Have you ever made plans that you had to change because of the military? Ever had to change careers after a move to a new duty station? That’s exactly what happened to Brunella Costagliola. What she once saw as an obstacle, in fact, turned out to be a trampoline that eventually led her to create MilKid MailKits.

When the pandemic hit and Brunella and her family had just moved, she noticed how lonely her children were. How do you make friends in a new place when you are stuck indoors? Brunella remembered being in a pen pal program when she was younger. That’s when she created Milkid Mailkits to help kids have a sense of belonging.

MilKid MailKits’ unique stationery is expertly crafted by world-renowned creator and longtime Disney theme park designer and illustrator, Valerio Mazzoli. Characterized by the military child symbol par excellence—the dandelion—every illustration captures the adventurous spirit, inspiring diversity, and barrier-breaking horizons of military life. A personalized pen pal list ensures children engage with like-hearted and like-minded peers, offering each other support, exclusive insight into a potential duty station, and countless fun activities that will keep them away from screens and practice the art of handwriting without even noticing! 

Brunella Costagliola is an AFI MSOY alumna, an award-winning author and bestselling editor, and President of The Military Editor® Agency, LLC. Her writing and editing agency caters exclusively to military authors and military-related manuscripts. She is the proud mother of her two children, person to three dogs, and a wife to a now-retired 100% service-related disabled Air Force veteran.

Listeners, if you would like to check out more about MilKid MailKits, check out their website here, or connect with them on social media via Facebook, or Instagram.

Resource Recon with Chrissy & Katelynn

This week’s Resource Recon is brought to you from our ever-empowering, Band of Bloggers! The blog is titled “The Helper” from our Band of Bloggers newest member, Justine Kaneris. She writes:

“Would you like to be my friend?

Is it just me or does meeting new military spouse friends feel like a personal job interview? (This is the same for me, when “dating” new mom friends.) Having been supporting my husband in his active-duty Army service for more than 16 years, I’ve made many amazing friends within each duty station we’ve visited. Often, I wish that each of the important relationships that have shaped my husband and my life thus far could all move to our little cul-de-sac here in Clarksville, Tennessee. That way, we can all live happily ever after, starting right where we left off and never needing to start over, ever again.”

She goes on to discuss how she has adapted to military life, using her personality traits as an advantage, and how she’s looking forward to sharing her experiences to help others that may be struggling to find their purpose in the shadow of the uniform of achievements and honors.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda B.

Today we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment Recipient, Kayla Parkinson, who was nominated for empowering other milspouses.

Kayla has been with her husband for almost 10 years and married for over 8 years. He has been in the Air Force for all but 6 months of those years. She has worked since she was 17 and has been in Business administration/management for over 8 years, but always felt like she was being called to something more. Kayla says she related so much to women around her at different stages in life, who were struggling with body image, mindset, their purpose, and moms sometimes losing who they are or making that their only defining title. She decided to help herself and others to break through those negative thoughts and patterns, rebuild their mindset, and truly find what else sets their soul on fire all while strengthening their body and their health. Women can still be incredible wives, moms, and friends, and chase after their own dreams. Either/or and all or nothing is something Kayla works hard to remove. She has been a Certified Life & Wellness Coach for over 3 years and has been blessed to witness such renewed joy in her clients. Kayla has her own private coaching company,  and also utilizes Beachbody for fitness resources and the ability to train women on how to help others.

If you’d like to be inspired and empowered by Kayla like I am, follow her on IG @krpcoaching.

Thank you so much to Kayla Parkinson for doing your part to empower military families around the globe.

Podcast Brought to You by the American College of Preventive Medicine’s Vaccine Confident Initiative

This episode is brought to you by the American College of Preventive Medicine’s Vaccine Confident initiative. Science has shown that getting vaccinated for preventable diseases is just as good for your body as eating healthy. History shows us that vaccines are one of the most successful ways to ensure our own and our community’s health. ACPM encourages everyone to stay up to date with ALL routine vaccinations and boosters. Visit vaccineconfident.org for more info.

Thank You

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