In honor of April, Month of the Military Child, I’ve been reflecting on things I’ve learned from military children. Our 6-year-old son, Finn, has unknowingly taught me a lot on our military life journey. I think that’s true for many military kids who are often born into this lifestyle. They must learn to be flexible, adaptive, and yes, resilient, a word I’ve come around to after almost a decade of this life.
My husband originally joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard. In 2001, he went off to basic training and AIT. When 9/11 happened, he was at basic training in the woods of Fort Benning. He didn’t find out about the atrocities that had happened until later.
As you can imagine, he was fired up and ready to deploy. After training, he went back home where he worked multiple civilian jobs, including as a beekeeper and fitness instructor in addition to his National Guard responsibilities.
Like many of you, my family loves to travel. I don’t have many hobbies, but perusing for our next spot to visit is near the top of my list. Spectacular travel resources is one of my favorite perks of being connected to the military (like a free National Park Pass!). Today we’re talking military-only resorts run by the Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRC). They can really help us vacation on a military budget.
If you’ve been around the military long enough, you’ve no doubt heard of these resorts and maybe even been to a few. If you’re newer, let me give you a quick run down of what they are.
One of my resolutions for 2018 is to take advantage of more opportunities available to us as military families. I’m grateful for discounted travel resources which help us stretch our budget and open doors to explore places we might not have otherwise. First up: the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass—military edition. This is an $80 value (and is renewable!) offered for free to military members and dependents. This includes active duty as well as Reserve and National Guard members.
Every year I tell myself, “I’m going to start my holiday shopping in July!” Every year, I actually start my holiday shopping in December. I shop for my son and husband, nine nieces and nephews, my parents, my in-laws, grandparents, teachers, and other extended family that would make this an incredibly long list. Not only that, I can’t just make a purchase. I have this internal drive that pressures me to ensure the gift will be (at the very least) somewhat liked!
November makes me get a bit more serious about gratitude. Why don’t I instill a daily ritual, reminding myself of the gifts I have every day? Did you know that gratitude can have lasting benefits for your health?
Maybe that will be my New Year’s resolution! For now, I’m happy to focus on giving thanks in anticipation of Turkey Day.
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