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  1. Veterans Day Reflections

    One sunny Saturday many years ago, I had duty during a port visit to Liverpool, England. It was a “visit ship” day, and as part of Standing Naval Forces, Atlantic, we were obliged to take visit ship day very seriously. In my whites and my combination cover that I always...
  2. Veteran’s Guide to Final Arrangements, Part 2: Memorial Items

    In addition to burial allowances, grave markers, and veterans’ cemetery interments, the families of deceased veterans are also eligible for a couple of memorial keepsake items: a burial flag and a memorial certificate signed by the President of the United States. (Read part 1 of the Final Arrangements series here)...
  3. Military Retirement: A Blessing and a Curse

    I lost you, didn’t I? You said “this guy is completely insane! Half my pay for the rest of my life is a curse?” While I am prepared to concede your first point, gentle reader, allow me but a few paragraphs to elaborate on the second. Retirement from the military...
  4. Veteran Discounts

     If you are a veteran of the armed forces, you are entitled to a lot of discounts that are provided to you as a “thank you” for your service. You should reap the benefits of these discounts to save money, but first you need to know how to find them....
  5. Casualties of War

    Robert joined the Army at 18 years young, right after high school. He served in Vietnam and became successful, providing the destruction of war. He served nineteen-months in Vietnam, and did parts of his tour in various assignments: he was a rifleman, a 90MM Recoilless Rifle gunner, and a leader...
  6. An Historic Leader of Modern Warfare

      The remarkable career of David Petraeus has been a parade of challenges and achievements. From West Point to Princeton University to United States Military Academy and then on to Iraq and Afghanistan, his work has been efficient, effective and intelligent. Whether he was advising students or Presidents, Petraeus has...
  7. Introducing our Newest Contributor: Torrey Shannon

    It’s an honor to be here as the newest contributor to MilitaryFamily.com! I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself: My name is Torrey Shannon and I am a writer, author, blogger, movie consultant, speaker, veteran’s advocate and Blue Star Mom. I am also a full-time caregiver and spouse...