Family Readiness

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Relocation Made Easier, Part 1: What to Expect and Pre-Move Tips for Your Next PCS

This is Part 1 in a four-part series covering nearly every aspect of a military PCS move. Click on the above image to enlarge. Introduction to Military Moving: Over 40 million people move each year, and about 18 percent of those are military moves. Considering an average American moves approximately...
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Disaster Readiness for Military Families

No matter where you live, you live with the possibility of some type of natural disaster – a blizzard, an earthquake, a flood, a hurricane, a tornado, or a wildfire – or man-made disaster – a blackout, a nuclear or chemical plant incident, a pandemic, or a terrorist attack. These...
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Standing up for Skype & Military Spouses

News of the tragic death of U.S. Army Captain Bruce Kevin Clark last week during a Skype chat with his wife has reached most of the military community. Many are already calling for restrictions on the use of social media such as Skype in combat zones. The military community needs...
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Building Resilient Relationships with Army Strong Bonds Retreats

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I enjoyed a romantic weekend getaway at a local tourist spot, complete with catered meals, outdoor activities, great relationship-building sessions, and a nice evening out. We made some new friends and came home with great insights about ourselves, each other, and our...
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Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance May Help Some, But Not Many

Raise your hand if you’ve ever heard of the Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) Program. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? You, gentle readers with your hands in your laps, are not alone. The program, outlined in Department of Defense (DOD) Instruction 1341.11, isn’t very well known. The website used to determine...
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Government Too Overwhelmed To Help Returning Vets With PTSD?

It comes down to funding. And funding often comes down to perceived importance. If the government wishes to elevate something to “priority status”, be it alternative fuel sources, contraception, or the well-being of a returning warrior, the funding will materialize if those in power deem it important enough. So, why...
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The Challenges Of Reintegrating: The Perspective Of A Wounded Warrior Wife

A guest article by Cherly Gansner, the wife of a severely injured veteran. Cherly founded WifeofaWoundedSoldier.com and is group leader on WoundedWarriorWives.org. My soldier and I had only been dating a mere six months when he deployed to Iraq the first time. We were very much in love and missed...
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Which Benefits Are Available to LGB Military Families?

Gay soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have been able to serve openly since September 20th, 2011, when the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy was officially revoked. However, due to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the federal government is barred from recognizing same sex marriages – even if a couple...
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Military Wife… The Toughest Job In The Military

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PTSD Causes Retired Marine To Flee Scene of Accident, Hide In Snow For Two Days

On Monday, a retired United States Marine was involved in a minor traffic accident in Oregon. The Marine, Jason D. Cooper, 37, of Temecula, California, ran from the accident and was found two days later. Police followed his footprints in the snow for several hours on the day of the...
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