Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Duty Stations

Exploring Ft. Liberty, NC: Unforgettable Day Trips for Military Families

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Welcome to Ft. Liberty, North Carolina, a haven for military families seeking adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Nestled in the heart of this welcoming community, you’ll discover a treasure trove of day trip destinations that cater to solo parents and families alike. Join us as we embark on a journey of exploration, from sandy beaches to majestic mountains, picturesque waterfalls, and family-friendly attractions. Let’s create cherished memories together in this charming region.

One of the best ways to create lasting memories and explore your new surroundings is by going on day trips. These excursions are perfect for single parents looking to bond with their children and for families seeking quality time together. Before you hit the road, consider packing essentials like snacks, water, first-aid supplies, and a sense of adventure.

Ft. Liberty’s Natural Wonders – Waterfall Road Trips

Linville Falls, NC, USA

Crabtree Falls Trail, Spruce Pine, United States

There are over 250 waterfalls in NC! If you want a specific curated road trip, you can hit up to 8 beautiful scenic waterfalls in 5 hours. This list consists of Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Cove Creek Falls, Sliding Rock (our favorite!), Dry Falls, and Upper Whitewater Falls (source: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/nc-waterfalls-road-trip/)

If you’re wanting to make a Waterfall Weekend trip, consider checking out the North Carolina ByWays provided by the NC Department of Transportation. On pg. 18 you will find the Waterfall Byway which leads you through the ultimate NC waterfall road trip of 200 waterfalls. But wait, there’s more! This handy NC guide features multiple scenic routes throughout the state for any nature loving family. The Sandhills Scenic Drive and Averasboro Battlefield Scenic Byway are two close-to-home routes.

Beach Day! Kure Beach at Ft. Fisher is barely Two Hours Away

Kure Beach, North Carolina United States

If your family loves sandy shores and salty breezes, a visit to Ft. Fisher is a must. This beach not only offers sun and surf but also extends military discounts as a heartwarming gesture of gratitude for your service.

Ft. Fisher isn’t just any beach; it’s a destination filled with history, natural beauty, and exciting opportunities for family fun. Here’s what you can expect:

1. The Beach: Spend a day at Ft. Fisher building sandcastles, swimming in the gentle waves, and picnicking with your loved ones. The wide, sandy shores provide ample space for families to spread out and enjoy their beach day to the fullest. Don’t forget to bring the hot dogs! Fort Fisher State Recreation Area has charcoal friendly grills and a picnic area. This beach is pet-friendly with watering stations as well.

2. Southport – A Ferry Ride Away: Want to add a touch of cinematic charm to your visit? Ft. Fisher is just a short ferry ride away from Southport, a quaint coastal town famous for being the filming location of “Safe Haven.” Stroll along the charming streets, visit the picturesque waterfront, and relive moments from the beloved movie. Some of our favorite shops are The Christmas Shop (there’s a candy store in the back!) and Bullfrog Corner.

3. Free Parking: Ft. Fisher offers free public parking, making it convenient for military families to access the beach without worrying about additional expenses. This perk adds to the appeal of this already budget-friendly destination. Anywhere else in the Carolina Beach/Wilmington area has paid parking which can add up quickly.

4. Ft. Fisher Museum: While at Ft. Fisher, take a detour to the Ft. Fisher State Historic Site and Museum. Explore the exhibits and learn about the area’s Civil War history, including the pivotal Battle of Ft. Fisher. It’s an educational opportunity for the whole family.

5. Camping: For the adventurous souls among you, Ft. Fisher allows camping right by the beach, and Carolina State Park allows camping directly on the beach. Imagine falling asleep to the sound of ocean waves and waking up to breathtaking sunrises over the Atlantic. It’s a unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories. Ft. Fisher is pet-friendly!

If you’re looking to savor some local flavors as part of your beach experience, be sure to check out these dining options:

Britt’s Donuts on the Boardwalk: Treat your taste buds to the sweet delight of fresh, melt-in-your-mouth donuts available at Britt’s Donuts. They are a cherished tradition on the boardwalk. They are a cash-only operation so make sure you bring plenty!

Island Burgers and Bites: Believe it or not, some of the best burgers can be found in a gas station! Island Burgers and Bites offer delicious burgers that will satisfy your cravings.

Kate’s Pancake House: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kate’s Pancake House, known for their mouth watering pancakes and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.

Ft. Fisher is more than just a beach; it’s a complete coastal experience for military families, where history, relaxation, and fun come together in a beautiful setting. So, pack your sunscreen and towels, and get ready for an unforgettable day at Ft. Fisher.

Camping and Mountains:

For families who crave the great outdoors, Ft. Liberty is surrounded by lush mountains and offers excellent camping opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a newbie, the serene mountain landscapes and clear night skies make for a memorable experience. There are plenty of options for cabin rentals, campground camping, dispersed camping, group camping, and RV camping. Visit the National Forest in North Carolina website for more information on sites, rules, and how to make reservations.

Thrills and Adventures – Carowinds

If you’re in the mood for thrills and laughter, Carowinds amusement park is a must-visit. Packed with family-friendly attractions, it promises an action-packed day for everyone. From roller coasters to live entertainment, Carowinds has it all. Check their website for military discounts.

If you like Spooky Season like me, don’t miss out on Scarowinds! This is the highly anticipated seasonal transformation of a screaming good time that offers mazes, scare zones, shows, and more. Get your tickets and Fast Lane passes early- they go quick!

Wild Encounters

North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, United States

If you are an animal lover, you’re in luck! There are quite a few options to see animals near Ft. Liberty, here are some of our favorites:

NC Zoo: Located in Asheboro, the NC Zoo is a fantastic place to explore the animal kingdom. Consider getting a membership to enjoy year-round visits and skip-the-line privileges. With the NC Zoo membership you also get a discount for the NC Aquarium. If you’re planning on taking either of these trips more than once a year, it pays for itself. Bring your walking shoes- the NC Zoo has 500 developed acres making it the world’s largest natural habitat zoo.

NC Zoo Pro-Tip: The Zoo is sectioned by continent. Park in the North America Parking lot. Once inside the Zoo, take the tram to the Africa Tram Stop. Work your way back through the Zoo going through Africa, Asia, and North America. Then voila- you don’t have to take the tram back to your car at a very congested time.

You can do this the other way as well- park at Africa, ride the tram to North America, and work your way south. However, keep in mind North America houses the Garden Friends Playground. This will allow you some rest time while the kids play before you load back up into the car. Entrance times, shuttle times, and tram times vary throughout the year. Always check the times before you go!

NC Aquarium: Dive into the wonders of the deep at the NC Aquarium. Like the zoo, memberships and discounts are available, making it a budget-friendly option. Marvel at colorful fish, playful otters, an albino alligator, and even sharks. There are plenty of hands-on opportunities for little ones and different activities throughout the year. You can even plan a birthday party or participate in a sleepover!

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher Pro Tip- get your tickets online in advance! This will help you have a hassle free entry the day of.

A little closer to home with Aloha Safari Park: Whether you want to feed a giraffe or invite a zebra to give you a nuzzle in the drive-through safari, this park has some amazing animals! Aloha Safari Park houses over 300 animals and they specialize in caring for animals that came from homes where they were not taken care of previously.

Our State Capitol: Raleigh, NC

While there are tons of things to do in Raleigh, we usually go for the museums and the food. Choosing between the dinosaur and the life-size Connect Four game can be hard, but somebody’s gotta do it! Luckily Raleigh isn’t too far away.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: Welcome to the Southeast’s largest natural history museum. Yes, there’s a dinosaur. This museum has it all: a kid-friendly discovery room, an arthropod zoo, a nature research center, a live sloth, and more. They also host multiple events throughout the year that cater to all audiences.

Marbles Kids Museum: Ever wanted to play chess with life-sized pieces? This is your kind of place! From a pirate ship playland to interactive brain-nurturing hands-on activities, this is a great place to take the whole family. The grownups have just as much fun as the kids.

Time to pack your bags

Now it’s time to pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and embark on these incredible journeys. The adventure awaits, and the memories are yours to make. Welcome to North Carolina!

Hey there! I’m Andrea McGillivray, a military spouse with over 20 years of firsthand experience navigating the unique challenges faced by military families. I’m honored to be a contributing blogger for Pioneer Military Credit, a trusted provider of personal military loans for service members. Pioneer is committed to helping military families navigate the challenges of military life through its financial products and educational resources on its website.

The 9 Army Posts With New Names

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The 9 Army Posts With New Names

Fort Moore, Fort Liberty, and Fort Cavazos are 3 of the 9 Army posts that will all be renamed by the end of 2023. So far, 8 have already been renamed as you have probably noticed online or in your local area, especially if you live at one of these posts. The last Army post will be renamed before January 2024.

Why are the posts being renamed?

Congress established the Naming Commission in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 with the goal to provide removal and renaming recommendations for all DoD items, “that commemorate the Confederate States of America of any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America.”

The Commission issued its first report in May of 2022 and finished its mission in October of 2022. The military posts started changing their names in 2023 and have until the beginning of 2024 to make the change.

Name changes like this can be confusing, even if there is a very good reason to make them. However, these were needed changes and we will now be able to honor others that have served their country in a heroic way, from the Civil War to more modern times.

So which Army installations changed their names? And what did they change them to?

Fort Benning is now Fort Moore

Fort Moore is located near Columbus, Georgia, and is named after Lieutenant General Hal Moore and his wife Julie Moore. The couple was portrayed in the movie, We Were Soldiers. Moore served in the military for 32 years after graduating from the US Military Academy in 1945. He wrote the book,We Were Soldiers Once…and Youngwhich the movie was based on.We Were Soldiersdepicts the first major battle of the Vietnam War in the la Drang Valley. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross after that fight. His wife Julie was a big advocate for the military community and helped change the way the Army delivered the casualty messages. Hal passed away in 2017, and Julie in 2004. Fort Benning became Fort Moore in May of 2023.

Fort Bragg is now Fort Liberty

Located just outside of Fayetteville, NC, Fort Liberty is the only post not changing its name to a person, but instead to an idea. The post will be named after the word “liberty” which is an American and military value. Fort Bragg became Fort Liberty in June of 2023.

Fort Hood is now Fort Cavazos

Located near Killeen, TX, Fort Cavazos is named after General Richard E. Cavazos. He was born in 1929 in Kingsville, TX, and was the first Hispanic 4-Star General in the US Army. He served in the military for 33 years, including during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was stationed at Fort Hood in the 1950s and retired from the Army in 1984. Cavazos passed away in 2017. Fort Hood was changed to Fort Liberty in May of 2023.

Fort Lee is now Fort Gregg-Adams

Located near Petersburg, VA, Fort Gregg-Adams is named after two people. Gregg for Lieutenant General Arthur J. Gregg, and Adams for Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams, two Black officers, and trailblazers for equality in the US Army.

Gregg enlisted in the Army in 1946 at just 17 years of age. He established himself as an outstanding logistician and in 1979 became the Army’s first Black officer to serve as a Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics. He was also the highest-ranking Black Army officer when he retired from the military in 1981. In his 90s, he is also the only one being honored that is still alive today.

Adams was the first Black officer in the Women’s Army Auxillary Corps during WW2 and led the first predominantly Black Women’s Army Corps unit to serve overseas. But the time retired she became the highest-ranking Black woman at the time. She passed away in 2002. Fort Lee became Fort Gregg-Adams in April of 2023.

Fort Picket is now Fort Barfoot

Located near Blackstone, VA, Fort Barfoot is named after Colonel Van T. Barfoot, who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor during WW2. Barfoot enlisted in the Army in 1940 and served in the military for 34 years, including time in Korea and Vietnam. Although he was never an official member of the Choctaw Nation, his grandmother was. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 92. Fort Picket became Fort Barfoot in March of 2023.

Fort Rucker is now Fort Novosel

Located in Dale County, AL, Fort Novosel is named after Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Novosel Sr., who is a Medal of Honor recipient. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1941 when he was 19 years old. During World War II he flew B-29 Superfortress bombers. After the war he remained in the Reserves, serving as a part of the newly formed Air Force while in Korea. During Vietnam, he volunteered for active duty as a warrant officer and helicopter pilot since the Air Force had too many senior officers at the time. In October of 1969, he saved 29 men and received the Medal of Honor and in total flew over 2,500 extraction missions in Vietnam. He served in Army Aviation until 1984 and passed away in 2006. Fort Rucker became Fort Novosel in April of 2023.

Fort A.P. Hill is now Fort Walker

Located near Bowling Green, VA, Fort Walker is named after Dr. Mary Edwards Walker who was an American abolitionist, prohibitionist, prisoner of war, as well as a surgeon. She is the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor. Dr. Walker was born in 1832 and earned her medical degree in 1855. She was hired by the Union Forces and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and later the 52nd Ohio Infantry. She became the first woman surgeon in the US Army and was captured by the Confederates as a POW until she was released during a prisoner exchange. She received her Medal of Honor after the Civil War for treating the wounded in battle and across enemy lines but in 1917, the award was rescinded. In 1977 it was restored by President Jimmy Carter. She passed away in 1919 after supporting the Woman’s Suffrage Movement. Fort A.P. Hill became Fort Walker in August of 2023.

Fort Polk is now Fort Johnson

Located near Leesville, LA, Fort Johnson is named after Sergeant William Henry Johnson, who was a Black World War I hero. Johnson enlisted in the US Army in 1917 and was assigned to an all-black national guard unit that later became the 369th Infantry Regiment. In May of 1918, he single-handly stopped the German forces from approaching the main French line. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Palme, which is France’s highest award for Valor. He passed away in 1929 and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1996 and the Distinguished Service Cross in 2002. Fort Polk became Fort Johnson in June of 2023.

Fort Gordon is now Fort Eisenhower

Located in Augusta, GA, Fort Eisenhower is named after former President and General of the Army, Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1911, he accepted an appointment at West Point and graduated in 1915. He was then posted to Fort Sam Houston in Texas. While he did serve in the Army during WWI, he never went overseas. He did, however, receive a Distinguished Service Medal for his work at home. Over the years he rose through the ranks and became the General of the Army in 1944 and later became the new Chief of Staff of the Army after the war. He served as the 34th President from 1953 to 1961. He was then reinstated to the rank of General of the Army after his Presidency. He passed away in 1969. Fort Gordon will become Fort Eisenhower in October of 2023.

While getting used to new names can take some time, these name changes are for the better and gives us the chance to honor a few more American heroes.

When You Are Feeling Homesick At Your Duty Station

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When You Are Feeling Homesick At Your Duty Station

Have you ever felt homesick at your duty station? As a military spouse, you might be far from home and that isn’t always easy. Being the family member that misses everything is hard. Being the one that can’t go to the baby shower or misses birthdays on a regular basis is difficult to deal with. Being the one without family nearby can be frustrating.

As a military family you could end up in so many amazing places, Hawaii, Germany, Japan…✈️

You might end up on the East Coast when you have never been east of Utah before.

You might end up in South Korea when you never even thought about getting a passport before.

You might end up in Alaska, going through your first snowy winter after growing up in Florida.

Wherever you are stationed, wherever you are currently living, take advantage of the experience. I know that is hard to do sometimes, some places are easier to live than others but blooming where you are stationed is a must. Doing so will make the whole experience a lot easier for you and your entire family. 💐

However…whether you are happy where you are currently living or not, you can feel homesick at your duty station.

There are days when you wish you could hop on a plane, and spend some time with your mom.

When you wish you could meet up with your best friend for lunch.

Or stop by and spend an afternoon with your grandparents.

If you have just moved to a new duty station, you might still feel lost, like you will never find your way or will never make a circle of friends like you had before. You might start to think that if you can only go back home, everything will be okay again.

But as a military spouse, you usually can’t go back home. Maybe your spouse can never be stationed nearby where you grew up. Maybe they can but it just hasn’t happened yet and you are not sure it ever well. Maybe your family has moved away and you know if you did go home, things would never be the same.

As a military spouse, you know that you will be living in different places, and at your core, you know that the best thing to do is learn to love where you live, but that isn’t always easy.

Here are a few things you can do if you are feeling homesick at your duty station:

Connect to your duty station

Are you spending all of your time at home? Get out and explore and check out your new neighborhood. What are you interested in? Look for a group based on that. Find a new playgroup. Or, explore your base or post for fun events. The more time you spend getting to know your new home, the better.

Don’t dwell on the differences

Are you dwelling too much on how different your current home is from where you just came from? Make a list of positives about your current duty station look online if you need ideas. If you spend all of your time thinking about what you don’t have, that will make enjoying what you do have harder to find.

Focus on you

As military spouses, we can get stuck in the day-to-day duties of living this life. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to focus on yourself. What are your goals? Do you want to go back to school? Find a new job? Have another baby?

Spend some time thinking about how you are spending your days and how you can move forward with your goals. If you are spending time working on yourself, you won’t have as much time feeling sad about where you are living and what you are missing about home. You will be busier and find over time, that you really are loving your new experiences.

You might never get to a place where you never feel homesick again, but you can get to a place where your time at your duty station isn’t going to be the worst thing in the world. It might take time, but it is possible.

Where are you stationed? How have you been able to kick your homesickness and enjoy your current home?

The 10 Worst Duty Stations

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Duty stations are such a popular topic. People always want to know everything about where they are going to PCS or the differences in duty stations. They want to know all about the best duty stations and the worst duty stations.

I have thought about making a list of the 10 worst duty stations for a while. I know there are certain places where people just dread going, and maybe for good reason. These places aren’t the ideal, especially when you could get stationed at some amazing places.

However, I also strongly believe that you can “bloom where you are stationed” anywhere you might end up. That doesn’t mean you have to love your duty station, but that you don’t have to spend every day hating it, and that there are things to love about every place you might go.

So…what makes something the “worst” duty station? How can you get past that feeling? Well…here you go:

The 10 Worst Duty Stations
  • The duty station where your best friend just moved away from

Finding your military spouse BFF is the best, but when that happens, something else will too, your best friend will probably have to move away at some point. And if they don’t, you do. And that sucks.

What can you do to help? Stay connected with them, even over the miles. Work to meet new people. And remember all those precious mememorues you have had togetger.

  • The duty station far from your family

Being away from family can be difficult for some people, especially if this is your first duty station. But there is something special about being out on your own, and making somewhere new your home. Try not to dwell on feeling homesick so much and work to find a place in your new location.

  • The duty station you can’t find a job

You have worked hard, went to college, and as soon as it was time for you to find a job, your service member spouse gets orders overseas. Now there is no way to find a job in your field. This can be so frustrating.

You can stay behind, but that isn’t an option for most families. You can look and see what volunteer jobs you can get at your new duty station that you can add to your resume. You can think outside the box and try something different, or even work hard to find that ideal job, despite the difficulties of finding one where you are currently living.

  • The duty station that deploys your spouse too much

One question that comes up a lot is “how often is my spouse going to deploy if we PCS to this duty station” but that question is hard to answer. The number of times they deploy, how long they are gone, and anything to do with deployments depends on a lot of factors.

The best thing to do if your spouse is going to deploy a lot is find a good friend circle, fill up your calendars as much as you can, and know you are not alone in this.

  • The duty station with awful housing

Sometimes there is nothing you can do about bad housing at your duty station. You just have to deal with it, and try to make it your own. On the other hand, you might be able to move, either somewhere else on-post or off-post. Check out your options and go from there.

  • The duty station where you just can’t find your people

You assume that once you move to your new duty station, you will eventually find a fun friend group like you had before. But after a couple of months, it seems like you aren’t going to find your people. This is something we military spouses can struggle with.

If you find yourself in this position, make sure you are getting out there on a regular basis and trying to meet new people. Sign up for things you are interested in, take the kids to playgroups, and be friendly with those you meet when you are out and about.

  • The duty station that seems too expensive

There are a few places you could get stationed that will cost more than other places. This can be frustrating. Housing off-post might seem like too much or you might feel like your family can’t go out and do anything because of the costs.

Make sure you are doing your budget every month, find ways to save, and look for fun free events going on in your community.

  • The duty station you didn’t think you would end up

Maybe you just assumed you would always stay in the south, but now here you are on an airplane headed to Hawaii. And you are terrified.

Anything out of your comfort zone can be scary, but think of your new duty station as an adventure. Read up on the fun you can have where you are going, or the experiences of people who have lived there. And trust yourself to make the most out of your stay.

  • The duty station no one has ever heard of

Sometimes your spouse will get orders to a place no one has ever heard of. These can be smaller duty stations, or more specialty based and because of that, you can’t find much information on them. If you need to know about Fort Hood or Fort Campbell there is a ton of information out there but not so much on a duty station most people have never heard of.

See if you can connect with the FRG (if they have one) or other spouses in your service member’s new unit. If you do have to go in without knowing too much, see what your post or base has available to you to get to know the area. They might have a newcomers class you can join.

  • The duty station you have been before and didn’t want to return

Maybe you were stationed somewhere for a few years and hated it. Then you left. Now five years have gone by and guess what? Your spouse just received orders to go back. You are filled with dread.

But remember, the duty station you left in 2014 is going to be different than the one you PCS to today. Duty stations change, people move in and then move away, you could have a completely different experience in the same place. Do not assume that your first time there will be exactly like you second.

What makes or breaks a duty station for you?

4 Things I’d Do Differently if I PCSed Back to Okinawa

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4 Things I’d Do Differently if I PCSed Back to Okinawa

“Everything is weird” was my initial gut reaction after moving home to the United States not quite two months ago. I am sure it was also my reaction three plus years ago when first arriving on Okinawa—the little subtropical island which is home to 13 U.S. military bases.

I essentially have no regrets about my time as an honorary island girl, but if I ever got the chance to PCS back to Okinawa again, there are few things I would do differently, or at least do more of.

When your time on Okinawa or in Japan wraps up, there are sure to be bucket list items you didn’t get to. For example, my husband and I always said we wanted to tour the Naval Underground area from WWII, and, well…nope, we never did do that. But that’s not the kind of “do more” that I mean.

Absolutely make your list of things you want to see and do and try to check them off, but when I say “do more,” I mean knock out the big stuff. If it’s your first time on the island, here are my take-aways as someone who has “been there, done that.”

Before moving to Okinawa, I was sure a car would not be necessary. I had traveled to Tokyo and figured it would be very similar. And, of course, I was wrong! There are public buses on Okinawa, plenty of taxis, and a monorail in the Naha area, but the majority of folks find a car the easiest way to get around.

So, buy an island car and don’t be afraid to drive it. Yes, the steering wheel is on the opposite side of the car. Yes, you’ll hit the windshield wipers when you meant to use your turn signal (also known as “the Okinawa wave”), and yes, you’ll probably drive down the wrong side of the road at least once, but let’s hope not more than twice! Remember, you’ll also be giving yourself the opportunity to get out of the house more and have a lot of adventures.

Learn Japanese. You’ll pick up the very basics even without trying very hard, but three years is a relatively short time to learn a new language. I’m almost embarrassed by how little I learned. Give it some effort and see how far your learning can take you. Knowing just a little extra vocabulary and a few common phrases will enrich your experiences when you are out and about.

Meet more people. Isn’t this great advice no matter where your duty station is located? However, when you are living overseas, it is really important to avoid isolating yourself. It will be harder to get home to see family and friends, and it might even be difficult to communicate with them while living in a different time zone. Surround yourself with people who can keep your island days nice and bright, just as they should be.

And lastly, worry less. An OCONUS PCS is a huge deal, often more difficult than other PCS moves you may have been through. Do whatever you need to do in order to worry less about what’s going to happen and what it’s going to be like on Okinawa, or in Japan (or wherever else your service member’s career may take you). It’s not worth it to be concerned about all the “What if?” scenarios. You’ll wind up missing out on all the, “Wow, isn’t that amazing!” moments.

Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Guest Post by Angie Andrews

All The Basics You Need to Know about Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

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Aberdeen Proving Ground is an excellent place to be stationed. Take a sigh of relief if this is where your orders are for. Northeast Maryland is a good, safe, convenient place to live.

Was it my favorite of all the places?

No. It was not, but this was our COVID station. We arrived in 2019, just before the pandemic, and we are leaving as restrictions are ending. All our time here was colored by the whole pandemic, four kids in the virtual school experience. It was hard. I’m sure many of you can relate.

We have been an Army family for twenty whole years now, though, so I do have plenty to compare it to. So long as you do not live in the area immediately outside the base gates, APG is a stellar duty station.

Aberdeen Proving Ground has everything you need.

The Basic FAQS:

-This is a small U.S. Army installation.

-The base does have a Commissary, Aafes Exchange, and Shoppette.

-There is also a satellite campus of APG called Edgewood.

-Children living on base are districted for Harford County Public schools. More on that in a minute.

-Tons of people choose to live off post, in Bel Air or Havre de Grace, to take advantage of the more highly rated schools. That’s what we did.

-If you move too far away from post though you might find yourself missing your military community. We missed them!

-A nice happy medium of good schools but still being close to base and other military families might be settling down in the Abingdon, Havre de Grace, or South Bel Air area.

-There is a TON to see and do around APG. More about that later.

Let’s talk about the schools.

For us, the school district is always the deciding factor on where we choose to live because we have school-aged children. When we were younger, and it was not a factor, we did enjoy living on post or anywhere that felt nice.

Living on post is convenient, so first, you want to know a little about where APG kids go to school:

-Roye-Williams Elementary school

The schools serving post are not local favorites. For military kids, Roye-Williams is probably similar to many other schools they have been to. That said, I do not want to say bad things about a school we have not even set foot in. I have known at least two fantastic teachers who worked there, so I can assure you it is not all bad.

Don’t take Great School’s word for it. Ask other military spouses currently stationed there in the Aberdeen Facebook group.

-Aberdeen Middle School

–Aberdeen High School

We are so fortunate now that we live in a time where we can go online to a Facebook group and ask other current military spouses about their experiences with the community and the schools. In my younger years, we did not have this advantage.

Aberdeen Proving Ground

Housing

Housing on post is nice and not too hard to obtain if you are okay with the school district.

We turned down a house in the Edgewood location of post because of the long history of toxic testing on the Edgewood campus. Large areas of Edgewood are considered contaminated and are abandoned. There are whole ghost neighborhoods.

Knowing that, take a drive around to decide what you are comfortable with before you sign for an Edgewood house.

Some of the houses on base do offer a beautiful view of the water.

We knew we would be in the area for at least three years, so we did buy a house in nearby Bel Air. That was our choice to take advantage of the highly rated schools that Bel Air has. There are always pros and cons to that, but the biggest con here was the whole covid pandemic.

Healthcare

Kirk Army Health Clinic will probably be your assigned clinic for the whole family.

Kirk is on APG proper, and according to Tricare, it is the only clinic Tricare Prime insurance holders are allowed to sign up with. That is what Tricare told me when I called to ask about switching to a civilian PCM off post.

The doctors and staff at the clinic are competent, kind, and courteous. Sometimes it is hard to be seen, and sometimes it isn’t. We frequently use the local urgent care when we need a strep test or such.

Here is my only problem with Kirk. Kirk Army Clinic has an odd referral policy.

This is the only military health clinic I have had this exact problem with, but they often write bad referrals.

The clinic has a policy that you cannot pick your referral provider. They want it to be random, so unless you have a doctor that day who helps you out, you almost always have to re-do your referral with Tricare later.

This clinic wrote me referrals to specialists who are retired a couple of times. Another time, they referred my seven-year-old to an ENT doctor who did not see children. Often, they send us way out of town to Baltimore when there are plenty of local doctors who accept Tricare and would have seen us.

This broken referral process caused me a lot of frustration.

For each one, I would have to find the Tricare number, call them, wait through the long call prompters, and then get the Tricare operator to switch us to local, still working physicians.

That is why I switched healthcare plans for myself.

Johns Hopkins has a Prime Tricare plan you can switch to. It is still free, still a Prime plan, so you still have to do the referral dance. However, if you switch, you get a Johns Hopkins Waters Edge PCM, and the referral process happens far more smoothly.

I finish my appointment, then I go out in the hall to see the referral secretaries. They say, “Who would you like to see? Where would you like to go for your specialist?”

Wow. Isn’t that nice?

Granted, I still do not know, but I can make sure they send me somewhere local to someone who has not retired, rather than finding out two weeks later I am being sent an hour away.

That is my recommendation. I did not switch the kids over, but they do not often go to the doctor, so it has not been a huge problem.

Besides, like most military families, we live our life saying, “Well, it’s only for a few more months.”

Isn’t it sad but funny how much we put up with because we know we won’t have to deal with it for long?

Weather

Northerners think it’s warm here, and southerners think it is freezing. I will say it is cool or cold eight months out of the year. Snow is mild, but it does happen.

It is extremely humid. If you have a basement, make sure you put a dehumidifier down there, or you will have a serious mold problem.

Fun Things to Do

Like most military families, we are always on the lookout for new places to explore. That is our favorite perk about being such nomads.

In Northeast Maryland, you are right on the Chesapeake Bay. During Covid, all pools were closed, so we went to a state park and rented a pontoon boat. It was wonderful.

Now that the pandemic is over, APG’s pools are open again. They do have awesome pools for families. We used them even though we lived twenty minutes away because the pool is free for active-duty families.

You are an hour or less from Pennsylvania and Delaware. Plus, Washington, D.C. is only one and a half to two hours’ drive down I-95.

Amish country around Lancaster, Pennsylvania is a treasure trove of things to do and see. It is only an hour from Harford County. We drove up there regularly and enjoyed seeing the sights.

There is a Megabus in White Marsh that will take you up to New York City, which is only a few hours away. We have thoroughly enjoyed exploring these surrounding areas.

Make sure you plan some fun day or overnight trips to take advantage of living so close to so many historic and fun places.

Beautiful countryside near Lancaster

Overall, an APG assignment is a win.

All of life has returned to normal now. Social events, kids’ sports, and regular school are all back. Like most places, life is starting to feel less pandemic-level-stressful.

You have everything you need here in the Aberdeen area, and there are so many places to explore nearby. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your time at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Feel free to ask me any questions you have in the comments here. I would also love to have you visit me where I blog at www.gettingmyacttogether.com.

10 Things To Know About Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

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10 Things To Know About Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

Almost eleven years ago, our family flew into Nashville and started the Fort Campbell chapter of our lives. While my husband got out of active duty in 2014, he joined the National Guard, and we stayed put here in Clarksville, TN. I have now lived here longer than anywhere else besides where I grew up.

If you just found out you are going to be stationed at Fort Campbell, congratulations! While I can’t guarantee what type of experience you will have here, you can have an excellent one. Not everyone likes Ft. Campbell, some people hate Ft. Campbell, but others love the place and plan to stay here long term.

I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this post.

So if you plan to move here soon, here are just a few things to know about being stationed at Fort Campbell:

1. Fort Campbell is on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky, literally

Fort Campbell is literally on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky. Being from California, which is such a huge state, going out of state still seems so funny to me, and yet, here, I do it all the time. If you have a baby at Fort Campbell, their birth certificate says, “Fort Campbell, Tennessee” even though that doesn’t exist. Officially, Fort Campbell is considered in Kentucky, but some of the military post is actually on the Tennesse side of the line.

2. Don’t listen to people who say there is nothing to do; there is plenty to do

Often I hear that there is nothing to do here. Not true. There is plenty to do. I think what they mean is that there are not a lot of big-city things to do which is true, but I will talk about that in #3.

They also might not have kids. I could see feeling that way if you didn’t have kids, maybe. But between the post and the local communities, there is always something going on. And they keep adding more and more things to do. Of course, during COVID, many things are limited.

3. Don’t expect big city life, you will need to head to Nashville for that

Growing up in Southern California, this place seems a lot less exciting. So for people who are used to that, it can feel like this is a small town. I think I have gotten used to that, but I know it can be frustrating for others. Luckily, Nashville is just about 45 minutes to an hour away, and they have a lot going on.

There are a lot of chains here, from Target to Starbucks to Dollar General, which they seem to have everywhere. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing local to enjoy, there is. There are restaurants and stores that you can’t find anywhere else. I am a big fan of Miss Lucille’s Marketplace which is an indoor antique mall with a small cafe.

10 Things To Know About Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

4. Housing is a toss-up

I have never lived on post at Fort Campbell, but I have visited friends that have over the years. I think housing is overall a toss-up. Some places seem pretty nice, are close to Starbucks and parks. Other neighborhoods seem more lacking. It just depends.

5. Traffic sucks

If you try to go to the mall at 2 pm on a Saturday, good luck. That is probably the worst time of day for traffic around here. And when traffic is bad, it is very very bad.

Traffic gets even worse when it snows. Yikes! And this is not a very walkable area either. You also might live five minutes from post, and it can take you 30 minutes to get home because everyone is trying to do the same thing.

6. The weather is crazy

We have hot and “don’t want to go outside” humidity in the summer, we have rain and tornado season in the fall and especially in the spring, and winter is all over the place. We had a snow week in January, but also 65-degree weather just a few weeks later. A couple of days ago things felt like spring around here, and I found snow on my car this morning. Fun times.

As far as the snow goes, if you are from California, Hawaii, or Florida, it snows a lot. If you are from New England, Minnesota, or Alaska, you might wonder why everyone is freaking out. The whole city might shut down with just an inch, make sure to stock up on your bread and milk.

7. You can buy a house for under $300K

Coming from California, housing here is really cheap. You could easily find a home for under $300k, and if you have $400K to spend, you are looking at an amazing house. One of the main reasons we stay.

10 Things To Know About Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

8. Everything you need on post is pretty close

The nice thing about Fort Campbell is that everything the military family needs is pretty close. From the PX to the Commissary to most of the housing. It’s all right there. Which makes getting from place to place much easier.

Off post is a completely different story. Clarksville is pretty spread out which I am still not used to even after all this time. I wish things were a little bit closer together.

9. You can live in Kentucky or Tennesee, your pick

If you decide to live off post at Fort Campbell, you can choose whether you want to live in Kentucky or Tennessee. Most people do pick Clarksville to live in, but some enjoy living in Oak Grove or Hopkinsville in Kentucky. There are plenty of options for off post living here.

10. They need more bookstores

This whole area needs more bookstores. That is my personal rant. We do have a Books-a-Million which actually has a great selection and a lot of amazing deals. There is also a nice used bookstore downtown, but adding another one, plus another library would be great.

If you do get orders to Fort Campbell, do some research on housing, look into things to do and know you can have a pretty amazing experience here if you want.

Our Life at Fort Sill in Oklahoma

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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 myDuty station guest postpage 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!