2021 MF JULY

SUMMER IS HERE

Summer is here and I miss sitting in the movie theater with popcorn and a cold drink in hand eagerly awaiting the starting credits of a Hollywood blockbuster. Now that life is getting back to normal and movies will again premiere on the big screen, we are taking you behind the scenes of the real TOPGUN in advance of the release of “Top Gun: Maverick.”

We found that like the movies, the jets do fly at 700 miles per

hour. Unlike the movies, there is scant evidence of shirtless volleyball with “Danger Zone” on repeat. Instead, we discovered that the pilots are putting in the hard work and meticulous dedication to be “the best of the best.”

July is our deployment issue and we’ve gathered a variety of tangible resources to help you and your family not just survive but thrive during this time. Ryan Guina shows us how to use a

deployment to supercharge your financial goals — thank you very much tax-free pay.

In this issue, you’ll also read about Staff Sgt. Jessica Houser, an aerospace medical tech in the Air Force Reserve currently deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. In addition to teaching fitness classes, she’s also training for this year’s Berlin and Chicago marathons and is making the most of her current deployment. “I am already here so what I do

and how I spend my time, well, I am really passionate about making sure it counts towards something,” she said.

Writer Emma Comery’s profile of Pax River-based Navy spouse Megs Anderson is the story that will bring you out of the deployment doldrums. Anderson says that deployments can serve as a way to open yourself up to new possibilities. She challenges all of us to think of the time as an adventure rather than an obstacle. She asks, “What are you going to do to reinvent yourself so you’re still you and happy?”

Lastly, chef Amy Pottinger brings us patriotic-themed recipes to celebrate the Fourth of July. If your service member is deployed, we hope you can take some time this summer, relax, and pour yourself a glass of her incredible sangria. Cheers to you and to making the most of this deployment — to thriving rather than surviving.

Fondly,

Go behind the scenes of the real TOPGUN on page 8.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINA GORDON

Hollywood

by Susan Malandrino

Marine

by Jessica Manfre

14 Use deployment pay to supercharge your financial goals

by

Ryan Guina

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Making it count — Fitness-focused airman brings cycling and running to those deployed in Middle East

by Melissa Stewart

Patriotic plates — Red, white, and blue recipes for festive entertaining

by Amy Pottinger

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WHITE HOUSE MARINE SPOUSE LEADS PROGRAM

FOR MILITARY FAMILIES

BY JESSICA MANFRE

Just days before the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden announced the Biden Administration would relaunch Joining Forces, a nationwide initiative that she and Michelle Obama spearheaded in 2011.

Rory Brosius, a Marine veteran’s spouse, was named as the program’s executive director to lead it alongside the first lady.

Brosius is a familiar face in the military space after serving as deputy director for Joining Forces when it was originally established. Her educational and professional background paired with her firsthand knowledge of military family issues led stakeholders from the community to remark that Brosius was a natural pick for the role.

When President Obama and then-Vice President Joe Biden left the White House, Brosius continued to work with the Bidens as a military family advisor for the Biden Foundation. She says her passion for the military community started in her youth.

“Some of my earliest memories are when my older sister, who’s 17 years older than I am, went to the Naval Academy,” Brosius said. “So, some of my very first memories of military service were of this incredibly strong, amazing woman in my life serving.”

Throughout her childhood, she spent a lot of time with her sister — a naval officer — and Brosius thought it may have prepared her for later marrying a Marine. But Brosius laughingly said nothing could have prepared her for becoming a military spouse in 2007.

“We PCS’d three months after we got married and when we got to Camp Pendleton I felt like, OK, I’m ready for this,” she said.

Shortly after settling at their new duty station, her husband received orders to deploy to Fallujah, Iraq.

“Nothing can prepare you for that kind of fear and anxiety. But I will say that as someone who prides themselves on being a problem solver or someone who can grit it out and get it done, that experience taught me how important it is to ask for help,” Brosius said. “It was really a moment for me to embrace that community.”

She began working for Marine Corps Family Team Building and said it was her first real job as a military spouse.

“Seeing those Marines, sailors, and their families come through our doors and really need our support shaped who I am. Those moments were what made me say, ‘I want to be a social worker,’” Brosius said.

After attending the University of Southern California and earning her Master of Social Work degree, Brosius thought she’d be taking the path toward clinical work. A White House internship changed her plans.

“Really living it every day, as both a spouse and a service provider, it shapes the way you think about it. Those stories that the service members and their families tell you become the reason you get out of bed in the morning,” she said.

After President Biden was elected in 2020, reviving Joining Forces was a frequent topic discussed throughout the military community and the media. When it was officially announced in January of 2021, Brosius said she was honored to be asked to lead it.

“Who gets to do their dream job twice in their life? It just doesn’t happen,” she said. “I feel a real sense that I have to do my best for our community. I don’t ever want to let any military spouses down when they look and see that there is a military spouse at this table. I want them to know I am here for our community.”

In April of 2021, Dr. Biden announced some of the key issues Joining Forces would be focused on in the coming years, like military family employment, quality child care, military child education, and the health and well-being of the military family.

Brosius’ background in social work has influenced her approach to developing plans for the program, she said, referencing systems thinking and the importance of examining an entire system in order to effect change — a common approach for social workers. In her mind, national security is its own system and Joining Forces is an intricate piece of the success of that system, she added.

Despite her important and highly-visible role within the White House, Brosius said she’s not that different from other military

spouses. For one, she got engaged to her Marine (and now husband of 14 years) only 15 days after meeting him, with nuptials happening just a few months later. And on a sidenote, she’s a huge fan of Diet Dr. Pepper and used to take trapeze lessons, though she jokingly added that she’s probably not that flexible anymore.

There’s a lot about her new role that’s fun and brings on excitement for the future, but she said the best part is being able to take the stories she hears from military families and turn them into action.

“When we talk about our Joining Forces’ work and the reason it’s so important ... it’s a part of our national security. If we want our service members and our elite warfighters to be able to be retained, the system around them must be healthy … and that includes their families,” she explained. “So, for us, it’s about making sure we are doing everything we can ... so that family members, caregivers, and survivors have what they need to thrive.”

Rory Brosius speaks to a group of female veterans from World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War at a ceremony in 2015.

ARMY PHOTO BY RACHEL LARUE

BEYOND HOLLYWOOD

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE REAL TOPGUN

BY SUSAN MALANDRINO

TOPGUN instructors

Lt. Graham “BONES” Stapleton (left) and Lt. Cmdr. James “Brolemic” Gibbons.

From a young age, Navy Lt. Cmdr. James “Brolemic” Gibbons knew he wanted to be a fighter pilot. As a TOPGUN instructor, he and his colleagues spend their days flying at 700 miles per hour while practicing aerial combat, much like the fictional pilots onscreen in the famed 1986 movie of the same name.

During the filming of the forthcoming sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” Gibbons was impressed not just with Tom Cruise’s professionalism but also with his ability to do something critically important for his own profession — teach others.

“He was teaching many of the actors in a similar fashion to how we as TOPGUN instructors teach students,” said Gibbons, who flew both cameras and actors in the backseat of his F/A18 Super Hornet for the film.

In the film, Cruise stars as Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a test pilot and flight instructor. Originally scheduled for debut in the summer of 2020, the film was delayed several times due to the pandemic and is now scheduled for release on Nov. 19.

Made ubiquitous in popular culture after the original film, TOPGUN pilots routinely say the days are never spent racing motorcycles and playing shirtless volleyball with Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” on repeat.

TOPGUN Commanding Officer

Cmdr. Dustin “Perv” Peverill says the professionalism required to fly at this level isn’t what gets media attention.

Far from the glamour of Hollywood, Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) is located at Naval Air Station, Fallon, a small desert town an hour east of Reno, Nevada.

At Fallon, the days are long and the pace is grueling. The first brief often begins at 0500 and the last event of the day typically wraps up just before midnight.

Similar to professional athletes, high-profile investors, and corporate elites, Peverill says the pilots of TOPGUN strive to perform at the most elite levels, becoming masters of their craft.

“And they want to do that because they’re driven. They have the drive to succeed and some talent to go along with it.”

Both Gibbons and Peverill say TOPGUN’s 52-year legacy is built upon one foundation — hard work. The school was founded during the Vietnam War when Navy fighter pilots were being shot down at an alarming rate, losing one aircraft for every two North Vietnamese aircraft they shot down.

“While we had a technological advantage over the Vietnamese, there was a lack of understanding on how to employ your aircraft and your weapons. And due to that, we lost a lot of aviators during that war — 816 to be exact,” Gibbons said.

In 1968, naval aviator Capt. Frank Ault produced an advanced impact study imploring the Navy to train aircrew, rather than putting more money into advanced technology. Ault’s analysis became the genesis of the premiere school for aerial combat. The following year, the Navy had 32 MIG kills, with 30 from TOPGUN graduates.

Today, Perevill said TOPGUN continues to train aircrew to fly these war machines to the limits of their capabilities.

“You know, the weapons are no good if the human beings don’t

understand how to use them properly,” he said.

Each year the school has three, 12-week-long classes with an average of 20 students per class — nine to 12 aircrews, meaning pilots (think Maverick) and weapon system officers (think Goose), and an additional four to six adversary students and airborne intercept control students.

Graduates stay on staff at Fallon or head to one of two other schools located at NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, or NAS Lemoore, California, where they will serve as strike fighter tactics instructors (SFTI), teaching fleet aircrew specialty warfighting tactics. Adversary and airborne intercept students go back to their squadrons and ships where they serve as subject matter experts.

TOPGUN Instructor Lt. Graham “BONES” Stapleton said the course is both a marathon and a sprint in terms of pace.

“You’re kind of running. It’s an absolute marathon that you’re running pretty damn fast.”

LT. CMDR. JAMES GIBBONS

Callsign: Brolemic

Alma Mater: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Hometown: Reno, Nevada

Flight Hours:

FA-18 E/F: 932.6 hours

FA-18 A-D: 142.9 hours

F-16 A/B: 142.0 hours

Traps (Carrier arrested landings): 345

Why I wanted to be a pilot: “My dad was a fighter pilot, but he was just an Air Force guy,” Gibbons said with a laugh. His father flew in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War. But what Gibbons remembers most powerfully was his exchange tour flying Hornets with the Navy when he was 5 years old.

“I watched him fly out of Fallon and I remember watching him taking off and going out to the range.” Gibbons says he was hooked. In the early 2000s, his father served as a member of Congress and he was asked to come back to Fallon, where he flew once more. “Yeah, so I got to watch him twice, kind of solidified my career path,” Gibbons said.

Just like in the movie, the TOPGUN debrief is famous for being meticulously tedious, and according to Gibbons and Stapleton, it can be one of the most stressful parts of the student’s experience.

“Can I pull out the mistakes that I made in the flight? And then can I teach those mistakes and understand conceptually how I can get better?” Stapleton said.

A typical day for students involves practicing your brief, briefing, flying, and debriefing. Early the next morning, it’s time to wake up and do it all again.

“And then before you go to bed that night, you lie awake thinking, ‘How can I get better? How can I improve my performance in the aircraft?’ So it’s a constant,” Stapleton said.

Stapleton says that one of the more important points that TOPGUN instructors drive home is how to teach.

“Our ability to draw all the lessons from our mistakes, our successes, and our failures, and learn from those lessons is incredibly important to not only make the instructors better but to make the students better,” he said.

Gibbons says that success as a TOPGUN student isn’t just about performance in the aircraft.

“It’s a level of execution that proves humble, credible, and approachable. The bar is about how you perform in the aircraft, how humble you are as a teacher, and how approachable you are — meaning people would want to come to you for information.”

At the end of 12 weeks, each graduate is proud of what they’ve learned and is eager to teach. Gibbons said that it’s important to get them out in the fleet, to have them serve as teachers, and to continue that investment in TOPGUN as an entity.

While students often miss the best flying of their career after they leave, the turnover creates a natural cycle that keeps the institution fresh.

“It’s important to have new blood coming from the fleet to become instructors because they provide a brand-new perspective. I think that’s what keeps TOPGUN very dynamic,” Gibbons said.

Both Gibbons and Stapleton say the impact TOPGUN graduates have on the next

LT. GRAHAM STAPLETON

Callsign: BONES

Alma Mater: University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Flight Hours:

FA-18 E/F: 1069.6 hours

FA-18 A-D: 55.5 hours

F-16 A/B: 58.8 hours

Traps (Carrier arrested landings): 339

Why I wanted to be a pilot: At the age of 2, Stapleton was wearing a flight suit. His father was a pilot and both grandfathers were pilots, one in World War II and the other in the Korean War. “So I just grew up in a family that was very centered around aviation, and everyone was either a fighter pilot or a bomber pilot,” he said. “I had a love for it early on.”

generation of naval aviators is powerful.

“You have the ability to show up to a squadron and not only teach but influence the next generation of pilots,” Stapleton said.

They added that they will see the movie when it hits theaters later this year. In the meantime, you can find them working hard, studying, and pulling Gs over the skies of Nevada.

“And they want to do that because they’re driven. They have the drive to succeed and some talent to go along with it.”

— TOPGUN Commanding Officer Cmdr. Dustin “Perv” Peverill

ARMY ADVISORY

INCREASES US PRESENCE MISSION ACROSS AFRICA

BY CHRIS ADAMS

A soldier from SFAB and a soldier from the Djiboutian Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide watch as other BIR soldiers fire at targets in 2020, at an undisclosed location in Djibouti. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Peter Thompson.

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“We represent one of the Army’s newest strategic tools in the arsenal, and we provide a critical piece to our Army’s future,” said Col. Michael Sullivan, commander of the 2nd SFAB, when discussing the recent advisory mission across the African continent during a media roundtable. “We provide an economy of force and scale option to provide access, presence, and influence in our role in global competition.”

SFAB’s footprint on the continent constitutes security progress, said Maj. John Flach, commander of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd SFAB. He explained the difference between now and years past, is the significant continuity in each of the countries that currently have an advisory arrangement with the United States.

“So, because 2nd SFAB is now regionally aligned to the AFRICOM AOR, I know and work closely with who my replacement is going to be at the end of my tour, and then I know who I’m going to replace when my company rotates back into Djibouti and links up with the same partner force that we worked with previously, and those relationships remain strong,” Flach said.

Mounting concerns about security threats posed by China and Russia globally have heightened tensions with both world powers. In 2017, China opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti. Flach elaborated on the presence of both countries in Africa.

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“I can speak to that from Djibouti, which is probably where there’s one of the more significant competition spaces on the continent because of its strategic location,” he said. “So there was absolutely presence from both, Chinese and Russian military in Djibouti, and they’ve certainly expressed the desire to become a military partner there in the nation.”

Flash said the Djiboutians had the opportunity in 2017 to select China or Russia to partner with for security force assistance development but chose the U.S. because of its military excellence and professionalism.

“And I think that demonstrates a good sign of the reputation that we have developed,” Flach said.

He also said SFAB’s approach is free of self-serving intentions and centered on the objectives of the nation’s military.

“So although China’s investing heavily in the country, and Russia also has a presence there, is pursuing opportunities; we are there to train their military and focus on helping them meet their objectives and I think we’ve received a lot of positive feedback from that effort,” he said.

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On the COVID-19 front, Sullivan admitted the pandemic did delay acceptance of some of the advisory missions and impeded the dispersal of the teams. The 2nd SFAB prepared for the virus during the last year as teams were employed throughout the AFRICOM AOR.

“Just as an example, we went through a very deliberate process in terms of making sure all our advisors were tested COVID-negative and prepared to enter the environment ready to advise and not be hampered by the ongoing pandemic,” he said.

Sullivan said during the past six months, there wasn’t a single COVID-positive case related to the advisory mission in AFRICOM AOR.

“So, it just takes the diligent practice in force protection measures that we’re doing right here at home,” he said.

As a semblance of normalcy returns to the world, Sullivan said, 2nd SFAB demonstrated its ability to work in environments safely.

“Not only for our own soldiers and our advisors but for the partner force as well.”

The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade is now regionally aligned to the AFRICOM AOR, including a force package containing 20 teams employed through a sixmonth period in Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, Djibouti, and Tunisia.

TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR USE DEPLOYMENT PAY FINANCIAL GOALS

BY RYAN GUINA

The odds are good that you will deploy at least once during your military career. While this can present a set of challenges unique to each individual, it can also bring professional and personal opportunities like achieving your financial goals.

Deploying will almost always enhance your career, and it can also help you earn additional benefits through the VA that last long after you leave the military. There are also financial benefits, especially when you deploy to a tax-exempt combat zone. We took a look at some of the basic ways deployment can assist in paying down debt, increasing your savings, and more.

Financial benefits while deployed

When you deploy for longer than 30 days, you will be eligible for per diem and possibly family separation pay. Some service members who deploy overseas in support of a contingency operation may qualify for Tax-exempt Combat Zone Pay, Imminent Danger Pay, Hostile Fire Pay, and possibly other financial benefits.

Accelerate your financial goals

These benefits add up quickly. When used wisely, you can make incredible financial gains.

One of the best uses for extra income is to pay off any outstanding debt you might have. Start by paying off highinterest debt, such as personal loans, credit cards, auto loans, or private student loans. If you don’t have high-interest debt, consider paying off any other debt, such as your mortgage or federal student loans.

When Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Dakoda Van Cleve deployed in 2019, he used his additional income to pay off the remaining student loans he took out before joining the military.

“Deploying was a great opportunity to pay off my student loans and even start an emergency fund,” he said.

Van Cleve mobilized again in early 2021 and used some of his income to make extra payments on the engagement ring he bought for his fiancé.

You aren’t limited to paying off debt

1st Lt. Jade Petersen deployed shortly after commissioning. She used the opportunity to pay off the remaining balance on her credit card.

“Paying off my credit card was nice,” she said. “But the bigger benefit for me was being able to save money toward a down payment on my first house.”

After returning from her deployment, Petersen used her savings and the VA Loan to purchase her first home.

Deploying brings additional opportunities to save and invest. One of the more popular options is the DOD Savings Deposit Program that allows deployed service members to deposit up to $10,000 into a savings account that offers a guaranteed 10% return. Deployed service members can also contribute additional funds to the TSP, up to the $58,000 Annual

Addition Limit. The higher contribution limit can help

you invest significantly more money for your retirement.

Have a plan before you deploy

It’s easy to see a growing bank account balance and want to spend it all. It’s OK to splurge a little. But do so with a plan. You may be better off using most of your additional income to pay off debt, save for a significant purchase, or invest.

5 sizzling pageturners to read this summer

BY KATE LEWIS

Whether you’re beach bound or poolside, settle into one of these great stories this summer. There’s something for everyone in this mix — mysteries to be solved, romantic happily-ever-afters, books that just may change how you think about the world, and more.

DIAL A FOR AUNTIES, JESSE Q. SUTANTO

An accidental murder, meddling aunts, and a billionaire’s wedding combine in this tale of hijinks and family bonds. When Meddelin Chan accidentally kills her blind date and the corpse is inadvertently shipped in a cake cooler to a wedding, her family comes to the rescue in this hilarious romp that has already been snapped up for a Netflix adaptation.

A LOWCOUNTRY BRIDE, PRESLAYSA WILLIAMS

When aspiring wedding dress designer Maya Jackson returns to Charleston, South Carolina to care for her ailing father, she is elated to find a short-term opportunity at the local bridal store. The last thing struggling store owner Derek Sullivan needs is a fling — he’s a military veteran raising his 12-year-old daughter alone. Yet, as the two grow closer, they realize the best way to achieve their dreams might just be together. Author Preslaysa Williams tackles issues of racism, chronic illness, and grief within this sweet story, but romance lovers will appreciate the swoonworthy happily ever after.

DON’T BREATHE A WORD, JORDYN TAYLOR

In 1962, prep school student Connie signs up alongside her crush to test the school’s nuclear fallout shelter. Six students go in … but only five come out. When modern-day teenager Eva is invited to join her boarding school’s secret society, the last thing she expects is to become embroiled in a Cold War-era mystery. In this thrilling dual narrative, Eva and Connie’s lives collide as Eva realizes that her society might truly be harboring some very dark secrets.

THE QUEER PRINCIPLES OF KIT WEBB, CAT SEBASTIAN

Reformed highwayman Kit Webb now spends his days manning a coffee shop instead of clutching pistols, but when Percy and Lord Holland attempt to hire him for one last robbery, he agrees — with a catch. He won’t commit the crime, but he will teach Percy how to do it. As Kit teaches the finer points of thievery to Percy, the two begin to fall in love, even as forces beyond their control threaten to tear them apart in this romance from criticallyacclaimed author Cat Sebastian.

BENEATH THE SEAMS, PEYTON H. ROBERTS

When Houston dressmaker Shelby Lawrence wins a design competition, she thinks all her dreams are about to come true. But when she realizes her success may come at a price, she journeys to Bangladesh in an attempt to find the truth about how her clothes are made and make things right. This debut novel from Navy spouse Peyton H. Roberts was also a Military Families Book Club pick!

Kate Lewis has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and is the book critic for Military Families Magazine. Find her online @katehasthoughts and join our book club on Facebook @Military Families Magazine Book Club

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Fitness-focused airman brings cycling and running to those deployed in Middle East

BY MELISSA STEWART

her first deployment.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Houser, an aerospace medical tech in the Air Force Reserve, often teaches group fitness in the early mornings at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and laces up again after sunset. Nighttime runs have become a part of her regular evening routine due to a packed schedule and the desert’s brutal heat during the day.

“One of my personal mantras that I apply to everything I do is ‘make it count,’” said Houser, who started training for two upcoming marathons — in Chicago and Berlin — when she deployed to the Middle East last December.

“I am already here so what I do and how I spend my time, well, I am really passionate about making sure it counts towards something.”

Not only is Houser determined to make her deployment downtime count toward her personal goals, but she also says she thrives when creating a sense of community through fitness.

“One of the best things about a deployment is that you get to meet so many people you wouldn’t normally have met,” she said. “So just as much as I have brought to them, they have brought things to me. I have someone teaching me how to swim because I am not a strong swimmer. It’s been a big community of fitness overall, and that’s what makes it so special.”

Houser was recently coined for excellence by 379th Medical Group Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Jason Donovant for building an environment full of health, fitness, and motivation at Al Udeid, including teaching indoor cycling classes to 395 people. She says a lot of the people who come to her classes have never been

Whether she is motivating her teammates during endurance-style cycling classes or running loops at her base in the dark, one reservist says fitness provides the focus and sense of community she needs on

on a bike (to nowhere) before, but she conquers their fears by luring them in with “really great playlists.”

Inspirational beats are a good thing because Houser admits her workouts are far from easy.

“I am a really nice person, but when it comes to teaching spin, you’ll see the passion literally pour out of me as a healthy motivational coach,” she said. “Once they come to one class they are hooked. Who doesn’t want to sweat in a dark room with a bunch of other people to great music? It’s amazing.”

Besides delivering a grueling workout, Houser says her cycling sessions also provide a bonding experience.

“People show up for a time to connect with other people,” she explained. “With COVID everything we do has been very isolated. The connection and making friends is what keeps people coming.”

Houser began connecting with the fitness community through running, initially logging three miles a day and gradually increasing her goals, race training,

and joining running groups. After her father passed away suddenly due to a massive heart attack at the end of her college career, she became even more dedicated.

“That major life event, plus my nutrition major were both catalysts to really learn about health care and how to fuel my body,” she said. “Running showed up for me in all capacities, and after that it was pretty much game on.”

Today, Houser, who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from

George Mason University and a Master of Public Health from Purdue University, can add ultra-marathoner to her list of accolades.

During deployment, she says a reward has been recruiting a lot of members in her unit to join her on runs. Houser feels fitness is vital in a military setting, especially because it helps with cardio conditioning for PT testing.

“If I can show up and show them a cardiovascular workout with less of an impact that can help them

gain strength and can pay off for them personally with their fitness testing, I feel like that is a triple win.”

As for Houser, she plans to return to the U.S. from deployment sometime this summer, complete the Berlin Marathon in September, and the Chicago Marathon a couple of weeks later.

“I am driven to create the things that I’ve always wanted,” she said. “Purpose comes from pain.”

Follow Houser’s journey on Instagram @runningwithkale.

The coin Houser received for building an environment full of health, fitness, and motivation at Al Udeid Air Base.

PAX RIVER SPOUSE

USES COMMUNITY TO NAVIGATE MILITARY SEPARATION

BY EMMA COMERY

A Maryland-based military spouse brings new meaning to the phrase “it takes a village” after leading her family through a deployment after a nearly three-year break from goodbyes.

Megs Anderson is married to a sailor based out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River in southern Maryland. Her proactive nature led her to really dig in at her duty station, including building a career and becoming a wellknown figure in the local community. The relationships she built as a result of those tactics are a comfort as she resumes one of the harder aspects of military life: deployment.

Anderson’s husband was home for every holiday and birthday since 2017. He’d been the dad chaperoning scout camp and cheering at every field hockey game. Today, he’s deployed on a ship out of Norfolk, Virginia while his family remains in Pax River.

“It has been a huge adjustment not having him home,” Anderson said, “especially with kids who have become very used to him being around.”

But after 15 years of military life, Anderson has learned that one key to thriving during a separation is building one’s own village, which requires those new to a location to be openminded about putting themselves out there. Between teaching Barre and Piloxing classes at SPICE, a locally-owned women’s fitness studio, serving as secretary for the Leonardtown Business Association, volunteering as PTA president, and being supermom to four young children, Anderson never stops moving.

“It’s always helped me to stay busy,” she shared.

The fitness community has always been a source of strength and support for Anderson. In a past life, she worked as a nurse practitioner, a job she thought she’d be able to pursue forever due to its portability. But when her son was diagnosed with cancer at age 2, everything changed as she transitioned to staying at home with her children. Fortunately, her son beat cancer and grew into a healthy, happy boy. But even once she no longer needed to stay home, Anderson knew jumping back into nursing wasn’t going to work.

“I had to reinvent myself,” she said. So, she leveraged her lifelong passion for fitness into a career she could build anywhere — even from home.

“We moved to Whidbey and I taught virtual classes out of a studio in Boston. I had four little kids at home and Ben was flying a lot so I taught in my house on my computer. My goal is for women to build confidence. I’ve had women 18 to 70 take my classes and they leave feeling stronger. I want that to carry them through their day,” Anderson explained.

“Even though [her husband] is away on deployment, Megs navigates the challenges of the pandemic and high studio demands with grace. When things get hard, she doesn’t shy away from the ups and downs; she digs in and works through the tough times,” Nicole Magee, owner of SPICE Studio, said.

And in those hard times, the relationships you establish can ease the heartache.

“It’s easy to feel sad or discouraged because you’re thousands of miles away from home and your spouse is not there with you,” Anderson said. “So it’s important to feel connected with people in the community, even if you’re not from the area.”

Early on in her journey as a military spouse, Anderson thought making friends with other military spouses would be most important, but she’s found a lot of support from non-military friends in the Pax River area.

“The girls at SPICE Studio have made me meals, dropped off wine and flowers, and sent me notes. I think a lot of people want to help the military but don’t know how. So by opening yourself up and getting to know them, they figure out how to show you their gratitude,” she shared.

Since 1879, Navy Mutual has been trusted by military families to be there during their times of greatest need. Our nation counts on the military. You can count on us. Our products feature no active duty service restrictions and we provide unmatched beneficiary services to ensure you have only one call to make.

Whether it’s working through a career change or navigating a separation from their partner, Anderson said military spouses need to ask themselves, “‘What are you going to do to reinvent yourself so you’re still you and happy?’ I think it’s about being open to new possibilities and thinking of [change] as an adventure and not another obstacle.” She paused. “It’s been a long journey for me to say that.”

Even in the bumpy unknown of her husband’s pre-deployment hotel quarantine, Anderson

turned a moment apart into an opportunity for another first.

“He actually took some of my virtual classes while he was in quarantine,” Anderson said. “It was really fun to share that with him.”

Navy spouse and Travel Advisor Alyssa Costenbader shares why the birthplace of California is the perfect vacation — or staycation — spot for military families.

BY EMMA COMERY

Overlooking the glittering Pacific Ocean, San Diego boasts a storied history, palm-lined streets of colonial and modern architecture, and a culinary scene built on fresh seafood and Mexican influences.

Its picturesque vistas, vibrant downtown scene, and never-ending list of outdoor activities are what made Alyssa Costenbader, a travel advisor and Navy spouse living in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, fall head over heels for the “birthplace of California.” While she loves helping her clients plan dream vacations all over the world, San Diego has earned a special place in her heart for vacations and staycations alike.

“San Diego is really great for any traveler looking for any experience at any price point,”

she said. “It’s a major city, easy to access, with unlimited cultural and outdoor activities — you’ll never run out of things to do.”

This ultra-walkable coastal metropolis offers a variety of excursions in near-constant gorgeous weather. Major attractions include the famous San Diego Zoo in gorgeous Balboa Park, ziplining over Safari Park’s wildlife savanna, catching a Padres game, and soaking in rays and waves at the miles of beaches.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANDIEGO.ORG

BALBOA PARK FOUNTAIN

LA JOLLA BEACH

WALLABIES AT THE WALKABOUT AUSTRALIA EXHIBIT AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO

“What I love about San Diego is there’s so much you can do outside,” Costenbader shared.

Travelers who like to explore off the beaten path will love the city’s myriad of diverse neighborhoods.

“San Diego is a city of neighborhoods,” said Costenbader.

For indie boutiques and craftbeer bars, head to North Park, or drive an hour to Carlsbad and Oceanside to take in incredible beach fronts.

When it comes to accommodations, Costenbader says military families shouldn’t overlook the Navy Lodge.

“It sits right on the beach and they have cottages that you can rent ... they’re Navy hotels, but the location can’t be beat.”

But San Diego also boasts an unrivaled luxury hotel scene, and, Costenbader informs us, “some resorts are currently offering day passes to use their rooftop

pools, so you can lounge and sip on poolside cocktails and enjoy snacks.” Two of Costenbader’s top recommendations for out-of-state travelers or locals looking for an overnight escape are Hotel Del Coronado (which sits between North Island Naval Station and Naval Amphibious Base Coronado) or Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Santa Fe.

For unforgettable eats, Costenbader points visitors towards the city’s old-school delis. Mona Lisa Italian Foods serves up Old-World classics and an impressive wine selection in a cozy, richly appointed setting. The Cheese Shop in La Jolla takes diners back to 1970s San Diego with a timeless selection of imported cheese and fine foods that can be taken to-go or enjoyed on the ivy-draped outdoor patio. The harborside Barrio Logan neighborhood offers quintessential Mexican dishes, and Little Italy is a hotbed of old-school and modern restaurants.

San Diego is also famous for its proximity to an abundance of state and national parks like the Cabrillo National Monument, Joshua Tree National Park, and Channel Islands National Park, which is known as “the Galapagos of North America.” Because of this, Costenbader encourages families to take advantage of the free National Park Pass for military members.

But her number one tip for military families when planning a trip? “Check the cancellation policies! That’s the first question I ask every time I book something,” she said. “I’ve rebooked our anniversary trip three times because my husband’s underway schedule kept changing.”

Her professional recommendation for a mustdo San Diego itinerary starts with a morning walk on the Embarcadero.

“Walk along the water and see all the sailboats, walk past the USS Midway and the statue of the sailor kissing his lady,” she recommended. “Walk down to Seaport Village and grab The San Diego breakfast sandwich at Spill the Beans. If it’s a weekend, walk through the Little Italy farmer’s market. Rent bikes and ride up to Mission Bay and then the boardwalk at Pacific Beach. That’s the most quintessential SoCal beach destination there is.”

Another must, she says, is visiting the sandstone canyons and seaside cliffs in the La Jolla neighborhood, where you can watch sea lions and seals on the beach and then grab dinner or shop at the waterfront restaurants and boutiques. But always, she urges, end the day watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean at Sunset Cliffs Beach, where visitors can explore caves, tidepools, and seaside trails.

For more on San Diego adventures: www.sandiego.org.

CORONADO BRIDGE ON SAN DIEGO BAY

CRAFT BEER TASTING AT BORDER X BREWING IN BARRIO LOGAN

TACOS AND BEER AT SALUD IN BARRIO LOGAN

USS MIDWAY

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOANNE DIBONA

NEW HIGH-DEMAND

VA LAUNCHES CAREER PROGRAM

BY CHRIS ADAMS

The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) provides help to those veterans who have become unemployed due to COVID-19.

The VRRAP offers sanctioned education and training programs under the GI Bill and through the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC), leading to highdemand jobs, according to the VA. Educational opportunities include certificate programs, associate degrees, and noncollege degrees.

Veterans admitted to the program receive up to one year of tuition and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates.

Program criteria include:

At least 22 years old and under 67 years of age.

Not eligible for GI Bill or Veterans Ready and Employment Benefits.

Not enrolled in a federal or state jobs program.

Unemployed due to COVID-19.

Not receiving VA disability compensation due to inability to work.

Not receiving unemployment compensation, including enhanced benefits under the CARES Act.

The application process began in early May, and the program concludes 21 months after its adoption (Dec. 11, 2022). It’s limited to 17,250 participants, with funding capped at $386 million.

VRRAP was part of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan , which seeks to bring relief to American workers adversely affected by the virus. According to the White House, more than 9.5 million workers have become unemployed during the pandemic.

According to James Oxford, national commander for the American Legion, veterans whose career paths have been altered or blocked altogether

A new program rolled out by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs allows veterans to receive tuition for education, training, and housing.

TAKE NOTE:

At the time you apply for VRRAP, you can’t be eligible for any of these other benefits:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill

• Montgomery GI Bill

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

• Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

HIGH-DEMAND JOB DATA

Rio Salado Community College (Arizona) reported the top four highdemand occupations — based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data — for veterans are financial advisors, human resources managers, human resources specialists, and information security analysts.

Some crucial data on these jobs: Financial Advisors: the median wage is $88,0000 annually, and the projected job growth through 2029 is 8%.

Human Resources Managers: the median wage is $121,220 annually, and the projected job growth through 2029 is 6%.

Human Resources Specialists: the median wage is $63,490 annually, and the projected job growth through 2029 is 7%.

Information Security Analysts: the median wage is $103,590 annually, and the projected job growth through 2029 is 31%.

by the COVID-19 pandemic can use a fresh opportunity in the post-COVID economy.

“We need to remember that many of these veterans who were gainfully employed before the pandemic achieved their gainful employment through GI Bill education and training benefits,” he said. “Those benefits may now be exhausted, and they stand unemployed or underemployed today due to the pandemic, without new directions or resources to pursue them. Veterans have proven highly capable through military

service to learn new skills and disciplines, often under fire, and they are extremely well-poised to rapidly make the most of the assistance envisioned in this program.”

Travis Horr, the director of Government Affairs for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), says the organization is extremely supportive of VRRAP and worked closely with congressional and VSO allies to develop the Veterans Economic Recovery Act.

“We are glad to see that VA has already started taking applications for veterans that qualify to take advantage of this program and look forward to its full implementation,” he said. “IAVA firmly believes that this is a critical piece of legislation that will address veteran unemployment.”

For more on the VRRAP program visit www.va.gov/education/other-vaeducation-benefits/veteran-rapidretraining-assistance/

ARMY RECOVERY CARE PROGRAM

THE NEW LOOK OF LEARNING

VIRTUAL, IN-PERSON, OR HYBRID – HOW TO DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD THIS FALL

BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK

When Travis Elementary gave students the option to learn in person again in March 2021, Evangeline Love, an extroverted, energetic, only child in second grade, immediately knew what she wanted to do — return to her school.

Her mother, Ashley Love, said no.

Love, the wife of an active-duty Air Force officer, earned two doctorate degrees and two master’s degrees in healthrelated fields and is an associate professor at the Dreeben School of Education at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. She served as Delaware’s state epidemiologist and managed all

of the epidemiologists during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

As a parent and health professional, she worried due to the lack of a COVID vaccination for their daughter’s age group (younger than 12 years old) and new variants of the virus, despite statistics that show that she is at the lowest risk for hospitalization and death compared to other age groups. Plus, the family

had established a routine that accommodated the parents’ work schedules and Evangeline’s virtual-only learning. All was going well, given the circumstances.

Yet, at the last minute, she changed her mind, allowing her daughter to go back to school for four hours, two days a week after spring break. Driving their flip-flop? Evangeline’s mental well-being.

“We were so torn,” shared Love. “She wanted to interact with kids in her own age group. Virtual meet-ups were not enough for the past year.”

Having a good relationship and strong communication with Travis Elementary School, which Evangeline had entered as a kindergartener, allowed the couple to make the hard decision, Love said.

Love suggests that parents should ask what, how, and why choices were made. They should check to see if the school is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to include the following groups in their decision-making process:

• Administrators

• Teachers

• Student and parent representatives

• Specialized instructional support personnel (school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, and nurses)

• Facilities managers and custodial staff

• Transportation personnel, school nutrition professionals, and family services representatives

Parents still unsure after collecting initial information can ask for a tour.

“Are you satisfied with the answers about safety matters?”

Phil Ollenberg, assistant registrar at Bow Valley College in Alberta, Canada, advises parents ask themselves after a tour. “Do the practices you’re seeing with your own eyes make you confident for your child’s safety?”

Consult www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/schools-childcare/ operation-strategy.html for the CDC’s updated suggestions. Similar international sources are available for military families stationed outside the country. Love also recommends taking the needs and feelings of your child into consideration. Everyone is different.

“As a mother, I say ‘yes’ to making your child’s wishes a key factor in the decision-making process,” said Love. “I know some of my colleagues kept their kids at home because the kids were fine online. On the other hand, my

daughter thrives in settings where there are people and interaction in person.”

Love reports that social butterfly Evangeline flourished in the spring with hybrid instruction.

“She is happier,” Love added, “and feels like she is part of the community.”

This fall, the rising third grader plans to be back in the classroom full time.

Look for part two of our back-toschool coverage coming up in the August issue. Our next article will discuss what to look out for when your child is transitioning to the new school year to ensure he or she is thriving.

BACK TO SCHOOL PLAN

For parents still seesawing about school this fall, here are some tips for creating a plan of action:

• Search the school’s website for details on safety protocols.

• Check emails and social media posts, especially ones made by parentteacher association leaders or other individuals who are often motivated to gather the latest information.

• Go directly to the source — call the school.

Students from preschool to college can experience thousands of variations on common virusrelated policies, such as:

• Vaccination requirements

• Mandatory COVID symptom screenings and testing

• Mask-wearing protocols

• Desk partitions

• Social distancing

• Extensive cleaning procedures

• Air filtration systems

• Reduced number of activities and events

And possibly, no restrictions at all. Laws and guidelines on the federal, state, and school district levels change frequently. Make it a priority to keep up to date on changing policies.

“I know some of my colleagues kept their kids at home because the kids were fine online. On the other hand, my daughter thrives in settings where there are people and interaction in person.”

PATRIOTIC PLATES

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE RECIPES FOR FESTIVE ENTERTAINING

BY AMY POTTINGER

Are there any summer celebrations more iconic than the Fourth of July? Here, we honor our independence, patriotism, love of country, and all things red, white, and blue with delightful eats that fit the theme. Since food is central in any get-together, these dishes combine the traditional Americana color scheme with ingredients sure to wow the crowd as much as a stunning firework display.

BERRY LIME TARTLETS

Makes 8 tartlets

Crust ingredients:

2 cups flour, more for rolling

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 egg yolk

Pinch of salt

10 tbsp salted butter, cooled but warmer than fridge temperature

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a stand mixer and mix until well incorporated. Sprinkle additional flour on a rolling surface and pat dough into a disk. Add more flour to the top of the dough and roll it out until it is roughly

1/8-inch thick. Using tartlet pans like cookie cutters works well for crusts if you have small tart pans. If you have a regular-sized tart pan, fold the dough gently and then transfer it to your greased tart pan. Gently form the dough to fit whatever pan you are using. Using a fork, poke shallow marks into your raw dough so that it doesn’t rise and bubble. Bake at 350 degrees for roughly 12 minutes or until golden brown. Allow crust to cool completely before adding any other ingredients to the crust.

Filling ingredients:

16 oz mascarpone

1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

Mix in a bowl until well incorporated. Either use a piping bag with a star tip to add to the crust or spoon it on and smooth it out.

Fruit topping:

Blackberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Sliced Strawberries

Instructions: Get creative arranging fruit on your tarts after putting the mascarpone filling on the cooled dough.

Lime Glaze instructions:

Combine 2 juiced limes with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar in a small pan and stir until mixed on low heat. This should take less than a minute. Allow this mixture to cool completely before applying to the top of the fruit. Also, be generous but not overly generous when applying to the top of the tart. Too much glaze can saturate the crust and make it soggy. If you wish, you can do this just before serving your tart.

RED SANGRIA

Ingredients:

1 bottle of dry red wine

1/2 cup brandy

1/2 cup triple sec

1/2 cup orange juice

6 oz pineapple juice

2 tbsp agave nectar

Pineapple, strawberries, limes, and oranges for garnish

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Add sliced fruit to garnish and serve over ice when ready. (Take it up a notch by using a small star cookie cutter to cut the pineapple. Star-shaped ice molds would also play up the theme.)

WHITE SANGRIA

Ingredients:

1 bottle of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)

1/2 cup Peach Schnapps

1/4 cup brandy

1/2 cup white grape juice

1/2 cup peach juice

2 tbsp agave nectar

Pineapple, strawberries, limes and oranges for garnish

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Add sliced fruit to garnish and serve over ice when ready.

RED, WHITE, AND BLUEBERRY SALAD

Ingredients:

Arugula or mixed greens

Strawberries

Blueberries

Watermelon

Crumbled feta or goat cheese

1/2 cup EVOO

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

3 tbsp honey

Pinch of salt

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Optional toppings: chopped mint, pistachios

Instructions:

Plate arugula or mixed greens in a serving bowl. Top with sliced fruit. (A small, star-shaped cookie cutter makes the watermelon extra festive.) Add cheese. In a mason Jar, combine EVOO, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and red pepper flakes and shake until well incorporated. If you choose, top with mint or pistachios to complement the flavors. Do not dress your salad until you are ready to serve or leave the dressing on the side.

We want to see your creations. Tag us on Instagram at www.instagram. com/militaryfamiliesmagazine.

To make Blue Sangria, use the White Sangria recipe and add a float (about a 1/2 tbsp) of Blue Curacao to the glass.

RAPID

FIRE

Q&A WITH DEPLOYMENT EXPERT LIZANN LIGHTFOOT

BY MELISSA STEWART

Marine wife, author, and mother of five Lizann Lightfoot has been through seven deployments (and six duty stations) with her family. She specializes in offering deployment support through her Seasoned Spouse blog and online support group and has also developed The Deployment Masterclass, a resource to help military spouses and significant others navigate the most common deployment challenges.

Tell us some of your favorite goals that you have accomplished during deployment?

I usually have some fitness goals like eating a healthy diet or losing weight. I will challenge myself to try new types of workouts. I once trained for a 10k race, my furthest distance.

What is the biggest misconception new military families have about deployment?

I think the biggest surprise initially that they aren’t prepared for is pre-deployment. There are usually several months of chaotic training. Everyone assumes families are fine with that but often it can be more stressful and harder than the deployment itself.

Has deployment helped your children at all?

Can you share a favorite deployment story or memory?

The first time he missed a Christmas during our marriage he was coming back in February, so it was close enough that we wanted to leave the tree up and keep the presents wrapped. My husband’s name is Daniel, so we said we were celebrating “Danmas,” and we all exchanged gifts and ate Christmas food.

Does your family have any homecoming traditions?

There can be a lot of excitement and “I want to do these 1,000 things with my parent when they come back.” I would encourage my kids to write them down and put a bunch of pieces of paper or Post-It notes into a jar. After dad came home, we would let them draw out one or two pieces of paper at a time and those are the things we would do that day.

Overall, it does help our kids be stronger. I have taught them that life doesn’t always go how we planned, and I hope they have developed good coping strategies for when they are older.

Lightfoot’s new book “Open When: Letters of Encouragement for Military Spouses” will be published in September by Elva Resa Publishing. Find more details here: https://elvaresa.com/ book/open-when/