Hey! You! New around here?

Every so often, we learn of a new wave of folks that have found SpouseBUZZ and are making those first, tentative steps into our corner of the blogosphere.  You've been around probably and seen many of the other wonderful and informative blogs that while they piqued your interest, just maybe missed the mark.

Please allow me to say to you, Welcome!  As a military spouse, this is your place to listen to, and read about, and relate with other spouses of military members from all over the place.  Here you'll soon see just how we transcend Service, rank, branch, and yes, gender.  This is your place to come together and relate your experiences with others as who knows?, you just may hold the key to someone else's brighter future.  Laugh with us, cry with us, but most importantly, stay the course with us, for the authors will keep it humming, but it's you that makes it worthwhile for all of us. 

Some of you see your turn "in the bucket" being less than 60 days away.  Hug your mate and be with them like never before until they step to their "chalk," then come back to see us.  We'll be here to keep you company until they return.

Welcome to the BUZZ; and know that all of our prayers are with each of you who are about to send your mate into harm's way.  With hat-in-hand, I'm Over & Out, MaintenanceToadOne

So, what say you?

While at SpouseBUZZ LIVE III, I was able to sustain a broadband connection long enough to push a post out to you on the Relevancy of Spouses Clubs.  Now I confused some by being a bit too … “oblique” … was one input I received.  So, let’s cut to the chase.  We’re talking Enlisted and Officers Spouses’ Clubs.  Not FRGs, not A&FRCs, not a semblance of a spouses group within your mil spouses immediate unit.  We’re talking Installation-Wide Spouses Clubs.

Membership at most places regardless of your Military Service, is quite frankly on the rocks.  I suppose of course it wouldn’t be considered on the rocks if you believe the definition of “good” is having 5% of eligible’s as active participants. As you can read in some of the responses to this previous post, there are many factors.  What you can also read, is what can be construed arguably as a desire for more participation and involvement. 

Relevancy?

Some of you out there remember when a representative of the Post or Unit Wives Clubs met you at the door of the TLF or maybe even at the billeting office when you arrived.  You were swept under the wing of someone who was there to help you muscle-over the obstacles of being at a new installation and getting your feet on the ground.  Over time, many of us old folk spouses were joyous as we watched the Mil Services institutionalize many of the Wives Clubs run, family support functions.  If for no other reason, to lend a link to common programs at all of the posts and bases.  We even assisted in ensuring that somehow, the “need” was properly defined and the programs were funded.  dMany programs of the FRG/A&FRC became high points and “best of breed” even when compared to similar programs off-post. And trust me, the FRG/A&FRC’s and their programs are (or can be) GREAT organizations, esp. w/ their Key Spouse/Volunteer pyramids, Hearts-Apart, and the way they strive to support those back home while keeping in contact with their loved ones while deployed.

Success!  Now, when we PCS from post to post, we all have an idea of what to expect and where to expect it to come from.  We knew that “Newbies” were kinda-sorta the responsibility of the unit, and its Key Spouse.  And our Wife/Spouse organizations began to look more social, and less service, oriented.  (Deep breath here)  We started focusing on “those that are here” and less on “seeking those that need us.”  Which led in my mind, to the proverbial “self licking ice cream cone.”  Our  spouse clubs began to exist for the members entertainment, because frankly, the “unit” was in large part responsible for taking care of spouses needs as it dealt with “the military” and besides, wouldn’t “they” ask if they needed something?  They have FRGs and Key Spouses, right?

They'll make a difference

Recently, it was my very good fortune to be able to represent SpouseBUZZ at a forum of senior officer and senior enlisted spouses from one of the Air Force’s major commands.  I along with GBear, had the chance to listen to many a topic focused on “what can be done to continually better the care and support that we provide to our corps of spouses.”  (Okay, it wasn’t stated EXACTLY like that or in so many words, but that’s what they meant I believe.)

It was great to listen to some of the hard hitting discussions, from privatized housing, to TRICARE, to one of the finest charitable organizations in today’s world, Sew Much Comfort, to my favorite topic of the entire conference … “What’s SpouseBUZZ?”

Blog It, Don't Hog It

Some of my closest friends have become my closest friends as a result of a decision that I made almost three years ago. I decided to become a blogger. That decision changed my life. Literally. In ways that are too numerous to list.

Support the Homefront

The outpouring of love from our countrymen to our troops never ceases to amaze me.  The charitable organizations and the dedicated individuals who send letters and boxes and supplies, well, there are no words to describe how wonderful their commitment is.  I am so happy that our troops are well supported, for they deserve all the attention they can get.

I have, however, made it my one-woman mission to support the homefront.

How much involvement is too much?

We've all heard our mom's tell us that just because one aspirin was good, two or three won't necessarily be better.  But what about our involvement as spouses, some involvement is good and expected, but can we be involved too much?  Especially in what could liberally be called, the affairs of state?  As evidenced here at SpouseBUZZ, there are innumerable examples and instances of the power of independent thought being followed by group action.  Some call that democracy at its best.

Okay -- back to the question. Is there ever, and what would be the mile marker to identify where we as spouses shouldn't tread when it comes to the operations of a military organization?  (Deep breath here.)

What if you heard that changes were coming to your local military medical treatment facility (MTF) that could directly impact you and your children's previous "norm" on expected care?

NMFA Government and You E-News for the week of July 24, 2007

Topics in this Week's News Include:

1. TRICARE Beneficiary Personal Information at Risk

2. Free Financial Planning for Injured Service Members

3. NFL Players Extend Free SAT Prep Program

4. Wounded Warriors Commission to Hold Last Public Meeting

5. USAA Tops the List of Military Spouse Friendly Workplaces

6. Local Initiatives Promote Military Spouse Employment

7. H&R Block Offers Full Scholarships for Military Spouses

Liveblogging Panel 2 from SpouseBUZZ Live San Diego

Introducing the speakers from Panel 2: Andi (Moderator), AWTM, Joan d'Arc, and Shelly Hall from TAPS.

Andi is talking about the creation of SpouseBuzz, as a place to "vent" (as said on last panel) and talk to each other.  These panelists are people who've gone through the Lows that AirForceWife talked about.

Funny Because it is True

While procrastinating and Googling SpouseBUZZ, which I suppose is just slightly less narcissistic than Googling myself, I came across Jenny Spouse.  Julie Negron, creator of Jenny Spouse, had linked to this awesome post by Sarah.  Immediately, I found myself clicking through two years of archives, smiling and laughing out loud and saying to myself, "It is just so true."

I knew immediately I had to spread the word about her great comics.  Julie was kind enough to allow me to share one with you on SpouseBUZZ.The only remaining difficulty was which strip to share with so many excellent choices.

Since we've recently been talking about "Do-Overs," I thought this one was very timely (click for full size):

Why Can't We All Just Get Along

...or rather, HOW can we all get along better?

This is a subject that has been a source of great controversy on some message boards and amongst some of my friends, so I am going to try to tread carefully.

We're in this together, so why does it seem that there is often tension between the spouses of soldiers of different ranks.  More importantly, what can we do to encourage understanding and camaraderie?

There's No Such Thing as a Typical Military Spouse Experience

This is why we are here.........

There’s No Such Thing as a Typical Military Spouse Experience

Every military spouse has a story to tell. Those stories could be humorous or heartbreaking, but no two are alike. And, some spouses are reluctant to share these stories because they think they are alone in their experiences. But that’s not true. In fact, many brave military spouses from Ft. Hood, Texas gathered at the SpouseBUZZ Live event — held at the Plaza Hotel — to share all of their stories and experiences, both joyful and challenging, with each other.

Thank You Fort Hood!!

The best thing about SpouseBUZZ live? 

Each one of the  wonderful attendees, that were brave enough to step up to the microphone, and ask questions, and share stories.

You really made us proud to be mil-spouses!

Comfort Food....

Yes, I know its late, I know, I know, but of course my insomnia- along with "being away" seem to feed my monster.

So I am sitting here thinking of this evenings events.  Taking moments out of the evening. 

Why are we here?

The the local news shows a group from the First Cavalry deploying AGAIN. 

I sat across from a young woman who is employed by military.com tonight, (who happens to be married to a veteran), who brought her Brother who has just returned from Iraq.  Down the opposite side of the table sits an ambassador for Military.com, and her Husband is by her side, he leaves in 2 weeks for his second tour in Iraq.  One of the contributors to the blog sits at the end of the table holding her new baby over her shoulder.  A baby that Daddy hasn't even touched yet.....all 18 of us touched by World events. 

It is comforting to be in such company. 

Because we know.

And there is clapping for the recently returned, and clapping for those about to serve, and I look at his lovely wife, with "that look" , because in 2 weeks he will be gone.

So goodnight, and we hope to see you in Kileen in the monring. 

I know I am glad I am here. 

 

Presidential Recognition

Last week I had the most surreal and humbling experience.  I was allowed to represent "Sew Much Comfort" at the White House in a meeting with President Bush.  He had asked 15 organizations who supported the troops to the White House in order to thank them for their service.  What a memorable event!  Now there's an understatement!

During the meeting, I was moved by the President's palpable concern for the military members and for their families back at home!

You Must Be An Angel

Another blogger is going to tell you more about Soldiers' Angels, soon...and I do not want to steal their thunder.

However, I just had to say something.  Not only has my husband received hundreds of letters and packages from these wonderful people while overseas, but about a dozen have also sent me baby gifts for Lilah.

Yesterday, I received an anonymous gift from an Angel.  No return address.  No signature.

So, if you have ever sent an anonymous gift to a servicemember or a military spouse, consider this your thank you note...not that you were looking for one, I know...but I want you to know that your gift, and even more so the sentiment behind it, was appreciated.