Military Families Blog

Tiger Woods Honors Troops

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:58:01 GMT

In what has become an annual tradition, golf legend Tiger Woods, whose late father Earl was a retired Green Beret officer with two tours in Vietnam, honors U.S. service members at his

Pause to Remember

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:58:01 GMT

As you celebrate the 4th of July with friends and family, we ask that you pause to remember that America's Independence Day celebration is about more than barbecues, baseball, and fireworks. It recognizes the courageous patriots, starting with our founding fathers, who have often sacrificed greatly to ensure the blessings of liberty that we celebrate today. As you enjoy freedoms too often taken for granted, and envied by people in other nations, we think you'll enjoy this inspirational video tribute from GoDaddy.com, whose founder Bob Parsons, is a U.S. Marine Vietnam veteran. We thank all those service members, past, present and future, who understand that freedom isn't free, and must be protected and defended, even at the cost of their own lives. Post your own messages of thanks to the troops! We hope you have a happy, safe, and freedom-loving 4th of July!

Declare Your Own Financial Independence!

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:27:29 GMT

Are you ready to declare your financial independence from that grouch of a boss? Save some money by eliminating your commute at today's gas prices? Well, you can! And it's easier than you might think. We'd like to introduce you to the company that helps us build Military-Money-Matters.com. If you are interested in generating additional income for your family, let us show you how this company can help you escape the rat race and gain financial freedom for your family. It's not a get-rich-quick scheme -- it's about working hard to build your own business. But it works, as long as you do, and they won't nickel-and-dime you to death with every little add-on. You pay one very reasonable price, and that includes everything you need to build your own web site (even if you're like us, and can barely spell html). There's no web experience needed. Their set of tools makes it easy for someone with no web experience (like us) to build a successful online web site that can generate extra cash for your family. Many owners build their sites part-time, after work, until it's generating enough income to allow them to quit their "job," and retire into their own business. There's a step-by-step action guide to tell you exactly what to do, and in exactly what order. If you run into problems and need help, there's an outstanding community forum (more than 60 of them, actually) where you can post your detailed question and get a friendly, helpful answer and encouragement, usually in less than 24 hours -- sometimes in mere minutes. It's like free tech support, any time, day or night. And it's the most helpful, supportive online community you'll find. This is one of the most reputable online companies we've encountered, and we have no hesitation in recommending them to you. We know that they deliver exceptional value, and there's a money-back guarantee, so if you decide it's not for you, it's no problem. Right now, through midnight on July 6, you can purchase one web site and get another for just an additional $100. So grab a friend, share this opportunity with them, and split the price. That way, you'll both save money. And your friend will be really grateful that you helped a second family start down the path to financial independence. Are you ready to take the first step towards financial independence for your family? If so, click on the image above to go directly to the order page. Have more questions? Need to investigate a bit more first? We don't blame you for wanting to know more. Click on the permalink just below and learn more about this opportunity. Either way, make this the weekend you declare financial independence for YOUR family! Now THERE's a reason to celebrate!

Honor Their Service - Troopathon 2009 June 25

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:11:19 GMT

Join Move America Forward, the nation's largest troop-support organization, and an impressive list of celebrities, including former Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush, Rush Limbaugh, Buzz Aldrin, General David Petraeus, Jon Voight, Ann Coulter, Dennis Miller and others, as they hold a live 8-hour "Troopathon" broadcast from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, June 25th from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Pacific time). The goal: to raise enough money to send a record-setting number of care packages to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in time for the 4th of July holiday. As they swelter in the oppressive summer heat, often reaching more than 120 degrees, we want to remind them that we haven't forgotten that they're there, and we appreciate the sacrifices they are making that enable us to celebrate with our families and friends. This is the second annual Troopathon sponsored by MAF. Last year's event was so successful, it generated more than One Million Dollars for care packages for the troops serving in blistering desert heat. We're hoping that this year's event will break that record. You can watch the troopathon live right here! 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific Free Webcam Chat at Ustream

Father's Day 2009 Shared by Father-Son Soldiers Deployed Together

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 06:46:09 GMT

This Father's Day, hundreds of thousands of deployed dads will miss the opportunity to be "King for a Day" at home with their loved ones. For one deployed dad, however, Father's Day 2009 comes with a special bonus. Army Major Benjamin Rex is serving in Iraq alongside his youngest son, 18-year-old Pfc Jeromy Rex. Making this Father's Day even more special for the two is

Happy Father's Day

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 06:46:09 GMT

Former Seattle Mariner VP Bill Knudsen pays tribute to the father he never knew, or knew about. Go along with him as he makes this journey to meet

Dad Will Love This!

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:23:20 GMT

Is your dad, like most these days, worrying about how he'll ever be able to retire, in this economy? We've got a perfect solution, that would make a great Father's Day Gift. If your dad starts now, part-time, with just a few hours a week, building a web site that works using SBI, it can generate additional income to ease current budget worries. By the time he's ready to retire, it could very well replace his full-time income. Not like all those get-rich-quick schemes all over the internet, this system really works, and the price is exceptionally reasonable. And now through Father's Day, you can purchase one web site, and get a second one for just $100. What would you do with two web sites? Well, maybe you could talk Dad into helping you set up your own web site, to generate a little spending money for you. That would save him even more money in the long run! Nori Evoy started building her site at age 14, and it now generates more than enough money to pay for her college studies, with just a few hours a week of her time. Just imagine, when she graduates, she won't have to worry about finding a job -- she already has her own successful business! Just from writing about her family's favorite vacation destination. And you have up to nine months to activate the second site, so that will give Dad plenty of time to get his site started, and then turn his attention to helping you get yours up and running. It might even help pay for your college! How's that for a great Father's Day present? This is the system we use to build Military-Money-Matters.com, and we couldn't be happier with the value we get, and especially the fact that no techie knowledge is required. They handle all that behind-the-scenes, so we can focus on sharing information with you. Click below for more information, and get started on the road to success today!

June 14 is Flag Day

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:16:08 GMT

June 14 is Flag Day, a day set aside to honor our flag, and reflect on all it has meant throughout our history. There are many patriotic Americans, to whom "Old Glory" is a sacred symbol of all the things that America stands for -- personal liberty, the freedoms enumerated in the Bill of Rights, the opportunity to pursue the life you choose. To those who understand the meaning of that flag, and the sacrifices that have been made to keep it flying as the symbol of the greatest republic on Earth, the actions of

Perfect Gift for Father's Day!

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:33:17 GMT

We have the perfect Father's Day gift for your dad! At 30 off! Take a peek at behind-the-scenes secrets of the Blue Angels in Mysteries of the Blue Angels. Former Blue Angel Boss Hoss Pearson shares never-before-revealed

Tears of Bravery

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:16:08 GMT

David writes: Everyone knows the saying. For those who have fought for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. I think people do

Asian Americans in the US Military fighting in Vietnam

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:13:04 GMT

The epitome of American mainstream were Asian Americans who were drafted or volunteered to go to Vietnam has been also misunderstood. Media has

D-Day, The Longest Day

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:37:13 GMT

D-Day. The Longest Day. These terms are used to describe what has often been called the turning point of World War II, when American and Allied Forces mounted the largest amphibious assault in history to free Europe from the occupation of Hitler's Third Reich. Roughly 155,000 Allied troops went ashore that day at Normandy, on the northern coast of France. Three thousand of them gave their lives to free the people of Europe from the stranglehold of German occupation. The landing was originally planned for June 5, 1944, but because of bad weather, the assault had to be delayed for 24 hours. It had to be conducted during

God bless you guys and girls!

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:13:20 GMT

From Buenos Aires, Argentina...... I always wanted to say God Bless The United States Army Corps.... And the Marines and the Navy... God bless you

Gunfire at Long Tan: The FO's Story

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:04:47 GMT

Until March 1966 1RAR, 105 Bty RAA and my unit 161 Bty, RNZA were attached to the U.S. 173D Airborne Brigade at Bien Hoa. In May/June 1966 5RAR and

Arrogant Val Kilmer

Fri, 29 May 2009 17:11:56 GMT

Kevin writes: Another Hollywood elitist. Maybe he should just say thanks and keep to acting. I am a Marine veteran, not of Vietnam but of Somalia

You Do Not Understand, Mr. Kilmer!

Wed, 27 May 2009 03:03:24 GMT

Angie writes: I do not understand how such a long paragraph of ignorance by Val Kilmer could have been misquoted. I can understand a sentence or two

we will never know or understand

Tue, 26 May 2009 05:28:28 GMT

Connie writes: to start i want to say thank you to all past, present, men and women who are serving our country. i have family members in the

Thank You for
Service to our Country

Mon, 25 May 2009 17:37:41 GMT

To all the Men and Women of the armed Services of the United States.God Bless You and Your Families. From my family and our community. We cannot

thank you

Mon, 25 May 2009 16:52:50 GMT

To all the men and women in the service of our country, a most sincere THANK YOU for all your sacrifices and for your commitment to our country. To

Thank You With All My Heart

Mon, 25 May 2009 16:50:52 GMT

I cannot thank you enough for keeping my family and our country safe for the last 8 years! As I watched hundreds of Iraqis gather in a Church on

Respect for a Hero and His Family

Mon, 25 May 2009 05:57:31 GMT

About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying is on board', he said. He then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year-old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. They had a

Must-See Memorial Day Tributes

Mon, 25 May 2009 05:57:31 GMT

Trace Adkins and the West Point Cade Glee Club perform "Till the Last Shot's Fired" at the ACM Awards. Adkins reprised this performance to close the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, DC, on Sunday, May 24. As the song says, "Say a prayer for peace." Moving Memorial Day Tribute from Uniformed Services Benefit Association.

Memorial Day Letter to a Departed Shipmate

Sun, 24 May 2009 05:30:58 GMT

Good morning, Norm. It's Memorial Day, 7:29am Tonkin Gulf time. Haven't talked with you in a while. The USS ORISKANY, that magnificent lady on which we went through hell together, has slipped away into the deep and now rests forever in silent waters off the Florida coast. Seems like a good day to make contact. This is the 43rd year since I last saw you, sitting on the edge of your bunk in our room on ORISKANY. You remember . . . it was the 26th of October 1966. We were on the midnight schedule. There was a solid wall of thunderstorms over the beach, with tops to 50,000 feet; but McNamara's Pentagon planners kept sending us on "critical" missions all night. At 4:00am, they finally ran out of trucks to bomb - in that downpour - and we got a little sleep. The phone rang at seven; you were scheduled for the Alert Five. I had bagged a little more rack time than you, so I said I'd take it. I went to shave in the head around the elevator pit, the one near the flare locker. The ordnance men were busy putting away the flares. They'd been taking them out and putting them back all night, as the missions were continually changed. I finished shaving and started back to our room when the guy on the 1MC said: "This is a drill, this is a drill, FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!" I smelled smoke and looked back at the door that separated the pilot's quarters from the flare locker. Smoke was coming from underneath. I ran the last few steps to our room and turned on the light. You sat up on the edge of your bunk. I shouted at you: "Norm, this is no drill. Let's get the hell out of here!" I went down the passageway around the elevator pit, banging on the metal wall and shouting: "It's no drill. We're on fire! We're on fire!" I rounded the corner of that U-shaped passage as the flare locker exploded. The tremendous concussion blew me out of the passageway and onto

With Heartfelt Gratitude!!!!

Sat, 23 May 2009 23:40:23 GMT

Shirley writes: Thank you to each and every one of you, no matter your age, rank or branch of service, for all you do for all of us. Every day you

National Memorial Day Concert, Sunday, May 24

Sat, 23 May 2009 20:11:07 GMT

You won't want to miss the National Memorial Day Concert presented by PBS, on Sunday, May 24, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET. This year's program marks the 20th anniversary of PBS' presentation of this uplifting and inspiring musical tribute to our nation's service men and women, hosted by actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna. Click the link below for more information, including a list of the all-star lineup which includes General Colin Powell, and a link to your local PBS programming.

What Is A Veteran?

Sat, 23 May 2009 19:56:38 GMT

"What is a Veteran?" was written by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC, who is widely but erroneously credited as the author of the inspiring poem, "It is the Soldier." Father O'Brien became a priest after seeing

It is the Soldier

Sat, 23 May 2009 07:23:52 GMT

As we prepare to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, let us not forget that the holiday is about more than barbecues and the official beginning of summer vacation. It is about remembering all those members of the U.S. military who have sacrificed their lives in support of our freedom, who have given up all their tomorrows so that we may enjoy ours. "It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion. It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us . . ." This inspiring poem is often incorrectly credited to Father Denis Edward

Val K

Thu, 14 May 2009 01:37:48 GMT

Richard writes: Adolf Hitler's Propaganda Minister Goebbels said if you repeat a lie long enough it will become the truth. The left were traitors

Ask the Vietnamese General

Thu, 14 May 2009 01:32:36 GMT

Richard writes: Ask the Vietnamese General - I believe his name is Gaap, he was in charge at Deim Phau and the head general for NVA during The

Happy Mother's Day!

Sun, 10 May 2009 07:17:49 GMT

Mothers who are in the military themselves, mothers of children in the military, and mothers whose spouses are in the military, all make significant contributions to our lives, and sacrifices for the betterment of our country and our world, and the future of all our children. We recognize a special woman in each of these categories on this Mother's Day, wishing them, and mothers everywhere, a Happy Mother's Day!

When God Created Mothers

Sat, 09 May 2009 18:45:16 GMT

By the time the Lord made mothers, he was into his sixth day of working overtime. An Angel appeared and said Why are you spending so much time on

Now Hiring

Sat, 09 May 2009 18:32:44 GMT

This isn't about any military mom in particular, but is a tribute of sorts to all mothers: NOW HIRING POSITION: Parent JOB DESCRIPTION: Long-term

Honor Your Favorite Military Mom for Mother's Day!

Fri, 08 May 2009 01:41:08 GMT

As Mother's Day approaches, help us create a special tribute to all those women out there who fall into one of the three categories of military mothers: mothers who are in the military, mothers of military members, and mothers whose spouse is in the military. Send us your story about your favorite Military Mom. Your stories will be compiled here, and each story submitted will create a separate web page on our site dedicated especially to your story about your favorite military mom. Then you can invite friends and family to add their comments about what she has meant to them or other stories about her they'd like to share, and send her the link to "her page" for a special tribute.

Know a Mom Who Wants to Work from Home?

Thu, 07 May 2009 22:59:27 GMT

If you know a Mom who would prefer to work at home, check out the $100 Mother's Day Special from SBI. SBI makes a great gift, and would give the mom in your life an opportunity to trade in the rat race for three-legged races, while still contributing to the family income. Help her build a home-based business with SBI!

Directing Complaints Where Appropriate

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 05:07:47 GMT

An Anonymous Military Spouse writes: As a military wife, I find it disgusting that activists will protest against the very men and women who

Tax Day - April 15

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:39:20 GMT

Last-minute reminder! Personal income tax returns must be postmarked by April 15 to avoid late-filing penalties, or you must file Form 4868 by the same deadline to request an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. Extension of time to file is NOT an extension of time to pay any additional taxes due. If you can't pay additional taxes due now, you should

To All Brave Ones

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:07:05 GMT

Pearlie writes: Ladies n Gentlemen, You all have saved our lives n we all have lost some lives but that didn't stop our brave ones from fighting

"What If?" Tax Questions

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:47:11 GMT

As Tax Day approaches, we provide you with answers to some "What if ...?" tax questions about scenarios that may be occasioned by the current economic situation. What impact would it have on your tax bill if you

The military has national trust because it is not political

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:44:12 GMT

He should be in the brig. What would happen if airman,sailors,or soldiers could question a presidents authority? Some people believe President Bush

Want to Lower Your Tax Bill?

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:47:43 GMT

We know that many of you are feverishly working on your income tax returns, trying to get them filed before the April 15 deadline. But are you taking advantage of all the deductions you qualify for? The vast majority of Americans overpay their tax bill because they don't

"Coming Home" on PBS April 1

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:45:37 GMT

Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change Tune in to PBS on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at 8 p.m. to join Queen Latifah, John Mayer, and your Sesame Street friends for "Coming Home: Military Families Cope With Change." This family television special tells the stories of military families coping with the challenges and impact of combat-related injuriesboth visible (such as the loss of a limb) and invisible (such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury). Join these families as they recount their heroic struggles and discover the remarkable resiliency that sets them on the path to finding a "new normal." With help from Elmo, Rosita, and the Sesame Street friends, "Coming Home" gives voice to children as they play a central role in the family's adjustment process, and encourages them to be what they are: kids. The program also features coping strategies and powerful real stories aimed to help these families and others find ways to be there for each other.

Medal of Honor Day March 25

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:13:08 GMT

The Medal of Honor (sometimes called the Congressional Medal of Honor) is the highest military award bestowed by the United States for valor in combat. Unlike other medals, the Medal of Honor (MOH) must be

Finally, a Way to Respond

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:34:43 GMT

I was drafted in 1969 and served as a medic in a rifle platoon in Vietnam. For decades I and my fellow veterans have had to bear the slander of our

SBI Spring Break Special - Last Day!

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 22:04:17 GMT

Special Savings Strategies for Military Families

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:34:43 GMT

There are a number of special savings strategies available to you as members of the U.S. military. While the country asks sacrifices of you that it does not ask of other non-military citizens, it also provides you with some unique benefits. When we began doing research to write about a few of these savings strategies for you, we discovered that Kimberly Lankford at Kiplinger's has written an excellent piece summarizing some of those programs available to you. If you will take the time to learn about these special benefits, and take advantage of them, you will find yourself in a financial position that is

Lower Taxes - Legally!

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:42:11 GMT

Would you like to pay lower taxes? Is Uncle Sam taking an unwelcome bite out of your paycheck? What a silly question! No one wants to pay 30 - 50 of their income, off the top, to someone else, yet that's exactly what middle-class American taxpayers are doing. We all want to pay lower taxes. Most middle class Americans pay nearly 50 of their income in some form of taxes! By the time you add federal income tax, state income tax, local income tax, sales taxes, etc., you're lucky if you

Free Tax Help for Military Families

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 06:46:12 GMT

If you or your spouse are a member of the military, you may be eligible to receive free tax return preparation for your federal tax return. The U.S. Armed Forces participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Military-based VITA sites provide free tax advice, tax preparation, return filing and

Small Business Tax Deductions Checklist

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:47:35 GMT

For a handy checklist of more than 250 legitimate tax deductions available to small business owners in the US,

First Lady Honors Military Women and Families

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 02:32:14 GMT

First lady Michelle Obama received a tip from a retired female Army general today: Keep modeling herself after her World War II-era predecessor, Eleanor Roosevelt. Retired Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught, speaking today at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial here, drew a comparison between Obama and her first lady forebear. "From the very beginning, she has

Additional Officers Join Obama Eligibility Suit

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:58:50 GMT

World Net Daily is reporting that additional plaintiffs have joined California attorney Orly Taitz' lawsuit challenging Barack Obama's eligibility for the office of President of the United States. They include Maj. Gen. Carroll Childers; Lt. Col. Dr. David Earl-Graef; police officer Clinton Grimes, formerly of the U.S. Navy; Lt. Scott Easterling, now serving on active duty in Iraq; New Hampshire state Rep. Timothy Comerford; Tennessee state Rep. Frank Nicely and others. Follow the link to sign the petition demanding