Fast fact: Our blog will publish it’s 3000th (yes, you read that right!) blog post in 2023. All of the content is brought to you by empowered experience volunteer bloggers and insightful expert bloggers. You name a topic that a military spouse or organization could write about, we’ve probably got it. Current topics include PCS, deployment, parenting, finances, solidarity, humor, milspouse experiences, expert advice, and more. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always join us as a blogger to share your story!
USAREC Nashville is part of the 3rd Recruiting Brigade, and the Nashville Battalion encompasses more than 60,000 miles in 165 counties that span across Tennessee, Kentucky, and portions of Indiana, Illinois, and Virginia. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, this battalion includes three Military Entrance Processing Stations—two of which are in Tennessee (and one in Kentucky) and operates through 37 recruiting stations.
When John Dale returned home from Iraq in the fall of 2005, all seemed fine.
“He didn’t show any signs of PTSD or any physical injuries,” recalls his wife, Sarah. “He was just happy to be home and alive.”
But once what Sarah refers to as “the adrenaline from combat” subsided, PTSD symptoms came bubbling to the surface. Multiple physical injuries also began to appear. And Sarah’s role as a caregiver began.
By 2014, the year Sarah first became involved with Hope For The Warriors as the recipient of a Caregiver Scholarship to attend graduate school, John’s PTSD evolved to the point that he medically retired from the military.
Editor’s note: This sponsored by Basic Invite, a company that has everything you need to say thank you.
“Thank you for your service.”
It’s a common expression used by a civilian as he or she meets a veteran or an active-duty service member. Although the person expressing thanks may not necessarily know you personally, it’s a heartfelt statement for all who have and currently do serve our country. That phrase bridges the gap of awkwardness for most of us who struggle with how to say the right thing. Please feel the sincerity and gratitude that is being expressed, whether it is directed to you or to your service member.
To the civilians on the outside of military families, there are only few life circumstances to which they can relate. Often, there are many life experiences that can be hard to relate to when you aren’t in the thick of military service. Last month, I wrote a blog called It’s Okay to Struggle in hopes of normalizing the struggles that each of us as military spouses may experience, and in turn empower us to be honest about the hard things we’re going through. This month, I wanted to try something different.
Naming what we may grieve.
For some time now, my family has been waiting to see where the Army will take us next. As of October of last year, we have been at our current duty station for three years, and we swiftly expected there would be a phone call or email with more information about the next phase of Army life once this threshold was met.
However, we reached the end of October without a peep. And then we went through November and December, still without any word.
I wasn’t complaining, of course, because now that my son was in preschool (snd let me say, a pretty good preschool program), I was dreading the idea of moving or even staying behind while he finished the school year with my husband going to the next place. But then, in January, something unexpected happened.
Let’s be real—if something has to be done, what is the point of letting it cause us anxiety? That won’t make the task any more enjoyable or help us be complete it any faster.
And if I am lucky enough to read a chapter or two of my personal development book before my family wakes up, I squeeze that in too.
Starting my day off right is only the beginning.
Mission: Milspouse is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
EIN Number: 88-1604492
hello@missionmilspouse.org
P.O. Box 641341
El Paso, TX 79904