Salute Soldiers with the Spirit of America

Military charity Operation Homefront (www.OperationHomefront.net) and Jim Beam recently launched “Salute Soldiers with the Spirit of America,” a program/contest designed to support troops both at home and abroad, and provide family and friends with opportunities to salute their military pals throughout 2010. As part of the program, now through June 21, anyone can nominate their soldier family and friends to win a VIP experience to one of the following events.

• A major golf championship at Pebble Beach on June 19 and 20, 2010.
• A home game for a professional baseball team on Chicago's South Side on July 10, 2010.
• A Kid Rock concert and the opportunity to meet Kid Rock in 2010.

To nominate a service member anyone can visit Jim Beam’s Facebook page and/or www.JimBeam.com. Jim Beam and Operation Homefront have also set up a text to donate program. Simply text the word SALUTE to 90999 to add $5 to your phone bill as a donation to Operation Homefront.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Army Wife Talk Radio: Military Brats Online

Presents Army Wife Talk Radio

Proudly sponsored by K12

AWTR Show 259: Week of March 29, 2010

This week on AWTR we’re featuring Vann Baker from militarybrats.com! Resource of the Week: Computers for Soldiers, The Relationship Minute, Real Life Warrior, and AWTR Book Club!


Visit Army Wife Network and Loving A Soldier Blog

Click here to download the MP3

Click here to read the rest of this post.

The Military Spouses Employment Act

The Military Spouses Employment Act – HR 4764 – introduced by Congressman Carter would provide a tax incentive for employers to hire military spouses. In this tough economic time – and with some employers concerned about military moves and deployment issues – this provides an additional inducement for them to choose the qualified military spouse who applies.

Bill information is now posted on MOAA’s “Message Sender” page which allows a spouse to input his/her zip code and quickly send a message to their Representative to ask them to co-sponsor the bill. Spouses can modify and personalize the message with the story of their own career challenges and concerns, or they can use the template that’s provided.

Plus, you can see which Representatives were the first ones to sign on to co-sponsor (5 Democrats; 17 Republicans). Is your Representative listed?

By uniting together to contact Congress, military spouses can again make a difference --- just as we did with the passage of the Spouse Residency Relief Act and the recent reinstatement of the MyCAA program to current enrollees.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

My mother...

I do apologize that I have been absent. I was in Texas for the last couple of weeks due to the death of my mother. The Lord is always good and I know that she now rests in Heaven.

Hopefully this week, I can get caught up on my obligations...

Thank you all for your condolences and prayers.

Yours respectfully,

Jessica S.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

In Time for "ME" Time

True to her word, author Catherine Mann sent me some
books to kick back and relax with for Spring Break.

Hubby's home.
Resort is booked.
Books gifted from Catherine are here.
Kids are off.

Spring Break at Star Island is on...soon! LOL!
Really, the resort is called Star-Island.
I'm not just being funny.

I'm thinking this is the best part of post-deployment.
ME Time! Finally.

Here's what she sent:













AWTR Listeners really enjoyed Catherine's interview. She's a military spouse and talked about deployments, raising kids, and moving! You know! The stuff of Military Wife Life. Here's the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/awtr/2010/03/16/awtr-show-257-keeping-the-romance-alive.

Enjoy spring break. I hope it renews you and puts some spring in your step.
It's my favorite time of year!

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Leave

We just finished our two weeks with our solider. I know that the military calls it leave….I guess because they are leaving their real job as a soldier and reentering the ordinary everyday world….the civilian world. That term has always sounded funny to me. We had a great time together…me, my husband and our two boys. We hit a water park, took in a parade and a wedding and we all passed around the flu for a week. We missed out of several things we wanted to do but we all enjoyed being together. It wasn’t magical like in the movies but I am grateful for the face time I got with my solider. Now I know I am half way thru this third deployment. I am a survivor of this Army wife life. I can survive the rest of the deployment…..just a few more months to go!

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Army Strong Kids

My girls love the Army Strong song and listen to it frequently. Our Division Band played it at an event prior to deployment and it really stuck with my girls. We have even watched a number of the videos on YouTube of the Army commercials using the song. I am sure that most of us are familiar with the accompanying words:

There’s strong and then there is ARMY STRONG.

It’s not just the strength to obey , but the strength to command.

Not just strength in numbers, the strength of brothers.

Not just the strength to lift, the strength to raise.

Not just the strength get yourself over, the strength to get over yourself.

It’s more than physical strength, it is emotional strength.

There is nothing on this green earth stronger than the US Army, because there is nothing on this green earth stronger than a US Army Soldier.

There’s strong and then there’s ARMY STRONG

My girls often remark that they are Army Strong kids - we've used this as a theme during this deployment. As we talked about what being an Army Strong kid means, I started to piece it together:

There are kids and then there are ARMY KIDS.

It’s not just the kid who accepts change, it’s the kid who adapts.

Not just a hometown kid, a kid who has seen the world.

Not just a happy kid, a joyfully prideful kid.

Not just the new kid, but the one who welcomes the new kid.

It’s more than pride in the flag, it’s the pride of knowing your parent helps to defend that flag.

There is nothing on this green earth brighter than the smile of a child, and nothing on this green earth better than the smile of an Army Kid and their favorite Soldier!

There are kids and then there are ARMY KIDS!

Many of us are parents of wonderfully strong ARMY KIDS. To them, and to all of us who are helping to raise these amazing kiddos, I say HOOAH!

Click here to read the rest of this post.

What Every Military Guy Should Know About His Girl

What Every Military Guy Should Know About His Girl


1.) If she wasn't emotional before, that is all about to change.

2.) You getting a higher rank could just mean an automatic free lay.

3.) Get her a pair of dog tags, ASAP, This is crucial, she will never take them off.

4.) Most of the time, you losing reception during training is your fault. (Though, she will eventually understand)

5.) Most of the time, everything is your fault.
(This especially goes for when she is pregnant)

6.) She WILL start talking like your guys and you talk, including using your last names.

7.) Her patriotism could out-do most of your men... she will be proud... VERY proud.

8.) Be Ready: your car will end up with a yellow ribbon magnet or an "I LOVE MY _____" sticker eventually.
(if you have seperate cars, hers will DEFINITLY have these)

9.) She will most likely need a pair of dog tags to hang from the car's rear view mirror. (see 3)

10.) Every week she'll have "another song" that makes her think of you when you're away.
(And she'll cry to it, even when you're in the same room)

11.) If youre married, she may know the base better than you do... Don't take it personal.

12.) You will catch her comparing your relationship with "other couples" in the military constantly.

13.) She'll make 5 million friends online, and talk to you about them all the time because her "old friends just don't understand" like they do.

14.) Don't be shocked when she just drops civilian chicks out of her life like flies.
(she mostly does this when they complain to her)

15.) DO NOT if you love her, say anything about you not wanting to make her wait for you...
(TRUST me men, YOU ARE WORTH every breath to these women, or they wouldn't be here)

16.) Most women actually do LOVE it when you are sweaty and dirty, even the girlie girls. it's sexy as hell.

17.) Only bring up the field once, say it clear, and don't bring it up again. We will remember the time, the dates, like stone inside our mind.
Don't remind us.

18.) You ARE our hero. That isn't us being cute, it's us swelling with pride, feeling like a princess everytime we glance over and you're standing there.

19.) Don't worry about waking her up when you get a chance to call, trust me, she's NOT sleeping.
If she is, she's been waiting for you to call all night, and fell asleep next to the phone.

20.) Leave at least 3 of your shirts for her... she'll wear them all the time and if she doesnt wear them out she WILL wear them to sleep.

21.) No matter what she was like before, she is tough & harder than a rock now. She can handle anything, she will get through it, tears or no tears.

22.) Dont be discouraged or taken back from her strength. It comes with the territory. When in your arms, she's still your queen, soft and sweet.

23.) Your kids might see mommy as the one in charge for a while, it's okay, they WILL respect you, just give it time.

24.) EVERYTHING in her life will be complicated, so she might not always get the simple things you say to her.

25.) Tag Chasers are her WORST enemy, she CAN and WILL spot these girls... random profain comments may come out of your little queens' mouth...
its okay, shes protecting her best asset...you.

26.) She will spend hours to look good on cam & pics for you, this is just a pasttime until you get home, be prepared for messy ponytails and comfy pants when you finally do get home.

27.) Her favorite sentences from you start with "when i get home" or "when i get out".

Lastly guys,

28.) No matter how much she's changed, never forget that you mean the world to her, she loves you more than anything, and you will ALWAYS be her hero..whether you think you are one or not.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Army Wife Talk Radio: Teaching Character to our Children & Army 10 Miler SPECIAL!

Presents Army Wife Talk Radio

Proudly sponsored by K12

AWTR Show 258: Week of March 22, 2010

This week on AWTR we’re featuring Maj Gen Henry Hobgood with the topic “Teaching Character to our Military Children”! Resource of the Week: Army 10 Miler, The Parenting Minute, AWTR Music, and AWTR Mess Hall!

Visit Army Wife Network and Loving A Soldier Blog

Click here to download the MP3

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Prayers please

Hello all my wonderful army spouse friends!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I spent mine playing army, as did my husband. His company also had their dining out this weekend. While we were there, one of the mechanics came up to him and informed him that his wife has stage 4 liver cancer. They stopped chemo on her last week because there is nothing more they can do for her. Our FRG is trying to figure out a way that we can support them through this time. It's truly terrible. The woman I am talking about is in her mid to late thirites and has two small children at home (both under the age of 8). Please keep her and her family in your prayers. I know that we, as a community of Army Wives, are amazing and that our prayers can go a long way.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

The princess and her golf game…

Hello All,

Today…was another beautiful day! The little princess and I spent some time outside working on her golf game. She has been asking me over and over to take her out to practice!!! She is something special…I thank God for placing her in my life. I am not the best golfer…in fact I am still learning the game myself! I do know enough to coach a 5 year old beginner…or at least I hope I do! She was super funny today running after the golf ball…yet showing so much determination to learn this sport. Her life is so beautiful…she understands just how beautiful life can be if you just relax…have fun and learn the game!!! Watching my little princess reminded me of just how much I can learn from a 5 year old!

Whenever…she made a mistake she laughed and said “That is OK…I am just learning this game!!” Then she would laugh and try again.I honestly had to take a moment to breathe deep and remind myself…that there are times when I have to be like my little princess!!! You know…reflect on the fact that there are moments when I too will just have to laugh and give it another try!!

Wishing you the Best~
Tara JW

I learned that the only way you are going to get anywhere in life is to work hard at it. Whether you're a musician, a writer, an athlete or a businessman, there is no getting around it. If you do, you'll win-if you don't you won't. ~Bruce Jenner

If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it's OK. But you've got to shoot for something. A lot of people don't even shoot. ~ Robert Townsend

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Green Zone

My husband and I just went to see Green Zone. We hadn't heard much about it,and I am not much of a movie reviewer, but my advice is to stay away from this one!

All through it I wondered what people of another generation would have thought, if anyone would have come out with a traitorous movie like this when our country was at war during WWII. They would have been shocked that anyone would cast our military and our nation in that light.

Our military is made of professionals. This movie makes the special forces look like the bad guys, that soldiers would go off on their own tangents, and that the Iraqis are completely misunderstood.

No matter you're politics this is a ridiculous and completely bogus movie. I heard they did not make enough to cover their costs. I hope they don't make another dime, and I'm sorry they got mine.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Willie Banks III voted Military Child of the Year

I love this story and think you will too : http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2010/03/post_99.html What a great kid, one you know represents Military Kids well. Besides that he is an all around good kid, protective of his little sister, working hard in school and overcoming life's obstacles in traditional military style, you have to love the smile!

Another thing I think is worth noting, his father, knowing he would not be there to raise Willie, due to an illness, wrote him letters to guide his son. I know that the situation was extreme, but I think that the gift can be given all the same. Write letters to your kids, they become treasures for them, even if , Praise God, you are there. Children love a hand written letter. It is a good way to connect to them during deployment , and even wonderful when you are home. Document for them, things that are important, things you want them to know.

Has anyone had letters written to them , or have you written letters to your children?

I used to write to my daughter as we traveled the road of adopting her, these were invaluable later, when she became a teen to prove that waiting was all as hard as giving birth!

Well, I want to send a shout out to Willie! We are all proud of you, good job!

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Our very own St Patty's Day Beef & Cabbage

Ok, so I don't live in a home where corned beef and cabbage would be popular. Though we LOVE Irish things we aren't exactly up to speed on their cooking. Maybe we need a trip to Ireland to prove us wrong? YA!!!

So tonight I'll be serving our own little version of BEEF and CABBAGE for St Patty's Day. I thought I'd share the recipe with you. Enjoy!


BBQ BEEF
1 to 1 1/2 lb roast
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped green peppers
1 6 oz can tomato paste... See More
1/4 cup brown sugar (or 2 tbsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend)
1/8 cup Apple Cider vinegar
1 tbsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tsp dried mustard

Add ingredients in a dutch oven, Pampered Chef Covered Baker, or crockpot. Cover and Cook @325 for PC Baker or dutch oven for 4-5 hours. (If using crock pot HIGH for 1 hour and low for 8-10 hours until very tender). Stir a few times during cooking. When done, shred and serve on warmed buns.

CABBAGE COLE SLAW
1 large bag of cole slaw (salad aisle)
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
3/4 water
3/4 sugar (or Splenda sugar blend)

Warm oil, vinegar, water, and sugar over stove until dissolved or stick it in the microwave and heat until dissolved. Pour over cabbage. You can add onion and green peppers and salt and pepper to taste IF you want. Make ahead at least four hours so it can marinate together. Keep refrigerated.

I love the cole slaw ON the sandwich but it's pretty good as a side too!

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

From one Irish lad to all of you:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

So, Its been a crazy two months without my love. I've been learning how everything will break as soon as he leaves the country. Luckily, we live in an apartment that's really awesome and understanding so i can get maintenance to come and help me out. This whole experience, although only two months in, has been so different than what I thought it would be. I'm so busy that time is going by so fast. My friends and family have stepped up to help much more than I thought. They've been awesome ! When I'm not working or doing school, I am either on the phone with family or out with friends. They don't give me a moment to sit and think, which is nice because thinking does me no good anymore.

Thank God for skype, magicjack, and facebook ! Without them, I would lose all my hair. I am able to actually see him (whenever he's on base that is) and know that he's okay. Its incredible. I've become a regular at the post office, so they know what I'm there for and help a poor girl fill out the stupid customs form when i can't remember where to put random parts of his address. Well, nothing else new with me, just the same old, same old. I attached a picture of me and my love that was on the front page of our newspaper. Its from the day he left.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

USAA assists Exreme Makeover: Home Ed.

We are so proud of our USAA folks!

For more information on the episode, please read the ABC press release below:
Christian Slater is the Celebrity Volunteer for "Get On the Bus"; Celine Dion and Jonas Brothers Also Appear

"Heathcock family — Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" travels to Hattiesburg, Miss. — with Christian Slater as the celebrity volunteer — to meet Sherman Heathcock, a devoted husband and father who re-enlisted in the Army National Guard following 9/11. In that time, he has served two tours of duty in Iraq, where he leads squads in combat missions. When he is fortunate to spend time at home, Sherman works several jobs, which leaves little time to repair the devastating damage to their home left by Hurricane Katrina.

On this episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" SUNDAY, MARCH 21 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on ABC, Ty Pennington and the designers will have the opportunity to give back to this soldier who has given so much to his country and his community. Celine Dion and the Jonas Brothers also make special guest appearances in the episode.

Heathcock, 39, and his wife Gina, 40, are working themselves to the bone in order to afford the best education for their children Annie, 12, Gary, 10, and Tessa, 7. In addition to his work for the Army National Guard, Sherman works as a sheriff's deputy, a SWAT team leader, a grocery store security guard, a neighborhood watch group organizer, and volunteers his time to provide security for his kids' school and coach his son's football and baseball teams while Gina works part time as a paralegal. During Sherman's first tour in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina sent several large trees crashing through their property and onto their home. Adding insult to injury, while beginning to tackle the long list of repairs, Gina fell victim to a re-roofing scam. The rotting ceilings and damaged foundation are crumbling beneath them and with Sherman currently serving in Iraq, his wife and kids are worried about losing the battle in their own home.

The Heathcock family will go on vacation to Disney World while "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Moloney, John Littlefield, and Paige Hemmis, celebrity volunteer Christian Slater and community volunteers rebuild their home, while Celine Dion and the Jonas Brothers also make special guest appearances. Also, USAA is proud to partner with "EM:HE" to help provide a new start for the Heathcock family.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

For more information on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," visit ABC.com

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Are you prepping for the Army10 Miler?

Word on the street is the AWN core team is prepping for the Army 10 miler? Are you going to join us?

Registration begins April 1st which means you can start training NOW!

Check out the new and improved website at http://www.armytenmiler.com/ and sign up for updates.

The 26th annual Army Ten-Miler will open registration on April 1, 2010. The 2009 race sold out in 6 days, and we expect a similar pace for the 2010 race. We encourage runners to register early.

The website has undergone a major makeover to be a better resource for you to find out more about the race, upcoming promotions, training and other running related information.

The tradition of excellence continues with the 26th Army Ten-Miler on Sunday, October 24, 2010. Join 30,000 runners from around the world in the Nation's Capital for this Army Classic.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Your Voice Can Make A Difference!

By Rob McIlvaine
FMWRC Public Affairs

The U.S. Army recently sent out the 2010 Survey of Army Families VI to a random selection of civilian Active Army spouses in order to assess the support provided to Families and Soldiers during these past nine years of persistent conflict.

“This survey is your chance to tell the Army leadership what it’s like during this difficult period with so many of our Soldiers deployed,” Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, IMCOM commander told 75,000 civilian spouses of Active Soldiers in a letter introducing the 2010 Survey of Army Families VI.

Because this number represents just a small portion of the total number of spouses, it’s extremely important to complete the survey, according to survey officials. Every four years, this valuable information gives the Army a grassroots view of how Family’s opinions and attitudes have changed, and provides an opportunity to evaluate the effects of programs on Families.

The survey also tracks trends regarding the characteristics of Army Families, identifies new and emerging Family issues, and supplements other studies on Army Families.

“Your voice is extremely important. As a spouse randomly selected to participate in this survey, you will be not only be speaking for yourself, you’ll be representing many other Army spouses,” Joseph Rayzor, FMWRC director of Marketing, said.

Army leadership will use the survey results to plan, formulate, and improve policies and programs which benefit Army Families. For example, results from previous surveys of Army Families have helped the Army design Family Readiness Groups and improve Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs.

This year’s focus is the impact deployments have on Army Families.

“Multiple deployments during this time of persistent conflict may have changed the needs of our Soldiers and their Family members. We must hear from our customers in order to make the best informed decisions for the Army, our Soldiers and their Families,” Rayzor said.

The Survey of Army Families was institutionalized to meet DoD’s requirement for military departments to perform Family research and program evaluation, and an Army requirement (through a 1983 CSA White Paper) to conduct research on the role of Army Families and the effect of Army life on Families.

After receiving the letter about participation in the 2010 Survey of Army Families VI, spouses may complete the survey on the Internet or using a hard-copy version provided by mail.

To keep the survey as scientifically accurate as possible, only those selected during the random sampling will be able to participate in the survey.

Spouses not selected for the survey that wish to provide comments, suggestions or critiques of support programming are encouraged to use their spouse’s chain of command, participate in the AFAP process, or speak to their local Family Support Group or Army Community Service directors to learn how to direct their comments to the appropriate agency.



For more information, visit http://saf.armymwr.com/

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Other Post Happenings in March

Here's a list of some activities going on at Fort Irwin, CA, Fort Leavenworth, KS, and Fort McCoy,m WI!


Ft. Irwin, CA

United Through Reading Program
(ACS Deployment & Mobilization)
Recording Sessions 17-19 March 2010
FORUM Bldg 1200
To book a session, call Joanna Gold at 760-380-2399

Aquathon
27 March 2010 @ 0700
An 800 M swim followed by a 5K run.
Open to all with post access.
Registration forms available at gyms, community center and pool.
For more information, call 380-3457

Sewing 101
Scarf and Table Runner Projects
$50 for 6 - 1 hour classes
Begins 16 April and seats fill up fast!
For more information or to register, call 760-380-3431

Ft. Leavenworth, KS

FREE Texas Hold 'Em Tournament
11 March 1730 at the new 12th Brick Grille
For more information, call 913-684-3834

Rock Climbing in Kansas City
13 March 2010
$15 fee includes transportation, equipment and instruction
Must be 8 years of age or older.
For more information, call 913-684-3834

5K Spring Stroll
27 March 2010 at 1000
Start and finish at the Harney Sports Complex
Get the family out and moving!
For more information, call 913-684-5136






Fort McCoy, WI
Basketball Skill Competitions and NCAA Brackets
Starts March 15, 2010 with a HORSE tournament
Mar 22 - 3 Point & Free Throw Competition
Mar 29 - Hot Shots Competition
Apr 5 - Trick Shot & Lightning Competition
Register day of event - games begin at 5:30 pm
Prize for each contest!
NCAA Tournament Brackets
Available at Rumpel Fitness Center (Bldg 1122) &
Community Activity Center (Bldg 2000) beginning Mar 15
Games and Brackets are for authorized Fort McCoy patrons
only. Must be 18 years old to participate
Bracket entry must be submitted before 9 pm Wed, Mar 17
One entry per person

Dodgeball Grudge Match
Mar 11 & Apr 15 @ Rumpel Fitness Center
5:30 pm
Please arrive by 5:15 to sign up
Earn bragging rights!

Monday Pool Night
March 8, 15, 22 & 29 - 6:30 pm
Community Activity Center, Bldg 2000
Single Elimination
♦ Must Pre-register by 6:15
♦ Prize for Nightly Winner
♦ Open to authorized patrons
8-Ball Pool Tournament
Friday, March 26 - 6 pm

Spring Into Shape
April 1 – 1130 AM @ Rumpel Fitness Center
Come welcome Spring with
a 2 mile walk... And get started to a new healthier you.
Grab a friend or two and show up to enjoy a walk together!

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Fort Drum is our March Post With The Most Winner!

Here is a list of things going on at Fort Drum this month!


St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
March 17
Winner's Circle Sports Bar
Lunch Buffet 11 am - 1:30 pm $6.95
Buster's Brew Pub
Dinner 5 - 9 pm $10.95
Corned Beef and boiled cabbage, butter carrots, Parsley Boiled Potatoes, Tossed Salad, Rolls and butter, and soda (for lunch) or Irish Coffee (dinner)
Buster’s Green Beer - $2 a pint

Family Night
March 9 from 5-7 pm – Carnival Night!
Spend the evening out with the kids at the Winner’s Circle. Each week there is a special fun activity for the children to participate in. The Pizza and Pasta Buffet is sure to meet anyone’s appetite. $6 for adults and $3 for children 8 and under.


Mar 10 – Parent to Parent Conference – The Commons
Mar 11 – Brown Bag It Series – Army Community Service
Mar 11 – “Page Turners” Book Club – The McEwen Library
Mar 13 – Women’s History Celebration – Youth Center
Mar 13 – Middle School Dance – Youth Center
Mar 17 – Free Ski Day – Snow Ridge, Turin, New York
Mar 18 – BOSS Gaming Tournament – The BOSS Recreation Center
Mar 20 – Craft-a-thon – The Arts and Crafts Center
Mar 20 – Camp C.O.P.E. – The Main Post Chapel
Mar 20 – SMART Girls Lock In – Youth Center
Mar 20 – Indoor Skate Jam – Youth Center
Mar 21 – Sunday Teen Free Bowling – The Pine Plains Bowling Center
Mar 25 – Women’s History Month Observance – The Commons
Mar 25 – The Kids Korner – The McEwen Library
Mar 26 – Right Arm Night – The Winner’s Circle Sports Bar
Mar 26 – Teen Midnight Sports – Youth Center
Mar 26 – 28 – Great Outdoor Family Expo – Watertown Fairgrounds Arena
Mar 27 – Syracuse Stage Performance Trip, “Almost, Maine” – Youth Center
Mar 27 – UFC Pay-Per-View Fight Night – The Winner’s Circle Sports Bar
Mar 28 – WWE Pay-Per-View – The Winner’s Circle Sports Bar
Mar 31 – Women’s Resource Expo – The Magrath Sports Complex

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Army Wife Life March 8, 2010

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


Please leave your answers to the questions below by commenting on this post. Listen for Star and Tara's answers on Show 256: Week of Mar 8, 2010 using our AWTR Player in the right sidebar!

Excerpt blog post: As an Army spouse, your acquaintances are generally predetermined by your soldier’s rank, duty station, and function. As a person with your own personality, interests, and activities – albeit heavily influenced by your place in the Army – your friends can actually be of your own choosing! (That’s also a very cool thing about getting older – you realize you can choose your own friends – it’s liberating once you realize you do NOT have to return every phone call, email, dinner invite, luncheon opportunity, etc. – but we digress………)

Pearl & Mercedes are "seasoned" Army spouses – and because we’ve climbed on board the USS Friendship and have managed to keep the boat afloat, we’re going to espouse our tried and true methods for finding, vetting and making new friends. (As a side note to our readers, please know that we’ve also had to jump off many a sinking USS Friendship – we will grimace through the mishaps, mistakes, and missteps in a follow-on blog!)

As part of our forced geographic expeditions; pioneering and proselytizing of new FRGs, fundraising committees, and volunteer efforts; and the creating - disbanding - and re-creating of social networks (all without Facebook until recently!), we’ve introduced many a “friend” to our families and added (and most definitely removed!) friends from our Christmas card lists. As part of this journey, we’ve architected “the friendship model” – the quest, the meet and greet, the interview, and the vetting and the assigning of a level of commitment to said potential friend.

That said, it's time to jump on board and tighten up the Christmas card list!

Step 1 - Use Your Spyglass to Scan the Horizon: While at the commander's wife's welcome - you spy an interesting person by the buffet table - someone with a similar clothing style, no sign of a beer gut, and no spinach/artichoke dip in her teeth when she smiles. This initial sighting is generally the first step to a deeper and more meaningful friendship; however, you must beware this generally over-romanticized initial sighting. This “glance” is indicative of a potential friendship only - I mean, what do you really know about her?! This lady could have one too many skeletons in her closet – is she a Redskins fan? Does she have Kanye West tunes on her IPod? Might she spoon Nutella from the jar for breakfast (rather than the preferred organic apple bacon and eggs)? As you surely know (or your teen can explain), unfriending or defriending or nonfriending can result in your ultimately sneaking in a PCS request to the commander’s office with your husband’s signature attached. If you’re feeling confident, know the scales were off (in the appropriate direction) by at least five pounds during the AM weigh-in, have fresh breath and are sure there's no toilet paper stuck to your heel - move on to step two.

Step 2 - Step Onto the Deck: As you move towards the buffet table and are inching your way closer to your target, push one of those flash frozen meatballs around on your plate while surreptitiously glancing over the top of your toothpick to see exactly where said target is standing and with whom. Don’t be naïve! Of course we judge you based on your posse! For instance, if you are enclosed in a tight-knit circle consisting of the chaplain's wife, the president of PWOC, and the local mayor’s wife, then Mercedes is already in reverse and falling backwards into the punchbowl. (Per mishaps at a recent Army-sponsored couple’s retreat, God has Mercedes on his "list"; she is afraid of lightning striking those who come in close contact with her.) If Pearl, as another example, notices you standing with a wine glass in your hand, a plate of deep-double-fried cheese and wings, and your heels kicked off under the table, then game on!

Step 3 - Grab the Jib: If you’ve scouted, scanned and vetted by association, then you are ready to talk. And let’s pass on the doggy style fire hydrant butt sniffing convo – Pearl demands that you get straight to the point as every single minute of Pearl's time counts when she’s staring down a plate of deep-double-fried cheese and wings. Be a big girl and consider asking the questions which most interest you – no, not questions related to where your soldier works and/or who his commander happens to be! Consider discussing:

•Kids: This tells you how much free time she has, how late she can stay up, if she always has to book a sitter, or if she can head out spur of the moment to shop for shoes.

•Hobbies: This tells you if she's cool or not; macramé might be good for the soul, but playing blackjack for money is a heck of a lot more fun!

•Favorite Army Post: Is she a complainer (eg. Ft. Hood is sooooooo boring!)? Adventurer (eg. Alaska rocked with all that moose hunting!)? Crazy (Ft. Irwin is great for the tan!)?

•Favorite Food: This is a significant moment! If the answer is chicken enchiladas, barbecue, cashew chicken - it’s a go! If the answer is frozen pizza, Ramen noodles, or anything from 7-Eleven - your spontaneous dining out options might be limited. If the answer involves herbs, tofu, or Taiwanese delicacies – consider hosting the initial play-date luncheon at your home.
You’re almost ready to dock the USS Friendship; return next week to learn of the perils to be avoided on the high seas!


Discussion Point 1: Everyone has that person that they said “looks normal” to them – Pearl & Mercedes even had their own list of what makes a person “interesting”. What is it that first attracts you to a potential friend?

Discussion Point 2:What questions do YOU ask when you’re meeting someone new?

Discussion Point 3:Ever met anyone online and then met in person?

Discussion Point 4: Are you guilty of defriending someone on Facebook?

Click here to read the rest of this post.

TPC BLUE MONSTER AT DORAL

World Golf Championships - CA Championship
March 9-14, 2010
4400 NW 87th Ave, Lodge 8 Doral, FL 33718
wgcca.com

Championship Staff invites military to THE
TPC BLUE MONSTER!

FREE ADMISSION FOR MILITARY!

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE MILITARY INCLUDE:
• Complimentary admission for active duty / retired and reserve military personnel and their dependents with valid IDs

• Military Appreciation Ceremonies - Thursday, March 11 at 10AM on the 1st Tee of TPC Blue Monster to kickoff the Tournament

• Patriots’ Outpost Military Hospitality Chalet presented by Lockheed Martin and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz - Hospitality tent for all active duty/retired and reserve military personnel and their dependents located on the 17th Green. Open Wednesday - Sunday with complimentary food and beverages.

• Kids 18 & under get in free with a ticketed adult

• For more tournament information please visit www.wgcca.com

Click here to read the rest of this post.

FRG anyone? Anyone? No seriously, ANYONE?

Hello Ladies! Hope everyone is doing well! We are anxiously awaiting spring here!

First, let me start off by saying how much I have enjoyed helping out with our company's FRG! It has been quite rewarding. I always look forward to our activities and the chance to see my husband and his fellow soldiers. It always renews my respect and gratitude that I have for all the men and women that join the armed forces! I've met so many wonderful people over the last 7 years, and in that I find comfort knowing the people my husband will be deployed with.

So, because we are a Guard unit, we have people spread out in all sorts of directions. (I think this is the main thing that I miss about regular Army.) Although I go to all the activities, not a lot of other spouses do. I haven't had the chance to get to know very many other spouses. We have about 5 women who usually show up to the activities. And it's always the same ones! We would love to start having more wives come out to the activities so we can get to know them a little more and start building a true support system that they can turn to while our husbands are gone. We've tried so many things to get them to come, nothing seems to work! We send emails out and send messages home with spouses, but the results are never great. In the coming months, we have some great get-to-know you activities planned, we just need people to get to know!

We're hoping that the soldiers start showing a little more interest in having their spouses come out at the very least to get all the useful information we have for them. Do any of you ladies have any advice or suggestions?

God Bless, Cindy

Click here to read the rest of this post.