On today’s show, our Deputy Director, Jolene McNutt, shares an interview with Ki Matsko, program director of GreenCare for Troops, a program that delivers complimentary lawn care and landscape services to military families during deployments.

Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Ki Matsko and GreenCare for Troops, you can connect with them through social media through their handle @ProjectEverGreen or on their website www.projectevergreen.org 

Moxie Minute with Amie Fisher

Today, we’re diving into the “Unwavering Optimist.” Many times it is all about that Positive 1st impression….I recently found some spouse stories on a site called, fiveandthive.org and thought this one was worth sharing with you this week. From Meg H, Air Force Spouse:

Nearly nineteen years ago in the span of one month my now husband and I celebrated his commissioning, two graduations from Kansas State, our wedding, and our first move to Vance AFB for pilot training. Consequently, our introduction to the Air Force world at twenty-two was swift and often confusing. Like many military families, we have anxiously awaited news of the next assignment, struggled with career decisions, adapted to constantly changing plans, moved away from friends and family, worried about the impact of moving on our military kids, and struggled to balance work and family life.

However, despite all of the challenges, this Air Force life creates unique and amazing opportunities and lifelong friendships not found elsewhere. Looking back at our first years of marriage where stress was high and pilots look at cockpits more than partners, we realize it could have been a stumbling block for our young relationship. Fortunately, what kept us strong and positive was the amazing support system of friends and seasoned Air Force families who eased anxiety about upcoming changes, taught about Air Force life, comforted us when the Air Force threw curveballs, and celebrated achievements, opportunities, and milestones with us. 

That positive first impression of Air Force life made all the difference. Since then I’ve taken every opportunity to support military families and help foster positive first impressions of Air Force life. Although so much is out of our control as military spouses, we fully control how we support and treat each other. If it wasn’t for our positive first experiences, our family would have left years ago. Alternatively, despite the inherent challenges of military life, our family continues to serve because the people we’ve met along the way supported us and ultimately made this journey remarkable.

I love that story Meg, thank you for sharing it. 

So keep up that optimism and making those positive 1st impressions fellow spouses! It  was so great to hear that it helped her but also impacted her children and how they keep helping others. You may never know the full impact you have but isn’t it nice to be spreading all the good we can along our journey. 

Until next time everyone “Life’s challenges are no match for the incredible spirit that resides within you. As you go forth, remember: moxie isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life!”

Resource Recon with Annie and Callie

With the holiday seasons coming up faster than ever, we’d like to bring a throwback from our Resource Archives from a blog on our website from 2021.

Ariel Mulzoff, Licensed Social Worker for Hope For The Warriors, brought us a blog in 2021 titled “Managing Boundaries During the Holidays” and wrote:

“It’s the holiday season and with it comes more gatherings and increased possibilities of boundary infringement. We can’t predict and plan for all challenges during the holidays. Many micro boundary violations may come in the form of seemingly benign yet intrusive questions that you may not feel comfortable answering.”

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 hello@missionmilspouse.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @missionmilspouse to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of MM. We appreciate your engagement and support.

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