February 6, 2024

In the first part of my Operation Kid Comfort story, I shared how this program became available nationwide, offering solace to military families like ours. Now, I want to delve deeper into its impact, not just on us, but on the broader military community. Comfort When It’s Needed Most As…...

February 2, 2024

As we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome a new chapter, I find myself looking back at the past twelve months. My most cherished memory of the year was our first road trip as a family. Picture us driving down the interstate in the middle of nowhere, in our packed-out…...

January 25, 2024

When my husband first asked if I would consider being interviewed for the position of ship’s ombudsman, my initial thought was, “What could I possibly have to offer to several hundred military families?” I sat with this question for some time. After all, I had been a stay-at-home mom for…...

January 22, 2024

As 2024 approaches, I find myself reflecting on the past and looking to the future. These last few years have been extremely challenging as we transitioned from the civilian world into our new military life. Other than parenthood, I think being a military spouse is one of the hardest and…...

January 16, 2024

Going from a part-time soldier and full-time employee to a mom and military spouse presented unexpected challenges. Despite my belief that being the oldest of six children and a war veteran would make motherhood and employment easy, I was wrong. I battled postpartum depression, felt isolated without a strong community,…...

January 11, 2024

Gratitude probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about military family life. Deployments, frequent moves, stress, and unpredictable schedules often consume our day-to-day thoughts. Military life is hard, but you're also surrounded by abundance if you only take the time to look. "Acknowledging the good…...

December 12, 2023

As I approach 5 years of being a military spouse, I find myself reflecting on the changes it has brought me over the years. I knew life as a military spouse meant frequent moves and uncertainty, but I didn’t know just how much it would change me as a person.…...

December 7, 2023

The countdown to deployment had already begun. Burdened with the weight of a lengthy checklist and a limited time, my husband and I were overjoyed that we had something positive to look forward to. We were thankful that the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) has a program like Operation Kid Comfort…...

December 5, 2023

For military families, the journey toward military retirement is one of both anticipation and adaptation, honoring years of service while navigating the complexities of establishing a new way of life. It’s a whirlwind of change, leaving many to wonder… What comes next? Good question! The military retirement process is full…...

December 4, 2023

The most wonderful time of year is fast approaching, and holiday family traditions are on our minds! Some stores are already advertising and selling holiday decorations, cookware, and supplies. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. However, I remember from my childhood in…...