'Our Letters to You' - Military Blog on MilitaryAvenue.com

101 Ways to thank a Veteran

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Send a message of support on the "Thank the Troops Message Form" at OurMilitary.mil

Take a Veteran out to eat; whether it is a fast-food chain or a fine-dining establishment. Tell them why you are bringing them out to eat.

Are you a knitter or crocheter? Make a scarf for the cold-winters ahead. Donate them at a local-VFW for a veteran in need or contact Operation Gratitude to see how to donate.

Listen to their stories with interest. If they are a war-veteran they have seen things you will never see. Listen and Learn.

Call and Visit a local nursing home or VA Hospital. Find out what you can do to help. If you quilt make a blanket for a needy veteran. If you bake call and find out if you can bring in something special. Bring a book to read to a veteran "ready and willing" to listen. We all have talents that can be used.

Send an 'E-Card' through the American Legion to the Veterans in your life that use email.

Support a Military Family through Operation Homefront Adopt-a-Family Program

Military-member at the same restaurant as you? Send them a drink or pay for their dessert.

Is there a disabled veteran in your neighborhood? Help with the raking of his leaves or shoveling her driveway.

Do you have a website? Make a page dedicated to our military. Need some help finding content for it?: For your site

Do you bake? Make an Apple Pie or another specialty and bring it over to a neighbor-veteran. Don't forget to grab a box of ice cream to take. Now I'm hungry!

Own a business? Hang a sign and invite all veterans in for something free. A cup of coffee, a flower, a massage. Something you can give from your inventory to show your gratitude.

Do you quilt? Make a blanket for a retiring service-member. It will be a keepsake they treasure.

Employers: Host a special luncheon for all of your veterans. Recognize their service to your company & your country.

Call them. A grandparent, uncle, aunt, mother, father. Take the time to call them, especially if they live far away, and find out how they are doing.

Send a note to your local school to urge the teachers to discuss Veterans Day. Visit Veterans' Day Teacher Resource Guide for some tips.

Did you know November is also Military Family Month? By thanking the family, you thank the Veteran.

Nearly 40 percent of our veteran population is 65 or older, give a veteran your phone number and ask them to call if they need help around the house. Make a note to call them this winter to see what they need.

Have your children paint a picture or write a letter. Send it to your grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, any relative that is a Veteran.

Recognize the Veterans in church on the Sunday before or after Veterans Day

Greet them on their special day with a smile and a thank you.

Remember Veterans during other holidays, especially those without family. Send a Thanksgiving card, Christmas card or Valentines card, to either a Vet that you know or through a VA Hospital or VFW.

Teach your children a patriotic song, like America the Beautiful or the Star Spangled Banner. Instill patriotism early.

Employers: Give the veterans in your company a paid afternoon off on Veterans Day.

Offer a Military Discount year round and include veterans. Don't forget a Military Discount equals a free ad on MilitaryAvenue.com. Find out more: Why is a Military Discount Valuable for a Marketing Strategy

Teachers: Invite a Veteran to speak at your school, in a class room or to the entire school.

Walk a mile in their shoes instead of flipping the channel when the news comes on

Pray for them and their families, every day.

Start a Drive: Ask local businesses to participate in a drive for local veterans or deployed service-members.

Know a military family with a deployed member? Take them a treat on Veterans Day as a thank you and ask what you can do to make things easier

Do you scrapbook? Make cards through the organization "Operation Write Home". They send them to the troops so that they troops can write letters home on them

Tell them about local businesses special offers for them on Veterans Day

Clean out your closets and contribute gently used household goods to Vietnam Veterans of America.

Do a random act of kindness for a vet or their family. Remain anonymous.

Say something to them on Facebook, Twitter, etc thanking them for their service

Open up your house on Thanksgiving or another holiday to a few veterans (active-duty or prior-service) that don't have any family in the area. Make it a holiday none of you will forget.

Visit Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Wall, or any of the other War Memorials on your next trip to DC

Call a veteran-friend and get together over dinner or a movie

Volunteer at a VA Medical Center

Help a deployed single-service member by taking care of their pet while they are gone.

Invite a few vets and friends over on Veterans Day and celebrate their service over beer, a football game, movie or game of pool in the basement.

Participate in the 'Thank a Veteran at Work 2009' program from the History Channel.

Did a veteran in your neighborhood just come back from a deployment? Send them a card of 'Thanks'.

Tell your Veterans friends & family about MilitaryAvenue.com. They can find businesses in their area that recognize veterans year round with Military Discounts.

Talk to your children about the pride we have in the Military

Visit your local USO. What do they need? A monetary donation or a gift of your time?

Fly your flag 365 days of the year. Don't forget to lower it when appropriate.

Teachers: Have your kids write short articles of how veterans are honored around the world. And if you know any veterans locally, propose that your kids interview them about what it's like to serve in the U.S. military.

Learn a fact about the particular branch of service your family member has joined

See someone in uniform away from an installation… walk up and shake their hand

Are you a brat? Talk to your parents about the pride you have in their service

Offer to pick-up their bill (at a restaurant, bowling, ice cream stand, etc)

Let them know you have a family member or friend serving; and can truly appreciate their sacrifice

Wear an American flag on your clothing. It's a small way to say, "I am proud of my country."

Introduce your children to VA Kids, from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Do you scrapbook? Make a Scrapbook a page or a whole book honoring a service-person. Journal about how proud you are. Add the pages to your own family's history.

Have a pot-luck, at church or a banquet hall, for a group of local veterans. Invite the community to participate.

Listen to them. Some just want to share a story from their service

Vote. Don't let them sacrifice for naught. Be a good citizen and do your part to protect the freedoms our service-people have fought and died for.

Dedicate a patriotic song in a veteran's honor on the radio.

Tell your children all about your Veteran-grandparents. What made them special and what they did as a Veteran. Pass on a legacy.

Spot a DoD sticker on a car in the parking lot? Leave a note of Thanks.

Pass out small flags around your neighborhood in honor of Veterans Day.

Support the children of deployed National Guard and Reserve soldiers. Fund raise or contribute to 'Our Military Kids'

Give them a big smile as you walk by, sometimes that is all that is needed.

If you see a veteran with an old flag on their pole leave them a new one, with a note of thanks for their service.

Do you have a veteran as an employee? Give them an extra time on break and a public Thank You on Veterans Day

Visit a veteran's grave. Even if you simply stand there for a moment of quiet reflection, you're honoring their service--and you're rededicating yourself to the freedoms we enjoy as a citizen of this country.

Find out which businesses in your community truly support veterans and the troops; become their customer.

Teachers: Teach your children about the history of Veterans Day by having them create a time line of events leading to the observance of the holiday.

Thank his or her family for their sacrifices. They serve too.

Go to your local VFW ask if you can make a donation, either by money or donation of your time. If you have a family member that serves in the armed forces you could make a donation in there honor.

Teachers: Take the time to write letters to veterans thanking them for their service. A great opportunity to talk about citizenship (& practice their handwriting). Call your local USO, VFW, or VA Medical Center to have them delivered to.

In the market to hire? Seriously consider a Veteran. http://hirevetsfirst.dol.gov/

Meditate on these words: "O Lord God of hosts, stretch forth, we pray, your almighty army to strengthen and protect the Soldiers of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of rest and training keep them safe from all evil. Endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen" - From the Book of Worship for United States Forces

Proudly display a "I support the troops" magnet on the bumper of your car

Know a veteran that will be flying soon? Give them your upgrade coupon for their next flight.

Order a shnazzy t-shirt or perhaps a tie that shows your thankfulness. Have one sent to a veteran in your family.

Take the time to read 101 Ways to Say Thank you to a Military Spouse. Thanking the Spouse is a Thank You to the Veteran.

During a family reunion recognize the veterans in your family. A special toast or a big family "Thank you!"

Find out how you can help with a Community Service Project through your local VFW.

Organize a group (boys scouts, girl scouts, classroom) to write letters to veterans. Bring the letters & cards to a local nursing home to be delivered to their vets.

Support our troops this holiday season via 'Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes' program. Find out more here.

Read some of the veterans' stories at DAV Charitable Service Trust. This is just a small sample of the sacrifices our service-members have made for us throughout the generations.

Is it still warm where you live? Treat a veteran to a round of golf on Veterans Day or the weekend before or after.

Attend a local parade or ceremony on Veterans Day

Make a tax-deductible donation to 'Books For Soldiers'. They send books and other care-packages to our deployed service-members.

Help a veteran with projects around his or her house. Patching a leaky roof, moving heavy rocks or rearranging the living room furniture is easier for the 20-somethings than a 60-somethings.

Make a lunch date: Take your veteran-colleague out for lunch.

Learn to say Thank You in sign-language. The Gratitude Campaign.

Take pride in our history, in times of war and peace. Do you know the history of Veterans Day?

Ask your company to put a flag out. Offer to help with raising & lowering the flag, it's not beneath you.

Offer to take a veterans dog for a walk. Invite them to come along with you if they can.

Know a veteran's hobby? Send them a subscription to a related magazine.

Offer to babysit for a veteran-military family. Let the husband and wife get out together on Veterans Day or over the weekend. Perhaps it will be a great opportunity for them to reconnect after a deployment.

Contribute your time, talent or money to Fisher House™ Foundation, "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers.

Get involved and send a service-person a care package. Go to http://www.soldiersangels.org/ for a list of organizations with projects to support servicemen and servicewomen and their families.

Donate your airline mileage to the Hero Miles program.

Business Owners: What kind of Veterans Day special are you having for your Veterans? Is it from the heart?

If you meet a veteran on this Veteran's Day, or any day, just say thanks. They served you, and this nation, well.

To truly honor our veterans make the best of the opportunity the sacrifices of our fighting men and women have provided. Love your country with passion, and do what you can to make it a better place.

On this Veterans Day the MilitaryAvenue Team would like to wish all of our veterans a very Happy Veterans Day! Thank you for serving your country with pride.

Part Two: Flu Prevention and Treatment - DoD Roundtable Discussion

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:11:00 +0000

In a continuation of information sharing about the H1N1 virus the Department of Defense New Media Directorate held a second Roundtable Discussion this morning. The discussion centered on the outbreak of H1N1 last July at the Air Force Academy among new cadets arriving from all 50 states and several overseas countries as well.

On June 25th 1,500 new cadets arrived for training and on the 4th of July there was a large social event in which all participated. The virus spread during this time frame and eventually during the month long period there were 134 confirmed cases and 33 suspect cases of the flu (about 11% of the freshmen cadet population). The Academy medical staff was augmented with a team of experts to determine appropriate actions including isolation and other public health measures. They also conferred with the CDC (Center for Disease Control). By July 25th the widespread attack had ended but there are still occasional cases of the flu similar to the civilian population.

The flu did not spread beyond the initial population group due to the measures taken and was determined to be a very mild version of the flu with no hospitalization required for any of the cadets. (My note: This would be a very healthy group of individuals and does not mirror the general population). The Academy has continued with many of the same public health measures they instituted to avoid a resurgence of the illness. These included frequent hand washing, availability/use of hand sanitizers, isolation in their room during illness and public health announcements (including email) to the cadet and staff population.

Colonel (Dr) Ken Knight, the 10th Medical Group Commander, stated that many lessons learned were shared with the entire defense community and that the CDC was a great resource! He said the key during any outbreak was communication and that the appropriate commander (or civic leader) in any location had many difficult decisions to make. The Academy canceled a downtown event during the outbreak to prevent its spread off campus. The leadership also had to continue the training mission and make the right health decisions at the same time. Civic leaders face the issue of school closures and other measures in locations where the population reaches a certain level of absences as it has in our Michigan local area.

Col Knight said that none of the cadets had been vaccinated yet as they are still waiting for their doses of vaccine. They will receive theirs within the DoD priority system and expect them in 2-3 weeks but the national delay is affecting them too. When they receive the vaccine all cadets will receive an inoculation.

Thank you to Col (Dr) Ken Knight, 10th Medical Group Commander; Lt Col (Dr) Catherine Witkop, Preventive Medicine Physician, 10th Medical Group and LT (US Navy) Jennifer Cragg, New Media Directorate, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs for providing this opportunity to meet and discuss this topic!

** Photo US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J McNeely Tickets Still Available for Saturday's Air Force/Army Game

For further information on the medical study go to Novel Influenza Outbreak at the U.S. Air Force Academy written by Lt Col Witkop and her team.

November's Featured Military Reward

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Fall is definitely here and our beautiful leaves in Michigan are now gone! During October we continued to see a rapid growth in the number of new ads at MilitaryAvenue offering a Military Reward! We enjoy seeing all of the new ads at MilitaryAvenue because they are connecting the military community with military friendly businesses that support the troops with actions! There are so many new ones and their great Military Rewards make choosing the best one a very tough job! The MilitaryAvenue team has chosen a military family owned photography business with a great MilitaryReward! If you know of a business offering a military discount tell them about MilitaryAvenue!

This Month's Featured Military Reward is given to:

Bittner Photography

Their Military Reward says:

25% Discount to Military Personnel & Family. Thanks for serving our country!!!

Click here to view the coupon featured at the Pentagon, Andrews AFB and Ft Myer.

A special thank you to Bittner Photography and all of our MAPP partners for supporting your military community with your Rewards.

Why Should Your Business Offer A Military Discount?

We choose a Featured MilitaryReward each month to highlight our Partners and their wonderful support to the military community! Our military family team chooses one based on value for the military family and how well it sends the message "military friendly business".

Veterans' Day Teacher Resource Guide

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:55:00 +0000

What is Veterans Day to you? A sale? A day off of work? A day off of school? An opportunity to appreciate the sacrifice our veterans have made? For many reasons I am glad that our schools do not have it as a vacation day.

The students have the opportunity to learn what Veterans Day is about. Once again, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a Teachers Resource Guide available. Last year it started a dialogue at my son's school. I even spent a few hours in his class on the morning of Veterans Day. (Veterans' Day in the Classroom)

I forwarded the '2009 Veterans Day Teachers Guide' on to my son's 1st grade teacher this morning. I am hoping that if it was /not/ in the plans to be talked about, that it now will be. Sometimes people just need a subtle reminder.

Are you a parent? Send this link on to your teacher. See if s/he can incorporate it in the day's lesson-plan: http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/schoolkit.asp. If you are teacher you have the opportunity to teach our children about the sacrifices of many generations of service-members. Thank you for teaching our youth that Veterans Day is not about a sale, or a government-holiday, but a celebration and an opportunity to say "Thank you" to the military-veterans around us.

Related Links:

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

Carrot Dip With a Kick

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Dinner was not progressing as it should have last night. My mind was going 7 places at once and the hunger bar was rising higher than the oven was baking. Times like this call for desperate action: Search and destroy leftovers in the fridge... and get them out into a decorative bowl to make them looks PLANNED and more importantly appetizing. Let's hear it for a cream cheese Crunchy Carrot Dip... with a kick.

4 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup walnuts

1/2 cup canned carrots, chopped

1/2 apple (dipped in lemon juice to keep from oxidizing)

3 shakes of Frank's Hot Sauce

pinch of salt to taste.

Place all ingredients into a food processor. Pulse on and off until blended.

Serve with thin slices of a baguette or Italian bread. It is a great beginning of a fall evening meal.

Stars and Stripes Holiday Day Messages are now open for submissions!

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

If you have a loved one stationed overseas be sure to send them a little Christmas spirit with a Holiday Message in the Stars & Stripes print edition.

Visit the Stripes Holiday Messages website http://messages.stripes.osd.mil/ to
submit a Holiday Message to a loved one deployed or stationed overseas.

Messages submitted before Nov 27th will appear in the newspaper
according to our publishing schedule (http://messages.stripes.osd.mil/2010/holiday/schedule)

If you miss the deadline you can still send a message to your loved one via Stars & Stripes online, but it will not be in the print edition.

I did this last year for my husband deployed in Iraq and so did my mom. He treasured that 'Stars and Stripes' issue and is still upstairs with our special keepsakes. Do it today before you forget!

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

Flu Prevention and Treatment - DoD Roundtable Discussion

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:33:00 +0000

MilitaryAvenue participated in a DoD Roundtable discussion this morning with Commander (Dr) Danny Shiau, a Navy Preventive Health specialist and Dr Robert Morrow, a subject matter expert for the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.

The doctors provided some great information for military families concerning treatment and the flu vaccines available to the military community!

One critical note for military and family members who suspect they have the flu: Before proceeding to the medical treatment facility (MTF) please call and ask for where to go, nurse triage, etc. To reduce the spread of the viruses to expecting mothers, small children, reduced immunity folks (cancer treatments) and others the facilities have established procedures to screen flu patients. Each facility is unique so be sure to call yours in advance!

The doctors described the flu vaccines as mandatory for military members and important for our families. The vaccine for seasonal flu is available and the H1N1 is being delivered on a priority basis. The news has reported shortages but the doctors described it as a slow production due to the difficulties of making the vaccine versus a reduced production. There will be enough vaccine but delivery is delayed.

Military priorities include the combat deployed forces, training/accession centers and medical personnel. The Department of Defense purchased 2.7 million vaccines (only shot is required per person) and Health Human Services is providing 1 million more. Military family members can get the vaccine at their local MTF when it is available. The shot is FREE everywhere and they encouraged military family members, retirees, etc not near an MTF to get their vaccines in the local community medical facilities. Oversees dependents are being cared for by their MTFs.

The doctors encouraged everyone to use primary care prevention such as hand washing, covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing, not going to work or school sick, etc. They said the H1N1 is unique because it started in April and has continued to spread through the summer where the seasonal flu starts in October and reaches its height around March. H1N1 has been recorded in every country of the world.

One last recommendation from the preventive health care doctors was to ASK QUESTIONS about treatment and the vaccine! It is a unique flu and the medical community is ready to help!

Want to read the transcript? http://www.defenselink.mil/Blog_files/Blog_assets/20091029_Shiau_transcript.pdf

** Photo credit to US Air Force Senior Airman Kasey Zickmund

The Power of Reading

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:23:00 +0000

I've written a couple of times about the power of a book! When hubs was deployed we got a few books through the "United Through Reading" program sponsored by the USO. Hubs read books to the boys from Iraq, recorded on a DVD, and mailed to us. The boys received a DVD & book to read along with Dad, the opportunity to hear Dad's voice and find the pleasure in a book.

In fact, my boys enjoyed the books so immensely that I ordered a few Scholastic books through their school and included them in 'care packages' to Hubs. He could then make his own books-on-DVD to send back to us when he had the time. (By the way, as a side note, I just recently read that the USO was looking to those who support the troops to contribute to their program. If you are considering it at all... it is a wonderful program, very much appreciated by deployed troops & their families.) But I digress...

Just this week I ran across Military OneSource's Book Library and was once again transfixed with the power of a book. This evening the boys were a little crabby and as I started to cook dinner, it sounded like World War III was occurring in my TV room. So instead of yelling, getting frustrated, and general blood-pressure raising activities I pulled them up to the computer. I logged onto Military OneSource, clicked on their Book Library (or you can just click the link above) and then clicked on 'TumbleBook Library for Beginners'.

Earlier in the day I read one of the online books to my preschooler, and this evening, as I cooked dinner, I let the computer read to them. I love that the books are animated and the words that are being read by the program are highlighted. So my new reader (1st grader) and preschooler can follow along. They asked to listen to 3 or 4 books and sat quietly listening for at least 30 minutes. (I can't even make them sit still that long to watch TV.) Ah blessed, blood-pressure lowering, relief... all in the form of a digital-book.

Amazing what a book can do for the mind, body and soul. Dive into one today! (Thank you USO & Military OneSource!)

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

Note: Military OneSource does require an account to use their vast amount of resources. All active-duty service members (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force) and their families are eligible. National Guard and Reserve members and their families are also eligible.

Wordless Wednesday: Standing Still

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:18:00 +0000

Sometimes it is just impossible to stand still...

Can't that be said of all of us at one point or another in our lives... and who said it is a bad thing?!

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

Planning for the Holidays - Programs that support you, the military family

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:57:00 +0000

Last year at this time our family was in the midst of our first deployment. Thanksgiving wasn't giving me the usual warm and fuzzy vibes I get. Christmas was all but on the back burner. I just had other things to be thinking about... like my husband, & father of our three beautiful boys, off in a foreign land.

I just ran across two great programs though that are perfect for the holidays. I wanted to be sure to share them with you.

Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry Program - If you or your spouse is on Active Duty register for free gift cards from Sears. Money comes in from the people across the US that support you so Sears can't guarantee how much (or if any). But this could be a wonderful opportunity to help meet some holiday financial stressers. (Or perhaps the opportunity to buy just a little something for yourself at Sears.)

Operation Thanksgiving Eagle 2009 - Order a free book from AUSA for your military-brats. This book is a way to thank military children for the daily sacrifices they make. Supplies are limited so I can't make a guarantee as to how long this program will be around but I've heard it is a great book!

Operation Homefront Holidays 2009 Adopt A Family Program. Find out how to help a deserving military family this holiday season. -or- Apply to be on the receiving end from a gracious gift giver.

The Holidays are coming. Although I am quite disgusted with Target's aisle of Christmas decor; programs like these, however, are parts of the holidays that are perfect to start planning for. Have you heard of any great holiday programs to help you through life in the military? I'd love to hear about them!

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

Who is tipping their hat this Veterans Day?

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:56:00 +0000

We are searching high and low for what businesses are taking the time to appreciate the military veteran this Veteran's Day. Not just your "Veterans Day deals" for the general public ... but the restaurant, the local merchant, the flower-shop, the home-improvement store, you name it, that wants to show their genuine appreciation for our veteran this Veterans Day 2009.

Veterans Day 2009 - Military Discounts

Click on our list above and revisit as we get closer November 11. We want to hear from you, too. If you know of an area military-Veteran's Day celebration place it as an event at your installation or if you know of a merchant that is tipping their hat and digging into their bottom-line to honor our veterans send me an email with the details!

We look forward to hearing from you & finding out how our veteran's are being served!

- The MilitaryAvenue team

Wordless Wednesday - Deployment Family Support

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) Operation Kid Comfort Program

"Our Military Kids"

"Green Care for Troops"

"YMCA"

"Family Readiness Group (FRG) Events"

Get involved, find out what is out there for you!

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

Mary Alice Has the Right Idea

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:21:00 +0000

I just read Mary Alice's Blog titled Thankful Thursday. Perfect! There is so much out there, around me, in me and in my friends and loved ones for which I am thankful. I suppose every blog should be about this :) Thanks for the uplifting idea of just writing down life's reasons for making you thankful.
Here is my 'fast flight of ideas'
DALE
Family
Friends
Faith
Fellowship
FUN
and
Doctors and medical staff who have been there for me... all too often.
Great restaurants
the sun... which I miss in the winter months
turning leaves - absolute beauty moving in the breezes
a new car that still smells new even though there is a mud sheen to it because of our country life.
Freedoms
Religion
Ability to move around
Political choices
Dietary craziness
The TV remote!
and Music.
Surely there are 10 gazillion more... but that was that fast flight out of my head. Thanks Mary Alice for getting me started. Hope you all are thankful on this Thursday!
To view Mary Alice's blog go to: http://fromthefrontlines.blogspot.com/2009/10/thankful-thursday.html

Birthdays are a Fantastic Excuse for a Party No Matter What the Age.

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:06:00 +0000

Who does not like to celebrate?

Sometimes we need an excuse for acting a bit out of the normal everyday responsible adult role. A party seems the sure ticket here. Enter at your own risk. Kick your heels up and let down some walls. Take off the uniform, put down the computer, leave the book on the table and turn off the stove. This is party time with the kids - your kids, the neighbor kids, your adult friends who are going to be laughing like kids. We are all kids!

Dale and I have lived our lives looking forward to that next party. Loving the responsibilities that were given to us, that we strove to achieve. But we took the time to just LAUGH. Laugh with friends, laugh with our family and now we laugh at the memories... but we had to have them first!

Need a party idea?

Gilligan's Island: Everyone came in costumes from the old TV show that ran forever in reruns. Zero was there, An ape arrived, of course Lovie and the Millionaire, Mary Anne and the movie star... the professor, the captain and Gilligan... but a cast of others, including one who dressed like the Minnow... the shipwrecked boat.

Mash: Fatigues galore, horrible food... Spam was on the menu, Rock and Roll music (the Supremes, 4 Tops, etc...) Tents were the decor. Sounds dull... but was fun!

Costume Party: My goodness imaginations ran wild! Dale and I came as the spies Boris and Doris. I put a black rinse in my hair we wore black trench coats with big belts, and shot everyone with water guns.

Now bring on the kids....

Our grandson turned 4. He has cousins, and brothers and UNCLES. He has fun. One thing can be said about my grandsons.... they don't sit. They don't walk... they wake up from a good night's sleep and are on the run. So, with two of them turning 4, it seems appropriate to have someway to celebrate this energy.

First Four Year Old Party: A boxing day.

This was not the English tradition of wrapping up after Christmas. This was an explosive, jubilant, and wild child party. I do believe that the wild children were uncles, grandfather and then the children. (Dad was deployed... but he got to experience the saga via pictures and phone.)

Yeah for online purchases, as it was easy to find the boxing equipment.

Second Four Year Old Party: Redneck Races.

We are blessed to have the access to land to run 4 wheelers. It was abandonment for street rules. Helmets were #1 requirement for all at all times, but giggles and time with an adult was also #1. I am thinking I need two more #1's to make up 4! Jessica set up the day with plans for one on one adult child time: the child leading a blindfolded adult through a blackberry patch: OUCH! Water balloon tossing - OK, this got out of hand :) and a pinata.

Need a party? Take an idea and just go with it... stretch it. See where it takes you. And know that laughter is the goal.

Then share your experience with us... we're always looking for our next good time!

Friendship and Brotherhood ... A Parenting Moment

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:58:00 +0000

"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero."

Friendship. It is something I am whole-heartedly instilling in my two youngest boys. *E* is 7 and *C* is 4. At the worst of times they are at each others throats. Neither one can do right in each others eyes. I quickly want to pull my hair out. At the best of times they can play legos, army-men, star wars, you name it, for HOURS; side by side as only best of friends can do.

It quite commonly comes out of my mouth (especially during those *worst of times*): "You two are FRIENDS. You always will be there for each other. You always will be brothers." Friendship and Brotherhood go hand-in-hand.

It might stem from my own childhood. I have two younger brothers. I look to both of them very fondly and consider both of them two of my closest-buds. I can be open and honest with them. I can tell them my fears without fearing rejection. I can be as crabby as I want to be and still KNOW that they love me. (Yah, sometimes they just have to leave me alone.) I can share with them my deepest dreams and desires and know they will be happy for me.

We were (and remain) military-brats. We moved together. We made new friends together. With each PCS we dreaded the change together. [I think I did more of the dreading then each of them... but at least they knew I was dreading ;)] We were there for each other. That friendship was instilled from the very start.

Now I have to take a step back and look at my husband's relationship with his two siblings, one older, one younger. Those relationships, in fact, make me quite sad. Hubs has said to me that 'friendship' was not necessarily part of their relationship growing up; and as they have gotten older they have not gotten closer.

All this time I took it for granted that siblings were friends. Because of this, I have taken a very close look at my own sons. I want them to have the friendship and relationship that comes with being siblings. I have been very pro-active at instilling this important aspect of being a family.

What do you do to reiterate the importance of siblings and being friends? These are my own quick thoughts, day-to-day rules and routines that keep the harmony:

1. Talk it out! If there is a problem don't run away from it. Don't murmur under your breath and leave the room. Let the other one know why you are hurt. Why you are crabby. What you could have done differently. What they could have done differently. Let them help you if they can.

2. Make time for each other. We all need our alone time! Momma does, *E* does, *C* does, Dad does. But we also need our 'together' time. Take time to play together.

3. Not one person can always make the rules. *E*, 7 years old, would be quite content to boss *C* around all evening, as only an older sibling can. But part of growing up and being a good leader is letting others lead too.

4. Read together. It may seem simple and possibly not related. But how I love to snuggle with them at bed time on the bedroom floor. They each pick out a book and I (or Hubs) read both books. They both get what they want, and they both get to listen to other's choice book too.

5. If the mood gets too crabby inside, take a run outside. Break the tension, Moms and Dads. If they are fighting have them put on their shoes and take a quick run (one lap or two) around the house. They will appreciate the fresh air (even in December!) and by the time they get back inside they quite possibly have forgotten what they were fighting about to begin with. That rule was in place when I was a child. My only modification to my mom's rule is they have to come in the door together. Team mates, not racing each other.

6. Let each other lend a helping hand. If either of the boys do something to help the other it's a big deal. They get lots of praise from Mom. They feel good about themselves and feel good about being a friend.

It's a short list... but just my initial thoughts. I'm not a parenting-expert... except that, yes, I am a parent. I do love my boys though and do want them to make the most of their childhood, and influence their way into adulthood.

So the next time one child threatens the life of the other I will tell them to find some alone time, then bring them back together and remind them how good it feels to be a friend!

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

DoD Expanded Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP)

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Military families have been seriously impacted by the recent housing market changes due to government orders requiring them to relocate. Trying to sell their current home has been made extremely difficult and most sale prices are well below the purchase price. The Department of Defense and Congress have addressed the problem through the Expanded Homeowners Assistance Program which now includes two new categories of eligible military members.

MilitaryAvenue participated in a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable with Mr. Joseph Sikes, Director for Housing and Competitive Sourcing in the office of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment on Friday, October 12th. Mr Sikes very kindly took his time to respond to questions and provide information on the new program so we can help keep the military community informed. He commented that while many personnel such as policemen, firefighters, etc protect us only the military is required to relocate.

The original HAP was designed to assist military families during BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) situations with large numbers of military families selling their homes at the same time in one location closed by government action. The Expanded HAP includes two new groups: Wounded, Injured, Ill/Surviving Spouses and PCS Members.

The program has been funded with $555 Milllion and has 4,000 current applications and the PCS portion is probably underfunded and will run out by December 2009. DoD is seeking additional funding to continue that portion of the program which has the largest share of applications.

So what should you know about the program? As with any housing sale there are many complexities and the program has seen an increase in manning to help speed your application process and answer your question. Right now the application process time length is about 60-90 days but the funding availability is also based on loan information/bank response, etc. What does it cover? Your mortgage and even an equity line/junior mortgage (if used for home improvement) that can be included in the original purchase price. The original purchase price is the baseline and of course documentation is required. For more details you can read this article, Officials Announce Homeowner Assistance Program Details which includes several helpful links to the application process, frequently asked questions, eligibility rules, etc.

Mr Sikes did mention one item I found a critical piece of information for the decision process for your sale. The program provides a better rate of return if you sell your own home through a private sale than it does for a government purchase. You can find specific details from the program office when applying but if the government purchases your home it will pay 75% of the purchase price. If you sell your own home the government will help match 90% of the purchase price.

A big shout out to DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable, Lt Cragg of the New Media Directorate of OSD Public Affairs and Mr Sikes for providing the discourse about this wonderful assistance to military families! Thank you.

Click Play to listen to the conversation and questions.

**Photo credit James Spellman, Jr at Army News.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:30:00 +0000

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and unfortunately I am an expert! Not a medical expert or even a survivor but a family member of women who have fought this disease and won and some who have not. My mom was the first encounter with this disease at a very young age (she was 35) and she bravely fought it off despite some medical misdiagnosis and treatment problems for seven years.

I remember driving her home from the hospital after radiation treatments as an 18 year old with four younger siblings (we were 20,18, 15, 11 and 9 when she died). The ride for her was painful due to the side effects of the almost whole body radiation treatment with nausea and other awful side effects. My father was like a brave soldier surrounded and outnumbered who kept on fighting despite the odds. He had a full time job, cared for a sick spouse and a young family and continued to finish building the house that had been their dream. After seven years she passed away with much love and pain to be forgotten and God's promise for a pain free home in heaven. Her sister and my aunt followed her path shortly afterwards and then years later another sister with so many advances in medicine was a winner and survivor!

Many years passed, I finished college and pilot training and married a beautiful woman. We raised our own family, experienced many Air Force and family moments and then retired to a new job and lifestyle in Michigan. Then it struck again! My bride was diagnosed with breast cancer and I went into shock. Not again! Please, not again. Then we met with doctors to begin a process of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. A quick mover this one had been as Deb had been up to date on all the diagnostic tools offered by modern medicine. We had wonderful doctors (we did change one oncologist after recognizing a discomfort with his style) and the nurses, what can I say! They were kind and gentle when we needed them to be and responded in detail to our questions (a pilot mind set tends to be inquisitive about maintenance issues).

I went to all the appointments and Deb was my heroine! She never really complained and had such a positive attitude. We held each other close and tried to maintain our lifestyle despite all the appointments. Our daughter in laws took her wig shopping and our daughter who lives in another state visited and helped when she could. Our sons and daughter did trips to chemo and were always available when we needed something. We even hosted the big family gathering of 50+ folks at Christmas (with lots of hand cleaners available) during chemo. She never missed one appointment and now four years later is a survivor extraordinaire!

My journey next to breast cancer has been a tough one but I have truly seen and experienced the improvements in treatment in the last 40 years! We have walked, learned more and realize that we have been blessed with new innovations and medicines. Below are some interesting articles to raise your awareness during October!

The first article is on early detection and why it is so important!

Early Detection

The next two articles are about Tricare Preventive Services.

Tricare Preventive Services

Tricare Free Services

An Army Wife, Tami, is doing something to help too! For Breast Cancer Awareness Month candles go to her website at ForEveryHome.Net/tami. Do you know of services like hers or any other ideas to support Breast Cancer Awareness? Tell us about them so we can help spread the word!

If you aware of events like walks, seminars, etc near a military installation please post them on MilitaryAvenue. Just go to the installation home page and scroll down below the map to Upcoming Local Events and click the Let Us Know! Or follow this link and select your installation on the drop down bar.

A Minute Out of the Norm: Science!

leanne@militaryavenue.com (Leanne) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:49:00 +0000

I have to admit I have an affinity for science! I remember as a child making 'mud pies' in the backyard. Armed with a big bucket, I'd add water... dirt... leaves... sand... whatever I could find... and thoroughly enjoying watching the change. Add a little bit of this and a little bit of that and watch what takes form. Add enough dirt to the water and my mud-soup practically went from a liquid to a solid. I never thought of it as science but in hindsight ... it was watching matter change, and therefore in its own way science. Just the beginning of a lifetime love of watching science take shape.

My preschool son came home today from school with a Take Home sheet... 'Will it float or will it sink?' I watched him light up as he said "MOM! Can we do this?!" How could I say "Not now, dear, I have too much to do." Nope! I stopped what I was doing and took the 5 minutes to gather objects ...a rock, a leaf, a birthday candle, a small plastic bowl, a plastic container lid, a marigold flower, a tomato, a crayon and a pencil. We made our hypothesis for each object. We dropped the items, one by one, into a large mixing bowl with water in it.

I didn't need to go into the science of "Why" with him. He is four. But it is planting a seed. We set up our experiment, thought about what might happen and then did it. And best yet it was learning time with Mommy.

What do you do at home that encourages day-to-day learning?

A few other fun projects we have done:

Making Jello - from a liquid to a solid

Blue-Goo! (So fun & so gross!)

Colored Celery- Put some celery in a cup with food-dye and water. After a few days you will see the color in the celery

Planting Seeds in the spring

Fill several-glasses each with different amounts of water. The kids love to play their new 'musical instrument' by tapping the glasses with a spoon.

I just read about this one... it's next on our agenda! Brush a hard-boiled egg to see the importance of brushing your teeth.

- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com

October Featured Military Reward

noreply@blogger.com (Colonel K) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:43:00 +0000

The cool of Fall is here and we enjoy seeing all of the new ads at MilitaryAvenue! There are so many new ones and their great Military Rewards make choosing the best one a very tough job! As most of the country starts cooling off, indoor activities and entertainment can be a top search/choice for military members in a new community! Do you know a theatre that gives a military discount? Tell them about MilitaryAvenue!

This Month's Featured Military Reward is given to:

UltraStar Cinemas Mission MarketPlace 13
431 College Blvd
Oceanside, CA

Their Military Reward says:

Click here to view coupon featured at Camp Pendleton.

A special thank you to UltraStar Cinemas Mission MarketPlace 13 and all of our MAPP partners for supporting your military community with your Rewards.

Why Should Your Business Offer A Military Discount?

A Warm Kiss of Sweetness: Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:07:00 +0000

Summer is really getting to be a memory. Our leaves are still green, however yellows and reds are tipping some of the oaks and maples. I love this time of year, as the mosquitoes are just about gone. YEAH! AMEN and Hallelujah!

Dale has picked the blackberry patch clean. He committed himself not to leave any there for the deer, raccoons or any other marauder. Our freezer is full and our oven is popping out warm kisses of sweetness. This muffin recipe can be revised to use any fruit. The trick, I think, is not to over mix the batter. Be ready to put UNSMOOTH (Is that a word?... Spell check doesn't think so!) batter into the muffin cups. Adjust the time if using large muffin tins (4 or 6 muffin yield per pan) a regular pan (12 muffins yield) or the tiny ones that just pop into your mouth. The larger the muffin, the longer the time is required in the oven.

Sweet Muffins

Preheat oven to 400.

1 egg
1/2 cup milk (yogurt, or buttermilk)
1/4 c oil
1 1/2 c flour
1/2 c. sugar
2 t. baking soda ( if using yogurt or buttermilk add 1/2 t. baking soda)
1/2 t salt
1 c fresh berries (3/4 c frozen, thawed berries)

Spray muffin tins with oil. Beat egg, stir in milk and oil. Mix in remaining ingredients JUST until lumpy. Do not overmix.

Fill muffin cups with batter (2/3 full). Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Immediately remove from pan.

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DoD Expanded Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP)

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A Warm Kiss of Sweetness: Muffins


"Former Army Staff Sgt. Joe Beimfohr used the example of other wounded warriors to re-adapt after losing his legs in an explosion in Iraq. Now he's helping others with disabilities." This was one of our week's most popular articles. Keep Reading.

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