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10 Things I LOVE About the Commissary

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The commissary is a constant fixture among military families. It is the grocery store military families depend on with each move to have their staples and favorites. Beyond being the store that military families turn to for convenience and affordable products, there is a lot to love about the commissary.

Meat Power Boxes

Have you seen the meat power boxes in the meat section of your local commissary? Sometimes also available at the commissary entrances, these boxes provide a collection of meat options with additional savings. Four meat power boxes rotate availability per local commissary: Health Alternatives, Economy, Tailgate, and Fix it and Forget It. Each one offers up to 25% in savings on top of the Commissary’s lower prices. Each box includes 15-19 pounds with a variety of meat, depending on the box. This is perfect for families doing monthly or bi-monthly shopping trips to grab what they need and keep moving. It is also perfect for units or groups that are grilling or cooking together to save money.

Savings

Congress has mandated that the Defense Commissaries (DeCA) provided a consistent savings level for military families. This means that there are guaranteed savings at your local military commissary. These savings are calculated regionally so that prices better match that region’s cost-of-living. Per DeCA, the regional savings are as follows:

  • New England: 21.8%
  • South Atlantic: 18.7%
  • South Central: 18.9%
  • Pacific: 22.6%
  • Mountain: 20%
  • North Central: 21.4%
  • Alaska/Hawaii: 33.2%

Rewards Card

In addition to the Congress-mandated savings, the Commissary has a Rewards program. The Rewards Program is an application with coupons for additional savings, no clipping necessary. Download the app, enter the number of your Commissary Rewards card, and “clip” from the store’s coupons. The card is associated with your phone number and can be used at checkout if you forget your card.

Use Your Military Star Card

Shopping for groceries and have a Military Star Card? Earn rewards on your grocery purchases! Earn 2 points for every $1 spent at the Military Commissary. Every 2,000 points earn a $20 rewards card. Historically, there have also been double points offerings on certain days, earning 4 points per $1, meaning you earn the reward even faster. Check your local Military Commissary social media for any offerings of this type.

Grab-N-Go

While living the hotel-style life or just moving into a new home, the grab-n-go section is a, pardon the pun, go-to. The packaged sushi, salads, and sandwiches are perfect for families without dishes, often including silverware or chopsticks that are readily available at the pick-up area. Perfect for those deployment days when you don’t want to cook, but you still have to eat and feed the kids – grab a rotisserie chicken from the Grab-N-Go and grab some deli sides for a complete meal.

Amazing International Aisle

The International aisle spans a variety of ethnic foods, especially areas that military service members and their families were stationed overseas. Looking for mustard from Germany, or a biscuit from the U.K.? Or perhaps that canned coffee you got from Dydo while living in Asia? It’s in the International aisle at the commissary! It’s a trip down memory lane and a chance to share those memories with other family members. Haven’t been to any of these countries? Enjoy the food from the country from the comfort of your home without the requirement of your passport, all at affordable prices.

Click2Go Curbside service

Online shopping and curbside pickup service have become a staple in the last year. It is perfect for busy individuals, parents with sick children or families with a deployed spouse, or just plain don’t want to go into the store. Click2Go is the curbside service of the Commissary. Orders can be placed here. Upon pickup, you will be required to show military ID, the confirmation email and bring a preferred form of electronic payment. There is no minimum order size or minimum dollar amount.

The Click2Go service is available at Charleston AFB, Fort Belvoir, Fort Eustis, Fort Lee, Fort Polk, Jacksonville NAS, Oceana NAS, Offutt AFB, Quantico, and McGuire. There are hours of operation for Click2Go which can be checked here.  This service is still in the testing phase, and if it is popular, there are plans to expand to more commissaries.

Overseas Perks

Moving to a foreign country is an amazing opportunity that some military families enjoy. Living overseas means a new culture, housing, and food. There are also differing food prices in the local economy that are not always affordable. While military families living overseas do receive a COLA, the on-base commissary provides a place with familiar food with labels that are easily read, which is an amazing resource for families with food allergies. Also, some food pricing at the local commissaries is aligned with U.S. pricing and is much more affordable on base than off.  Bonus -when living overseas, coupons to be accepted up to 6 months after their expiration date!

Packaged Meals Ready to Cook

Beyond the Grab-N-Go are prepackaged meals near the meat section. Want to make a stew but don’t have all the ingredients? Grab the prepackaged stew packages, and everything is there – oftentimes including the seasoning packets. All you have to do is cut the container open, pour and cook per the instructions. A homecooked meal is not far away with the prepared ready to cook meals. These are useful when living in temporary living facilities with a limited kitchen as some of these can be prepared easily on the stovetop that on-base hotel facilities have.

Sense of Camaraderie

The commissary isn’t just a grocery store. It’s part of the community. It is where new families run into friends they knew at the previous duty station. It’s where you run into the family down the street and catch up on neighborhood gatherings. The commissary is a community resource for the families that serve.

‘WE CARE AND YOU SAVE!’: Sidewalk sales to offer discounts on variety of everyday items at stateside commissaries

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DeCA Marketing and Mass Media

April 12, 2021
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FORT LEE, Va. – Commissary patrons stateside can stock up on their favorite items at significant savings during the Defense Commissary Agency’s Military Appreciation Month Sidewalk Sale event in May.

“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our patrons for their service and sacrifice,” said Bonita Moffett, DeCA’s director of sales. “These U.S. sidewalk sales give our military members and their families a chance to realize extra savings during this military recognition month. We care and you save!”

Commissaries stateside only will hold their sidewalk sale, with a few exceptions, sometime between April 29 and May 31. The sales coincide with May’s Military Appreciation Month.

Weather permitting, most commissaries will have one event – a two- or three-day outdoor weekend sidewalk sale – featuring extra savings on variety of everyday items. Event dates are subject to change, so patrons are encouraged to check their store’s web page for sale dates and hours or talk to their store manager for more details or updates.

Customers have a variety of options to choose from. Sale items may include products in the following categories: Snacks, Beverages, Pet Food, International Foods, Baking Goods, Canned Goods, Non-Food Items, and Health and Beauty Products.

“This is another way the commissary brings quality and savings together for our military families,” Moffett added.

In accordance with DOD policy regarding COVID-19 safety protocols, commissary customers and employees are required to wear masks at sidewalk sale events.

-DeCA-

Connect on the go with Sapphire Portable Hotspots

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Communication is key. We have heard this at just about every military family event – communication about expectations for work, deployments, exercises, and work-ups helps build appropriate expectations. The hard part about communication with military family members is sometimes the difficulty of actually talking. When the military family member is in the field, on a ship, or deployed overseas, they will likely not have the cellular service we are all used to having available to us. Or if they do have a cell phone overseas, they will need an internet connection to connect with family. What about email, or connecting with friends and family through email? How do you maintain communication across the miles when it is not as easy as picking up the phone or having a predictable internet connection to write an email?

Enter Sapphire Portable HotSpots. TravelWifi, formerly DHI Telecom, has been serving the U.S. Armed Forces, NATO coalition forces and government contractors for over a decade.

Their recent addition of Sapphire is an International mobile hotspot. The devices are available at select Navy Exchanges and online. Once the device is purchased, all you do is create an account using the Sapphire app or by logging on to Sapphire’s website. From there, any mobile phone or other Wif-Fi enabled device can connect to Sapphire just like you connect to Wi-Fi.

There are two portable hot spot options. One has the additional feature of a touchscreen, making it easy to use. A touchscreen makes connecting a device that much simpler.

Sapphire 2 Features:

  • Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot That Works in 130+ countries
  • 4G LTE Speeds
  • 1GB Global Data Included
  • CloudSIM Technology Connects you to the Strongest Signal
  • Connect up to 5 devices
  • 12 Hour Battery Life
  • Flexible, Prepaid Data Plans
  • Manage and View Data Usage through the Sapphire app
  • Simple & Easy to Use

Sapphire T2 Features:

  • Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot That Works in 130+ countries
  • 5-Inch HD Touchscreen to Manage and View Data Usage
  • Preloaded Sapphire app and Google Maps app
  • Built-in Powerbank 
  • 2GB Global Data Included
  • 4G LTE Speeds
  • CloudSIM Technology Connects you to the Strongest Signal
  • Connect up to 5 devices
  • 12 Hour Battery Life
  • Flexible, Prepaid Data Plans
  • Simple & Easy to Use

The private network provided by this hotspot is password-protected, allowing for more security.

Multiple data plans are available ranging from a single country, regional or global coverage with a variety of data plans within each group. There are over 130 countries to choose from for the single country plan and 10 regions for the regional plan.  

In addition to active duty service members, when families are PCSing across the world and now have the additional hurdle of restricted movement as part of COVID, this device allows for connectivity without the need for a local phone. Sapphire Customer Service is available 24/7/365 by phone, email, and WhatsApp.

Whether deploying on a ship, or in the field; PCSing, or on restricted movement, the Sapphire portable hot spot will keep you connected to friends, family and the outside world.

For more information on data plans and Sapphire devices,  look for the Sapphire device banner on https://www.mynavyexchange.com/CellServices

Washington D.C Added to Cities that Rate CONUS COLA

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COLA, or Cost Of Living Allowance, is typically associated with overseas moves. When a military family is living overseas, the cost of living is typically quite different than that of a family in the United States. COLA was developed and provided to offset those costs, so the burden wasn’t solely felt by military families. Did you know there was COLA provided for some CONUS locations?

In the 1995 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress approved the CONUS COLA to help cover the additional costs of high-cost locations. Pay for civilian jobs are location-based, whereas military pay scales are the same across the ranks despite which location the service member resides in. CONUS COLA is provided for areas that have been determined to be 108% of the national average for non-housing costs. While the 7th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation 9QRMC) recommended a threshold of 105%, Congress mandated that the threshold should not be lower than 108%. The threshold has remained at 108% since 1997.

In 2021, a new addition was added to the list of CONUS COLA locations – Washington D.C. As an area well-known for its high cost of living, it’s surprising it took until 2021 to provide a cost offset.

Which CONUS locations offer COLA?

A comprehensive list is available here through the Defense Travel Management Office.

Military Housing Areas that currently provide CONUS COLA:

  • California: Oakland, San Francisco, Marin/Sonoma, Bridgeport
  • Colorado: Boulder
  • District of Columbia
  • Massachusetts: Nantucket, Boston, Worcester, Fitchburg, Plymouth, Essex County, Hampden County, Martha’s Vineyard, Hanscomb AFB
  • Minnesota: Duluth
  • New York: Long Island, New York City, Westchester County, Staten Island
  • Virginia: Warrenton

Non-Military Housing Areas that currently provide CONUS COLA:

  • California: Inyo County
  • Colorado: Broomfield County, Clear Creek County, Gilpin County, Lake County, Park County, Pitkin County, Summit County, Washington County, Yuma County
  • Massachusetts: Franklin County
  • Minnesota: Aitkin County, Cook County, Itasca County, Kanabec County, Koochiching County, Lake County, Pine County
  • Virginia: Isle of Wight County, Southampton County, Surry County, Sussex County

What if we are in an area that rates CONUS COLA?

If the service member is assigned to an area that rates CONUS COLA, it should be automatically included in the pay beginning the first day of work. If you are new to an area, the first day of CONUS pay is the day of check-in to the new duty station. The CONUS COLA rates range from 1% – 7% depending on the area. Check for the rate here.

CONUS COLA is paid as a monthly entitlement based on a 30-day month, just like BAH.

What does the “threshold “mean?

With a threshold of 108%, it means that the service member is expected to cover at least 8% of the average expenses above the national average cost of living. If the service member is assigned to locations where the local costs are above 8% of the national average for non-housing costs, a CONUS COLA provision would be provided.

How are areas determined to require CONUS COLA?

Data is collected from several sources:

  1. A survey of costs is conducted every 3 years and used to determine the utilization rate and savings that are available at the military commissaries and exchanges.
  2. Local market price data is purchased from a private contractor – beginning in 2021, Decision Point is used for all cost of living data.
  3. The military commissaries and exchanges provide information on their availability in a given area.
  4. The military commissaries and exchanges provide information on their average savings.

The data is collected with numbers in regards to an average family of four. This data is used to review costs annually, as required by law.

While there are many areas in the continental United States that military families would say the cost of living is far and above the area they moved from, the way to impact what decisions are made on CONUS COLA is to answer any survey you receive about the costs of living.

Are you in an area that provides CONUS COLA?

When Do I Get An Updated Next Generation ID Card?

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The Department of Defense announced that the paper-based Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card is being phased out to a Next Generation USID card that provides more security.  The security features on the card prevent counterfeiting and fraud, in part of keeping government facilities safe. Gone are the days of the green card for members of the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR) and Inactive National Guard, blue for retirees, pink for retired members of the Reserves and National Guard under the age of 60. The tan card used for dependents, disabled veterans, full time USO personnel service in OCONUS, and other categories is being replaced.

There are three Next Generation USID cards

  • Geneva Convention Identification Card (for those in the IRR or National Guard or civil service that do not rate a CAC card)
  • Sponsor Identification and Privilege Card
  • Dependent Identification and Privilege Card

Color Coding:

  • White designates current/former Uniformed Service members and their dependents and other remaining personnel
  • Blue bar designate non-U.S. citizen sponsors and their dependents

Where do I get a Next Generation USID card?

As of December 2020, all ID card issuance facilities are able to provide an updated card. Check for a location and appointments near you here.

Any current USID cards that are not expired will remain valid through their expiration date. There is no need to update the card at this time unless you card is expired. Any cards that may have INDEF as an expiration date should wait to try to update your card in summer 2021. Expired cardholders are able to continue to use the expired card for base access through March 2021 and receive medical care through June 30, 2021.

Bottom Line: If you have an unexpired card, you do not need to renew your card until your current card expires. If you have an expired card, you must update your card by March 31, 2021 in order to have continued base access. If base access is not a concern, card holders can use an expired ID card for medical care through June 30, 2021. If you have an INDEF expiration, try to update your card during the summer of 2021.

Any more questions about updating your ID card? Contacts are listed here.

How To: Make Friends at a New Duty Station during Pandemic

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The past year has flown by remarkably fast despite being indoors and social distancing for most of it. The normal way of making friends through activities with shared interests or when outside walking around has changed. The social distancing guidance of masking up, maintaining distance, and limiting gatherings do not provide the traditional ways of meeting new people. As if starting over isn’t difficult anyway, to meet new people and make new friends, you have to get creative.

Be Flexible.

Meeting new friends in the current environment is not traditional. As much of military life, flexibility is key to making new friends. Much of the activities are virtual, which can be hard on extroverted individuals. Some effort will need to be made to seek out groups in a non-traditional way. The beauty of online events is no traffic, less need for a sitter, and more opportunities to check out different activities that you may not normally seek out. Be flexible and give yourself grace to meeting new people at your new duty station.

Still Say Hi

Just because you have to wear a mask or socially distant doesn’t mean that you can’t introduce yourself to your neighbors. Being a good neighbor is still appropriate. While it may be difficult to say hi when initially in restricted movement, consider writing cards introducing yourself and leaving them on your neighbors’ door, letting them know when you will be out of ROM. Something as simple as an introduction can be the foundation of a new friendship.

Technology is your friend.

Before PCSing during a pandemic, research on social media for base-specific groups. These groups can provide real-time information on-base housing, schools in the area, housing availability outside the base, and current base information. While in these groups asking about the area, consider asking if there are interest groups among the base-specific group. Maybe there is a meet-up group or running group. Maybe there is someone already there with common interests where you can talk as you navigate a PCS and build the foundation for a friendship before your arrival.

Virtual Meet Ups

Check out the base-specific social media pages for any virtual clubs. On base and off, local libraries have held various book and activity clubs for a variety of different topics.  If you enjoyed a book club at your last duty station, join the virtual book club. Or maybe you are looking to try something different like tea time or trivia night. Virtual meet-ups provide an opportunity for growth on personal interest. You won’t be meeting them in person, but you will be virtually meeting with others with similar interests.

Touch Base with Your Volunteer Group

While in-person activities are limited, if you were a volunteer with an organization prior to the pandemic, see if there is a branch at your new base. While they may not be holding in-person activities, they may still hold online activities or ways to volunteer at home. This can build a friend base in an environment you are familiar with and provide an outlet for the volunteering you have enjoyed in the past.

Spouse Clubs

The spouse club’s idea is to provide a social group for military spouses at each duty station. The common bond of military life is a stepping-off point. There are usually nominal membership costs involved, and these funds are typically used to provide food or activities to the group. In the current environment, the spouse clubs are doing virtual events like 80s nights, game nights, and exercise challenges. This provides an opportunity to meet new friends in a virtual environment.

Maintain Contact

Chances are, if this is not your first PCS, there may be someone at your new duty station that you have been stationed with before. That connection of a known entity can be an amazing starting point for developing a new start to your friendship.  Building on someone you already know or building on those casual connections is easier.

Manners in the Time of Pandemic

Currently, there is a federal requirement for masks on base when social distancing cannot be maintained. When meeting new people, ask what their comfort level is in regards to masking and social distance. Part of building trust is respecting your community’s wishes regarding the comfort level for mask-wearing and distancing.

Admittedly, it is additionally challenging to make friends in a world with social distancing rules. It’s in the name – social distancing. It can be done with some creativity and flexibility of exploring opportunities. Good luck with your PCS, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Have a suggestion on making friends at a new duty station? Let us know in the comments!

Commissary Sales in April!

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Don’t ever miss a commissary deal!  Sign up for Military Shoppers News’ e-newsletter for military discounts and savings delivered directly to your inbox.

Don’t forget to pair items with printable coupons accessible here and your Commissary Rewards Card to maximize Commissary savings and Commissary sales dollars.  Take advantage of your Commissary benefit today and you could see an average savings of 30% or more on your grocery bill.

Pentagon responds to Fox News Host Comments About Female Service Members

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Recently, a tv show host shared his personal beliefs on women in the military during his news show. Fox News host Tucker Carlson was discussing updates to military uniforms on his tv show when he called the military’s integration of women a “mockery,” noting that “we’ve got new hairstyles and maternity flight suits. Pregnant women are going to fight our wars.” He stated further that “our military needs to become, as Joe Biden says, more feminine.”

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby responded to these comments in an off-camera press briefing, which is also found on the Department of Defense’s website defense.gov.  Kirby stated that “the diversity of our military is one of its greatest strengths. I’ve seen it for myself in long months at sea and in the combat waged by our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’ve seen it up on Capitol Hill just this past month. And I see it every day here right at the Pentagon.” Furthermore, he pointed out that women serve in several military service capacities, like the civilian counterparts who serve in various career fields and are not only operating in certain areas. “They’re flying fighter jets and commanding warships. They’re leading troops on the ground. They’re making a difference in everything we do because of what they bring to the effort.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed similar sentiments. He stated that he and other top defense officials condemned Carlson’s comments and stated that America’s military force is better served when it represents all people.

While maybe unintentionally, Carlson’s comments have brought forward conversation about women in the military. Kirby said, “We still have a lot of work to do to make our military more inclusive, more respectful to everyone, especially women. We’re proud that two great leaders like Generals Van Ovost and Richardson have been nominated to combatant command, but we recognize the lack of female leadership across the senior ranks. We pledge to do better and we will.”

What’s For Dinner: Easy Naan Pizza!

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Looking for a delicious and quick meal that everyone can enjoy? Look no further than easy Naan Pizza! It hits all the wickets for a busy time period – easy, quick, and can be done with a variety of ingredients. Mini-naans are perfect for handheld pizzas that can be personalized for each person’s taste. Or use the larger commercially available naans to make larger pizzas to share among the family. Have a family member who is vegetarian? They can enjoy a naan topped with veggies galore! Are you more of a meat-eater? Pile your naan high with a variety of options from pepperoni, chicken, sausage, or bacon! The naan is a canvas for pizza making and can be ready in minutes.

Easy Naan Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 2 Naan Breads
  • ¼ cup pizza sauce
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Topping suggestions: pepperoni, roasted vegetables, spinach, olives, cooked sausage, tomatoes, zucchini, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425° F
  2. Brush naan bread with olive oil on both sides.
  3. Spread pizza sauce evenly over naan bread.
  4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese.
  5. Top with toppings of choice.
  6. Bake on the oven rack for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

There are so many options. Make it gourmet and change up the cheese for goat cheese and make a squash, goat cheese and prosciutto naan pizza! Or perhaps a blue cheese, fig and arugula naan pizza is more your style.

Whether it’s a busy evening or a lazy afternoon, this recipe is the perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Better yet – get everyone involved in the preparation! Put the toppings out on the kitchen table and have everyone pile on what they want. Pop it in the oven and voila! Lunch or dinner is served!

Share your Naan pizza renditions with us in the comments below!

Time to Celebrate Our Military Kids!

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April is the Month of the Military Child.  Former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger established it in 1986. Sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy, the month of the military child is a month dedicated to reflecting on the sacrifices and challenges military children face as part of military life.

April 15th every year is Purple Up! For Military Kids day where people around the world wear purple to demonstrate their support of military children around the world. The color purple was chosen as the color is a mix of all the service branch colors – Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard blue.

In celebration of the month of the military child, we asked some military children of the different service branches what military life meant to them, or what their favorite part of military life was. They were unabashedly honest about their thoughts. From ages 4 – 21, here are what military children from around the world shared.

L.E., age 21, Marine Corps – “I learned to appreciate the little things and the small moments because we knew that things could change in the blink of an eye. We learned that we never knew how much time we got with our friends or in one place so we learned to appreciate every second we had.”

C.E, age 20, Marine Corps – My favorite thing about military life is “getting to experience new people and places that a normal kid growing up doesn’t usually get to do or see. It definitely makes you well rounded.”

A.P., age 10, Marine Corps– “Military life means moving from friends and family. It’s also an adventure, and you get to see new places. What I like is meeting new people and seeing new places.”

K.M., age 13, Marine Corps – “[I have a] level of pride and getting to experience more than civilian kids,”

L.M., age 11, Marine Corps – “My favorite thin has been moving and making new friends.”

A.A., age 10, Army – “My favorite thing about military life is that you can live pretty much anywhere.”

R.D.S., age 10, Navy – “I like that I have lived around the world and that my dad gets to help serve the country.”

G.P., age 8, Marine Corps -“Military life sucks because you have to leave your friends when you move.”

R.T.S., age 8, Navy – “I feel special being a military child because my dad is important. We have been able to see a lot of things being in the military.”

R.R.S., age 8, Navy – “My favorite thing about military life is that I get to meet people from all around the world and country.”

M.J., age 8, Marine Corps – “I love that Daddy can protect us and keep us safe if a bad guy breaks in.”

A.W., age 8, Navy – “I like getting to see lots of places, and li

H.J., age 7, Marine Corps – “My favorite part of military life is the adventures I get to have with family and friends. Every time we move it is somewhere new and fun to explore.”

K.D., age 7, Marine Corps – “Oh that’s a hard one. I like being able to see all the Marine helicopters and vehicles that are on base every day.”

A.P, age 4, Marine Corps – “Military life means papa is always gone a lot.”

G.A., age 4, Army – “The best part about [military life] is watching the Army football game.”

There’s a central theme in these shared thoughts – while there are adventure and exploration involved in military life, there is a lot of leaving and being left behind. Thank you, military children, for being part of your military parent’s support network – it is not an easy task.