Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee are New York Times bestselling co-authors who have written “The Long March Home”, a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope. Set in 1941, this is the tale of three best friends stationed in the Philippines at the beginning of the United State’s involvement in WWII… and the girl they left behind in Mobile, Alabama.

Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Marcus Brotherton, visit marcusbrotherton.com or you can connect with him online via Facebook or Instagram.  And if you would like to learn more about Tosca Lee, visit toscalee.com or you can connect with her online via Facebook.  You can also buy their book The Long March Home at any major retailer.

Podcast Partner: First Command Financial Services

We would like to thank today’s Podcast Partner, First Command Financial Services.

First Command Financial Services provides complimentary financial plans for all active duty U.S. military service members. Their mission is to “coach those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.”  With four out of five financial coaches coming from the ranks of military spouses or veterans, they’re uniquely qualified to help you pursue financial security. Visit firstcommand.com to learn more and find a financial coach near you.

Again, a huge thank you to First Command Financial Services for being this week’s Podcast Partner!

Resource Recon with Chrissy and Angelia

Let’s take a look at the elephant in the room, PCS Season…

For those new to this MilSpouse life, PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station but in short, it means that it’s time to move!

With the summer quickly approaching, many military families are in a state of limbo with trying to schedule pack out dates, find housing and resources at their new duty station and even trying to figure out how to travel with their furry family members. We have SO many resources on our website about these specific topics.

We can help you through it all with our PCS One Stop with checklists, documents and tips and tricks from experienced MilSpouses.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda

Today we are showcasing our Everyday Empowerment recipient, Kristi Cabiao, who was nominated by Karen DeMay.

Kristi, a medical doctor married to the Air Force, is raising multiple kids and one is on the autism spectrum. Despite the academic background and practicing medicine, there was one challenge Kristi never anticipated tackling to the degree of which she has; going into a figurative battle with Tricare regarding Tricare’s overbearing and outlandish requirements of dependents seeking/needing speciality care relating to autism.

Kristi left her job as doctor to be the full time caretaker of her autistic child AND she founded a nonprofit organization designed to empower the military family in various stages of military life with knowledge to self-advocate for world-class healthcare and quality of life. Her organization, Mission Alpha Advocacy, pushes legislative and policy changes for military families living with disabilities and special needs. Kristi is working to not only provide confidence and empowerment to fellow military families, she is working to reduce the frustration and stress of the bureaucracy that is the Tricare system. She’s working to bring common sense changes to Tricare that will reduce parental frustration when military parents are doing everything they can to raise their military kids while navigating a mountain of medical providers and corresponding treatments for their exceptional family members.

Kristi lives “Everyday Empowerment” because she tirelessly fights the fight behind the scene to make military life a little easier for her brother and sister families.

Moxie Minute with Amie

As military spouses, we often put the needs of our service member and family members first. It can be easy to forget to take care of ourselves in the midst of deployments, PCS moves, and everyday life. But the truth is, self care isn’t selfish, it’s essential.  Whether it’s taking a bubble bath, going for a run, or simply taking five minutes to meditate, it’s important to make time for yourself. Take a break and recharge your batteries. Because when we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to take care of those around us.

So, this week, let’s all make a commitment to prioritize our self care. Let’s take a step back and do something for ourselves, something that brings joy and relaxation. Let’s make self care a habit and not just a one-time thing.  Remember, self care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. So take care of yourself, and in turn, you’ll be better equipped to take care of those you love. 

News 6 with Emma

Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 17, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:

Military Children Masterpieces Shine at the White House

A temporary art exhibit was displayed in the White House for April, in the hopes of bringing awareness to the month of the military child and the sacrifices they make. This was done as a part of Joining Forces, a White House initiative to support military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors. The art display consists of ten mini suitcases to symbolize the frequent moving and pick up and go lifestyle many military children experience. On the suitcases are artwork depicting the places the military has taken them.

This was inspired by a poem called “My Military Suitcase written by a fourth grade marine child and displayed at the White House last year.  “It’s my hope that this beautiful art installation helps White House visitors better understand and appreciate the unique experiences of the children who serve alongside U.S. service members and veterans.,” the First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement.

A recent study has shown that the average military child moves 6-9 times during their school age years and change schools three times more often than their civilian peers.

To learn more or see some of the display go to militarytimes.com

The Marines’ Newest Recruit Has a Pawful Lot to Learn!

Over at the marine recruit depot in San Diego, California, Private Bruno is learning all the ropes of his new career from his mentor, Cpl. Manny. Only catch? They are both English bulldogs.

Pvt. Bruno, a five month old pup, has officially assumed the role as the depots mascot while Cpl Manny is retiring to the east coast with one of his beloved keepers.

While they’re both easing into the transition, the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service has been snapping adorable pics of the two bulldogs hard at work including answering phone calls, calling formation, rucking, and doing pt. While the depot is sad to see Manny go, he is ready for his new life in Philadelphia.

They have big boots to fill as both pups are named after war heroes. Manny is named after Sgt. Johnny R. Manuelito, a Navajo Code Talker. Bruno is named after Maj. Gen. Bruno A. Hochmuth, the first General to die in Vietnam.

Sorry Marines but I think it’s safe to say that this Private and Corporal are the cutest recruits the Marines have to offer!

To see the adorable pictures or read more go to militarytimes.com 

A Reunion Worth the Wait 

Four US Air Force vets were friends and roommates 50 years ago during the Vietnam war. They all went on to live separate lives and take separate paths. Last week, they finally got to get the gang back together again.  Alan Price, David Thibodeau, and John Sutherland were all roommates at Clark Air Base in the Philippines in a dorm they called “happy hollow”. These roommates were all C-130 pilots who would fly cargo from the Philippines to Vietnam and Thailand. The fourth friend is Bobby Nida who flew F4 phantom fighter jets but was welcomed into the roomy circle by Sutherland since they had been buddies at Texas A&M.

All four men made it through the war with Nida being the only one with a close call. They went on to be career military men, airline pilots and cargo pilots. Several of them married nurses they had met in the Philippines or other bases in their careers. They decided to stop delaying a reunion when Nidas wife passed away last year.

“I decided after 50 years it was time to get together. “There’s a bond,” Alan Price said. “Everybody’s had a solid career and everyone looks so well.”

Let this sweet story be a reminder to us that no time is never too much time apart when it comes to our military friends who become family!

Find out more at americanmilitarynews.com

Today in History

On May 1st, 2011, Osama Bin Ladens death was announced. He technically died May 2nd, but due the time difference the US got the news the day before. He was shot and killed in his Pakistani compound located in the city of Abottabad. He met his end by Navy Seal Team Six in an operation code named Neptune Spear. The whole raid lasted approximately 40 minutes.

This ended nearly a decade-long manhunt for the man who is most well known as the mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Anyone involved in the military during this time period all slept a little better the night of May 1st, 2011. And while death is never a celebration, Justice always is.

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

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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