Finding New Roads After Military Life

It’s been almost a year since my husband got out of the Army. It’s been challenging to figure out what we are supposed to do and what the future is going to be for us. We have made a few mistakes along the way and still trying to figure out what needs to happen. After you have been in the Military for a while, you start to take things for granted. Regular paychecks on the 1st and 15th, free Tricare, being a part of the community. When you get out, all of that changes and you have to work on finding new roads.

For us, we needed to figure out what my husband was going to do for a job. In the Army he was in the Infantry and that doesn’t always lead to an equivalent job after the Military. We had to figure out what I would do for a job as I knew I would need to start making more money. We would have to figure out health care which we did by having my husband join the National Guard. There are just a lot of things you have to take care of before they leave the Military.

By working together and keeping the line of communication open, we were able to come up with a basic plan for after he left the Army. Although we are still working on how we want things to be, it has been very helpful to be on the same page. We don’t have expectations that only one of us agrees with. We are both walking the road together.

I know that it might take a few years to get everything the way we want it to be. Change can sometimes take a lot of time. Looking back at everything we have been through the last few years, I know we can find our way to a new future. My husband is also getting used to not being in the Army everyday anymore. It is quite a change to go from that to a Civilian employer.

Speaking of finding new roads, I think no matter where you are in the Military journey, you will always be finding a new way to go. From PCS orders to deployments, there is always something changing and you just have to adapt to your new normal in one way or another.

Chevy Salutes is an amazing program that helps support the Military. It is an awareness and engagement campaign. During the month of May, which is Military Appreciation Month, Chevrolet will be highlighting how america’s Military service members and their families are finding new roads during and after Military service.

Did you know that…?

Chevrolet honors the Military with discounts for Active Duty, Reserves, Veterans within one year of discharge date and Retirees. This also includes their spouses. They will give you a discounted rate below the MSRP. USAA members also receive an additional $750 private offer.

GM employs nearly 5,000 Veterans and has close to 45,000 current retirees working for them.

In July of 2014, GM worked with the U.S. Army and Raytheon Company announced the Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training program. This program provides eligible transitioning Army soldiers with skills to become service technicians at GM dealerships after they return to Civilian life.

You should also take part in this fun Instagram contest with #ChevySalutes & #FindNewRoads. Take a photo of you and your Military family finding new roads. Make sure to tag @msbnewmedia and use #ChevySalutes #FindNewRoads as your hashtags. You have until May 17th to enter!