2020 MF MAY

Leaning on hope

For the first time, in a long time, the entire world feels like it’s in the same boat as we navigate the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 9/11, the military has been in a constant reactive state as we endure deployment rotations, the mental and physical injuries of war, and the toll it takes on caregivers and families. You have likely heard about a militarycivilian divide as this community fades from the news headlines, with our own extended family not even understanding we still have boots on the ground in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and beyond.

Contributors issue in this

But the unprecedented nature of this new crisis means everyone has skin in the game because there is so much at stake. And it’s our moment to step up … again.

We know what it means to face disappointment — a homecoming delayed, unanticipated orders that cause separation, doing without when HHG get lost, and more. We realize that sometimes Christmas has to happen in July because that is when our family becomes whole again, and we are masters at comforting our military kids through unorthodox situations like

Jessica Manfre

Jimmy Norris

Catherine Vandament

Jennifer Barnhill

Tiffany Lawrence

Samantha Peterson

Kate Marsh & Sarah Streyder

a mid-year move or life without two parents for months at a time. All of these lessons are so very relatable to now. Share your stories. Let others know you can find a creative way to still let that high school senior get their prom, or you can still let your toddler see a best friend through a virtual playdate. Or that technology is the great equalizer for the wife or husband of the first responder who won’t be home for the unforeseeable future.

Military families are used to not knowing what’s next, but we are also experts at adaptation. America can grow stronger from our experiences of dusting ourselves off and making “it” happen at any cost. Take the resiliency and creativity you have learned in your military journey and help a neighbor — near or far — find hope.

Gunnery Sgt. Charles Hoagland Vanscoyk and his wife Staff Sgt. Alexandra Vanscoyk recently completed a tour of recruiting duty. Their family is now stationed in Yuma, Arizona. Cover and feature story photos by Kayla Mattox Photography.

JBLM supports rise of esports

By Jimmy Norris

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Coast Guard cooks its way to the top spot

By Jessica Manfre

The United States Coast Guard Culinary Team beat 19 competitors to be named 2020 Joint Culinary Training Exercise Installation of the Year.

The competition included teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and international teams from France, Germany and Great Britain, with the Coast Guard earning 20 medals — five gold, six silver and nine bronze, according to a Facebook post. Chief Petty Officer Edward Fuchs, team manager, says training time helped the chefs prepare.

“One of the things that gave us a leg up this year that we’ve never had before is that we had 10 days of training time leading up to it,”

Fuchs said. He added that time to run through everything with a team that had never worked together before, made all the difference. He credits Master Chief Matthew Simolon and his crew for opening up the USCG Yorktown, Virginia, galley for their team as one of the reasons they won.

Chief Petty Officer Scott Jeffries, the USCG Team Advisor, shared that many of the other military branch teams competing there had been working on their craft together for six months or longer to prepare for the competition.

“The reaction from them when they would learn about us (USCG team) only being together for nine days

prior to the start of the competition was pretty awesome. They understand how hard this thing is and how much work goes into it,” Jeffries said. “The Yorktown galley made it all possible by getting us rations or running us to the store. Without them, this wouldn’t have been successful at all.”

The road to competing in this culinary competition isn’t easy. The hours are long, often stretching into 12-plus hour days. Fuchs shared there was one stretch where he was away from his hotel room for 30 hours. But that continuous hard work and unfailing dedication paid off.

Fuchs said the Coast Guard has always had to work a little harder because all of the rules and important communications come through the Department of Defense, which led to his team being behind on this year because the group was left out of those important emails. He also shared that throughout the 14 years since the Coast Guard first competed, there were years they weren’t funded to compete.

“For a while it was just us and our personal funds keeping it alive,” he said.

One year, as an example, they were sponsored by The Coast Guard Foundation. In years past, the chefs competing were mostly those located in Washington, D.C. and the Virginia areas that were close by to the Fort Lee competition because they just couldn’t afford to bring in chefs from units throughout the country. He continued saying that “we kept it on life support, waiting for that funding stream to come through.”

Jeffries echoed Fuchs statement, saying for years it really was a few of them spending thousands of dollars each to maintain a Coast Guard team.

“The coverage was still there because that was our way of being able to showcase to the right avenues, ‘hey we are out here doing awesome stuff and representing the Coast Guard in a great light’ … let’s fund this thing so we can get other people out here,” he said.

They got their wish. The Coast Guard team has been funded for the last two years and this year they were able to bring in chefs from all over the fleet; something they have never been able to do before. And this year’s team was a vibrant representation of the force’s culinary rate and it made all the difference.

“We’ve done this for 14 years and every year you think you have a chance (for culinary team of the year) and then it’s not you. … It’s indescribable, that feeling that you feel when you train a team and they win it. I can’t even put into words the pride and the joy watching them go up on stage to receive the award for culinary team of the year,” Fuchs said.

“We were celebrating the night before because of how great of a job that everyone did in their own personal competitions. The Coast Guard medaled every competition and we already knew that our Coast Guard Chef of the Year had a shot at Armed Forces Chef of the Year, something that the Coast Guard had never won. There was just already so much to celebrate,” Jeffries said.

Both Fuchs and Jeffries describe an “intense” energy in the room after Team Coast Guard was announced as the winner. And so was the respect.

CS1 Rich Pedersen, CGC John McCormick

CS1 Danielle Hughes, COMDT Flag Mess

CS1 John Toman, CGC Moray

CS1 Miram Bingham, CGC Hawk

CS2 Tyler DeSchryver, STA Erie

CS3 Kristy Dangerfield, SECTOR Northern New England

CS3 Randall Lockhart, CGC Willow

CS3 Jessi Travis, SECTOR San Fran

CS3 Isaac Mathews, CSA Yorktown

CS3 Lilli Shaffer, CSC Hamilton

Virtual daycare gives teleworking parents creative options

By Tiffany E. Lawrence

A new YouTube series gives families access to digital daycare opportunities for their military kids.

School closings and mandated stayat-home orders put online education resources for kids in high demand. The Fab Lab with Crazy Aunt Lindsey developed an innovative solution that educates, engages and entertains students virtually through its new Digital Daycare™.

Between the hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST, families can participate in livestream learning with Lindsey Murphy, creator of The Fab Lab. This supplementary educational programming is ideal for children k-5.

Air Force spouse Bianca Reed has been streaming the Digital Daycare™ for her three children.

“I think when you hear ‘digital daycare’ you’re like, ‘how is this happening? How are you making this work?’ I was real impressed with the educational content. It’s resonating with a wide range — not just one age group,” she said.

Reed isn’t new to Crazy Aunt Lindsey. As the head of client development and marketing with Rain the Growth Agency, she’s worked closely with Murphy. She’s also been a subscriber to Murphy’s popular Youtube channel for about three years. As a mother, Reed is conscious about the role models she puts in front of her kids.

“There’s not a lot of diversity in STEM, so we’re always looking for ways to engage our children there,” she explained.

Michelle Cardinal, co-founder and CEO of Rain the Growth Agency, is proud to be a sponsor for this project. Murphy is the Artist in Residence at the advertising agency. Being located in the Pacific Northwest, Cardinal’s company is always in disaster planning mode. While they were able to quickly deploy technology to allow their 240 employees to work remotely, she never considered what it would mean for parents being stuck at home working with their children. They needed a solution that would support parents on a day-to-day basis.

“A few weeks ago, she (Murphy) and I got on the phone and talked about the need that we were having in our company. She came up with the idea of Digital Daycare™,” Cardinal said. The idea was green lighted and Murphy had it all ready to go within three days.

Here are some of the activities that will be covered during The Fab Lab with Crazy Aunt Lindsey:

• Easy DIY STEM projects

• American Sign Language

• Kids fitness

• Yoga

• Snack ideas

• Story time

There are a few ingredients that set The Fab Lab apart from other online educational programs too.

Reed says, “The kids aren’t getting bored because she’s constantly changing content. I also feel as though she’s an educator. Sometimes you have an entertainment factor that outweighs the education. She does a good job of balancing both.”

Murphy also has guest appearances from professionals who talk about their careers from companies like Microsoft and Nike. Reed’s husband, newly-promoted Master Sgt. Reed, will soon be on to teach kids how to perform military emergency CPR.

For families who can’t catch the program during its livestream hours, there is another alternative. Each Digital Daycare™ episode is uploaded to the Fab Lab’s YouTube page.

Parents can look forward to having added help in the home when their kids are with Crazy Aunt Lindsey. Although the activities are designed to be done with the whole family to encourage bonding, adult interaction is not always necessary. Most projects are safe and easy.

“She does science that’s safe for kids to engage on their own and parents can supervise,” Reed said. “My fouryear-old can participate in about 60% of it without adult help.”

For parents, like Reed, who are working remotely from home this is a significant help.

Access Crazy Aunt Lindsey’s Digital Daycare at https://www. facebook.com/TheFabLabHQ.

The Fab Lab is a non-profit that is publically funded. Donations and sponsorships are welcomed.

Photographer: Nicolle Clemetson

Career Marines talk life as a dual-serving couple

Family first, mission always.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Charles Vanscoyk and his wife, Staff Sgt. Alexandra Vanscoyk, are both aviation supply specialists who recently returned to the fleet after completing successful tours on recruiting duty. The transition has been met with unexpected challenges that magnify the logistics needed for couples seeking careers and a growing family.

The Vanscoyks met in 2013 shortly after Alexandra left college and enlisted in the Marine Corps. She says the two quickly became friends, deciding to date after being stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, together.

By Bianca M. Strzalkowski

“For three years our lives crossed paths on and off and eventually timing lined up where we were both single and we decided to try dating each other,” she explained in an email.

Alexandra said it came natural to date someone who understood the military lifestyle.

“It was always difficult finding civilians who wanted to date a “female Marine.” I’m not really sure why. My best guess is our job title is intimidating to most civilians and we usually have an alpha personality which can also come off as intimidating,” she said. “It also made conversations easier. We use so many acronyms and random jargon that most people will never understand,

no matter how many times you tell them. So, for me, dating a Marine was what seemed realistic.”

Missouri-native Charles Vanscoyk followed his twin brother into the Marines in 2004 after a short stint at college proved school wasn’t for him. Charles says a conversation with the recruiter made him realize the military was what he had been looking for.

“Growing up I was an athlete and liked to be challenged and stay competitive. Plus coming from a small town in the middle of nowhere the idea of travel and adventure sounded cool,” he said.

Both Marines were attached to Recruiting Station Houston,

completing the independent duty assignment then relocating to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona. They both admit it’s been an adjustment to not only be back in the fleet, but doing so with the added stress of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Under normal circumstances, childcare is a trending issue for households with working parents. Alexandra says a good command definitely makes it easier for them.

“Since we are both active duty it’s very difficult to come up with a solid routine while the daycares are closed. We’ve got two kids at home — one school aged who needs to complete online class work and an infant who needs constant attention. Thankfully our command has been very helpful but I know other dual couples who have not been as fortunate,” she said.

Prior to the pandemic, she adds, some of the challenges “were deciding who would stay home if the kids got sick, who would take time off work for appointments, worrying about when you or your spouse has 24-hour duty,” though she is quick to point out their family has benefitted from “very understanding units and leadership.” And the exposure to that solid leadership over the years has guided her throughout her career.

“The commanding officer at my first unit had a moto: “family first, mission always.” At the time I didn’t have a family but it stuck with me. At my second unit I had two different COs and both were huge family men. Seeing them, 15 years plus into their career and still having a strong family made me realize it is possible to have the best of both,” she said.

Alexandra adds that her advice for younger service members is to find a good balance for work-home life, especially if you’re in a dual-military relationship. Charles echoes that sentiment.

“The best advice I could give is put your family first. Still be a good Marine and proficient at your job, but understand this machine that is the Marine Corps will not fall apart if you are not there. Be there for your kids and family. Don’t miss those moments you will never get back with your family,” he said.

The Vanscoyks have their sights set on serving in the Marines for the long haul, with Alexandra weighing the idea of either applying for the warrant officer program or becoming a career recruiter. Charles says he has checked the box on many of his goals making career progression the natural focus.

“As a Marine you always strive for the next rank, so MSgt is my goal. And continue to try and motivate and inspire these next generations of Marines that will carry on the legacy,” he said.

With TEB secured, VSO says more work needed on Post-9/11 GI Bill

By Jimmy Norris

Despite a recent win in the Post-9/11 GI Bill transferability battle, one veterans service organization says there are still improvements to be made.

A controversial policy that would have ended the ability of service members to transfer their Post9/11 GI Bill benefits after 16 years of service was originally meant to go into effect in July 2019. Implementation was eventually delayed until January 2020 before being canceled when Congress overrode Department of Defense Instruction 1341.13.

“The 16-year limitation was not applied in practice,” said DOD spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell in an e-mail message. “However, consistent with the law, the Department issued the guidance on January 10, 2020, clarifying that eligible service members with 16 or more years of service have the ability to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits provided they are willing and able to commit to an additional four years of military service.”

John Kamin, assistant director of American Legion’s Veteran Employment and Education Division, said he believes Congress’ decision was thanks, at least in part, to the advocacy of groups like his. GI Bill transferability is not something the American Legion would normally weigh in on, but the group made an exception in this case, he adds.

“In this case when we looked at the reasons for the changes, it didn’t make sense. We were not satisfied with the answers we received,” Kamin said during a phone interview. “We don’t like to get involved with recruitment and retention but this did not look like something made in good faith. How does it affect retention?”

Kamin explains the American Legion is happy the change didn’t go into effect but added there are still improvements to be made regarding the Post-9/11 GI Bill. One problem, he said, is that when the benefit is transferred to a dependent, that dependent assumes fiduciary responsibility. This can lead to problems when there is a miscalculation of the number of months the service member needed to complete in order to transfer the benefit or when the wrong information is passed along.

“[The Department of Veterans Affairs] will issue a debt collection to the child,” Kamin said. “You have an 18-year-old who is $30,000 in debt because of an administrative error.”

Kamin described the problem as a long-term issue, and said the solution is more transparency for service members regarding the transfer of education benefits.

Department of Veterans Affairs spokesman Mike Richman verified that both the dependent and the veteran are responsible for debts

associated with a failure to fulfill a service obligation but said it’s not something that would result from an administrative error.

“Such debts are only created after VA has consulted with the Department of Defense and received verification that the veteran did not complete the service obligation and did not retain eligibility because of a qualifying separation reason,” Richman said. “VA does not create debts against veterans or dependents for administrative errors on the part of VA or DoD.”

Richman added that service members can prevent these kinds of issues by verifying they have met their obligation. He said beneficiaries can request a waiver of debts associated with GI Bill education benefits, including those associated with transferred entitlement.

Most debts result from students dropping classes or leaving school after the VA has processed a payment for tuition and fees.

“Depending upon the timing of the reduction, and when the school reports the change to VA, debts associated with the monthly housing allowance and the books and supplies stipend may be created as well,” Richman said. “Also, as noted above, debts must also be created for any transferred benefits used when a veteran fails to fulfill the additional service requirement and is not discharged for a qualifying reason.”

According to VA spokesman Randal Noller, under the current rules service members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve can transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if they have completed at least six years of service on the date their request is approved, they agree to serve at least four more years and the person

receiving the benefits is enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. Service members can split their 36 months of benefits among multiple dependents.

Service members and veterans also have the option of revoking some or all their transferred benefits.

Applications for the transfer of benefits are submitted to, and approved by, individual service branches through the milConnect web site at https://milconnect. dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ .

Service members may transfer benefits to a spouse or dependent child. Dependents may still qualify even if a child marries or the veteran and their spouse divorce. Service members and veterans may cancel or change a transfer of entitlement at any time, which is also done through milConnect.

To learn more about Post 9/11 GI Bill transferability options visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/ gibill/post911_transfer.asp .

The following conditions apply to family members using transferred benefits:

For military spouses—

May use the benefit right away

May use the benefit while you’re on active duty or after you’ve separated from service

Don’t qualify for the monthly housing allowance while you’re on active duty

Have the same benefit eligibility period as the transferor (15 years if last discharged prior to January 1, 2013; no time limit if last discharged on or after January 1, 2013).

For military children—

May start to use the benefit only after service member has finished at least 10 years of service

May use the benefit while service member is on active duty or after separation from service

May not use the benefit until they’ve received a high school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or have reached 18 years of age

Qualify for the monthly housing allowance even when service member is on active duty

Can only use benefits up to age 26.

PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY

The prospect of needing long term care may be far from your mind today, but circumstances can change. A long term care event can happen at any age, and the potential financial and emotional strain that comes with it can have an impact on you and your loved ones.

Did you know millions of Americans require long term care during their lifetime, which includes the need for either cognitive or physical assistance with simple tasks like bathing, eating, and dressing — trivial things most of us do every day without a second thought? Unfortunately, traditional health insurance plans — including TRICARE For Life — do not pay for the chronic, ongoing assistance with daily living that is most often associated with long term care.

In fact, the long-term care benefits offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs are tied to specific triggers, including service-connected disability, available funding, and even your ability to contribute to the cost of care. Long term care can be expensive, and service members often rely on the VA to cover the associated costs. Depending on your eligibility status in the VA program, the level of coverage available to you may not be enough. For this reason, you may want to research standalone long term care insurance like a plan offered through the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).

Since its launch in 2002, the FLTCIP

has offered active and retired members of the uniformed services the opportunity to help take control of their future long term care needs. Designed to provide solutions for a range of financial situations, this employer-sponsored program offers comprehensive coverage for more than 270,000 enrollees.

Many members of the federal family are eligible to apply for coverage under the FLTCIP, including active and retired members of the uniformed services. Certain family members, or qualified relatives, are also eligible to apply even if you do not. Qualified relatives include your spouse, domestic partner, parents and parents-in-law, and adult children.

This article is a submission by LTC Partners. The FLTCIP 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.

WITH THE FEDERAL LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM

Coverage under the FLTCIP

The FLTCIP is designed to reimburse for qualified long term care services and can lessen or eliminate an individual’s reliance on a loved one to provide hands-on care. As you assess the FLTCIP’s value, consider these important benefits:

• The FLTCIP offers coverage in a variety of settings — at home or in a facility, such as an assisted living facility, an adult daycare, or a nursing center — and your choice of caregiver.

• If home care is your preference, the stay-at-home benefit includes a range of services that support care in your home, helping you maintain your quality of life in familiar surroundings.

• Informal care provided by friends and family members, as long as they do not live in your home at the time you become eligible for benefits. (Note: Benefits for care provided by family members is limited to 500 days.)

• The program’s care coordination services offer enrollees and their qualified relatives’ information about long term care resources, such as local care providers and relevant community programs, as well as valuable support to your family and friends.

Talk candidly with your family members and tell them about the FLTCIP. Starting the conversation prior to needing care can help you prepare for the unexpected. Visit LTCFEDS.com/militaryfamily to learn more about the benefits of applying for the FLTCIP.

For personalized assistance, call 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337) TTY 1-800-843-3557 to speak with

a program consultant. They are available to answer any questions you may have and can walk you step-by-step through the plan design and application process.

Note: Certain medical conditions, or combinations of conditions, will prevent some people from being approved for coverage. You need to apply to find out if you qualify for coverage under the FLTCIP.

More about the FLTCIP

Established by an act of Congress in 2000 and overseen by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the FLTCIP is designed to meet the specific needs of the federal family. The long term care insurance under the FLTCIP provides industryleading benefits and offers flexible options that allow enrollees to tailor coverage to meet their needs.

truths to know adopting

decide what type of adoption is best for you. Maybe you aren’t in a hurry and you want to pursue an international adoption. Are you prepared to wait one, two, three, maybe even four years to see that happen?

By Cat Vandament

You have made the courageous decision to pursue adoption. What now? How do you know what type of adoption is uniquely right you for? Where do you start?

I have been right where you are and if it hadn’t been for my best friend working in the field of adoption, my head might have erupted like Mount Vesuvius while I was trying to find the answers. So, here I am to help guide you to finding answers about the adoption process.

Give yourself time: After talking with adoptive moms and experiencing the process myself, the most important piece of information to have before you begin — and during — the process is to give yourself time . When it comes to growing a family, I know the last thing you want to hear is that it will take more time, but I’m

keeping it real for you and the truth of it is, it will. Let me break down the why for you: Research. Waiting.

You are about to embark on a journey that brings a new life into your family. That is no small thing. In fact, it is a huge. To do it, you and your partner will need to research and

Or perhaps you have reasons to pursue private adoption. This requires choosing between a national or local agency. Maybe you have seen the need for foster parents in your community and the idea of choosing a foster-to-adopt path is calling you. Have the hard conversations, do the research, and take the time up front to know what type of adoption fits your soon-to-be growing family.

Now the waiting, you are going to wait on your application. You are going to wait for a first mom — or biological mom — for an agency, for the social worker, for the foster care system to choose you. You are going to wait on that child to be held by you for the first time. There is no way around it. Plan for it. Figure out when you can make your adoption happen in the time you have at that next assignment. Our adoption from start to finish — from the first intake screening to the day we finalized in court — was 21 months. Don’t let anyone tell you that as a military family you can’t make it happen. You absolutely can. I promise, it will be worth the wait.

Talk to your kids: Some of you may already have someone at home that calls you mom or dad. Whatever your unique situation may be, you can’t leave your little humans out of the conversation, because after all you are a family.

When we decided to pursue adoption, our daughter was almost 4 years old. We had some people tell us she wouldn’t and couldn’t understand the abstract nature of adoption. They were so wrong and now at age 8, she can tell us she was so thankful that she was a part of the process from the beginning.

From helping design our adoption book to helping decorate the nursery, to when we surprised her at school the day our little man was born — those are priceless memories and pieces of the journey. I truly believe that including your kids in the discussion from the beginning, and along the way, is absolutely necessary for their development as a sibling and part of the preparation for expanding your family.

Heal your heart: The heart is one of the strongest muscles in your body, but more than likely it is the one that has been hurt time after time, month after month, year after year, wearying

it. I know we don’t know each other, but my guess is that you, just like me, have experienced a long battle with infertility or loss that has lead you to adoption (I realize not all of you have, some of you have felt the calling to adopt and that is incredible as well). It is so easy for us to shove the pain and the emotions under the proverbial rug and never fully experience the grieving process of that hurt. I have been there.

It wasn’t until we were trying for Baby Vandament #2 that I finally gave in and let God begin to heal my heart. It isn’t easy. It is some of the hardest soul searching, gut wrenching, come-to-Jesus kind of work you will ever do. It will be an awakening. And I say this with the utmost confidence to you because I lived it: You must grieve your loss, and continue the path that has led you to choose adoption.

Letting go of a lifelong dream of carrying a baby in your belly, feeling those kicks and hiccups, and that perfectly designed moment of bliss when that sweet little newborn baby is placed on your chest, it is all a loss. Mourn it. Cry about it. Talk about it. And yes, get mad about it. Because on the other side of that loss — or shame or anger or hurt — is always healing. This may shock you but you need to hear it, your heart has experienced a tremendous trauma, and you must heal it to move forward. This is the most difficult part of the journey and could take longer than you want. Do the work, feel the feels, & cherish every moment.

If there is one big lie that you have to let go of it is this: the only way to gain the title of mom or dad is through biological children. Run full speed into knowing that no matter the biology, he or she will be yours in the only way that could truly matters: unconditional love.

JBLM supports unique esports opportunities

By Jimmy Norris

Hundreds of service members are finding off-duty refuge in esports.

The area around Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, is known for its lush evergreens and pristine mountains. Mount Rainier is a fixture on the eastern horizon. Puget Sound is to the west. Closer to home American Lake offers easy access to fishing and boating opportunities. Every year thousands of in-processing service members are told what a wonderful place JBLM is for those who enjoy hunting,

fishing and camping. That’s why it may surprise some to see that some of the base’s most unique recreational opportunities take place indoors amongst the flickering lights and big-screen televisions of a state-of-the-art video gaming facility. The base has embraced esports in a big way, according to Josh Soldan, Directorate of Family Morale Welfare and Recreation Community Recreation Officer.

At the center of JBLM’s esports operation is The Warrior Zone, a high-tech recreational facility

featuring 16 gaming stations for X-Box One and PlayStation 4, each with 55-inch monitors, 32 gaming computers and six Nintendo Switches.

The Warrior Zone is a popular destination among JBLM service members, with between 450-500 visitors daily. Monthly tournaments ranging from lighter games like “Mario Kart” and “Smash Bros” to more serious games like “Call of Duty” draw as many as 100 participants per event. Intense players can get in on the occasional

“Fortnite” tournament, while the more whimsical can dress as their favorite superhero during an “Injustice 2” tournament.

Other military installations offer esports opportunities, but not to the extent that JBLM does, according to Soldan.

But it’s not the high-end equipment and free Wi-Fi that truly drive the monthly gaming tournaments, Twitch streams and SHOUTcasting. The driving force behind JBLM’s gaming empire is Recreation Program Manager Bill Strock.

“We offer the most opportunities,” Soldan said, “and the coolest opportunities.”

At 65 years old, Strock doesn’t look like the face of cutting-edge entertainment opportunities, but he’s been creating opportunities for service members to play video games competitively since 1993.

“What I bring to the table is the ability to listen to what soldiers want,” Strock said. “The military breeds a lot of the things you need to be a great gamer, like reaction time and focus.”

Strock said esports offer a valuable outlet to service members and contribute to resiliency by giving gamers, who might otherwise spend a lot of their free time alone in their rooms, a place to be social and meet with those who have similar interests.

“It helps prevent depression and things that happen when you’re alone in your room,” Strock said. He added there’s benefits to MWR as well. Online gaming has a relatively low cost and low logistical demands compared to other types of recreation.

“It’s not just good for soldiers but good for our pocketbook,” Strock said. “We can easily play a guy from Fort Lewis against a guy from Fort Campbell while a guy at Fort Eustis SHOUTcasts.”

Strock said his forays into esports began when he learned soldiers were having LAN parties in the nearby town of Dupont where they played games like “Counterstrike” and “Diablo”. This led to Strock hosting his own LAN parties at JBLM’s Nelson Recreation Center. Those initial parties led to interservice tournaments and eventually large events with big prizes and corporate sponsorships.

Last year USAA donated $88,000 to MWR’s esports efforts. In the near future, Strock said, JBLM MWR has plans to develop a relationship with the professional gaming organization “Evil Geniuses.” MWR personnel from other military

installations have also expressed interest in learning how JBLM conducts esports events.

Strock said at least four JBLM service members have gone on to join Army esports teams, including two “Call of Duty” players and two “Street Fighter 5” players.

And he didn’t stop at organizing game tournaments. Strock’s hired professional streamers to coach service members in Twitch streaming and “SHOUTcasting.” He said video game commentating is a viable career path for young people leaving the military and wants to enable them to pursue their passions.

“It’s a very viable world for a young guy to get in to,” Strock said.

To view the Warrior Zone’s Twitch channel visit https://www.twitch. tv/jblmwarriorzone/videos.

A service member participates in a five on five “Gears of War” tournament at Joint Base Lewis McChord’s Warrior Zone. The scope of JBLM’s embrace of esports makes it unique in the U.S. military according to Directorate of Family Morale Welfare and Recreation Community Recreation Officer, Josh Soldan. Photo by Warrior Zone Assistant Manager Jessica Gomez.

Community offers a haven for Fort Bragg families

By Lizann Lightfoot — SPONSORED

When choosing to live off base, military families seek a neighborhood with good schools, modern amenities, a safe environment, and a friendly community. It’s difficult to find a place close enough to be a convenient commute, while far enough to feel like a refreshing break from military life. The Village of Pinehurst , in central North Carolina near Fort Bragg, has a unique history that makes it a perfect fit for those looking for a place to call home.

Resort town appeal

Unlike most towns that spring up around a military base, Pinehurst was not founded with soldiers in mind. In fact, the Village of Pinehurst was established before Fort Bragg. In 1895, the wealthy Bostonian James Walker Tufts purchased the land and planned to establish a health resort and golf course. He hired a land planning firm to create a beautiful

community — the same firm that planned Central Park in New York City and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.

By the time Fort Bragg was established nearby in 1918, Pinehurst was a thriving resort community with world-renowned golf courses. Since then, it has transformed into an incorporated municipality with hiking trails, equestrian facilities, tennis courts, a splash pad, and the 200-acre Lake Pinehurst for boating and fishing. Not surprisingly, this community

is a popular location for families stationed just 33 miles away.

Melissa Holt, a former military spouse, is the communications specialist for the Village of Pinehurst. She has lived there since 2008.

“We chose Pinehurst because it was close enough for my husband to commute to Fort Bragg, but the environment was completely different than many ‘military towns.’ This is a beautiful place to live, but the support I found from the military community who live here, easy access to healthcare, and a fantastic local school system made this somewhere we wanted to stay even after retirement,” Holt explained.

Safety and convenience

Pinehurst’s unique history has resulted in a place that welcomes service members into a safe and supportive community. Since 2014, it has twice been named the “Safest

City in North Carolina,” and two other years it was ranked the #2 safest city in the state.

“The Village of Pinehurst is safe because its residents care. For us, living in a small town doesn’t mean a small life. Filled with farm-to-table cuisine, one-of-a-kind boutiques, historic homes, and friendly neighbors, this is a place you’ll be proud to call home,” Holt said.

Military-friendly neighborhoods

For these reasons, the Village of Pinehurst has a large population of both active duty and retired military families, co-existing with civilian neighbors. This is ideal, since the healthcare system and local schools have experience working with military families and veterans. Holt says, “every school in our county was recently recognized with the Purple Star Award because of their commitment and practices that support military families. At Pinehurst Elementary School alone, 48% of the students are military connected.”

Pinehurst honors military residents on days like Memorial Day, Independence Day, September 11th, and Veterans Day, with the main streets lined with American flags. The town also hosts a free celebration for military children annually in April. Visit

Beneath towering longleaf pines in the heart of North Carolina lies a village that honors both its rich history and its vibrant community. Boasting world-class golf, a temperate climate, remarkable health care, low tax rates, and an exceptional quality of life, the Village of Pinehurst is a place you’ll be proud to call home.

Pinehurst is less than an hour from Fort Bragg, and yet a world away. Our robust military community, both retired and active duty, has created a special environment. For us, living in a small town doesn’t mean a small life. Filled with farm-to-table cuisine, one-of-a-kind boutiques, historic homes, and friendly neighbors, Pinehurst is the perfect place to begin your next chapter.

A place you’ll be proud to call home.

If you find yourself stationed at Fort Bragg, you will want to give Pinehurst a visit and consider putting down roots in this beautiful town.

REVISED AIR FORCE age policy

allows spouse’s military goal to become a reality

By Tiffany Lawrence

A new Air Force policy opened a career door for one spouse who thought her dream expired.

Yolanda Tann dismissed the idea of joining the military when she and her high school sweetheart, Marine Staff Sgt. Tony Tann, married in 2002. But she never imagined years later, after his retirement and an age limit change, her passion to serve would be quenched.

Yolanda grew up in a family heavily saturated in the military. Her father was a Marine and her grandfather served in the Navy. She loved hearing their stories of camaraderie and wanted to be able to one day say she was part of something bigger than herself. Everything fell into place when she joined NJROTC in high school. She felt at home. For her, the legacy of her family was propelling her towards destiny.

But her military track took on a different shape when she met her future husband in NJROTC. Within seven months after she graduated, they were married and she moved to Okinawa to be with him.

“I already knew that Tony was going into the service. We didn’t know if it was going to be a long haul thing but I wanted to support my husband. I no longer thought of joining,” she said.

She also didn’t view this as a sacrifice. The most important thing in the Tann household is that at least one parent always be present.

“I never wanted dual-military for us. That works for some people but we wanted stability for our kids,” Yolanda explained.

She didn’t resent this decision. Her mission was to take care of the family so her husband could focus

on building a successful career and providing for them.

Off and on they would jokingly talk about how funny it would be if she joined the military after he got out. Yolanda didn’t think it was a possibility because she exceeded the cutoff age of enlistment. Tony always thought it would be amazing if she could fulfill what she wanted to do after all this time.

In 2014 the decision was made to change the cutoff enlistment age in the Air Force from 27 to 39. Yolanda is 36.

Tony, who has now been retired since 2019, fully supports her decision to enlist.

“I’ve been trying to find work since February but nothing panned out. I don’t think it was in God’s plan,” he said.

He embraces this opportunity to spend more time with his children and be the present parent while his wife commits to serving her country. The Tanns have officially switched roles.

But Yolanda faced one last roadblock. Her weight wasn’t within enlistment standards. She’s been working hard at it after giving birth to their third child in November of 2016. Tony told her, “Baby you want to do it? Let’s kick it in high gear!” So, they began working out together.

“She was already eating right. We just had to put in the work to get her strong and military ready,” he added.

It worked. On January 14th of this year, Yolanda raised her right hand to make the oath to protect her country and defend the constitution. She crossed over from

being a military spouse to becoming an airman.

She is looking forward to being a part of AFSC Security Forces.

“I will be a defender of whatever base I’m on! I’m the Po Po,” she said while laughing excitedly.

As the oldest in her group of recruits she brings maturity and perspective. The possibility of going to war is real and Yolanda’s military mindset motivated her to help bring her fellow Air Force recruits into focus.

“A lot of you are signed up for the benefits. Yes, they are great. But ultimately, we are signing up to give our lives to make sure our freedoms remain — that the way we want to live stays that way. If you don’t have that mindset, then you need to leave now. Because when the flames are hot, I don’t want to look over and my battle buddy is gone,” she said to the group.

Talks of combat and war even led some of her friends to question, “are you sure you want to go in?” She

and her husband don’t back away from this topic. She says, “We have the conversation about me possibly going to war. I’m not fearful of it. I’m very aware of what’s going on and I know that me going in the military, that’s the biggest part of it. We can’t control everything. For me and my family, God is in control.”

The Tann household fully supports the new dynamic and transformation that’s taking place. Changing duty stations can be hard on some children but the Tann kids, who have always been military kids, are excited to continue their adventures.

“My kids are all about it. They keep saying when are leaving?” Yolanda said.

This role reversal is a feat they are tackling as a team. Everyone is switching gears, but it is working well for them. Tony has become Mr. Mom and is his wife’s biggest cheerleader.

“I’m excited. I dragged them around [the world]. She can drag us around now!”

Vietnam War veteran: ‘Your country calls on you and you go’

By Samantha Peterson

“It’s just what you did. Your country calls on you and you go,” Crews said.

He tells his stories matter-of-factly as if night missions to resupply special forces through heavy fire was a common experience in life. Crews was a volunteer from “The Volunteer State,” simply doing his part.

“I didn’t have a clue what I was getting into, but back in ’65 we only had a few channels and I was more interested in football and girls than the news,” he says with a slight chuckle, reflecting back on enlisting in the Army just one month into college at Middle Tennessee State University in the fall of 1965.

“Vietnam is a beautiful country, you know. Other than being scared to death, it was absolutely beautiful.” Crews landed in Da Nang flying missions to many of the airstrips in-country at the time, quite the visual difference from home.

Crews’ overall experience in service was uniquely shaped by rural Tennessee.

“There was one way about it there, no protests when I left and none when I returned either,” he described proudly.

Coming and going from the war without protest allowed Crews to settle back into life right where he left off, to wear his hat proudly, and speak openly about his time — a benefit too many Vietnam veterans were not afforded.

Experiences shape a person, for better or worse. Emerging intact, not just physically but mentally, is something there are no medals for but is a feat in its own right.

On fear, he says, “Getting shot at, yea that’s a deal I suppose, but that becomes your every day. I remember being in town and being shot at. When I saw it was coming from the church steeple, that was surprising. I’d never held down a church, but I did that day.”

Fear becomes relative in war. Some senses are heightened, and other receptors dulled over time to exist within the new normal. For Crews, being attacked in the two-man bunker he shared became so normal they quit ducking for cover at one point.

“Eventually we’d just sit outside after we’d realized how inaccurate they were,” he said.

Being someone’s target or being bombed while sitting in a bunk are noteworthy stories yet rattled off his tongue just as plainly as his recollection of eating “so much fried rice while I was there, why I’d like to never eat that again.” Recalling the events of September 7th, 1966, however, it was met with a drastically different tone.

“It was a night mission. We were resupplying the Special Forces camp that was under attack. We were taking in soldiers, Vietnamese soldiers to the airfield, which was cut with a dozer.”

“They napalmed the runway so we could land. We landed twice that night. The first time was bringing ammunition and the other was the troops.”

He pauses for a second, not too long and lets in a deep breath.

“Turns out there were a bunch of bullet holes in the plane and they gave me a medal for that,” he says before resuming his position that this sort of thing was normal in his experience. Crews is talking about the Air Medal he received in recognition for his actions during that mission.

With an extended four months in-country waiting on his replacement from the Air Force, it was time for Crews to return home. After spending a few months at Fort Eustis, Virginia, doing “absolutely nothing,” he touched back down in middle Tennessee.

Life returned to normal as Crews walked into the next few chapters of his life gaining both his pilot’s license and a happy family. He resides today in Tennessee, enjoying the company of his family and the occasional chats with his fellow veteran neighbor.

Roughly 2.7 million men and women from the U.S. served in the Vietnam War, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, including former Army sergeant Larry Crews who voluntarily served as a crew chief in the 92nd Aviation Company.

Veterans Treatment Court offers a second chance

By Jennifer Barnhill

Approximately nine percent of military members and veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan have been arrested since returning home. Misdemeanor crimes often end active-duty careers and send already struggling veterans to jail. But Veterans Treatment Court offers an alternative lifeline for those having difficulty reintegrating into the civilian world.

Far from a “get out of jail free” card, VTCs are designed to connect veterans with existing services to treat underlying conditions directly related to their active-duty service. This pre-trial option allows judges to postpone criminal proceedings while the defendant gets related treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse or mental health conditions.

How civilian communities can support veterans

“The mentality that it takes for us to be combat ready is also the pitfall for us when we come to the civilian world,” Arthur Cascio, Marine veteran and VTC graduate, said. “We don’t realize that behavior is not acceptable ... or even if we did, we didn’t think of it as applying to us because we kinda think we are invincible.”

After leaving the service, Cascio slowly racked up misdemeanor charges. While seemingly insignificant, unpaid speeding tickets turned into a suspended driver’s license — a destabilizing penalty to someone struggling with addiction. Chronic homelessness and more tickets followed, until Cascio found himself in jail and separated from his daughter.

“ … they found out I was a veteran and that I could benefit from the VTC,” Cascio continued. “I didn’t know what the VTC meant and that the intervention would help me because I didn’t think I had anything wrong with me.”

He received mandated peer support groups that included PTSD and substance abuse counseling before completing the treatment program.

Although there are over 450 active treatment courts across the nation, their success relies upon community support and interagency cooperation.

“It’s a collaborative effort,” Jack Murphy, deputy executive director of Veterans Transitions Center in Marina, California, said. “The VA justice outreach social worker meets with probation, the district attorney, the public defender or lawyer, me and behavioral health. We all sit around the conference

table and talk about whether or not someone is going to be eligible or suitable for what we provide at court.”

Three years later, Cascio is back on his feet and has recently been awarded sole custody of his daughter.

Veterans Treatment Court eligibility and benefits

Not every veteran automatically qualifies for an intervention and eligibility varies from state to state. The state of California has the following eligibility requirements :

• Have served in the military,

• Plead guilty in a criminal case,

• Be experiencing PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, substance or other diagnosed disorders, and

• Agree to participate in a 15- to 18-month program.

Those who successfully finish the program can expect to avoid jail time, have their charges dropped, and fees and penalties forgiven — giving veterans a clean slate. The program boasts a recidivism rate of 14%, significantly lower than the civilian rate of 23 to 46%.

Marine Corps veteran Arthur Cascio.

Second chances

The Monterey County Courthouse was packed as Judge Heidi K. Whilden presided over one of 63 cases on the docket for the day. At the defendant’s table was an activeduty service member and his lawyer. This young man who was arrested for driving under the influence in 2019, agreed to speak with Military Families Magazine under the condition of anonymity in order to prevent career repercussions.

“If you do what I did, you’re done in the military. You’re done. You’re out. This court is finding a way to not end my career immediately and [is] also giving mental health treatment,” the defendant, who is participating in military diversion, said.

Like VTC, military diversion seeks to treat underlying conditions that lead active-duty service members into criminal behavior. It is not available nationwide, but is in California, the state with the highest active-duty population.

The tone in the courtroom was positive as was the outcome for the

defendant. During the somewhat informal proceedings, volunteer veteran advocate Jack Murphy interjected, speaking quietly to the defense attorney advising him of available services.

When the conversation ended, the defense attorney proposed his client be drug tested at military facilities rather than redundant court-mandated screenings, while attending therapy and substance abuse meetings four times a week. The judge agreed.

Certainly not every case ends with meetings and breathalyzers. Some end with conviction, but many do not. According to the defendant, the diversion option “functions as a backstop to military members

like myself who have been selfmedicating or dealing with stuff on their own. This court is correcting something that is not happening correctly within the DOD in that service members tend to avoid mental health treatment.”

Is anecdotal evidence enough?

It may seem clear that individual service members and veterans benefit from treatment court programs. However, what is not clear is if individual success stories are enough to justify the maintenance of such a system.

Because these courts are not widespread, it requires veterans to travel great distances to participate. As a result, some VTCs are underutilized . Studies also have mixed data, with positive housing outcomes but negative employment outcomes, leading many to question the program.

Senator Martha McSally, an Air Force veteran, introduced the “Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019” to help streamline the VTC program. She believes in the model.

“If we can save one veteran from a life of addiction or the risk of suicide, that is worth it to me. So, we can let people study it and figure out how to improve it, but those testimonies and the lives saved and changed are real,” she said.

Monterey County (California) Courthouse offers both Veterans Treatment Court and military diversion services to active duty and veterans who face incarceration.

Student veterans lean on military skills to succeed in the classroom

By Lizann Lightfoot — SPONSORED

Earning a college degree is never easy, whether you pursue it while on active duty, in the reserves, or after you have left military service. But two service members who attended Divine Mercy University (DMU) explain why the same skills you worked so hard to master in the military, also lead to student success.

Coast Guard Lt. Noelle Kitenko currently serves on active duty. A few years ago, she temporarily transitioned to the reserves to pursue a Master of Science in Psychology. She knew she wanted an online university because she was preparing for a cross-country PCS move and already had a 1-year-old baby.

She was attracted to DMU because “they integrate modern psychology with Catholic philosophy, which helps you view the person holistically and not define them by their psychological condition. You want to pick a good school with a strong reputation. I was impressed with the rigor and depth of their classes.”

Career progression

Kristen Long is a human resources officer in the Army Reserve. She is attending DMU to earn a Doctor of Psychology degree to become an active-duty psychologist after graduation.

“I was drawn to the Psy.D. program out of a desire to serve others in a more profound way than my previous positions offered. As I built relationships with clients and soldiers alike, I realized that I wanted to work with them at a different level which could affect lasting change in their lives,” Long said.

Kitenko added that the resilience she learned in her military career, and by attending the Coast Guard Academy, helped her succeed in college too.

“Grad school added a lot of work to my plate, so I knew that as long as I managed my time well, I could get through it. If you’re balancing active duty with a course load, time management is key. I wrote out deadlines for the whole semester so I always knew what was coming. I built in buffer time of at least a day per assignment in case things came up at work. Talk to your professors and other students about emergencies to get an extension if you need it,” she explained.

Transitioning to online education

can be a big adjustment. Online classes offer greater flexibility, which Kitenko needed when she took maternity leave during her degree program, but it also required more personal discipline.

“I definitely learned the importance of maintaining good communication with my classmates and professors, especially in the online environment,” she said.

A supportive learning environment for students

The university prides itself on a student body — including alumni — that come from over 30 states as well as 13 other countries. Because DMU is a military-friendly institution, attendees can also anticipate fellow veterans within the classrooms. The school offers a military discount on tuition, making it easy for veterans to use their earned education benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill or their service branch’s TA program. Kitenko said she appreciated the other military branches being represented in her classes at DMU.

“It was good to have that perspective from other veterans who had experienced other aspects of the military. Since online classes are primarily discussion forums, it was easier to relate to veterans with shared experiences,” she said.

Kristen Long Noelle Kitenko

Divine Mercy University recently announced a new partnership that allows it to provide financial support to chaplains and laity who desire to provide mental health services for military personnel and their families.

“This new collaboration with Divine Mercy University emphasizes the importance of sustaining the particular pastoral needs for those serving in the military,” said Dr. Mark Moitoza, Vice Chancellor for Evangelization for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. “The focus on psychological and spiritual healing, through the lens of our Catholic tradition, promotes both individual and communal growth.

“Extending tuition discounts prepares men and women who understand the culture of military life to care for those in need. Through compassion, experience, and knowledge they will serve to bridge the multiple experiences of alienation caused by trauma. The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, is grateful to the Divine Mercy University staff and donors who generously support these crucial efforts.”

Long adds there is an added benefit for students with a military background to be able to serve fellow service members and their unique needs.

“Reservists face the stresses of work and family, effects of active-duty service and multiple deployments, and responsibilities to their unit but often lack the close and apparent support system that might be found in an active-duty environment. It can be more difficult for leaders to monitor soldier well-being,” she shared.

She will use her doctorate to work as a military psychologist. And since graduating, Kitenko has been working in a human capital strategies billet at Coast Guard Headquarters. She says earning a degree from Divine Mercy University was worth the effort.

“College or graduate school is an investment of your time and intellect, but you will reap the benefits not only on your resume and post-military career, but also as a wife, husband, or parent,” she added.

Master of Science in Psychology (online)

The online Master of Science in Psychology degree provides professional competency in the psychological sciences while developing an integrative understanding of the CatholicChristian understanding of the human person.

Are

Master of Science in Psychology (online)

The online Master of Science in Psychology degree provides professional competency in the psychological sciences while developing an integrative understanding of the CatholicChristian understanding of the human person.

Master of Science in Counseling (hybrid online)

The online Master of Science in Psychology degree provides professional competency in the psychological sciences while developing an integrative understanding of the CatholicChristian understanding of the human person.

Master of Science in Counseling (hybrid online)

This hybrid online and inperson residency degree helps students acquire the necessary counseling knowledge and skills needed to educate and practice in the core dispositions established by industry standards.

Master of Science in Counseling (hybrid online)

This hybrid online and in-person residency degree helps students acquire the necessary counseling knowledge and skills needed to educate and practice in the core dispositions established by industry standards.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Get trained to address today’s mental health challenges using advanced psychotherapy skills, psychological testing, and a unique integrated model for understanding the human person.

All degree programs offered at Divine Mercy University have been approved for Veterans Educational Benefits, GI Bill Funding Eligi-bility, and Yellow Ribbon G.I. Bill Education Enhancement Program.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

degree programs offered at Divine Mercy University have been approved for Veterans Educational Benefits, GI Bill Funding Eligibility, and Yellow Ribbon G.I. Bill Education Enhancement Program.

All degree programs offered at Divine Mercy University have been approved for Veterans Educational Benefits, GI Bill Funding Eligibility, and Yellow Ribbon G.I. Bill Education Enhancement Program.

Call (703) 416-8300 or enroll.divinemercy.edu/CCME20

Last year we awarded over in scholarships and grants!

in scholarships and grants! All

Call (703) 416-8300 or enroll.divinemercy.edu/CCME20

$1.3 MILLION

Last year we awarded over $1.3 MILLION in scholarships and grants!

Divine Mercy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at: 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Divine Mercy University. Learn how you can receive up to 30% off tuition! Call (703) 416-8300 or divinemercy.edu/MilitaryFamilies Divine Mercy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at: 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Divine Mercy University. Are you ready to advance your career with a graduate degree? Call (703) 416-1441

Divine Mercy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at: 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Divine Mercy University.

www.militaryfamilies.com 29

A new partnership with the  Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

WHY YOUR VOTE COUNTS, NO MATTER WHAT

By Kate Marsh and Sarah Streyder, Secure Families Initiative

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t always been the most consistent voter. Sure, I tried to vote in presidential elections (assuming I remembered to request my absentee ballot in time, oops). But I typically snoozed on the in-between ones. I always told myself: My one single vote never really matters anyway, right?

Wrong! My entire perspective changed in 2018, when I managed a state senate campaign in Nebraska. I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of voting that I am eager to share with anyone who will listen. Just ask my hairdresser!

I could ramble off a list of dutyrelated reasons that we’ve all probably heard: Voting is our civic responsibility. Women fought for my right to vote. We owe it to those who can’t vote to not waste our privilege.

All of these are very true. But today, I want to present a more pragmatic reason why you should vote as often as possible. Even if you’re already a dedicated voter yourself, maybe this will help you persuade your lessdedicated friends to join you.

I present to you: why you should vote for purely selfish reasons.

I’m not going to pretend that your vote will numerically make the difference on a candidate winning or a ballot measure passing.

Don’t get me wrong, that has happened before. Here in Virginia, one 2017 state senate race came out as a dead tie. They had to pull the winner’s name

out of a bowl! That race determined which party controlled the entire state house. One vote could’ve reshaped the commonwealth’s entire legislative agenda.

But 99.99% of the time, this doesn’t happen. It can feel like your individual ballot doesn’t make a difference, especially if you live in a “solid red” or “solid blue” part of the country. So why go through all the trouble?

Here’s why: your vote always leaves a permanent impact on your district, no matter the election’s outcome.

Like I mentioned, I worked as a campaign manager in 2018. As with most campaigns, we had limited resources. We couldn’t afford to reach every potential voter in our district, so we had to make choices. Most campaigns prioritize outreach to people who have consistent voting records. Why? Because persuading a definite voter is a more reliable return on your investment than persuading a “maybe” or “unlikely” voter.

I remember one day when our campaign had to decide what methods of communication to focus our resources on: “traditional” methods like phone calls and mailers, or newer methods like texting and digital ads. I looked up the average age of people living in our district: 35 years old. “Cool!” I thought. “Mostly mid-career families. They probably don’t have landlines but spend a lot of time on social media. Decision made!”

But then I looked at the average age of people voting in our district: 59 years old. Suddenly, our entire

strategy was upended.

Your district’s voter demographic averages — age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, you name it — determine so much about the choices that end up on your ballot. They influence who chooses to run, what issues they focus on, and how they interact with voters.

Your single vote permanently yanks your district’s averages one step closer to wherever you fall on those categories. For me, I make my district’s average voter profile younger and more female every time I vote. Always, no matter the outcome.

If you want to hear directly from candidates about the issues that you care about, the best thing you can do is vote in every possible election.

Imagine the difference this would make for military families if we all voted.

Our community would go from being a forgotten constituency to a sought-after one. Think about the changes we all want to see: from housing to healthcare to how often our country goes to war. No matter the issue, the best thing we can do is vote whenever possible.

The last MOAA survey showed that only 36% of military spouses vote in every election. 60% did not feel like voting information was easy to find, and 73% did not feel actively encouraged to vote.

That’s one of the reasons I launched the Secure Families Initiative (SFI): because I want to see 100% of our community voting! We provide guidance about registering to vote, reminders about upcoming deadlines, and trainings for folks who want to take the next step and become advocates for their families. Check out our website.

And don’t forget to vote!