As a military spouse, it can be easy to feel the label the military gives you – dependent. Military spouses are used to putting their own aspirations on the back burner. But Karri L. Moser believes that as spouses, you should be writing your own milspouse story.

You have to work to cultivate your own place in this military life. Share your dreams with your spouse, kids, and friends. This lifestyle doesn’t last forever and you owe it to yourself to pursue what you want. Never forget that your dreams matter. So figure out what you want out of life and start by doing what you can to make that happen.

Karri’s adventures as a military spouse play a heavy role in her newest book The Road to Abilene. While living the military spouse life had its challenges, Karri feels this lifestyle gave her the motivation, perseverance, and determination to follow her own dreams while supporting her husband’s career as a soldier and raising her two kids. She’s here today to tell us her story and inspire other spouses to pursue their passions.

Karri has been a radio news reporter, a newspaper reporter, and a freelance writer for marketing firms, magazines, and the U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade. She started to focus on her fiction career after finishing her first book while stationed at Fort Knox, KY. She currently has 4 books published and a 5th due to be released by the end of the year. When Karri isn’t writing or studying, she loves to explore the beaches of Maine in the summer, snowshoe in her woods in winter, garden, paint, and bum around the coastal tourist traps that inspire her all while sipping on a hot hazelnut coffee. 

Listeners, if you would like to learn more about the Karri L. Moser, check out her website here or connect with her on social media via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda B.

Today we are showcasing one of our volunteers who is an MRE winner, which by the way, that stands for Motivated and Ready to Empower. A huge congratulations to Army Wife Network Command Team Member, our Podcast Production Assistant, Annie Pearce.

Annie was born and raised outside of Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers & Penguins!). Over ten years ago, Annie met her husband Chris in Alexandria, VA, while he was assigned to The Old Guard, before being sent to Fort Bragg, NC. In March 2020, Annie and Chris moved with their 4-month-old son from Hohenfels, Germany, to Fort Drum, NY. They literally flew the day before the travel ban went into effect and got a house during the global pandemic – while NY realtors weren’t allowed to show houses. Then two months later, Chris deployed. With lots of calls to her mom, family, and friends – Annie and Owen survived Chris being deployed. They are now happily all together and exploring the upstate NY area.

Before moving to Germany, Annie owned her own event planning business – Attended. Her passion for events has led her to volunteer for non-profit organizations, including the AMA Triangle and Innovate Raleigh. Annie has served in multiple roles for large events including Event Director for Fail Fest Raleigh, Trade Show Manager for High Five Conference, and has managed multiple events for an economic development organization. Annie holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication from Ithaca College.

So much thanks goes out to Annie for doing your part to empower military families all across the globe.

Encouragement Minute with Juanda

Self care is an essential part of living. How can we assist others, if we do not take care of ourselves first. Just like our cars need maintenance and phones need charging, so do you. Make self care part of your weekly activity.

News 6 with Jolene

Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of March 28, 2022, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

US Using Hybrid Warfare on Russia

The United States may not have troops in the fight, but is fighting Russia using an “unconventional war” referred to as “hybrid warfare,” reported NPR. Some of the non-traditional warfare techniques that the U.S. has been using include releasing “intelligence in advance of the Russian invasion, ‘pre-bunking’ Russian disinformation such as the claim that Ukraine is being run by Nazis,’ said NPR.  The unconventional warfare is taking its toll on Russia. 

Space Force Eliminates Annual Physical Fitness Test

Space Force is taking a new approach to physical fitness and kicking to the curb the annual fitness test and replacing it with a “program that promotes physical activity, mental health, balanced eating and sleep, and other facets of a healthy lifestyle,” reported Air Force Times. Part of this new approach will be the use of wearable fitness technology. Guardians are currently testing Garmin watches and Oura rings to help track daily health metrics. 

Adopt a Retired Caisson Horse

The Old Guard, which participates in all Army, Air Force and Marine Corps Full Honors Funerals performed in Arlington National Cemetery, is looking for homes for their retired horses. You can adopt a retired Caisson Horse and give it a rewarding retirement home. Learn more and see the three current horses available for adoption, Minnie, Jerry and Cliff. 

You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.

Thank You

Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to info@armywifenetwork.com or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @armywifenetwork to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of AWN. We appreciate your engagement and support.

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