Military teens face many obstacles that include making friends, moving often, and enduring parental deployments. But perhaps the biggest challenge is the consequences of these obstacles and trying to maintain your mental health. There is a big community and support for military spouses and young military children, but there is a gap in the support when it comes to the military teen. Bloom saw this gap and set out on a mission of empowering the military teen.

Bloom has teamed up with the National Military Family Association (NMFA) to make sure military teens know that they’re not the only ones having these problems. As a part of this partnership, these organizations saw how ill-prepared people were who actually deal with military teens. So they created a field guide to explain how best to support military teens because intentional educated support is what they need.

The NMFA, the leading nonprofit in the United States dedicated to serving families who stand behind the uniform, and Bloom: Empowering the Military Teen, an organization run by and for military teens have teamed up to shine a light on the military teen experience and provide critical insight into some of the challenges and resources needed to ensure the force of the future feels the support they need to succeed.

Besa Pinchotti, Executive Director of NMFA, is an award-winning journalist and marketer whose passion for our military began during her time as a reporter and television news anchor. From Jacksonville, North Carolina to Kosovo, her assignments opened her eyes to the post-9/11 military experience, and its cycles of deployment, redeployment, and constant transition. During Besa’s time covering Camp Lejeune, she met a guy named Dave, whom she decided to marry despite warnings to “never marry a Marine.” Now 15+ years later, they live on Capitol Hill with their 3 kids.

Catherine Mader is a senior at Howell High School, stationed at Detroit Arsenal. In true Army brat style, she’s lived at Fort Riley, Fort Gordon, Fort Huachuca, Peterson AFB, Camp Arifjan, NCI the Hague, S.H.A.P.E., and Camp Humphreys. Catherine is Bloom’s Director of Human Resources and Administration, and Editor.

Listeners, if you would like to check out more about National Military Family Association, check out their website here, or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. If you would like to learn more about Bloom, check out their website here, or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda B.

Today we are showcasing our AWN Empowers, Operation Gratitude, which was nominated as an organization for helping military spouses and families.

In March of 2003, Operation Gratitude sent its first four care packages to deployed service members in Iraq. Since its inception, the organization has provided opportunities for thousands of Americans to express their gratitude through hands-on volunteerism, in turn lifting the spirits of those who raise their hands to serve. Volunteers of Operation Gratitude are a generous group of grateful Americans who want to say “Thank You” to all who serve our great nation. Its mission is to Honor the service of our Military and First Responders by creating opportunities to express gratitude.

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

Encouragement Minute with Juanda

There will be times in your life, where you see nothing but rain, such as loved ones taking sick, finances are crumbling, etc. Challenges will come only to grow us. Truth is we all face tough times, but it is through our resilience that we come out stronger and better than before.

News 6 with Jolene

Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 18, 2022, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

Additional $800M in Aid for Ukraine

“An additional $800 million drawdown package of security assistance is on its way to Ukraine,” reported the Department of Defense. Some of the equipment that will be sent to Ukraine includes 18 155 Howitzers, 40,000 artillery rounds, and counterartillery and Sentinel air surveillance radar systems.

Air Force & Space Force Approve 35 Days of Leave for Fertility Treatments

The Air Force and Space Force have just approved a new policy allowing up to 35 days of Permissive Temporary Duty if they are undergoing fertility treatments to start families, reported Military.com.

AAFES Celebrates Month of the Military Child

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is celebrating Month of the Military Child by offering toys and prizes. Through April 30, authorized shoppers can enter to win one of 60 toys and 31 gift cards valued at $250 each.

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

Podcast Brought to You by First Command

We would like to thank First Command Financial Services for sponsoring today’s episode. First Command offers complimentary financial plans for active-duty military, E5+. Visit www.firstcommand.com to learn more and find a financial coach near you.

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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