Archive for MilSpouse
5th of November
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Image courtesy of Momlogic.com and Getty Images
November 5th, 2009 will be one of those days that I never will forget where I was or what I was doing. In ways, it reminded me a lot of my thoughts and fears of September 11, 2001. It brought back images of desperately searching for information, hoping it wasn’t what you thought it was, and praying for those families affected.
I first heard of the shooting at Fort Hood on Twitter, I immediately thought, “Well, Fort Hood is certainly no stranger to violence.” There have been numerous shootings and murders in and around Fort Hood over the last several years. It must be something along those lines.
But as information began to emerge on Twitter, Facebook and the major news channels, my thoughts went to: “Oh my goodness, this is actually happening.” I felt an immediate heaviness in my heart and wondered if we knew anyone directly who was there. I began searching for those that we know in Texas and luckily none of them were any of the families directly impacted by the horrific tragedy at Fort Hood.
It was also a role reversal as well. Usually, it is my deployed husband telling me what is going on over there where he is stationed in Afghanistan so I won’t worry. Yesterday, he was calling me to find out what happened so he wouldn’t worry. It was the middle of the night for them, and there wasn’t a whole lot of information
As the information and speculation began to explode all over the internet, I found myself glued to the internet and television just like I was on September 11th. I was not only worrying about those who were getting that knock on their door from official military personal, but about our own personal safety.
One of the reasons so many families live on a military installation is the safety factor. It is so much safer to live on “post.” You feel safe here. You see the MP’s patrolling the streets on foot and in their vehicles. You have security at the gates, so you must have a Dept. of Defense sticker and an ID to gain access. One man, an Officer in the US Army, took that feeling of being protected and safe away from us.
Of course I’m not paralyzed with fear or anything, but it does make you stop and think. Are we really “safer” here on post? Was that something we tell ourselves so that we can make it through the various deployments? I don’t think any of us will be that naive any more. If it can happen at Fort Hood, it can happen at just about anywhere.
The horrific tragedy that occurred yesterday was magnified I believe by many in the mainstream media and others. There was ton of speculation and assuming of unproven facts. I thought that they were supposed to report the FACTS. But I know that mainstream media has a long history of sensationalizing stories to make things more news-worthy.
This was not the time to do that. Family members of Fort Hood soldiers were desperately searching for information about their loved ones and what they were finding was lots of speculation and “talking heads” jumping to conclusions. They needed fact and truth.
All in all, the people of the United States did what we do best. We rallied around those who were affected by tragedy and we will continue to be there for them until they no longer need our love, prayers and support.
Originally posted at http://www.momlogic.com/2009/11/the_fort_hood_tragedy_through.php#ixzz0W88nMOJ5
It’s that time again …
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Nominate YOUR Favorite Military Spouse!!
Yep Military Spouse Magazine is looking again to spotlight a military spouse who represents the sacrifice, patriotism, professionalism and altruism that embody this community of 1.1 million current and 20 million former military spouses.
Nominate yourself, your best friend or the person you admire most!
You have until November 13th to share your support by placing a nomination.
Make sure you stop and browse through this amazing magazine online (www.milspousemag.com) … There are tons of tips and GREAT information that is there to support the military spouse!
Send in your nomination(s) to: http://msoy.milspouse.com/
BlogWorldExpo Recap
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I had intended to post this last weekend but life sort of happened. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about .
I had a blast at BlogWorldExpo 2009. I got to meet some of my favorite bloggers and social media types plus a whole new group of awesome and highly talented people.
I thought I was pretty well prepared for Vegas — after all I grew up in New Orleans and lived in the Twin Cities for awhile. I was not prepared for the pace at which Vegas runs at. (not to mention all the hookers aka independent contractors”)
I don’t think there was a single night, my roommate DeltaWhiskey and I didn’t go back to our room before 2AM. Maybe I’m just getting old(er) and can’t keep up that pace anymore….
My first night there of course, there was a party to attend. I went to the Las Vegas Tweetup which happend to be at the same hotel that I was staying in . Most of the attendees were local people including my freind, Eleanor Prior.While at the tweetup, I spotted several of the milblogger crowd. It was my first time meeting many of them so it was so cool and was a little awestruck.
The conference itself was awesome. We started bright and early Thursday morning. As we are getting off the monorail, I notice one of my favorite milbloggers CJ Grisham . The morning started off for me with a hitch. LaughingWolf (Blake) asked me to moderate the milspouse blogger panel.
I thought sure…SEMPER GUMBY ! I’m flexible … adapt and overcome! LOL
Our panel (with DeltaWhiskey and BarmyMama ) went pretty well I think. (especially for my first moderating a panel before) We discussed many things like how we got started as bloggers, OPSEC issues on blogs, and some of our best and worst moments as bloggers.
Of course I talked about my dislike of Army Wives (tv show) and Greyhawk told me that I had to go and ruin it for him. LOL
One of the things that came up was the mention of “Spouse Bootcamp” .. It prompted a really good discussion about how as spouses we need more support and knowledge is power. This is not the first time that something like this has been discussed but I was excited to see it talked about so openly in a public forum. I really hope that we see that move forward.
Even “Sgt Daddy’s story” came into the conversation which the majority of people liked the post and wanted to hear more of those kinds of 1st hand accounts. Afterward I was a bit nervous, when senior Army officer from the Army’s Social Media division approached. I thought UH OH! It was a very nice conversation in which she told me I was doing a great job and to keep blogging!!!
The rest of the panel discussions were just as great ! We even had some panelists calling in all the way from Afghanistan.
One of the topics of discussion was the future of milblogging. As a social media person (personally and professionally) I was excited to hear that our military community embracing the benefits of social media. It was also discussed about networking and having conversations outside our little military bubble. I think its time to share the great stories and realities that we have to share.
The nightlife was fun too! The entire Milblog Mafia (those are Chuck Z’s words not mine) had a blast hanging out at all the various places we ventured too. I was introduced to a new drink (and a very good one at that ) by Blackfive.. its called a Gimlet. By the way – Yes there are pictures of the nightlife but there is no need for a war or anything LOL amongst us all. : )
One of the highlights was that I got to meet one of my readers, a friend and all around great guy – JihadGene! If you haven’t read his blog , I highly urge you to do so!!
All in all , I had a great time and made several new friends! Thank you for the best 4 days since SGT Daddy left for Afghanistan! You all are ROCKSTARS!!!! I miss you all already! I can’t wait to go back .. and next time I’m bringing SGT Daddy with me! : )
To Rick Calvert (Blog World Expo CEO) and Laughing Wolf (Milblog Track Leader) — you guys out did yourselves!
To CJ, Blackfive, Toby, Beth , DeltaWhiskey, BarmyMama, Bouhammer, Mrs. Bouhammer, Greyhawk, Mrs. G., Chuck Z, Laughing Wolf, Mr. Wolf,Boston Maggie, JihadGene, CDR Salamander, — can’t wait to see you all again at the Milblog Conf in DC next year! (if I missed anyone – I apologize)
Heading to Vegas
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Yes – the trip I’ve been waiting months for is FINALLY here. I leave bright and early tomorrow morning for Las Vegas– for Blog World Expo 2009 .I think everything is pretty much ready to go and all bags are packed. Kids and the dog getting dropped off in the morning and I’m out of here.
There were be several people at the event that I’ve known for awhile but never got the opportunity to meet until now. I know its just going to be a ton of fun. I’ll be posting pics, video and updates here on the blog but also over at Twitter and Facebook.
I’m also pretty excited to I will be one of the panelists ( along with fellow milspouse bloggers DeltaWhiskey & BarmyMama) on Thursday during the Military Bloggers Track! Our panel is They Also Serve : Military Spouse Bloggers.
If you are going to be in the Las Vegas area and you want to attend… of course there is still time!!
If you are currently serving in the Armed Forces, or are a veteran of same (discharged or retired), military spouse, military spouse, spouse blogger, military supporter, or reader of the milblogs.. send a quick email to Blake ( wolf1 at laughingwolf dot net ) to get your code that gives you a free registration for the milblog track on 15 October, and access to the exhibit hall (and the Milblog Lounge) on the 16th & 17th.
If you already have plans on being at BlogWorld Expo – make sure to find me! I would love to meet YOU!
How did you spend your day?
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Me, Kiersten and James Jarman at the KOAA (NBC) Studio
As usual in Casa de Munson… nothing EVER goes as planned. I had the day planned for homeschooling Kiersten, getting some client work done and working on a volunteer project at Beck’s school.
I spoke with SGT Daddy this morning and he is doing well. Although, he scared me a little today while we were talking when he said “Be quiet .. I think I hear a disturbance” I immediately thought WHAT?!?! He then told me it was nothing . (jeez, talk about trying to give me a heart attack)
After I got done talking to him, the local news station called and requested an interview with me TODAY! I looked at Kiersten and said guess what — we are taking a field trip to the news station! Yep I was interviewed by Channel 5 again.. even Kiersten was in the video this time! : )
You can see the video HERE
If you are are interested in supporting a service member, I would HIGHLY suggest Soldiers Angels.com. They have over 1400 service-members waiting to be adopted.
If you need more information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me
Hey Military Spouses – want $6k to go back to school??
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I recently signed up for this and was approved within a couple of weeks!! If you’re thinking of going back to school but didn’t have any extra money … HERE IS YOUR CHANCE!! The best part is that you don’t have to pay it back !!
DoD’s expanded Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program will provide up to $6,000 in Financial Assistance for Military Spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields.
Financial Assistance pays expenses such as education and training programs, tuition, licensing and credentialing fees for degree programs (associates, bachelors, masters, doctoral and post doctoral), continuing education classes (including those offered through professional associations), Bar, CPA and other similar exams, state certifications for teachers, medical professionals and other licensed professionals.
Who Is Eligible: Spouses of Active Duty members of the Department of Defense and activated members of the National Guard and Reserve Components are eligible. The period of eligibility for spouses of Guard and Reserve members is from the date of the Alert or Warning Order for Military Recall or Mobilization, through activation and deployment until 180 days following De-Mobilization. Spouses of the severely injured, ill, wounded or killed in action are also eligible. Military spouses who are legally separated by state law or court order are ineligible. Spouses who are active duty members or activated Guard or Reserve members themselves are ineligible.
To Receive this Assistance, the Military Spouse only needs to complete a MyCAA Career and Training Plan and then apply for MyCAA Financial Assistance. Eligible spouses can establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website: https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa
For further information, visit the MyCAA website at: https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/default.aspx Due to the popularity of the MyCAA program, they are experiencing a temporary backlog of about four weeks. Requests are processed in the order they were received so plan accordingly when registering for training.
1980’s version of ME!
Posted by: | CommentsMy friend Michelle talked me into joining Ft Carson ESCO (Enlisted Spouse Club Organization) the other day and tonight is the first meeting. (to be honest I talked her into joining the PTO with me, so it was only fair)
So, of course the meeting has a THEME! It is come as a Music Icon. I couldn’t come up with anything majorly creative so I chose Cyndi Lauper since most of the 80’s fashion is back .
You guys know that almost everything is bloggable in my life (as long as no OPSEC violations) so here you go .. (please don’t laugh too hard)
1980's version of tammy .. Project 365 - Day 10
I’m beyond honored…
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My friend (and fellow editor at Blissfully Domestic ) Danielle decided to feature little ole me over at Mom It Forward as an Inspiring Mom.
I’m so honored and humbled by this - I just can’t tell you .. you can read the whole article at http://momitforward.com/amazing-mom-takes-care-of-military-families-while-husband-is-deployed
Thank you so much Danielle!
Come join me in Vegas!
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Yep next month — I’ll be in Vegas at Blog World Expo and I can’t wait!!!
I’m so excited to catch up with some of my milblogger friends (you know who you are) and meet some new ones too! I’ll be rooming with my buddy (and partner in crime ) DeltaWhiskey. I just know we’re going to have a great time and I’m sure there will be lots of pictures, video, tweets and Facebook updates. I’m also planning on doing some live blogging as well.
I’ll be speaking on Thursday, October 15th during the Milblogging track… ” They Also Serve: Spouse Bloggers”
Here is a brief description of the panel :
But sitting and waiting are NOT their thing. Half of the equation that makes that protection by military, law enforcement, and other first responders possible is often not heard. Come hear from the spouses that deal with the logistics, support, and emotions of being married to someone who puts it all on the line.If you happen to be there, please make sure to find me and say HI!
Thanks so much to Blackfive and LaughingWolf for the invite!!!
It’s ok not to be ok
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This past Saturday I spent the day hanging out with the IRR Marines attached to Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) – 23 at Buckley AFB.I was there participating as part of my official duties as Colorado Installation Ambassador for Military.com
I wasn’t sure how a room FULL of Marines were going to treat this Army wife but they were AWESOME!( no worries I still love my soldiers! )
I even managed to learn a thing or two from the VA reps that was there as well as some detailed info on how the new GI Bill works. Also, I learned some new “lingo” (Marine Corps style)! Before the event, I thought I was pretty well-versed in Military-ese but those Marines taught me a thing or two for sure!
The thing that I was most impressed with was the push for getting help for post-combat stress (AKA PTSD). They showed a video that talked at great length about the effects of combat stress and how IT WILL AFFECT YOU one way or the other. The story of one Marine really stuck in my head was that of a Sergeant Major (senior level leadership) that told of his story dealing with the stress and that it was ” ok to not be ok ”
We hear about PTSD all the time in the news and on TV.. we need to make sure that our military is getting the help that they need for it.
The WWII and Vietnam generations didn’t have the resources back then … For example, My Dad and Grandmother talk all the time about their military life but I can barely remember my grandfather (served 30+ years enlisted Army) talking about his experiences in the Army. The troops back then coped” by just not talking about it.
Now, We have the resources to address the issues associated with combat .. so why aren’t we?? We need to make sure we are watching our neighbors, sons, daughters, spouses, and friends coming back from deployment for changes and encouraging them to get the support and help that they need. (hey fellow Household6 - this goes for you as well … we can suffer from PTSD too )
(stay tuned…..there will be a post series coming up soon on PTSD/Combat Stress)
