2020 MF JUNE

by AMERIFORCE MEDIA, LLC MEET

The world comes full circle for me this month as we celebrate this year’s Armed Forces Insurance Branch Spouses of the Year® — making it the first time all six representatives have graced the cover of a magazine. More than nine years ago, I had the lifechanging experience of being named to represent 1.1 million of my peers as the 2011 Military Spouse of the Year. It changed the trajectory of my career, expanded my network, and allowed me to elevate the hardships spouses face when pursuing their education.

Other recipients have advocated for spouse employment and entrepreneurship, EFMP improvements, and military marriage, among other things. Through the years, title holders have been featured on local and national media, testified before Congress, built nonprofit organizations, published books and launched small businesses. But most importantly, the award has given spouses representation—an important need for a community still at war.

Take the time to get to know about this year’s honorees as they will work on our behalf throughout 2020, albeit in a unique fashion with COVID-19 changing the way we live. Congratulations to Bree Carroll (Air Force), Yvonne Coombes (Army), Paulette Fryar (Coast Guard), Arlene Allen (Marine Corps), and David Carrera (Navy). We are so proud of you!

ABOUT THE COVER

CONTRIBUTORS

Jimmy Norris

Samantha Peterson

Jessica Manfre

Lizann Lightfoot

This year’s 2020 Armed Forces Insurance Branch Spouses of the Year® were honored on May 7th with a live virtual event.

Attendees of the 2019 AFI Town Hall. Photo by Trish Alegre-Smith.

Elizabeth Aslakson

Jennifer Pasquale

Andrea Peck

Lila Quintiliani

Tiffany Lawrence

Peloton instructor leans on military mindset to push riders

By Bianca M. Strzalkowski

Military Families Magazine by AmeriForce Media, LLC, is published 12 times a year for active duty service members and their families. Copies are available through participating family service centers, relocation offices, transition offices, base lodges, libraries, daycare centers, MWR activities and other locations by request. Unit distribution requests can be made online at www.AmeriForceMedia.com/ mf/print-magazines/

Individuals can order a free digital edition of this issue at www.AmeriForceMedia.com/ mf/subscribe-free/

Editorial comments can be emailed to managing.editor@ameriforcemedia.com

Military Families Magazine is published by AmeriForce Media, LLC, Bloomington, Indiana, a private company. Information and advertisements in this publication do not constitute endorsement by any branch of the military or the Department of Defense. No part of this publication may be copied without the express written permission of the publishers. AmeriForce Media, LLC, the publishers, and publisher’s agents make no endorsement of any advertised services or products and none should be inferred.

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COVID-19 updates:

Changes for the military

A number of policy updates announced in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impact U.S. service members and military families, including an extension to travel restrictions and changes to pay.

Here are five of the latest announcements from the Department of Defense, Army and Marine Corps:

Update to travel restrictions

The Department of Defense’s stop move order has been extended through June 30. The extension was approved by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to help prevent spread of COVID-19, according to a DOD release.

The travel restrictions apply to all DOD service members, civilians

and their families and includes official travel, including Permanent Change of Station and Temporary Duty through June 30, 2020. Exceptions may be given when travel is mission essential, necessary for humanitarian reasons or in the event of extreme hardship.

“While the Department acknowledges that this order will have great impact on our service members and their families who are looking to proceed with their lives, the rapidly changing environment has created significant risks to service members, as the DOD

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley host a Press Briefing on DOD support to COVID-19 response in the Pentagon Briefing Room. DOD photo by Marvin Lynchard.

continues personnel movements and travel. The decision was made in order to protect U.S. personnel and preserve the operational readiness of our global force,” the release stated.

For more information and links to the original guidance and updates go to  https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/ Releases/Release/Article/2156918/ update-to-travel-restrictions/

Special leave accrual for service members

Service members can now accrue up to 120 days of leave. According to an April 16 memo signed by Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Matthew Donovan, service members with annual leave balances of more than 60 days on Leave and Earnings Statements between March 11, 2020 and

September 30, 2020 have until the end of Fiscal Year 2023 to use excess leave balances of up to 120 days.

“The department’s actions to stem the spread of COVID-19 has significantly limited the ability of service members to take leave during this national emergency, and we know that leave is vital to the health and welfare of our force,” according to a DOD press release.

More information and a link to the original memo are available at  https:// www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/ Release/Article/2153213/special-leaveaccrual-for-service-members/

Special and Incentive Pay

Because of the effects of COVID-19, both active and reserve service members who are entitled to special or incentive pays that require the performance of specific duties such as Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay or Aviation Incentive Pay, may be unable to perform the required duties through no fault of their own.  Service members who are otherwise eligible for special and incentive pays may be entitled to waivers for performance requirements. Waivers are available even for service members who are new to their units and have not yet met the initial duty performance requirements.  Service members should contact their chain of command to find out if they qualify for a waiver or whether they need to take action to obtain one.

This policy, described in a DOD fact sheet, also applies to reservists and

National Guard members whose drill periods have been canceled, delayed or excused because of COVID-19

For more information and links to the official policy and fact sheet visit  https://www.defense. gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/ Article/2144019/additional-guidanceon-military-pay-and-personnelbenefits-covid-19/ .

U.S. Army updates promotion and retention policies in response to COVID-19

The U.S. Army has made several changes to enlisted promotion and retention policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic according to a March 31 press release.

Changes include:

• Battalion commanders can authorize virtual promotion boards

• Suspension of the one-year expiration date for the Army Physical Fitness Test

• Suspension of the two-year expiration of the weapons qualification

• Suspension of pin-on requirements for the Advanced Leader Course and the Senior Leader Course

• Soldiers may request reenlistment or extension for a period of three to 23 months

“We are taking unprecedented and immediate action to keep the right people in the right rank when we need them the most,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston in the press release. “Force health protection is the Army’s top priority. We are constantly assessing the situation and refining guidance to the force. It’s going to take the whole Army working together and adapting as we go, but we will kill the virus.”

For more information on reenlistments and extensions, soldiers should contact their career counselors.

Annual Marine Corps PFT canceled

Marine Corps Physical Fitness Tests, Combat Fitness Tests and circumference measurements for the Body Composition Program have been canceled for the remainder of 2020.

According to an April 23 Marine Corps Advisory, the tests were canceled in order to comply with social distancing requirements in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An exception to policy is in place for Marines who need a fitness test as requirement for attendance at certain schools, courses and special assignments.

To view the original guidance visit  https://www.marines.mil/ News/Messages/Messages-Display/ Article/2161706/physical-fitnesstest-combat-fitness-test-and-bodycomposition-program-advisory/ .

Peloton to push riders military MINDSET instructor LEANS ON

By Bianca M. Strzalkowski

Current times can’t quarantine the hustle of one Long Islandnative who continues to embolden thousands of Peloton enthusiasts up the leaderboard.

Senior instructor Alex Toussaint is known for motivating riders with his no-excuses brand born from years of training at a military school. The child of a sailor and nephew of an airman, he exudes the discipline needed to formulate a workout that can help someone PR while entertaining them with a Biggie-versus-Tupac track battle. He tailors each class to be its own individual vibe, whether it’s a HIIT ride, intervals & arms, or pays

homage to a specific decade — and crafting that experience requires precision when sculpting message, music and song placement.

“Depending on what class it is, the prep can take anywhere from an hour to the entire day, honestly. … I always start with the playlist and that may require me to sit down and be like, how many hills do I want to have in this playlist? How many flat roads; how many recoveries? And that will determine the style and the music that I go for. Once I lock the playlist in, then I have to figure out

the transitions and how everything flows because I’m very, very critical of, you can have a 10-song playlist but if song two and song eight are in the wrong placement, the playlist can sound terrible.”

Toussaint’s meticulous nature was instilled in him at military school in Missouri. His parents enrolled him for grades 6 to 11 in response to behavioral issues he experienced as a kid. He said his dad thought the discipline and structure would be helpful, and in fact, he has leaned on the principles ever since.

After graduation he pursued audio and video production — skills that proved useful as he climbed the ranks of the fitness industry.

“I was that kid that graduated high school and went to college just to buy time and to please my parents, knowing that wasn’t really the general direction I wanted to go. But then again, I had no direction — I had no idea of what I wanted to do. While I was up in school, my car was stolen and I kind of went through this weird, dark depression stage that eventually had me come back to East Hampton,” he said.

He started working as a maintenance worker at an indoor cycling studio that introduced him to the bike. Toussaint says he approached the owner about an opportunity to audition.

“I would listen to the instructors teaching through the door and literally get inspiration based off their playlist and based off what they were saying. At the time, I was never even on a cycling bike. So, I walked into work and asked the owner, who is now my life mentor, I asked him, ‘hey, can I be an instructor?’” Toussaint said.

The combination of training from military school and years in the marching band made him proficient at formulating a script for classes, attributes he said would tie all of his capabilities into one useful package.

“I literally went from one week mopping floors to the next week teaching a class,” he added.

That was in 2013 and he has since taught around the U.S. and opened a studio in Dubai before landing at Peloton. And now he finds himself among an elite group of instructors pushing onlookers through the current COVID-19 pandemic. As people were forced into isolation,

Peloton became a gathering place for novice and advanced riders to bond over a common need for connection. The company also offers yoga, meditation, and boot camp, among other classes.

“Honestly it’s that discipline over distraction mindset. It’s that military mindset which has honestly pushed me through this. It’s essentially the people who are on the frontlines — medical workers, police officers, things like that who are on the frontline right now — I kind of view what we’re doing as a service to the people. Because everybody’s at home, I feel like I’m obligated as an instructor and as a person in a position that can provide light to others, that I must,” he said.

Though Peloton is structured as an in-home program, instructors logistically perform workouts from studios in New York and the United Kingdom. That is until the coronavirus impacted operations and its team had to get creative on how to deliver its live programming. Toussaint and his fellow instructors are now offering classes live from their own homes, or through a pivot he would describe as adapting and overcoming.

“Throughout these tough days there’s absolutely light at the end of the tunnel. We’re going to get through this together. We just have to stick together as a family, as a unit, and I think that right now, more than ever, you just have to really have hope. The support from one another will be a strong enough foundation to make sure we get through this. We will come out stronger on the opposite side,” Toussaint said.

Ready to lock and load? Follow Alex Toussaint at https://www. instagram.com/alextoussaint25/ for messages of motivation and check out Peloton’s range of classes at https://www. onepeloton.com .

MEET THE 2020 ARMED FORCES INSURANCE BRANCH SPOUSES OF THE YEAR 2020

By Bianca M. Strzalkowski — SPONSORED

A new class of military spouses are representing the community through the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® program. Annually, in conjunction with Military Spouse Appreciation Day, the award highlights contributions of individuals from around the world while providing them with a larger platform to bring key issues to the forefront. Previous honorees have advocated for mental health, military child education, careers, heart health and more.

This year’s 2020 representatives are —

BREE CARROLL, AIR FORCE

Four years ago, Carroll launched B Carroll Events, LLC — a small business providing event design and full service planning. At the heart of her personal and professional life is a quest to help military couples function as a team — something she sees as a top challenge facing spouses today.

“The reason why I say it’s marriages and relationships specifically is because every time we move, every time there is a separation between our spouse and us via a deployment or TDY, we find that we have to reinvent ourselves or find security in these other new things. And when our relationships are weak and our marriages are weak that (adjustment) becomes so much harder,” she said. “It’s one of those hidden giants, if you will, because the sexy thing is to talk about spouse employment or the sexy thing is to talk about our challenges with housing and PCS’ing, but honestly I can live in a cardboard box with my husband if everything is good.”

And it’s a topic the New Jersey-native will focus on throughout her award year, a plan that includes an inaugural Military Marriage Day on August 14th

Carroll describes on her website at https:// bcarrollevents.com/military-marriage-day.

Part of her messaging emphasizes that in order to be a strong unit, the individuals in the relationship need to be whole.

“If you are just a piece of yourself and you try to join with another person who’s just a piece of themselves, like two halves don’t make a whole in this scenario. We need a whole you and a whole them,” she said.

She strongly recommends spouses find opportunities to grow personally, which includes discovering something of their own to focus on — this can be volunteering, a career, hobby or some type of passion project. For example, in addition to her business, Carroll runs a podcast called Hearts & Stripes. She also promotes a proactive approach to relationships, especially in areas of communication.

If you are an Air Force spouse or want resources on military marriage, connect with Bree Carroll at https://www. facebook.com/Bree.afi.afsoy2020.

Working as a civil servant, Bree Carroll had some idea of military life when mutual friends introduced her to her husband at church. They met while he was going through pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, and she said they were the perfect balance of personalities.

“We instantly connected. We were a great pairing because we had a balance. I’m the outgoing, energetic, outspoken one and he’s just laid back, cool, calm, collected,” she said.

“To celebrate Marriage Day couples should set aside time to strengthen their relationship. Festive expressions include planning a date night, special outings, or exchanging gifts or tokens of appreciation. Those who wish to work on their marriage may schedule counseling services or participate in a conference or seminar focused on strengthening marriage. Married couples are encouraged to celebrate in all ways that are meaningful to them,”

Fast facts about Bree Carroll

Destress activity:

Watching a romantic comedy

Surprising fact about herself: Born with a cleft palate; raises money every year for Smile Train

Currently reading:

Real Money Answers for Every Woman by Patrice Washington

YVONNE COOMBES, ARMY relationship-building, something she says needs to be encouraged.

“I think a lot of times, nowadays, military spouses can look at military life like, ‘that’s just my service member’s job.’ While it’s great to have civilian friends and it’s great to have civilian family, they don’t always understand what we’re going through in whatever situations are thrown at us in this life,” she said. “Like it or not, it’s a lifestyle; it’s not just our service member’s job. And so, I think just encouraging military spouses to connect and letting them see the importance of those connections is what I really want to focus on.”

Since 2015, Yvonne Coombes has worked with thousands of military spouses from all branches as part of her work with Operation Deploy Your Dress (ODYD). The organization started as a “happy accident” at Fort Bliss, Texas, when a small group of women had the idea to host a local dress swap. Five years later, more than 12,000 pieces of formalwear have been distributed to alleviate the costs associated with attending events — and Coombes is just getting started.

Coombes is no stranger to awards, having earned several accolades along the years while building strong partnerships with key organizations, like AUSA. But as the recipient of an award that propels her to represent the entire Army, she says it’s “a huge honor to be able to represent Army spouses across the world,” and she also wants to use the platform to connect all spouses.

“What I really want to do is to show Army spouses and all spouses that coming together and building a community and helping each other out — even in the little things in this military life day to day — is how we get through it,” she said. “This award is going to allow me to make more connections and more connections equal more fun in my brain.”

In her two decades attached to the military, Coombes learned the importance of

It’s one of the principles ODYD was founded on, bringing people together through volunteer opportunities and in-person gatherings. The organization has also expanded since its founding to nine locations across the U.S., with additional pop-up events in various areas.

But Coombes wasn’t always on the fast track to running an organization. Her previous ambition included pursuing a master’s degree to become a teacher, until a deployment and PCS changed those plans. More than anything, she says, ODYD has brought an important value to her life.

“It’s not that this (ODYD) defines me, but it’s that I have something of my own that’s not dependent on what my husband was doing,” she said.

If you are an Army spouse or want to learn more about Operation Deploy Your Dress, connect with Yvonne Coombes at https:// www.facebook.com/2020AFIMSOYARMY.

Fast facts about Yvonne Coombes

Destress activity: A “reluctant runner” who picked up the sport as a way to make friends when stationed at Fort Irwin, California

Mentor: Liz McKenrick, co-founder of Operation Deploy Your Dress

Originally from: Roswell, New Mexico

David Carrera jokingly describes himself as a rarity so odd it’s like seeing big foot riding a unicorn in the forest. Rooted in the humor of his statement is the reality that an increasing population of male military spouses has not forced a substantial evolution of what support programming looks like. He wants to change that as the 2020 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year.

“There’s a hundred thousand of us as of 2012 married to female service members — and that’s not even counting men married to males — but there’s nothing for us. Every organization or meetup group or welcome to the Navy branch of this or that, the emails always start with, ‘hey ladies,’” he said. “And it’s not their fault; and it’s not an us versus them, but I wish every now and then, we have a lot to offer and we have things we can help with, especially if their sponsor is deployed, we can do odd jobs. We’re dying to do it; we just never feel like we’re included somehow and it’s just frustrating.”

The Connecticut-native married his wife in 2008 after unexpectedly meeting when he showed up to the wrong Cuban art exhibit. He had little connection to the military prior to that, but a deployment and four PCS moves — including OCONUS to Camp S.D. Butler in Japan — helped him find his stride as a “manpendent.”

“It’s like a community here (Okinawa). And then I met some of the guys with the Manpendent Facebook page for Okinawa, and they’re awesome. Some guys participate more than others, but we make it available

DAVID CARRERA, NAVY

to everybody. We do socials, and our last social gathering before this all came down (COVID-19) was a baby shower for one of our friends, Andrew, who was having his first child,” he said. “It’s just guys hanging out, and we have the same similar stories.”

One of the more surprising characteristics of the group is that the guys aren’t afraid to open up about tough challenges, Carrera says, it isn’t only “macho.”

In addition to volunteering with youth sports, PTO and a military spouse dragon boat team, Carrera helps on the local level with an Okinawan nonprofit supporting orphanages and women’s shelters. But before he was a volunteer, he had a successful career in video production that included national campaigns. Now he leans on those digital skills to document military life, the male experience and to aid some of the places he volunteers with.

If you are a male spouse or want to learn more about the Manpendents, connect with David Carrera at https://www. facebook.com/MANPENDENT.

Fast facts about David Carrera

Destress activity: Cycling outdoors

Surprising fact about himself: He was the first person to sell bras on TV

Mentor: His father who came in the 1960s from Cuba with basically nothing

PAULETTE FRYAR, COAST GUARD

Together we are stronger is a phrase Paulette Fryar lives by. A current empty nester, she is an active member of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) — a support group for moms with children of all ages, volunteering as a mentor mom.

“It is my desire that no young military mother feels alone,” she stated in her MSOY profile.

However, Fryar, who has been a Coast Guard spouse for 14 years, was a mentee before she

became a mentor.

“I was a member of MOPS as a young mom when my kids were toddlers also, but that was before there was a military division. It was just very instrumental in my life in having a support system with other moms going through the same things I was,” she said.

She has also volunteered her time with various Coast Guard spouse clubs, the PTA, sports activities, and participated in the local community through a holiday project for underprivileged families at a prior duty station. As her family prepares to leave the National Capital Region to embark on a next adventure, she is relieved to have found a career in direct sales.

Like most spouses, professional volunteer isn’t the only thing filling Fryar’s resume. She has also held paid positions across a range of industries. But a few years ago she found stability when she discovered a company called Plunder Design Jewelry — a direct sales company that propelled her to a leadership position managing 80 women.

“It’s something I can do from home; it’s something I can take with me wherever we transfer and I have quite a few military spouses on my team. I feel like it’s important for military spouses to have something for themselves and this is something they can do very part time or work their business as much as they want to,” Fryar said. “I am a typical military spouse in that I have been a dental assistant, I’ve been a paralegal, I’ve

been in banking, I’ve been a staff assistant at a school — every time you move you have to reinvent yourself to a certain extent and I definitely fall into that category. And with finding this business, it was appealing because I don’t feel like I have to find something new everywhere I go now.”

As she looks ahead to the opportunity to represent the Coast Guard community, Fryar has set her sights on being a connector.

“If I’m able to connect with more Coast Guard spouses and get them to connect with others, that would be success for me,” she said. “Another strong passion of mine is the MOPS program. … It’s a great support for young military moms. In speaking with MOPS International, I’ve learned that they’ve had some difficulty in opening up new chapters at military installations and it would be a success to me if I can help get more chapters setup.”

If you are a Coast Guard spouse or want to learn more about MOPS, connect with Paulette Fryar at https://www.facebook. com/paulettefryarAFICGMSOY20.

Favorite Coast Guard tradition: Because it’s the smallest branch, it is easier to build relationships with each other

Destress activity: Reading

A recent book club read: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

ARLENE ALLEN, MARINE CORPS

After more than four years in paradise, Arlene Allen is preparing for her sixth move courtesy of the Marine Corps. As she prepares to head back to Beaufort, South Carolina, the wife of 21 years takes comfort in knowing she will be returning to the location that offered her a completely different outlook on how to approach military life.

Allen said she was initially hesitant to connect with others when she was first married because of a stereotype that

Fast facts about Paulette Fryar

followed spouse groups. Then, in 2012, she volunteered with the Stroller Warriors — a free running club for military spouses and their family members, and her favorite part of military life became the exact thing she was shying away from: a sense of community.

“I’ve been at both ends (of military life) where as a military spouse my husband discouraged me from interacting with others because of the drama, so I literally didn’t talk to my neighbors or anybody from his work,” she said. “That’s why I like the Stroller Warriors so much. It’s not just people that your husband knows. Now when we move, I make it a point to introduce myself to my neighbors, or if someone new moves here — because we’ve been here awhile — I offer to share resources and give them my number.”

She admits the thing she has come to love, can also be one of the hardest parts of being a spouse. Finding that group of people that you connect with, she says, is a challenge. But the nature of a service member’s career also necessitates discovering a purpose.

“Between trainings and deployments, they’re gone a lot and you have to make your own life where you’re at,” Allen said. “Talk to other spouses. … or reach out to your family readiness officer to learn about groups in your area.”

Throughout the last few years, Allen has been an avid volunteer, giving her time to hiking clubs, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Marine Corps Community Services, and others. She is adamant that engagement with similar-style support organizations is a surefire way to build a positive relationship with the military lifestyle.

“Putting yourself out there is often frightening and each time we move it starts all over. For years I hibernated as a military spouse and as a result felt isolated/lonely. Everything changed when I finally put myself out there and joined a group who challenged me and motivated/supported me unconditionally,” she stated in her MSOY profile.

If you are a Marine spouse or want to learn more about volunteer opportunities, connect with Arlene Allen at https://www. facebook.com/ArleneAllen2020AFIMSOY.

Fast facts about Arlene Allen

Destress activity: Running

Currently reading: Cut It Out by Gabriel Sedlak

Someone you consider a mentor: Stephanie Geraghty, founder of Stroller Warriors

CRISTY REID, NATIONAL GUARD

National Guard spouses talk about straddling two worlds between military and civilian life — something Cristy Reid can relate to. Though her husband has served in the Air National Guard for the entirety of their marriage, she never labeled herself a military spouse until 9/11 happened.

“I was not as involved with his career because he was a traditional guardsman — one weekend a month, two weeks out of the year, so it didn’t affect me as much,” she said.

But now, eight deployments later, Reid sees the challenges associated with military life from a different lens.

“Being a seasoned spouse, and also being married to one of the leaders at our base, I can see how hard it is to know who our younger spouses are so that you can reach out to them. So, I feel that makes them even more secluded in their lives,” she said.

It’s one of the reasons she adopted a passion for mentoring, through programs

like the Military Spouse Advocacy Network. She sees it as a tool to diminish isolation felt by spouses. Reid also says a common misconception plaguing Guard spouses is the idea they require less support.

“The one thing I’ve noticed is that, even within our units, leadership doesn’t feel like our spouses need as much support or resources as our active-duty counterparts do, mainly because we’re in our communities — but that’s further from the truth because we, at a moment’s notice, may end up with a deployment and then you don’t have that connection to someone who can walk through that with you,” Reid said.

Reid’s daughter also serves, and she plans to use her year to advocate for families of children in the Armed Forces.

“It really hit me hard when my daughter went to basic training — the lack of resources,” she said. “I feel like there should be better ways to prepare parents, especially National Guard because we send these kids off to train and we bring them back to us. That’s what’s going to make a successful airman or soldier.”

If you are a National Guard spouse or military parent, connect with Cristy Reid at https://www.facebook. com/2020nationalguardsoy.

Fast facts about Cristy Reid

Destress activity: Gardening

Favorite tradition of the National Guard: The inclusion of spouses on refueling missions

Go-to book or podcast: Ben Shapiro

Junior enlisted couple

across duty stations investments masters

By Samantha Peterson

From selling their car to afford a down payment for a tiny studio to simultaneously owning a duplex in North Carolina and a condo in Hawaii, Army Sgt. Juan Perez and his wife, Anna, have played the military homeowner game well. Smart money moves are exactly what led this couple to owning a duplex by rank of specialist.

Their instincts were on point from the second they landed at Fort Bragg, after reading that on-base housing might have something called a “flat rate” option. Average housing using BAH was $1,100 per month, but Juan signed for a flat rate two-bedroom condo at $700. Anna’s lead saved them over $9,000 in the two years they lived on base. Then the two decided to test the waters of homeownership.

“Like everyone else, we saw those HGTV shows where people had ridiculous job titles and massive home budgets. I started researching everything I could about real estate investments and had to learn to make the smart decision,” Anna said after almost making a rookie mistake. “We were about to purchase a big five-bedroom home when my uncle suggested buying a duplex instead. Financially, that made much more sense but that’s

not what everyone else was doing.”

They opted for an Adjustable Rate Mortgage on the duplex, thanks to the savings from the flat rate on-post housing. They put a goal in sight of paying down their principal with the tenant income and lived well within their $700 per month mortgage budget previously established when Juan was a private first class.

“We drive older cars without monthly payments. I pay back student loans the same year and have learned how financially beneficial it is to invest in my own family,” Anna explains about how making less than $2,000 per year in “traditional” income didn’t detract her from earning in other ways. “I watched my own kids — saving so much on childcare and worked hard in school to receive scholarships that offset so many of our living expenses.”

She adds that military spouses can create their own wealth by contributing to the economy in non-traditional ways.

Their next PCS was back home to Hawaii, where they began just years ago struggling to secure that studio. This time around, they had double occupancy in their duplex earning them plenty of passive income and a generous amount of equity to invest in a piece of the island.

“It’s always the 1% that you hear of having real estate investments and all of this wealth. Juan and I felt so privileged to have experienced being average citizens working our way towards the same experience,” Anna said.

Knowing the market and how to work it can make the difference in earning potential.

“We bought the duplex at the bottom of the market, well below our budget, and negotiated without the big lenders and real estate agents. We felt like we were making smart choices that no one else our age was, and that was the truth,” she said.

In Hawaii, the couple found themselves strapped to make a quicker decision on where to live after Anna’s employer needed her to begin immediately versus the one-month soft transition into the office.

“We opted for a condo, but it was top of the market in Hawaii, unlike at (Fort) Bragg. This time we needed a home for our own sanity,” she said.

“We went traditional with a lender and real estate agent this time, simply because we didn’t have the time to look like before. It wasn’t as good of a deal and at the end of the day, it made me realize that it’s all just a business deal.”

Anna took that dose of perspective and encourages everyone to look at it through the same lens.

“The agent is making potentially tens of thousands off your deal, if they aren’t working for you then fire them. Talk to five of everythinglenders, brokers, and real estate agents, until you find who is going to negotiate the best deal for you,” she said.

The average age of a first-time homebuyer in 2019 is 33 years old, according to a National Association of Realtors. Juan was 30 and Anna was 26 when they made their first investment, proving rank plays no part in making smart money investments and moves within this community.

PCS’ing and home buying during a pandemic

By Jessica Manfre — SPONSORED

With the recent stop movement order issued by the Department of Defense due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many military families are living in limbo. Defense secretary Mark Esper approved an extension to travel restrictions through June. The unknowns regarding the upcoming PCS season are creating questions about when service members will be able to execute moves, what will happen to household goods, and more.

“We are highly encouraging military buyers and sellers to get an early start on the process. Start looking at neighborhoods 120 days before needing to be in the home and lock a rate 90 days prior to closing. It may seem extreme, but all parties involved in the home buying process aren’t operating at full capacity and things are taking longer,” Lindsey Litton, co-founder of the MilHousing Network and Air Force spouse, said.

She explained it is important that those who are scheduled to PCS work with a realtor who specializes in serving military families. Although buying and selling during

the pandemic will come with challenges, it won’t be impossible.

The order officially extended the stop move order until at least June 30, at the time of this reporting. However, there is support in place for those who have found themselves on the cusp of leaving for their new duty station. The DOD directed service members to work with their command, then contact the personal property office for answers on what the new process looks like.

Some military families who already purchased a new home with orders in mind may be facing financial hardship over balancing two mortgages. Others are working to sell a home at one duty station, while buying another at the next location. Organizations that support the service branches are offering specific services for those who fall under these categories, including financial counseling and monetary assistance. Approval is on a case-bycase basis.

If you find yourself financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a tool that is available

to those impacted is called forbearance. Servicers are providing 90-day forbearance options for people that have been financially impacted by the virus. Based on personal situations, this forbearance could be extended by your servicer. The first step would be to call your mortgage lender and discuss options that may include deferments, mortgage modifications or special repayment plans. Most lenders have advised families not to just stop paying your mortgage, making it critical that you establish a plan with your lender. If your lender hasn’t yet planned for the pandemic, they are most likely working on their response.

Caliber Home Loans has released a pledge of support to their customers regarding the pandemic and the financial impact on their loans. The organization is dedicated to serving their customers and will continue to assist new military families with their mortgage needs. The MilHousing Network is also available to assist families with prescreened military real estate experts from all over the country. Visit https://www. milhousingnetwork.com to learn more.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR

This year’s PCS season looks a little bit different than years past with the COVID-19 pandemic creating delays. Though military families are accustomed to a change of plans, the uncertainties caused by current times can add to the stress of moving. Two seasoned spouses share tips for creating comfort during the transition from duty station to duty station.

Brittany Boccher, an Air Force Spouse, has moved nine times in 14 years. Her family has stayed in hotels for up to 60 days in between duty stations. When she travels, she says she always looks for hotels that “are pet friendly and kid friendly. Lodging with breakfast makes it easier to get up and get on the road. A hotel with easy highway access means we aren’t driving into a city and going out of the way.”

Army spouse Liz Lee, a program manager at the USO, agrees that choosing the right hotel can make a big difference for PCS travel. After seven moves in 11 years of marriage, she has learned that routines are important for the whole family.

“We always look for something with a kitchenette and an in-room eating area so we can prepare food and eat it around a table. My husband and I need a work space. Outdoor space is important for walking the dogs. I always pack a bag for the kids with coloring books or activities that are not watching TV,” Lee said.

There are many ways to find a hotel that will best fit your family’s needs.

By Lizann Lightfoot — SPONSORED

Boccher recommends planning out your PCS travel in advance by calling early to make reservations.

“If you make a reservation in advance, you can request a suite or ask for a setup that provides some separation. It’s so important to have a separate sleeping and living space for the kids, so we can close the door and stay up later than them,” she said.

Lee suggests researching amenities not only on the hotel’s website, but also on travel sites.

“We look for hotels with a play area nearby. Check reviews to crowdsource other people’s feedback. Reviews often mention things for kids to do nearby,” she explained.

And they both agree free Wi-Fi is essential for any family stay.

Radisson Hotels properties are great options for on-the-go military families. Its Military 1st program — a partnership with the USO — provides exclusive discounts to honor activeduty service members, veterans and military spouses. In addition to the military-friendly offer, guests can receive an upgrade to the best available room at time of check-in.

The program recently expanded to include its entire portfolio of hotel brands in the U.S. (and Canada), including Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. This expansion gives military families more options when it comes to setting

up a temporary “home-base” while they await making their move. And as an added bonus, many hotels within its brands are also pet-friendly, an ideal feature for families moving with their four-legged members.

Catherine Higgins Whiteside, vice president of marketing for Radisson Hotels, understands that a PCS move is a period of instability. The hotel group, which includes brands like Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, has “a long-standing relationship with showing support for military families. From the moment the family steps into one of our hotels, we want them to feel pampered. Some of our guests’ most memorable moments come from the small things the team members do.”

After the stress of PCS’ing during a pandemic, Radisson Hotels wants military families to have a relaxing stay where they don’t have to focus on cooking or cleaning.

“We show our heartfelt appreciation to our military members with the best room in the house when available. They can zen out and enjoy their time here,” Higgins Whiteside said.

With 541 locations from coast to coast, Radisson Hotels are ready to welcome you during your next PCS move. Most are conveniently placed near major highways, but with access to outdoor amenities like walking trails and local parks. This summer, enjoy a short or extended hotel stay that will be comfortable for your whole family.

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SERVE

When you’re on the road for your PCS move, rest assured that you and your family (and your pets, too!) will receive a warm welcome when you stay with us. Whether you want a comfortable suite that fits the whole family, breakfast in the morning, or just a place where everyone can relax together, Radisson Hotels is here for you and your family.

Receive a special military rate and upgrade to the best available room upon check-in* at any Radisson Hotels property in the United States and Canada, with our Military 1st program.

Learn more about our Military 1st program at RadissonHotels.com/military.

*Terms & conditions apply

*Terms & conditions apply

GEO-BACHING

By Tiffany Lawrence

A dual-military family is adjusting to life under the same roof after almost two years apart.

It’s not uncommon in the military community to have a unique story of how you and your spouse met. But for Army Sgt. Jared Jackson and his wife, Spc. Christina Jackson, their happily-ever after didn’t start with being pronounced husband and wife. They’ve spent their entire courtship and marriage living thousands of miles apart — until now.

When Christina and Jared were introduced by a mutual friend, they hit it off quickly. But the fireworks were strictly plutonic. For three years, they – along with a mutual friend — were inseparable, referring to themselves as “the three amigos.”

“We did everything together,” Christina said.

And becoming a couple wasn’t even a thought. It wasn’t until Jared moved to Hawaii that they entertained the idea of having a romantic relationship.

“We tested the waters and we decided to start dating,” she said.

Having established a strong friendship, the main challenges presented with dating for Jared was the distance and three-hour time difference.

“We communicated well, but trying to find the right time to call would be hard,” he said.

He couldn’t build the consistency he wanted with both Christina and her 8-year old daughter because all they had were phone calls and short visits.

“I wanted to make sure they know I’m here to stay,” Jared said.

The Jacksons both craved stability for their new family. Christina says her daughter, “wanted this father figure. And when she finally got him it was hard on her because he would come and go. He would come see us, then he would leave.”

After dating for a year, they married with the expectation of being stationed together.

“My mindset was thinking that the military was going to put us together and it wouldn’t be that long,” Jared said, but waiting for approval dragged on. “It’s bothering me because I’m married but yet I still feel like I’m kind of a bachelor because I’m here by myself.”

Christine was also losing hope and eventually wanted to get out of the military. She was told by her NCO that she’d get orders right after being married. That didn’t happen. And she was further stressed by all

of the paperwork requirements and chasing after people for answers.

Each service branch has a program for assigning married couples to the same duty location or within 100 miles of each other, according to Military OneSource. Couples can look into joint assignments through offerings like the Air Force Joint Spouse Program and the Married Army Couples Program. But for the Jacksons, this wasn’t a smooth process.

After almost a year of not knowing when they could be together, they were finally given orders to the same duty station. Now they had new challenges to tackle.

For the first time in his life, Jared was a full-time parent. Christina’s daughter is adjusting to a twoparent home where they both share an equal role in raising and disciplining her.

“I’ve been trying to give him more of that responsibility in that role and just say whatever he says goes,” Christina said.

Jared wants to establish a good father/daughter relationship, with Christina’s support of his role helping to ease the adjustment.

“I appreciate that Christina always validates me and tells me ‘you’re doing a good job.’ It keeps me motivated,” he said.

One thing they did not do was leave their family cohesiveness to chance, so they attended premarital counseling.

“We went into this already knowing how we both wanted to parent. He knew what I expected and I knew what he expected,” Christina said.

And now the family will be adding a new member, a son, in July.

Throughout their time apart, they kept communication fluid and honest, sharing their hopes and frustrations without hesitation. This put the relationship in a healthy place during their entire transition.

Christina says for help and support if you’re are dealing with a similar situation, to find a military spouses club. Share your experiences and find others who have gone through the same thing.

Jared advises, above all, make sure that even when you get discouraged keep the communication strong. Also do your research so that you know what should be happening with job assignments.

When it comes to their parenting advice on blending a family, they simultaneously agree that the answer is patience.

Family counseling and transitional resources can be found at Military OneSource 1-800-342-9647.

Lack of cyber talent

remains a national security threat

By Elizabeth Aslakson

The massive shortage of cyber professionals is a national security threat, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Cyber personnel from the private and public sectors are America’s frontline of defense because critical infrastructure sectors, including water, healthcare, and elections, rely on a resilient cyber infrastructure, explained Rob Karas, associate director for Cyber Defense Education and Training from the DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

“America’s cybersecurity workforce is a strategic asset that protects the American people, the homeland, and the American way of life,” he said.

However, there is not enough talent

in the field, both in the U.S. and around the world.

“Estimates place the global cybersecurity workforce shortage at approximately three million people worldwide, with roughly 500,000 job openings in the United States,” Karas said. “This global shortage means American organizations, whether in the private sector or in the federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial governments, compete with employers all over the world as well as with each other to find cybersecurity talent. … CISA sees the cybersecurity workforce shortage as a national security issue.”

Army Lt. Col. Julianna M. Rodriguez is a cyber warfare officer at Fort Gordon, Georgia. She is the offensive cyberspace operations division chief in the Army Cyber Command’s

Though she did not take a direct path to her current position, her preparation and adaptability enabled her to take advantage of opportunities for the evolving cyber field.

In high school, Rodriguez took advanced classes, focusing on math and science up to AP Calculus BC and AP Physics. After graduating, she attended the United States Military Academy, majoring in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Computer Systems Architecture.

In addition to earning a master’s in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science through Columbia Engineering, she earned two technical certifications: Mirantis OpenStack Certification

Professional Level and SaltStack

Technical Warfare Section.

Certified Engineer, and is preparing for the Army Cyber Developer Exam.

For Rodriguez, changing career fields was a process of discovering where she could best serve.

“I started in Air Defense Artillery because [in 2003] it was one of the few combat arms branches in which women officers could lead,” she said.

Rodriguez served in ADA units as a battalion intelligence officer and headquarters battery commander, eventually attending the MI Officer Advanced Course. She also deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division to Afghanistan and taught at the USMA before transferring into the cyber branch.

When advising others interested in cyber, Rodriguez gives feedback based on her experience.

“Our citizens can best serve when they use their innate skills and interests for our national good [and] improve daily in learning and practicing related skills. For those who have an interest in computing, information technology, and network communications, committing to engage that interest in service to our nation can meaningfully impact our nation’s security,” she said.

However, she cautioned how the field is not a good fit for those who like routine and clearly defined work. She also described the Army’s cyber branch as highly competitive, so if an individual wants to join, she recommends:

• Learn programming languages

C, Python, R, or JavaScript (Not markup languages like HTML)

• Obtain technical certifications

like OSCP, OSCE, CISA, and CCNP

• Do networking or security projects

• Stay current on technology advances and policy impacts

Rodriguez adds specific backgrounds make a good fit for the field, including those with strong computer and IT skills.

“Soldiers from a variety of other branches and MOSes, including signal, aviation, and field artillery,” she said

Because of the critical need for cyber talent, the Army created the Cyber Direct Commissioning Program . It is actively recruiting “software engineers, data scientists, DevOps engineers, hardware and radio frequency engineers, vulnerability researchers, and other computerbased professionals,” Rodriguez said. “I encourage anyone who has a deep interest in technology, a penchant for learning and change, and a commitment to our nation’s security to pursue a career in cyber with our military.”

For those interested in CISA cybersecurity education programs, check out:

FedVTE (Federal virtual Training Environment): Free online cybersecurity training

CyberCorps ® Scholarship for Service (https:// www.sfs.opm.gov/): DHS/CISA scholarship for bachelors, masters, and graduate cybersecurity degree programs in return for service in federal, state, local or tribal governments upon graduation

President’s Cup Cyber Competition (https://www. cisa.gov/presidentscup): Competition for federal and Department of Defense cyber workforce to promote and recognize top cyber talent in government service

• National Centers of Academic Excellence (https://www.nsa.gov/resources/studentseducators/centers-academic-excellence/): 190+ academic institutions that DHS/ CISA and the National Security Agency have designated for cybersecurity-related degrees

• Cybersecurity Education Training Assistance Program (https://niccs.us-cert.gov/formaleducation/integrating-cybersecurityclassroom): Cybersecurity curricula and education tools for K-12 teachers

• https://niccs.us-cert.gov/: CISA information on education and training

By

The longevity of a service member’s career is a complicated equation. Perhaps even more so for the enlisted track, which boasts more activeduty soldiers than the Officer Corps. Joining the leadership ranks without forgoing pay or benefits is the secret weapon of candidates who pursue the Green to Gold Active Duty Program — a two-year program providing eligible, activeduty enlisted soldiers an opportunity to complete a baccalaureate degree or a twoyear graduate degree and earn a commission as an Army officer.

The question of what’s next can often stem from frustration with career plateau or restrictions within a particular MOS, leading many to answer the unknown by leaving the military. What is known is that experienced, confident soldiers make influential leaders — an important characteristic of any officer. The Army also needs people at the helm who can take charge in any scenario, regardless of the circumstances.

Army officers are often put under extreme stress with enormous responsibilities and expectations. Non-commissioned officers are

naturally adept to meeting these challenges head on. Skillsets acquired through combat, field maneuvers or operations, plus professional development add unparalleled insight to the success of mission planning that officers are responsible for.

“I joined the Army straight out of high school. I’m not the same soldier that I was back then, and I wanted my career to reflect that maturation,” Sgt. First Class Adam Cain, current Green to Gold cadet, said about his reasons for joining the program.

Advanced training, schools and two combat deployments kept Cain searching for the next level of success within his service.

“This is me staying competitive and making a tangible impact, while taking into consideration the quality of life for my family,” Cain said. Completing a degree means potential candidates need to begin earning credits well before application.

“The Army wants the best, and becoming the best requires a dedication to this choice, the selection process, and the development of yourself,” Army Staff Sgt. Elijah Redmond, current applicant hopeful, said.

Utilizing programs like tuition assistance — a free option to earn college credits without utilizing the G.I. Bill benefits, is just one possibility to become a more attractive candidate before completing an application packet.

The Army offers four different options within the program. The active duty option, which is discussed here, is a highly-

Samantha Peterson

Staff Sgt. Elijah Redmond

competitive process, with the biggest perk being soldiers remain on active-duty pay and with full benefits throughout the duration of their college studies.

Both the university and the Army will pass its own independent decisions on accepting applicants.

“Staying hopeful, hungry, and positive is important,” Redmond, who was at the second of two phases of the process at the time of this interview, said. The two-phase process takes an in-depth look into GPA, GT scores, PT score, medical history and more.

Do prior enlisted officers hold the potential to advance companies faster, and with better operational knowledge than their peers?

“Coming into this new role, I will be highly aware of the role my words, actions, and decisions will play in the goal of creating soldiers,” Cain, who experienced firsthand how toxic and unaware leadership affects morale, explained.

“What we (prior enlisted) bring to this side of leading, is a comprehensive look at all working components of a unit,” Redmond said. He hopes to gain commission within his current MOS field: military police.

The Army invests millions in training a soldier into the precise and highlycapable person he or she is destined to become. Soldiers like Cain and Redmond understand that value and are looking for the best ways to utilize their skillsets with maximum impact. The beneficiaries of trained leaders are no doubt the company, soldiers, and missions which fall under their command. Not having to teach the nuances of Army life means skipping ahead to the more important details,

diving deeper into development, and achieving a higher success rate overall.

While the selection process may appear overwhelming, both applicants and the Army information page recommend checking out the Green to Gold Facebook page, which is regularly updated with helpful tips and

information at https://www. facebook.com/pages/category/ Government-Organization/USArmy-Cadet-Command-Green-toGold-Program-300473013696291/ Visit https://www.goarmy.com/ careers-and-jobs/current-and-priorservice/advance-your-career/greento-gold/green-to-gold-active-duty. html for the application process.

Being at the forefront of online education for years, Columbia Southern University is dedicated to providing flexible online degree programs and affordable tuition rates to our nation’s heroes.

Our Commitment to Serving Military Students and Their Families Includes:

» Assistance with Military TA Benefits

» Dedicated Military Support Staff

» Flexible Start Dates

» Math and Writing Assistance Available

» MyCAA Scholarship Assistance for Military Spouses

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» Tuition Rates Below DoD Cap

SPONSORSHIP THE NUMBER ONE REASON

still matters

By Jennifer Pasquale

“Let me add you to the group.”  I have a love/hate relationship with social media groups. OK, not hate, but we’ll settle for minor to significant disdain.

The truth is, most of us do appreciate that we can get a lot of our military life questions answered, at midnight, from our PJs. And while social media might have an answer for anything, face-to-face interactions still matter.

As anyone who’s been through it knows, an OCONUS assignment can be taxing. It tests everything you know about strength, tenacity, and grit. In 2015 our PCS took us to Germany. We joined a unit that had the most incredible spouse sponsorship program. I’d never seen anything like it before or since.

As I later joined this group of dedicated volunteers, it was clear this program created a lifeline. This “welcome committee” spent an hour a week with new families, answering the same dozen questions. Their equal commitment to each family that joined our little corner of the world renewed my belief that connections do matter.

We met in person because we knew that conversation brings up more questions — and fosters connection. Could we have answered a new spouse’s questions over email

or from a social media group? Definitely. But we wanted new families to have a handful of faces they’d later recognize at the food court or the commissary.

We weren’t chauffeurs or babysitters, but we were available to help others adjust to their new community from the start. We made it clear we weren’t from their family readiness group, but were members of the larger unit who wanted others to feel included.

And we weren’t the only ones putting in this level of effort. Last year, at the annual AWAG (formerly Americans Working Around the Globe) Conference, I led a discussion with militaryconnected attendees on the value of spouse sponsorship in OCONUS communities. I’d long believed that the reason sponsorship mattered was because relationships mattered, even in the age of social media. I was utterly impressed by what military spouses were doing around the globe to wrap their arms around their newest residents.

Now, after seven moves, I’ve never received a welcome even remotely similar from my stateside Army family. Europe just seemed to do sponsorship better. Or maybe that unit was special. Regardless, why isn’t spouse sponsorship something in which every unit invests?

Here’s the thing, with every move we’re all doing the same things — identifying the people and places we need to save in our GPS. We all need a hairdresser, a mechanic, a veterinarian or a pediatrician. We are all starting over with new emergency contacts we barely know. Unless you’re returning to a known location, there is so much to learn. That’s part of the adventure — and part of the hardship.

Whether you are a PCS virgin or an experienced military spouse that excels at both research and organization, we could all use a hand.

If your unit isn’t ready for this level of effort, what can you do to build connections?

• Reach out (in person) to offer yourself as a new neighbor’s local emergency contact before the first box is even delivered,

• Message a spouse (joining your unit) who asked a question about the local area. Provide contact information and encourage questions,

• Introduce a new spouse to your favorite coffee shop in town, and

• Reach back for a “second touch” to see how a new family is doing and answer new questions.

It’s easy to assume that because this isn’t someone’s first rodeo, they don’t need our support. Or to believe that if a newly-arrived spouse needs help, they will ask. Often, neither is true. Will everyone want to hear what you have to offer? Nope. And that’s OK. To the rest, we can welcome them. In the end, this level of community support can make the military lifestyle experience a positive one.

semi-finalist for

NAVY VETERAN James Beard Award named

By Andrea Downing Peck

A former Navy mess specialist who paid his shipboard dues as a “jack of the dust” and gained a measure of celebrity as a contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef” has been nominated for one of the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors, the James Beard Award.

Chad White joined the Navy hours after the Twin Towers fell in New York City. The long lines at the Marine Corps recruiting office convinced him to become a sailor. His less than stellar ASVAB score guaranteed him a spot as culinary specialist. Such a combination is not

necessarily a recipe for success, but it became White’s secret sauce.

White served about the USS John C Stennis and USS Ronald Reagan before discovering his passion for cooking during a Navy-sponsored externship at San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado. When he left the Navy in 2006, White took with him a work ethic and laser-focused determination that have fueled his rise in the culinary world.

“If there’s one thing I learned in the military,” White explains, “it is that ‘can’t’ doesn’t exist.”

After leaving the Navy, White worked two jobs and struggled to make ends meet in San Diego. But he went on to have more than a decade of culinary success, opening a string of award-winning restaurants with a Baja-inspired theme. He also raised his profile with appearances on Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” and Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 13.

White abruptly left California in late 2015 and moved back to his hometown of Spokane, Washington, where he’s bootstrapped a restaurant group that includes James Beard Award-nominated Zona Blanca, High Tide Lobster Bar (two locations) and TT’s Old Iron Brewery and BBQ. He’s turning inside out the adage “you can’t go home again.”

White was interviewed as the coronavirus pandemic shuttered Washington State restaurants. But he is confident his Navy foodstorage and inventory-management training combined with his restaurants’ unique footprints —

three out of four establishments are low-overhead counter-service concepts — will enable him to weather the storm.

“I would say my time as ‘jack of the dust’ in the Navy has served me good,” White said of his time managing and inventorying shipboard provisions. “When a lot of restaurants fail, it’s because they’re overordering or underordering and then running to the grocery store; whereas, we’ve built extreme systems that match how I managed my inventory in the Navy.”

Though White didn’t doubt he could be successful in his hometown, he never anticipated success coming so quickly or that he would build a national reputation on the back of Zona Blanca, a ceviche bar inside a tap room. News earlier this spring that he was a James Beard Award Semifinalist for “Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific” for Zona Blanca stunned the 37-year-old chef.

“This has been a career-long goal for me,” White said of the accolade. “For my little 400-squarefoot indoor ceviche counter to be nominated is incredible. I don’t think in my wildest dreams that

specific restaurant would be what got me a nomination for a James Beard Award.”

Achieving such success in his rougharound-the-edges hometown has made the experience all the more special.

“To come home and exceed in four years’ time the success I had in San Diego has been remarkable,” he said. “It just goes to show that community does really support community. To come back and have these people look at me as something special — that I’m bringing something unique to their area — I don’t know if there is a greater reward.”

White acknowledges his situation may be unique, but he believes there is a lesson in his experience for service members toying with eventually returning to their hometowns.

“All those tools you’ve learned that make you successful in a large market can make you three times as successful in a smaller market,” White said. “The local community will support those people who have gone and done great things in their life and come back and provide a service to their community.”

As his “I love me” wall grows with local, regional and national culinary awards, White hopes his success can inspire military chefs to dream big.

“Having somebody who’s been successful in culinary arts after leaving the military, continuing their careers, following their passion and finding success could be the biggest cheerleader of all time,” White said. “But you have to get them to believe you’re not that 1% and everybody has equal opportunity to find success. They have to determine whether or not they’re willing to bleed for it. I’ve never settled for ‘this is good enough.’”

2 Benefits

TO PLAN AHEAD FOR

By LTC Partners — ADVERTORIAL

In today’s world, planning is essential, particularly when it comes to retirement. People are living longer and need a longrange care plan that can sustain them throughout their lifetime.

Regardless of the setting — home, assisted living facility, or nursing home — long-term care can be expensive. And the need for longterm care can happen at any time, not just in your later years, so making decisions about this type of care be difficult. The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP), the group long term care insurance program that only members of the federal family can apply for, can help.

By starting the conversation with your spouse or loved ones now, you can relay your care preferences and communicate who will make decisions on your behalf if the need arises.

Here’s a list of five important reasons to start planning for longterm care now:

Cost and financial security

The cost of long-term care can be expensive and vary greatly depending on the type of care you receive, the place it’s provided,

and where you live. For example, the national average cost for a semiprivate room in a nursing home is $92,725 per year. The FLTCIP helps protect your income, including pensions and annuities, plus your savings, or other investments, from being exhausted by long term care costs.

Insurance coverage

REASONS 28 www.militaryfamilies.com

Many people think that long-term care is covered by traditional health insurance plans. It’s important to know that long-term care expenses are generally not covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, TRICARE, TRICARE For Life, or disability income insurance. While Medicare covers some care in nursing homes and at home, it does so only for a limited time and is subject to restrictions. The FLTCIP pays for long-term care services in your choice of settings (at home or in a facility, such as an assisted living facility, an adult daycare, or a nursing home) and your choice of caregiver.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides limited long-term care services, with restrictions on who can receive them. And Medicaid — the joint federal-state program that pays for health care

services for individuals who meet their state’s poverty guidelines — cannot be accessed until virtually all of your assets have been depleted to state-required levels and may provide little choice or control over the care you receive.

Family

Long-term care is most often provided at home by adult children, other family members, and friends. Even though they may be the first to step in and want to help, being a caregiver for someone who requires ongoing assistance can be a time-consuming commitment and often takes a toll on a caregiver’s health and well-being. Informal care provided by friends and family members is covered under the FLTCIP, as long as the caregiver isn’t your spouse or domestic partner and doesn’t live in your home at the time you become eligible for benefits.

(Benefits for care provided by family members is limited to 500 days.)

Home care

Most people prefer to get the care they need in the comfort of their own home. The FLTCIP has a stayat-home benefit that includes a range of services that support care in your home once you are benefit eligible — such as care planning visits, home modifications (such as installing wheelchair ramps), emergency medical response systems, durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, walkers, or hospital-style beds), caregiver training, and home safety checks — to help you maintain your quality of life in familiar surroundings.

3 4 5

Lifestyle

Many people wish to maintain their independence so they won’t have to rely on family members.

Long term care insurance coverage under the FLTCIP can provide the means necessary to help pay for your care and allow you to spend your nest egg the way you want. Additional standard features include respite care, international benefits, and consumer protections, such as guaranteed renewable coverage and portability.

YOUR ADVANCE CARE PLAN:

Durable financial power of attorney: This document authorizes a person to make legal or financial decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated.

Durable health care power of attorney: This document authorizes a person to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Advance care directive: This document specifies how you receive care in the event you are unable to make those decisions on your own.

Long term care insurance: This is an insurance product that pays for long term care services in a variety of settings.

Note: A variety of user-friendly publications and guides on advance health care are available at the American Bar Association. Documents and requirements may differ by state. Please consult a legal or financial advisor to ensure use of the correct forms.

The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC.

By Lila Quintiliani, AFC®, Military Saves Program Manager

Whether you are a seasoned military spouse or new to the military, there’s one thing that holds true: the is a whole different world, with a new language — composed mainly of acronyms. Because the service member may be the primary income-earner, military spouses may be unaware of options that exist for their own financial security. Here are four things to know about when planning for the future:

1 How to read an LES

The LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) is the military equivalent of the civilian world’s pay stub, but it is so much more than just a simple rundown of a service member’s salary. Not only does the LES report your base pay, it also covers additional allowances and special pays, leave days earned, tax withholding, allotments, insurance deductions, and contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan.

The service member can access their LES through the myPay system while the Coast Guard uses the Coast Guard Pay & Personnel Center site.

At a minimum, you should be checking the LES each month, but it’s key to look it over carefully when you are moving, had a promotion, or made any other changes to retirement contributions, insurance coverage, or allotments.

If you notice a mistake or something out of the ordinary, notify your unit’s finance/admin section right away. Even if the error is in your favor, finance may fix the problem next month and suddenly take back what they are owed in one fell swoop – ouch!

2

The big picture when it comes to military retirement

Even if your finances are not completely blended with your partner’s, it’s still important for couples to talk in general terms about retirement, no matter how far off it may seem.

There are currently multiple retirement systems in the military, spelled out in some detail on the Department of Defense’s Military Compensation webpage

You can find out which system the service member falls under by looking in the box marked “RET PLAN” on an LES.

If the military member is part of the newest system, called BRS or the Blended Retirement System, then they may be eligible for matching government contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan, the federal equivalent of a civilian defined contribution plan like a 401k. Not taking advantage of the full match is like (literally) leaving money on the table.

An estimated 81% of service members don’t stay in the military until full retirement, so it’s important to make the most of the TSP and other retirement savings options.

Most installations’ financial readiness programs offer classes on the Thrift Savings Plan, and the Plan’s website has lots of information and even a toll-free number with live help.

3 Spouses can have retirement accounts even if they don’t work

Military spouses often do not have access to traditional employersponsored retirement plans. But that doesn’t mean they can’t save for retirement.

Even if the service member is contributing to the TSP, they are eligible to open an Individual Retirement Arrangement, or IRA, for themselves and their spouses can, too. Depending on income level, saving in an IRA might even make the couple eligible for a tax break of up to $4,000 called the Saver’s Credit.

They should ALWAYS have a beneficiary (and check beneficiaries periodically)

Sadly, this topic is especially important during these unprecedented times. When I first

things should know about their finances every Ask the Expert

started learning about personal finance, I was floored to find out that having a will is not the end all be all when it comes to estate planning.

Yes, you should have a will, and an advanced directive, and, if necessary, a power of attorney. These are all things military members are used to having since they are often part of predeployment prep.

But while a will is very important when it comes to letting loved ones know your intentions, it does not control how assets are passed when you die.

Instead, assets like life insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan, stocks, and IRAs all pass by beneficiary designation.

So, it’s crucially important to always have a designated beneficiary, and to periodically check and see who that beneficiary is – yes, the stories about Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) benefits going to ex-spouses are unfortunately true.

Financial educator and personal finance blogger Kate Horrell recommends families keep a printed copy of their service’s beneficiary designation form and their SGLI designation forms in an emergency binder. Not only to keep things in one place, she says, but because it has the added benefit of the spouse seeing it in black and white.

Knowing these four things will help set up military spouses on the road to financial wellbeing. For more information and inspiration on how to build wealth and reduce debt, take the Military Saves Pledge and visit www.militarysaves.org.

Each service branch references the beneficiary designation form by a different name:

Air Force: vRED, Virtual Record of Emergency Data

Army: DD93

Coast Guard: CG2020-D Designation of Beneficiaries and Record of Emergency Data

Navy: Page 2 or Record of Emergency Data

Marine Corps: Page 2, RED, or Record of Emergency Data