Facts and Data: Why the Resident Energy Conservation Program is broken
A complicated name, for a complicated program. The Resident Energy Conservation Program (RECP) was implemented across all branches of the Department of Defense to reduce energy consumption among those living on base. The program creates a baseline of average use and then provides a 10% buffer above and below that baseline — those who go over the […]
If you give a military spouse an opportunity….
If you give a military spouse an opportunity, they’re going ask when they can start. When you give them a chance, they’ll probably exceed your expectations. When they’re finished for the day, they’ll give you a big smile. Then they’ll get home and want to look in the mirror to remind them, that this is […]
Exclusive: Dakota Meyer opens up about struggles with transitioning from Corps
Many may be surprised to hear that it’s one of the hardest things Dakota Meyer has had to deal with–transitioning out of the Marine Corps. I met with Dakota Meyer at the Hiring our Heroes Program at Camp Pendleton to discuss his personal experiences. I asked him what he would say to Marines who think […]
Living in my Veteran’s shadow as a military spouse
Most days, I’m on fire. I love my Marine, love living on base, love this life. I’ve spent years supporting military families by volunteering in my husband’s unit, through chaotic deployments and workups, supporting wounded warrior charities, and helping non-profit organizations in the local community. When the demands of the Corps forced my hand and […]
Private homecomings: Preserving the peace with family
Homecomings are synonymous with our military lifestyle and I was blessed recently to be a part of my friend’s for a few brief moments, to videotape their family reunion. I too felt the excitement as her Marine stepped off the bus and was thrilled that I could repay the favor of capturing those special moments, […]
The Problem With Dependas and the Social Justice Vigilantism that Follows
There are jerks everywhere, especially when you’re looking for them. We’re human, so we are flawed by nature and all of us have said or done things we regret. However, there’s been a disturbing trend where campaigns are started against a specific group of people. I’m talking about the dependa-epidemic. Dependas, Dependas, Everywhere So what […]
9 unexpected perks of military service
1. Dress Blues It’s pretty much a fact. Once service men and women step into their dress blues, they become the hottest, most attractive individuals on our planet. Plus they get to don swords. That’s bad ass. 2. Honor Every servicemember who has served our country has the distinction of serving on behalf of our […]
15 ways you know you live on a military base
We who have lived on base after base have many shared experiences. You know you live on a military base when… Your kids are blessed with immediate friends because every other house on your street has kids their age who attend the same school. You don’t have kids, but the neighborhood children still play in your […]
Top 20 military phrases used by military families
You just can’t help yourself. After several years of hanging out with service members, you begin taking on certain sayings and catchphrases that are used in the military and integrating them into your own lingo. Ever find yourself using a few of these when talking to friends? “Roger that” – instead of “got it” or […]
How To Be A Happy Marine Corps Wife
Marine Corps wife? This life was scary to me when I first encountered it. Sure it was fun to get dressed up for my first ball, but then came the reality of what being married to a Marine was really about. It’s about Semper Fi–Marines are always faithful to the each other, to the Corps, and […]
An Open Letter to the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Michael P. Barrett
4.14.14 Update: The Marine Corps Times recently interviewed Sergeant Major Barrett regarding my open letter below. Discover my response to that article here. Sir, Let me start with stating that I have a lot of respect for you. I think you are without a doubt, one of the best Sergeant Majors this Corps has seen. […]
25 ways you know you’re a military spouse
You have a shotgun wedding because your servicemember just received orders to deploy and wants to set you up in base housing. Your kids begin to call out ‘daddy’ any time they see a man in uniform at the commissary. You always find ear plugs in the dryer after doing your service member’s laundry. You […]