Oh… Military Life! This is likely what brought you to Mission: Milspouse in the first place. It is what binds the military community together with its wildly unique lifestyle.
Whether you are here to learn how to better live in this military life, how to support a loved one who is living the military lifestyle, or to see if this lifestyle is something you may like to be a part of, you have come to the right place.
Here at Mission: Milispouse the military lifestyle is what inspires us, drives our home lives, our moves, and our service member’s career, and gives us a camaraderie like no other. So welcome friend, take a seat and read more about all things that make us who we are and make the military lifestyle a life like no other!
“Thanks to the Helpers. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other.”
Fifteen days ago this message was like a blinking sign speaking directly to me.
Tom Hanks posted it as a nod to Mr. Rogers’ original message about looking for helpers in the midst of catastrophes. It aligns with Mr. Rogers’ entire ethos of helping children process big feelings in healthy ways. Even more, it is a call to both look for the good in humanity and be a good neighbor.
Good morning Army Wife Network readers! I write this post with excitement and honor as we enter April and celebrate the Month of the Military Child. As we continue to operate in the uncertainty of our new COVID-19 stay-at-home norm, I want to offer you hope and a reflection piece that we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to push the reset button. This time of re-prioritizing life as we know it has allowed me to refocus my energy on what I hold most precious—our most valued military children.
First and foremost, it is with a humble heart that I highlight an incredible example of one our military children. I want to introduce you to Yasmine Dave’ Louise Searcy. She is the 12-year old daughter of Sgt. First Class Kennon and Oona Searcy, U.S. Army Great Lakes Recruiting Battalion of Pontiac Company.
I thought March was supposed to go out like a lamb.
Baaa.
No lambs here; we’re all still dealing with those March lions running around crazy trying to eat everyone.
That’s how this month has been. I’m stuck right now deciding between telling you a few things…
Like how I got arrested last week. Yeah, I—the person voted “least likely to break the law” in high school—got arrested. It was crazy how it happened. I mean, my next-door neighbor is a police officer and even he didn’t have my back despite it being his fence I was crawling over…
Or, have you heard of that weight-reducing cauliflower milk called “Caulk?”
And last, but not least, I would love your thoughts on the New York City Police Department’s announcement of a “Feline Unit” to supplement their Canine Unit.
Isn’t life crazy?
A couple of years ago, I took a trip home to Virginia to spend some time with my parents. We were stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina at the time, so the short four-hour drive to extended family was a welcomed retreat.
While I was visiting, they took me to one of the Civil War battlefields to walk along the paved paths and soak in some beauty and fresh air. On this scenic route, I was accompanied by my furry walking partner, Bailey. Now, Bailey is a sweet, black Labrador Retriever, but she has awful leash manners. She will pull and tug the first 15 minutes of any walk—guaranteed. She is on a mission to find things to sniff and locate other dogs. As she nearly pulled my shoulder out of socket during this particular stroll, I started to get increasingly frustrated with her lack of chill. Didn’t she realize there was no hurry? There was so much to see and look at and soak in right where we were. Why was she in such a rush? Her hurry was making me miss some really beautiful things.
In that moment, I realized that I can often be the same way—always looking ahead to the next thing, running on the hamster wheel of life, missing what’s right in front of me.
I live with my family in Northern Italy, essentially ground zero for the Coronavirus. I’m not going to lie—some days are hard—but we are adamant about finding the joys and the silver linings all around us. We are going into our fifth week of schooling from home and each week, while the “schooling” portion of it gets progressively easier to navigate, the restrictions and mandates by the Italian government get harder and harder. We are quarantined, and if I am honest, this is not how I planned to spend our final months in Europe.
DoDEA Europe hasn’t even gotten to Spring Break yet—we have two more weeks before we dive headfirst into staring at each other without the distraction, continuity, and structure of school. As I laid in bed last night after Italy imposed more necessary and important restrictions, I tossed and turned worrying about all the things I know I can’t control. I started fretting about how we are going to amuse two children for 10 days of Spring Break. I mean, there are only so many movies, Netflix, board games, and books that we can tolerate before we pull our hair out. But then suddenly, I was inspired!
Ready? Over Spring Break we are going to have Spirit Week!
While standing with my wife in a social military setting the question is inevitably asked: “So how long have you served?” When my response is, “she has served since 2016,” with the emphasis on “she,” you can see the confusion on their face as they try to process what I have just stated.
It doesn’t help that I cut my own hair using the No. 2 attachment, generally keep my face clean shaven, and run marathons often enough that my 48-year-old body is still in decent shape. I look Army.
But I’m not the active duty spouse in our relationship, nor have I ever served in any branch of the armed services.
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