Salute to Spouses Blog

We're excited to be blogging about the latest topics in military life. We want to keep you informed on topics such as current events, education, career advice, etc. Feel free to post comments or questions to any of our entries.
The Paper Trail

PCS season is upon us. Do you know where your paperwork is?

If there is one thing I have learned as an Army spouse, paperwork trumps all else at any time and in any place.

Checking in to a military hospital to have a baby? Better have the paperwork from your doc and your ID card.

Trying to renew your ID card or sign your kid up for the once a week dance class on base, while your husband is deployed? Better have orders in hand and a power of attorney.

Deployment Soundtrack: Someone Saved My Life Tonight

     Someone Saved      My Life Tonight

         Elton John, 1975

            Preview Song

I love my children, but some days there is not enough duct tape on the planet to keep them in line. We have been out of school for two weeks and I have had enough of the whining, complaining and fit throwing that seems to come with not being on the school schedule.

The College Spouse: No more teachers, no more books … for the kids

‘I don’t want to go to summer school!’

I cannot believe that at 38 years old, I am saying this.

I also cannot believe that I am envious of my two kids because they are enjoying their summer vacation, and here I am, taking two classes.  Granted only one class is a sit down class and meets once a week, and one is an online class, but still. I want my summer off too!

Back Page War

On Monday, it seemed everyone noticed us.

It was Memorial Day and my friends’ Facebook pages were filled with patriotic messages. There were signs up in retailers. Strangers and friends alike thanked my husband for his service.

It was nice. And the sentiment was genuine. But I can’t help but think, there was so much they were missing.

Deployment Soundtrack: Have I told you lately ...

Have I told you lately

        Rod Stewart, 1993

            Preview Song

The College Spouse: Just Do It

One of the most common excuses I hear when I ask spouses why they don’t go back to school is, ‘I am too old to go back’. Why do people do this to themselves? Why do they think they are too old to do anything?

Webinar Recap: Why babies, meetings and the Army can now get in line

   Recorded Webinar

Coping with the Change, Stress and Chaos of Military Life. Presented by: Col. Jim Martin, ret.

            View Recording

I am going running today. No. Matter. What.

This is my new mantra.

Through 42 months of deployments, five pregnancies, and three PCS moves, all in eight years, I have routinely set my own needs aside to accommodate the army, screaming babies, a demanding job and even the wall that needed painting in our bathroom.

Deployment Soundtrack: Torn

              Torn

   Natalie Imbruglia, 1997

            Preview Song

Today, I broke my cardinal rule of deployment: never have a meltdown in front of your husband while he is deployed. As a side note, that is the rule that I impose on myself not a rule that I impose on others. But let’s go back and see where it started.

The College Spouse: The wandering world of the military spouse student

 I am the perpetual student. That’s honestly how I feel sometimes. I began my journey towards my bachelor’s degree in 2004. Yes folks, eight years ago, and I am still in school. Thanks to PCS’s I had the task of completing different requirements at the different colleges as I transferred. Not to mention, I changed my major twice. It all adds up to a degree that seems to be taking forever.

Welcome Jennifer Spare – New Salute to Spouses Columnist

On the first day of my freshman year of college, I was handed a schedule that included five days of 8 a.m. classes.

I did not consider myself in the least bit lucky.

Today, as I watch many of my military spouse friends balance 3 a.m. wake up calls with newborns, year-long deployments and homework, I realize just how lucky I was. 

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