Not everyone in Washington D.C. got off from work for snow



‘Enuff Said…..

February 17, 2010 By Troy
Posted in Life in the Military, Patriotism, Wall of Honor, Why We Serve



‘Enuff Said…..

February 9, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
This looks pretty interesting. HBO’s The Pacific, is an upcoming miniseries about the Pacific Theater of WWII from Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Gary Goetzman. The Pacific premieres on HBO Sunday, March 14th. I watched the trailers and it looks as intense as Saving Private Ryan was. I hope it comes out in DVD since I don’t have HBO.
February 8, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
There is a huge difference between Officers and NCOs in the Army. Because of these differences, I decided against my Commanders’ advice and remained within the enlisted ranks. It’s hard to put into words, so let me tell you a few stories.
Eleven people were dangling below a helicopter on a rope. There were ten Officers and one NCO. Since the rope was not strong enough to hold all the eleven, they decided that one of them had to let go to save all the others.
They could not decide who should be the volunteer. Finally the NCO said he would let go of the rope since NCOs are used to doing everything for the good of the Service. They forsake their family, don’t claim all of their expenses, and do a lot of overtime without getting anything in return.
Continue reading this post…
February 2, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
This video tribute on the front lines is the story of true patriots, told by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North at the NRA Annual Meetings in 2009. It’s a stirring profile of the spirited, courageous guardians of our precious freedoms. America’s best …
January 28, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
I know I’m severely late with this since I’ve been here now almost three weeks. But, I’ve been busy and then I lost my notes sheet with all the great information from the welcome brief with LTG Robert Cone. As you know, I served under LTG Cone when he was a “mere” Brigadier (one-star for the ill-informed) General at the National Training Center. I was excited to read last year that he was taking over III Corps and Fort Hood, one of the many reasons I chose to come here.

Every week, III Corps Commanding General and Command Sergeant Major (or their representative), LTG Cone and CSM Coleman, host a welcome briefing for all incoming troops. It’s a mandatory briefing to “graduate” from post in-processing to unit in-processing. After the briefing, representatives from the units that the troops will be assigned to meet and greet them over a free luncheon. There are also various representatives from post and community programs, including the Association of the United States Army. Good thing they were there because my membership was set to expire at the end of this month. I just went ahead and paid for the lifetime membership so I don’t have to worry about that problem again.
LTG Cone is about to lead III Corps in assuming the Iraq mission. Prior to leaving, he left the incoming Soldiers with some great words of advice as well as his leadership philosophy. As long as I’ve known LTG Cone, he’s been a Soldier’s General. It is his earnest belief that “Soldiers are the most important asset at Fort Hood.” And it shows based off his policies. According to the Phantom Warrior Standard book that is required to be carried by every Fort Hood troop, leaders must work very hard to release their troops within a certain time each day. The schedule is imposed to “allow service members to be home with their families by 1800 for a family dinner.” On Thursdays, the day ends no later than 1500 and exceptions to the policy must be directly coordinated with the Senior Commander of III Corps and Ft. Hood. Just one of many policies meant to alleviate the stresses on families during the high OPTEMPO this post is accustomed to.
LTG Cone told the audience that the greatest strength of the Army is Soldiers, not Generals and Colonels. “It’s Privates, Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains” that make the Army great, he said. He urged the leaders (and emphasized that EVERYONE in the room can be a leader) to create a command climate where leaders can lead. All too often in our Army, lower level NCOs and Officers are so micromanaged that they are unsure of their own individual leadership abilities as they get promoted. This leads to more micromanagement and the stifling of ingenuity and innovation in leadership styles.
Directing his comments towards NCOs, the CG noted that training is job #1 in our Army. “We need to sweat in peacetime so we don’t bleed at war,” he asserted. He cautioned against wasting Soldiers’ time with useless training or no training at all. “When we waste Soldiers time, it says they aren’t important,” Cone said.
This is so true. Leaders at all levels to ensure that if a Soldier is going to get out of bed at 0500 or 0600 to do the work of this great nation, they should look forward to a busy day learning to stay alive, perfect their job skill, engage in meaningful counsel, and be afforded opportunities to excel and progress. Busy work doesn’t provide Soldiers with “purpose, direction, and motivation” – the definition of leadership. There is always room for training troops on Warrior Tasks and require minimum preparation and resources. Time management was another area stressed during the briefing by LTG Cone.
I’ve always said that if someone leaves a post thinking it sucked, it’s pretty much their own fault. I personally think that Fort Irwin is one of the best installations in the Army – a hidden jewel in the desert! But, a lot of people don’t feel that way and it’s because they didn’t make the most of their time there. I can’t count how many times I went to Vegas, only about 90 minutes away. I visited Hoover Dam, Victorville, Big Bear Lake, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Death Valley and other places within a short drive from post. Even closer, there are numerous off road areas for those that like to ride dirt bikes and four wheelers. I don’t gamble, but always found something fun (and cheap) to do in Vegas. Most people who didn’t like Irwin were hermits and rarely left post.
At Fort Hood and in the surrounding community, there are over 160 programs that focus on easing stress for the troops. There are numerous educational opportunities (there’s even a Texas A&M campus nearby) on post and within a short distance from the gates of Fort Hood. There are survivor outreach programs that focus on the families members of our fallen heroes to ensure they are not forgotten. I can’t tell you how many clubs, pools, gyms, theaters and other diversion I found within the limits of post. For Wounded Warriors, there is a Warrior Transition Unit to help them in their recovery that also provides opportunities for them to get out and reintegrate into society. And the community is awesome. The surrounding towns are very supportive of the troops, offering discounts and other benefits to those who serve. There is also a “resiliency campus,” but I’m not going to dwell on that right now because I want to write a post specifically about what they have to offer. But, it’s there to help Soldiers deal with the effects of combat, to include PTS, PTSD, and other mental health issues. LTG Cone said that the Army sends us out to combat and everyone is affected at some level. “It’s our job to fix you,” he said staring as many Soldiers in the eye as possible.
Taking a somber tone, the CG spoke about depression, suicide, and anger issues. He urged everyone in the room to take care of the people to their left and right. But he also told us that we have to look inside. “No one can help you if you aren’t willing to help yourself,” he counseled. The stigma is gone and there’s nothing weak about seeking help for combat related mental health issues. If you recognize that your buddy needs help, LTG Cone said to “step up and tell them to get help.” Then, go with them to ensure they know they are not alone. If you think that your buddy is contemplating suicide, don’t let him/her make that decision. Be the nosy buddy and take action. Show them you care and their life in important.
I don’t want to go on and on, but I wanted to mention something Command Sergeant Major Coleman, III Corps and Fort Hood Command Sergeant Major, said. It’s a very profound statement and when followed affects every aspect of a Soldiers life. “Do what is right and is what is right all the time,” he said. As Soldiers, we take care of each other. We lift each other up and watch each other’s backs. There’s a definition I like to attribute to discipline: “Discipline is doing what’s right when no one else is watching.” CSM Coleman pretty said that, so I know I’m not too far off base.
We are at war and when troops aren’t doing what’s right, it affects mission readiness and deployability. It takes other Soldiers away from their missions to pick up the slack, which makes us all more vulnerable. But, when a Soldier does as CSM Coleman stated and “does what is right and what is right ALL the time” we don’t have to worry about that. Accidents will happen and calamity will strike, but not as often when we’re prepared and not participating in risky behavior.
January 25, 2010 By Troy
Posted in Life in the Military, Patriotism, Video, Wall of Honor, You Served Radio
Of course we are not sure which one of these lovely ladies will be crowned Ms. America, but in the end it will be one of these ladies that is wearing a brand new pair of Rocky Combat Boots.
You know as a result of my blogging, co-hosting the You Served Radio show, etc. I have been blessed with many opportunities to travel, meet wonderful Americans (both famous and regular Joes and Janes) and learn a lot about media, etc. I am very grateful of all of that, but I have to say my good buddy Uncle Jimbo over at Blackfive landed a pretty nice gig here. I mean VEGAS!! with all the Ms. America contestants? Jeez man what a nice trip.
He put together a nice video of his trip out to Vegas as a representative of the Warrior Legacy Foundation’s participation in the “When they come back…we give back” awareness campaign. This campaign is a result of past You Served Radio guest Derek Sholl. Derek was a great guest and a guy that has a true passion in making sure our servicemembers coming back from combat and re-integrating into American society get some assistance when they need it.
January 22, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
Yeah, I know – I missed day two. I meant to write that yesterday, but I left my laptop in my car and it was late and I didn’t want to get dressed to walk out and get it. Then, today I have my laptop but left my notes in the car. Since yesterday was the welcome brief by Fort Hood and III Corps Commanding General, LTG Robert Cone, and Fort Hood and III Corps Command Sergeant Major, CSM Arthur Coleman, I wanted to touch on some of the things they mentioned. They made a lot of good points and have some great quotes. So, since once again it’s late and I don’t want to get dressed to go out and get them, I’m skipping to day three. Tomorrow, I will write about day two!

Fort Hood has a fairly efficient in-processing system. Leaders that are Sergeant First Class and above are able to in-process on their own. The checklist has what needs to be done on certain days. Today, I did medical, dental, and finance. All of this is located in the Copeland Center which is the in-processing hub of Fort Hood. Practically everything is centrally located here.
Prior to leaving Redstone Arsenal, they gave me a half dozen immunizations in order to clear. It was a nightmare. As I in-processed immunizations here, I smugly replied that this should be quick since I just got all my shots up to day a month ago. WRONG! I need the typhoid vaccination. I swear, any day now I’m going to be utterly impervious to even death with all these shots. Then I had to get an HIV test and something else. They all blur after awhile.
After immunizations was self help. This is where you speak with a medical counselor about the over-the-counter medications that are available at the pharmacy. This is a benefit that I don’t think most civilians know about. In the Army (at most duty stations), I can walk into the pharmacy and ask for a bottle of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and not pay a dime for it. I can also get things like Pepto Bismol, Sudafed, and other OTC drugs. Naturally, there is a monthly limit, but someone who gets a lot of headaches can understand the cost benefit of this. I wonder if even the Soldiers really take advantage of this as I frequently see them buying them at the PX.
Next up was Dental. Emily hates my beautifully hygienic mouth. She says it’s not fair that I have such nice teeth and never needed braces. The dentist agreed and sent me on my way, explaining that I needed to come in June for my regularly scheduled six month cleaning. This is another benefit that we get as Soldiers – free every six month dental cleanings, plus all the floss and toothbrushes we need (completely off topic, but we also get free condoms and they come in every size – even flavored!). At Redstone Arsenal, they even have the waterless, pre-pasted single use toothbrushes you could grab (one per visit). I put them in my car for times when I’m in a hurry and forgot to brush my teeth. Teeth looking fine, I walked out smiling to my next location – Tricare.
I don’t know why so many people complain about military health care. The only problems I’ve had were with individuals and only rarely with the system. When we relocated the family, there was confusion among Tricare representatives. Where the family went, they weren’t covered under the normal active duty Prime plan. They had to go on Standard. To get them on Standard, I had to dis-enroll from the Prime, which was in another region. Because our health care is contracted out, each region does things a little differently. One was telling me that if we dis-enrolled from Prime, we couldn’t re-enroll for another year while the other was saying that if you dis-enroll because Prime isn’t offered, that there is no time limit. Well, we dis-enrolled and sure enough Emily got a letter saying she wouldn’t be allowed to re-enroll for a year. So, I had to clear that up with the representative and we should be good to go. Time will tell, but hopefully we never have to test it!
By this time, it was lunch time. I ran to the Military Clothing store on post because I needed a new beret. You see, when we moved, the packers packed up my uniform which had my beret in the pocket. I didn’t know that until I tried to find my uniform the next day. I still had my spare beret packet away with my other uniforms and ended up using that piece of junk that hung virtually to my shoulders. I went in and bought one of those nifty pre-formed and pre-shaved berets so I didn’t have to worry about the hassle. It sucked! The thing kept poofing out like a french pastry chef. I’m very image conscious as a senior NCO and don’t like looking like a dirtbag. I went back today and got a standard beret that worked 100 times better than the more expensive one I bought a few days earlier! I also had to get a new Combat Action Badge (CAB) since mine was on the uniform that is probably packed with my soap-on-a-rope.
Let me digress for a moment and complain about the ACU for a minute. EVERYTHING related to this uniform is too expensive. The patches cost twice as much as the old patches. The uniform costs more than the old one. The rank costs more. And the badges cost a HELL OF A LOT MORE than the sew-on badges from the old uniforms. I had to pay $7.10 for a Sta-Black CAB because we can’t sew on the subdued badges with this uniform. And there is no such thing as an AAFES brand like the old days that was cheaper than the Sta-Bright or Sta-Black brands in there now. $7 for something that probably cost $.40 to make. A sew-on patch would have cost about $1.25. Buy one for each uniform and you’re still saving $2! They say that it’s cheaper this way because you don’t have to pay for sewing. I SEWED MY OWN PATCHES ON!! Even still, it would cost another $1.50 to sew each badge on, bringing the total for four uniforms to $11. If I lose my CAB (or it gets packed), I pay $14 for just two badges. I will never lose a sew on badge!! So, by sewing on patches, I’ve saved $3 and that’s if I only need/use ONE badge. I feel for those Airborne, Air Assault, Air Hooah guys that have to buy multiple badges. Sometimes it pays to be a frog-hoppin’ leg! Digression over…
I had some transportation stuff to take care of and they didn’t do the Do-It-Yourself (DITY) moves until 1300. But, on a base as large as Fort Hood, a LOT of people are in need of taking care of transportation stuff. So, I grabbed my grapefruit and knife that I bought at Military Clothing (my old National Training Center retention knife broke) and plopped myself in line next to transportation door at about 11:40. I was second in line! I was able to file my DITY move paperwork to get reimbursed for what I carried from Alabama.
After that, I had some extra time, so I went to III Corps Headquarters to speak with the Public Affairs peeps to let them know I was on station. I always try to foster relationships with the PAOs and let them know I’m here so they aren’t surprised if it comes up. It also gets me on the media distribution list for happenings on post that I can attend and write about. I like to stay active in my post and inform you people about the great way our Army is taking care of troops. I also get forewarning of celebrities coming to spend time with our Soldiers so I can give them credit for using their fame on our behalf. I also wanted to try and schedule an interview for the radio show with LTG Cone. LTC Cone was my CG back at Fort Irwin when he only had one star. He reenlisted me indefinitely into the Army is a GREAT leader. I’m privileged to serve under him again and my Day Two post will explain why in more detail.
The day was almost over, so I headed over to my new unit. We’re still trying to flush out where I belong until all the other E8’s scheduled to leave are identified and positions open up. Looks like right now I’m sort of excess. There is a unit that asked for me by name and I tried locating them today but didn’t have enough time before the day ended.
I came home, prepped for our awesome show tonight, and the rest you know! If you missed the show, you must download and listen. We had some awesome guests and the audio was finally fixed, except for the birds squawking from time to time. After the show, I talked to some of the kids (Anissa isn’t talking to me because I won’t put up with her attitude) and chatted online with Emily for awhile. She finally got her 2-year phone upgrade and I was helping her get songs on it for ringtones.
And that’s day three at Fort Hood. For the record, I’m not doing this every day! I’m just writing about the in-processing process.
January 19, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
So, my in-processing of Fort Hood officially commenced today. If there’s one unsexy part of the military, it’s the monotony of in-processing. At Fort Hood, most of the process is automated and centralized. We all sit in a big, stuffy room listening to lecture after lecture about post services. Granted that most people there were first termers who had just joined the Army (more on that later) and done for their benefit, but I always try to find something I can get out of each briefing.
The briefing that stood out the most today was the briefing from the Preventive Medicine Clinic. We got to learn all about STDs today. So much so that I’m not sure I ever want to have sex ever again! To her credit, the briefer didn’t make light of the subject matter. When talking about the friction caused by bumping uglies while wearing a thin, latex condom she didn’t skip a beat and ignored the snickers in the room without so much as a giggle herself.
She brought along with her one of the most graphic slideshows I’ve ever seen on the subject. EVER! I’ve seen more diseased genitals than I ever care to see again. For good measure, a few were even thrown in of STDs transmitted through, um, same sex “relations.” If anyone is interested, I can attempt to obtain a copy of it after my eyes have recovered and the bile has been washed from my mouth. It’s amazing how some of these things migrate to various places on the body from head to toe.
In-processing is a long procession of filling out paper and getting handouts that will most likely end up in the trash within minutes of release. Briefers are filed in like cattle at an auction one after another in an orchestrated dance of long-winded presentations about the great programs the Army offers (and I mean that sincerely).
My favorite is always the finance portion because that’s where I get paid for traveling between duty stations and get reimbursed for hotel expenses and mileage. I learned long ago that the only advance one should take on a military move is the Dislocation Allowance. It doesn’t varied is a benefit of military service. It’s expensive to pick up one’s household and relocate it to another place. You have to pay for deposits on everything from gas and water to cable and rental deposits. The DLA helps offset those costs.
During every move I ALWAYS do a partial Do It Yourself (DITY) move. Every Soldier has to carry some baggage and Army gear from duty station to duty station. Setting up a partial DITY at the losing unit ensures that the Soldier gets paid for the added weight being transported in his vehicle. I don’t let the Army pack my guns, motorcycle or some collectibles. They simply mean too much to me to risk being ruined. Soldiers are able to get an advance on the estimated weight of these shipments, but if you’re wrong you end up dishing out a LOT of money to pay the Army back. So, I just wait until I get to my new unit and then file the paperwork to get reimbursed. It’s more accurate that way and I am guaranteed not to get charged for anything.
As I said earlier, many of the Soldiers in-processing are coming to Fort Hood after just graduating from boot camp and their advanced MOS training. It’s encouraging to see these young, fresh-faced patriots that volunteered to defend our Constitution and the American way of life. As I sat there spacing out during some of the briefings, I couldn’t help but silently thank each and every young man and woman sitting there in the same uniform I have worn for the past 15 years (setting aside that I’m wearing a different uniform than I wore 15 years ago) and that they joined knowing they may get sent to combat. It was encouraging to see that some of our youth aren’t as selfish as we like to label them.
I made an effort to talk to as many as I could, especially the ones that looks like a deer in headlights. I explained that sometimes being in the Army will suck but that they can find humor and joy in EVERY assignment if they just keep that mindset. I helped them fill out their forms when they seemed confused by a surprisingly rushed presenter. All of them were eager to get to work doing what they had just been trained to do. And I felt honored to be among them.
Tomorrow, we get briefed by the Fort Hood commanding general, LTG Robert Cone, and Command Sergeant Major, CSM Coleman. I’m interested to see if they talk at all about the terrorist shooting here a few weeks ago. I’m curious as to why I can’t keep a weapon in my car during the day, even if I register it on post. It seems to me that the lack of weapons readily available is what enabled Hasan to successfully kill and injure so many Soldiers. I may try to set up an appointment with LTG Cone for an official interview or invite him to our show to talk on this subject. I’ve also heard rumors that leaders here refuse to call Hasan a terrorist, but I haven’t encountered that attitude yet.
Post policy prohibits me from defending myself on my way to or from post outside the gates because I can’t legally carry a weapon in my car during the drive. I have a 30 minute minimum commute each day from Temple to Fort Hood and anyone wishing to do harm to a Soldier knows that if he’s coming from post, he’s supposed to be unarmed. I’m not saying that LTG Cone or Fort Hood policy is necessarily wrong or that I disagree with it, I’d just like to know the logic behind it especially considering recent events. Of course, it may be that their hands are tied since the law passed during the Clinton years to disarm troops on military installations (the irony is astounding). I’ve seen images and read history books where Officers and NCOs always wore a sidearm on them on post.
Anyway, I’m excited about being on one of the largest and most historic military installations that is home to some of the best units in the Army. And I can’t wait to get to work myself!
January 18, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military
To me! Today marks 15 years since I shipped to basic training. I remember getting on that plane to Missouri from San Antonio, TX with nothing but a small gym bag with a few clothes and long, purple hair. Yes, purple hair. I was clueless about what I was getting myself into, but not nervous or scared at all. I slept on the plane and then on the bus that took us from the airport to Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
Because of my need for a security clearance, I had to meet with security peeps many times over the next eight weeks.
I initially only intended to join the Army for six years and get out. I didn’t think the Army was necessarily suited for me, but as it turns out I actually loved it. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was where I belonged.
The Army is a great institution full of great, patriotic Americans. Every day I’m in awe of the people that I’m surrounded by both in leadership and at the lowest levels. Like every workplace, we have our share of morons, idiots, and losers, but predominantly they are wonderful people. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that served to protect and defend the innocent and oppressed. I’ve been able to see and do a lot that most Americans can only dream about or pretend. I’ve been to foreign lands and multiple continents. I’ve learned new cultures and languages. And I’ve seen the common bonds we all have.
Five more years. The first 15 were bittersweet and I look forward to the home stretch here at Fort Hood. I’m not one of those ROAD (Retired On Active Duty) guys that just rides out the end of his term trying to avoid work and responsibility. I believe in earning my paycheck.
Thanks to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of serving beside, under, and over. I would not be the man I am today without all of you. You took a punk kid and turned him into a respectable (to some) and honorable person.
And I would be ultra remiss if I didn’t thank my wife who has sacrificed far more than I ever have. She is my rock and the love of my life. She’s kept me sane most of these years and through the hard times. She’s stuck by me at my worst and slapped me out of my stupidity when I needed it. When the Army is but a footnote to my life, I look forward to spending the rest with her.
January 12, 2010 By CJ
Posted in Life in the Military, Veteran Benefits
The following was submitted to me as an op-ed. It was written by Lt. Col. Paul Capicik (USAF ret.) of American Sentinel University. In the piece Lt. Col. Capicik, a 26-year military veteran, covers a variety of important topics to servicemembers transitioning to military life including how to prepare for a transition, training for a civilian career, and landing that first job.
How to Begin the Transition from Military to Civilian Jobs
One of the most important facets of any service member’s life is the transition out. Especially as it pertains to finding a job, the transition from a military to civilian career will require planning and preparation. So how do you begin this transition?
Identify What will Affect your Transition
• How well you have prepared yourself prior to leaving the service?
• What type of job do you want to pursue?
• What is your location flexibility?
• What is your family status?
Three Keys for Preparing Yourself for Transition
I speak regularly with service members who tell me that they want a job that’s different from those they’ve performed in the military. How do you prepare for a job you’ve never done before?
1) Start planning your career before leaving the service. Don’t wait until you are about to leave the service before you start planning for the type of career you want. Explore industries and job options early, then narrow down your options. Get the training you need in advance, whether that is a degree, a certification, internship experience – or all of the above.
2) Determine the skills you’ll need to distinguish yourself. While everyone in the military has a job to do, there is a significant shortage of jobs in the civilian world. What will set you apart in your job search? The answer is your military service, degree-specific training, applicable certifications, and work experience.
3) Start interviewing before you leave the service. Don’t wait until the last minute to research where the jobs are and what fields are hiring. The best of all worlds is to be hired and have the job waiting for you before you get out.
Personal Traits can Create Advantages
• Companies like to hire veterans. Many companies like to hire former service members because they know the military teaches teamwork, discipline, responsibility for starting and completing a project, and leadership. Identify personal examples of where you contributed to your mission or service in these areas.
• Ability to relocate is an advantage. If you are flexible in where you relocate, you could have another advantage. It can be a significant incentive for an employer to consider you when they know that the military will pay to move you to their location.
• Consider family interests. Don’t leave your spouse and family out of the planning process. When you consider potential jobs, take into account schools, health insurance, and lifestyle for them. The better you plan for their move, the more likely they will have a successful transition, too.
Transition Resources are Available
There are many resources available to help you think about and plan your transition. Here are a few good ones:
• Department of Labor: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap/main.htm (Note DOL offers this program in conjunction with DoD and VA)
• Military.com: http://transitionstories.military.com/2009/07/11-things-i-figured-out-about-the-civilian-workforce.html
• Veteran Affairs: http://www.oefoif.va.gov/
• Military transition consultant: http://www.bradley-morris.com/MilitarytoCivilianTransition.html
Remember the three keys to transition success: Degrees. Certifications. Experience. American Sentinel can help you with the training you need for an accredited degree or I.T. certification. Your military and off-duty efforts can provide the experience.
I invite you to add your suggestions and experiences about transitioning and finding a new career.
You Served's Claire talks about the life of a military spouse - the hardships, the joys, and everything in between.
Join the discussion in our new Spouse and Family section!
