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…...

November 8, 2023

Life in the military can be challenging for spouses’ careers, with frequent relocations and military demands often interrupting professional paths. As a dedicated supporter of junior enlisted military families, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) provides help for military spouses in advancing their educational and career-oriented goals. Having personally experienced these…...

November 7, 2023

Throughout my journey as a military spouse, I’ve come to realize that versatility is my greatest superpower. During the seven years of my husband’s contract and having four children, we have mostly survived on one solid income. This was quite an adjustment — not just financially but emotionally as well.…...

November 6, 2023

When my husband volunteered for his first deployment, I remember thinking… I’m not ready for this. When orders came down for recruiting duty, I remember thinking… I’m not ready for this. When we moved yet again after I found a job I loved, I remember thinking… I’m not ready for…...

October 25, 2023

The weather is growing colder, leaves are starting to change colors, and days are growing shorter — the season of fall is quickly approaching. Why not seize the opportunity presented by the cooler weather and beautiful scenery to make some travel plans with your family this autumn? Here are a…...