Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Guest Writer

The Best Advice I Can Give To a Military Spouse

by Leave a Comment

Happy to have this guest post by Megan on her best advice for a military spouse. Please email me at Julie@soldierswifecrazylife.com and let me know if you would like to write a guest post for Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life too.

The best advice I can give a new military spouse is to brace yourself. Being a military spouse is hard work. It does not matter what branch, what rank, if you’re full-time, guard, or reserve. Military life is a big adjustment and you cannot prepare yourself for it.

I married my husband 5 years ago. He is in the Army National Guard and we were part-time. He had a civilian job, went to drill one weekend a month, and training two weeks a year. Or that’s what I was told.

After we were married things changed very quickly. Suddenly, he was putting on a uniform every day and going to work at the armory. There were schools he went to that lasted a month or more. There were classes he would travel to go to.

For Hurricane duty, he would pack a bag at a moment’s notice, leave and I didn’t know when he would be back. Annual training went from two weeks to three and then to four weeks. Before I knew it, he was gone all the time.

One year, from January to August he was only home for 10 weeks. Now I am in our first deployment and that really shocked me to the core. Even though I was used to him not being home, deployment created several new issues I had not planned on having to struggle with. It is hard being the only adult making decisions and trying to roll through whatever Murphy’s Law is throwing at you.

The Best Advice I Can Give To a Military Spouse

So, the advice I give to spouses I talk with is to:

  • Breathe…..take it one day at a time.
  • If you can’t take it day by day, that’s ok. Take it hour by hour, minute by minute. You do whatever you need to do to survive that day.
  • Every day will get a little easier and so will the next and the next. Before long you will be a professional conquering Murphy’s Law and navigating through the military world.
  • Find your tribe, lean on other spouses. Other spouses are your best resource for information and support. They might not be in the same boat, but they are in the same storm.
  • Most importantly…..take care of you!! If you are not taking care of yourself, you cannot take care of anyone else.

Best of luck to all new military spouses. I hope you enjoy this life as much as I do.

My name is Megan Davis. I have a full-time paying job and volunteer jobs that I love. I currently work as a Personnel Supervisor at Westaff where I match people in my community looking for jobs with companies looking for workers. I volunteer as the Family Readiness Group Leader for the 2-108 CAV Squadron in Shreveport. I work with Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) mentoring other National Guard Spouses. Following these passions, I was recognized as the 2020-2021 Louisiana National Guard Spouse of the Year. I love helping people, specifically military spouses. One of my main goals is to make sure military spouses know they are not alone when trying to navigate through the military world. I want to help give them the courage to speak out and help build a support system for them so they can make it through all the crazy things the military life throws at us. I am also a student at the University of Louisiana at Monroe for my bachelor’s degree in risk management. Graduating from ULM has been my biggest goal for years and I am proud to say I am almost there.

Ideas to Improve Military Spouse Employment and Finding Those Remote Opportunities

by Leave a Comment

Happy to have this guest post by Linda on working from home and employment. Please email me at Julie@soldierswifecrazylife.com and let me know if you would like to write a guest post for Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life too.

35% of Military Spouses are saying that they are NOT employed but NEED OR WANT employment. 

According to the BSF/IVMF Survey # Respondents, Military Spouse Employment remains the reigning TOP ISSUE for Military Families! Link to Survey: https://bluestarfam.org/survey/

Reason’s why it is the TOP ISSUE –  It creates financial stress when with each PCS move a spouse loses her job and is forced into unemployment or under-employment status taking a low paying position at the new location. Add to that the stress from COVID 19 with the impact of school closures, daycare closures, the cost of childcare and access to quality, affordable childcare in general, and an unpredictable daily work schedule of their service member, and you have the perfect recipe for Military Spouses and Service Members to choose their FAMILY over Service when it comes time to re-enlist.  

What Needs to Be Done –  Companies that hire military spouses and offer remote work opportunities along with flexible schedules and opportunities for advancement, need access to the Military Spouses and need to be able to share those opportunities in the community. Community businesses around military installations need to reconsider their stance on hiring or choosing not to hire military spouses because of the amount of time we may or may not be at a duty station. In the civilian sector, employees are typically not staying in a position longer than 5 years.  

At the Command level, reasonable accommodation for service members that need to manage home or family obligations should be encouraged. Explore ways to expand military childcare capacity or expand the MCCYN Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood fee assistance program and make it easier for those “underground” childcare providers to gain the quality rating necessary to be on the installation provider list.

Encourage partnerships with organizations that have DOD agreements to complement the services being offered through ACS, MWR, the Education Center, and SFL TAP by inviting them to Newcomer Briefings and allowing them to provide the information for additional employment opportunity support.  If the spouses do not know about it, they can not access it. 

This also is THE #1 Issue Impacting your Service Member Retention! 

To address the Military Spouse Employment Issue, there has been an explosion of grassroots Non-Profit Organizations in the last 10 years, STARTED by Military Spouses or Veterans that aim to alleviate military spouse Un and Under-Employment 

Who are they? This is by no means a complete list but is a list of the Organizations that are vetted, and I have personal experience with: 

  • Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network – National and Local Installation locations
  • USO Pathfinder Transition and Military Spouse Programs 
  • Blue Star Families 
  • IVMF Institute for Veterans and Military Families – O2O Onward to Opportunity with Syracuse University 
  • Vets2Industry 
  • MSEP Military Spouse Employment Partnership 
  • Vet Jobs 
  • VirtForce 
  • Veterati 
  • MOAA Military Officers Association of America 

What do they do? These organizations tackle Military Spouse and Veteran Employment and have something slightly different to offer that sets them apart from each other. However, they all work together closely and share a passion for their mission. 

I wish I had known about them 10 years ago as I struggled my way through my own career journey. I only learned about them 2 years ago, and only because the little reserve installation we were near actually had a PPP representative, and she shared these with me! 

The above resources have connections to company partners that are Military Spouse and Veteran friendly employers who have a commitment to hiring Military Spouses and Veterans. Some of them have the same partners, but many of them have their own unique relationships with different companies and if you know what all of them are doing, you are only going to increase your chances of finding the perfect job or personal growth opportunity for your family’s situation! All of them have Vetted Opportunities and are often remote and some are CONUS and OCONUS friendly.  

Working From Home Life 

Almost everyone I speak to, says, “I would love to work at home, you are so lucky! That is what I want to do.” With COVID 19 in 2020, many people found out very quickly some of the challenges of working from home as their spouses, and children joined them at home, and they got to have ALL that EXTRA together time.  

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I will ever go back into an office again in my lifetime. However, with that said, it isn’t for everyone.  

Things to consider: 

  1. Are you self-disciplined? 
  2. Are you an extremely social person? 
  3. Do you have a dedicated office or workspace, or could you create one? 
  4. Is the position a W2 position or an Independent Contractor (1099) position? **This one has tax implications. 1099 Independent Contractors do not have taxes taken out and should be paying taxes quarterly. You may want to get a CPA.**) 

There are companies out there that are committed to hiring military spouses, and some were created by military spouses to be able to offer REMOTE, Portable employment with ROOM for Advancement, flexible schedules, and a network of other military spouses, that just get it! 

Be Active On LinkedIn

Get your free LinkedIn Premium account https://socialimpact.linkedin.com/programs/veterans/milspouses

Connect with the networks I mentioned above and follow them. Start Networking and attending events and learn about the companies that are committed to hiring military spouses. Do some self-reflection and narrow down what career path you are on and find your dream job! 

Linda Bailey has been a Military Spouse for 16+ years, with 3 grown children, and 3 fur babies. She is an Empty Nester preparing for life after the military in a few years. She has somehow managed to stay employed throughout her husband’s career, but she WILL say that it has not been easy. Her new mission in life is to help other military spouses have a better career path than her own. She has just spent 30 Days posting on Linked In and sharing resources for Military Spouses and discovered some great opportunities that did not exist during her search for employment over the years. Please check her out on LinkedIN and Facebook.

What I Wish I Knew Before My Spouse Became a Recruiter

by Leave a Comment

Happy to have this guest post by April on her experiences while her spouse was a military recruiter. Please email me at Julie@soldierswifecrazylife.com and let me know if you would like to write a guest post for Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life too.

Recruiting duty, like a lot of other things in the military, has some awesome perks but also some tough drawbacks.

Before my husband volunteered, all I knew was he was non-deployable, and that was pretty dang important after coming off of a year being separated because of his PCS to Korea for which I was not approved to go with.

I didn’t know anyone who had been a recruiter who I could talk to in order to gain somewhat of a perspective of what to expect. So, we were basically going in blind. My husband was stationed in Central Oregon, nowhere near a military installation.

Here are four things I wish I knew going into recruiting duty, and I hope they will help prepare you better than I was.

1) Recruiting duty is stressful, and the hours are long.

There were many 14-16 hour days, 6-day workweeks, and overnights to trainings and MEPS. I was thankful we were together as a family, but I was not prepared for how much the job would take a toll on my spouse. It was all about numbers and making so many phone call attempts, which left my husband little control over his schedule, and that left me never knowing when he would be home or when he might have to leave overnight.

There is definitely some of that in the regular Army, but the unpredictability of the daily schedule taught me to just let go, or at least attempt to let go, of all expectations of a standard mealtime or time when my husband would walk through the front door. He also had a government phone, and so he was constantly getting phone calls and texts from coworkers and applicants.

2) The service member is non-deployable!

The biggest perk for me, coming off of a year apart with a small child, was that my husband was never gone for more than a few months at a time. We had another baby while he was on recruiting because we could guarantee he would be home for the birth. It was glorious to not have to worry about a deployment for three years.

3) You may be stationed nowhere near a military installation.

The closest one to us was a four-hour drive, and so we didn’t get any of the amenities we were used to when we had a post nearby. Groceries were more expensive, and childcare was difficult to find. Because of not being near a military installation, there was a sense of isolation.

We didn’t have a ton of military families who knew what we were going through close by that we could lean into for support and friendship, and there wasn’t a post that had activities we could go to in order to stay busy or meet other people. We had to work really hard, and in ways we hadn’t had to before, in order to build a community around us.

4) Yes, you may not be near a military installation, but help is out there!

You should still have a SFRG, you probably will rarely see them in person. There should be a representative for families at some level, you might just have to ask around to find that person. And there are spouses that are already there and have been there a while, ask them! They will know which grocery store has the cheapest groceries and possibly a good daycare for your child. You just have to be brave and ask around.

Recruiting duty is unique in a lot of ways, good and hard. Being on the tail end of it, I can see all the great things it allowed our family to do, and in the ways, it pushed us out of our comfort zones.

April is a mom to two girls, wife to a soldier turned Air National Guard member and lives in Central Oregon. Her husband transitioned from active duty to the guard last year, and they are very much still in the trenches of transition. She loves to read, write, and be outdoors in their beautiful state. Military life is hard, and she has a passion for making it easier for others, however she can. You can find her at Mercy and Healing.

Moving When Your Spouse is Deployed? Here Are Some Hacks to Help You Out

by Leave a Comment

Moving While Your Spouse Is Deployed: Hacks To Make The Process Easier

So your spouse is deployed, and you are tasked with moving you and your family to your new PCS assignment. You’re probably pretty stressed, right? 

Moving is a daunting task, and when your spouse is unable to be there to help you do the work, the process can become even more overwhelming. Fortunately, with a little preparation and a calm attitude, you can get your family moved to your new location and still maintain your sanity!

Keep Everything Organized

The worst mistake you can make when moving is being disorganized. Especially if you have children, you can’t afford to be unprepared for each step of the process. 

Make a List For Everything 

It all begins with the organization– make a list for just about everything. List out all of the things you will need to do before you even start packing, such as your preferred moving service, costs associated with the move, personal items you will need for the trip, etc. These will all need to be decided ahead of time. It’s worth the extra time to make sure that the moving process starts on a good footing. 

Identify What is Most Valuable to You

Keep a list of your most valuable items, such as electronics, jewelry, family heirlooms, and sentimental belongings. It’s common for possessions to be damaged, lost, or sometimes even stolen during the moving process. Keeping a checklist of these items to ensure they make it through the move safely will prove to be beneficial.

  1. Set Aside the Essentials

Another helpful tip for planning your move is to pack the essential items that you will need right when you get to your new home separately, such as toiletries, phone chargers, a change of clothes, and some food. The last thing you’ll want after traveling to your new home is to have to dig through boxes to find the things you need to get settled in that first night. To make things even easier and time-efficient for yourself and your family, you can have these essentials delivered to your new address while you are en route. This way, not only can you get settled into your new home quicker, but you won’t have to pack all of those items and lug them with you during your move.

  1. Pack Unused Items First 

Perhaps the best place to start packing is with your spouse’s belongings. While they are deployed, they won’t need any of the items they left behind and probably won’t for a while until after they return home. 

Holiday decorations are another good place to start if you are moving well in advance of the holidays. Anything that you can’t see yourself or your family using within the first month of living in your new home should be packed away first. From there, you can pack more and more of your belongings as your moving date approaches, leaving your immediate needs to be packed last.

Use Your Resources

  1. Utilize Military-Hired Movers

If you’re feeling exceptionally overwhelmed by the thought of moving yourself and your children all on your own, look to external resources for help. The military does offer help with packing and moving your belongings to your new home. It could be very helpful to get a few additional adults to help you with the process of packing and moving. Especially if this service comes at little to no cost to you, you might as well make use of the help. 

  1. Get Your Kids Involved

Including your children in the entirety of the moving process can help them cope with their own stress associated with uprooting their lives. This can be very beneficial for your family as a whole. Whether your children are very young, or young adults, there are a few things children of nearly any age can do to help with packing and moving. 

For the little ones, you can give them the assignment of collecting their favorite belongings and setting them aside to be packed separately. Doing so will make it easier for your child to feel more at ease during the move knowing that their favorite things are safe and easily accessible once they get to their new home. 

For slightly older children, you can give them even more practical assignments from house hunting to packing up the entirety of their bedroom. It’s important that your kids feel as though they have some choice and control over the situation in order to feel better about leaving their friends and school life behind. 

Take it Slow

Moving without your spouse there to be involved in the process can be very emotional for you and your family. The stress of moving, missing your loved one, solo parenting, and uprooting your family can be exhausting. 

For this reason, getting help from movers and your family members is going to make a big difference in the emotional exhaustion this process may cause. Don’t try to do everything on your own, and don’t try to get everything done in only a few days either. Once you get to your new home, take your time moving in and getting settled. Remember, there’s no time limit on unpacking.

No matter what, moving is inevitable for military spouses, as is moving while your spouse is deployed. While you probably wish you could avoid relocating on your own, it’s best to have a solid plan for doing so. Try out a few of these hacks the next time you are assigned to a new duty station, and above all else, stay calm!

Building Up Your Savings During Holiday Shopping

by

Interested in guest writing on Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life? Visit my Duty Station Guest Posts post for more information.

The holiday shopping rush is upon us. If you’re worried this means you’ll need to risk going into debt, think again. Going all out on everyone’s Christmas gifts doesn’t mean you have to go into the red, instead, you can save your money by using the following tips.

Build a List & Do Your Homework

Santa checks his list twice, and you need to do the same. One of the best ways to make sure you don’t overdo it during the holidays is by writing down everything you have to purchase, or everyone you will be giving a gift. That way you can refer back to it, and check things off as you buy them.

Once you have a list together, then it’s time to start your research. One item can be sold by a variety of companies for a different price. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by trying to play the find the absolute best price game. But there are a lot of sites out there that simplify your search. Also, sales are always popping up during this time of year, so sign up for e-blasts from your favorite stores and follow them on social media to get notified.

Consider D.I.Y. or Second Hand Gifts 

Sometimes it’s a personal touch that gets the biggest response. So rather than going big with a fancy store-bought gift, make your own present. Whether it’s baked goods or a DIY project, these options will save you some money. While you do pay some money to buy the components for the gift, you can save the money that you would have spent on higher-priced items.

If you’re not the craftiest person, visit second hand stores to purchase some unique finds. Thrift stores are full of a wide variety of items at low prices, so even finding something for the pickiest person on your list is possible. Buying used items at markdown discounts will save you a good chunk of change. Clearance racks, discount bins, and sale sections are all full of hidden treasures worth seeking out. 

Remember Technology is Your Friend

Since your phone is most likely nearby right now, it’s time to put it to good use. Look into rewards programs at the stores you frequent or online retailers. Yup, getting paid to shop does add up when you have lots of gifts to buy. Sites like Rakuten or Swagbucks allow you to accumulate points in order to get cash-back or gift cards. 

As mentioned before, signing up for emails is another great way to find the best deals. Creating a separate email account for these notifications ensures your regular account doesn’t get over flooded with offers. Plus, it reduces impulse buying tendencies for whenever you see a sale item. Price matching tools and coupons can be tracked down online as well. A simple Google search can pull in codes to use and deal sites for sale items.

Examine Your Payment Options

In addition to hunting for gift deals, seek out the best payment option too. If you are someone who overspends a lot, having a cash envelope system can curb this tendency. Using cash will give you a good idea of what you have to spend, and when all your money is gone, that’s it.

However, in the current COVID-19 world, credit and debit cards are a popular option for online shopping. Although they make payments easier and give you a larger spending range, they can come back to bite you if you’re not careful about the fees that are associated with using them. When looking for financially-friendly options, whether it’s a bank account or an app that helps you stay on track with your savings, find options without hidden costs and that make it possible to rebuild your financial status. That way, if you have a lower credit score, or you’re looking to prioritize financial wellness during the course of your holiday shopping, you won’t feel stressed or overwhelmed when purchasing gifts for your friends and family.  

While achieving savings during the holiday shopping season seems tricky, it’s possible with the proper planning! By creating a shopping list, rethinking what gifts you can make yourself or buy second hand, using technology to track deals, and finding the right payment option for you. Following all of these tips will help you stay in the green, rather than the red this holiday season.

Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma

by

Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma

Happy to have this guest post by Christina on being stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Please visit my Duty station guest post page for blog posts on other locations or more information about how you can write a guest post about where you have been stationed.

Hi! My name is Christina. I am an Army wife, mother of two boys, homeschool teacher, and lifestyle blogger at It’s a Military Life. We have been stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma for over 4 years and it has been an amazing place to raise our children. Lots of family programs and support that we are actively involved in with our little ones. I am so excited to share all about Fort Sill and the surrounding area!

Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma

Tell me about the area

Fort Sill is in southwest Oklahoma, with Lawton as its neighboring community, just outside the gates. Personally, being a Chicago native, I very much enjoy the sunny and mild weather. Here and there you might get crazy storms-hail, intense rainstorms, and strong winds-but thankfully the mountains are great for deterring any possible threat of a tornado.

The weather allows for wonderful times at the beautiful LETRA lake and park facility located on post, with cabins, a family beach, picnic areas, and many different outdoor activities. Elmer Thomas Park is also a great place to enjoy a stroll around the pond, free splash park during the summer, and a park suitable for all ages! There are multiple dog parks on post and around Lawton. Some of our first friends we met were at the local parks. If you enjoy the outdoors, this is the place for you!

Mount Scott is a very popular destination, located within the Wichita Mountain Refuge. Here you will see bison, longhorns, and many cute little prairie dogs. Holy City is also tucked away in the mountainous areas; a perfect place to reflect and take in the historic landmark. Another great place to visit is the quaint town of Medicine Park-adorable shops, beautiful scenery, and only a short drive all within the area. 

Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma

I can go on and on about all the beauty in the surrounding areas, and all the outdoor opportunities on and off base. At first, Lawton/Fort Sill might seem like it is all restaurants, casinos, churches, and car washes (my first thought), but I had to stop comparing it to my hometown of lush green trees, lakes, and suburban living. It has a lot to offer, you just have to be willing to explore to find it!

What facilities are on base?

Fort Sill has a wonderful PX and Commissary, with lots of food and shopping options. There is a bowling alley, four recreational centers, an indoor pool, multiple outdoor swimming pools, splash parks, movie theater, countless parks, a youth center, a very active USO, multiple places of worship, and a great facility called the Patriot Spouses Club for parties and events.

Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma

What’s there to eat around there?

Fort Sill/Lawton has plenty of restaurants to choose from and even has a lot of food trucks for all those foodies out there. Our favorites are Ted’s Escondido, Burger Joint, Rib Crib, Firehouse Subs, Braum’s Ice Cream, and The Wright’s Diner. Medicine Park has some amazing restaurants, especially Old Plantation, which has great food that makes you feel like you are back home in your grandmother’s kitchen!

Families with Children

Lawton Public School District is the school district for the area, with the on post school included: Freedom Elementary. There are a few private schools in the area, as well. Fort Sill has wonderful options for part-time and full-time childcare, with availability at multiple facilities and in-home care which are all located on base. The Youth Center offers game and leisure activities, a technology lab, homework center, individual sports, group sports, and other fitness activities.

Fort Sill community is very active all year long, with lots of holiday celebrations and special events. Trunk-or-Treat is one of our favorites, along with LETRA Movie on the Beach, Dog Days of Summer Pool Party, ACS Play Group, and Exploring the Park events, Elmer Thomas Christmas Parade, NYE Library Story Time, and much much more!

Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma
Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma

If you’re up for the drive…

As I mentioned before, Medicine Park with the Wichita Mountains is within the area, which is great if you like the outdoors and a quaint small-town vibe with unique shops you can’t find anywhere else.

As a midwestern native, who grew up close to Chicago, I love only being an hour and a half from Oklahoma City! This city is thriving, with so many activities for singles, couples, and families. The zoo has so many animals and hosts several special events. Both Oklahoma City and Edmond, have lots of great museums and play places for your kids to explore. The Oklahoma State Fair is the biggest event of the year every September. Lots of delicious food and family fun!

Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma

Dallas is only 2.5 hours away, with endless activities and places to go, with fun rodeo shows nearby at Fort Worth and amazing shops at Grapevine. Tulsa is 3.5 hours east with beautiful shops, great museums, and a lovely botanical garden.  All worthwhile drives, with great communities full of experiences for everyone!

Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma

All in all…

Fort Sill is a great place for family, and we really have enjoyed our time here. The weather is sunny and mild almost every day, giving us lots of chances to have some great outdoor memories with our kids and dog. The base itself is all about taking care of their soldiers and families, with countless activities to promote community and wellness. We are so grateful for all the experiences we have had so far in this great location.

Hi, I’m Christie! I’m an Army spouse, homeschool teacher, and lifestyle blogger at It’s a Military Life. IML is a lifestyle blog sharing lifestyle advice and resources for military spouses and families. The blog includes many different contributors sharing military experiences, home decor ideas, recipes, fitness, as well as resources for our military children. We are a diverse community of military spouses creating a milso network for both men and women because military spouses are stronger together!

Being Stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

by

Happy to have this guest post by Sarah on being stationed at Eglin Air Force Base. Please visit my Duty station guest post page for blog posts on other locations or more information about how you can write a guest post about where you have been stationed.

So, you got orders to the beautiful Emerald Coast! The Florida Panhandle beaches are some of the most beautiful in the country. We were lucky to be stationed here for 5 years and had the very best time!

Okaloosa island pier. Look at that crystal-clear water!

Weather

The summer months are HOT around 85-95 degrees. Fall and spring are perfect around 60-70, and surprisingly it can get pretty cold in the winter months, so don’t donate your winter clothes just yet when you hear you’re pcsing to Florida! Winter temps can get down to 30-40 and we have even seen snow!  

Where to Live

There are many great options in the surrounding area, and something for everyone!  

The pin is where on base housing is located

On Base Housing – Newer houses have been built in the past few years. It’s a very convenient location, making for a quick drive to work, the beach on Okaloosa Island and Fort Walton Beach. The commissary and PX are a 10-minute drive. Be prepared, you will see bears in your backyard when living on base! And bugs, be prepared for all the bugs. 

Valparaiso – Also called Val-P. It’s a very small town and would be your quickest commute to Eglin.

Shalimar – Another quick 10-15 minute commute. This area has some nicer homes.

Niceville – About 20 minutes from base. Niceville is one of the most sought-after cities when living in this area, although you will be paying more for rent here.

Fort Walton Beach – This is a huge city and I’m sure there are some great areas to live, but definitely do your research if you’re thinking about living here. There is a high crime rate in FWB.

Destin – You will feel like you are on vacation when living here in Destin! It’s about 30-45 minutes to Eglin depending on traffic. In the summer months expect a lot of tourists!

Crestview – 45 minutes away from base but you can get much more house for your money if you choose to live up here away from the beach! *Note – I recommend living south of I-10 to avoid the terrible traffic during rush hour.

Things to Do

Destin is a tourist hot spot, which makes for a ton of fun family options! You have the beaches, boat rentals, dolphin cruises, and an endless list of fabulous waterfront restaurants. (My personal favorite is The Back Porch!) The HarborWalk has fireworks, live music, and parades all throughout the summer. 

Besides the touristy area of Destin, the Panhandle has plenty to do for families. There is the Gulf Breeze Zoo and Gulfarium. There are several different natural springs you can swim in, and many hiking trails and U-Pick farms up north in Baker or Jay. FWB is where to go for all of your shopping, and there are a lot of great playgrounds and splash pads for young kids.

This might not be a downside to you but for a Boston girl like me, one downside to the location is that Eglin is not near any major cities. I didn’t mind too much but I definitely felt a little secluded at times. We had to drive to Atlanta to catch a plane home if we didn’t want to spend $700 per round trip ticket out of VPS! Just something to think about if you’re used to the city life! 

Splash pad at Destin Commons

Road Trip Destinations  

One of my favorite things about new duty stations are all the fun places in driving range you are able to explore! Here are a few of our very favorite from Eglin.

Montgomery, Alabama – Drive through zoo

DISNEY WORLD!! – 6 Hours

Montgomery, AL – 3 Hours (Make sure to do the drive through safari zoo!)

New Orleans, LA  – 3.5 Hours

Tampa, FL – 6 Hours (Military families get to go to Busch Gardens for free once a year!)

Atlanta, GA – 5 Hours

Biloxi, MS – 2.5 Hours (Shrimp boat tours!)

Last Tidbits

Traffic – Heading up to Crestview all year round or down to Destin in the summer months during rush hour, you will hit major traffic.

7th Special Forces Group – If you are being stationed here for 7th Group, you will want to know that they work up near Crestview. Keep that in mind when choosing where to live!

Bippy’s By the Beach FWB – Our family’s secret ice cream spot. It will be your family’s favorite too.

Thank you so much Julie for letting me share my experiences about living at Eglin! If you’re heading this way, I hope you have the BEST time while stationed here. If you’ve already been stationed here, what was your favorite thing about Eglin?

Sarah is a work from home momma of two and one on the way. She is married to a green beret who just deployed 3 times in the past 3 years! Their next adventure is PCSing to 3 new states in 3 years! Head over to www.homeiswherethearmysendsus.com to see if she is currently just surviving or thriving during PCS life and to learn even more about Eglin Air Force Base. 

Life at Hanscom Air Force Base

by

Happy to have this guest post by Melissa on being stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. Please visit my Duty station guest post page for blog posts on other locations or more information about how you can write a guest post about where you have been stationed.

Getting stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base? You’ve come to the right place for everything you need to know before you arrive. 

Hi, I’m Melissa Robinson from My hills and valleys and I have lived at Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts for the past 2 years. I’ve had a pretty great experience here and I’m excited to tell you all about it!

Hanscom AFB is about 15-20 inland from Boston. The base has 2 gated entrances and is nestled in between the towns of Lexington and Bedford. This area of Massachusetts is super rich in history and you can find plenty to do around here!

Let’s cover that first!

What I love most about this area:

I definitely love the tree-lined streets and the old houses. But my favorite part of living in Massachusetts is the fall season. The weather, trees changing colors, farm activities, it’s all very idyllic. You are also centrally located to many New England hot spots such as local farms, historic sites, ski resorts, mountains, New Hampshire, Maine, and even Bermuda!

Nearby Restaurants you don’t want to miss:

Border Cafe, Burlington

Yard House, Burlington

Burton’s Bar & Grille, Burlington

Posto, Bedford

Mario’s Italian Restaurant, Lexington

Recommended kid’s entertainment:

Boston Children’s Museum

Discovery Museum, Acton

Stone Zoo

Franklin Park Zoo

Launch Trampoline Park

USS Constitution Museum

Trips & activities we took while stationed at Hanscom AFB:

Bermuda All-Inclusive Family Vacation

Canoeing the Charles River

Local Farms

Boston Public Garden

White Mountains, New Hampshire

Walden Pond

Ice Castles, New Hampshire

What I don’t love about this area:

There is one thing about this area that makes me not want to live here. It’s the weather. It is cold from September/October – late May. The spring season still feels like winter, so it gets old, fast. That’s probably the only thing I don’t like about living in Massachusetts.

Let’s talk about base!

I have enjoyed living on base. It’s a well-kept and safe community. There are plenty of amenities and year-round community events.

Our neighborhood is very family oriented and you and your kids will have no problem making friends quickly.

Hanscom Family Housing offers market rate and BAH rate housing options. 

Here is a list of all the base amenities:

Shopping: Commissary, Exchange, Class Six, Thrift Store, GNC

Food: Dunkin Donuts, Froots, Subway, Pizza Mia

Entertainment: Pool & Splash Pad, Bowling Alley, Movie Theatre, Outdoor Recreation Center, Playgrounds, Tickets & Tours, Running Track, Gym, Indoor Basketball & Racquetball Courts, Rock Climbing Wall, Dog Park

Conveniences: Barber Shop, Post Office, Car Wash, Gas Station, Dry Cleaners

Other: Hanscom Primary School, Hanscom Middle School, Youth Center, Hanscom Inn, Chapel, Child Development Center, Medical Clinic, Pharmacy 

*If you have a child in High School, they would attend Bedford High School or Shawsheen VoTech High School.

The base isn’t very large, so you can walk or ride your bike wherever you need to go, should you choose to do so. 

I really love the experience my oldest son had in grades 4-5 at Hanscom Middle School. After school, he would walk over to the youth center which has tons of after school activities for the kids to be involved in.

There are many opportunities to get connected within the Hanscom community. 

Here is a list of resources for you:

Hanscom PTO

Protestant Women of the Chapel

Hanscom Spouses Club

iStroll Lexington

Hi, I’m Melissa! I am a military spouse, stay-at-home mom of 2 boys, and content creator for My Hills and Valleys. I share my life’s experiences in faith, family, and travel – which we’ve been fortunate to do a lot of through the military. I have a passion to encourage others as we find common ground together. For more on my time as a spouse in the military, check out I’ve been married to the military for 20 years.

If Current Events Have You Worried, Here is Something You Can Do to Help

by

If Current Events Have You Worried, Here is Something You Can Do to Help

Telling our stories is one of the most patriotic ways we as spouses and family members can support our service members.

My spouse is active duty Air Force, and I don’t know about you, but I’ve been on edge all month. Ever since our military activity started ramping up earlier this month – it’s a scary time to have a loved one in the armed services! 

I know I’m not the only one feeling this way. Families across the branches are in a place of uncertainty and anxiety. Will my service member deploy? How will this deployment look different from previous ones? When will they come back?

To an extent, we’re used to this. After being at war for 19 years, we know the routine. But this? This feels like it could go very differently…

Amid our fear of what’s to come, it’s easy to feel helpless. Like there’s only so much I can do compared to all that pushing against me. All these top-level decisions about military actions and troop movements feel high-up and out of our reach.

But we military spouses are not helpless. We are powerful. And we have an opportunity to make an impact.

One of the most important things we can do as military spouses and family members is to tell our stories, because we know better than most the consequences that wars abroad have here at home.

For us, wars come with missed birthdays and expensive post office receipts. Sleepless nights and meltdowns in the grocery store. Loneliness and emotional homecomings. 

People get that war comes with violence. How many movies have been made about the front lines? But what people don’t see is the perpetual anxiety of the families back home, or the single-parenting of the spouse holding it all together. That’s a story that’s missing. 

Think about it this way: Our nation’s leaders rely on having the most complete and accurate information at their disposal to make the best decisions possible – right? Well, our lived experiences as military families is part of that. We are the ones who feel the trickle-down effects of decisions to go to war, and our story-telling helps them see the big picture.

So, if you’re looking for a way to channel your frustration and dread into meaningful action, I’ve got the perfect place for you: the Secure Families Initiative.

We are a nonpartisan group of mil spouses who are interested in getting more involved in advocacy around the foreign policy issues that affect us most. I started this program because, personally, I think this kind of stuff is way more fun when you do it as part of a community.

SFI offers trainings for folks who want to get involved, but may not know where to start. We also have opportunities to take direct action if you’re ready and yearning to go! We even offer information about voting – how to register, where to find your polling place, and what candidates/issues will be on your ballot. There’s something for everyone.

Sign up for SFI today and join a tightknit community of mil spouses taking action. It’ll be a great way to ease whatever anxiety you have, and take a bit of control back when it all feels very much out of our control.

Remember: doing something – no matter how small – may feel inconsequential, but when we all work together, we can make a huge impact.

By Sarah Streyder
Director of the Secure Families Initiative
https://securefamiliesinitiative.org/

On Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

by Leave a Comment

On Being Stationed At Fort Campbell
On Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

Hey guys! First off let me start by saying how excited I am to be writing this guest post. I love the duty station guest post series here on Soldier’s Wife Crazy Life. It really gives you a different perspective on where you might be pcs-ing.

I’m Tiffany from tiffanydickiewrites.com. I write about my life as a military spouse and raising two kids (9 years apart).

Living on post

It’s been almost a year and a half since we moved here to Fort Campbell. I have to say I was nervous about the whole process considering this was our first duty station and I had no idea what to expect. I thought it would be hard to find housing or it would take at least several weeks to get approved but to my surprise, it was fairly easy.

All I had to do was go to the Campbell Crossing website, fill out some basic information like my husband’s rank, how many bedrooms we needed and our price range for rent. From there you can see all the units they have available, make your choice and fill out an actual application. The application process was pretty simple. Within a couple of days, you’ll be contacted by someone in the leasing office. After sending in your orders, birth certificates and things of that nature you’ll be set up with the place of your choice. Pretty painless!

Once making it here you’ll see how huge this post is, it’s also really beautiful. The leasing staff here are really nice and helpful and actually try to make your transition to Fort Campbell as smooth as possible.

There are lots of things to do here on base. My kids love the water so in the summertime I usually take them to the community pool or the water park. There’s a shallow pool and sprinklers for the younger kids and babies.

On Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

The MWR offers lots of activities, sports, and classes for kids and adults. They occasionally offer parents night out where they’ll keep the kids for about 5 hours while you and your husband get to spend some quality time together. It’s been a good two years since hubby and I have had any alone time together without the kids so I’m REALLY looking forward it. I almost forgot what date night was! Anyhow if you like staying busy or trying new things you can’t go wrong registering at the MWR.

The Schools at Fort Campbell

The schools here are awesome! The curriculum is advanced and the teachers are willing to go the extra mile to ensure the kids get a proper education. Most of the schools are newly renovated so they look really nice and modern. I love how the classrooms are open without doors so if you happen to stop by for a visit you can clearly see and hear what’s being taught before you enter the classroom.

On Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

There are several parks on post, a lot of them are behind the houses or apartments but I prefer the main parks over the neighborhood parks because they are bigger and much cleaner.

Off Post

Outside of the base, there’s Fort Campbell Blvd, A long stretch of road with plenty of stores to shop. There is a Walmart a couple of minutes away from gate 6 and an even bigger one about fifteen minutes down the road (Walmart is my jam if you couldn’t tell). There’s also Aldi’s, some clothing shops and thrift stores just to name a few. The mall is in Clarksville which is roughly a 25 – 30-minute drive.

But if you want any kind of excitement Nashville is where you wanna go. We’ve only been a few times so far but I enjoyed the time we spent there. Whenever something big is happening nearby like a concert, a comedy show, or convention it’s in Nashville. The Nashville zoo is also pretty nice, it’s not very big but definitely worth seeing while you are here.

I have to say I wasn’t too thrilled to move here, Because really who dreams about moving to Kentucky? haha! But now I am actually happy this was our first duty station I honestly grew to love it here. If you are pcs-ing to Fort Campbell you might not be super excited at first but trust me it’ll grow on you.

Please let me know if you would like to write your own duty station guest post about where you have been stationed 🙂