Day 175: On my mind

R&R is just around the corner. I'm super excited to actually be able to go to the airport and pick Kevin up. Last time he surprised me so I didn't get this experience. I have yet to anxiously wait in the airport for my soldier. (not to say that I haven't anxiously waited for his return in with other spouses and family members at redeployment ceremony, or just in general terms..) Nevertheless, I am looking forward to having that moment.

I am so excited to see Kevin! (yea, yea, I know I already said that) But this excitement got me to thinking. I was thinking about how much trouble reintegration is. I was thinking about the struggles we faced after last deployment. I've been thinking about other people I know who battle through reintegration, shutting down that battle field mentality and the problems it causes and of course the monster, PTSD. For the record, soldiers and marriages can face a number of problems throughout reintegration without PTSD, seen it, lived it. People often just assume problems and distance between them and their soldier is automatically PTSD. Just saying- for the record is all. My point is that R&R is often so easy, peaceful and amazing.

Why doesn't R&R have the same struggles as post-deployment reintegration?

Don't get me wrong I get 15 days- that's it. People only got 15 days out of 15 months; 15 days out of 12 months, ect ect. I am thankful that my 15 days will be enjoyable. I was just simply, "thinking"; just wondering why the experiences are so different?

What a Week!

Monday: Nathan started school and I went with my sister to take some pictures of his first day and witness this little boy growing up.

Tuesday: The drama started. This was Nathan's first time riding the bus. Nathan has been wanting to ride the bus for years. He's see the other kids getting off the bus in the afternoons and ask everyone why he couldn't ride the bus and we'd tell him "Because you don't go to school yet. When you get a little bit older you can ride the bus." Anyway, my sis put Nathan on "The Green Frog" bus in the AM. However, he was not put on "The Green Frog" bus in the afternoon. Nathan was lost for a few. Thankfully, this brave little 4 year old boy knows his mommy's phone number and luckily there was a nice mommy at the bus stop who saw this scared boy and offered to help. My sister got a phone call from this nice lady saying that her son Nathan was with her in a completely different part of the neighborhood. Some foul up happened at the school and Nathan was put on the purple flower or some other bus route.

Wednesday: I finally went to Pinkberry which opened in Colorado Springs months ago. I'm kind of obsessed with the Pomegranate Pinkberry. mmm Cue mouth watering. Also visited Old Navy and DSW where I picked up some new shoes for our R&R trip to Vegas!
I tried a new recipe. Something I adapted from a friend. I pan fried some Pork chops with olive oil and some S&P. When they were all cooked up and happy I threw in a chopped red bell pepper and an onion and a large can of Diced Tomatoes, some more S&P and about half a tspn of crushed red pepper flakes. I put all of this into a baking dish and threw it in the oven at 375 for about 15 mins just to get all the flavors happy. I made some whole wheat rotini pasta on the side and proceeded to stuff my face.

Thursday: I visited my friend and forced her to watch PS I Love You, because she hadn't seen it yet- weird, right?

Friday: I got busy with a friend. We had some lunch and popped into JC Penney then saw The Change Up-- so funny. It was vulgar but hilarious. It's always nice to giggle. :) I tried another new recipe: I started with a marinade two tablespoons Dijon mustard, rosemary, parsley, S&P, olive oil and a lil water. Threw in some Chicken Thighs and let them marinade all day. I pan fried them with some olive oil and had some green beans on the side. YUMMM!!

It's officially been Saturday for 5 hours and 44 minutes 6 hours and 5 mins. For some reason I went to sleep about 1030ish and have been up since about 230. Saturday is off to a stellar start. This Am (in about an hour) I'll be heading over to Fort Carson for the Walk for the Fallen. This is the 3rd year in a row I've participated. It's always heartbreaking to be there. It's humbling. The last two times my husband had just returned home from deployment (the first time) and back from extended field rotations last year, so I was feeling especially grateful to have him by my side. This year he's on the other side of the world. I'll miss him. I'll be walking with friends and kiddos for a great cause.

How was your week?

Gripes

If you're not feeling like you're in the mood for gripes today than forego this post:

Gripe #2: Richard Spencer, former Marine Corp pilot. You may be wondering why Sam's upset with Mr. Spencer. Well here's why. Mr. Spencer told ArmyTimes that the current retirement system is "unfair, unaffordable and inflexible." Mr. Spencer led a DoD panel recommending a "corporate-style 401(k)" retirement plan versus the current pension based plan. Please visit the ArmyTimes story here to see how this would effect your soldier, their retirement and your future.

Removing the 50% retirement, which lets face it, isn't that great for us enlisted folk considering it's based off base pay only and averaged off of  rank held the last 3 years of service is unfair Mr. Spencer. The majority of career (at least 20 year) soldiers I know today are planning to stay in based on the retirement benefit. To remove or drastically diminish that option because you couldn't hang in for 20 years is unfair. You, Mr. Spencer had the same options as those who chose to stay in and earn the retirement and chose not to. The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is available to today's military. Invest in it and press on with your life. Don't take away from those who earned more than you based on their service.

One portion of Mr. Spencer's plan I actually agree with is the options to "increase contributions to give more money to troops who deploy frequently, accept hardship assignments or serve in high-demand jobs."

Gripe #2: People who act superior to others. Guess what you're no better than me and vice versa. Wise up.

Gripe #3: People who act like the Army is beneath them. Get over yourself. It's honorable and involves more sacrifice than most other careers.

Gripe #4: Carbs. I love them. They are my arch nemesis.

Gripe #5: Family. At the end of the day Family is life's greatest blessing-- bottom line. However, sometimes they are a burden. Don't lie, you know it's true. Whether you're pressured to show up very Sunday for a 6 hour Dinner at Gramma's or constantly loaning a long lost cousin money or racing to beat your siblings to the best baby names... sometimes it's just easier to throw your hands up.

Let me reiterate I'm simply frustrated I'd never turn my back on any member of my family.

Gripe #6: Disrespectful people. Check it:



Well, there's my Friday afternoon gripes.

Something bugging you today? Where do you stand on the retirement debate?

Military Wife Complaints

zSo, do you guys know the military spouse that complains about EVERYTHING: TriCare, MyCAA, employment opportunities, housing, MP, neighbors, uniforms, deployments, Military OneSource.... the list can go on and on and on; it's never ending. I don't know about you guys but I have found far to many martyrs in our ranks. (I'm sure this will be another of my unpopular opinions, so be it). I'm kind of over it. I get it's tough. I get some have it tougher than others. Honestly, I don't want to hear "woe is me" all the time. I am a firm believer is none of us our victims of our choices; we chose to be where we are, therefore you should embrace it. All of it. The good with the bad. Furthermore, I don't feel TriCare is the devil. I was raised a military brat; with doctors on base, in uniform passing out 800 milligrams of Motrin (aka Vitamin M) like it's candy. However, there are downfalls to all insurance companies ::cough cough:: premiums ::cough cough::

I have just come to the conclusion that some people will never be satisfied. Some people will always concentrate on the negative verses the positive. Some people will bitch and whine regardless of all their blessings.

My favorite complaint is how the military moves our active spouse around all the time making it impossible for the milspouse to maintain a career. As valid as this may be... I say "So what?" I was raised by a working-milspouse-mother and an active duty service member. I know many other career oriented, working military spouses. It's do-able. However, you do have to choose a practical (to the lifestyle) career. I always hear "But then you throw kids in the mix.." following the "I can't find or maintain a career" argument. I kind of feel like these constantly complaining milspouses won't be satisfied until they are provided salaries as there active counterparts are. It bugs me.

I feel as an Army wife I support my husband, I maintain the household, pay the bills, I miss and I worry for my husband while he's deployed. I fight for my marriage when he's home and we battle through reintegration. HOWEVER, I will never sacrifice or serve the way my husband does. He earns the paycheck- I do not. There is a huge leap from the soldier to the spouse.

Again this is my opinion based off complaints of milspouses that I know.

This is my life because I chose it knowingly. I complain to. This is not holier than thou vice woe is me. I get that nothing is perfect. My point is simply that this life verses any other is no better or worse. All lifestyles have problems and ups and downs, positives versus negatives. This is life.

Count your blessings. That is all.

5 Reasons...

I wish I were in Germany:

1: R&R someplace exotic like Greece or Crete or the gorgeous shores of France or Italy. Can anyone else say Mediterranean Cruise?!

2: It's easier, and much more plausible to secure a job in a place that you actually live- I could have sworn I heard or read that someplace before.

3: Build my friendships. I met some weirdos in a few months in Germany. But I also met some pretty awesome ladies I can't wait to get back to.

4: Random trips: So far I missed trips to Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, MWR trips to Paris, scheduled trips to The Netherlands. One Easter Egg Festival and One Tulip Festival. And most tragically The Sound of Music tour. :(

5: I will have lost 8 months out of our allotted 36 in Europe (down to 28). Just gone- BAM. In fairness so did my husband. We'll make up for it right??

Color me sad. I'll be using this as motivation to thoroughly enjoy all the remaining months we're given in Germany!

Memorial Day

{source}

I don't mean to be pompous, sincerely I don't. However, people all over today seem to have forgotten that Memorial Day isn't about some sale on bedding or furniture or even their service member. No today is about the fallen.

{source}

Today isn't about the fella holding/presenting this flag. It's about the fella (or female) who earned it. Today isn't about my husband and his service. We have another day in a completely different month for the veteran. Today isn't a day for "Happy Memorial Day". Today is about honoring the sacrifice of those who have given their lives for our country.

Joining Forces

Did you catch The View today? First Lady, Michelle Obama and Second Lady, Dr. Jill Biden were on with the other ladies of The View to discuss their new initiative to gain support from the other 98% of Americans for our service members and their families. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden created this new initiative called Joining Forces.

"Joining Forces is a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned." 

I'm down for spreading awareness about what we military families experience and encouraging more more American's support. But honestly I have my doubts about this program. The website for Joining Forces is great, it's user friendly and easy to navigate. It provides links for people to share their messages of support and (my favorite part) to the Serve.gov website. Serve.gov is great as well, you can type in your zip code and find out what the opportunities in your area are to get involved with supporting the military within your own community. You can initiate your own project to help support the military and gain support within your community. I love the options that are available.... I can only hope that people will take advantage of these sites and find ways to get involved.

I have my doubts because we all too often here "well, they volunteered" which, obviously I know... but I hate the meaning behind it. They volunteered, so why should I care... so why should they get special treatment... so why should I pay for their healthcare...! I think each of us military spouses have complained about the same topic in one way or another. All the same... this attitude is the same reason why I'm apprehensive about Joining Forces. Still, I'll remain hopeful that these program will inspire someone to get involved that wasn't so moved before.

A message from Deputy Secretary of Defense

I know there is a lot of division and misinformation out there in regards to the impending government shutdown- well, hopefully Congress will do what the hell they're supposed to and reach an agreement on their (WAY) overdue budget. We can't count on that because they get paid out of emergency funds (just as the President would) if there is a shutdown. Anyway... back to the message from the Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III. You can find it in it's entirety here. Basically the Deputy lays out what can be expected for both active duty and civilian personnel if there is a shutdown:

“Operations and activities that are essential to safety, protection of human life, and protection of our national security, are ‘excepted’ from shutting down.  The DoD will continue to conduct activities in support of our national security, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Japan; Libya-related support operations; and other operations and activities essential to the security of our nation.  The department must also continue to provide for the safety of human life and protection of property."

Which means the operations themselves will be financed. The personnel are a different story:


“Military personnel are not subject to furlough and will report for duty as normal during the shutdown.  Reserve component personnel should refer to the DoD Contingency Guidance document and to their chain of command for more specific information. 


“If the government shuts down due to the absence of funding, the DoD will have no funds to pay military members or civilian employees for the days during which the government is shut down.  However, both military and civilian personnel will receive pay for the period worked prior to the shutdown.  Military personnel, and civilians occupying excepted status positions and required to work, are entitled to be paid for work performed during the shutdown, and will be paid retroactively once the department receives additional funding.  Congress would have to provide authority in order for the department to retroactively pay non-excepted employees for the furloughed period.  

I hope this is helpful to my milspouses out there. It appears grim to me but if the posturing continues in Washington and a shutdown takes place we can all hope that it'll be short-lived and have a relatively low impact on all those effected; lets not forget this is a Government wide shutdown affecting not only the Department of Defense but all others as well, families who rely on pay from their positions in the Department of Energy, or Transportation (for example) will also be affect.

I just keep reminding myself to count my blessings: I have a warm place to sleep and food in my belly. When the food runs out I have a savings (what's it for after all?) and a credit card. My pops always told me "Failure to plan is planning to Fail." Sometimes it sucks being a grownup because you have to be prepared with contingencies for the worst case scenario. Lucky for me I had great advice from my father. :)

We'll suck it up and drive on like we always do, right? I would remind everyone to get your news from reliable sources, as well as verify and research what you do find.

PS: I got an email from the FRG in Baumholder that some services on post would be affected by the shutdown, check with your FRG to see if services in your area are also going to be canceled/delayed or otherwise affected.

Change of Plans

About four days after I arrived home to Colorado my moms neighbor (who is a realtor and takes care of all of our realtor related needs) calls and says that the commissary on Fort Carson is hiring for stockers at night which pays like $20/hour. So I figured, "what the hell" I can at least apply and see what happens- nothing saying I'm actually going to get it. So I applied and turns out I got it. Yesterday I was a mess about the decision. My place is in Germany. But I feel like it's time to contribute where I can; sadly there aren't job opportunities for me in Germany. Staying here for the next 7 months will allow for my husband and I to start the next chapter of our lives completely debt free. Sacrificing my independence, missing my bed and my things is worth it in the end.
For the record I know how this will be perceived, I know that it'll look like I just can't hang with the deployment... but it just so happened that this opportunity came my way- why would I pass it up???

I'll miss Germany and Baumholder, and the opportunities to travel... on the other hand we'll have two more years there and TOGETHER!

Troops work without PAY...?

First reaction to this story: O.M.G!!

I've seen it all over Facebook for days now.... Yes, it's scary to think about my mans down range not being funded and volunteering (as in, not getting paid) because I'm pretty sure I'm still unemployed (whole other conversation right there) and I'm pretty JP Morgan/Chase is expecting our mortgage on 1 Apr regardless of whether or not Congress pulls their heads out of their collective ass, and stops with the posturing and pissing contests. It's ridiculous really.... We may be kind of behind on the news over here in Germany (not an excuse with the internet, but silly me I find everything in the world kind of depressing so I don't do much to in the way of searching it out anymore... when I see it on a commercial then I'll watch) but what I gather is the Demo's presented a plan to cut like $8 Billion and the Repub's offered up a plan to cut some $61 Billion from the budget. The commentary on AFN was saying both sides are on complete opposites of the spectrum only to get their political bases fired up then will ultimately come together and compromise.

I say why not cut out the bull-shit and just compromise?? Seems like a much better use of our tax dollars, having them all in Washington and actually doing something constructive.... egh, maybe that's wishful thinking but, hell a girl can dream.

Lets also recall (milfolks) that in the 90's when the government shut down, this effected the civilians our military was still paid and life went on. My mother on the other hand (GS worker for over 20 years) may not be paid, hell may even be furloughed but such is life... right?

Lets remember with all the posturing going on for the Presidential race no one wants to be this close to any election with troops downrange and NOT fund the military. It'll never happen (my prediction). I mean... lets hope not, because I'm pretty sure come the 1st, those JP Morgan/Chase folks are going to want their money regardless.

Personally, I'm not going to bogged down in the politics and banter.

And he's....

Gone.




Maybe Bone Thugs n Harmony isn't your cup of tea... but right now I can't find a more fitting song. 


That could have something to do with the fact that my husband texted me from "parts-unknown" telling me to look up this song and he was dedicating it to me. But then again, could have something to do with the chorus:

If I had one wish
That wish would be clear
That I would not have to go
That I could stay here
And although it hurts me
To leave you all alone
Just know I'll come back for you
For now I'm gone.

It's strange I didn't completely flip my shit until I heard this song. I was 'ok' until I got home and found his dirty draws on the bathroom floor this song. 


I miss him already. 

Landed!

So we made it to Germany, to Baumholder and into our hotel room. The flight was no where near as awful as I had imagined it would be- thank the Lord. Honestly, I had a lot of anxiety about it. Thanks to two .5 Xanax I was good to go. I did, however, have a problem with the flight attendent waking me up to ask me to lift my chair so the gentleman behind me could eat.... hmmm, now I have no room to eat and it was like a domino everyone had to lift their chairs to eat. I thought the plane, and the chairs were designed a certain way for a reason. Whatevs. Moving on I slept 80% of the flight so I was extremely happy with that.
Next we waited and waited for our baggage then trapesed all over the Frankfurt airport where we waited for 5 hours for the busses to make their way through the ridiculous amounts of snow. You see it's been snowing for weeks in Germany and the first half of the day road conditions were Red and the busses didn't get to the airport for a while. We were so blessed to have a friend who stepped in as our proxy-sponsor (who was better than any of the other actual-IRL-sponsors we heard about.
She got our reservation at the hotel (which was crusual), and when the buss didn't get in when expected she stuck around on post and waited for us in horrible weather! I never would have expected that, we had actually just called a cab to take us to the PX to get some necessities and as we walked down the hall way to the reception area we ran into her in the hall! She was coming to our room which bread, plastic utencils, paper plates and PB&J! She's so thoughtful and sweet and was a total life saver! Not only did she run us all over post but she also took us to a local restaurant off post for dinner! She helped us through some German nuances that are obviously new for Kevin and I and we had some delicious food.

We did find out what unit Kevin is assigned to, which is good info to have (usually) but we were not expecting to hear the entire unit has just finished deploying last week; that there are only 6 soldiers from the unit remaining on post. I'm nervous to find out what is going to happen with that.... but you know we just have to roll with the punches for the time being. It is what it is right?

Kevin also got to the housing office in the one day they had to begin in-processing, we have a housing assignment but it's in the maintenance stages and our projected move-in date is 1 February... yeah you read that right! FEBRUARY! That's New Years and Christmas... Yea, swell. Maybe it'll go more quickly? Who knows, all the same, we plan to make the very best of our 63 days here at the Lageroff Inn.

That's all for now. I've been sick for over a week (through all of our traveling, ugh!) and I'm hoping to feel better soon so that I feel up to being out and about a bit more and taking some pictures. Maybe I'll figure out how to see a doctor this coming week... I see a z-pac in my future!

Only A Day Away

Tomorrow, you know how the song goes right?
Anyway, tomorrow we'll be off on our whirl-wind journey to Germany for at least three years!

Kevin and I have been in-transit since September 27th when they came and got all of our things. We've been surviving out of 4 suitcases, in guest rooms and bathrooms, and have been on 6 different airplanes since the end of October, down 1 dog {insert pouting here}, down 1 car (well technically 2 since we dropped our Jetta off to be shipped to Germany this morning), rented our home and generally turned our lives up-side-down. I'm ready to get to Germany and get settled! With that being said I also have to be ready for that not to happen right away. We all know that things (with the Army) usually do not work as quickly or as smoothly as we want them to. Assuming I'll be in temporary housing until after the new year isn't pessimistic it's realistic. No need to get my hopes up for something that won't happen, right!? All the same tomorrow we'll be one step closer to our things! You have no idea how much I miss my things: my bed, my couches and tables and dishes and pillows! I can't wait to have a bathroom, bedroom, living room, and kitchen all of my own again!

I am so ready for this in-transit business to be over!

Who knows when I'll have access to the inter-webs again but I hope to be back ASAP! (there may be a scheduled post or two in your future- don't judge me haaahHA!)

Things to come

Have you been reading the news lately? Bad things are on the horizon.

Most recently the Koreas began their hostilities once again. Did you know that the Korean war never really ended; they're still technically at war with each other, technically there has been a "cease fire" since 1953. Click here to read CNN's coverage.
Hubs: Holy expletive!
Me: Huh, what's going on?
Hubs: We're going to War with Korea.
Me: (saying nothing out loud, think to myself: O.... how wonderful........... I'm sure they'll work it out on their own.. HA.... unlikely.)
True story, which took place less than 30 mins ago.

Have you been following the recent recommendations on Military benefits, concerning retirement, pay-freezes (for three years including BAH, Base Pay and COLA) and raising Tricare out-of-pocket costs? Well I hope you have. It's completely asinine. I mean need we really get into the strain the military has been under or the past 9 (almost 10) years? Beyond that can we all just agree up until now folks joined the military under the assumption that they'd serve but be rewarded with GI Bill Bene's and a pretty rockin' awesome pension plan. I love how this "Presidential "Blue Ribbon" Debt Panel, aka Debt Reduction Panel is co-chaired by Former Republican Sen, Pete Domenici (funny, I thought those Repub's were "usually pro-military"... allegedly) couldn't find any other way to reconcile our national debt than to tell our hardworking military to yet again- PAY UP! As if the military community haven't done enough. I suppose we haven't according to them. Some changes include possible retirement after 10 years of service- yet not collecting retirement checks until the age 60. After 20+ years of service checks wouldn't be available until age 57 (vs. the current way of doing things, retirement checks are available immediately upon separation). Also, retirement is currently computed based on the active duty members most recent 3 years of pay, the committee recommends changing it to the most recent 5 years of pay. Which in theory you've attainted a higher rank between years 15, 18 and 20 (at that) so the average would now be lower. Great. Additional recommendations can be found here, and here.

If you do nothing else please click here, to contact your local reps and tell them how you feel about these changes. It's the beauty of our country you have the ability to speak up and voice your opinion but doing nothing will likely get you an outcome your aren't in favor of.

A big thank you to Military.com for keep our community informed and making it easy to contact our representatives in Washington.

Click here to read more from Military.com.

Goodbye v. See ya' round

So we're leaving right? I mentioned the other day that this stage of our PCS is rather pre-deployment-esque.  Now, before anyone goes and gets their panties all in a twist, I know that no one is going off to part-unknown filled with danger. However, there are major "Good-byes" in my future. So what I'm referring to with the pre-deployment reference is that, I know it's coming, I know it's not going to be fun but for goodness sakes I just want to get it over with already. It's time. Sometimes it's best to just tear the band aid off you know?
With all of that said I am spending ever minute I have with my nephews and my friends. I am going to miss so much with everyone I know (LB's prego once again and I'll miss baby showers and births and shopping sprees and name discussions. Nathan starts basketball after Christmas. Logan will be crawling and walking before we know it. Have I mentioned that I'll miss Christmas? haa). At the same time I am not the kind of gal to build these strong friendships, move away and just never speak to people again- it's not my style. IF I'm going to take the time to invest in you and in your life, and invite you into mine I expect and want you to stay in mine.
The sad part of this is that it seems some of my bestest of friends have already cut their losses and pretend I'm already gone and semi-unreachable It sucks when people you care so much for disappoint you. Yet, you cannot make anyone a priority who only makes you an option.
Some people don't really believe in "good-bye" its always this "I'll see ya later" nonsense. To me, it's what you say when you leave a friend's house, or hang up the phone. "Good-bye" is simply a fact of life. I think it hurts more depending on the circumstances but it's always there. On the other hand, I love the idea of this "I'll see ya later" business. I just kinda think it's a cop out... some kinda of coping mechanism. All I truly and honestly know is that whatever I say verbally, I'm going to quite possibly balling my eyes out (literally) but it'll definitely be happening on the inside.

You know what it is...

You had to know I was going to blog today about Veterans Day. Today I thought I would share a few photos with you. I thought I'd start by saying, whenever I thought of a Vet I pictured this:

{source}

Handsome fella, wouldn't you say?
But today when I think about veterans I think of:

Another handsome fella- if I do say so, myself! My point is... somehow I always associated "veteran" with other generations. Today I'm not cashing in on sales from retailers, today I'm at home while my husband spends his Veteran's Day "working". Today he's doing everything he can to get a shit-bag out of the Army. Today, about 8 guys from the Troop are packing and moving this soldier and his wife out of their on-post housing, because they're (the soldier and his wife) are too stubborn or stupid to realize their time with the Army is severely limited due to the fact that the soldier is allergic to acting right (or something). Today, I'm so proud of my husband for having the ability to hold his tongue, suck it up and do what needs to be done.

Today, I'm reminded that some of our countries veterans weren't supported by other Americans. Today, I am also reminded that my husband's service isn't honored and respected by some. Today, I tell those people (on Kevin's behalf) you're welcome. You're welcome that people stronger and more dedicated than you fought and still fight for your right to be ungrateful.

To my veteran and all others I say THANK YOU! 

Mil-News

I don't know about all of you guys but I pay extra attention to the news about all things military; and Army, more specifically.
Did you hear that July is now recorded as the deadliest month since the beginning of the war in Afghanistan, 8 years ago? Total reported US casualties for July is 66.

Photos like these break my heart:

{source: LA Times}

{source: MSN}

{source: AolNews}

It's just heart-wrenching to see. It's reality, obviously but so moving when you're smacked in the face with the headlines on just about every major news website out there. On the flip side I'm happy to see this making headlines versus Season 2 of the Jersey Shore (in Miami... yea, doesn't make sense to be either).

In other Mil-related-news, the deadline is approaching for your stipend if you or your solder were "stop lossed". Military.com reports that "an estimated 145,000 service members are eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay, a stipend of $500 for each full or partial month served in stop-loss status." 
Click Here to find out more information.

The DOD reports that, "The rate of soldier suicides has risen in each of the past five years. In fiscal 2009, 160 soldiers took their own lives, while there more than 1,700 attempts. Meanwhile, soldiers without deployment experience or with one deployment account for 79 percent of Army suicides." What's the Army doing about this, you ask? A few notable changes are: the creation of 72 additional positions for chaplains, and "the number of recruiting waivers in 2009 is down almost 50 percent from 2007. Such waivers allow recruits with certain medical conditions and minor criminal offenses to enlist, helping the Army to meet recruiting goals. Some of these soldiers, Chiarelli acknowledged, are considered a higher risk for suicide than others" These are all good signs that the powers-at-be are taking note of this difficult and troubling issue. For some, it is too little, too late. I know that change takes time and especially within the Army culture, change is always difficult. So I am happy to see this being given more attention than once again revamping the various service uniforms. To MultiCam, or not to MultiCam? To beret, or not to beret?

In non-military related news, you MUST enter my giveaway, like NOW-ish. I know you like free stuff as much as I do. So just do it already! :)

It's BaaaaCCKk!

Hey MilSpouses, I received the following email from MYCAA this morning:

MyCAA Update

DoD will resume the MyCAA program. The Department of Defense has completed the program review and will be making the necessary adjustments to resume the MyCAA program beginning in October 2010.

Starting 8 a.m. (EDT) Monday October 25, 2010, Military OneSource career and education counselors will have a much more active role in supporting military spouses. In addition to understanding resources available via DoD's financial aid support, they will provide support and assistance to identify and gain access to other federal, state, and local programs. All military spouses of active duty service members will be eligible for career counseling and support.

New financial assistance guidelines. With a focus on the original intent of the program, the Defense Department's financial assistance program will:

Be available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2

Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000

Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course

Be limited to associate degrees, certifications, and licensures

These new guidelines reflect a return to the original purpose of the program - to assist spouses of service members in achieving portable careers. These changes also align the program with responsible fiscal planning by the Defense Department to help sustain the program. Additional program details will be posted on the Military OneSource Web site when they become available. We encourage you to check the site often.

Spouses who currently have an active account will be allowed to request financial assistance until Thursday, October 21, 2010. Beginning September 1, 2010, spouses may request financial assistance for classes that have a start date up to January 15, 2011. To ensure adequate time to plan for courses, no career plans will be accepted after August 31, 2010. All currently approved financial assistance documents will be honored.

Additionally, the review revealed that National Guard and Reserve members must be on active duty for their spouses to receive the MyCAA benefit. Spouses may no longer use the MyCAA benefit when the service member is in an alert or demobilization period. The new eligibility rule takes effect immediately.

The program will be closed from Friday, October 22 to Monday, October 25, 2010, so that we may ensure the infrastructure is in place to implement the new program.

Military spouses are the backbone for military families, displaying strength of character to be admired by this nation. The Department of Defense remains committed to investing in military families, and appreciates the sacrifice of those who also serve.

~~~

So, it's less than it once was, but it's progress and a step in the right direction. Lets just try to see the best in it before we all go off and tear "them" (the decision makers and such) to shreds. Let us also remember we do have the Post 9-11 GI Bill as an option also!

 

Thanks to everyone who entered my GIVEAWAY so far. I love all the ideas!

Anyone who is still interested in $15 gift card to CSN Stores please pop over and enter!

NEWSS!!!

Ok, so I have some news. When I said this to my mother she thought I was going to tell her I was pregnant with a baby girl! But well, that's not the news. The news is that Kevin has temporary/conditional orders!!! To where, you ask? GERMANY!!!! 

I am thrilled with this prospect and couldn't be more hopeful. 

The orders are conditional on Kevin's chain of command all signing off on lifting his fence. We can't figure out why he's fenced into his current unit... No one can figure it out. All the same we're waiting for about another two weeks for the final answer! Keep your fingers crossed people. If all works out we'd PCS in November. Wowzas!

So you all know I started a job 3 weeks ago, right? Evidently I found a job with the only company in town with no military affiliated people! I swear this is the least military-savy group of people I have ever met. The other day one of my co-workers was shocked when I told them that my husband is up and out of the house by 430 everyday. "WHY?!" he asks. "PT" I said. "What's that?" He says. "Seriously?" I say. 

It only gets worse from there. 

I explain to my *ignorant co-worker that there's a war going on and they have practice their running so that they're conditioned if they should have to run to and fro to ensure their personal safety. 

Duh. 

Just saying. 

Have you heard about what Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran's of America (IAVA) is doing with Miller High Life? 

They're teaming up for the sole purpose of giving back to Vets. Head over to their website and take a look in the Rucksack to search for events in your area. They're giving away tickets to events such as MLB games, NFL games and Nascar events. Head over to the website for more details on how to participate.

I know I'm really cramming a lot into this one post but I HAVE to share with everyone that my Best Friend, Amanda had her first baby last Friday the 25th!! I can't believe it but she's really somebody's mother! It's intense and I'm happy for her and her family.
Baby Matthew Alan was born at 836 PM EST. Weighing in at 7.36 LBS and 18" long.
I love you Manda... and my new Godson Matthew!
Go check out my guest blogging the day Matthew was born.

1 more day of work before a week off for vacation. (less than) 2 days until ECLIPSE! Yes I'm mother-effing excited about that. And 3 days until our vacation to SAN DIEGO!
woooooo
I'm one excited girl.
but I'm headed to bed.
G'night!

ARMY Stuff

{source}

As we all (should) know last Monday (yes I'm late... get over it) was the Army's 235th Birthday.

The above picture is how some soldiers in Afghanistan celebrated.... with a 2.35 mile run!

I just needed to share the pic- thought it was amazing.

~

Have you heard about MSRRA? Or you know, Military Spouse Residency Relief Act? I'm not sure how much looking you've done into this program- if at all. But it is somethat that (in theory) would have benefitted me. You see my husband is an Oregon resident- born and raised there. Where as I've been in, and a resident of Colorado for-ever. Active duty military and non-state residents our charged a flat $30 to register their vehicles. But since our cars are only in my name and I am a resident we're charged, lets just say much more than $30. So when this MSRRA came around I was overjoined at the opportunity to change my residency to Oregon and save lots-o-monies on my vehicle registration!

Well, that's not so much how it works.

You cannot just randomly choose the same state as your soldier/active duty service member. But you CAN however, (not so randomly) choose residency at your current duty station and keep that residency as you PSC all over God's green earth. :)

This article was extremely helpful in clarifying the do's and don't's of MSRRA!