Early Birds...Register for Spouse Field Exercise!

Shhh...it's a secret! Early registration for Field Exercise for AWTR listeners, LAS blog watchers, and well...YOU!

www.fieldproblems.com

Go...fast...hurry....tell all your friends!

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Thanks for the Whirlwind!!!

This week has brought on a whirlwind of activity. I've been working on the anniversary show (reminds me to find some anniversary music!) and also the debut of the new site www.ArmyWifeNetwork.com. Oh please please cross your fingers for my sanity and hope that things will get done in time. It is out of my hands with the designer but unless they work night and day I just worry it won't happen. I hate having things up in the air I can't control. (Note to self: You are a control freak)
It makes me very nervous. But I am axious and excited to see how things will go with the new site - so much more interactive than we've had before. We actually look like we might be professionals in this game!!! :) Who knew - we were a force to be reckoned with?

I can't believe - truly cannot - it's been four years and that we'll be seeing our third web design. WOW how much we've grown!! Just wanted to stop and say thanks...thanks for the WHIRLWIND! :) I'm loving every minute!!!!

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I loved Sesame Street/Sesame Workshop as a kid and even more as a parent! As a mom of two military brats, I found a new reason to love them!

A couple of years ago they came out with their Talk, Listen, Connect Initiative to offer support to help military families as they face challenging transitions of deployment and re-integration.

Now they are doing it again, this time talking about the Re-Integration process and homecoming! Their newest segment called "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change.” will air April 1st at 8pm (check your local listings) . The 30 minute HD segment features Queen Latifah, John Mayer and Elmo.

You can view a preview here!

In conjunction with the Sesame Street feature, PBS Engage is featuring Sesame Workshop’s Vice President for Outreach and Educational Practices Jeanette Betancourt . According to their website:

... as part of the ongoing PBS Engage series called “Five Good Questions .” The series features a PBS celebrity or insider and asks visitors to send in questions to be answered the following week. The blog series has been very successful and we are thrilled to have Dr. Betancourt as our feature this week.

This is a chance for you to ask any questions you may have about the coping with family changes, Sesame Workshop’s outreach initiatives, or whatever else is on your mind. We’ll pick five questions for Jeanette to answer and post her responses next week on the Engage blog.

Please visit the link and post your comments/ questions for Dr. Betancourt here

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New Book for Reserve and Guard

In August 2009 Sarah Horn is releasing a new book, "Weekend Warrior No More, Help and Hope for Reserve and Guard Families During Deployment. " It has personal stories and insights from the author, reservists and their families. She writes articles for Military Spouse Magazine. I love her style of writing I am so excited for this book to be released because there are very few books written from the Reservist/Guard point of view.

I finally finished my first part of School. I thought I would be more emotional than I am. I'm kinda blah about it. You know the feeling when you've waited for Christmas to come, and it finally comes and it's over and your left feeling kind of like I've all year for this and I don't feel any different. I thought I would feel at least relief but I don't. I'm not sure if it's because I know the hardest part is ahead of me after the break. I'm just not sure.

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The New Loving A Soldier Blog!

HOLY COW I didn't think I'd ever finish. This has been on my list to do before the debut of the new www.ArmyWifeNetwork.com for about three to four weeks now but never made it to the top of the list.

Tonight my family all went to bed early. Kevin sat down to watch "We were soldiers once" and I couldn't handle the whole bloody war and soldier's dying thing...man they're tougher than we are sometimes. Anyway I came back to work in the office. The intent was to work for just an hour or so. But when you get something like this started you have to keep trudging away.

So, if any of you saw pieces and parts looking kinda funky last night - that's why! :)

I bring you - the new look of Loving A Soldier. I hope you like it. I hope it's easier to navigate and it's easier on the eyes. I also hope you'll notice it's likeness to our new site once it opens!!

Whew...now it's 1:30 am. I'm off to bed. Those two hours turned into 4.5!!
I'm beat!!!

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Army Wife Life: March 23, 2009

This edition of Army Wife Life discussion is brought to you in partnership with Lucky Army Wives! (www.LuckyArmyWives.com)

Please leave your answers to the questions below by commenting on this post. Listen for Tara & Star's answers on Show 198: Week of March 23, 2009 using our AWTR Player to the left!

Excerpt blog post: Long gone are the days of calling cards, white gloves and classes on Army household management. Firmly established are the days of first name conversations, phone calls in lieu of thank you cards and children attending New Year's receptions at the commander's house. Is this atrophy of historical social graces good or bad? Does the more traditional protocol have any relevancy (or purpose) in today's Army?

What do you think?

Is your copy of The Army Wife Handbook dog-eared and ragged from extensive use? Or do you even OWN a copy of the handbook?

If your English-speaking host expects you to respond to an invitation written in English, why do they use a French phrase - RSVP or "répondez, s'il vous plait"? You took Spanish in high school, not French. – What does RSVP mean anyway?

When people go on and on about how "protocol is missing", do you hand them a map and tell them to go look for it?

What are you faux paux (sp?) are you guilty of when it comes to etiquette?

Do you write thank you notes?

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Army Wives

The selection for book club this month is Army Wives by Tanya Biank. It was originally published as Under the Sabers.

Your assignment is to read Part I this weekend, although I should really challenge you to put down the book and not read the whole thing this weekend because that would be more difficult. It is a fascinating read.

As you read keep in mind our theme of trying to figure out attributes of a "good" Army Wife. Are there things that these women do that make them good or bad Army wives?

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Clothing Sales

I was walking around Military Clothing Sales when I noticed some wrinkled ACUs in the back corner. Sure enough they were selling used ACUs for half the price. On the tag it said that there was 75% life left in the garment.

I thought it was interesting! Great way to save during tough times!

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Go Operation Hug A Hero!!!

As an outstanding show of support, the Fox News channel has invited Operation Hug A Hero to appear on the Fox & Friends show Saturday morning in New York City to talk about Operation Hug-a-Hero and how the organization is helping military families. There will be a couple of the military families that have benefited from having Hug-a-Hero dolls (also known as Daddy Dolls) while the Daddy (or mommy) has been deployed overseas. If you have time (or a DVR!), please tune in to Fox & Friends on Saturday. It's not guaranteed that it will air at that time but we are hopeful. To make the most of the trip, OHAH will also campaign for the cause at the Today Show on Friday morning (although this may be just a ploy for them to get close to Matt Lauer).

Operation Hug-a-Hero will also be making concerted efforts throughout the Month of the Military Child to get the word out through newspapers, radio and local news broadcasts. All these media sources will help us to raise awareness of the support required to help keep the children of our military families happy and secure during these difficult times.
If you would like to help, please continue to spread the cause or visit our website (www.operationhugahero.org)

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Your thoughts? Sarah Smiley's COMMENTARY on Spouse Clubs

Ladies,
I read this article over at Military Spouse magazine's AWESOME site www.milspouse.com and I wanted to share. What are your thoughts on this?

For decades, individual Spouse Clubs have been managed by the spouses themselves. This is what makes the organization so poignant. The Spouse Club, a group meant to support spouses of service members, is run by and run for.....spouses. The very people who need support also give it. It is a continuous circle. And it's all volunteers. No one complains about overtime, late hours, or "working" on weekends and holidays. Because everyone knows, at any given time, what separates the supporter from the ones he/she supports is a stroke of the clock.

On this day someone else needs support (a meal after they've had a baby, a ride to the hospital, help with finances, a shoulder to cry on), but the next day, it could be you.It is this natural give and take, but especially the ease and genuine nature with which it is given, that makes Spouse Clubs function, for the most part, like a well-oiled machine.

Occasionally, people (including the new Obama administration) have suggested that paid employees should manage Spouse Clubs. The theory is that a permanent position would lend continuity (Spouse Clubs change hands frequently as people are transferred between duty stations) and support from trained individuals.What these people don't understand is that the changing of hands, the constant evolution of Spouse Clubs, plus the we're-all-in-this-together mentality is what makes the organization so unique.... and successful. We help each other because we've been there and also because we might "be there" again some time in the future. We help each other because we understand. Because we live this life, too. And mostly, because the people in the Spouse Club become our family while we are part of it.

To take this fundamental aspect away from Spouse Clubs would, I think, ruin the entire organization and the family-helping-family history we have built. On our own.

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Military One Source Library!

The Military One Source online library is back in business! There are a few new titles available, such as the "Last Lecture" the moving story by Randy Pausch. Please go to www.militaryonesource.com to order your books and playaway books. Also check out the online resource available...it is truly incredible. The Military OneSource Online Library Resources are links to electronic databases, e-books, and audio books. Access our diverse list of resources by logging into the Military OneSource Web site and going to our Online Library Resources page.

Enjoy access 24/7 to these databases and books from the comfort of your home. We have something for everyone--including Tumblebooks (ebooks for kids), "how-to" home improvement books, standardized test prep, and more!

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National Medal of Honor Day

Wednesday, March 25 is National Medal of Honor Day -- established two years ago to recognize the ordinary men who fought gallant battles and received the nation’s highest award for valor. Of the millions who have served in America’s military, just 3,448 have earned the Medal of Honor. Only 98 of them are alive today.

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Need a sitter? Contact Red Cross.

It's been 23 years since I had babysitter training. They're still doing it.
My own son will go this spring--to help around here--but also as a way of lining his own pockets over breaks and summers to come.

I contacted my own local Red Cross by first getting the number from RedCross.org. Your local Red Cross can give you details concerning time, fees, age requirements, other resources, etc.

They can also be a source for you to find certified sitters for the summer or other times. A lot of posts' Children and Youth Services have the same capability through their Child Development Centers or similar organizations.

Just consider that a quick tip from this HH6. How are you all going to "manage" this summer?

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Military Songwriters Wanted

I just found this super cool contest online! You have to check this out.
America Supports You: Contest Seeks Military Songwriters
By Paul X. Rutz
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2006 – Some talented troops will soon have their songs professionally produced thanks to "Songs from the Soul of Service," a partnership in Texas.
William Brown, director of development for the Dallas Songwriters Association, said submissions will be accepted at the association's Web site, www.dallassongwriters.org, until Feb. 15. The group plans to hold a concert at Fort Hood, Texas, on June 10, with the winning entries professionally produced and performed by well-known musicians.

"We were looking for a way of using what we're good at to provide some service," Brown said. "What we're good at is running song contests and evaluating songs, so why don't we marry those two things together and see if we can provide ... entertainment for the men and women of the military?" Brown explained.

Current members of the armed forces are eligible to submit their original compositions, or do so on behalf of an immediate family member. Contestants may enter their songs in one of seven categories, with a limit of three songs per category.

So far, the association has received more than 200 submissions, and as the deadline approaches, the rate of submissions has been increasing exponentially, due in part to help from area businesses, Brown said.

"We're starting to get a lot of submissions, especially because BroadJam.com made available a free online submission feature for us," he said. "People can go from our Web site to BroadJam, upload their music, and then e-mail us their entry forms and lyrics, and it's free. In a normal contest, that's a fairly expensive proposition."

Brown said E-Cloud, a Dallas Web design firm, also has lent some important support, donating its services for free and running the site for more than a year.

"Most of our submissions come in from overseas, and the way they're able to contact us is by interfacing with that Web site, and we just didn't have the wherewithal to do it," he said. "Without (BroadJam and E-Cloud), we'd have had a much less successful interaction with those songwriters out there."

Though the Dallas Songwriters Association has been around for 18 years sponsoring annual amateur songwriting contests, Brown said its members found themselves breaking new ground in working with the military to plan this one.

"From my discussions with everybody up and down the various (military) branches, it's not something that they have had any experience with," he said.

Brown said his team of 13 volunteers has so far succeeded, thanks to connections with experts such as Army Reserve Maj. Darlene Wilson, a public affairs officer in Austin, Texas. Brown also credits his association's membership in America Supports You, a Defense Department program facilitating grassroots support for the military.

The group chose Fort Hood as the site for the concert after speaking with Wilson, who told them the post's Howze Theatre had the facilities and expertise to meet their concert needs.

Funding is tight, but Brown said he is confident his group will raise the more than $5,000 required to put on the event before it happens in June.

The group also expects to produce a CD that will be distributed to each servicemember who enters the contest and possibly sold to the public, Brown said.

Final decisions on which artists will perform the winning songs have not yet been made, partly because the association is waiting to see what song genres end up in the finals.

Brown said no matter which songs win, it's important to keep in mind the sacrifices many make in defense of the nation. That's why servicemembers' families are allowed to participate.

"We want to also capture the experience and honor the work that's being done by those families," he said. "Let's not forget about them."

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Partial to this one, honey...

There's a lot of patriotic themed jewelry out there, but this one tugged at MY heart. I think the diamond enticed me especially. Diamonds are my birthstone and this one is in the shape of a star, my name. So if anyone knows my honey...tell him this is the one. It has meaning, it shows pride, and it's got my name...all over it.

He (or you) can get it here at Signals.com.

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Disaster plan?

Who could have predicted that? Tonight during the show - about 40 minutes into it I had to politely excuse myself to have a short panic attack in my basement. No, I didn't freak out over the show but I did freak out when we heard the REAL LIFE NO JOKE TORNADO SIRENS! We had been experiencing a small, ok large, storm during the show. We had a few "clicks" and some lightening and the sky got darker and darker as we welcomed Sue Hoppin as our guest for the evening. Good thing she was such a good sport because about 15 min into our conversation I said "hey girls, I gotta go."

Thank goodness for my girls - Star, Leah, & Sarah. The show must go on AND IT DID! What a show. What a night. The show started off very distracted with an obnoxious male "visitor" showing his stupidity in the chat room. I had finally focused after excusing him with a big fat "BAN" when the storm really started brewing...

So ..note to self - must have disaster plan for WEATHER RELATED EMERGENCIES while stationed at Fort Sill, OK. Doesn't OK know we cannot have tornadoes on Monday nights?

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Tweens at Easter!!!

Tweens at Easter!!!

I just love the Easter holiday season…for many reasons in my family it is a time to get together for a beautiful meal. We always try to go to church together…the kids look so adorable in their special Easter outfits…I enjoy marking such events with a photo! This year MW and I are far away from everyone…so I have decided to make a special effort with Easter baskets for the kids in my life. To do so I have decided to get everything completed early! I am proud to say that I have just about completed my process…this is a record for me!!!lol

This year I was presented with a special problem or opportunity…what to do for my Tween niece/goddaughter………..During the Easter holiday it is relatively easy to put together an Easter basket for little kids…but what about our special Tweens. I decided to take on the challenge of putting together a special Easter basket for her…one that celebrates her arrival to this special time in her life. I included the customary goodies…great candy and milk chocolate…age appropriate books…a stuffed bunny… cool pink and grey fitted hats and a cool t-shirt.

Below you will find an article that could also be helpful to you! Remember to have fun…kids of all ages always appreciate thoughtful gifts.

Wishing you the best,
Tara JW

Easter Basket Goodies for Tween Girls
Fill your tween daughter's Easter basket with these fun and age approriate treats to make the holiday extra special.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1445680/easter_basket_goodies_for_tween_girls.html

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FREE Banners & Cards for military!

Build a Sign is once again giving away 20,000 Banners and Jumbo Cards to support our Troops at home www.buildasign.com/Troops There is a shipping/handling fee. Check out their website for more information!

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Army Families Are Army Strong!

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Operation Purple Camp: Apply Now!

Operation Purple Summer Camp Application Period Open:
The National Military Family Association is now accepting applications for its popular Operation Purple Summer Camps. Each camp is "purple" and open to children of any uniformed service member, active duty or reserve component.

This year the National Military Family Association will host more than 9,000
military children at Operation Purple camps in 62 locations in 37 states and
territories:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Guam,
Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi,
Missouri, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, the Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Information about specific camp locations is available at http://www.operationpurple.org/. Registration will be open until midnight EDT April 20th. Priority is given to military children with a parent deployed or deploying anytime between September 2008 and December 2009 and have not had the opportunity to attend an Operation Purple camp in the past. Camps are free to all participants thanks to support from the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation.

The National Military Family Association understands these are trying times for our youngest heroes. Operation Purple camps bring together kids in similar situations and teach them coping skills to better deal with their feelings. At the same time, camp helps build their confidence by introducing new experiences like learning to be stewards of the environment.

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

"May the road rise up to meet you;
May the wind always be at your back,
The sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow if His hand."
--------Irish Blessing

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Potrait of This Army Wife

This photo was one taken by an Army Girlfriend as she has been observing our unit prepare for deployment. Stephanie from www.sfphotograph.com has compiled, along with the picture above, portraits or journals of Army Wives rather. The collection is "Journals of the Army Wives" and was part of her college senior project.

She's interested in doing more. If you are in GA (and I think she's heading to TX soon), contact her via her Web site. For me it was a very cathartic experience. And it was so very interesting to read and view some of the younger wives' journal entries. Thank you Stephanie for a truly wonderful experience.

The text is written below, in case people can't read my handwriting.
You can also see my daughter put her two cents in as well. (She dictated her thoughts to me.)

This Army Wife Life brings the best and worst of times. Mostly, at this point, 15 years in, I choose to reflect on the best experiences: a greater love, a life of service, and children who have learned what it means to be dedicated and selfless.

David, their daddy, depends on us to think this positively and appreciate this life. Without us, I know he would not have made it this long, this far--almost to "Major Henderson." Without him and his brothers--he calls them--we would not have the free living we enjoy.

We're a team. It's hard to feel that way, especially when we're apart as often as we're together. But, keeping an eye on the bigger picture helps. Having his children, our children, close to me helps. Our faith and hope help too.

This "life" will not last forever. Army Wife Life will come to a close, but the feeling will last forever. And it is a good feeling, one that I wish I could infuse into the young wives to give them hope and strength to get them through their own trying times. --Starlet, 34

When he's gone I miss him. When he's here, I feel good. --Tara, 4

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Come Back Home

This video was brought to my attention. It was not so much the video that grasped me but the lyrics. My soldier is home now, but I'll never forget the feeling of deployment, and how much I missed him while he was away. I hope you all will enjoy this song as much as I have. I added a note from the artist underneath. Army Wives... the strongest women I know :)

From The Artist:
Come Back Home was written in the wake of me losing my longtime drummer and former Army soldier John C. Williams. But the song started off as a reflection of how a military couple deals with separation. After the release of Come Back Home, Johns little brother was killed by an IED in Iraq. His name was Blake Williams. His platoon used this track as the audio to a memorial slide show presentation they did in March of 2008. It was for all the courageous men and women they had lost in the month of
March. I am humbled by their service to our great country and I hope this song brings them some peace. My father served in Vietnam and I truly appreciate their dedication and bravery."

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Today in History…

Today in History…

Did You Know???

Today is a very special day for our military…in fact it is a historical day.
March 16, 1802


U.S. Military Academy established
The United States Military Academy--the first military school in the United States--is founded by Congress for the purpose of educating and training young men in the theory and practice of military science. Located at West Point, New York, the U.S. Military Academy is often simply known as West Point.

For additional information please go to…http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do?action=VideoArticle&id=4839.

In 1870, the first African-American cadet was admitted into the U.S. Military Academy, and in 1976, the first female cadets. The academy is now under the general direction and supervision of the department of the U.S. Army and has an enrollment of more than 4,000 students.

Wishing you the best,
Tara JW

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St. Patrick’s Day Recipe…Tasty and Fun!

St. Patrick’s Day Recipe…Tasty and Fun!

Hello All,

Growing up…I could never forget St. Patrick’s Day…I so looked forward to putting on my green sweater or a cute pin! Whether it was a fun art and crafts project in elementary school…a poem in middle school or a current event assignment in high school this holiday was always exciting for me!

Today…I find myself feeling that same sort of excitement…maybe it is because of the smile on the face of others as they search to confirm whether or not their friend is wearing green too! We all know what happens when you do not wear green on St. Patrick’s Day…all I can say is it can sting!!!! lol Below you will find a recipe to celebrate the Luck of the Irish! Enjoy!!!!

St. Patrick-
May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and for evermore.

To learn more about this holiday you can find great information at www.history.com/content/stpatricksday/who-was-st.-patrick. Have a safe and blessed holiday!

Corned Beef 'n' Cabbage
• 1 corned beef brisket with spice packet (1 pound)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 small head cabbage
• 4 medium carrots, cut into 3-inch pieces

Directions:

Place brisket and contents of spice packet in a large saucepan. Add onion, water and apple juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until meat is tender.

Transfer brisket to an 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray; reserve cooking liquid. Combine the brown sugar, orange peel, mustard and cloves; rub over meat. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut cabbage into four wedges, leaving a portion of the core attached to each wedge. Add cabbage and carrots to cooking liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Thinly slice corned beef; serve with vegetables. Yield: 2 servings.

As always…Wishing you the best!
Tara JW

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Hero On My Arm

I have a ton of homework I should be finishing for school, but I found myself doing one of America's favorite pass times surfing the web the other day. I stumbled on this site http://www.polkadotdoorboutique.com/ It is such a cool concept, you send them your loved one's ACU or BDU shirt and they turn it into a purse for you., she also has wallets and checkbook holders. I thought it was such a neat idea.

We are always talking about jobs and trying to find one as we follow our Soldiers from one place to another. I see she has a kit available to see her purses. Moving would just expand your customer base with this company! It is just a thought.

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I miss the “world” I left behind

Hello All,

I miss the “world” I left behind…yet I want to embrace the newness of my destiny. It kind of feels like my first Quarter away at college….I was excited about the future…yet missing the predictable past.

“The only way around is through”.- Robert Frost…A wonderful set of words by such a notable person.

MW and I have been out here in AZ for several weeks now. Far away from the rest of our family…from time to time I really miss jumping into the car to make the short ride to see my mother. To tell the truth I love being with my husband…I am thankful for each moment we have been given to reconnect…I can actually feel our bond growing even closer. At the same time I am a bit homesick…I miss the rest of my family…I miss the Atlanta skyline…I miss knowing where all the best places in town are…lol…I know I sound like a kid going on and on...about how much I miss the “world” I left behind.

I know the future MW and I are preparing for is far greater than anything I have ever experienced…I am just having a moment! Every time I look into MW’s eyes I remember just how right it is for me to be here with him. I am also reminded of how important it is for me to release the past to embrace the newness of my destiny…with the man who loves me and who I love. Life is filled with exchanges…he is safe here with me…and now I am far away from the life I knew.
If you have additional time in your very busy schedule please take a moment to read the beautiful poem by Robert Frost called “The Road Not Taken”.

Wishing You the Best!
Tara JW

It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.-Alan Cohen

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Must Have for Your Army Wife Bookshelf

Janelle Mock's book Portraits of the Toughest Job in the Army is a book you must have on your bookshelf. The book is a collection of stories about many different kinds of Army wives. The book is divided into sections which cover wives who are nearing retirement, women whose husbands are leaving the Army at the end of their commitment, Married to a "Lifer" and wives whose husbands haven't decided how long they will be in the Army. There is also a section that has photos of welcome home banners. The best part of the book are the beautiful photos that Janelle Mock has taken of her subjects. Her book is a must have because it reassures us that we are not alone in our experiences or our journey in Army life.

It is easy to see that Mock loves her husband and embraces her Army wife life. Her examination of Army wives is kind and nonjudgmental. Her words are enhanced by her expressive, living photographs.

Portraits of the Toughest Job in the Army is our March selection for book club. The on air discussion of the book will be next Monday the 16th on Army Wife Talk Radio.

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THE COOLEST CONTEST!!! CHECK IT OUT & PASS IT ON!!!

Hey Readers: This just in, a little birdie told me that there are not many entries and your chances of winning are HUGE! Get involved! This is a fantastic opportunity for a great prize or to honor a woman in your life. Please enter TODAY! :)

Celebrating Military Moms with Quaker Oats, Army Wife Talk Radio

The Celebrating Military Moms Essay Contest with Quaker True Delights is a great program because it allows you to recognize your Military Mom, for the responsibilities she juggles and delight she brings to your life.

Brag on your Military Mom this year. That’s what Quaker Oats and Army Wife Talk Radio invites you to do for the Military Mom in your life. The Celebrating Military Moms Essay Contest with Quaker True Delights is a great program because it allows you to recognize your Military Mom, for the responsibilities she juggles and delight she brings to your life.

Explain, in 150 words or more, what makes the Military Mom in your life special! She’ll be proud and overjoyed you entered her for a chance to win a Spa Finder gift certificate or a $500 Tiffany & Company gift certificate for a well-earned splurge. If she wins, her honor will be celebrated Mother’s Day weekend at her local commissary where she will be showered by Quaker Oats & DeCA.

In addition, all winning essays will be featured in Military media so everyone knows just how special you think she is. Find out complete details at ArmyWifeTalkRadio’s blog, LovingASoldier.com. All entries must be postmarked by April 15, 2009.

True Delights is a new product by Quaker Oats® that offers 3 delicious flavors, available in your local Commissary.

To learn more about Army Wife Talk Radio (AWTR), the original internet talk radio program for and by Army wives, visit http://www.ArmyWifeTalkRadio.com. Every Monday night anyone can listen LIVE at http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/awtr from 8-10PM Eastern. Archives, articles and various resources are all linked to from the AWTR homepage.

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twitterpated

twitterpated by Urban Dictionary


An enjoyable disorder characterized by feelings of excitement, anticipation, high hopes, recent memories...

These are all feelings and moments you'll share if you join us on twitter.

We announced on Monday's Army Wife Talk Radio show that ArmyWifeNetwork is using Twitter. Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch with people through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

Join today to start receiving ArmyWifeNetwork's updates.

Some of you are saying..."ARMYWIFENETWORK! GIVE US AN UPDATE ON THAT!" and we will...if you join us on twitter and listen to our Monday Night Army Wife Talk Radio shows. It's coming soon, and we're working to make sure you'll love it. It'll be what you are looking for, with Twitter and more!

Also coming soon is our next Field Exercise at Fort Sill, OK. We'd love to see you there. That's right: you'll only learn more if you join our network, facebook, and you yourself get.....twitterpated!

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Puppy and more

So it's been a little crazy in our house. First of all, we just bought a house and moved! Just Matt & I.....we moved ourselves. That was interesting in and of itself. We started moving on a Friday night right after he finished with work and moved until 3 am! Oh my goodness were we ever tired! We moved until we both hit the point of muscle failure. Now we are in a house - out of apartment living! YAY!

Two days after we move, we ended up with a puppy. His name is Harry. Harry is an Australian Cattle Dog, also known as a Blue Heeler. He's a good puppy. Within the first week, he got the clue that when he needed to go potty that he needed to go to the door. Now that we've had him almost a month, he's almost completely house broken - with the exception of the occasional accident by the door while waiting on us. Needless to say, he has taken up a lot of my time and energy. He does listen, but he is a very active little guy!

On top of all this, I am taking 19 credit hours this semester at school and am dealing with some idiot professors. One professor is trying to make up absences that I really don't have so he can lower my final grade. Ugh! Then on top of it, not only will he not do anything, but the chairman of the music dept. has ignored my email about it! It's rather annoying.

Thank goodness this week is spring break! Matt and I were supposed to go home to PA this last weekend becuase my mom was throwing my first bridal shower. We got halfway between Cincinnati and Columbus when his truck started to act up, so we were close enough to home that we turned around and came back. Matthew being the sweetie that he is, helped me look for a plane ticket. We found one for under $200 - which I thought was great considering it was last minute! Then, I also got to visit a little longer than originally planned. The only downer was that I had to ship everything home which cost another $100! ACK! Oh well! This coming weekend I am renting a car and picking up my best friend/maid of honor and we are going to my granny's in the south for another shower! I am looking forward to spending time with even more family and just having fun!

Life's been pretty busy and will stay so until after the wedding!

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Kielbasa Soup Mess Hall

Here is a quick recipe that is easy on the pocketbook

Kielbasa Soup

3-4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
1 cup of sliced carrots
1 cup of celery
1 cup of onions
1 can of chicken stock
2-3 cans of water
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 package kielbasa sausage cut into one inch slices

Combine the first six ingredients and cook 15 minutes. Then add the sausage and cook until the sausage is heated through and the potatoes are tender. Whisk in the cream of chicken soup and cook until the soup thickens.

Serve with warm bread. This soup is super simple, you can try adding cabbage or mushrooms. You can also increase or decrease the carrots, celery, or onions per your personal taste.

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First Hospital Experience

I was completely like a fish out of water. I had to go for one of my regular annual doctor visits recently, however, this would be my first time on post. I kid you not: I was sent to 4 different buildings before finally arriving to the appropriate spot with only 4 minutes to spare! I left with plenty of time. I had a gut feeling that might happen. (WORD TO THE WISE, WHEN GOING SOMEWHERE NEW ON POST GIVE YOURSELF AMPLE TIME!) The staff at our post hospital were so incredible friendly and helpful. Even our new family doctor was fantastic. When you first arrive you will have to scan your military dependent ID at a kiosk to confirm your appointment and your arrival. You simply slide it down the right side of the computer just like an ATM or credit card. At that point your information should come up and you need to follow the simple questions and directions on the touch screen. At the end of my appointment I was sent to the laboritory/radiation to drop of some items; as well, I was asked to stop by the pharmacy to pick up a prescription. All of these areas are under the same roof. Thank goodness because this makes it very easy to navigate. I normally would not share so much information with you but I really feel it will be helpful to you newbies to know exactly what to expect. When you arrive to the laboritory and/or pharmacy there will be another electronic device with 1 or more options on it. Don't worry it will be in plain sight and have signs. Read carefully as you will need to press a button on this device to select if this is for yourself, family member, or simply just to wait. The reason for this is that a ticket will be dispensed upon your push. This will determine your spot in "line" and then you will sit in the waiting area until the number on your ticket is called. Kind of like and organized lottery. It's very effective and a neat way to process folks through. I just wasn't expecting it at all. I had to share this experience with you all as to help you for your first endeavor at your post hospital. Good luck! If you have any questions or comments to add, do so below on the comments tab, or email me at: Leah@armywifetalkradio.com

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Survivor Weekend at Fort Stewart/HAAF

This looks like a blast!!! Had to share!

Family Survivor Weekend offered
Looking for a weekend event in which you and your
Family can team up and get involved in a friendly, fun
competition with other Families?
The Family Survivor Weekend event scheduled for
March 27-28 at Fort Stewart’s Holbrook Pond and
Hunter’s Lotts Island might be just right for you. As a
convenience to Families from Stewart and Hunter, the
competition will be offered simultaneously at both locations
at a cost of $25 per Family. Space is limited.
The MWR-sponsored event is based on the popular
CBS reality TV show, but with some distinctive differences:
the competition won’t be cutthroat and you do
not have to camp out overnight.
You will have to provide your own food. Coolers and
other containers will be allowed, but no cooking equipment
will be available at either location. Everyone who
takes part will be given a Survivor T-shirt. Families will
divide into tribes the first night.
The Family with the best tribal flag and slogan will be
honored, March 28 with a catered dinner. There also will
be arts and crafts, wheelbarrow races and other activities.
For details, call 767-4316.
Fort Stewart registration will be at the Leisure
Activities Center, 767-2841.
Registration at Hunter will be at Outdoor
Recreation,315-9554.

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BIG OL' MESS

Last night my husband, Jay, called in for our MESS HALL segment and we wanted to share his yummy grilling recipe with all of you as well. It's a spicy one, but it's tasty and great when you have the other soldiers over to visit.

BIG OL' MESS
"The sloppier it gets, the better it tastes."
1 lb. smoked sausage, cut into chucks
1 jalapeno, sliced (without seeds)
1 green pepper, cut into bite-size chunks
1 sweet onion, cut into bite-size chunks
1 foil cooking bag (can make one from regular sheet foil)
1/4 cup Tabasco sauce
1 10-ounce jar sweet-and-sour sauce

Place sausage, peppers and onion in foil bag. Mix Tabasco sauce with sweet-and-sour sauce in a small bowl and pour over the mixture in foil bag; seal edge tightly. Place foil bag on grill; cook for about 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes. Slit open and serve right out of the bag. Makes 6 to 8 appetizer servings or 4 main course servings. This is great as an appetizer or main dish. To serve, use skewers or load onto chunks of a crusty bread.

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Cheeseball! Mess Hall!

I'm such a cheeseball, because I get excited about the silliest things.
Like being able to "look like I know what I'm doing" in the kitchen.
Hey now: I'm not terrible, but I just don't get creative. But lately, I have.
It was all spurred by the warm, loving appreciation I rec'd from David
after creating a dessert from a Christmas gift.

My neighbor gave me a cheesecake mix and a sweet card.

It was near the New Year and I think--but can't remember--that I made a New Year's resolution not to be so indulgent. So, a whole cheesecake for the four of us seemed over the top. So, I kept the mix until I had something to make it for...and after picking it out of my cabinet several times contemplating if I could get away with making it for "just us", I eventually had read the whole bag over completely.

A Cheesecake Ball? I'd never heard of such a thing. But there was the directions, easy as pie--er' cheesecake, which is Really, Really easy.

Here's the recipe and my comments on presentation for the party it did eventually get made for:

2 packages (8 ounces each) softened cream cheese, even "light" or "fat-free"
1 stick butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup miniature semisweet chips
graham crackers (or vanilla wafers, or gingersnaps)

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in brown sugar and powdered sugar. Add vanilla. Fold in chips. Refrigerate in a bowl for 3 hours. Form a 3-5 inch ball, which you can roll in chopped pecans. Serve with graham crackers.

Because I had a mix, I didn't have to have the brown sugar, powdered sugar, etc. I just had the mix and the cream cheese and butter.

I rolled mine in graham cracker crumbs and served with graham sticks. You can get them in honey, cinnamon, or chocolate. I actually alternated graham sticks and apples around the platter that the cheesecake ball sat on. It was a big hit.

At the party, David and I were not the only ones who had not seen or ever eaten a cheesecake ball, so I hope I'm telling all of you something new too.

I love cheesecake and I love dip.
So, this dual purpose cheeseball really took the cake!

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Biting the bullet....

Tonight we talked about K12.com on our show. What an interesting and alternative way to go to school. I LOVE IT for military families!

It seems it is a very "educational" day all around for me today. Today I bit the bullet and enrolled both of my girls in a private school. Let me give you some history - I am a product of public schools and just really do NOT want to pay for the private schools, so this was a HUGE step for me personally.

For Wrena it was a just a matter of moving from Richmond Hill (Fort Stewart, GA) which has excellent schools to Lawton which has "ok" schools. She's just not thriving. She's getting "lost in the sauce" and she's "bored". For Chloe - it was a matter of my sanity. For our pocketbook - it means I need a new job and will therefore be closing Army Wife Talk Radio and LovingASoldier. JUST KIDDING! But really - it's like a mortgage and it's going to really hurt - so we'll be looking for June Walbert from USAA to tell us how to better budget so we can survive!

I do feel guilty about the money. I do feel guilty about wanting time for myself and time to work uninterrupted because the whole reason I "stayed home" to work was so that Chloe and Wren would have me around while they grew up. But BUT I do think I'm a better mom if I can give work it's attention from 8:30 to 3:30 and give Chloe and Wrena my best the rest of the time. AND - if they ever need me - I'll be here. Ya, granted Wrena it is the same as now, time wise. For Chloe though it means preschool at 2 years old vs. 3 years old (when I normally would have sent her) five days a week (vs. the three I did with Wren). It was hard - but I think I made the right choice.

Now, I have to make sure I reallocate that time that I have to "kick butt" on things that matter - like taking care of myself (read as GYM!!!) and finding more profitable venues for my business, and maybe even (dare I say) relaxing!
(dang it....there creeps in guilt again!)

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Mess Hall - March 9th, 2009

Yum-o! Try this neat recipe that one of the CCC Spouses' brought to our AFTB meeting on Thursday - so elegant and SO YUMMY!

Oreos
Jello Pudding - Cheesecake (and the ingredients to make it)
Muffin Cups
Sliced strawberries, kiwis, and some bluberries

Take oreo and put in bottom of muffin cup, top with prepared cheesecake pudding. Set. Top with fruit. Viola!

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Army Wife Life - March 9, 2009

This edition of Army Wife Life discussion is brought to you in partnership with Lucky Army Wives! (www.LuckyArmyWives.com)

Please leave your answers to the questions below by commenting on this post. Listen for Tara & Star's answers on Show 198: Week of Jan 26, 2009 using our AWTR Player to the left!

Original blog post: While eating at the dinner table with my parents (visiting from out of town) - my husband and I were drawn into a conversation about President-elect Obama's future cabinet. I will flat out admit that I haven’t been following the cabinet selection progression. And, to open the proverbial kimono even further, such adult and academic conversations make me feel uneasy, unsure of exactly where my beliefs fall: Left? Right? Center? I worry that my voice is not sophisticated enough to hold up my end of the conversation.

To be clear - when it counts, I’m on it. I know what's in my cabinet – no, I’m not going to confess to the SPAM; Funjuns; or the generic-label, o-shaped pasta with wiener-type meat that comes in a tin can – because, let’s face it, the only one concerned about my cabinet contents is Mercedes who is continuously surprised that dinner continues to roll around every evening at 6 pm.

But let’s go back to the table because it is important. And, our places at the Army Wives Round Table (your visual is correct – we’re all beautiful; we’re adorned in shimmery, silver, armored suits; and we’re carrying familial shields and sharp piercing spatulas) – are important. Here’s why – we each must decide how we’re going to engage with each other, the Army, our families – while sitting at the table.

When at an FRG meeting, community event, volunteer activity, do you have something relevant to add to the discussion? We bet you do! Aside from the leadership, we each have the same voice in the proceedings. Of course, the most valuable voices often come from those who consistently attend meetings, participate in group efforts and events, and engage whenever applicable - because those folks can provide the most current feedback. That can be any one of us - regardless of rank or position!

What do you think?

When the FRG leadership asks for input do you jump up and do a hurkey or pick the fingernail polish off your pinky while staring at your left shoe?

Is choosing a FRG fundraiser more politically painful than issues our politicians are currently addressing?

If your spouse said "It's your special night, sweetheart!", where would you choose to eat dinner? Would you let him go along?

What are some of the special contents of your cabinet?

Can you name three Presidential cabinet positions (other than above the stove, next to the dishwasher, over the microwave)?

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If a Tree Falls...

I am trying to get organized for yet another permanent change of station or pcs. My main challenge is that two moves ago, the packers dumped all of my plastic bins into boxes. If they'd put one bin in one box, then I would have been able to reorganize fairly quickly, but of course I think they just randomly put things in boxes depending on color or shape so I just had a jumbled mess. We added insult to injury by moving ourselves onto post last year, so now it is a complete disaster.

I read somewhere that if you shuffle cards long enough that eventually the cards will end up in the correct numerical order. So, I was wondering if we move enough will all of our stuff end up where it belongs, organized?

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Attention Cooks!

I just found out about this very special project... my friend Carrie (and fellow military wife) is heading up a project to raise funds to support wounded warriors and their families!

Honor Their Service, inc., the home of such great projects as Operation Fresh Air and Operation Santa at the Hospitals, is putting together a Milbloggers' Cookbook.

The cookbook proceeds will go to helping us support wounded/injured servicemembers and their families with fishing events as well as some soon to be announced projects.

We need submissions from milbloggers and commenters alike in all categories (appetizers, sides, salads, soups, main dishes, desserts, drinks, etc.) If you have a recipe (or two) that you are particularly proud of, we'd love to put them in the book.

In addition, you can submit pictures if you like. I ask only that you don't submit pictures of people in speedos. Speedophobia is not a joking matter, people.

We will also be featuring favorite recipes as well as memories from some Gold and Silver star families. These folks, as well as our active duty (Blue star) folks, are the very reason why Honor Their Service exists.

Here are the details:
Send your recipes (and any questions you might have) to HTScookbook@yahoo.com.
We are accepting recipes from today until March 16th

The cookbook will be made available for sale after we negotiate and have them printed. The price is going to depend on how many recipes we are including and what type of binding we want. Just as our events are modest proposals ($500 for an Operation Fresh Air event), we will make sure that the cost of the cookbook will reflect the same attitude.

So send those favorite recipes in and help support our wounded warriors and their families!

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Life of an Army Wife NOT the toughest job?

Weigh in with your thoughts - click on COMMENT below!
The life of an Army wife: It’s a challenge but is nothing compared to soldieringBy Genevieve Moriarty

Army wife — toughest job in the Army.

There’s a statement for you, if ever there was one. More than likely, you’ve seen the bumper sticker within a 50-mile radius of any given Army installation. I’m certain even Reserve and National Guard wives have it on their cars. It’s a kind of status symbol.

However, look closer at Army wives and you’ll notice a few things. They are housewives, mothers, teachers, nurses, bankers — your average everyday American wives.

So why is it the toughest job in the Army? Wives aren’t enlisted or commissioned. If they were, they’d be given a serial number, a pair of dog tags and the coveted rank of Spouse, One Issue.

I’m an Army wife. I get up at 0400 hours every morning, earlier if duty requires it.

I make sure everything is in order for my husband. Uniform, socks, T-shirt, boots, blousing rubbers, underwear, lunch, PT uniform, sneakers, more socks, keys, ID card, dog tags, wallet and large bag to carry it all in — right there waiting for him. Translate all that into civilian language and they’re the standard tasks of any wife.

I make sure he’s squared away for duty and that he has everything he needs to keep his job running smoothly — including some things that the Army sometimes won’t supply. He comes home in the evening and I wash his uniforms, underwear and socks, make dinner and clean up — all this after a hard day of looking after small children, cleaning, paying bills, doing this for that soldier or that for this soldier and/or spouse.

My day ends when everything is done — 2300 hours, sometimes later. I do this without complaint (most of the time).

I send my husband off to training, schooling and war, all the while keeping the home front running like a well-oiled machine.

Hard? Sure.


Challenging? You bet.

Toughest job in the Army? Not a chance.

I was a soldier once, and I challenge any spouse to put on a uniform, go through recruit training, field exercises, deployments on peacekeeping operations and war. Sleep in the mud — if you’ve got time to sleep. Have wet socks for days on end. Get chafing in spots not generally mentioned in a polite conversation.

Do all this while mounting guard duties after you’ve been out in sector on patrol for a few days. Eat the worst-tasting chow ever. Have a few laughs when things are going well. Cry a few tears when a buddy buys the farm. On top of the stress of surviving each day, worry about a nagging spouse back home.

I think I’d take my “job” any day over that. Sure it’s painful to say goodbye. The long, cold, empty nights are horrid. So are the days when all you need is a hug from your spouse, which you won’t get for another 240-odd days. I loathe being apart from my husband.

But if you’re looking at being a military spouse as a job, you’re looking at your life all wrong.

Calling your lot in life a “job” conjures up such images as office clerks in brown suits sitting under fluorescent lighting watching the second hand tick slowly around the clock face.

There’s not a lot of recognition for what we do: squaring our shoulders, rolling up our sleeves and carrying on with the day-to-day operations of running a household and family.

When my husband comes home and his tired eyes light up when he sees us, that’s all I need.

Should you want to throw eggs at my car, I’ll make it easier to find.

Mine will be the one with the bumper sticker that says, “Military spouse: Greatest challenge of my life.”

The author is a former corporal now married to a soldier. They have two children and live at Fort Campbell, Ky.

From AWTR: Ok, now weigh in with comments - what do you have to say?

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Farewells...

My husband and I have been stationed here at Stewart for about 2 months now. It's been great really. I love the scenery and all the places we can travel. Being that we are just home from a deployment many folks are headed out to other posts or ETS (End Time Service). In just the last 3 weeks I have attended 3 farewell parties. It's so exciting to see that these families are growing and maturing... traveling to new locations and having new adventures. However, it is sad to see them go. Many of the spouses now leaving are the only ones I have even become friends with. This brings me some mixed feelings of loneliness and joy all at once. The most recent event we attended was particularly neat. Not only did they honor the soldier with a plaque and a gift from the unit and its men, but they also honored the spouse. The gift was very touching. A wooden framed poem about the military spouse and in the wood were stuck pins of our unit patch design with a note to add more as they move from post to post, marking and remembering their Army journey. The spouse was also given a bouquet of yellow roses to symbolize the friendships we make as wives. It was very touching and sweet. I just had to share it with you all. As many of us know, however, there are really no good-byes in the Army. At some point we meet again, or meet a friend of a friend who knows that friend. Farewells are really just an opportunity for new Hellos.

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Now That's An Army Wife

Have you ever been to an event hosted by an amazing Army spouse and thought to yourself "now that is an Army wife?" Have you been to the commissary looked over and saw a woman immaculately dressed with seven kids in tow and felt like less of an Army wife yourself?

Over the next couple of months we are going to be reading books about real Army wives, trying to figure out what it is to be a "good" Army wife. In March we are reading Janelle Mock's book Portraits of the Toughest Job in the Army and April's selection is Army Wives by Tonya Biank.

In order to be a "good" Army wife do you have to volunteer to run functions and bake for bake sales? Do you have to attend every mandatory fun event?

What makes you a "good" Army wife? Do you think you are a "bad" Army wife?

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Mom Soldier Reporting for Duty with Kids - Your Opinion?

AOL: When Lisa Pagan reports for duty Sunday, four long years after she was honorably discharged from the Army, she'll arrive with more than her old uniform. She's bringing her kids, too.

"I have to bring them with me," she said. "I don't have a choice."

Pagan is among thousands of former service members who have left active duty since the Sept. 11 attacks, only to later receive orders to return to service. They're not in training, they're not getting a Defense Department salary, but as long as they have time left on their original enlistment contracts, they're on "individual ready reserve" status -- eligible to be recalled at any time.

Soldiers can appeal, and some have won permission to remain in civilian life. Pagan filed several appeals, arguing that because her husband travels for business, no one else can take care of her kids. All were rejected, leaving Pagan with what she says is a choice between deploying to Iraq and abandoning her family, or refusing her orders and potentially facing charges.

Then she hit on the idea of showing up Sunday at Fort Benning, Ga., with her children in tow.

"I guess they'll have to contact the highest person at the base, and they'll have to decide from there what to do," Pagan said. "I either report and bring the children with me or don't report and face dishonorable discharge and possibly being arrested. I guess I'll just have to make my case while I'm there."


Master Sgt. Keith O'Donnell, an Army spokesman in St. Louis, said the commander at Fort Benning will decide how to handle the situation.

"The Army tries to look at the whole picture and they definitely don't want to do anything that jeopardizes the family or jeopardizes the children," O'Donnell said. "At the same time, these are individuals who made obligations and commitments to the country."

Of the 25,000 individual ready reserve troops recalled since September 2001, more than 7,500 have been granted deferments or exemptions, O'Donnell said. About 1,000 have failed to report. O'Donnell most of those cases are still under investigation, while 360 soldiers have been separated from the Army either through "other than honorable" discharges or general discharges.

He said Pagan isn't likely to face charges, since none of the individual ready reserve soldiers who have failed to report faced a court-martial.

Pagan, who grew up near Camden, N.J., was working in a department store when she made her commitment in September 2002. She learned how to drive a truck, and met Travis while stationed in Hawaii. She had her first child while in uniform, and they left the service in 2005 when their enlistments were up.

She always knew there was a chance she could be recalled, so she buried the thought in the back of her mind.

"When I enlisted, they said almost nobody gets called back when you're in the IRR," she said.

The young family settled outside of Charlotte in the college town of Davidson, where Travis landed a job as a salesman. It required lots of travel, but that was OK -- Pagan enjoyed her life as a stay-at-home mom to their son Eric and second child, a daughter named Elizabeth.

She opened a child-care center in her home, and started taking classes at nearby Fayetteville State.

The orders to return to active duty arrived in December 2007. She told the Army there was no one to take care of her children: Her husband spent most of his time on the road, and they believe quitting his job is a sure path to bankruptcy and foreclosure. Her parents live in New Jersey and her husband's parents live in Texas. Neither are able to help out. The Army wasn't persuaded.

Pagan hired attorney Mark Waple, who filed another appeal, which included a letter from Travis Pagan's employer that said bluntly: "In order for Travis to remain an employee, he will be required to travel." In December 2008, her appeal was again rejected.

"It's the obligation of commanders to make certain that service members have a valid family care plan and that clearly has not happened in Lisa's case," Waple said.

Tom Tarantino, a policy associate with the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a nonprofit group that helps veterans, said the Army has taken a hard line on many of these cases.

"Usually the only way that someone can get out of the deployment or get out of the military due to a family hardship is if they get into a situation where the kids will be put into foster care," Tarantino said.

"That's how serious it has to be, and I'm sure what the military is telling her -- and I'm not saying that this is exactly the right answer -- but the fact that it is inconvenient for her husband's job is not the military's problem. It's very harsh."

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Monte Carlo Night: Oklahoma Style

One of my favorite things about the Army - ok THE FAVORITE - is Social Functions!! Where else but in the Army would you get to have so much fun doing things and meeting people? I mean, really?

Last Saturday we went out to the Patriot Spouses Club here at Fort Sill for their Monte Carlo Night: Oklahoma Style. We weren't sure what that meant but we were ready to party in our cowboy giddyup fashion! We took our friends Carla and Dave with us (see picture) and we managed to convince one of the other single instructors - Scott - to go with us too! (Doesn't he look like he just fell off of a John Deere?)

Now, we know our OK friends wouldn't think anything of this get up. But we regular folks, I mean non-OK type think this is a bit HILARIOUS!!! My belt even had real COW FUR in it amongst the rhinestones!! You gotta laugh! Kevin was so proud of his lovely belt but more so of his ROCKIN' shirt that he found at the feed store. Yes, I said feed store.

Guess what though - I might make fun but it was A BLAST! So there....I guess I'm turning into somewhat of an Oklahoman myself. Errr...dear God....QUICK...someone drive me to TEXAS!!!

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Take Action: Military Spouse Residency Relief

Military Spouses and Families:

We have your lucky numbers-Senate Bill 475 (S 475) and House of Representatives Bill 1182 (HR 1182). These are the bill numbers for the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act which will provide a home state for spouses.

Military Spouses resist the urge to read this and do nothing. Instead, advocate for a better quality of life, contact your Congressman (likely to have 2 because of this dual state situation) and Senators (likely to have 4) and ask them to support the bill (Senate- 475 or HR- 1182) by becoming cosponsors. To contact your representatives, find their information here: www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Please visit us on Facebook to be a supporter and get up to date information on "Military Spouses Residency Relief Act" at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Military-Spouses-Residency-Relief-Act/51457362877. Let us know how it went when you contacted your Representatives.

Activate your family and friends network and ask them to take action. We need you to tell Congress Military Spouses should have a home state!

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Free Personal Finance Book!

In conjunction with Military Saves Week, Kiplinger’s and the Council of Better Business Military Line have just released a free, 16-page guide that offers comprehensive financial advice for military families. Written by Kimberly Lankford, contributing editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and herself a military spouse, the guide covers topics such as:

 Deployment Preparation/Financial Readiness
 Buying A Home
 Taxes
 Insurance
 Avoiding Scams that Target Military Families
 Retirement Planning

The booklet—Kiplinger’s-BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families—is being distributed to more than 700,000 servicemen and women worldwide and can be downloaded from Kiplinger’s Website at: http://www.kiplinger.com/money/military

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Educational Down Payments

“At K¹², we sometimes speak of students making "down payments." Of course that's a metaphor—we're not signing up third-graders for home mortgages or car loans. However, the down payments we have in mind are investments—not of financial capital, but of intellectual capital.

These down payments are early investments of the student's time and effort to master specific knowledge in expectation of a later payoff. Like an annuity or retirement plan, the more you invest, the greater the likely payoff. The payoff is, in its strictest sense, academic—the early investment of effort pays off later in the ability to understand more sophisticated concepts. But, as we'll see, there can be other payoffs as well.

K¹²'s curriculum is designed to help students make early down payments that build their fund of important knowledge and skills, or intellectual capital. The down payments prepare the early learner, the novice, to think a bit like an expert. In their chosen fields, experts organize their knowledge in specific patterns. The expert's mind does not rummage among randomly stored facts but automatically accesses highly organized knowledge. Think of trying to find an item in a supermarket—you can look for hours if you don't know what aisle it's in, but if you're at your favorite market, you can march right to the shelf with the olives.”

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Easy Strawberry Shortcake

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Spring and warm weather! And with that comes cookouts and delicious sweets for dessert. I hope you can enjoy this one with your family :)
EASY STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

Small marshmallows
1 white cake mix
1 pk strawberry Jello
1 pk frozen strawberries
1 container Cool Whip

Layer pan with marshmallows. Mix cake mix according to directions. Microwave strawberries to thaw for 1 min. Add Jello. Sprinkle a layer of marshmallows over cake. Put Jello and Strawberry mixture over marshmallows. Bake according to directions on box. Refrigerate. When cake is cooled add Cool Whip on top and serve.

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March's AWTR Newsletter

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Hello out there fellow Household 6s!

Happy March! March is one of my favorite months because it's the time that we celebrate the "Luck O' The Irish"! I've always been a lover of "lucky". My maiden name is O'Connor. I collect shamrocks. I named by daughter Chloe (for the Clover). I absolutely adore my custom made emerald ring my husband had made for me. I'm so lucky! Wait, before you are green with envy you need to know that at the time I was "earning" my ring I didn't think I was so lucky. You see the ring was given to me in celebration of my having a baby while my husband was deployed. It is my battle ring so to speak. Still, even though that time in my life was extremely challenging I look back with no regrets.

As Army wives we are so very lucky. For many different reasons - free healthcare, steady paychecks in an unstable economy, a HOT hubby in uniform, getting to move all around the world at someone else's expense, and most importantly being a part of something bigger than ourselves. Ok, I'll admit I'm a "glass half full" kind of gal but if you really sit back and think about it I bet you can think of some things about Army Wife Life that you feel pretty lucky to be able to be experiencing. Go ahead ...start your list!

Here's something for you - you're so lucky that you have Army Wife Talk Radio, an internet radio show for Army wives by Army wives. (I know shameless plug!) And we're so lucky to have these fabulous guests on our show this month. Join us for a Monday night show & chat! We start the month out with March 2nd's show featuring Dr. Karen Reivich from www.fishfulthinking.com. She's going to teach us positivism and resilience. March 9th join us for K12.com to talk to us about military educational resources. March 16th we have a little "Humor In Uniform" with Nancy Shuker of Reader's Digest. March 23rd Sue Hoppin from MOAA is here to talk to us about the importance of mentoring. Great topic! We end the month on March 30th with a group of Army Reserve Senior Spouses coming to share with us their experiences. It's going to be a great month - and that's no Blarney!

Before I head out this month I wanted to make sure you had the proper resources to pack up your hubby's care package perfect for St Patty's Day! Follow this link for some great ideas!

And lastly, while you're joining us for our show on March 16th be sure you are kicked back with a green beer, some sort of potato dish, Irish soda bread, or maybe even some corned beef & cabbage! I-rish you a Happy St Patty's Day!
Have a super month! Your AWTR HH6,

Tara Crooks

Yahoo ID ArmyWifeTalkRadio
Tara@ArmyWifeTalkRadio.com
Visit our blog www.LovingASoldier.com
Follow us on Twitter or on Facebook.

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