As a military spouse, have you ever heard the phrase “But you knew what you signed up for?!”  You are not the only one!  Megan Brown has heard that discouraging statement more times than she cares to remember. But did she know? Honestly, no. She fell in love with a military man and had dreams of adventure. Never in her wildest dreams did she anticipate the challenges and heartache that would follow.

In “Know What You Signed Up For”, Megan helps military spouses see that we’re right where we’re supposed to be—chosen for this specific time and place.  This is written as a love letter to her younger self and to military spouses like her and to create a resource for future generations of military spouses because for her to encourage them to find themselves amongst their roles as military spouses.

MEGAN B. BROWN is a seasoned military spouse, mother, Bible teacher, and military missionary. Megan is the Founder and Executive Director of MilSpo Co. She is passionate about sharing the gospel of Jesus to the active-duty military community in hopes of kickstarting restoration and revival. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Ministry Leadership, Megan lives in South Mississippi with her husband, M. Sgt. Keith Brown, U.S. Air Force, and their four energetic children.

Listeners, if you would like to learn more about Megan Brown, you can visit her website by clicking here or connect with her online via Facebook, Instagram. You can also buy her book “Know What You Signed Up For” through most major book retailers.

Resource Recon with Chrissy and Lindsey

This week’s Resource Recon is all about traveling Space A! 

How many times have you found yourself checking the price of tickets to find out you can’t afford your dream vacation?  Do you dream of traveling abroad or just up for an adventure in general?  The military offers a great way to travel using Space Available travel.

At first glance, Space A travel may seem cumbersome and confusing, but if you do the right research and have some flexibility in your schedule, it really isn’t hard!  We have compiled some resources regarding Space A here. 

If you are looking to travel on an adventure and have some flexibility in your schedule, jump on board and utilize your resources to see the world!

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda

Do you know a milspouse, service member, family member, community member or nonprofit organization who goes above and beyond to empower the military lives of others? Nominate a stand-out empowerment champion for Mission: Milspouse’s “Everyday Empowerment” award! This could be a relative, spouse, nonprofit, or a battle buddy you’ve met along the way.

“Everyday Empowerment” winners will receive a digital certificate, a token of our appreciation IRL (that’s in real life), on-air recognition via our podcast, and be included in a social media reel each month with their fellow winners. Nonprofits that are selected will receive a $100 donation from Mission: Milspouse to support their continued work within the military community.

To nominate someone or a nonprofit, simply head to our website at missionmilspouse.org. Select the Get Involved tab, where you’ll then click Empowerment from the dropdown menu and you’ll find the Nomination Form!

Moxie Minute with Amie

For military spouses, being audacious can mean having the courage to pursue your dreams and ambitions, despite the challenges that come with the military lifestyle. It means being bold, daring, and willing to take risks.

This week I read about Mary Edwards Walker, the only female to be awarded the Medal of Honor. She was also a women’s rights advocate, abolitionist, and spy, and even a prisoner of war for four months. Walker became the first female U.S. Army surgeon during the Civil War. She was even arrested in New Orleans for dressing like a man. She had always worn men’s clothing for comfort. Walker responded by saying, “I don’t wear men’s clothes, I wear my own clothes.”  Mary Edwards Walker was truly audacious, and her example inspires us to have moxie in the face of whatever challenges we may encounter.

As a military spouse, you have already shown audacity by committing to a life of service alongside your partner. But don’t stop there. Be audacious in pursuing your own goals and passions, even if it means taking a different path than you originally planned. And remember, we’ve got your back.

News 6 with Emma

Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of April 24, 2023, straight from M:M News 6 Correspondent, Emma Tighe:

DEERS IDs Goes Digital 

If you’re one of the lucky few with a good ID picture and want to keep it, or if you just enjoy avoiding the DEERS office like a Best Buy on Black Friday, then I have some good news for you!  You can now renew your ID card online! Well…. Technically your sponsor can. But. You get it.  After your sponsor applies for it on the RAPIDS website it will be delivered to your door!

Navy Sets Sights on New Museum in DC

The Navy released several concept designs last week for a museum they hope they can garner enough support and funds for in DC, located in the Navy Yard on the Anacostia River. Five out of 37 entries were displayed for the showcase, all submission coming from architectural firms.  These five designs are not guaranteed a run for first place, however, and are meant to garner attention and also entice other firms to through their hats in the ring as well.  This museum would be the first military museum within the District of Columbia, as both the army and marine museums lie just outside of the city in northern Virginia.

Let’s hope for smooth sailing for the navy as they embark on this ambitious museum enterprise!

MFAN is a Fan of Your Application!

The Military Family Advisory Network is looking for applicants to join their 2023-2025 advisory board!  In order to join you must be a military family member. Their website defines this as:

• The spouse of a veteran (retiree or separatee)
• The spouse of a National Guard or Reserve member
• The spouse of an active duty service member of any branch of service (Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, or Space Force)
• The spouse of a wounded, ill, or injured veteran
• The spouse, partner, or former spouse/partner of a veteran, Reservist, Guard member, or active duty service member.
• A veteran who left service within the last five years

They are, unfortunately, not currently accepting applications from active duty service members, OCONUS spouses, or children/siblings of active duty service members.

MFANs mission statement, found on their website, states that “The Military Family Advisory Network envisions a world where all military-connected families are empowered to thrive. Our mission is to understand and amplify the needs of military-connected families and inspire data-informed change.”

Today in History 

On April 24, 1898, Spain declared war on America.

An often forgotten chapter of American history, the Spanish American War lasted only three months and three weeks.  Long story short, both countries wanted the other country out of the island of Cuba.  Spain couldn’t risk losing their presence there, as the Spaniard people were still upset over the abandonment of Florida. Spain was worried it would cause a revolution.  The US was lobbying behind the Cubans rallying for their independence from Spanish rule. This, in turn, would give the US a much needed stepping stone to having a presence in the Caribbean.  These high tensions boiled over when the U.S. Navy cruiser Maine mysteriously exploded in the Havana Harbor and killed over 200 American sailors.

War quickly followed, and the ten week conflict showcased American heroes like Theodore Roosevelt, but also led to much death, not just in battle but also from yellow fever.  The American victory in this war led to Spain losing the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The first two of those become American territories later on.  It was also the end of Spanish presence in the new world, and the introduction of America as a global contender.

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download