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What You Need to Know About Being Stationed at Fort Leonard Wood

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What You Need to Know About Being Stationed at Fort Leonard Wood

Happy to have this guest post by Sierra on being stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. 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.

What You Need to Know About Being Stationed at Fort Leonard Wood

I’ve seen it time and time again, spouses who received orders to Fort Leonard Wood FREAK OUT in the spouse forums. Then, the negative comments roll in. I mean, they really paint Fort Leonard Wood A.K.A Fort Lost in The Woods as the worst duty station ever!

“There is NOTHING to do there”

“You’re land locked in Middle America, it’s HORRIBLE”

“The Post Is So Small, You’ll HATE it”

So, in true Positive Patty Fashion, I am here to offer the unpopular opinion about Fort Leonard Wood and I am hoping to let the “New Spouse in Town” know that it’s not all bad after all. We lived in Fort Leonard Wood for 3 years and they were quite honestly the BEST 3 years of our lives!

Pros:

Fort Leonard Wood is one of the MOST family friendly duty stations.

One of the things that I loved so much about Fort Leonard Wood is how family oriented it was. Everyone knew each other from the top to the bottom of the COC. Organizational days were often and they always made sure to include family members in the fun day festivities. Most holidays you can count on a family oriented celebration (My Favorite is the 4th of July Concert and Firework show) but even on a regular basis, MWR did an amazing job with having events planned.  ACS was also amazing. When I was pregnant, they offered free parenting classes for 6 weeks that ended in an Army baby shower.

The post is small which means it is easy to find your way as a newbie. I have heard horror stories about the bigger bases like Fort Hood, Riley and Bragg but in less than a week, you’ll be able to navigate your way through post like a champ. It’s pretty simple North (Main) gate exits to St. Robert and West Gate exits to Waynesville. South and East gate are basically never used unless you live outside of them which is RARE.

Speaking of living arrangements, I never lived on post but I absolutely loved living in Waynesville. People who choose to live off post choose between 2 cities which are St. Robert and Waynesville. They should really be one city if you ask me but that’s beside the point. While St. Robert houses Walmart, chain restaurants like Ruby Tuesdays, Cracker Barrel and Starbucks; Waynesville is where all the charm is. In downtown Waynesville, you find more small town shops and eateries. Please be sure to take advantage of those!

By the way, the small- town restaurants and thrift shops absolutely make Fort Leonard Wood as enjoyable as it is. Indulge in them and you will not be disappointed. Some of my favorite restaurants in the area are: Mamma Mia (Greek Cuisine), Purn’s Thai Kitchen and Ichiban Japanese and Small cakes Cupcakery. If these options don’t cut it for you, Rolla is a short 20 min drive and they have tons of more familiar places to eat and shop.

One of the things I could not conclude the Pros without mentioning is how easy it is to advance your education as soldiers and as spouses. The Fort Leonard Wood area is saturated with college and certificate programs that are yellow ribbon or military friendly schools. I am twice a graduate from Drury University and I absolutely loved my experience. All the schools understand the military lifestyle and they are very accommodating when it comes to our everyday needs and schedules.

What You Need to Know About Being Stationed at Fort Leonard Wood

Cons:

I am a bit bias because Fort Leonard Wood was my favorite duty station thus far but like every duty station, it has its share of cons

The summer can be extremely hot while the winter can be an uncomfortable cold. While originally from the south I was expecting Missouri to be bone chilling cold, I was pleasantly surprised that it was not. The cold is just uncomfortable and you would prefer to stay indoors. The weather can also be tricky. It can be 36 degrees on Sunday and 77 by Wednesday, you just never know. Also, it tends to rain a lot in the winter and that makes the rain ridiculously icy.

Next is the wildlife. If you’re driving late at night or early in the morning you’ll come across a herd of deer. They are everywhere, both on and off post and unfortunately, they got my husband right before we PCSd. With no one to blame the damage on, we were stuck with the $500 deductible…YIKES! Also, in the summer the bugs can be kind of crazy. We have seen freakishly large spiders and I don’t do bugs well so you can imagine how that turned out!

The last con would be it’s distance from the city. Being a city girl I loved the change of pace but for some this is a real issue. Springfield is 1 ½ hours away, St Louis is 2 hours away, Branson is 2 hours away, Lake of the Ozarks is 1 hour away and Kansas City is 3+ Hours away. If you want to do some real city vacationing you’re going to have to travel for it but for us, it really made our experience in Missouri fun. Most of our fun stories are based on the day trips we took.

I know you’re tired of reading at this point but I really wanted to defend Fort Leonard Wood and give it credit where credit is due. Like any post, there will be good and bad but Military Life is absolutely what you make it. If you’re heading to Fort Leonard Wood and have any additional questions, please feel free to email me at SierraRedmond95@gmail.com.

Introduction:

Sierra RedmondSierra Redmond is the creator of The Daily Impressions Lifestyle Blog. On the blog they offer tips, tricks, stories and advice on the topics of Family life, Parenting, Travel and life in the Military. Sierra is a 22-year-old Army Wife and stay at home Blogger/Mompreneur. Catch her on her blog and social media:

https://www.thedailyimpressions.com/

Instagram : http://www.instagram.com/IamSierraRed

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheDailyImpressions

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/TheDailyImpressions

 

8 Things that Make Life at Fort Bragg Phenomenal

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8 Things that Make Life at Fort Bragg Phenomenal

8 Things that Make Life at Fort Bragg Phenomenal

Happy to have this guest post by Wendi on Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. Please visit my Duty station guest post page for posts on other locations or more information about how you can write a guest post about where you have been stationed. 

Fort Bragg is not at all what I expected.  I am a North Carolina native and have heard many things about the Fayetteville area on the news, some of which, not so great.  I moved to Fort Bragg with an open but cautious mind, due to the mixed things people say about it here.

I was pleasantly surprised about several things relating to Fort Bragg and the surrounding area.  With the latest upgrades to the infrastructure and the connection of highway 295 & All American Highway, it’s easier to navigate around the area. Below are some of my favorite things about being stationed at Fort Bragg.

1-Support & Resources across Post

Due to Fort Bragg being one of the Army’s largest installations, there are a ton of resources and support groups located in this area.  Most nonprofit organizations that support military families always put Fort Bragg, North Carolina as a location to one of their events.  There are 14 gyms to choose from on post, Heart on a Mission Wellness Team that welcomes bringing your children and family to workouts around post, 2 commissaries, and Army Community Services (ACS) offers many classes and training programs to military families on all types of topics such as; marriage, career, parenting and more. Lastly, the U.S. Army Morale, Welfare, & Recreation (MWR) arrange some amazing family fun, entertainment, and activities throughout the year.

8 Things that Make Life at Fort Bragg Phenomenal2-Agriculture

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, but like fresh crops, they’re easy to find in the rural areas surrounding Fort Bragg.  In the summer, you can pick strawberries or blueberries in several locations.  If picking is not your forte, there are many vendors around the area that sell their crops too.

3-Beaches, Mountains, & City Escapes

Fort Bragg is located less than two hours from the Atlantic Ocean if you desire some coastal therapy. It is almost a four hour drive to the mountains or western part of NC for visiting the Biltmore House, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or Grandfather Mountain. If you drive a few more hours west, you can gamble at the Cherokee Casino. Lastly, Raleigh is only fifty minutes to an hour away. If you need the hustle and bustle of city life, check out Lafayette Village or North Hills.

8 Things that Make Life at Fort Bragg Phenomenal

4-Restaurants

There are some amazing restaurants around Fort Bragg. Downtown Fayetteville has an array of restaurants to please anyone’s taste buds. My favorites are Blue Moon Café, Sherefe’, Huske Hardware, TapHouse at Huske, and Rude Awakening Café for dessert and coffee.  If Italian is your favorite Sammio’s in Hope Mills is the best around the area.

5-Holistic Health

Fayetteville has a huge market for health and wellness. There are many gyms off post, yoga centers, running groups, spas, massage therapy, and a newly opened Wellness Center that includes flotation therapy to ease the mind, body, and spirit.

8 Things that Make Life at Fort Bragg Phenomenal

6-The Great Outdoors

Whether you walk around downtown Fayetteville and check out the unique shops and restaurants, or jog across the bridge on the Cape Fear Trail, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.  Raven Rock is popular for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and provides a beautiful backdrop for camping, or picnics. If stopping and smelling the flowers is more your cup of tea, you may want to check out the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens. Aloha Safari Zoo is sure to please your entire family with hundreds of animals to visit. Lastly, for the adrenaline seekers, try zip lining at ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure.

7-Indoor Recreation and Activities

During the colder months, you may want to try some indoor recreational activities around Fayetteville. Defy Fayetteville, Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving, and Triangle Rock Club, are some of the most popular recreational activities located indoors. You can also check out the schedule of events for the Crowne Complex, which hosts concerts, shopping events, and many other family fun entertainment acts. If you like history, you will surely love the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

8-Patriotism

Fort Bragg and the surrounding areas are extremely patriotic. No one is afraid to fly the American flag around here. I have watched this entire community come together and line the streets for soldiers killed in action, who are returning home. Although it is a very sad and somber sight, the patriotism and support during times of tragedy lifts the spirits of all military families. Each year, in March, the All American Marathon takes over the town and is one of the most patriotic races of all time. In May, All American Week showcases the talents of the entire 82nd Airborne Division. Veterans from near and far travel back to show their support and reminisce about their time in service.

Fort Bragg has something for everyone. Every duty station is what you make of it. If you get out and explore your surroundings, try to meet new people, and test out the activities in your area, you can find something that you enjoy and make new memories in the process.  My best advice to anyone coming to Fort Bragg soon is to give it a chance and form your own opinion about it here. You will be pleasantly surprised.

8 Things that Make Life at Fort Bragg PhenomenalWendi has spent the last nine years as an adult educator. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and will graduate this May with her Master of Arts in Instructional Technology. She is an Army wife, blogger, workshop presenter, and advisor to military spouses seeking career and education assistance. Wendi is extremely passionate about helping others by sharing her experiences, insight, resources, and inspirational stories on her blog Strength4Spouses.

Why Colorado Springs is a Fantastic Place to Live

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Stationed in COlorado

Why Colorado Springs is a Fantastic Place to Live

This is a sponsored post by Susanna Haynie of Your Colorado Springs House.
A wonderful resource for those who are moving to the Colorado Springs area. 

Colorado is a fantastic place to live, and there are those who yearn for the opportunity to go there. From the perfect climate and fresh mountain air, Colorado Springs is a treasure and delightful place to make a home.

Fit and Active

With nearly 300 days of sun, you can’t help but get active when you live here. After all, you are living in a place where other people come to visit and wish they could live here too.

PCSing to Fort Carson

You think we are all about snow?

Be prepared for some funky weather: 70 mph winds when the weather changes, thundersnow, snow in north Colorado Springs, the sun at Fort Carson. Hail as big as golf balls, wildfires, and floods. Most of it hits quickly and briefly. We’ve had days where you could observe four seasons in one day.

Wildlife

Every state has their own wildlife, but living with the wildlife and “meeting” it is different. We have bears, mountain lions, deer, elk, coyotes, and rattlers. Don’t be scared just be careful!

Living High

Cannabis

Yup, It’s Legal: While Colorado has legalized marijuana, it is not a free-for-all pot party out here, and it doesn’t mean all of Colorado is in a state of being “high,” and certainly not all the time!

Altitude

Altitude sickness: At an elevation of 6271 ft. in Colorado Springs proper, the real high that you need to watch out for is the altitude. Altitude Sickness is real and can be debilitating while your body adjusts. Take it easy for the first few weeks to acclimate.

US air force

Colorado Springs loves their military

The city is surrounded on three sides by Fort Carson, NORAD, the Air Force Academy, Schriever AFB, and Peterson Air Force Base. Combined, the military is the largest employer in Colorado Springs, accounting for 20% of the jobs. You will find that our citizens have a deep love and appreciation for the men and women in uniform. This expresses itself in many events benefitting military organizations aiding veterans, military members, and families.

EFMPs

If you are a special needs family moving to Colorado Springs, you will have support. Start your research BEFORE you arrive to ensure a smooth transition. If you need a starting point, contact Susanna, a knowledgeable Colorado realtor.

Schools

Our state ranks 11th in the nation in reading and writing performance, and Colorado Springs “owns” three of the top 10 Colorado school districts. Impressive, you say? I agree.

Colorado can be a great place to call home, even if it is just for the two to four years the military sends you there.

Colorado Springs

About the author

Susanna Haynie, settled in Colorado Springs after immigrating to the US from Germany and has been an active duty spouse for 21 years. There is a special place in her heart for all our EFMP families as she has experienced the PCSing with a special needs child herself and all the challenges it may bring.

Susanna is readily equipped to start you off with her own Colorado Springs guides and email series, she‘ll take you from “Where do I start?” to “I got this!” To get signed up with her guides, connect with her via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoSpringsLife, email her: susanna@co-regroup.com or visit her blog at www.yourcoloradospringshouse.com.

The Very Best Places You Could Get Stationed As a Military Family

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The Very Best Places You Could Get Stationed As a Military Family

The Very Best Places You Could Get Stationed As a Military Family

If you ask people what their favorite duty station has been you are going to get a lot of different responses. There are certain duty stations that people love and certain duty stations that people hate. Although it is true that you can bloom where you are stationed no matter where you are, some areas will be easier to have a good experience at than others.

So where are these locations? Should your spouse try to get stationed there too? Are there any cons of these coveted duty stations?

Where are the very best places you can get stationed as a military family?

Germany

What could be better than being stationed in Europe? Germany is one of the best! From the festivals to the mountains to the little villages, there is so much to love. If you want a duty station where you will grow you as a person and that will let you experience cultures and history you would never have otherwise, Germany can be your ideal duty station. We spent 4 years there and made so many memories during that time.

The hardest part of Germany is being away from your family and living so far from home. Visiting home on a regular basis is really not going to be an option for you and traveling everywhere when you have young children can be a challenge. That being said, if you get the opportunity to go to Germany, go. Being stationed there is an experience like no other and the military community is strong when you are stationed overseas.

Hawaii

Hawaii had to make this list. What could be better than living on an island? One that you would normally have to spend a lot of money for to come visit? One where you could go to the beach every day (maybe,) give your kids surfing lessons and take day trips to some of the most beautiful places in the US.  Hawaii can be a wonderful experience for your family. I have only been there as a tourist but I know there is a lot to do and a lot of great things to see.

I have heard that island fever is real and can hit quite hard. The schools are not rated very high and everything is very expensive. The good thing is that you do get COLA when you are stationed there and there is a great military community to be a part of.  I think Hawaii is probably what you make of it.

San Diego

Warm weather, lots to do, Disneyland an hour away? Oh, how I wish we could have been stationed in San Diego. Almost everyone I know who has been stationed there has loved it. You are right by the beach but still on the mainland. You can visit home a little easier than if you were in Hawaii and there really is a ton to do just a short car ride away.

San Diego is in California which can be a different experience for those who are not from the West Coast. Southern California has its own culture for sure but you never have to worry about the city shutting down for snow and they have In-and-Out.

Colorado

If you are a fan of the outdoors you are going to love Colorado. From hiking to skiing to exploring, Colorado has everything you might want in a duty station if you love being outdoors. And the mountains! I love seeing all the photos I see posted from friends who are stationed there. Their views are breathtaking. A lot of people want to be stationed in Colorado so if orders come up, take advantage of them and enjoy your time there. You might not be the biggest fan if you don’t like cold weather but I have heard that the snow there is beautiful, even if it starts in September.

 

Honorable Mentions

I also know these places can be great as well!

Okinawa, Japan
Virginia/DC area
South Korea
Ft. Lewis
Ft. Campbell
Monterey
Ft. Bragg
Ft. Hood

No matter where you might end up, you should be able to find a few positives and enjoy your time there. In some cases, that can be really hard and it might not even have to do with where you are. You could be very close to your family and even the beaches of Hawaii can’t take away your homesickness. You could have had the best experience at a post in Texas and after moving to Germany just can’t find your footing, at least not for a while. Your Grandma could be sick and you were really hoping for a post in Missouri, an hour from home but the Navy sent you to San Diego instead.

At the end of the day, finding that perfect duty station might not be possible but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the best of where you are. Get out and explore, get to know the local culture and remember, orders will come, you will move somewhere else and you will miss the time you spent during the years you were there. Wherever that might be.

If you are curious about a particular duty station, check out my list of posts I have covered on my blog!

Where would you love to be stationed next? What would you add to this list?

Living in Jacksonville, Florida and Naval Station Mayport

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Happy to have this guest post by Erin on Living in Jacksonville, Florida and Naval Station Mayport. Please visit my Duty station guest post page for posts on other locations or more information about how you can write a guest post about where you have been stationed.

Living in Jacksonville, Florida and Naval Station Mayport

Living in Jacksonville, Florida and Naval Station Mayport

Welcome to Jacksonville, the largest city in Florida and home to multiple military bases and facilities. With bases like Mayport Naval Station, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay right over the Florida Georgia border, Jacksonville is the third largest military presence in the country.

The first thing most people notice when moving to Jacksonville is how big the city is. As both the largest city in population and area, Jacksonville is the 12th most populous city in the United States. From the Beaches to Riverside to Orange Park to Southside, each side of town caters to a different lifestyle depending on your preferences. The cost of living in some parts of town are higher than others and if you’re planning to live off base, it’s best to research each part of town to decide which one best fits your style of living. Some military families choose to live close to base while others sacrifice a longer commute to live in a part of town that appeals to their lifestyle.

Jacksonville, FL

If you’re interested in being surrounded by nature or into outdoor sports, you’ll find plenty of options in Jacksonville. Fishing is a popular pastime in Jacksonville, seeing as though the city is surrounded by so much water. Local parks offer hiking and biking trails, camping, and geocaching. The beaches are popular for both lounging and watersports like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. And both Mayport and NAS Jax offer swimming pools and waterparks for military families.

Naval Station Mayport

Both Mayport and NAS Jax offer Navy exchanges and commissaries with Jax’s NEX being larger of the two, though Jacksonville is in no short supply of grocery stores and shopping malls throughout the city. The largest grocery chains in town are Publix and Winn Dixie. There are four main shopping malls, with the St. Johns Town Center or the Orange Park Mall being the most popular choices.

Naval Station Mayport

In my opinion, the best feature of Jacksonville is the dining options. Jacksonville is home to some really great independently owned restaurants as well as your typical dining chains. I would urge you to branch out and try some of the local places. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good the food and drink options are. I could create a whole post about my favorite restaurants but here are a few of my recommendations – Poe’s Tavern in Atlantic Beach for burgers and the best tuna tacos; V Pizza in San Marco or Jax Beach for pizza and chicken wings (yes, wings!); and Maple Street Biscuit Company with numerous locations around town for a melt-in-your-mouth chicken biscuit.

Naval Station Mayport

Jacksonville is also adjacent to historic cities like Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine which make great day-trip destinations. Amelia Island and Fernandina offer beautiful beaches and State Parks with various amenities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. As the oldest city in America, St. Augustine is full of historical monuments and attractions, museums, shopping, and dining options.

As a Jacksonville native, I’ve come to really love and appreciate my hometown for it’s diverse population, rich history, and unique amenities. And I strongly feel that Jacksonville has something to offer everyone.

Naval Station Mayport Erin is the author of erinwiggle.com, a comprehensive guide to the First Coast and neighboring cities. She’s a Sailor’s wife, outdoor enthusiast, furbaby mama, and foodie. Follow her on Instagram at @erinwiggle or send her an email at lifeaswiggle@gmail.com.

Learning to LOVE Belgium

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

Living in Belgium

Learning to LOVE Belgium

Living in Belgium

It’s no secret that any PCS can be an adjustment. I mean you pick up your whole life every couple of years and head off to somewhere new. New friends, new job, new house…basically a whole new life. I was pretty prepared for military life since as a teenager I moved MANY times and then I joined the military before I even graduated high school. At least I thought I was prepared for this life.

I wasn’t prepared for our PCS to Belgium, no matter how much I tried to ensure that I was. I did not have a love at first sight relationship with our new home. I mean, how can I have a love at first sight feeling when the closest Starbucks is an hour away! It took me about a year to get to the point where I felt comfortable here and started to really enjoy our life here.  Once I got to the point that I accepted and adapted to the Belgian customs and lifestyle I started to love it here. It was no longer about “I can’t believe they don’t have rest areas with bathrooms” or “why do I have to insert a coin to use a shopping cart”. Instead, I allowed things that aren’t typically the “American way” to become my new normal. I accepted and started to enjoy the new way of life.

So a little more about the base. Where we are being a GSU base (geographically separated unit), it’s a small community of Air Force members and their dependents. There is no base housing which means we are given BHA (Basic Housing Allowance) and are able to select a house from the approved list. When we arrived, we were taken around by the Belgian Liaison Officer to see about 11 homes. Once we decided which house we wanted to live in, the Belgian Liaison Officer did the paperwork and we moved in a couple of weeks later. There are quite a few villages surrounding the base so we are integrated into them. This allows us to not only experience the true Belgian way of life but also make friends with locals as opposed to only being surrounded by Americans. One of my dearest friends is the Belgian daycare provider that my youngest daughter went to for a few months before starting school. While we are all spread throughout the different villages, the base does a great job in ensuring we don’t isolate ourselves too. There are monthly lady’s night dinners along with monthly reoccurring events on base. One of my favorites is wings day! The small community can be a great thing or a bad thing. It all depends on your mindset. I try to attend at least 1-2 events with people from base. Plus, we are only a few hours from bigger bases like Ramstein so we try to visit there once a quarter to ensure we get a little taste of “home”. I mean it is pretty much little America. Honestly, it’s great to be at a smaller base and having the community of support that we get.

Of course, one of the main benefits of living in Europe is the travel opportunities. I can be in multiple countries within an hour from my house. At one point, we were driving home from a trip and within 30 minutes we had been in 3 different countries. Shockingly, the Belgians do not like to drive places and often do not travel. When we talk about taking a day trip to a place that is a couple of hours away they give us this crazy look. While we often choose to drive (we have two kids under 5 years old), you can definitely catch a train to endless amounts of places.

Here are a few of the travel perks of living in Belgium:

Day Trips We Have Taken

Kinderdijk

This place is pretty amazing. You get to experience 19 windmills from the 18th Century. Since majority of Holland is under sea level, the windmills are vital at keeping the area from flooding. You are able to bike the area, walk or even catch the boat. It was a fun trip for the whole family.

Living in Belgium

Tongeren Antique Market

This is an outdoor (mostly) antique market where you can find anything and everything you could imagine. It’s open every Sunday from early morning until just after noon. They are there rain or shine and you can find some great pieces to add to your home. We of course went when it was cold and rainy but still enjoyed it!

Kuekenhauf Gardens

This place is beyond amazing. It’s a bucket list must and if you are living in Belgium then you will be the odd one out if you don’t check it out.  

 Living in Belgium

Amazing Christmas Markets

If you have never heard about the Christmas Markets in Europe, then you are missing out! Starting just after Thanksgiving, the markets run through the end of December. Each one has its own appeal and if you can brave the cold then visiting each one is a great way to celebrate the season. One of my favorite Christmas Markets is Valkenburg, Holland. Not only is the Christmas Market in a cave but they also have the Magic Sand display. This display is beyond words and is done out of sand. Each year they change the theme too so you get to see new and just as impressive sculptures each year. It’s unlike anything I have ever seen!

Castles

Europe is flood with castles! I can never put into words these massive and beautiful architecture. Of course the girls always have to be princesses if visiting one because you know they live in one (yeah right! LOL).

American History

Many people do not realize the American History that was made over here in Europe. Between the beaches of D-Day to the World War II American Cemetery in Margraten. Not many people get an opportunity to experience these things and the fact that you can do this all while LIVING here is pretty amazing.

Traveling Home to the U.S.

Living in Belgium

Since Ramstein isn’t a far drive, we can catch Space A flights back to the States. Depending on the season, it can be really busy. However, when my grandmother passed and we were not prepared (meaning we hadn’t saved for a trip home) we were able to save THOUSANDS of dollars by catching a Space A flight. It took us two days to get onto a flight and we had a drive once we landed in the States but it’s totally worth the money saved if you are able to have some flexibility in your travel dates.  I’m pretty sure my kids think that flying in the back of a military cargo plane is totally normal.

Traveling is great and all but the area where you live is what’s most important to me. Especially when you have children…you base all of your decisions on what school the kids attend, is there room for their toys, the bedrooms good enough, is there a park nearby, etc. Belgium does not disappoint in this area at all. There are weekly markets in each village where you can get fresh produce right from the farm, fresh flowers and even clothing. While the area we live speaks mostly Dutch & Flemish, as long as you approach the situation correctly then they have no problems speaking what English they do know to you. My rule of thumb is to initially apologize and tell them I do not speak Dutch. Once they see that I am apologetic they will speak English if they know it. Fuel is a little outrageous but we do get gas rations at a cheaper price. Our rations are low but the SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) dictates that and won’t be changing any time soon. We take trips and have two vehicles yet we only pay the European fuel price a few times in two years. Another thing to consider is that as a spouse, you are not allowed to work under the SOFA. There are a few civilian jobs available on the base but with so many spouses and minimal positions, it’s unlikely you will have a job while here.

However, there are some great benefits to living in Belgium…

Daycare costs are much lower than in the United States. We put our youngest daughter into an at home daycare twice a week with a Dutch provider and she not only was amazing but the hourly rate was much lower than the States. It’s based off of pay but the provider is supplemented by the government for the remaining amount. No worries though, because you only pay daycare (if you use it) up until your kid starts school at age 2 ½! Let me just say, the Dutch school that my kids attend is AMAZING! Our kids speak fluent Dutch and have learned so much along with achieved great social skills.

You will see animals and farms EVERYWHERE! There is not a day that goes by that I am not stuck behind a tractor when taking my kids to school or just running to the store.

Which leads me to the best part….THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS! I have seriously gained ten pounds living here because I can’t refuse the bakery, seafood and THE FRIES! (By the way, Belgians are very proud about their fries and will inform you that fries are NOT French! LOL) They use mayo for their fries here which was already a thing for me so I was golden. Mussels are a Belgian must and of course the waffles with Nutella are heaven.

Living in Belgium

Ultimately, each duty station is what you make of it. That has always been my belief but I noticed that when we first got here I wasn’t trying to make the best of it. It’s important to understand that living OCONUS is an adventure. Your three or four-year tour will pass quicker than you think and the year that I spent adapting is a year of missing out on some great stuff. It will take time to adjust because you are in a different country where they speak a different language and do things differently. However, if you keep an open mind and understand this adjustment and are willing to adapt then you will be comfortable a lot quicker. Live in the moment and cherish the amazing memories you are making while you are here. You will be PCS’ing before you know it!

 

Heart & StripesChristina is currently living in Belgium with her husband and two children, ages 2 and 4. She has always loved writing and has found a home for it on her blog Heart & Stripes. She loves being a stay at home mom, volunteering on base, spending time with her family and upcycling furniture. She was raised in Florida so she heads to the beach and Disney as often as she can.

 

Living at Hurlburt Field AFB, Florida

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Happy to have this guest post by Dawn on Hurlburt Field AFB in Florida. Please visit my Duty station guest post page for posts on other locations or more information about how you can write a guest post about where you have been stationed.

Living at Hurlburt Field AFB, Florida

Hurlburt Field AFB, Florida

The Florida Gulf Coast, or more lovely referred to as “Red Neck Hawaii” or “Red Neck Riviera” is home to Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB. If you look at a map, the bases appeared to be joined but in reality, they function as two completely separate bases. Eglin AFB is the largest Air Force Base in the world and that doesn’t even include Hurlburt Field.

Hurlburt Field AFB, FloridaThe Base

You’ll find all the same services on both bases, which is nice. But of course, with the size of Eglin comes a few more conveniences, like longer operating hours.

If you are looking for service on Hurlburt, there is this amazing app the base has created to help you get around and find all the contact information you are looking for. It’s called 1 SOW- Hurlburt Field AFB from GLIP Inc. A must have if you are new and come to Hurlburt Field for the first time. I recommend this for both you and your spouse. I haven’t seen it at any other base and we love having everything right on our phone for easy access. Available for Android and IOS!

 

Places to Live

Hurlburt Field AFB, Florida

Where to live is another important question everyone wants to know about! If you’re going to be stationed at Hurlburt, there are a few areas you’ll want to stick around. Assuming a 30-minute commute, the east Side of Gulf Breeze is the furthest you’ll want to go east. If you want to go west, the northwest tip of Okaloosa Island is the furthest you’ll want to go. 98 really is the biggest limiter in commute because the traffic gets pretty rough. About once a week there’s an accident on that road and most routes to and from really depend on 98.

Mary Esther and Fort Walton Beach are both super close to base. But you will definitely pay a premium for those houses. The area is well established and there aren’t a lot of new houses going up. And there hasn’t been for probably 30 years. That has some perks, of course: The landscaping is mature, the community has plenty of build up and you’re never too far from anything you need. The down side there is that the schools aren’t the best. But they do have a few private schools if you fall in love with the area. Okaloosa Island is absolutely gorgeous! The houses there definitely reflect that in their price, though. And getting any kind of land is basically unheard of. If you want a nice condo, though, this is DEFINITELY where you want to start looking! Be aware that during tourist season, though, you’re going to hate everything.

Navarre and East Gulf Breeze are relatively new communities, which means you’ll get newer houses. And they’re cheaper than older houses, too! You’re going to enjoy the beauty of Navarre beach without as much tourist traffic. The schools are highly rated and the area is nice and relatively quiet. But it definitely has a “middle of nowhere” vibe. You’re not going to have all the luxuries, but hey, at least there’s a Wal-Mart! If you need more shopping choices, you can always drive East to Fort Walton where you’ll find the Santa Rosa mall and lots of other smaller shopping complexes. If you want to more choices, I recommend the Cordova Mall in Pensacola or the outdoor shopping at Destin’s Commons. If you are looking for big brand shopping at low prices,
there is always Silver Sand’s Premium Outlet Mall in Destin. It’s worth the drive every couple of months.

Great Places to Eat

Hurlburt Field AFB, Florida

While you’re here, you’re going to want to eat. So where do you go? I’m going to give you some of my favorites for you to try while you’re here. If you try nothing else on my list, you must go to: McGuires Irish Pub. With two great locations in Pensacola and Destin, there really is no excuse for you to miss this experience. Irish pub grub delivered with ales brewed in copper kettles, plus live music most nights. You won’t be disappointed. Be sure to try the Split pea soup, you’ll thank me later! Keep in mind that this is THE tourist spot, though, and plan to eat at off-peak times or plan for a wait. But there’s a reason everyone wants to eat here, I promise it’s worth it!

Some of my other favorites in the area:

TASTE | Tapas & Wine Bar – Fort Walton Beach Premiere Wine
bar serving fusion tapas and varieties of wine. They serve and
amazing brunch menu too.
Ali Baba Grill Cafe – Casual spot for familiar Turkish & Greek
recipes offered à la carte & at a buffet, plus beer & wine in Fort
Walton. If you’re coming from a European Base, this is the closest
you’ll get to Doner Kebabs anymore. And, really, they aren’t that
far off.
Helen Back Cafe – American sports bar with a patio, drink
specials, hand-tossed pizza & sandwiches, plus theme nights.
With 4 location in Fort Walton, Crestview, Navarre, and Niceville.
 Military night and dollar pizza night. The pizza is just wonderful
greasy, cheesy goodness. It doesn’t get any better folks.
Johnny Huston’s Grille and Bar –Local watering hole pairing
burgers & other pub grub with drinks in a casual, down-home
setting in Navarre. I haven’t had anything I don’t like here. Try
their Mac and Cheese Burger…omg yum.
Juana’s Pagodas –Waterfront bar & grill with lots of
entertainment, including live music, beach volleyball & pool write
on the Navarre Beach Sound.  Their breakfast is really amazing.
 Try the French Toast with homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread.
The Slippery Mermaid Sushi Bar – Creative, sushi-centric menu in
a quaint house with sake & a screened porch with a view of the
sound in Navarre.  This place is small but the Sushi is top-notch!
Flounder’s Chowder House – Chowder house with real
confessional booths & stained-glass windows plus views over the
sound on Pensacola beach.  Beautiful and delicious food.  I must
try!

 

 

Beach Life

Hurlburt Field AFB, Florida

I know what you are really interested in, though: THE BEACH! If you’ve never seen the beaches of the Florida panhandle, you are missing out. The white sand and crystal clear water make them some of the most beautiful beaches in the country! The best part is you have your choice on which beach you want to go to; and they are all free.

So if you want to head to the beaches with more amenities (Destin or Pensacola) you can go in the off-season. I live in Navarre and I am 2 miles away from the beach. Navarre Beach is my favorite both for the close proximity to my house and how peaceful it is; even during tourist season it’s still not too over crowded. You have to take a bridge over the sound to get to the beach area, but on the corner of 98 and the Navarre Bridge is a playground that you can take your kids to for a picnic or just to enjoy the playground and splash pad.

It’s also really nice to have both the sound and the beach to choose from. This way if you want calmer waters for taking a boat or kayak out, you don’t have to put it in the ocean. We also venture over to Pensacola beach area from time to time because they have a dog friendly beach there and we love to bring out Toy Poodle, Leo, whenever we get the chance.

If you are a beach lover and enjoy warm weather all year round, Hurlburt Field AFB in Florida is a great place to live. People come from all over the country just to be here for a week and well, you get to live here. How lucky are you? I’m so grateful to be stationed here. Small town charm with a vacation feel atmosphere. It doesn’t get any better.

 

Hurlburt Field AFB, FloridaDawn Zangerle is the Owner and Operator of The Divine Life Blog. She is a former singer and actress from NYC. She is now resides in Navarre, FL with her husband, Evan, who is a Capt. in the USAF. She’s been a military spouse for 9 years and is currently trying to start her family with the help of IVF.

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Living in San Francisco, California

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Happy to have this guest post by The Coastie Couple on San Francisco, California. Please visit my Duty station guest post page for posts on other locations or more information about how you can write a guest post about where you have been stationed.

Living in San Francisco, California

When we initially moved to the west coast, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew things would be different but I didn’t realize how different they would be. There was a bit of sticker and culture shock in the beginning, but I’ve learned to accept the differences and to appreciate the area for what it has to offer. And it has a lot to offer!

living in san francisco

When people talk about San Francisco, what they fail to mention is how big the city is and that there’s a huge surrounding area that’s worth seeing as well. My husband was stationed near San Francisco (you can see the skyline across the water) and we actually chose to live a little further inland in Concord because the prices are much cheaper and the area is less urban. If you’re looking to live in the area, I highly recommend looking beyond the city. If you’re coming to visit, I’d highly recommend staying in the city because everything will be easily accessible that way.

There is absolutely no way I could share everything about San Francisco in one post. In the two years that I’ve lived here, I haven’t even had the chance to see everything that there is to see (and we spend almost every weekend exploring something). That being said, I’m going to highlight a few of our favorite places in this post. I encourage you to do some research before you come out here – there’s so much to do!

Before you head into the city, I recommend learning how to use the BART system. These trains are similar to the subway system of New York which makes them convenient for getting around. They can be a bit tricky for newcomers though. I recommend utilizing your favorite map app to figure out which one will take you where.

living in san franciscoThe Piers:

Pier 39 is one of the most famous attractions for the area. This is the pier where the sea lions like to hang out. It’s also filled with restaurants and shopping. It’s a fun area to explore and you might even stumble across a cool street performer if you’re there on the right day! Pier 39 isn’t the only pier though. In fact, if you get off the BART at the Embarcadero station, you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the piers where you’ll find the ferry station, boats to Alcatraz, and the Exploratorium.

The Exploratorium is a neat attraction that I would highly recommend to visitors – young and old alike. If you have kids, it’s a great place to enjoy as a family. The hands on science exhibits and many things to tinker with will keep the family entertained for hours. Don’t have kids? Catch them on Thursday night for their adults only night! This was the option we chose since it’s just the two of us. It was a great time with cash bars and all of the same exhibits minus the kids.  My husband and I had a blast exploring the museum.

living in san francisco

Fisherman’s Wharf:

This is definitely a tourist attraction but I wouldn’t rule it out. I’m a strong believer that tourist attractions are worth checking out in addition to the cool local finds of an area. I do have to caution you though – you’ll need a bit of patience when you visit. The crowds can get a bit frustrating and overwhelming. On the up side, you’ll get a lot of steps on your step counter!

While you’re at the Fisherman’s Wharf, I recommend eating at Boudin Bakery, which is known for their sourdough bread (they even make it in all sorts of shapes!). They have a simple café on the first floor with bread bowls that are an awesome choice for lunch. They are relatively moderately priced as well (at least for California – remember that sticker shock I mentioned?).

The Wharf is also a great place for picking up cheap souvenirs for all of your family and friends. You can find postcards, tshirts, and keychains on every corner. If you’re a craft beer fan, I recommend checking out Jack’s Cannery at the end of the Wharf. Then, trek up the hill to Ghirardelli Square where you’ll find unique stores and free chocolate at the Ghirardelli Store. If it’s Christmas time, you’ll also find an impressive tree.

living in san franciscoUnion Square:

If you’re into shopping, this is the place for you. The streets are lined with shops and restaurants galore. It’s a very diverse shopping area with bargain stores mixed amongst the more high-end retail stores. It’s definitely a good chance to exercise your legs and pocketbook. If you come in the winter, you’ll notice a massive tree in the center near Macy’s along with an ice skating rink. This is definitely a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Golden Gate Park:

Remember when I mentioned that the city is huge? Golden Gate Park is a prime example of how big the city is. It’s a large park filled with attractions and hiking trails in the middle of the city. It is home to the California Academy of Sciences, which is a great place for kids and adults alike. It’s sort of a natural history museum meets science museum. It’s filled with lots of cool exhibits and they even rotate them out based on the time of year.

Golden Gate Park has a lot to offer beyond the museum. We spent an entire day simply exploring the trails and taking in all that it had to offer. In fact, if you walk all the way to the end of the park, you’ll find yourself staring at the Pacific Ocean. I also recommend checking out the Beach Chalet restaurant that’s located on the edge of the park. Be prepared to spend an entire day if you head down to this park.

I haven’t even touched on half of the attractions in the area and yet I’m out of time.  Feel free to follow us on our blog or social media where we’re often posting about our adventures and sharing snippets from our lives!


The Coastie CoupleThe Coastie Couple is a husband-wife duo that shares honest accounts of their adventures from coast to coast on their blog, The Coastie Couple. He’s in the military and she’s a teacher. They both love to travel, create, and experiment in the kitchen. These are the adventures they share on their blog.

Blog: http://www.thecoastiecouple.com Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/coastiecouple Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coastiecouple