2020 MF MARCH

As I put this issue together, the world is still in shock from the sudden loss of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and fellow passengers. I am not so much of a basketball fan as I am a humanity fan, so watching lives come to a halt far before their time has led me to pause. And not because we are strangers to grief in the military community, we are unfortunately accustomed to watching friends and peers suffer through loss and injury.

The public mourning has created a reflection in my life. I’ve started to inventory how I spend my time and how much of it I am wasting on things that don’t matter, or in the words of Marie Kondo, things that don’t bring me joy. This means learning to say ‘no’ more, not getting distracted by the shiny object and truly time blocking my week to ensure I stop gambling away our most precious resource: time.

So my first act was to finally book that family vacation that I have desperately needed but not committed to. The gift of travel and military discounts to fund it are often overlooked. My household will be spending seven uninterrupted days on the beach near our old duty station. There will be no laptops or cell phones; there will be the Atlantic Ocean, sun and the chance to reconnect with my husband and kids.

I can’t guess the impact tragedy has on your life, but I can imagine we all can benefit from some basics in the wake of one. Make that phone call. Take those leave days. Be with who will matter at the end of your days.

Lila Quintiliani

Jimmy Norris

Tiffany Lawrence

Jessica Manfre

Stephanie Montague

Meghan Williams

Jessica Evans

Kate Horrell

Samantha Peterson

The Mitchell family inspires a feeling of wanderlust in readers this month as they share their love of travel. What will be your next adventure?

Air Force Capt. Dmitri Mitchell, his wife Eugenia and son Titus visit King’s College at Cambridge University in the heart of the city’s center. The globe-trotting couple is stationed at RAF Lakenheath in England. Cover image by Jenna McKone.

Resort gives families a multicultural getaway

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/

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Mason feels strongly that the happiness of a military family produces “a better and more ready Army.”

Eligibility for the program depends on each family’s specific financial needs while on PCS orders. Open to active duty, or Army National Guard soldiers and Army reservists on Title 10, the program is designed to cover the child care expenses leftover after the Army Fee Assistance subsidy has stepped in. AER officers, who are trained financial counselors, work alongside families to determine eligibility and need.

“Going over a budget in such detail expands a family’s understanding of exactly where the money is going,” Mason explained.

By Samantha Peterson

A

new program launched in February to assist Army families with the out-of-pocket expenses associated with child care.

The Army Emergency Relief Child Care Assistance Program is part of a larger effort by Secretary Mark Esper to address a trending challenge facing soldiers. The intent is to provide assistance to those Army families who recently PCS’ed to a high cost area. The program, which became effective last month, provides up to $500 per month for each qualifying family through grants and zero interest loans to help offset child care expenses, for up to 90 days following a move.

Throughout its 78-year history, AER has provided billions in assistance to active duty, reservists, survivors, and retired service members and their families.

“Child care was identified as a major stressor by everyone from the Secretary of the Army to families I met with throughout the years,” Retired Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, director of AER, said.

No stranger to building resilience,

Designed for temporary relief, the combination of either the grant or loan coupled with personalized financial counseling serves as a multipurpose tool for strengthening finances and opening doors for families. Spouses or soldiers should look to submit an assistance request in the immediate period following a PCS along with documentation — such as an LES statement, DD Form 1351, PCS orders, and a certificate of participation in the Army Fee Assistance Program. Open to all ranks, the program is based upon individualized budgets rather than income.

A Care.com 2019 Cost of Care survey revealed 40% of families spend more than 15% of household income on care. Among the least affordable locations to use a child care center, Washington, D.C., California, Oregon, New Mexico and New York ranked at the top, though the AER program is open to Army families at any location across the continental U.S. Once selected, families can accept all or a portion of funding if desired. Flexible repayment schedules on the zero-interest loans

are yet another example of AER’s understanding of military needs.

More households are dual income, which means child care is an even more critical piece to spouses finding success, Mason says, so AER works to adapt to the evolving needs of Army households.

“Just ask. We turn down less than 1% of those who apply, simply because we have so many programs to help,” he said.

In 2019, AER began to offer spouses up to $2500 to relicense or certify after each PCS, another expense taken into consideration for families. Covering medical procedures, dental, spouse naturalization, and a wide array of other expenditures, there’s likely a program to meet the need.

“If you have stress on your budget, we’re here to help,” he added.

Mission: Save for travel, save while you travel

By Lila Quintiliani, AFC ® , Military Saves Program Manager

More than 18 years ago, Germany was our first duty station and my husband and I made the mistake of not traveling very much. We were young, a bit intimidated by Europe, and thought we couldn’t afford it. We regretted it for years afterward, so when we found out we were headed back overseas, I was determined not to make the same mistake again. Armed with a Pinterest-inspired list of travel destinations, we set out to check off many of the items on our “bucket list.”

We ended up visiting 37 countries in 36 months, some of them multiple times. And we did it without accumulating a ton of credit card debt.

Here are some tips on how you can both save for travel and save while you travel:

SAVING FOR TRAVEL

Make travel a category in your spending plan : If you don’t already have a spending plan , it’s a good idea to create one. A spending plan is your own personal roadmap for your money.

Track expenses for a few weeks by writing down all expenses and sources of income. If you make travel a category in your plan, then you can budget for it as you would any other expense like rent or a car payment.

Take a close look at your priorities: If travel is important to your family, you may have to switch your budget priorities around. My family chose to cut back on eating

out locally and instead funneled that amount into our travel budget. That meant we never ate out – really! We packed lunches and snacks and always made meals at home.

Bring in additional income: Can you make additional money from a side hustle and put it toward your travel budget? I have a friend who works as a substitute teacher and puts all of her income from that toward travel. If you can’t bring in additional income, revisit your spending plan and cut expenditures.

SAVING WHILE TRAVELING

It pays to do your research: Before I even settle on a destination to visit, I do a ton of pre-travel research. I belong to Facebook travel groups (there are several regionspecific, military groups, including ones dedicated to Space A travel). I read blogs and go on official visitor sites. When we were stationed in Europe, I would also take advantage of the military library system’s vast collection of travel guide books.

Get on the list: Airlines, hotel chains, attractions, and car rental agencies often send out advance notifications of sales and discounts via their email lists. I have a “junk” email account that I use to sign up for these.

Ask about military discounts: There are many discounts out there, so always ask. My family saved nearly $1,000 last year by using the Blue Star Museums program, which gives military families free admission to thousands of museums each summer.

There are some discounts that you can only receive if you call directly. I have found this to be the case with airlines. JetBlue and Southwest, for example, both have military fares, but you can’t access them online, you must call.

Use credit wisely: If you are disciplined enough to use a credit card wisely (and by wisely I mean that you pay off your balance in full each month), then there are many credit card “hacks” available to military families.

Most credit cards waive annual fees for military and their dependents. Before applying for a card, which will impact your credit, do your research. Some cards offer extra rewards when used for travel, cash back, or a free companion airline ticket or hotel stay each year.

Thinking outside the box is one of the biggest ways we save money while traveling. For example, we usually try to stay in apartments or hotels with a kitchenette so that we don’t have to eat every meal out. I’ve packed boxes of mac and cheese in my suitcase and have carried a crockpot with me on a road trip. We bring snacks and refillable water bottles in our day packs.

Now that we’ve moved back to the states and the distances are longer, international travel isn’t as easy but my European adventures have taught me that I can still afford to travel. By making travel a budget category and cutting back in other areas, we have managed to visit many of our dream destinations.

Want help achieving your savings goals? Take the Military Saves Pledge and visit militarysaves.org for more savings tips and inspiration.

Imagine riding in a gondola to the top of a mountain that overlooks Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Or, taking your military kids on a tour of a real-life castle that brings storybooks to life. These are just some of the experiences visitors of Edelweiss Lodge and Resort get access to when choosing to vacation with the Armed Forces Recreation Center.

Located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort is situated at the foot of the Bavarian Alps with only a four-to-six-hour drive to any major installation in Europe. Brad Hays, marketing director, says the resort prides itself on helping service members and their families create memories through a range of activities.

“We like to consider ourselves a stepping stone; people like coming

back to an American-quality standard hotel with comfortable beds, a TV and nice restaurants,” Hays explained. “We offer a fullyguided tour program. Every day we’ve got tour buses that go out and take people to Neuschwanstein Castle, for instance.”

The castle, which is a key attraction, inspired Walt Disney to build

Cinderella’s castle. Hays describes it as “stunning” with seven waterfalls and overlooking all of Bavaria. Other stops on the tour include Germany’s famous Christmas markets, the Alpine rollercoaster atop Oberammergau — a two-person ride takes guests down 8,530 feet of twists, turns and bends — or Berchtesgaden Eagle’s Nest which houses historical sites from World War II.

Planning your trip

Since opening in 2004, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort served 2.5 million guests from around the world. Though the majority of visitors are stationed overseas, a recent change in June 2019 expanded its offerings to active-duty service members and military retirees from the continental U.S.

Peak travel season is typically the summer months — mid-June to August — or during the winter when the slopes offer prime skiing and sledding opportunities. But Hays is quick to point out that May or September/October is a favorite time of year to travel because of the sights.

“In May, you have all the wildflowers blooming in the valleys and there’s still snow up on the peaks. It’s just gorgeous contrast,” he said. “Then in the fall, all the leaves are changing and it’s a very colorful.”

Things to do and see

There is no shortage of things to see or do, no matter the age of the visitor. From outdoor adventures to learning opportunities, the location is a conduit for something new every day. However, if military couples want to steal some time away for themselves, child care is offered at the resort with outdoor activities like a reptile house and sledding.

For example, service members and their spouse can dine on an authentic, hearty German meal, like Schnitzel, wash it down with a Bavarian beer, then hop on a tour to a local brewery to see the behindthe-scenes process for creating it. The year-round tour to Griesbräu Brewery is for 16 years old and up, and includes a fun exam at the end of the visit that earns you a Bavarian Brewmeister certification.

Hays recommends adding an extra day to whatever intended itinerary you initially planned for; though it would be impossible to check all of the available items off a bucket list with one trip. And at the end of a busy day of sightseeing, families can enjoy some down time with the resort’s indoor pool.

For today’s on-the-go military families, time together is invaluable, so spending it on unforgettable opportunities is the exact reset the home front needs. Edelweiss Resort and Lodge offers a once-in-a-lifetime getaway that exposes military kids to a unique, multicultural experience while allowing couples time to reconnect. Hays adds the time spent nestled in the Bavarian Alps is the type of vacation any family will smile and reflect on later on.

By Jimmy Norris

It wouldn’t be a new year without new gear, and the Army has plenty coming in 2020. New vehicles, weapons and uniforms are among the equipment soldiers could have their hands on before the year ends. Some equipment has already begun to make its way through Army units and will continue fielding in 2020. Other equipment will be brand new this year.

M17 and M18 Pistols

While the replacement for the Army’s M9 pistol isn’t exactly new, the Modular Handgun System will be new to soldiers in dozens of units in 2020. According to Army spokesperson Cathy Brown Vandermaarel, more than 55,000 M17s and M18s have been fielded since November 2017. In 2020 an additional 23,000 handguns will be issued to active, reserves and National Guard units throughout

the continental U.S. The weapon is expected to be fielded Army wide by the end of fiscal year 2022.

“The M17/M18 Modular Handgun System is more capable than its predecessor, the M9 pistol, due to increased lethality, better ergonomics, and increased reliability, durability and maintainability,” Vandermaarel said in an email interview. “It also can accommodate a number of different attachments that can improve performance.”

Tactical Digital Media Kits

The Tactical Digital Media Kit is specific to public affairs soldiers and includes audiovisual acquisition and editing equipment. To date, 270 kits have been fielded to priority units. An additional 327 kits will be fielded to priority units by the end of fiscal year 2020. Additionally, there are plans for a one-time purchase using National Guard and reserve equipment funds to purchase 560 kits specifically for National Guard use, Vandermaarel said.

According to Vandermaarel, the Tactical Digital Media kits are an improvement over the old video and still photo kits.

to

Photo

“Public Affairs teams are often dispatched with combat units to remote locations. Tactical Digital Media kits enable these teams to gather, process and deliver audio files, digital imagery and visual media,” she said. “The biggest difference between the TDM kits and legacy public affairs tools is the ability to send information through the same tactical network that operational units are leveraging in deployment locations. TDM kits also contain the latest digitally capable cameras, audio recorders and associated computers.”

1st Lt. Anna Kretzer, a platoon leader assigned to the 527th Military Police Company qualifies on the new M17. The U.S. Army started fielding Military Police units with the new SIG Sauer M17 pistol

replace the M9 Beretta.

by Sgt. Tristin Maximilian.

Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II)

Ordnance soldiers, engineers and special operations soldiers can look forward to a new robot in 2020 in the form of the Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II. This medium-sized, remote controlled robot has the capability to detect, identify and dispose of a range of hazards while keeping soldiers at a safe distance. The robot’s standard chassis accommodates multiple payload platforms for a variety of missions. According to Rae Higgins at the U.S. Army Program Executive

Infantry Squad Vehicle

According to an Army News Service article published in August last year, the Army has plans to field the Infantry Squad Vehicle in 2020. The first round of testing for the new nine-soldier vehicle was scheduled to take place at Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland in late 2019. A second round of testing would have taken place at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After testing and selection of a vendor, there are plans to purchase 649 vehicles, the article stated. Army Public Affairs personnel were unable to verify if the scheduled testing took place or what the results of the test were before deadline.

Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support Communications, the first unit to receive the MTRS Inc II will be the 55th Ordnance Company at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

“The MTRS Inc II provides the warfighter with a standoff ability to locate, identify and clear landmines, unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices in the path of maneuvering Army or joint forces,” Higgins said in an email. “It also provides [Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear] soldiers with the capability to employ CBRN sensors from a distance.”

The MTRS Inc II is a remotely operated, medium-sized robotic system that provides a standoff capability to detect, confirm, identify and dispose of hazards. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Combat Support & Combat Service Support Communications.

Army Greens Uniform

Paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment test CH-47 Chinook capabilities by sling loading their newest vehicle, the Army Ground Mobility Vehicle. This year, the Army plans to roll out 600 modernized versions of the lightweight vehicle, called the Infantry Squad Vehicle. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Sawyer.

Army Combat Fitness Test Equipment

The fielding of equipment for the Army’s new Combat Fitness Test began with the Kentucky National Guard in December 2019. Since then the Army has issued more than 1,500 of the sets which include bumper plates, barbells, medicines balls and a nylon sled with straps.

According to Vandermaarel, the Army is taking a regional approach to fielding this equipment with units in the Southeastern U.S. receiving it first. Fielding will progress to the Southwest in February, overseas in March, the Northeast in February and March, the Midwest in March and April, and finally the West in April and May. Fielding should be complete by mid-May, Vandermaarel said.

The much-anticipated World War II-era throwback uniform is still scheduled for a 2020 release, according to the Army’s official website. The uniform is described as “one of the most admired and recognizable uniforms in the Army’s history.” A testing phase was scheduled to take place between November 2018 and this month. The uniform is slated to become available for purchase through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service by April. It is expected to be scheduled to new soldiers in July 2020. The uniform will be “cost neutral” to soldiers, meaning it will be covered by their annual clothing allowance. Army Public Affairs personnel were unable to provide updates on the uniform before deadline, according to the website.

Tank-automotive and Armaments Command is delivering more than 36,000 lanes of new Army Combat Fitness Test equipment to one million active-duty, Reserve and National Guard soldiers at more than 1,000 U.S. Army units around the world. Photo by R. Slade Walters.

From the time they met at age 15, Air Force Capt. Dmitri Mitchell and his wife, Eugenia, have shared a common interest for wanting to see the world. Adding challenging careers, military life, and a growing family to their relationship has not halted that plan either. They’ve learned to make adjustments around parenting and their unpredictable schedules so that they can still fulfill a passion of traveling abroad.

Eugenia and Dmitri each grew up in military families. His parents were both active duty and her father served. “As military kids you either want to stay in one place, or like us, want to see the world,” Eugenia says.

The once-teenagers who dated for a year and then went their separate ways, both chose careers that reflect their infatuation for globetrotting.

The flight attendant

Customer service and relating with people at their core have always been a strong suit for Eugenia. When presented with the opportunity to become a flight attendant, she took it.

“I was at a place in my life where I wanted to do something outside of my wheelhouse. I wasn’t in a serious relationship at the time so it was absolutely perfect for me,” she explained.

Eugenia loved her new career. Being a single flight attendant afforded her unusual opportunities, like flying to Paris just because she was bored.

The fighter pilot

Dmitri, who is currently stationed at RAF Lakenheath, England, has been serving in the Air Force since 2011. In 2019 alone, his work has taken him to Germany, Vegas, and Spain.

“Flying a jet is a feeling you can’t get anywhere else. You look out and realize that you’re not supposed to be there, but you’re safe and enjoying an experience that many people don’t have. I’m grateful that I get to see the world in this way,” he said.

Shared adventure

When Eugenia and Dmitri reconnected on Facebook, she was living in Atlanta, Georgia, and he was stationed in England. The couple decided to meet up for her 30th birthday in Milan, accompanied by close friends.

Dmitri says that the experience was special. “We were on different sides of the world and met in a completely different country. I

All Images by Jenna McKone

By Tiffany Lawrence

would have never thought having met her in a small Texas town, that I would be in Italy seeing the wonders of Milan and experiencing the entire culture.”

Changes

The Mitchells have now been married for two years and their son, Titus, is 18 months old.

Although they live together in England, Eugenia maintains her career as a flight attendant in Atlanta. And getting to work isn’t a quick trip either. It requires her to take two trains, an airplane and a cab. This taxing process puts a bit of a strain on the Mitchell household.

Inevitably, being a new military spouse, new mom, having a fulltime job and living overseas all collided for Eugenia.

“I cried every day for a month when I returned to work. It was really hard at first, but I had to understand that everything was going to be ok with ‘mom’ being away. And I feel like we are better people for it,” she said.

Having their son has made Dmitri more aware of paying attention to his wife’s emotional needs too.

“It’s easy to lose sight of your spouse because you’re so focused on the child. There are days when she is tired and grumpy and you have to understand that it’s hormones. She has a lot going on,” Dmitri shared.

Finding time to be together as a family can be like moving Tetris parts. They have to consider Eugenia’s job in a different country, Dmitri’s 12-13 hour workdays, and securing help for their son. The couple agrees that the “kitchen table” is where they come together to hash it out. It’s where they unveil their feelings, listen to each other and reconnect.

What’s ahead

Ultimately, as Eugenia puts it, “we are transient beings with a gusto for

travel.” So now their trips include places that have a crib, less stairs, and possibly a babysitting service.

As for their travel aspirations for their son, “I want Titus to want to travel and experience different cultures without being fearful of people with different backgrounds, beliefs or thoughts,” Eugenia added. Their best adventure so far was to Tenerife, Spain. Dmitri speaks of the perfect skies and beautiful ocean, which Titus couldn’t stop staring at it.

For anyone that may be hesitant to test out the travel waters, Eugenia advises, “Start small with a road trip. Don’t force anything but also don’t be scared to go out and explore the world!”

Once called combat fatigue, shell shock or war neurosis, medical research shows anyone can be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. In fact, 7-8% of people in the United States will be diagnosed with it

in their lifetime. Symptoms of PTSD can come after a person experiences a traumatic or lifethreatening event, which puts service members and veterans at an elevated risk because of the nature of military service.

By Jessica Manfre

As the U.S. continues its longest war in recorded history, 11-20% of veterans serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are diagnosed annually.

Treatment for PTSD can include various therapies, medication, and learning healthy coping skills. One Florida couple decided to try something new. They planted flowers.

Former Army Special Forces Sgt. 1st Class Clay Carver retired in 2014 after almost 27 years active duty. He found himself becoming increasingly angry, struggling to adjust to his new life.

“Being on a team with 12 other guys who are all in peak physical condition, jumping out of airplanes or fast roping, living like that in such

a tight group was like a marriage or your other family. Leaving that and not being able to do it anymore was a huge loss. I don’t know anyone that is just okay with leaving that life the way you have to,” he said.

Two years after his retirement, his wife, Jonalyn, says she didn’t think they were going to make it. But then she remembered a promise she made to him when he deployed for the first time to Afghanistan in 2004. She told him she didn’t care what condition he came home in, he just had to come home and they’d be fine. What she didn’t consider is that his wounds would be invisible.

Jonalyn watched him slowly pulling away from her, their family and even his beloved horse which had brought him so much peace. She knew something had to change or she was going to lose him completely. She started going to therapy and he began to join her for some of the sessions after a little pushing on her part. Clay

looked away when he shared that one of the biggest struggles was survivor’s guilt. He didn’t realize the things he was feeling and experiencing were symptoms of PTSD but slowly accepted it.

But before long, Clay attended therapy alone and saw the impact it was having. Change was coming; they were finding themselves again.

Still, Jonalyn wanted more. After visiting a friend of hers that had a flower farm, she saw what could be. You see, Clay spent his early years in rural Mississippi on a farm. For years he talked about having one of his own because of a love for the outdoors.

By 2017, the couple purchased a house on 10 acres of land. Then, she dug in; researching everything about farming flowers and even took a course to deepen her knowledge. Blossom Lane Farm opened its doors in January of 2019 and the demand for their flowers has created Visit

waitlists. Their mission is to make the world a little more beautiful.

Clay shares that he still does some contract work with other veterans he knows and when they ask him what he’s doing now, he proudly shares that he grows flowers. He also encourages others to spend time outside as a way to work through PTSD symptoms. He feels strongly that he’s using that time in the dirt to not just grow flowers, but himself.

A new purpose. That’s how the Carvers describe their flower farm. What started as a way to give her husband peace, has done the same for her. There will always be healing and wishing they were the people they were before. Before they could go places and do the things that didn’t trigger PTSD symptoms. Before war happened. This farm has given them a way to process the loss of who they were and embrace who they’ve become. Their time digging in the dirt under the hot Florida sun is a time to be still, grateful and heal.

FILING TAXES

AS A MILITARY SPOUSE

By Kate Horrell

Moving all over the place, following your service member’s career, has many challenges. Thankfully two newer federal laws make it easier to know where you can file your state income taxes.

For most people, you file state income taxes in the place where you live. Active-duty service members have protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act that permits them to maintain a previous state of legal residence when they move on PCS orders. And those protections allow them to file and pay state income taxes in their state of legal residence. In 2009, the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act amended SCRA to include similar protections for some military spouses. In 2018, those protections were expanded to cover all military spouses in one way or another.

The SCRA gives military spouses two ways to file in a state other than the state where they live.

Option #1: Maintaining your legal residence in an old state

“A spouse of a servicemember shall neither lose nor acquire a residence or domicile for purposes of taxation with respect to the person, personal property,

or income of the spouse by reason of being absent or present in any tax jurisdiction of the United States solely to be with the servicemember in compliance with the servicemember’s military orders if the residence or domicile, as the case may be, is the same for the servicemember and the spouse .”

This means that if a military spouse has established legal residence in the same state as their active duty husband or wife, they may maintain that legal residency when they move elsewhere, and use that legal residency for state taxation. Generally, you must physically reside in a state in order to establish legal residence there.

However, this law excluded the military spouses who never lived in their service member’s state of legal residence to establish their own residence there. So, an additional law was passed:

Option #2: Using your service member’s state of residence

“For any taxable year of the marriage, the spouse of a servicemember may elect to use the same residence for purposes of taxation as the servicemember regardless of the date on which the marriage of the spouse and the servicemember occurred.”

This means that regardless of where the military spouse maintains their legal residency, they may use their active-duty military husband or wife’s state of legal residence for purposes of taxes.

You’re not exempt completely

One of the biggest misconceptions about MSRRA/SCRA is that it exempts you from paying state income taxes. While that is true in cases where your state of legal residence doesn’t have a state income tax, that’s just a happy coincidence and it isn’t the purpose of the law. If you are using SCRA to exempt yourself out of taxes in the state where you live and work, you’re then required to report and pay taxes on that income in the state you are using as your legal residence (or your service member’s state of legal residence, if you are using option #2 above.)

So how do I establish residency?

People often ask, “How do I establish residency in my service member’s state of legal residency?” Well, that is up to the state. Most states will not permit you to establish legal residency without physically residing in the state, though there may be some gray areas depending on your specific situation.

SCRA does not have any provisions that require states to grant residency to military spouses who are not physically located in the state.

My state is different!

Keep in mind that while SCRA is federal law, most things that pertain to residency fall under state law. The federal law lays out the minimum protections that a state must offer, but states can offer more protections. For example, some states will permit a military spouse to claim a prior legal residency even if is not the same state as their active-duty service member husband or wife. Other states may have a way for a military spouse to establish legal residence with notquite-the-level of documentation that would be required of civilians. It is important to keep in mind that just because one state permits something does not mean that it is the law everywhere.

What if I don’t live in the same place as my spouse?

Many military families live geographically separated at some point in their military life. Unfortunately, the provisions of SCRA apply when the spouse is living with their service member in the place where the service member is stationed. The choice to live separately means that you’re not eligible for protections under that part of SCRA.

If you’re living separately due to unaccompanied military orders, that’s another one of those gray areas that should be discussed with the base legal office and/or your tax professional. The law does not specify what happens in these situations.

What sort of paperwork do I need to do?

That depends, primarily on the state where you are actually living on orders, but also possibly on other factors. Some states require military spouses to certify their eligibility each year, and some states want you to file a non-resident tax return that shows that you have zero income attributable to their state in the year.

You may want to consider filing a non-resident return with zero income even if it is not required, just to provide a paper trail.

As always, this article is for your information and is not legal or tax advice. Please be sure to check with your legal office or tax preparer for information on how SCRA applies to your specific situation.

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Exploring

Rota

By Stephanie Montague

Naval Station Rota is one of the top OCONUS duty stations, not to mention a great place to visit while on leave. Rota offers beautiful weather, incredible food, and a great starting point to visit southern Spain, Portugal, and even Morocco. But before you travel elsewhere, take the time to explore Rota and see everything this charming Andalusian town has to offer.

Here are a few quintessentially Rota places:

Beaches: By far, the top attraction in Rota is the beautiful stretches of golden sand along the town’s entire coastline. The main beaches are Playa del Rompidillo and Playa de la Costilla.

Playa del Rompidillo is closer to the base and is exceptionally large — perfect for playing ball or running around with the kids. Playa de la Costilla is the most popular beach in Rota and is extraordinarily long, extending more than two miles. Both beaches are amazing and easily rival coastlines anywhere else in the world.

Promenade: Along Playa de la Costilla is a lovely promenade lined with tapas bars and restaurants. At any time of day or night, the promenade is full of people sitting at the outdoor tables, strolling or walking their dogs. Weekends in particular are very busy, as local families make a full day of their lunchtime meal.

Chiringuitos: These informal beachfront bars are right on the sand, and there’s no better spot to catch a Rota sunset. At most chiringuitos, you can order coffee, tapas, and drinks, while others have a full restaurant menu. The closest one to downtown Rota is at the north end of the Promenade.

Fishing port: Rota’s fishing port is on the Bay of Cádiz between the two beaches mentioned above. The ferry terminal, where you can catch the ferry to Cádiz — a must-do day trip when visiting Rota — is located at the end of the pier. You can also buy the freshest fish and seafood for the best prices at the fisherman’s co-op, which is open Tuesday – Sunday from 0900 to 1400. Finally, the port boasts several restaurants specializing in, you guessed it, seafood.

Rota’s historic center: The town of Rota dates back to the 12th century, and the historic center has a quaint European feel, with narrow, winding streets and intricately-decorated buildings. Some of historic Rota’s main landmarks are Castillo de la Luna (Moon Castle), Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la O (Our Lady of the O Parish Church), and Torre de la Merced (Merced Tower), which also houses Rota’s tourist office.

Pine Forest and Dunes Park: At the north end of the Promenade is the start of a raised wooden trail that winds through multiple connected pine forest parks along the coast. The area is tranquil and shaded, perfect for a walk, run or bike ride. At various points, the trail leads out to gazebos with fantastic views of the beach and the Bay of Cádiz.

PRO TIP: A great way to explore Rota is by bike. Rota has many bike trails, and some of the places noted above are easier to access by bike (if not on foot) than by car. You can rent bikes at Outdoor Recreation (Building 48).

Gypsy Market: This giant flea market is located next to the bus station just outside the base’s Rota gate. It’s open Wednesdays from early morning until approximately 1400. You can find everything from clothing and shoes to olives and caracoles (snails).

Rota, Spain is a small town with a lot to offer. Take the time to experience the best of Rota before venturing farther afield. You may find that no matter where else you travel, Rota’s charm quickly draws you back.

for planning a budget-friendly

By Meghan Williams

The days of giant lavish weddings are giving way to economically-conscious couples that want a beautiful ceremony with a sustainable and affordable price tag. Even still, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. was estimated at $38,700, according to WeddingWire’s 2019 Newlywed Report. Though couples, especially those with a military budget, simply aren’t interested in shelling out the equivalent of a house down payment for their nuptials. Rest assured, you can have the wedding of your dreams without going into debt.

Planning a beautiful and classy event without breaking the bank is doable, Gabbrielle Steele, a Jacksonville, Florida-based wedding and event planner, says. However, concise planning is in order to prevent unexpected costs. She offers expert advice for military couples who want to mark their nuptials without extreme expenses.

Consider an off-season wedding date

6 TIPS wedding 3

“A lot of venues and vendors have a peak season when costs are higher and demand is greater in the spring and summer,” Steele noted. “Having a fall or winter wedding can be cheaper and easier to book and may be an easy way to save money without sacrificing anything else.”

Reign in your guest list

Identify your priorities

First and foremost, sit down with your fiancé and identify which aspects of your wedding are most important for each of you. “Once you’ve identified your priorities, you will have clarity on what items to invest in as well as where you can consider D.I.Y. options to save money,“ Steele, a Navy spouse, said.

Hire a wedding planner

One of the surefire ways to stick within your event budget is to hire a wedding planner. “A professional can guide you to keep your budget on track and be on the lookout for unforeseen situations that can impact not only your budget, but your wedding day events as well,” Steele explained. It may seem counterintuitive to allocate some of your precious wedding budget dollars to hire a professional wedding planner, but they come with years of experience and lessons learned.

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The size of your guest list is correlated to your overall wedding expense. Keep your event as cost efficient as possible by keeping your guest list small. “Make sure the people that you are inviting are the people that you are closest to, that support you and your spouse and your relationship,” Steele suggests.

Photo by The Price Approach Photography.

Navy spouse Gabbrielle Steele is a wedding and event planner. Photo by The Price Approach Photography.

Utilize technology

Streamlining your wedding planning with an event website and online RSVP process will save you both time and money. “Guests that do not RSVP or do but do not show up is one of the top areas that can cost you a lot of money since many venues are charging per person for guests,” Steele explains. “Wedding websites with automated functionality make it easy for guests to get wedding information and RSVP.”

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Invest in a good photographer

There are lots of areas where you can D.I.Y. and get creative but unless you know a professional photographer this is one area not to scrimp. “Twenty years from now you will show your pictures to your grandkids and those are the only tangible memories that you are going to have from your wedding,” Steele said. “My number one piece of advice to people is to invest in a great photographer. You will never regret that decision.”

You can stretch wedding dollars by utilizing resources and playing with creativity. Unique venues are memorable and don’t always require a high cost, especially if you’re opting for a location that holds meaning. Most importantly, remember your guests are there to support you and your fiancé on your big day, so keep your vision of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration as the focal point of your planning.

Photo by DeRonn Kidd Photography.

SOFA’s impact on overseas employment

By Jessica Evans

Barriers to employment are a common issue facing military families of all branches of service. Adding to that complexity is an overseas assignment when spouses might search for jobs within the local economy or through their installation. Rules for eligibility are specific to each host nation, so there is no uniform set of rules making the process confusing.

What is SOFA?

The NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is an agreement between a host country and a foreign nation that has military forces in that country. Signed in 1951, SOFA sets the legal status for service members, spouses and others. Agreements cover everything from in-country status, entry and departure, to taxes, driving and employment.

SOFA rules limit when a person can or can’t work off post as well as freelance work options. For example, guidelines in Germany require a specific number of local nationals to be employed at the Post Exchange and the commissary, along with other contract positions at the post office, medical center, and elsewhere, further limiting the chances of a military spouse landing a job.

What are the rules for spouses wanting to work overseas?

Many spouses on OCONUS installations consider freelancing to help cover costs of living adjustments and to add to savings. However, it comes at a price.

In Germany, even with SOFA status, freelancers who charge for services on the economy need a freelance permit and a business license. Working without these invalidates the SOFA status. One way to get around this is to do work only for Americans with SOFA status or to do work with Americans who are CONUS.

After her husband accepted invitational orders to Naples, Italy, Lauren Weiner’s career trajectory seemed uncertain. She couldn’t find work anywhere, even though she’s qualified and educated. While in Italy, there was a policy in place that dependents couldn’t apply for anything above GS-9 positions.

“There was no SOFA reason for that, and really boiled down to the fact that nobody could conceive of a “dependent” who was qualified for a high-level position,” said Weiner.

Like Weiner, Lori Lemon experienced challenges looking for work after arriving in Germany. She

applied for over a dozen jobs, but it wasn’t until a hiring manager told her how to word her resume that she was able to land employment.

“I changed my resume for the position and even then, it took weeks to hear anything. I finally got an email for an interview, which started the process for employment,” said Lemon.

Had it not been for the hiring manager’s direction, it’s possible that Lemon would have found herself like so many other mil spouses – overeducated and underemployed.

Back in Italy, Weiner realized that something needed to change, so she co-founded In Gear Career—a professional networking program for career-minded military spouses. Since then, it has morphed into Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network , connecting thousands to jobs and fellowship opportunities.

“On the career side in particular, beyond the obvious challenges with PCS, there is a challenge in the fact that military jobs are so inflexible. Many couples can trade-off a bit … but oftentimes, the military member automatically trumps the spouse just because of the way the military works,” Weiner said.

How to find work

Finding work in the local economy – no matter the duty station – can be complicated. In addition to language barriers, host nations have laws and rules that are often unfamiliar and difficult to understand.

Each installation has different regulations, so make sure to discuss any potential on-economy employment with an employment readiness specialist who can help unravel taxes and fees.

One of the easiest ways to overcome SOFA restrictions is to seek employment within the installation or to explore opportunities through organizations like Hiring Our Heroes.

Checking the installation website for job listings is also a good course of action. NAF positions, like Lemon’s, usually give military spousal preference, no matter where the location of the installation.

Working at a military exchange or commissary is also a valuable way to earn an income, keep skills fresh, and meet new people at your duty station. However, keep in mind, most host nations have a required number of local nationals that need to be employed.

Most importantly, no matter the location, it’s imperative to research and adhere by SOFA guidelines. The difficulty in unraveling host-

nation SOFAs is that each agreement is thick with complicated legal jargon that’s not always readily understood.

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Ferry offers

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By AFM Staff

Ditch the car. Take the ferry.

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is an ideal option for Mid-Atlanticbased military families seeking an adventure-filled staycation. Linking Cape May in Southern New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware, it provides an 85-minute journey past lighthouses, historical scenes and harbors. Since 1964, the ferry has transported passengers for 365 days out of the year, averaging nearly 275,000 vehicles and roughly 800,000 passengers per year.

Year-round crossings accommodate passengers and motor vehicles, with discounts designated for military travelers. Whether you are planning a day trip for your leave days or want to combine fun and learning for your military kids’ time out of school, the ferry has outdoor activities with unique history lessons.

Get outside!

Technology has become such a big part of everyday life, making unplugging the ideal solution to grabbing some quality time with your family. Cape Henlopen State Park has the best of both worlds: outside adventure and teachable moments. Named Delaware’s top state park, visitors can check out Fort Miles Historical Area and Museum. Located amidst the sand dunes in Cape Henlopen State Park, Fort Miles is a former World War II military base that was a key piece of our nation’s coastal defense, from the early stages of WWII all the way up to the early 1970’s. The museum offers guided tours, interpretive programs and more.

The Delaware Bay is a birdwatcher’s paradise because of the large and diverse collection of birds to view all year. The narrow peninsula at Cape May acts as a bird funnel, bringing in songbirds during spring and fall migrations. Ferry riders have seen egrets, laughing gulls, osprey, gannets, and the occasional bald eagle. But, don’t forget the sunscreen.

If you’re looking to extend the day trip into the night, Holly Shores Camping Resort or the Beachcomber Camping Resort are both nearby Cape May.

BEACHES AND BOARDWALKS

Want to park your toes in the sand? Rehoboth Beach and Boardwalk in Delaware is just a short ride from the Lewes terminal. It has plenty of shopping and restaurants to offer, as well as a mile-long boardwalk.

Over in New Jersey, Cape May County — designated a Coast Guard community in 2015 — has unforgettable sunset views on Sunset Beach . The area’s ties to Semper Paratus go back to the 1800s, when the Coast Guard first established a presence with 12 Life Saving Stations in the area. That bond grew tighter after the establishment of the Training Center (TRACEN) on Sewell’s Point in 1948. And, since 1982, TRACEN has been the only USCG training facility for enlisted personnel in the country. That means that 80% of the current force have all gone through Cape May at some point in their career.

LIGHTHOUSES

Three lighthouses are in close proximity to the Ferry:

MUSEUMS

Bring history to life by taking a tour through one of the many museums on the ferry’s route.

Lewes, Delaware museums:

• Zwaanendael Museum shows the role Lewes played in the War of 1812

• Johnson Victrola Museum (Dover) - see and listen to phonographs from the early 20th century and experience the early innovations in recorded sound

• Air Mobility Command Museum (Dover Air Force Base) - See Helicopters, fighters, cargo haulers, and presidential aircraft - in addition to a flight simulator

• Nanticoke Indian Museum (Millsboro) - home to history and artifacts of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe

Cape May, New Jersey museums:

• Historic Cold Spring Village is frozen in the 1800s. Historically-clothed interpreters educate visitors about the lifestyle of the time. Children can join, try on costumes, make crafts and play games.

• Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum has historic airplanes, helicopters, jet aircrafts and more.

• Emlen Physick Estate lets visitors see the architecture and customs of Victorian Times.

DON’T FORGET THE MILITARY DISCOUNT

Discounted savings are offered to the military throughout the year.

• Through the end of March, $6 one-way ($2 savings), $11 roundtrip ($3 savings);

• Beginning April 1, 2020: $8 one-way ($2 savings), $14 round-trip ($4 savings).

Visit https://www.cmlf.com/ schedules-fares for information on planning your next military family getaway.

1. Breakwater/East End Lighthouse was built in 1885

2. Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse was built in 1926

3. Cape May Lighthouse was built in 1859

Service members rack up 2.5 leave days per month, making paid time off an attractive perk of military service — if you use it. Below are some of the latest travel statistics for those traveling around and away from the U.S.

OF AMERICANS

MILLENNIALS TAKE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF TIME OFF COMPARED TO GEN XERS