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AWTR Show #905: Secure Families Initiative

Are you wondering why you should vote in this year’s election? Secure Families Initiative reminds you that every time you vote, you make a permanent impact (even if your person doesn’t win their election). You shape the voter data in the district where you vote. This says to anyone thinking of running or people thinking of changing policies, that they should care about you because you are the type of person who shows up and votes.

After an anxiety-ridden experience, Sarah Streyder decided she wanted to build an informative and supportive community of military family members, who might go through the same things she did, who could work together to learn more about current events, and who could take action together as voters. Voting is the one time you have control over your life in this military life. And when we better understand the mission (what our sacrifices are contributing to) it helps with morale. So let Secure Families Initiative help you dust off the cobwebs of misunderstanding and take a blowtorch to self-doubt.

Sarah Streyder is the Executive Director of Secure Families Initiative, an organization whose mission is to elevate military spouses and family members as voters and advocates for their communities, especially on issues of national security.

Sarah is an advocate, organizer, and proud military spouse who is committed to helping other military partners and family members raise their voices on foreign policy issues that affect their lives. Sarah began her career working for the White House’s correspondence office under President Obama’s administration. Sarah now lives in Virginia and was recognized as the Space Force Spouse of the Year for 2022.

Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Secure Families Initiative, check out their website here, their new website for teen voters here, or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

News 6 with Jolene

Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of June 13, 2022, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

Food Insecurity Rises Among Active-Duty Families

One in five military families experienced food insecurity in 2021 – up from one in eight in 2019, reported Military.com. A survey by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Military Family Advisory Network found that “high rates of spouse unemployment, moving and child care shortages are driving the growing rate of food insecurity among active duty military families.”

If you are struggling to stretch your food budget – it’s okay to get help. The first place CSIS recommends is applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also called SNAP. To apply, check to see if you are eligible in the state that you live in by visiting the Food and Nutrition Service website. You also may be eligible for a Summer Food Service Program to help bridge the summer gap between school sessions. Check with your local church for food banks and programs.

New Bill Proposed for Free Access to Tricare for National Guard & Reserves

“Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said she plans to introduce new legislation to expand health care coverage for military reservists, including some 60,000 National Guard members who lack health insurance when they are not on military duty,” reported Stars and Stripes. Under the bill, free access TRICARE coverage would be expanded to all service members in the National Guard, and Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine reserves who are currently only eligible for free health care while under specific active-duty military statuses.  

Coast Guard Pilots Transform Helicopter to RV

I thought I had seen it all when it came to RV renovations over the past two covid-inspired years. But this one tops them all. Coast Guard helicopter pilots, Blake Morris and Maggie Morgan, purchased a 44-year old SA 330 Puma helicopter, that had previously flown in Afghanistan, on Facebook Marketplace in 2020. Over the past two years, the couple has spent over 900 hours gutting, patching, and renovating the helicopter body – transforming it into an RV complete with a bed, kitchen, bathroom and plenty of space for their adorable dogs.

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

Resource Recon with Sarah and Amanda B.

This week’s Resource recon is all about our latest Social Media Scoop.

As we mentioned before, we are all fully entrenched in summer mode here at AWN, and we are almost halfway through our latest monthly Instagram series, #AWNJumpingIntoJune. Our team has been busy sharing some of their summer adventures, whether it be PCSing or taking a family vacation, as well as other summer favorites. You can check out our Instagram @armywifenetwork, and be sure to follow our hashtags #AWNbehindthescenes and #AWNJumpingIntoJune.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda B.

Today we are showcasing our Platoon Member of the Month, who can also be known as our biggest supporter and fan. This month’s recipient is Becky Ellingham Powers, who was nominated for being so positive and empowering to fellow milspouses and on our social media.

Becky is not just a sister to one of our Command team members, but she is an empowering friend to all of us here at Army Wife Network. She is always so positive on our social media, and we appreciate her love and support on our Facebook page. Becky, thanks for always being a cheerleader for us. We really do appreciate your encouragement and empowerment of the Army Wife Network.

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

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.

With over 159 years of military spouse experience and 68 PCSes under their belts, the M:M Command team is the ultimate Battle Buddy to help navigate Milspouse life. Powered by volunteer spirit and optimism the M:M Command Team could run a small country, but instead are dedicated entirely to the global empowerment of military spouses to help them conquer adversity, foster confidence, and thrive in this military life.

1 Comment

  1. Chrissy Gibbs

    Aww, I’m so excited my sister won Platoon Member of the Month! <3 This interview with Sarah was incredible. I hope that we can help expand the reach of the Secure Families Initiative.

    Reply

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Mission: Milspouse is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

EIN Number: 88-1604492

Contact:

hello@missionmilspouse.org

P.O. Box 641341
El Paso, TX 79904

 

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