Oregon are getting hairy with their 2023 calendar! Each month’s shows a Godzilla size cat hanging out on pieces of the Corps infrastructure projects. Funny and catchy captions also adorn the dam’s bridges and buildings under the siege of these King Kong hairballs.
Public Affairs specialist has said that this’ pet project’ of his had been a dream for three years and has finally come to life in a big way. You can find and nab your own calendar at USACE.com and can learn more at militarytimes.com
JROTC Cadet Honored for HeroismA JROTC cadet from the Military Academy of Philadelphia was honored for heroic actions during a shooting in August. Cadet 2nd Lt. Kaheem Bailey-Taylor was leaving his cousins birthday party in Philadelphia when he heard shots ring out. Instead of running away from danger he turned back. He ran back into the house and found four people shot, three were relatives and another was a fellow cadet and classmate.
His quick actions saved his classmate’s life. He is back in school and on track to graduate this spring. Bailey-Taylor was awarded the medal of heroism, which is the highest honor a cadet can receive. Learn more at army.mil
New Air Force Helicopter Makes its Debut with a SaveThe brand new HH-60W Jolly Green II saved two foreign soldiers off the Horn of Africa in December. The helicopter, which had only been deemed combat ready for two months, safely removed the two injured soldiers from harm’s way without incident and with great precision.
The Jolly Green II is named after a combat helicopter used in Vietnam. We know its predecessor would be proud! Find out more at militarytimes.com
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Resource Recon with Lindsey and SarahThis week’s Resource Recon is all about Embrace Your Base!
Embrace Your Base which is beautifully featured on our new Mission Milspouse website! One of the most challenging aspects of the military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS, or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming. We here at Mission: Milspouse want to take the some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Embrace Your Base series.
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaToday we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, Giselle Curnutt. Nominated by our very own Jolene McNutt, who shares with us a little about Giselle and how she empowers others:
Jolene states, “Gisselle is a delight. In her day-to-day job she empowers her Fort Bragg area students who attend Grand Canyon University. She supports them as they pursue their academic goals. She is also a community builder. She seems to know everyone and is always willing to help! She also volunteers with ACP which offers a mentoring program for service members and their spouses. Gisselle is a milspouse I admire.”
On behalf of Mission: Milspouse, thank you so much to Giselle Curnutt for doing your part to empower families around the world.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #950: Every Memory Deserves Respect first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Is it gonna be one day or day one? In this week’s Minicast, Kathleen motivates us to go from being a one day person to a day one person. We have all had the thoughts, one day we will get that duty station, one day we will not share a wall, one day it will be my turn for a career, or one day we will get our forever home. But let’s get back control of the things that we can.
Write down one thing you always say you are going to do and start working on that one thing today. To hear more of Kathleen’s motivation for taking back control, listen below.
The post MMP Show #949: Is it Gonna Be One Day or Day One? first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Continuing our 18 year legacy of Army Wife Talk Radio, welcome to our very first Mission: Milspouse podcast! We’re now serving all military spouses, of all branches and all components, and we couldn’t be more excited! We’re here to globally empower military spouses with resources and support so they can conquer adversity, foster confidence, and thrive in this military life.
A lot can happen in two years. Families grow. Duty station assignments end and we begin packing for that next PCS (Didn’t we just get pictures hung on the walls?) We anticipate, weather, and recover from deployments.
For the last 12 years online, we’ve been known as Army Wife Network. Our podcast, Army Wife Talk Radio, just completed its 17th season. And now, after two years (yes, two years!) of work, planning, dreaming, hoping, pivoting, learning, and growing, WE DID IT. (Are you crying? I might be crying. But don’t worry. They are happy tears.)
We have officially rebranded and expanded. Army Wife Network is now Mission: Milspouse, serving ALL military spouses, of ALL branches, and ALL components. Sharita joins us this week to talk us through some of the wonderful changes!
Sharita has been married to her beloved infantryman husband Brandon for over 12 years. Sharita is a Tiny Human mama of two kiddos, a 9-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy. She is also a smallish dog owner, aspiring runner, writer, speaker, and spiritual leadership coach.
Sharita has been volunteering with AWN since February 2014, when she published her very first blog post. Since then, she has served on the Command Team as Blog Editor, Deputy Commander, and in October 2019, she transitioned into the role as AWN Owner and Commander. Now, with our new 501(c)3 status as a non-profit, she is overjoyed to serve milspouses and their families as Mission: Milspouse Executive Director.
Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Mission: Milspouse, you can find our more about us here, or connect with us on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Resource Recon with Chrissy and JoleneThis week’s Resource Recon is all about our the SITREP!
In case you’re not familiar with typical military terms, SITREP stands for Situation Report and it’s our bi-weekly newsletter. Each issue highlights upcoming podcasts, new blogs from our website, helpful resources, and more. The SITREP is fun and a snapshot of our most recent resources – you can see who is on the podcast, what we’ve been blogging about, and there’s always something special that you can’t get anywhere else.
Empowerment Patrol Report with AmandaDo you know a milspouse, service member, family member, community member, or non-profit organization who goes above and beyond to empower the military lives of others? Nominate a stand out champion for Mission: Milspouse’s Everyday Empowerment Award. This could be a relative, spouse, non-profit, or a battle buddy you met along the way.
Everyday Empowerment winners will receive a digital certificate, a token of our appreciation IRL (that’s in real life), on air recognition via our podcast, and be included in a social media reel each month with their fellow winners. Non-profits that are selected will receive $100 donation from Mission: Milspouse to support their continued work within the military community. We would love to give praise and recognition to spouses and organizations who are helping you throughout your military life journey.
Moxie Minute with AmieEmpowerment Minute is now known as Moxie Minute. Moxie is defined as energy, pep, courage, determination, and know-how. Moxie sums up what Mission: Milspouse hopes to help every military spouse achieve: energy and pep to approach each day with a can do attitude, courage and determination when faced with any situation that military life throws their way, guidance and resources so that milspouses have the know how to navigate that ever changing military lifestyle. Our desire is to empower military spouses so that we might each have moxie.
Basically each week, we will explore a different term for Moxie and how it applies to us.
News 6 with EmmaHere is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of January 16, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:
More Downtime for New Military ParentsNon-Primary Caregiver leave for military service members has now doubled, going from 6 weeks to 12. This memorandum includes birthing and non birthing parents, which means that all service members who become parents through adoption or surrogacy are included in this increase of leave. And they can divide it in 7 day increments throughout the year, as long as they use it before your kiddo turns one.
Learn more at nytimes.com
Scholarships on Aisle 12!The Defense Commissary Agency, or DECA, has now opened its scholarship application for the 2023-2024 season. 500 scholarships will be awarded with at least one from each Commissary. The scholarship sings to the tune of 2,000 dollars each…and if you’ve seen egg prices lately, 2,000 dollars is a happy reprieve for youngsters looking towards college.
Find out more at fisherhouse.org
Military Spouses are On the Go! And So Are Their CareersIndividual states must now recognize out of state job licenses of military spouses if they moved due to military orders. This provision was part of a bigger act called The Veterans Auto and Education Improvement which was signed into law by president Biden on January 5th.
“In the midst of one of the most challenging times for our military in terms of recruitment and retention, what this bill does is allow military spouses to cross-deck their professional licenses — if they’re a realtor, a nurse, a teacher, a beautician, a cosmetologist, whatever their profession is — across state lines,” Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif. who sponsored the provision.
Learn more at military.com
You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.
Thank YouThank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.
The post MMP Show #948: Welcome to Mission: Milspouse! first appeared on Mission: Milspouse.
Today on Army Wife Talk Radio, our Director of Podcast Production, Jade, shares her experience with mindfulness. Mindfulness is teaching yourself the skill of paying attention to the present by noticing when your mind wanders off.
The post AWTR 947: The Power of Mindfulness in Everything You Do first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Welcome to our holiday special, Army Wife Talk Radio listeners! We’ve made our list and checked it twice, and today’s podcast guest is an absolute gift! Sharita Knobloch your Army Wife Network Executive Director meets with one of Rolling Stone’s 10 Artists You Need to Know and CMT’s Next Women of Country - the soulful - Jo Smith.
Today, they discuss Jo's highs and lows of being a mother, a country singer, and a Navy Reservist. Jo Smith’s journey through life has been an unconventional one, but one encompassing the theme of living life to the fullest. From spending a year living on a shipping container in Somalia to learning how to balance the struggles of being a new mom, Jo Smith has seen it all. She has remarkably gone from record deals to independently releasing the title track of her first full-length album “Wyoming'' featuring the one and only Vince Gill. Check out today's episode to hear more about her story and some bonus Christmas chat for our holiday special.
The post AWTR Show #946: Holiday Special: Where Military Service & Country Music Intersect first appeared on Army Wife Network.
On today's episode, Lindsey makes her debut podcast appearance to talk about milspouse friendships. For many of us making milspouse friends is a new and unique experience. In the civilian world, most people make friends based on shared interests. One of the most beautiful aspects of milspouse life is making friends with people who have different interests than you. Lindsey offers some tips to unlock the secret to making and keeping milspouse friends.
The post AWTR Show # 945: A Surprising Way to Make AND Keep Milspouse Friends first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Today on empowering episode of Army Wife Talk Radio we learn about dTMS - a cutting-edge treatment with the potential to transform the lives of soldiers and families. Sharita interviews Dr. Brian Earthman to learn more about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
The post AWTR Show #944: A New Treatment for Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD: dTMS first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Today on Army Wife Talk Radio it's a Military Women's Health Update. We have the rare opportunity to get a glimpse into the inner workings of the Department of Health Affairs with the current Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Ms. Seileen Mullen.
Her auspicious 30-year career has been in or around military health - serving both in the public and private sectors. Notably, Ms. Mullen served on the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Winter Games of 2002. More recently, she has served as a member of the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Mullen is also a recipient of the Department of Defense Outstanding Public Service Award.
On today's episode, Ms. Mullen shares the latest about military women's health and contraception (for both military members and milspouses), mental health services, and how to prepare for the winter flu, RSV, and COVID season. Check out tricare.mil and health.mil for the latest information about viruses and vaccines. Ms. Mullen has got our six. Her passion for advocating for women's health and autonomy is truly empowering! A big thanks to Ms. Seileen Mullen.
The post AWTR Show #943: Women’s Health Update first appeared on Army Wife Network.
As milspouses, we often learn that each assignment brings new circumstances and helps us expand our knowledge of the military. Joint Service Installations (bases of the armed forces of the United States utilized by multiple military services) can seem overwhelming as a new assignment. In today's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, KateLynn helps us find our footing in a joint service world. Whether or not you are on a Joint Service Installation now or may be PCSing to one in the future, tune in for our empowering and informative message.
The post AWTR Show #942: Finding Your Footing in a Joint Service first appeared on Army Wife Network.
It’s no secret that military families are constantly reinventing what home means to them. The state of military housing has long been a topic of discussion and a need that must be addressed to improve the quality of life for our active duty families. On today's empowering episode Kathleen speaks with Sarah Lenox, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Armed Forces Housing Advocates (also known as AFHA).
AFHA was founded to protect all current and future military families. They strive to provide comprehensive, free-of-cost services that empower residents to navigate the MHPI system, ensuring their homes are safe and habitable. They are moving the needle in the fight for safe housing for military families.
The post AWTR Show 941: Armed Forces Housing Advocates first appeared on Army Wife Network.
One of the most difficult seasons for milspouses can be the holiday season, especially when celebrating from a distance. AWN Director of Development, Chrissy Gibbs, helps us navigate the holiday season on today's Milspouse Empowerment Moment. Chrissy offers practical and creative ways to feel connected with family and loved ones. She also reminds us to "love the ones we're with" and reach out to our local community.
The post AWTR Show #940: Celebrating Holidays from a Distance first appeared on Army Wife Network.
One of the most difficult seasons for milspouses can be the holiday season, especially when celebrating from a distance. AWN Director of Development, Chrissy Gibbs, helps us navigate the holiday season on today's Milspouse Empowerment Moment. Chrissy offers practical and creative ways to feel connected with family and loved ones. She also reminds us to "love the ones we're with" and reach out to our local community.
The post AWTR Show #940: Celebrating Holidays from a Distance first appeared on Army Wife Network.
One of the most difficult seasons for milspouses can be the holiday season, especially when celebrating from a distance. AWN Director of Development, Chrissy Gibbs, helps us navigate the holiday season on today's Milspouse Empowerment Moment. Chrissy offers practical and creative ways to feel connected with family and loved ones. She also reminds us to "love the ones we're with" and reach out to our local community.
The post AWTR Show #940: Celebrating Holidays from a Distance first appeared on Army Wife Network.
As milspouses, we often experience acts of generosity from strangers. The support can look like a snack and a place to rest at the USO or local schools writing cards and encouragement to our deployed spouses. Our guest Brittany Raines shares a way we can give back to our communities through GivingTuesdayMilitary (Nov 29, 2022).
On Army Wife Talk Radio, Annie sat down with the Director of Community Engagement for GivingTuesdayMilitary Brittany Raines to learn more about this amazing organization. Four milspouses launched GivingTuesdayMilitary in 2019 with the goal to inspire intentional acts of kindness that can create a ripple of change that spreads far and wide. That ripple is currently extending through 40 states and five countries.
The post AWTR Show #939: GivingTuesdayMilitary first appeared on Army Wife Network.
In your milspouse journey have you experienced isolation (especially in a season of transition or PCS)? Toady on Army Wife Talk Radio, Deputy Director of Empowerment, Amie offers some solidarity and advice for spouses who find themselves without community in a new place. Her tried and true advice is to "Give yourselves a three month window" to start building community, but if you find yourself still struggling at around five months in a new place she has three points to consider.
The post AWTR Show #938: Dangers of Social Isolation first appeared on Army Wife Network.
In your milspouse journey have you experienced isolation (especially in a season of transition or PCS)? Toady on Army Wife Talk Radio, Deputy Director of Empowerment, Amie offers some solidarity and advice for spouses who find themselves without community in a new place. Her tried and true advice is to "Give yourselves a three month window" to start building community, but if you find yourself still struggling at around five months in a new place she has three points to consider.
The post AWTR Show #938: Dangers of Social Isolation first appeared on Army Wife Network.
In your milspouse journey have you experienced isolation (especially in a season of transition or PCS)? Toady on Army Wife Talk Radio, Deputy Director of Empowerment, Amie offers some solidarity and advice for spouses who find themselves without community in a new place. Her tried and true advice is to "Give yourselves a three month window" to start building community, but if you find yourself still struggling at around five months in a new place she has three points to consider.
The post AWTR Show #938: Dangers of Social Isolation first appeared on Army Wife Network.
In her new memoir, "Dispatches from the Cowgirl: Through the Looking Glass with a Navy Diplomat's Wife," Julie writes about the eight years she spent living in Africa as the trailing spouse of a Navy Foreign Area Officer and how that leap of faith changed her life forever.
The post AWTR Show #937: Double Feature: “Dispatches from the Cowgirl” & Sponsored Interview with First Command first appeared on Army Wife Network.
In her new memoir, "Dispatches from the Cowgirl: Through the Looking Glass with a Navy Diplomat's Wife," Julie writes about the eight years she spent living in Africa as the trailing spouse of a Navy Foreign Area Officer and how that leap of faith changed her life forever.
The post AWTR Show #937: Double Feature: “Dispatches from the Cowgirl” & Sponsored Interview with First Command first appeared on Army Wife Network.
In her new memoir, "Dispatches from the Cowgirl: Through the Looking Glass with a Navy Diplomat's Wife," Julie writes about the eight years she spent living in Africa as the trailing spouse of a Navy Foreign Area Officer and how that leap of faith changed her life forever.
The post AWTR Show #937: Double Feature: “Dispatches from the Cowgirl” & Sponsored Interview with First Command first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Have you ever found yourself comparing your life to others? Well, in this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Annie talks about how we tend to compare ourselves to others and the negative effects it can have on our mental health. She also gives us tips on how to stop or at least limit how much we compare ourselves. Just know that you are not alone, don't compare yourself to others, and that despite what you may think you are doing great!
The post AWTR Show #936: Don’t Compare Yourself first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Have you ever found yourself comparing your life to others? Well, in this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Annie talks about how we tend to compare ourselves to others and the negative effects it can have on our mental health. She also gives us tips on how to stop or at least limit how much we compare ourselves. Just know that you are not alone, don't compare yourself to others, and that despite what you may think you are doing great!
The post AWTR Show #936: Don’t Compare Yourself first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Have you ever found yourself comparing your life to others? Well, in this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Annie talks about how we tend to compare ourselves to others and the negative effects it can have on our mental health. She also gives us tips on how to stop or at least limit how much we compare ourselves. Just know that you are not alone, don't compare yourself to others, and that despite what you may think you are doing great!
The post AWTR Show #936: Don’t Compare Yourself first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Hallee Bridgeman had a hard time reading military novels because they were filled with assumptions that were wrong. So she wanted to give a realistic story about the military - to honor the military. She wanted to give the readers what it really is like and that is what she did with Honor Bound, Word of Honor, and Honor’s Refuge.
Combining her knowledge and experience of military life with a vast amount of research, USA Today bestselling author Hallee Bridgeman has crafted a new action-packed romantic suspense series that looks at the lives, loves, and struggles of three Special Forces A-Team officers. Bridgeman states, “It is my desire to honor those who have served with the characters that I create.” She successfully accomplishes her goal in her new Love and Honor series, which expertly intertwines three captivating stories.
The post AWTR Show #935: Honor Bound, Word of Honor, Honor’s Refuge first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Hallee Bridgeman had a hard time reading military novels because they were filled with assumptions that were wrong. So she wanted to give a realistic story about the military - to honor the military. She wanted to give the readers what it really is like and that is what she did with Honor Bound, Word of Honor, and Honor’s Refuge.
Combining her knowledge and experience of military life with a vast amount of research, USA Today bestselling author Hallee Bridgeman has crafted a new action-packed romantic suspense series that looks at the lives, loves, and struggles of three Special Forces A-Team officers. Bridgeman states, “It is my desire to honor those who have served with the characters that I create.” She successfully accomplishes her goal in her new Love and Honor series, which expertly intertwines three captivating stories.
The post AWTR Show #935: Honor Bound, Word of Honor, Honor’s Refuge first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Hallee Bridgeman had a hard time reading military novels because they were filled with assumptions that were wrong. So she wanted to give a realistic story about the military - to honor the military. She wanted to give the readers what it really is like and that is what she did with Honor Bound, Word of Honor, and Honor’s Refuge.
Combining her knowledge and experience of military life with a vast amount of research, USA Today bestselling author Hallee Bridgeman has crafted a new action-packed romantic suspense series that looks at the lives, loves, and struggles of three Special Forces A-Team officers. Bridgeman states, “It is my desire to honor those who have served with the characters that I create.” She successfully accomplishes her goal in her new Love and Honor series, which expertly intertwines three captivating stories.
The post AWTR Show #935: Honor Bound, Word of Honor, Honor’s Refuge first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Are you considered a Grinch in your house? In this Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Jolene explains how even if you are a Grinch (or not), proper planning can help bring out the joy of the holiday season. The idea of the holidays always seems joyful. But when it comes to the actual execution, things can get stressful. So Jolene shares her tips for keeping the holiday season happy.
The post AWTR Show #934: Proper Planning Prevents Grinchism! first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Are you considered a Grinch in your house? In this Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Jolene explains how even if you are a Grinch (or not), proper planning can help bring out the joy of the holiday season. The idea of the holidays always seems joyful. But when it comes to the actual execution, things can get stressful. So Jolene shares her tips for keeping the holiday season happy.
The post AWTR Show #934: Proper Planning Prevents Grinchism! first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Are you considered a Grinch in your house? In this Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Jolene explains how even if you are a Grinch (or not), proper planning can help bring out the joy of the holiday season. The idea of the holidays always seems joyful. But when it comes to the actual execution, things can get stressful. So Jolene shares her tips for keeping the holiday season happy.
The post AWTR Show #934: Proper Planning Prevents Grinchism! first appeared on Army Wife Network.
It has been a hard few years for families, and this new author wanted to create a tale that would resonate with children confused by COVID, long distance, and periods of military deployment when hugs aren't an option. So a Military spouse published a fairytale Bear book to help families with difficult conversations. The book is about hope, bravery, and love - there is always hope and sometimes you have to continue to be brave for love.
In The Bear and The Hug, Bear ventures out of his cave after a long sleep to find the world outside is not how he left it. Instead of greeting him with open arms, Bear’s friends keep their distance. With help from his friends, he learns that bravery and hope are what are required to save hugs.
The post AWTR Show #933: The Bear and the Hug first appeared on Army Wife Network.
It has been a hard few years for families, and this new author wanted to create a tale that would resonate with children confused by COVID, long distance, and periods of military deployment when hugs aren't an option. So a Military spouse published a fairytale Bear book to help families with difficult conversations. The book is about hope, bravery, and love - there is always hope and sometimes you have to continue to be brave for love.
In The Bear and The Hug, Bear ventures out of his cave after a long sleep to find the world outside is not how he left it. Instead of greeting him with open arms, Bear’s friends keep their distance. With help from his friends, he learns that bravery and hope are what are required to save hugs.
The post AWTR Show #933: The Bear and the Hug first appeared on Army Wife Network.
It has been a hard few years for families, and this new author wanted to create a tale that would resonate with children confused by COVID, long distance, and periods of military deployment when hugs aren't an option. So a Military spouse published a fairytale Bear book to help families with difficult conversations. The book is about hope, bravery, and love - there is always hope and sometimes you have to continue to be brave for love.
In The Bear and The Hug, Bear ventures out of his cave after a long sleep to find the world outside is not how he left it. Instead of greeting him with open arms, Bear’s friends keep their distance. With help from his friends, he learns that bravery and hope are what are required to save hugs.
The post AWTR Show #933: The Bear and the Hug first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We refer to spouses that have been around this military life awhile as a seasoned spouse. Kathleen brings you this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, where she talks about what makes a seasoned spouse, and get ready-- things are about to get spicy! There are many things that makes up a seasoned spouse and Kathleen is here to share all about it.
The post AWTR Show #932: A Seasoned Spouse Gets Spicy first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We refer to spouses that have been around this military life awhile as a seasoned spouse. Kathleen brings you this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, where she talks about what makes a seasoned spouse, and get ready-- things are about to get spicy! There are many things that makes up a seasoned spouse and Kathleen is here to share all about it.
The post AWTR Show #932: A Seasoned Spouse Gets Spicy first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We refer to spouses that have been around this military life awhile as a seasoned spouse. Kathleen brings you this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, where she talks about what makes a seasoned spouse, and get ready-- things are about to get spicy! There are many things that makes up a seasoned spouse and Kathleen is here to share all about it.
The post AWTR Show #932: A Seasoned Spouse Gets Spicy first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Being a military spouse is already stressful and deployments essentially make them single parents for months or even years at a time. This makes pursuing their own career opportunities increasingly difficult. However flexible work can help them leverage resources to create work flexibility while achieving financial stability.
Hiring our Heroes reports that 33% of military spouses have even lived apart from their spouse in order to seize career opportunities. As more and more Americans are jumping on the flexible work bandwagon, there are ways for military spouses to also reap some of this change in how people work to grow their skill sets while juggling other obligations, including childcare.
The post AWTR Show #931: Leveraging Resources for Flexible Work & Financial Stability first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Being a military spouse is already stressful and deployments essentially make them single parents for months or even years at a time. This makes pursuing their own career opportunities increasingly difficult. However flexible work can help them leverage resources to create work flexibility while achieving financial stability.
Hiring our Heroes reports that 33% of military spouses have even lived apart from their spouse in order to seize career opportunities. As more and more Americans are jumping on the flexible work bandwagon, there are ways for military spouses to also reap some of this change in how people work to grow their skill sets while juggling other obligations, including childcare.
The post AWTR Show #931: Leveraging Resources for Flexible Work & Financial Stability first appeared on Army Wife Network.
As a mom in this world, it is hard to escape the dreaded mom guilt. In this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Sharita gives us ways to deal with that pesky milspouse mom guilt. We have all been there, so we can help you to navigate it.
The post AWTR Show #930: Battling Milspouse Mom Guilt first appeared on Army Wife Network.
As a mom in this world, it is hard to escape the dreaded mom guilt. In this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Sharita gives us ways to deal with that pesky milspouse mom guilt. We have all been there, so we can help you to navigate it.
The post AWTR Show #930: Battling Milspouse Mom Guilt first appeared on Army Wife Network.
As a mom in this world, it is hard to escape the dreaded mom guilt. In this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Sharita gives us ways to deal with that pesky milspouse mom guilt. We have all been there, so we can help you to navigate it.
The post AWTR Show #930: Battling Milspouse Mom Guilt first appeared on Army Wife Network.
After 9-11, Operation Gratitude founder Carolyn Blashek began volunteering at the Los Angeles airport military lounge. In March 2003, a soldier came into the office and broke down at her desk. He was on leave from a war zone for his mother’s funeral, his wife had left him, and his only child had died as an infant—he had no one else in his life. It was then he told her,
“I’m going back over there. I know I won’t make it back this time, but it really doesn’t matter because no one would even care.” Right then, Blashek realized that when bullets are flying, troops must believe that someone at home cares about them as an individual. That's when operation gratitude was born.
The post AWTR Show #929: Operation Gratitude first appeared on Army Wife Network.
After 9-11, Operation Gratitude founder Carolyn Blashek began volunteering at the Los Angeles airport military lounge. In March 2003, a soldier came into the office and broke down at her desk. He was on leave from a war zone for his mother’s funeral, his wife had left him, and his only child had died as an infant—he had no one else in his life. It was then he told her,
“I’m going back over there. I know I won’t make it back this time, but it really doesn’t matter because no one would even care.” Right then, Blashek realized that when bullets are flying, troops must believe that someone at home cares about them as an individual. That's when operation gratitude was born.
The post AWTR Show #929: Operation Gratitude first appeared on Army Wife Network.
After 9-11, Operation Gratitude founder Carolyn Blashek began volunteering at the Los Angeles airport military lounge. In March 2003, a soldier came into the office and broke down at her desk. He was on leave from a war zone for his mother’s funeral, his wife had left him, and his only child had died as an infant—he had no one else in his life. It was then he told her,
“I’m going back over there. I know I won’t make it back this time, but it really doesn’t matter because no one would even care.” Right then, Blashek realized that when bullets are flying, troops must believe that someone at home cares about them as an individual. That's when operation gratitude was born.
The post AWTR Show #929: Operation Gratitude first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We've all heard that cringe-worthy saying at some point as a milspouse... "You Knew What You Were Signing Up For". This week in our Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Sarah hits back and talks about the things she didn't know when she married her husband. There are so many things that milspouses cannot know before becoming milspouses.
The post AWTR Show #928: “You Knew What You Were Signing Up For” first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We've all heard that cringe-worthy saying at some point as a milspouse... "You Knew What You Were Signing Up For". This week in our Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Sarah hits back and talks about the things she didn't know when she married her husband. There are so many things that milspouses cannot know before becoming milspouses.
The post AWTR Show #928: “You Knew What You Were Signing Up For” first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We've all heard that cringe-worthy saying at some point as a milspouse... "You Knew What You Were Signing Up For". This week in our Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Sarah hits back and talks about the things she didn't know when she married her husband. There are so many things that milspouses cannot know before becoming milspouses.
The post AWTR Show #928: “You Knew What You Were Signing Up For” first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Everyone faces obstacles in their lives. Absolutely everyone. Learn the secrets of how Hall of Famers overcame the obstacles in their lives to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient - and how you can, too in the book Over, Under, Around, and Through.
Everyone already has the skills they need to surmount the obstacles in their lives. You have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and continuing on. And remember that the key to resiliency is thinking that you can get through the obstacles that come your way.
The post AWTR Show #927: “Over, Under, Around, and Through” first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Annie has been dealing with infertility for over five years now. So for this week’s Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Annie talks about her experience with infertility. She gives us her five tips for dealing with both the physical and emotional journey.
The post AWTR Show #926: Dealing with Infertility first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Homeschooling teens during the middle and high school years can feel overwhelming but can also be a blessing for both parent and teen. By homeschooling during these years, you can give your teen the individual attention they need to thrive academically and socially. Additionally, you can customize their learning experience to fit their unique needs and interests.
And the good news is that you do not have to know it all - you can learn alongside your kids. There are so many resources out there that can help you teach your kids (some programs do it all for you). When you homeschool teens, you gain a special bond with them that can continue into adulthood.
The post AWTR Show #925: Homeschooling Teens first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Kayla is a first-time mom to twin girls, so she has only known having two kids at a time. For this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Kayla talks about the top 5 questions that she gets about parenting twins. Listen in as she covers the questions, but also the answers that she gives.
The post AWTR Show #924: Answers to the Top 5 Questions about Parenting Twins first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Thank you should be seen as an icebreaker and not an ending. Going beyond, "Thank you for your service" can be easy and creates a more meaningful conversation. Some good follow-up questions are: what branch did you serve in or what was your job? These questions will help to form a deeper more authentic connection with the person you want to thank.
The post AWTR Show #923: Going Beyond, “Thank you for your service” first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Sometimes this military life can send you on some wild adventures - including living overseas. In this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Chrissy talks about how she navigated unaccompanied baggage with her recent PCS to Germany! She gives insight into unaccompanied baggage and tips for what to include in unaccompanied baggage.
The post AWTR Show #922: Unaccompanied Baggage for future OCONUS travelers first appeared on Army Wife Network.
If we said PCS time can be stressful and planning a PCS was overwhelming, no one would be shocked. At Moving with MILLIE, they’re flipping the script and saying that with a great team, you don’t have to be stressed and overwhelmed. They can help you feel calm, collected, and confident going into your next PCS. You don’t have to stress, and you don’t have to do this alone!
The post AWTR Show #921: Moving with MILLIE first appeared on Army Wife Network.
This military life certainly comes with its challenges, but the silver linings keep us going. For this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Amanda reminds us of the positive things that come with this crazy and wonderful military life. A positive take on life can help us to tackle those tough times when they come. Here's to trying to be more positive!
The post AWTR Show #920: The Silver Linings of Military Life first appeared on Army Wife Network.
The simple act of receiving a letter in the mail can bring such joy to a person. There is an organization that is working very hard to bring joy to our nation's veterans - the Veteran Pen Pal Project (VPPP). A nationwide initiative that happens continually and focuses on one simple act of kindness - writing a letter supporting our nation's veterans.
During COVID, VPPP founder, Christina saw a need for veterans in long-term facilities that weren't getting interaction with anyone. Through social media, they started this initiative and in the first year, they sent over 45,000 letters. The goal is to show veterans they are not forgotten and that they are appreciated.
The post AWTR Show #919: Veteran Pen Pal Project first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We all know how awkward some events can be where you have to talk to people you don't know. Well for this week’s Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Kathleen has some tips for icebreakers that melt the awkwardness. These icebreakers work whether you are the host or some even work if you are just the attendee. Here's to your next event being less awkward!
The post AWTR Show #918: Icebreakers that Melt the Awkwardness first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Have you moved somewhere new and can't find a job? You fill out hundreds of job applications before getting a job offer. This happened to Chris Parrett, who is now working in people management with the Space Force. She filled out 123 job applications with a Master's Degree and middle management experience before getting a job offer.
Many spouses have amazing skill sets that get fragmented and interrupted over the course of their service member's career. There aren't good conditions to support them in a career while supporting their service members, but Space Force is working on this. Spouses and family members are talented, extremely resilient, already understand the military way of life, and they deserve to have that path open to them, should they want to have a career.
The post AWTR Show #917: People Management in the Space Force first appeared on Army Wife Network.
August is upon us, which means that soon school will be starting. So for this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Amber is talking to us about how to end summer break with a bang. And she has tips for everyone. From those who have just PCSed into a new location, those who have been at a location for a while, those going to school, and those who are homeschooling.
The post AWTR Show #916: How to End Summer Break with a Bang first appeared on Army Wife Network.
As we all know, keeping a career path as a military spouse can be very difficult. After realizing coding might be easier than she thought, Julia Taylor set out on a mission. She started Geek Pack to create a community to empower others to have the confidence to do things they didn't think they could.
Julia learned to code by herself and often felt unwelcome in other coding communities. That was all the push she needed to create a welcoming community set on uplifting others and helping them to achieve their goals. A place where mean people are not allowed and there are no stupid questions. A community to empower women to be more comfortable with digital skills.
The post AWTR Show #915: Geek Pack first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We all know this milspouse life can be anxiety-ridden. Thankfully, in this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Amie shares tips on how to dial the anxiety down when life dials it up. As milspouses, we tend to try to shoulder all of the stress for our families. You probably won't have a stress-free day, but you can make your stress work for you.
The post AWTR Show #914: How to Dial the Anxiety Down When Life Dials It Up first appeared on Army Wife Network.
It all started with a Thompson .45 caliber machine gun. And then 37 tanks later, WW2 Armor was born. Now there is an organization that can breathe life into what people typically only read about in books.
WW2 Armor is a self-propelled living museum that demonstrates fully operational WWII tanks, tank destroyers, and artillery at public events as a way to honor the men who fought in them. One such public event is coming up, the D-Day reenactment in Conneaut, Ohio (more information below). This event brings Normandy here and makes it accessible to people who normally might not be able to experience it.
The post AWTR Show #913: WW2 Armor first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Seeing more and more news related to financial struggles and military families, our News 6 Correspondent wanted to talk about it. For this week’s Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Jolene gives us tips to help stretch your paycheck. 1 in 5 military families experienced food insecurity in 2021, which is an increase from 2020. This can be attributed to many things, including a spouse under or unemployed, moving expenses, inflation, and more.
The post AWTR Show #912: Tips to Help Stretch Your Paycheck first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Being a milspouse and keeping up with a career can feel impossible. That's where Milspouse entrepreneurship comes in. If you create your own company, then you could potentially keep the same job throughout your spouse's military career. And remember, there will always be a version 2.0, so it's more important to get started than to be perfect.
The post AWTR Show #911: Creativity in Milspouse Entrepreneurship first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Postpartum life is difficult, but when you throw in there having to do it without your spouse, it gets even harder. For this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Brooklyn shares with us how she is navigating postpartum life without her spouse. Even if your spouse is around - there are still tips in here for you. And don't forget, you are doing great!
The post AWTR Show #910: Navigating Postpartum Life Without Your Spouse first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Can you imagine graduating from West Point right as the Korean War started and then talking your way into getting orders to Korea? Paul Gorman did not only that but became an instrumental strategist in the US Army. Author Mike Guardia recounts the amazing career of Paul Gorman in the new book, Danger Forward.
A 1950 West Point graduate, Paul Gorman entered the officer ranks during the inaugural years of the Cold War. Like many of his classmates, Gorman served on the frontlines in Korea and Vietnam. As a young Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded 1-26 Infantry at the Battle of Bong Trang in 1966, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross – the nation’s second highest award for valor.
The post AWTR Show #909: Book: Danger Forward first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Whether you are PCSing, roadtripping to see family, or just roadtripping for fun, this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment is for you. Sharita shares with us her personal experience on road trips. She gives us tips on how best to enjoy your road trip. From someone who has been reverse snowbirding for a couple of years, Sharita has some great roadtripping hacks.
The post AWTR Show #908: Roadtripping Hacks first appeared on Army Wife Network.
As military spouses, we understand what it's like to have to search for a job every couple of years. PCSing is stressful enough, without throwing in a career search at the same time. That's where the Arm Me Up Career Campaign comes in.
Whether your spouse retired after 20 years or has only been in one day, the Arm Me Up Career Campaign can help you find your next job. Even if you happen to be in a season where you actually aren't looking for a job - it's always best to stay workforce ready and there are classes that can help. The Arm Me Up Career Campaign is run by Military Spouse Jobs and serves all branches, family members, caregivers, active, or retired.
The post AWTR Show #907: Arm Me Up Campaign first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Join KateLynn for this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment all about managing minimalism. She shares her journey with minimalism and some tips she has picked up along the way. Anyone can go from owning lots of stuff to living minimalistically. KateLynn went from a 1600-square-foot house with a garage to a 300-square-foot camper.
The post AWTR Show #906: Managing Minimalism first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Are you wondering why you should vote in this year's election? Secure Families Initiative reminds you that every time you vote, you make a permanent impact (even if your person doesn't win their election). You shape the voter data in the district where you vote. This says to anyone thinking of running or people thinking of changing policies, that they should care about you because you are the type of person who shows up and votes.
After an anxiety-ridden experience, Sarah Streyder decided she wanted to build an informative and supportive community of military family members, who might go through the same things she did, who could work together to learn more about current events, and who could take action together as voters. Voting is the one time you have control over your life in this military life. And when we better understand the mission (what our sacrifices are contributing to) it helps with morale. So let Secure Families Initiative help you dust off the cobwebs of misunderstanding and take a blowtorch to self-doubt.
The post AWTR Show #905: Secure Families Initiative first appeared on Army Wife Network.
If you're a parent of a school-aged child, then this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment is for you. Amanda B. has been in education for the past ten years (and a classroom teacher for 7 of those). Wanna say Goodbye, Summer Slide? The summer slide is when students forget what they learned the previous year. Amanda gives us tips to help our kids start the school year off on the best foot possible.
The post AWTR Show #904: Goodbye, Summer Slide first appeared on Army Wife Network.
With over 200 years of experience and a passion for people and life transformations, Armed Services Ministry created the Hero Squad Program. In this program you receive a curated box with a first bible for each child, a devotional for each child, fun activities and more. Plus parents get the chance to connect with other military families. Whats even better, this is free to military families!
The post AWTR Show #903: Armed Services Ministry first appeared on Army Wife Network.
For today’s Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Kathleen shares her journey to adopt a child. She likes to say this journey is filled with honeymoons, hiccups, and hope. Kathleen shares three reasons why military families make such great sportive parents.
The post AWTR Show #902: Honeymoons, Hiccups, and Hope first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We've all been there, when your spouse gets orders to a new duty station, you have tons of questions. Maybe you hop to Facebook to check for a group page. But the information is all over the place and it's not always complete. That's where PCSgrades comes in.
The post AWTR Show #901: PCSgrades first appeared on Army Wife Network.
For our 900th episode of Army Wife Talk Radio, Chrissy is talking about managing transitions in this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment. Transitions can be rough and sometimes scary for all of us. Chrissy talks about different transitions that milspouses handle. And she gives some tips for how best to handle these transitions.
The post AWTR Show #900: Managing Transitions first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Have you ever been told to just be positive? Optimism can deny negative emotions which simply isn't the reality. Cling to hope and live in reality. Hope is what keeps us going, what motivates us to make it through a tough situation.
The post AWTR Show #899: Nurturing Hope first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Deployment prep, is there such a thing? There are certainly things that you can do to be more prepared for your spouse to deploy and that is what Annie covers in this week's MEM. Annie provides 5 steps to help you be better prepared. She also warns that things probably won't go according to plan - so just expect that.
The post AWTR Show #898: Deployment Prep in 5 Steps first appeared on Army Wife Network.
How much is too much? Soldiers often come home from a deployment and want to go back. They give so much of themselves to a country and may not know when to say "I've given enough". This is a major theme in the book Beyond Sacrifice.
Don't you love the imperfect hero - the character where you can see bits of yourself in them? Alicia Dill enjoys writing characters that are both protagonists and antagonist. Because in reality - we are all a bit of both.
The post AWTR Show #897: Beyond Sacrifice first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Today's Milspouse Empowerment Moment is about something that still feels taboo to talk about, but shouldn't be. Amber gives us some tips on how to navigate grief. She shares her personal journey and lessons she has learned.
The post AWTR Show #896: How to Navigate Grief first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Do you ever feel like a supporting character in this milspouse life? One of the many life lessons contained in the book, The Astronaut's Wife, is that you are essential to the mission's success. Embrace the fact that you are not a side story and jump in with both feet.
First things first - stop trying to do it all by yourself. You have to build your community and that means putting yourself out there and being vulnerable. Find people who you can be your authentic self around. What you are doing is important, even if you don't get paid for it or society minimizes it.
The post AWTR Show #895: The Astronaut’s Wife first appeared on Army Wife Network.
You are worth celebrating. For this week’s Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Sharita reminds milspouses everywhere about the importance of milspouse celebrations. As milspouses, we are really good at celebrating our soldiers, but don't forget to celebrate yourself or other milspouses. Sharita gives us tips on how to do this.
The post AWTR Show #894: The Importance of Milspouse Celebrations first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Dr. Kendra Lowe found out that 1 in 4 military spouses at any given time are experiencing clinical levels of stress. And stress does not discriminate between seasoned spouses vs new spouses, spouses with soldiers that were deployed vs at home, etc. We are all vulnerable to stress.
The post AWTR Show #893: Milspouse Strength first appeared on Army Wife Network.
One little word can change a lot. For this week’s Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Chrissy explains why it is important to say yes - to different adventures, simple things, and more. Fear can creep in and stop us from saying yes. Chrissy reminds us to find the happiness and the power of yes.
The post AWTR Show #892: The Power of Yes! first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Military teens face many obstacles that include making friends, moving often, and enduring parental deployments. But perhaps the biggest challenge is the consequences of these obstacles and trying to maintain your mental health. There is a big community and support for military spouses and young military children, but there is a gap in the support when it comes to the military teen. Bloom saw this gap and set out on a mission of empowering the military teen.
The post AWTR Show #891: NMFA + Bloom: Empowering the Military Teen first appeared on Army Wife Network.
One of the most empowering aspects of this milspouse life is the opportunity to volunteer (And we know that first
The post AWTR Show #890: The Value of Volunteering first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Do you have young kids? Are you not sure of how to talk with them about the challenges of this military life? Don't worry, because Sesame Street for Military Families is here for you.
The post AWTR Show #889: Sesame Street first appeared on Army Wife Network.
April is the month of the military child and that allows us to pay tribute to the resiliency of our military children. This month brings awareness to some things military children deal with mentally and to show our appreciation for what they do. So for this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Amber will give you some things you can do during this month to celebrate military children. She also shares resources for virtual events for military children.
The post AWTR Show #888: Preparing For Month of the Military Child first appeared on Army Wife Network.
For this week's MEM, Amanda B. is sharing her tips for how to master milspouse motherhood. Amanda reminds fellow milspouse mothers to not give into mom guilt.
The post AWTR Show #886: 5 Tips to Help Master Milspouse Motherhood first appeared on Army Wife Network.
As a military spouse, it can be easy to feel the label the military gives you - dependent. Military spouses are used to putting our own aspirations on the back burner. But Karri L. Moser believes that as spouses, you should be writing your own milspouse story.
The post AWTR Show #885: Writing Your Own Milspouse Story first appeared on Army Wife Network.
We all know that mental health is super important... But sometimes it is hard to make it a top priority. Join Sharita for this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment as she shares about her own journey and some tips for how to be your own best advocate for all things military spouse mental health.
The post AWTR Show #884: Advocating for your Milspouse Mental Health first appeared on Army Wife Network.
With each move, comes the important, repetitive, and annoying search for new local resources. New doctors, new dentists, new mechanic, etc. And if you're pregnant, this search for local resources only becomes more stressful. That's where Military Birth Resource Network comes in.
The post AWTR Show #883: Military Birth Resource Network first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Is renovating a home right for you? In this week's Milspouse Empowerment Moment, Jolene talks about renovating her third property with her husband. She gives her best tips, tricks and advice from house hunting to determining if a project should be DIY or call a pro! Join Jolene for Operation: Renovation.
The post AWTR Show #882: Operation: Renovation first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Imagine your soldier is gone more often than they are around. Imagine you don't live close to base or know your soldier's unit. Imagine not having down time and having the mission always come first. The Special Operations community have different needs - needs that haven't really been researched yet. That's where the Military Special Operations Family Collaborative comes in.
The post AWTR Show #881: Military Special Operations Family Collaborative first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Join Sarah for this week’s Milspouse Empowerment Moment about PCS planning in prep. Getting orders to PCS can feel like a relief, you can answer some of those questions. However, you also think - we're PCSing, now what? Sarah shares her PCS starter kit that is a 5 item list that can get you started for your next PCS.
The post AWTR Show #880: We’re PCSing! Now What? first appeared on Army Wife Network.
The Army Chaplain life can often be imperfect, messy, and mainly spent outside your office. But there is no set method or place for healing. Owen Chandler wanted people to understand more about military life besides what gets shown on TV, so he wrote A Bridge in Babylon: Stories of a Military Chaplain in Iraq.
The post AWTR Show #879: Bridge in Babylon first appeared on Army Wife Network.
This week’s Milspouse Empowerment Moment is hosted by Brooklyn. She shares tips on how to handle special occasions when your service member is away. We have all been there... or we will all be there at some point. Brooklyn reminds us that communication is vital when you know that your service member will miss a special occasion.
The post AWTR Show #878: Special Occasions when your spouse is away first appeared on Army Wife Network.
It's okay to not be okay. Sometimes one good smile or one ear to listen can make all the difference. The founders of Ohana Homefront Foundation (OHF) wanted to make sure that families were taken care of so that the service members could focus on their job and vice versa.
The post AWTR Show #877: Ohana Homefront Foundation first appeared on Army Wife Network.
This week Amber hosts our Milspouse Empowerment Moment. She gives us advice on what to do when the going gets tough. Amber helps you to create a plan to get into a battle rhythm. Don't forget to lean on your support systems.
The post AWTR Show #876: What to Do When the Going Gets Tough first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Milspouses can trick ourselves into feeling we need to take care of everyone else before taking care of ourselves. The InDependent Wellness Summit is here to show you how to flourish.
The post AWTR Show #875: InDependent Wellness Summit: Flourish first appeared on Army Wife Network.
Chrissy is hosting this week’s Milspouse Empowerment Moment. She gives us advice on avoiding the winter blues. When you have passed the fun holiday season, winter can be difficult to keep your spirits up. Chrissy grew up in cold climate, so she's got tips on how best to find ways to be happy during the cold season - to include getting outside and embracing the cold.
The post AWTR Show #874: Beating Winter Blues first appeared on Army Wife Network.