Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Julie

Save 30% On Shoes With the Adidas Military Discount

by Leave a Comment

Save 30% On Shoes With the Adidas Military Discount

Clothing, including shoes, can get expensive. Finding a good military discount is a plus. At Adidas, you can save 30% on shoes and sports clothing for men, women, and children. Save 15% at their factory outlet stores as well.

History of Adidas

Adidas was born in a small town in Bavaria, Germany. In a laundry room, of all places. Adi Dassler began making sports shoes after his return from World War I in his mother’s laundry room. It was in 1924 that he went into the business with his brother, Rudolf, which they called Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik. The company created shoes for different athletic events and gained popularity when US sprinter Jesse Owens wore them in the 1936 Summer Olympics.

The brothers ended up splitting up the business due to a personal rift in 1948. Rudolf’s company became Puma, while Adi’s company became Adidas. During the 1950s, the company experienced growth as soccer players adopted their lightweight, cleat-equipped shoes. They expanded into clothing in the 1960s, as well as soccer balls.

The company has undergone numerous changes over the years, and today you can shop online, in one of their stores, or at their factory outlets.

The Adidas Military Discount

The Adidas Military Discount is available to active-duty military personnel, as well as their spouses and dependents. Yay! Veterans and retirees also qualify. In addition to the military, the same discount is available to medical professionals, first responders, nurses, and teachers.

The discount is for 30% off both in-store and online shopping. You can also receive 15% off at their factory outlet stores. You will need to be verified with ID.me. There are some exclusions on specific brands, such as Disney and Human Made. Please check the details for a complete list.

Looking for more military discounts? Check out The Military Spouse’s Directory Of Military Discounts!

All military discounts are subject to change at any point. Please visit the Adidas website for the most up-to-date information!

Save 30% On Shoes With the Adidas Military Discount

The Fabulous Knott’s Berry Farm Military Discount

by Leave a Comment

Whether you’re stationed in Southern California or visiting, you’ll want to take a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm. This fun amusement park, located in Buena Park, California, offers a fabulous military discount.

I grew up going to Knott’s Berry Farm and especially enjoyed the times we went during school breaks when most other kids were not off from school. We could walk on the rides! I’m not sure that’s even possible today, but I do know you can still have a fun day at the park.

History of Knott’s Berry Farm

The Fabulous Knott's Berry Farm Military Discount

The history of Knott’s Berry Farm dates back over 100 years to 1920, when the Knott family relocated from Central California to Buena Park, Orange County, in search of a fresh start. Walter Knott and his cousin, Jim Presten, an experienced berry farmer, leased land, and Walter began farming berries.

By 1923, he had built a roadside stand on Grand Avenue. The family bought their land in 1927 and built a home with a permanent berry market. They also had a nursery to sell plans as well as a tea room. They called it “Knott’s Berry Place.” Little did they know what it would eventually become.

Berries, Pies, and Jam

Walter was able to buy more land and make a name for himself. In 1932, Walter met Rudolph Boysen, who experimented with berries. Walter was able to get some of Boysen’s cuttings, which were a combination of a red raspberry, blackberry, and loganberry. He planted and cultivated them, and in 1934, he was able to introduce the new bosenberry and sold it in the tea room.

The berries, jam, and pies did well. It was then during the Great Depression that Walter’s wife, Cordelia, had an idea. She started making chicken dinners for her tea room guests. She also served them salad, rhubarb, biscuits, vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy, with berry pie for dessert. She charged them $ 0.65 for the meal.

As you can imagine, word spread about their delicious meal, and so many people started coming to the tea room that they had to keep expanding it until it became an actual restaurant that seated 350 people. Even so, people still had to wait.

To give the people something to do, Walter and Cordelia’s daughter, Virginia, set up a card table selling small gifts, which eventually evolved into a full-sized shop that is still in operation today.

The Fabulous Knott's Berry Farm Military Discount

Ghost Town is Born

It was due to the success and long waits that Walter built a Ghost Town in 1940, inspired by his mother’s journey in a covered wagon to California in 1868. People started coming to see the Ghost Town on its own. Walter hired actors to populate the town and amuse the guests.

Ghost Town expanded in the 1950s with the addition of the Calico Saloon, the Ghost Town and Calico Railroad, and the schoolhouse, which was a favorite of mine as a kid in the 1980s and 1990s. They added amusement rides such as the Calico Mine Ride, which opened in 1960.

Enclosing the Park

In 1968, they enclosed the park and began charging $1 to enter. They also expanded beyond Ghost Town and created Fiesta Village, inspired by the early days of California. On July 11, 1969, my favorite Knott’s Berry Farm ride, the Calico Log Ride, now called the Timber Mountain Log Ride, opened. It was the first log flume ride in the United States.

They continued to add rides and lands to the park, including Montezooma’s Revenge, a favorite of mine as a teenager, and then Camp Snoopy in 1983. There have been many more changes during the years, new rides, attractions, and even a water park.

I have been able to take my own children a couple of times, and it has always been such a fun day!

The Fabulous Knott's Berry Farm Military Discount

Knott’s Berry Farm Military Discount

Knott’s Berry Farm offers several ways for military families to save money.

Military Tribute Days

Military Tribute Days are in November and December of each year. Active-duty military personnel, retired military personnel, and veterans can receive discounted admission tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm. The tickets were $25 last year. You can purchase one for the service member, and five for family and friends. You can buy these online or at the ticket booth.

Regular Knott’s Berry Farm Military Discount

They also have a regular Knott’s Berry Farm military discount. Currently, in 2025, the price is $57 per ticket. Active-duty and retired military personnel, as well as first responders, can purchase up to six of these tickets. They are available online only. You must be registered with ID.me.

You can also find a military rate at the Knott’s Hotel.

Please visit the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the most up-to-date information!

The Fabulous Knott's Berry Farm Military Discount

Not All Military Housing is Created Equal, and Other Truths About Military Spouse Life

by 1 Comment

I never thought I would be a military spouse. When I met my husband, he was 25 and had already served a few years in the Army. Little did I know that life would lead him back to the military, and make me a military spouse.

There have been so many surprises along the way, and I have learned so much. Here are just a few truths about military spouse life. Can you relate?

You might be told X will happen, but that doesn’t mean it will

There have been so many times when military plans have changed. From deployments to trainings to appointments. Military life is all about change. Nothing is ever set in stone, and it is probably best to assume nothing will happen a certain way until it actually does.

Military life isn’t fair!

Your spouse might deploy a lot more than other spouses. You might not ever end up at the “best” duty stations. Some service members take longer to promote than others. The best thing to do is to celebrate when you are the one to get good news and be humble when you see that your friend or neighbor has not.

Not all military housing is created equal

I cried when we moved into our orange duplex at our 2nd duty station in Germany. That house was amazing! And to think we got that excellent house just because we moved to a new duty station, not because of a change of rank or position. That the two homes could be so different was unbelievable to me. Some housing is much better than others, and that can be a frustrating reality of military life.

You will grow without your spouse by your side

During military life, you and your spouse will grow and change. Everyone does. Sometimes, this will happen when they are not home. During a deployment, you can grow and change, and because you have, life can be a bit of a challenge once your spouse gets home. Remember this during the redeployment period, and remember why you decided to be together in the first place.

Your parenting will look a little different

Survival mode is very real and sometimes being in survival mode means you let things go and your parenting will change because of that. Try not to let this get you down, real-life sometimes doesn’t mix with our ideals. Do your best and at the end of the day, give yourself some grace.

You will surprise yourself

During the last 15 years, I have done things I never thought I could. I have been stretched and strengthened because of everything I have been through. Military life will mold you into the person you are meant to be. And you will look back and might be surprised about everything you have had to go through to get there.

When military life is over, you might not want to leave

As much as you think you are ready to leave military life behind, doing so isn’t as easy as you think the transition will be. You might find yourself missing parts of military life and wondering why you and your spouse decided that chapter must be closed. You might get upset that your spouse had to leave because of medical issues. Give yourself time to adjust to the after military lifestyle.

The “worst” duty station might be your favorite

A few duty stations out there have the reputation of being the worst place you could get stationed. Places you really don’t want to go, and for a lot of them, there is a good reason for that. But sometimes, the “worst” duty station may be your favorite place.

Maybe you have figured out how to bloom where you are planted, or maybe you just made some amazing friends, but for whatever reason, you will always look back at that duty station as some of the best years of your military life.

How long have you been a military spouse? What have you learned along the way?

The History and Heart of Memorial Day

by Leave a Comment

The History and Heart of Memorial Day

While Memorial Day can signify the beginning of the summer season, we know, as a military community, how much that day matters. Memorial Day honors and remembers those who have died while serving in the military. The holiday, always on the last Monday in May, was initially called Decoration Day.

The History of Memorial Day

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of the Grand Army of the Republic (a Union veterans organization), issued an official proclamation designating May 30th as a day of remembrance for those who died in the Civil War. Called “Decoration Day,” this day honored Union soldiers who had died in the American Civil War.

During that first celebration, the former General and sitting Ohio congressman James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. After the speech, 5,000 people helped decorate the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. The first US state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday was New York in 1873.

After World War I, Memorial Day became a day to honor all who had died in America’s wars. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971, so Memorial Day would always be on the last Monday of May.

The Heart

Today, you can find Memorial Day events throughout the United States. On Memorial Day, we remember those we have lost and their sacrifice. Any military member or spouse can tell you about those special to them who are no longer with us. On Memorial Day, we remember them, who they were, what they did, and what we miss the most about them.

Memorial Day often marks the unofficial start of summer. A weekend filled with BBQs, beach trips, family gatherings, and even store sales or free meals for service members. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying those traditions, it’s important to pause and remember the day’s true meaning.

Memorial Day is not just a day off; it’s a tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Military. Their courage, service, and selflessness made our freedoms possible. Amid the fun and food, may we always take a moment to reflect on those who gave everything for their country, and honor them not just with our words, but with our gratitude and how we live.

The History and Heart of Memorial Day

The Military Spouse

by 1 Comment

The Military Spouse

The military spouse, the one who has chosen to stand beside a soldier, a marine, an airman, a coastie, a guardian, or a sailor. To go with them from place to place. To support them through their career choice, and beyond.

The military spouse, whose dreams of married life probably looked a little different than they are now. She thought they could buy a house down the street from her family. He thought she would always be home with him. The military spouse, whose reality is far from the expected.

The military spouse, who finds herself on an airplane with a toddler, traveling to her new home in Germany. The military spouse, whose children will be born in three different states, and two different countries. The military spouse, who gave birth with her mom by her side, instead of her partner, wishing things didn’t have to be this way.

The military spouse is told she or he is strong, but the truth is, sometimes we don’t feel that way. Sometimes we feel like we weren’t cut out to make it in this life. Sometimes we feel like the burden is too heavy, and the stress is too much.

We see how much our spouse loves what they do, whether it is going to the desert, or living on a ship. Whether it is flying an airplane, or working as a mechanic. Whatever they do in the military, we know this was the right choice, and we want to stand by their decision, even if doing so is hard.

When you marry someone who wants to serve their country by serving in the military, you also have to know that you have married someone that will have a unique job. You will have to understand that many of your friends might not get the life.

“Why can’t you guys come home for Christmas?”

“Can’t he tell them he doesn’t want to go?”

“I could never do it”

But you figure out pretty quickly that this military life is your life. And while your civilian friends might not be able to relate to everything you are going through, you know that they can be there for you, just like you can be there for them, for whatever they are going through.

The military spouse will have to go days, weeks, and even months apart from your loved one. And for some, even years. We have to solo parent, making decisions alone that would normally be made by both parents. We have to step in and step up when it isn’t always easy to do so.

The military spouse finds themselves on a journey they couldn’t have dreamed of. We find ourselves having all these adventures, from living down the street from an actual castle to finding friends that are more like family, going through life together, even if it is virtually.

The military spouse lives their military life the best way they can. Not all military spouses are the same, and we all bring our individual likes and dislikes, personalities, and gifts to the community. We can help one another out, be the community we need, and grow through our challenges together.

The military spouse is a part of a community that goes beyond anything they could have imagined. Because of this life a military spouse can say they literally have friends around the world.

The military spouse may have to wait, and that is always a difficult thing to do. But they also get to say hello again, running into their lover’s arms. They can grow through the challenges, and can find unique and creative ways to get through the deployments and other times part.

The military spouse may have to move every few years. That is not going to be easy to do. But by doing so they can learn about different parts of the country and world. They can bloom where they are stationed, and create and find community wherever they go.

The military spouse is the heart of the home. The constant in the changing waters of military life. The one who tries to pull everything all together.

The military spouse doesn’t always feel strong but can find ways to get through it all. Taking each challenge day-by-day, and reminding themselves that this is their life, and it can be a good one, filled with lots of fun memories, seasons of growth, and many amazing friends.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day: A Tradition of Strength, Love, and Legacy

by Leave a Comment

May 9th, 2025, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day!

Military Spouse Appreciation Day recognizes and appreciates military spouses. It is always celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The US President typically commemorates this day with a ceremonial speech and proclamation each year.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized the importance of military spouses and their commitment to their service members. He declared May 23rd, 1984, the first Military Spouse Day. The Secretary of Defence, Casper Weinberger, declared it the Friday before Mother’s Day.

Presidental Proclamations

“Throughout the years, as the numbers of our married men and women in uniform have grown and as their military missions have become more complex and dispersed, their spouses have made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces. In many instances, they subordinated their personal and professional aspirations to the greater benefit of the service family. Responding to the call of duty, they frequently endured long periods of separation or left familiar surroundings and friends to re-establish their homes in distant places. And there they became American ambassadors abroad.

As volunteers, military spouses have provided exemplary service and leadership in educational, community, recreational, religious, social and cultural endeavors. And as parents and homemakers, they preserve the cornerstone of our Nation’s strength — the American family.” – A part of President Ronald Reagan’s Proclamation, April 17, 1984.

“Military spouses share the sacrifices of service with our Nation’s men and women in uniform. As members of the Armed Forces serve in the United States and across the world, military spouses also serve our Nation. When a servicemember goes to war, we know their spouse also shares in that sacrifice. I am inspired by their commitment to family and our Nation, and on Military Spouse Day, we honor these individuals for their contributions.” – A part of President Barack Obama’s Proclamation, May 08, 2009.

All About Military Spouses

According to the White House Military Spouse Demographics and Employment Information sheet, there are approximately 1 million military spouses, including 624,000 active duty spouses and 372,000 Selected Reserve/National Guard spouses.

Approximately 50% of active duty spouses are under 30, but the average age of active duty spouses is 31.5.

92% of active duty spouses are female, and 89% of active duty military spouses have some college education or higher.

Active duty military spouses also have a 24% unemployment rate, and 74% have children at home.

Why is Military Spouse Appreciation Day Important?

Military life can sometimes feel like quite a lot. There can be too much deployment, too much change, and too much loneliness. It’s important to recognize that what we do as military spouses matters.

We have the privilege of supporting those who serve our country, from sending them off to war to welcoming them back home. As military spouses and partners, we let them know that someone is in their corner and that they have someone to come home to.

Military life involves many sacrifices, and sometimes, those sacrifices can hit us pretty hard. So, it is important to have a day when the country acknowledges what we go through and experience. When so many service members are married and have a family, support for the military spouse is essential.

I am thankful to have been a part of the military community. We have so many amazing people in it, doing such amazing things.

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day! May you feel loved and seen, and know that what you do is all a part of making our country a better place 🙂

Love to Hit the Slopes? All About the Epic Military Pass

by 2 Comments

Love to Hit the Slopes? All About the Epic Military Pass

Do you love skiing or snowboarding? If so, you need to check out the Epic Military Pass. It’s quite a military discount and will allow you to save on sking and snowboarding all season long.

What is the Epic Pass?

The Epic Pass is a ski resort pass for the entire season. The pass gives you access to a big network of ski resorts across the US as well as a few international locations. Vail Resorts offers this pass.

The Epic Pass includes: Vail, CO, Beaver Creek, CO, Breckenridge, CO, Keystone, CO, Crested Butte, CO, Park City, UT, Heavenly, CA/NV, Northstar, CA, Kirkwood, CA, Stevens Pass, WA, Whistler Blackcomb, BC, Stowe, VT, Okemo, VT, Mount Sunapee, NH, Mount Snow, VT, Attitash Mountain Resort, NH, Wildcat Mountain, NH, Crotched Mountain, NH, Hunter Mountain, NY, Liberty Mountain Resort, PA, Roundtop Mountain Resort, PA, Whitetail Resort, PA, Jack Frost, PA, Big Boulder, PA, Seven Springs, PA, Laurel Mountain, PA, Hidden Valley, PA, Afton Alps, MN, Mt Brighton, MI, Wilmot, WI, Alpine Valley, OH, Boston Mills, OH, Brandywine, OH, Mad River Mountain, OH, Hidden Valley, MO, Snow Creek, MO, Paoli Peaks, IN, Europe: Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Crans-Montana, Australia: Perisher – 2026 Access, Falls Creek – 2026 Access, Hotham – 2026 Access.

History of the Epic Pass

Back in 1957, Pete Seibert, who had served in the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, and Earl Eaton, who had served as an Army engineer, returned to the same mountains where they had trained during the war. They came back with a new mission: “to create the most beloved mountain resorts in the world.”

In 1962, Vail Mountain opened with two chairlifts and one gondola. It would later become Vail Resorts.

The Epic Pass was launched in 2008, and the Epic Military Pass was introduced in 2018.

What are the Different Epic Pass Options?

There are several different Epic Military Passes depending on your military status. Keep in mind that the regular Epic Pass is $1,051 for adults and $537 for children for the 2025/2026 season.

With the pass, you will also receive 20% off food, lodging, group lessons, rentals, and more. Plus, discounted tickets for your friends and family.

Active duty military, active duty dependents, both adult and children, retired military, and dependents, adult and children: $185! What a deal!

Military veterans as well as dependents: Adults: $601, Children 5-17: $321

The Liberty Pass gives you unlimited access to ski and ride Keystone all season and also includes the 20% off food, lodging, group lessons, rentals, and more. It is for active duty personnel, retirees, veterans, and their dependents. Adults: $321, Children (5-17): $225.

You will need to verify your military service during the checkout process. Visit the Epic Military Pass page for more information.

Love to Hit the Slopes? All About the Epic Military Pass

Living the Crazy Military Spouse Life, One Day at a Time

by

Living the Crazy Military Spouse Life, One Day at a Time

I can’t help but look back over the years as a military spouse and think about the people I’ve met. How some of them have this military life down pat, and others struggle a little bit more. My heart is with the military community and will always be, no matter how many years take me away from my personal experience with this life.

From when their spouse first leaves for boot camp until they try to make their way through the transition back to civilian life, we military spouses have to go through situations that others do not.

We put our spouse on an airplane and send them off to one of the most dangerous places in the world. We do this, holding the hands of our children who don’t quite understand why Daddy or Mommy has to be away for so long. We do this knowing they have a dangerous job and they might not come back. We do this because deep down we know that support our spouse is what we must do, through this crazy military life.

We, military spouses, make friends with people from all over the country and the world. We might be coming from different places with different backgrounds but we have one thing in common, the love of our service member and the desire to support them throughout their career. I might have grown up in California and you might have grown up in Alaska but we can bond over our love of books and the craziness of raising children in the military world.

We, military spouses, might have to move to the middle of nowhere, away from anything we have ever known.

We might have to give up our own career, even if just for a few years. We might feel a bit lost not knowing what we should be focusing on during this time of our lives. But this just gives us a reason to think outside the box and figure out a way to make our dreams come true, even within the military lifestyle.

We, military spouses, have to learn how to adjust even when we really don’t want to. We might love where we are stationed and then one day our spouse comes home and tells us we are moving to the other side of the country, in a place we never wanted to go. We have to bloom where we are stationed but sometimes that is easier than others, especially if there is a beach nearby.

Living the Crazy Military Spouse Life, One Day at a Time

We, military spouses, get to go places and see things we would never have had our spouse never joined the military.

I have a child that was born in Germany! Another country! Sometimes I think about that and take a step back in this crazy life that we made just because of my husband enlisted one day in 2005.

We, military spouses, have seen hardships. We have seen friends lose their husbands, either to war or years later to something else. We have seen marriages that seemed so strong fall apart.

We, military spouses, have seen our own husbands act differently than we ever thought they would. The fact is, war changes people and when your husband has been to war, he will change. Some service members handle these changes better than others. Some don’t handle them at all.

And yet, the military spouse tries her best to support her spouse through everything, even as things do not go as planned.

When I meet new military spouses, I want to hug them. And I am not a big hugger. I want to let them know that this life they started is going to be a crazy one but in a lot of ways, it will also be a good one.

They might not be the same person five or ten years from now but because of this crazy military life they will grow and will most likely become a better person through everything they have to deal with. That this military life will not always be easy, that they might cry a lot and that friends will come and go. That their faith will be shaken and made stronger. That their ideas about marriage and even motherhood will be shaken to the core.

Living the Crazy Military Spouse Life, One Day at a Time

If you are a new military spouse, know that you are now a part of a strong community that wants to help you through what you will encounter in the years to come. If you are not such a new military spouse, know that what you have been through has made you stronger and will allow you to help others in the future. Don’t be afraid to share your stories and your experiences, they can help.

Living the Crazy Military Spouse Life, One Day at a Time

As you are living your military spouse life, take it one day at a time if you need to. And remember, you are stronger than you think.