Let's Talk Resources

I'm always on the lookout for good resources.

My family takes on a huge amount of responsibility during deployment with what feels like very little payoff. Something is always breaking, the kids are bored, I'm lonely, the finances change, etc.

So what's a military wife to do?!

We're eligible for all sorts of things: free YMCA membership, free admission to theme parks, online chat forums, in-person support groups. Does anyone find all of that overwhelming?!

I do.

Sometimes I just want to know what the most helpful things are and cut out the rest. In order to do that, I have to put my priorities in order. For me, that's my kids' well-being and our general family resiliency. I've chosen a couple of organizations that do just that to open the discussion up.

Here are my two favorites:

SOAR :

SOAR is an amazing resource that provides free online tutoring (Grades 3-12) and assessment programs for our favorite people...military kids! It also provides a parent forum (all ages) where military parents can discuss relocation and get the skinny on new school systems from other people in our community who have lived there. I cannot say enough good things about this program!

Military One Source:

The hubs and I are stationed at a base geared to Reserves right now, so MilOne has been a lifesaver for us. They offer everything from resource booklets to CDs to kids books to....wait for it....free counseling! That's right....F-R-E-E. What family in our community doesn't love that word?!

What are your favorite perks to mlitary life? I want to hear from you!