Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

duty stations

Military Spouse Spotlight: Learning to Love Each Duty Station

by Leave a Comment

Military Spouse Spotlight: Claire

If you’re a military spouse, you’ve probably heard the phrase “bloom where you’re planted” more times than you can count. The advice is well-meaning and helpful, but when, as Claire puts it, your roots have been ripped out again and again, how do you find the spirit within you to grow, let alone bloom? 

Claire’s husband is a Navy pediatrician and dive medicine doctor, and his training and service have taken their family of six from one coast to another and, most recently, across the Pacific to Hawaii.

Claire chronicles their travels and shares her tips and tricks through her Instagram account, Coastal.adventurefamily.

love each duty station

Starting Their Navy Medical Journey

While Claire and her husband grew up in Las Vegas near Nellis Air Force Base, they weren’t familiar with the realities of military life; for example, Claire was surprised to learn that Nellis AFB had its own movie theater. However, the couple had married “kind of young” and were about to embark on a significant change: medical school.

Claire described herself as “fiscally conservative” but her husband as “very frugal,” so he was eager to find ways to reduce or eliminate the weighty costs of medical school. While they were walking down the street together, they discussed the idea of having him join the military. One of her husband’s cousins had joined the military to pay for his medical school, and Claire thought that joining the Navy would be fun because they would be by the ocean.

Naively, she rejected the idea of the Air Force because she didn’t want to stay in Las Vegas; seeing how far the military can send her family, Claire can look back at her thought process and laugh. After praying together about the decision, they met with a recruiter, and it all felt “seamless.” In fact, there was “no doubt in my mind…we knew that’s what we were supposed to do.” 

That is not to say, however, that their military journey was not without its challenges. Claire gave birth to their first child just two weeks before her husband started medical school, their second during her husband’s OB clinical rotation, their third three weeks before her husband left for dive school, and COVID separated their family for months, and their fourth when her husband served as a dive officer before completing his residency.

The family has crisscrossed the country, accepting billets that were far from their dream locations and starting over again and again when it came to jobs and friendships. Nonetheless, Claire has found ways to thrive in each duty station and discovered new and unexpected joys in her military and personal journeys. 

The Eras of Military Life and Motherhood

Like Taylor Swift, Claire categorizes their military journey into “eras.” Reno, where her husband attended medical school, was her “motherhood” era, where she learned how to be a mom. Before her husband started medical school, Claire was an adjunct anatomy and physiology professor with aspirations to get her Master’s in Global Health at the University of Utah. Having their first child represented a major shift in her life; no longer in school or working, Claire found herself relying on her new best friend to navigate the early days of motherhood. The two later shared a middle school teaching position together before Claire shifted to working retail.

Claire found humor as she relayed what could have been the stressful circumstances of her second birth. Her husband was on his OB clinical rotation while she was in labor, and, due to unforeseen circumstances, got a little extra delivery practice. Claire had the rare opportunity to do a hospital water birth, and because the nurse didn’t believe her when she said the baby was coming, her husband unintentionally stepped in to catch their second baby. Ironically, the timing meant that he missed his OB shelf exam, but at least he got some hands-on experience instead.

Learning the Importance of Community

Her husband did his intern year at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, which Claire dubbed her era of “community.” She and her kids lived in a tight-knit neighborhood for two years where “I learned the importance of community and the beauty of friends becoming family and exploring where you live.” Their eight neighbors became their lifelines during this uniquely busy period. She loved living on the East Coast—a place she had romanticized—for the first time, and she made the most of exploring their new home. However, the rosy glow faded a little with the birth of their third child. 

Because of their newborn daughter’s medical condition and the young ages of their two older children, Claire and her husband thought it would be best if she and the kids stayed in Virginia while he rotated between Connecticut and Florida for dive school. While they would be separated for months, they took solace in knowing they would visit each other when they could. However, just a couple of months into her daughter’s life and her husband’s training, COVID took the United States by storm, and their plans of being together as a family were put on hold. The family was separated from January to July 2020, and Claire packed up and moved with her kids to San Diego without her husband. She was heartbroken to leave behind the strong support system that she had so relied on through this difficult period. 

love each duty station

Creating a Home at a New Duty Station

Looking back on this move, Claire admitted that she was sad that they didn’t get to stay in Virginia. Like so many military families, she had made a plan, she had her dreams, and she had her comfort zone, but she was unexpectedly forced to scrap it all for a place far from what she chose or wanted. They lived in military housing for the first time, and while they did make some strong friendships, they didn’t have the same instant community as Virginia.

Rather than dwelling on all that she had lost, Claire took advice from the life-changing book, This is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live by Melody Warnick. Dubbing this her “exploring” era, Claire and her family fell in love with biking, especially to the beach. Walking and biking, Warnick advised, helps families to see their communities in a new light, and those early emotional connections are key for transient military families. 

In addition to biking, Claire and her family have discovered that finding the familiar and establishing routines that align with their family culture are key to making a new city feel like home. For example, because Claire is an avid runner, finding a 5-mile running route “helps me feel more connected to a place.” Similarly, finding parks, libraries, and grocery stores gives them a sense of normalcy and familiarity.

Creating Connection Through Faith, Routines, and Exploration

Because their family is Mormon, their temple gives them a sense of peace and the reminder that not everything around them is strange and foreign. While each church community might be a little different, the beliefs and architecture provide a sense of peace and familiarity. These discoveries won’t all happen in a day, but Claire believes that investing time in your first month to exploring will pay off in spades in the long run. 

Another way that Claire came to embrace San Diego was by making a bucket list on her Notes app. The Internet can be full of haters who can point out the worst in any city, so Claire advises that you talk to people who’ve been stationed at your new home and ask them what they love about it. The list gives you something to look forward to and accomplish, especially in those awkward first few weeks when you’re trying to make a new group of friends. Plus, talking to experienced families can help you to get the inside scoop about the best beaches, restaurants, hiking trails, and other “locals-only” places that an Internet search won’t provide. 

love each duty station

When PCS Orders Are Not What You Wanted

Claire found “solace and enjoyment in exploring for four years,” and ultimately she “loved San Diego with my whole heart and soul.” When her husband finished residency, she knew that his new role as an attending would come with another move. However, she wasn’t expecting Camp Lejeune to be their next destination.

North Carolina wasn’t even on their list of potential next duty stations, and after planning out scenarios for five likely locations, this complete surprise was especially disorienting. The only thing Claire knew about Camp Lejeune was that her husband had told her years prior that she wouldn’t like living there. Claire found herself in tears because she had “put so much of my soul into loving San Diego,” and she was forced to start over yet again.

Claire’s negative mindset began to soften after she shared her disappointment with a church leader. He told her that while her “Plan A” and “Plan B” were no longer on the table, her “Plan C” was exactly what was supposed to happen for her family. He promised her that her moment of realization would come. Ultimately, he was right, but it would take two years for that to fully sink in. 

“Just because it’s different than mine doesn’t mean it isn’t magical or less than.”

— Claire

Finding the Good in an Unexpected Duty Station

Two years after they settled into North Carolina, Claire’s family was preparing again for their next move, and it suddenly struck her that “we know why we’re supposed to be here.” As the movers packed their things and her children said goodbye to their friends, it became clear to her that her unexpected and unwanted “Plan C” was something her family needed, even if it was something she had never envisioned. 

Even though all the Internet trolls gave Claire a million reasons to hate Camp Lejeune, she “can say with my whole heart I loved North Carolina…if you try there’s so much goodness there.” It was clear to her that beauty comes when you put effort into loving where you live. Yes, there were ticks, bugs, and mold, but there were also beach sunrises and shark teeth and the moment of pride when the effort she’d put into discovering her new home paid off. 

love each duty station

A New Adventure in Hawaii

Hawaii is the first duty station that Claire and her family had been able to pick, and while the decision helped to eliminate some anticipatory anxiety, there is the lingering fear that if Hawaii isn’t a good fit, it will have been their own fault for choosing it. Her husband had originally planned to leave the Navy and work as a civilian doctor, but none of the interviews felt quite right for him.

Claire suggested that he reach out about dive medicine positions in the Navy, and the detailers let him know that because he was the first to ask, he could have the first pick of the available billets. Hawaii immediately jumped out to them as an ideal choice; because of their daughter’s health condition, they are unable to accept an overseas position, so Hawaii gives them the closest taste to living abroad. The timing is also serendipitous because their oldest will be entering high school when they return to the continental US. 

Claire has found herself chunking her family’s life into her husband’s tours and is sad about how few moves remain until her oldest graduates from high school. Looking ahead also led her to regretfully look back on all the things her children missed because of their nomadic military lifestyle. Her children did not get the consistency of her childhood, and while she wanted to branch away from Las Vegas, she still grieves for her children not getting the experiences that shaped her own happy youth. However, she reminds herself that her children have uniquely exciting and interesting lives and “just because it’s different than mine doesn’t mean it isn’t magical or less than.” 

What Military Spouses Can Take Away From Claire’s Story

Claire’s story is about more than PCS moves and duty stations. It is about learning how to build a life in places you did not choose, finding beauty after disappointment, and giving each new chapter a chance to surprise you.

  • You may not love a duty station right away. Sometimes it takes time, effort, and a few unexpected memories before a place starts to feel like home.
  • Community can change everything. Neighbors, friends, church groups, and local connections can become lifelines during hard seasons.
  • Exploring helps you feel rooted. Finding parks, libraries, running routes, beaches, restaurants, and familiar routines can make a new place feel less overwhelming.
  • Your children’s story can still be beautiful. Military kids may not have the same childhood you did, but their experiences can still be meaningful, adventurous, and full of magic.

What Military Spouses Can Take From Claire’s Story

This latest move has been a reminder of all the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with moving to a new place. They don’t know where they’re going to live, and it could be weeks until they know exactly where “home” will be in Hawaii. They’re preparing to live in a hotel for the foreseeable future, which, as her family has pointed out, seems unusual from the outside.

“You don’t realize how crazy it is until a parent or sibling points it out,” Claire observed after spending a chunk of the summer with her family. She’s excited to begin crossing things off her ever-present bucket list with her husband and children and to share her adventures with her social media audience, hopefully inspiring them to explore a little more themselves. 

Katie McDonald is a Navy wife, and she and her husband are currently stationed in Guam. After 5 years as an English teacher, Katie is currently working as a freelance writer and enjoys writing about books and travel. https://www.katiereads.com/

The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Military Duty Stations

by Leave a Comment

The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Military Duty Stations

Moving every few years is a big part of military life. Sometimes you get orders to places you want to go. Other times you get orders for places you would never want to even visit. The key is preparing yourself for your new location, and the best way to do so is to hear from others who have been there.

Here is a list of military duty stations, and what followers from the Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Facebook page have to say about each place.

If you have just received orders to a new location, click on the link and learn the good, bad, and ugly about each place. That should help you prepare for your upcoming PCS. And if you have already been stationed at any of these places, feel free to add your own advice and thoughts to the threads.

Stationed in Alaska

Stationed in Hawaii

Fort Campbell in Kentucky/Tennessee

Fort Carson in Colorado

Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) in Texas???

Fort Eisenhower (Fort Gordon) in Georgia

Fort Irwin in California

Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri

Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) in North Carolina

Fort Riley in Kansas

Fort Sam Houston in Texas

Fort Sill in Oklahoma

Fort Stewart in Georgia

I will keep adding new duty stations as they are created! Here’s to an amazing PCS!

Getting PCS Orders to a Place You Really Don’t Want to Go

by

Getting PCS Orders to a Place You Really Don't Want to Go

Getting PCS Orders to a Place You Really Don’t Want to Go

This post contains affiliate links! 

You are waiting on PCS orders, hoping for Hawaii or even Germany. If you can’t go OCONUS, you are pulling for Fort Carson, your best friend lives there and you have heard so many good things. Your spouse comes home with orders for Fort Bliss.

After 5 years overseas you just want to get stationed somewhere on the East Coast so you will be just a few hours from your family. You learn you will be PCSing to JBLM in Washington.

After spending 10 years in landlocked states you are hoping for a PCS to anywhere near an ocean. He gets orders to Fort Riley.

As any military spouse can tell you, there are certain places we want to go and certain places we don’t. Sure, most of us would love to PCS to some of the more popular military installation locations but that isn’t always what goes into where you want to go. Sometimes you just want to be close to home. Sometimes you just want to see another part of the world.

But what do you do when you get those long-awaited orders and they are for a place you don’t want to go?

The orders are for a place too far away from home or too different from what you expected. What if you get orders for a place you have heard nothing but bad things about? How can you get past that? How can you get excited for your new adventure when all you feel about it is dread?

Here are some ideas for when you get pcs orders to a place you don’t want to go:

Talk to people who like the area

I don’t care where you are going, you can always find at least one person that liked that duty station. Trust me. Some people are just able to bloom where the are stationed and others are able to find that one thing to make their current location enjoyable.

See if you can find people to talk to that live or have lived in that location. Most places have Facebook groups. I have duty station guest posts you can read. Ask for real-life advice on social media.

Investigate

Once you find out where you are going, you can start your PCS planning process. If you are not excited about where you are going, spend some time looking into your new home. Find out what is nearby, what people do for fun, what your housing choices are.

The more you can learn about your new duty station the better prepared you can be once you move there and you are setting up your new life. Check out PCSgrades for more information about housing areas and neighborhoods that you might want to live in.

Make plans

Make a plan for once you get to your new home. Where will you go to make friends? What will you do for fun?

If you can figure some of this out before you go, you will be more excited to get there. If you would like to find a job in your new location, get your resume ready and seek out what is available to you. You can also look into working from home if that is something you would like to do.

Visit home before you go

If you are going to be stationed far from home, why not plan a trip back home before you go? See if you can work that in. See the people you want to see and do all the things you know you will miss while you are stationed far away.

Homesickness is real but planning a big trip to see everyone can help. And know that just because you will be stationed far away doesn’t mean you won’t ever be able to visit during the years you are there. You might be able to plan a trip or take advantage of Space-A if you are overseas.

What about you? Did you ever end up in a place you didn’t think you would like? Do you have PCS orders to somewhere you are not sure you will like? Leave a comment 🙂

When It Is Time To Say Goodbye, To A Place You Called Home

by

When It Is Time To Say Goodbye, To A Place You Called Home

The day is finally here, and you can’t really believe it. The movers will be here at 7, or maybe 8. Hopefully no later than 9. They will come to pick up your household goods. You will see them again soon, after a five day trip across the county.

You can’t help but wonder how this happened so fast. Sure, you were ready to get out of here, four years is a long time in one place. Sure, you couldn’t wait to PCS, you had been dying to move closer to your family ever since your husband joined the military 10 years ago. But now that this move was really happening? You are a ball of emotions.

You wonder how you will say goodbye to the best friends you have made here. Will you ever see them again? Will they ever be able to visit?

You wonder how you will get to know a new community. That took a while when you first moved here. Will it take that long again?

You wonder how your kids will do. They have to start over in a new school. You know they are scared, how can you help them through?

You are not sure what you should do once you get there. Should you look for a job? Is it worth taking a few classes to get your license in a new state?

As you drink your coffee, waiting for the military movers, you hope you will like your new home. Your current place is the only home your three-year-old knows. There are so many memories in this small home.

You might hate how small the closets are, or how much in BAH you are giving up but this place is home, and now it is time to move to another one.

It is time to say goodbye to a place you have called home, and you know that is never easy.

You have gone through a PCS before, you can do this. You will shed a few tears and then move on like you always have. You will be on the road soon and this duty station will become a memory.

In the years to come, you won’t miss the traffic getting on post, but you will miss all the playdates you had at the park by Starbucks.

You won’t miss how difficult getting a well-child appointment for your kids was, but you will miss the little cafe you would meet your husband at for lunch sometimes, waiting to pick up your son from pre-school.

You won’t miss how hard making good friends here way, but you will miss the friends you did meet, the memories you made, and all the fun you had together.

A PCS is an emotional time for any military spouse. You have to say goodbye to a place you have called home. You might never return, and you might never see these people again.

We are so lucky to live in a time with Facebook so we can keep in touch very easily. We can text our friends as we head our separate ways. We can watch their kids grow up through photos, even though we probably remember them the ages they were when we said goodbye.

We can look forward to starting over in a new place. We trade humidity for Alaskan summers. We trade being close to home for overseas experiences. We learn to live anywhere and bloom where we are stationed.

And after a few years, it is time to move again. To start the process all over. To watch the moving truck come and go.

To clean the house one last time. To pack the car. And watch your past fade into the future.

And there will be tears, and there will be laughter, and there will be hope. Hope that in your new place you can feel at home again soon. That this PCS will be a little easier because you have been through it all before.

You have hope that you will make new best friends, ones you will make some amazing memories with.

You have hope that you will get to know a new community, and your new duty station will soon feel just like home sooner, rather than later.

You have hope that your kids will be okay, and will look at this as an adventurous part of their childhood.

It is time to say goodbye to a place you have called home, and you know that is never easy. But you also know that this move is apart of your military life journey. And that no matter how different your new place is from what you knew before, you will figure everything out, as so many military spouses have done before.

Are you PCSing anytime soon? Where will you be going???

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

by Leave a Comment

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.

What is Fort Campbell Really like?

by 2 Comments

What is Fort Campbell Really like?

In March, we will have lived here in the Fort Campbell area for TEN years!

I can’t even wrap my mind around that. Since I left my parent’s home for college in 1997, I have never lived anywhere that long.

When I tell people I have been here for almost ten years, they look a little shocked and wonder if it is because my husband has been stationed here for all these years…

He was, from 2010-2014 he was stationed at Fort Campbell but ever since he has been in the National Guard, and we stayed in the area. We did this for a few reasons.

One of the biggest is that we can’t go back to where we are from. California is way too expensive, and it just doesn’t seem like that option is ever going to work out. Another reason is that we are just not sure where we want to settle for the long term.

We have so many thoughts about that, and we are just not sure. The third is that we have three boys in schools here, one with special needs, and we overall like how things are going. We don’t want to mess with that.

So how long will we stay in the Fort Campbell area? We are not sure. We have to see what the future brings!

There are active duty families that have been here for a long time. This seems to be the place that can happen sometimes. On the other hand, I have known a lot of people who have just come through here for two or three years, so you never know.

So, being here so long, you might want to ask me, what is the Fort Campbell area like? Is this place a good place to get stationed? Should we put it on our list that the Army may or may not go by?

Well…one thing to know about the Fort Campbell area is that different people have different opinions about the place. If Fort Campbell comes up in a Facebook group, I will read the replies and agree with some of them and wonder how the person came to that opinion with the others.

It seems like Fort Campbell is a different place for different people, so that is something to keep in mind when you look into moving here.

Where you can live

We live in Clarksville, a lot of people who live off post here live in Clarksville, on the Tennessee side. However, some people live in Oak Grove, Kentucky or further away from post, Hopkinsville, Kentucky or even up to Madisonville, Kentucky.

Where you decide to live can make a big difference in what you think of the area. There are active duty military families that live up by Exit 11 that can get to Nashville in about 30 minutes and others that live 30 minutes from Fort Campbell in the other direction, in a much more rural area.

The great thing about that is that you do have options and choices based on what you want to do. Want to live on post? You can. Want to live in a regular old neighborhood 10 minutes from post? You can. Want to buy property in a very country like area? You can. Fort Campbell is pretty flexible that way.

Where you can shop

Fort Campbell does have quite a few options for shopping. We have a Target in Clarksville, and many other stores you are familiar with. But we are also missing other stores such as Macy’s, Costco, and Trader Joes. The good news is, you can find a lot of what you are missing in Nashville. The bag news is, you have to actually go to Nashville and that isn’t going to be a quick trip.

Where you can eat

Clarksville does have its share of local restaurants. They try, they really do and we have a few favorites. However, the Fort Campbell area isn’t going to be the best place to find all the different types of foods you might be used to if you come from a bigger area. You might be missing something.

We have too many fast food places, and they seem to keep adding them. When a new building goes up, we hope for a new sandwich shop or cafe and get an Arby’s or a Taco Bell. That can be a bit frustrating.

Community life

One of the reasons Fort Campbell can be a good place for you is that overall they are pretty family-friendly. This is, however, an area where people disagree. Some people think Fort Campbell and Clarksville are family-friendly and others don’t.

The schools are a big hot button issue. We have always had a good experience in the off-post schools. Others feel very differently about that. The best thing to do is to check out what people are saying about the school but also keep an open mind. Talk to people who have had good and bad experiences to get the bigger picture.

Clarksville has a lot of community events you can take part in. From Easter Egg hunts to Halloween fun. There seems like there is always something going on. They are also trying to work on their downtown area and in the last few years, they have really added to it with new restaurants and the Downtown Commons which turns into an ice skating rink in the wintertime.

Traffic

If there is one thing I hate about this area it is the traffic. Being that I learned to drive in Southern California you would think it wouldn’t be that big of a deal but for some reason, the traffic around here gets under my skin. But I try to avoid the worst areas during the worst times.

A lot of the issue, at least in Clarksville, is that there are just too many people trying to go to the same place at the same time. Clarksville is spread out but there are only so many places to go on a Friday night.

Weather

You might be wondering about what Fort Campbell is like when it comes to the weather. The weather is really all over the place. In the fall, the weather can be nice but doesn’t stick around for very long. We can get a lot of rain, straight-line winds, and tornado weather.

Winter can bring snow, however, we usually don’t get very much. Usually no more than an inch or two at a time. However, we do have a lot of snow days. We have had years where we have had over 10 snow days and years were we haven’t even had one. Last year we might have had one, so I am guessing this year we could end up with a snow week, we will see.

If you live on post, the schools there do not close as often as they do in Clarksville. The post itself has closed for terrible weather but that doesn’t happen very often. It gets cold here if your idea of cold is anything under 30 degrees, which it is for me. If you are used to negative degree winters and snowstorms, you will think the winter is quite mild.

Spring brings a lot more rain and more of a chance of tornado weather and straight-line winds. One year, we lost power for 37 hours. Yikes! You do learn to adapt to this but it can still make me quite nervous.

Summer can be pretty humid starting in June and by August you will just be over it. However, you probably will have to wait until mid-September, or even October to really cool down. This year was the worst. We were still in the 90s when October started.

As I think back to my time in the Fort Campbell area, it has overall been a good experience. I am not sure I would have handpicked this area out of the entire United States, but the Fort Campbell area works for us for now.

Although we are a National Guard family now, we have a lot of the perks of the military. We can shop at the Commissary and a lot of the people I meet are connected to the military in some way. We don’t have to go far for the military community, which is nice.

If you have just received orders to Fort Campbell or wondering what Fort Campbell is like, feel free to reach out. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have 🙂

Have you ever been stationed at Fort Campbell???

5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Moving On Post

by

5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Moving On Post

The choice to live on post or off post is a personal one, depending on the military family, the location, and financial goals. What works for one family, might not work for another.

During your time as a military spouse, you might enjoy living on post in some places, and prefer living off post in others. Some families find they prefer to always live on post and others would rather always stay off.

When it comes to making the decision to live on or off post, it is best to know what you are getting into, what your options truly are, and weigh your pros and cons.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before making that decision:

Will you save money living on post?

Saving money is one of the most common reasons why people choose to either live on or off post. You have to figure out what will work best for you based on where you live, your BAH, and what type of home you will be living in. Not everyone is going to come to the same conclusion, even at the same duty station.

You would need to figure out what type of home you would be given on post, and compare that to what you could afford off post. Look at what your BAH would be to help figure out your budget. You need to make sure to include utilities, gas to drive to post, and any other fees you might not have to pay if you live on post.

How long will it take each of you to get to work?

Think about your commute time. If you are on post, your service member could live just a few minutes from work. If you are off post, you might be a few minutes from your job. Think about how much you might pay in gas, how long you want to be in the car, and weigh the pros and cons.

How are the schools on post vs off?

Schools are super important when you have children. You want to send them to the best place possible. When it comes to which schools are better, either on or off post schools, it really depends. You can look at school ratings but your best bet is asking people whose children have actually attended those schools.

If you are not in the area yet, you can easily ask this kind of thing in local Facebook groups. Just keep in mind that one bad experience does not make for a horrible school and there could be different factors as to why each person had the experience they did. Having special needs kids and knowing what is available to them is also a big factor in making this decision.

What type of home do you want?

This is another big factor in deciding if you will live on or off post at your duty station. Are you okay living in an apartment, condo or duplex? Do you want land? Do you want to build your own house?

At some duty stations, you might be more limited than others based on what you can get on post. Sometimes there can be long waiting lists for housing and you have to take what you can get if you do want to live on post.

How much military do you want in your daily life?

If you live on post, the military is going to be a bigger part of your daily life than if you live off post. If you live off post, you, as a spouse, might not even have to go on post all that often. So this totally depends on what you want.

Your service member might want a little bit of space from work as well. They might want to drive 15 minutes in order to get home instead of feeling like they live right next to their daily job. Being on post means you will be closer to everything military related, but ask yourself if that is a good or a bad thing.

Does your family prefer to live on or off post? Or on or off base for those who are not Army spouses 🙂

18 Signs That You Have Been Stationed at Fort Campbell During Your Spouse’s Military Career

by 2 Comments

18 Signs That You Have Been Stationed at Fort Campbell During Your Spouse’s Military Career

Fort Campbell is located on the Tennessee and Kentucky border, literally. Some people love being stationed at Fort Campbell, some people hate being stationed at Fort Campbell, and some have such mixed feelings it really depends on the day.

We have lived in the Fort Campbell area for almost nine years now. We have seen some changes, some good and some bad. We have gotten to know the area quite a bit, and will probably be here for a while longer.

Because my husband is now in the National Guard, he has not been stationed at Fort Campbell for nine years, however, I know people who have been or who have been here even longer. This is a place you might end up and stay forever, or you might just spend the typical three years.

Either way, here are 22 signs that you have been stationed at Fort Campbell during your spouse’s military career:

  • You can’t get over how long it takes to get to the mall, or really anywhere off post since EVERYTHING is so spread out.
  • You are still holding out hope for that nice, new shopping center in that field outside of Gate 7…even though you know it isn’t going to happen.
  • You got really excited to see not one but two Starbucks on post, each right by a playground for your kids, perfect!
  • You had to really think about if you wanted to live in Kentucky or Tennessee and weighed the pros and cons of both options.
  • Your kids get a snow day when there is not even an inch on the ground, or in some cases, nothing on the ground.
  • You can get to Nashville in less than an hour…unless there is traffic. Oh wait.
  • You had your baby at BACH and assumed that meant they were born in Kentucky but they were really born in, “Fort Campbell, Tennessee” which really is only a place listed on their birth certificate.
  • By the end of July you are so hot and humid, even going to the pool won’t help. Then you remember how you will feel in January.
  • You have to laugh at the endless comments about will there be school or won’t there be school during the winter months all because of a 40% chance of snow.
  • You feel like the area has every fast food chain in the world…well except for In-and-Out.
  • You only live 5 miles from post but it takes your spouse 30-40 minutes to get home from work some nights.
  • You know Tiny Town is the longest road in the world. It goes on forever.
  • If you live off post, there is a 90% chance that your neighbors are either military, former military, or grew up in the military.
  • You can still hear the booms, even though you live 15 miles away.
  • Finding a job in your field isn’t easy, and you might have to go to Nashville to find one.
  • You might get stuck behind an Amish buggy coming back from Walmart.
  • You now know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
  • You can’t help but appreciate the history of all the units at Fort Campbell.

Have you ever been stationed at Fort Campbell? Where did you live there?