2022 MF DECEMBER

by AMERIFORCE MEDIA, LLC

FIND YOUR

FINISH LINE

I hated running my entire life. Correction: I never allowed myself to find out if I hated running because I just assumed I would be terrible at it. In 2021, out of a desire for sanity and human connection after monthslong pandemic closures, I started logging miles with a group near NAS Patuxent River.

It was hard. My breathing was off, I was slow, and I learned the hard way about chafing … but I kept showing up. And while I was distracted by the camaraderie of running with people, I was getting stronger and faster.

Our group did a 5K exactly one year ago from this issue, one of those defining events in my life that hooked me on this new-found hobby. Since then, I ran half marathons through DC and Camp Lejeune, finished a grueling 15K on Quantico that is likely the hardest thing I have ever done (look up Powerline Row when you get a chance), and more recently, the Army Ten-Miler. The medals are cool, but the personal achievement is everything. Setting out to do something solely for yourself, following a plan, then actually doing it — nothing is comparable.

Most Americans reserve the clean slate of January to focus on change and new goals, but we wanted to approach this tradition differently with this issue. The end of the year is a good time to take stock of life and set an intention for the future. Maybe your finish line doesn’t include cheering spectators and a free banana, but instead is the next rank, a new career, or a renewed commitment to improve your marriage.

Military life is not for the faint of heart, but the glorious thing is we have the personal freedom to set a bar for ourselves. Think of the pride in turning something that once seemed unachievable into done. What does your finish line look like as we head into 2023?

Want some accountability? Send your goal to managing.editor@ameriforcemedia.com so we can track your progress throughout the year. Put “FINISH LINE” in the subject.

Wishing you a happy holiday surrounded by people you love!

Managing Editor

by Ashley Losoya

by Rick Stedman

by Heather Campbell by Kari Williams

Crystal Kupper

DEBUTS MILITARY-INSPIRED COLLECTION

AT KOHL’S THIS MONTH

A veteran minority-owned apparel company, Triple Nikel launched in 2020 to celebrate diversity & inclusion.

We had to do something. For me, the thought was we needed representation. I thought the best way to do that was to make apparel that spoke for people who are often overlooked and create an apparel line focused on unity and community building.

- RUBEN AYALA, CEO

MIL FAM

NORAD TRACKS SANTA

GOING VIRAL

TREES FOR TROOPS

“I

like I wouldn’t really suggest it to my boys because my biggest fear is they would go through what my husband did. However, if I had a kid who was really interested in doing so I don’t think I would try to talk him out of it.”

“It’s definitely not the same as it was when my husband served from 1988-2009. We had such a close-knit support system, but I can’t imagine it’s that way anymore.”

STAFF ON THE MOVE

This October, journalist Jessica Manfre attended the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting in D.C. and connected with Jennie Taylor, Gold Star spouse of Maj. Brent Taylor who was killed in Afghanistan in 2018.

Jennie launched the Major Brent Taylor Foundation to honor her husband’s legacy. Learn more at https://www. facebook.com/majorbrenttaylor

OVERHEARD

Each December, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach, is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as more than 2,500 participating locations in all 50 states and abroad. Now is the time to get involved. A $15 donation sponsors a live, hand-made balsam veteran’s wreath for placement on the final resting place of an American hero. To register to volunteer, or to sponsor wreaths, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

CFC #66860

“Without the space capabilities you are designing, building, protecting, and operating, the Joint Force will not be capable of accomplishing its missions. A resilient, ready, and combat-credible Space Force is indispensable to deterrence today, tomorrow, and every day after that. In the worst case, if deterrence fails, the Space Force will be an indispensable component of our joint force at war.”

– Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman

Saltzman made the remarks during a Change-of-Responsibility ceremony on Nov. 2, 2022. He is only the second person to be named to the position, following the retirement of his predecessor, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond. Photo by Andy Morataya

BY TIFFANY EVE LAWRENCE, MARINE VETERAN SPOUSE

It’s easy to toss fiscal responsibility to the side during the holidays to see the smiles on loved ones’ faces. In 2021 alone, more than 35% of Americans accrued holiday debt, according to a recent LendingTree survey.

Because of this, many people find themselves in financial recovery mode at the beginning of the new year.

“Holiday spending is about so much more than just observing the season,” said Monica Eaton, a certified financial education instructor and author of “Money Plan.”

An increase in debt during the holiday season occurs because people view that time “as an opportunity to build memories” with loved ones, according to Eaton.

“People often use holiday gift-giving as an opportunity to show what their loved ones mean to them,” she said. “The pressure to provide a certain caliber of gift can be intense.”

The added commercialization of the holiday

season often compounds the compulsion to spend.

“Retailers ramp up marketing efforts during the holiday season, inundating shoppers with messaging and incentives that encourage overspending,” Eaton said.

After completing Santa duties and the cloud of love-giving lifts, getting finances back on track can be a challenge. But Eaton says not to panic – while overspending during the holidays isn’t ideal, it isn’t uncommon.

Here are three steps that can help with financial recovery:

Get an accurate picture of what you spent during the season.

It’s important to keep track of all the money that has gone out and where exactly it was spent from. “If you used credit cards, loans or ‘buy now, pay later’ plans to fund your purchases, a good first step is to fully account for everything you owe.” This includes monitoring amounts, due dates and payment terms.

Look to your current budget to find money for debt payments.

“Review your budget for areas where you can make cuts for a period of time,” Eaton said. Some purchases are lifestyle expenses that feel good but aren’t necessary. Adjusting your spending in these areas will free up cash to put toward paying off debt. A good way to look at it is that after maintaining this budget for a short period, you get to reward yourself with your “nice-to-have” items once the debt is cleared.

Set a payoff timeline and stick to it.

“Once you’ve identified where you can find extra cash to apply towards your holiday debt, commit to a date when you will have all of your holiday debt paid off, set a payment schedule, and stick to it,” Eaton said.

https://bit.ly/3tdIWuD

Pushing outside the comfort zone

BY ASHLEY LOSOYA, AIR FORCE SPOUSE PHOTOS BY ARIEL BALDWIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Army spouse Toby Ralph wrestled and ran track in high school, but with a naturally thin and undefined frame, he always felt insecure. Even after becoming a police officer, he still had a nagging feeling there was more he wanted to achieve.

“I was always small, and I was tired of people calling me a little guy,” Ralph said. “I got sick of being messed with and wanted to put on some weight and get bigger.”

A close friend introduced him to lifting weights, and as Ralph puts it, the rest is history.

“It was the spark that ignited the flame that still burns to this day,” Ralph said.

Having measurable fitness goals gave Ralph a sense of purpose, motivation and discipline. Before long, he found himself acting as a complimentary personal trainer. People asked for his advice at the gym, and fortunately, his tips were producing real results.

Taking the leap

While living in Georgia, Ralph met Army Sgt. 1st Class Raven Barbieri, who eventually became his wife. This turn of fate was the final push that inspired him to dive into personal training as a full-time career.

He was good at his job as a police officer, but it was time for a change.

“When I knew that we were going to get married, I thought to myself, ‘I need to find something that is portable,’” Ralph said.

After years of trial and error in a quest to reach his own fitness goals, Ralph realized he could save other people the heartache by

passing on his passion and knowledge.

“I could help them,” he said. “I could save them the time, save them the trouble and save them some injuries.”

Ralph has been training clients for the last six years, with certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) — which offers special pricing to the military community. Starting his own business wasn’t easy, but the fear of failure only seemed to push him further. In fact, he said he was inspired by the notion that failure or success rests solely on him.

“So many people are afraid of vulnerability … They think they’ll be viewed as weak,” Ralph said. “The only people who are going to view you as weak for showing vulnerability are weak people.”

Looking to get fit in 2023?

Toby Ralph has three important reminders for pursuing health and wellness goals.

Today, Ralph juggles life as a father and personal trainer in Tampa, Florida, where his wife is stationed at MacDill Air Force Base. He acknowledges that reinventing yourself, let alone your career, is never easy. This is especially true for those navigating a deployment or PCS.

But at the end of the day, what feels like a small side hustle may have big potential.

“You have to embrace that fear and understand that nothing good ever came out of being comfortable,” Ralph said.

Accepting uniqueness

For Ralph, fitness is a balancing act between learning to accept your own capabilities while pushing yourself to excel.

He urges his clients to acknowledge that genetics and natural body shape have an impact on results.

“How your muscles develop and how you carry fat is largely dependent on your individual genetics,” Ralph said. “These are things that no amount of training can overcome.”

Whether it’s in career or fitness endeavors, Ralph warns that comparison is a trap that will only lead to distraction and disappointment.

Be cautious about where you get your health and fitness guidance. The internet is full of good and bad information. Hint: A personal trainer can help!

Beware of fad diets. Find a way of eating that works for you and your lifestyle. This is the only way to remain consistent.

It’s OK to stumble. Yes, even personal trainers have cheat meals! Find a balance between physical fitness and overall happiness.

“You’re never going to be the person in the picture,” he said. “You can only be you, so be the best version of yourself.”

6 WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH DEPLOYMENT

BY EMILY SOLBERG, SOLDIER AND MILITARY SPOUSE

Deployments

Military kids notice the seismic shift in their lives when a parent leaves, but can’t always verbalize or process their feelings about it. The responsibility of guiding them through the rollercoaster of emotions that a deployment brings often falls on the military spouse. But where should you start? Here are six ways to help children cope when a parent is away on deployment — and specific resources that can help provide comfort, reassurance, stability and support.

are disruptive for the entire family, but they bring special challenges for children.

Get creative. “When will daddy be home?” is a tricky question — how do you help children understand how long six months is? A visual aid is often a great solution. You might want to try a deployment countdown jar. Fill a jar with chocolate kisses or special notes from daddy, one for every day he’ll be gone. Take one out each night, and by the time he’s home, the jar will be empty. Or, make your own paper chains and hang them around the house, removing a loop each day. Pinterest is a great place to find more creative ideas for counting down.

Read books about separation. Books are a wonderful way to help children make sense of something that feels overwhelming and abstract. Fortunately, there are a lot of great ones to choose from, and many are geared toward military families. Here are a few to try:

“I’ll Lend You My Daddy” by Becky King

“Brave Like Me” by Barbara Kerley

“My Mom’s Boots” by Elizabeth Gordon

“Night Catch” by Brenda Ehrmantraut

“A Paper Hug” by Stephanie Skolmoski

“Superheroes’ Kids: When Dad is Deployed” by Heather Carson

“The Soldiers’ Night Before Christmas”

by Christine Ford and Trish Holland

Of course, nothing compares to hearing mommy’s voice, so you might record her reading some favorite bedtime stories before she leaves.

Get them involved. Deployments mean giving up a sense of control, and allowing your child to help empowers them with a feeling of purpose. They can put together care packages with you — shop for treats, pack them, write a special note to tuck inside, and take the package to the post office. Come up with fun themes for holidays and make decorating the box an art project. They can also brainstorm and plan a list of special “dates” they want to go on with their deployed parent after homecoming.

Meet their need for connection.

Every child responds differently to a parent being gone, but one thing they will always crave is connection. This might look like a customized HUG-A-HERO® doll, or a personalized quilt or pillowcase with family pictures from Operation Kid Comfort. You could also have the deployed parent take a special small toy with them and take pictures of it in various poses and places they visit. Compile the pictures into an album at home for an entertaining, no-pressure way to engage and reconnect.

Stick to a routine. When a family member is gone, the entire household rhythm can be upended. It’s OK to take some time to adjust and find your footing, but children thrive with a routine, even though it won’t look exactly like the one you had before. Figure out what works for you and then be consistent — when your children know what to expect, it will make them feel safe and reassured even in the midst of change and transition.

Reach out, then accept the help. Let teachers, friends, family and even professionals know about the deployment so they can step in and support.

Every military spouse knows it takes a village, and deployments are a time when leaning on that village is not only helpful, it’s essential. This might look like special programs or attention at school, dedicated sessions with a therapist, meal trains or offers to babysit, or frequent visits from loving family members.

BY HEATHER CAMPBELL, AIR FORCE SPOUSE

Dinner with a busy family can be chaos. We nicknamed it “witching hour” in our house, which is odd because it lasts beyond 60 minutes — from when the children arrive home from school until after dinner.

As a military family, it’s easy to stop prioritizing meals together when balancing long work hours, kids’ activities, planning service member absences and navigating increasingly strained budgets.

Military Special Operations Family Collaborative serves the special operations community across the Department of Defense by supporting the well-being of military families that live in chronically highstress environments. They identified eight of the most common short-term stress pitfalls used by military families, many of which affect traditions like meals together: unpredictable family routine; fewer practiced family traditions; ceasing family celebrations; skipped family vacations/working on leave;

skipping/avoiding family dinner; avoidance of important conversation; limited awareness of invisible wounds; pessimism regarding military service.

However, when used long term, data shows these mechanisms significantly contribute to a decline in performance, health and overall well-being of the service member and their family.

Research by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University found that the more often children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use illicit drugs. CASA also revealed that adolescents and young adults who seek treatment for depression, anxiety and other emotional problems are about half as likely as their peers to have regular family meals.

From a nutrition point of view, The Academy on Nutrition and Dietetics states that children who join family dinners are more likely to eat more nutritious foods like fruit and vegetables and less likely to consume less-nutritious foods like saturated fats and sodas.

When families intentionally gather for meals, the time is more impactful than simply eating food simultaneously in the same place. Family meals also create opportunities to share culture, heritage, beliefs, favorite recipes and life events —

plus foster relationships with each other.

Through intentionally eating meals together, military families can prioritize creating a consistent, safe space for every family member to land at the end of the day. Here are a few shortcuts to keep the focus on the relationships with the people at our table:

1. Give yourself the freedom to observe meals however it works for your family. No matter which meal we share, where we eat, when we eat, or what food we serve, these minor details tend to overwhelm us when planning how to feed our families. Keeping the focus on interpersonal relationships helps us realize that many food rules are insignificant, and we allow ourselves to be experts in what works best for us.

2. If time is the limiting factor, look for low-stress ways to save time. Pre-prepped ingredients like ready-to-eat produce, frozen meals or grab-and-go snacks are all great options to lean on without sacrificing your sanity. Planning to eat on the go can be done with packed food from home, or a hybrid of restaurant food with sides from home, like fruits or vegetables.

3. If budget is the biggest concern, look for sales and seasonal produce in your local grocer. Take advantage of the commissary benefit, especially with the recent promise of 25% cost savings for patrons. Consider additional resources like nutrition support services from the USDA (SNAP, WIC), the coming basic needs allowance and local food pantries to help ease the financial burden. If eating out, compare the cost savings of eating a la carte or sharing menu items.

With retention rates declining, mental health concerns rising and nearly one in four military families struggling to put food on the table, it is worth considering that eliminating some of the barriers to family meals could be the start of healthier families, stronger communities and a more resilient fighting force.

What if our all-volunteer military community had the resources to feed ourselves well and focus on building stronger relationships with each other instead of worrying about budgets and op tempos? What if military families could prioritize consistently creating a safe place for encouragement and connection, in the limited shared minutes of our days, around a meal together?

STRUGGLES OF AFGHANS

AFTER THE WAR

BY AMANDA HUFFMAN, AIR FORCE VETERAN

Photo by Senior Airman Brady Penn

The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan last year led to the collapse of the Afghan National Army and the government, setting in motion a refugee crisis that has the thousands who remain in country fearing for their lives.

As of late October, there were roughly 200,000 Special Immigrant Visa-eligible Afghans still awaiting evacuation, according to the advocacy group No One Left Behind.

Having talked to a number of Afghan refugees who have immigrated to the U.S., I have found that many are not able to get permanent status through a green card.

“The biggest challenge for me is to get my permanent ID green cards. I completed all the processes so still we are not able to get this status,” said an Afghan refugee who worked with the Afghan National Army.

With all the paperwork complete, they sit waiting for this crucial document, a green card, to help them move forward and establish their lives in the states.

One Afghan immigrant who worked with U.S. Provincial Reconstruction Teams left Afghanistan in 2016 with his family and shared his experience, compared to the vastly different challenges his brother’s family is facing today.

“We didn’t face a lot of problems getting to the U.S.,” the Afghan immigrant said. “We easily got our immigrant visa and got our green cards a month after we arrived.”

And while there were a number of challenges he and his family faced while moving to the U.S., they were able to move forward.

Today, many Afghan immigrants feel stuck. They can’t go back to Afghanistan, but is the U.S. truly their home?

“We are here but we are not feeling free and we don’t have a permanent status, so we feel like [we are in an] unknown situation,” the former Afghan National Army member said. “I hope it gets changed soon and we get this status soon.”

And while the challenges of those who are in America are hard, many Afghans who worked with American forces are still in Afghanistan and fear for their lives, especially the Tajik people in Northern Afghanistan.

“The Taliban are looking for people whose hometowns are in Panjshir-Kapisa and Parwan province, and they are arresting these people,” said a former Afghan contractor still in Afghanistan.

He also noted the dire security situation after the U.S. left.

“I’m living a secret life, we escaped from [redacted], I’m currently living secretly in [redacted],” the former contractor said. “The security situation is completely broken, and alert has increased. People live with poverty and hunger. People’s economy is below zero.”

It is heartbreaking to hear the stories of both those who have left Afghanistan and came to the U.S. in search of a better life and now live in limbo waiting for permeant status.

And even with all the hurt, worry and pain, there is hope maybe not for the parents who migrated but for their children.

“I am happy to see my daughters and sons. They are going to school and celebrate their birthday and public holidays here,” the former Afghan National Army member said. “They will be proud for this country in future because they already selected what they want to be in the future.”

Editor’s note: The individuals interviewed for this piece spoke to AmeriForce Media on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of Afghan resettlement/evacuation for those still in Afghanistan or with family in Afghanistan. The author also served with these individuals over the course of her Air Force career.

An Afghan girl carries oranges on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, in 2021, as part of DOD’s effort to provide housing to Afghan evacuees. Photo by Master Sgt. Matt Hecht

NATIONAL MONUMENT 130 TH

HONORS PAST, PRESERVES FUTURE

BY RICK STEDMAN, ARMY VETERAN

The newly designated Camp Hale –Continental Divide National Monument north of Leadville, Colorado, has long been a favorite outdoor playground for skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. A recent presidential proclamation further shines the spotlight on this north-central Colorado jewel.

President Joe Biden’s Oct. 12 proclamation also protects 53,804 acres of Colorado’s

pristine high-country that includes the jagged peaks and rugged terrain of Tenmile Range, which lies along the continental divide in the Rockies.

“The area is also foundational to preserving and interpreting the story of 10th Mountain Division veterans who, after their return from World War II, applied the skills they learned in the Camp Hale and Tenmile Range area to establish America’s skiing and outdoor

recreation industry,” the proclamation states.

Echoing those sentiments, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a news release that Camp Hale and the 10th Mountain Division “are unique in our military history.”

“The men and women who served and trained in this beautiful but punishing landscape made sacrifices for our country and made their mark on the history of the free world,” he stated.

“The stunning Camp Hale and Tenmile landscape is a recreation mecca where visitors enjoy alpine hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, camping and more – it is an honored obligation for us to protect this treasured piece of our national heritage.”

Reflections of the past

While there are few remnants of the original Camp Hale today, a historical summary of its importance can be found at the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame in nearby Vail.

Dana Mathios, curator and director of collections at the museum, said the 10th Mountain Division exhibit tells the division’s story from its founding to Camp Hale, as well as “various battles” and its “legacy and impact on the Colorado snow sports industry and beyond.”

The museum also contains various World War II-era artifacts, including clothing and equipment; archived letters and scrapbooks; German and Japanese equipment; some weaponry; and items taken directly from Mussolini’s villa.

Those wishing to experience the newest national monument firsthand can consider the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association

Created in 1980 as a nonprofit, the TMDHA offers the most extensive backcountry ski hut system dedicated to human-powered access, education and preservation. Today, 33 huts are available and are connected by 350 miles of suggested routes.

Throughout the U.S., outdoor enthusiasts can explore 36 similar hut systems, most of which are available to the public.

A comprehensive resource and historical summary of the extensive hut system can be found in “Hut to Hut USA” by Laurel Bradley and Sam Demas. The book includes a highlight of Fritz Benedict, founder of the TMDHA and a 10th Mountain Division soldier.

“Benedict deserves credit for the shape, scope and vision of the largest hut system in the U.S.,” the authors wrote.

Prior to the war, Benedict trained as a landscape architect. He also was an expert skier before being drafted into the 10th Mountain Division. After the war, Benedict moved to Aspen and joined other former 10th Mountain Division veterans. He applied his planning background and created the master plans for developing ski resorts at Aspen, Vail and Snowmass.

In 1980, along with a group of ski friends, Benedict also helped develop the mission statement for what would become the TMDHA: “To build a mountain hut system that promotes understanding and appreciation of the natural environment while developing individual self-reliance.”

Based on that credo, the TMDHA inspired the creation of backcountry hut systems throughout Colorado and served as a model for development of other huts systems throughout the country.

Fritz Benedict is a former 10th Mountain Division soldier who founded the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association.

IMPROVE YOUR PFT

IN 2023 SCORE

BY CRYSTAL KUPPER, AIR FORCE SPOUSE

“People think, ‘If I just pass the test, then I’m good to go,’” said Schurrer, director of training at the University of Health & Performance (UHP), an Arkansas-based training institute for coaches. “But you have to start looking at your quality of life, your injury risk, your own physical health and fitness.”

If Hunter Schurrer could teach one thing to military members preparing for their next physical fitness test, it would be this: it’s about so much more than a final score.

A longtime strength and conditioning coach, Schurrer spent 10 years helping Green Berets and other special ops troops at Fort Lewis, Washington, improve their fitness. The relationships developed in that community, he said, caused him to fall in love with working with military members. In that vein, UHP has a nonprofit arm called FitOps, a program that turns veterans into fitness trainers.

“I love working with people who have served, who have unique skillsets picked up in the military, and helping them understand how to utilize those skills as they transition out of the military,” Schurrer said. “But the truth is, the military is reflective of society as a whole, and we’re sedentary and our nutrition has dropped off.”

Read on for Schurrer’s tips for improving your PFT score in 2023:

Determine your weakness — Some people are strong yet overweight, Schurrer said, while others could be aerobically fit yet weak in their upper body. Take a look at your previous PFT scores to figure out where you can improve.

Make a plan — Even if there are only a few weeks until your test, you can still make a plan to shave a few seconds from your run or add another sit-up or two. Focus the most intensely on your area of weakness. If you’re already a fast runner, Schurrer suggested, don’t worry about your endurance; pay more attention to what you’re not good at.

Realize that higher PFT scores come from the entirety of your choices, not just the time spent in a gym or with a trainer — You don’t have to spend every waking moment at the base gym to improve your PFT score. You don’t have to hire a chef to cook nutritious meals. Schurrer teaches his clients that all of their small daily choices add up. How much you sleep, whether you grab another meal from the Shoppette, spending an extra half-hour on the couch instead of taking a walk — it all makes a difference. Even an increase of one test point could bump you up to the next level.

Don’t ignore strength training — “People in the military are often under-strengthed, but it doesn’t take that much to catch back up,” Schurrer said. “A little bit of strength training goes a long way.” Whether it’s dumbbells, a regular bench press or pushups, make sure you get some sort of “pressing” movement in, as long as it’s “big and basic,” he said.

Incorporate lunges and squats into your everyday movements — You can squat and lunge while talking on the phone, waiting in line, brushing your teeth. These movements will eventually translate into more endurance for your run, a trimmer midline and more calories burned.

Know not only what’s required in your PFT, but also your physical effort levels — “You need to know what it feels like when you’re getting close to the minimum number of push-ups and sit-ups,” Schurrer said. “Know what it feels like in your body when you’re

close to pushing to maximum effort, and get OK with being a little uncomfortable until you hit it.”

Above all, Schurrer said, have a humble, hungry attitude that aims for physical wellness — not just the minimum PFT pass score.

“It’s about a much bigger picture than just the PFT,” he said. “It’s about why people joined in the first place.”

Read more about FitOps at fitops.org

Caitlin Bassett

turns Army career into leading role

BY KARI WILLIAMS | PHOTOS BY BRENDAN MEADOWS AND RON BATZDORFF / NBC

Caitlin Bassett is not only an ex-Army intelligence officer, but plays one on TV, too.

Bassett, 34, spent seven years with the Army and National Security Agency before transitioning to civilian life and landing a lead role on NBC’s “Quantum Leap” reboot as Addison Augustine.

“When I first read the audition, I remember thinking two distinct thoughts,” Bassett told AmeriForce Media during a recent press junket. “One was, ‘I’m really good for this role.’ The second one was, ‘I’m never going to get this role. They are never going to hire a new actor to play the lead in a network series.’ But you can’t reject yourself, right?”

Part of what drew Bassett to Addison – an ex-Army intelligence officer who serves as a guide to Dr. Sam Beckett as he “leaps” through time (and bodies) to right wrongs as

part of a confidential operation – was that she related to her.

“I had never really seen a character so weirdly similar,” Bassett said. “I used to joke that the showrunner called my mom. There’s just so many similarities, but I’ve seen that before. I’ve seen roles where you’re like, ‘Oh, I think I’m really right for this.’ But they just had a different vision. So luckily their vision was me.”

And her past military experience, which includes two tours in Afghanistan, has been “much more of a benefit” than a challenge.

“I might have done something in the military on the show that I didn’t do in my real life. Or something I did do in my real life, an experience I did have that I didn’t have in the character,” Bassett said. “So sometimes I gotta remember, ‘Oh my experience wasn’t Addison’s experience.’ There’s lots of crossover, but we were different.”

Bassett grew up in Maryland – “not far from the NSAs, not far from all the alphabet soups.”

“[Army intelligence] had always been something I’d been aware of, my world included it,” Bassett said. “And so when I was joining,

Caitlin Bassett

‘Quantum Leap’ actress

I actually thought I was going to be a medic there for a while, just because it’s something I saw on ‘M*A*S*H,’ I understood that.”

But she tested well and her recruiter, who was in Army intelligence, talked to her about the opportunities it entailed.

“I was like, ‘Oh, well that actually sounds quite interesting,’” Bassett said. “And truthfully it was. And I got stationed at NSA both times … I had a great experience because of it.”

One of her biggest takeaways was getting that “peek behind the curtain” and realizing “it’s just people.”

“Because when you’re standing far away from it, it can seem like this machine – and it is to a certain extent – but it can seem like there’s this grand design to do good or bad or something and then you just realize it’s just people kind of doing the best that they can,” Bassett said. “And there’s a lot of really good people doing a lot of really good things.”

Military transition challenges identity

Bassett received acceptance letters for two law schools – one in D.C. and another in New York – while she was still in the Army, but opted for New York to get out of what she deemed the federal machine.

“I knew if I went to law school in D.C. I’d just stay in it. It was all I’d be around. But the transition was hard,” Bassett said. “Like, everyone I know that has transitioned out has had a difficult year or so. And it had its challenges, and it has its challenges in your identity and how you work. But eventually I was lucky because I found something that I really loved. And that I think helped because that became kind of my guiding star.”

That guiding star was acting, which Bassett said she came to through a series of moments that led to her acceptance into the Stella Adler Conservatory and, in 2020, the Disney Discovers Talent Showcase.

She loved law school – it’s “one of the best educations I think you can get” – but said she quickly realized it wasn’t what she wanted to do.

“I gave it a second year because I was like, ‘This is my first year out of the military. This was going to be a hard year anyway. I can’t judge it,’” Bassett said. “But even in the second, I was like, ‘This is just not what I want to do. And what I felt is what I had felt in the military.

“You get on these trains sometimes, and the train starts to move. And it had happened in the military, and it’s hard to get off it once you’re on it. And in law school I felt like that train was happening again, but in a direction I didn’t want to go.”

Bassett said she remembers thinking there’s no harm in “stepping off and exploring what you want to explore.” And what she wanted to explore was acting.

“I can do this right now and I’m going to regret it if I don’t,” she said.

And for other service members and veterans transitioning, Bassett said not to reject themselves.

“There’s a lot of opportunities out there and your experience will be an asset even if you start late,” Bassett said. “Because eventually you’ll catch up skills wise, but all of a sudden you’re going to be the candidate that not only has the skills but has a completely different perspective and that will be an asset.”

“Quantum Leap” airs on NBC on Mondays at 9 p.m. CST. For more information, visit the show’s website.

CHARCUTERIE BOARDS

BY AMY POTTINGER, AIR FORCE RESERVE SPOUSE

The versatility of charcuterie boards has made them a popular trend for novice and experienced hosts, with a report revealing online searches up nearly 300%.

The trends report, issued by grocer Aldi, predicted popularity of unique types of boards including pickle platters and kidfriendly boards.

So it makes sense, with the holidays upon us, to adapt this foodie favorite to a holiday theme. There are tips and tricks to building a charcuterie board that takes them from cheese and crackers on a plate to something truly drool worthy.

Luckily for you, I began my foodie venture with recipes and food photography for my blog. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, there is also a correct way to balance meats, cheese, salty items and sweet items.

So, how do you build a balanced board that everyone loves?

Color: Color is important. Cheese and crackers are yummy, but adding color with bright fruits like grapes and strawberries gives people something to look at. Pops of white, mainly from cheeses, are also quite pretty. Balancing this color also adds to the appeal of the board.

Flavors: I always include a variety of flavors and textures. People get something salty,

tangy, sweet, crunchy, creamy, briny and more.

Cheeses: You need to have a variety of cheeses. Try to include something sharp and tangy like a sharp cheddar or a wine-crusted hard cheese. Also include creamy cheeses. This board has burrata, brie and camembert.

Meats: Charcuterie actually gets its name from salted, cured meats. Prosciutto, salami, capicola and mortadella are all fine choices.

A vessel: While people will sometimes just grab a cube of cheese or an olive and pop it in their mouth, it is also nice to put some meat and cheese on a cracker or thinly-sliced piece of bread.

Adornment: For this board, I went holiday themed. Using a cookie cutter to cut a star and Christmas tree into some cheeses was a simple alternative to a non-themed board. The addition of rosemary and red and green plant life also keep it on the holiday color scheme. Lastly, I selected colors that popped: lots of red, green and white.

So, what does it look like when you put it all together?

When I am assembling a board, I always pick a few points to build out from. I will put a large piece of cheese or cluster of berries as an anchor point.

Once I have those anchor points, I build out from there alternating different colors and food types to fill in the rest of the board.

With key ingredients filling in the majority of the board, I will continue to fill it in according to balancing color. If one side doesn’t have enough white or red, for example, I will add some slices of cheese or some fruit.

After the board is full, add some non-edible garnishes like rosemary or floral/plant elements. Since this board is holiday themed, I went with rosemary and red berry like plant buds.

Barbara Jensen’s father, a U.S. Army codebreaker during World War II, never really talked about his wartime service. Yet today, she has heard thousands of his comrades’ stories. Jensen is the leader of a state organization that honors the “greatest generation” — and her 97-yearold British war bride mother is its honorary face.

“After my dad died on Oct. 14, 1995, and my mother published her memoirs in April 28, 2012 (on what would have been their 67th wedding anniversary), I felt called to honor his legacy,” Jensen said. “As I learned more about what he did to curtail the war and hearing the stories from [the] World War II generation, I was even more compelled to honor those who sacrificed for our freedom.”

Those efforts culminated in 2015 in the creation of Oregon Spirit of ’45, on the 70th anniversary of D-Day. The group has collected hundreds of photos of Oregonian service members, marched in parades, taken a statewide tour with Oregon’s National Guard band, and held special events on war anniversaries.

Group captures spirit of Oregon’s

World War II veterans

BY CRYSTAL KUPPER, AIR FORCE SPOUSE IMAGES COURTESY OF BARBARA JENSEN

Joy Alicia Beaver-Beebe, Jensen’s mother, served as an ambassador of sorts for the group. She has been featured in “The Washington Post,” “Wall Street Journal,” “BBC” and even in Times Square with her wartime wedding photo. She is the author of “Snapshots of a War Bride’s Life,” a memoir detailing life in London during the war.

Joy lived in Keizer, a small city near Salem, Oregon, from 1945 until her recent passing on Oct. 30, 2022. The couple met at a London dance hall. Joy’s future husband Carl was stationed in the U.K. as part of Bletchley Park, the famous British cryptological establishment.

“On June 5, 1944, my mother was sent to the English Channel to dig potatoes with the Army Land girls,” Jensen said. “She doesn’t remember digging any potatoes … yet she remembers clearly witnessing thousands of troops singing and marching towards the beaches to cross to Normandy.”

For years after the war, Joy ran the “Accent Club,” a social group for war brides near Salem. In an interview with Military Families Magazine just weeks before she herself died, Joy said that almost every member has passed away. But she is proud of being the link between local women like her.

“I want to be remembered as the one who kept us all together,” Joy said. “If we hadn’t had a meeting for a while, I’d make sure they all came to the house and remembered that we were part of the war brides.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 167,000 World War II veterans are still alive as of 2022, with significant numbers dying daily — meaning

that people like Joy are becoming rarer with each hour.

“Over 50% of the U.S. male population served in 1941 to ’45,” Jensen said. “I want our future generations to remember and be inspired by the World War II generation who loved this country more than themselves and their families, served without expectation, left behind lasting legacies … and felt compelled to serve — just something they had to do and would have done all over again if asked.”

In that vein, Jensen expects Oregon Spirit of ’45 to “sunset” within the next year or two, as so few from that era are left. But she plans to keep the website active so that people will still be able to share stories and photos of their grandpas, grandmas and other loved ones who served.

Joy, meanwhile, chuckles when asked if she considers herself a celebrity of sorts and what her late husband would think of her Oregon Spirit of ’45 service.

“He’d probably say, ‘She has to do something with her time!’” Joy said.

Carl and Joy Beebe met during World War II.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Joy Alicia Beaver-Beebe passed away on Oct. 30, 2022, shortly after being interviewed for this article.

BY KAILYN RHINEHART, AIR FORCE SPOUSE

OPERATION HEAL OUR PATRIOTS

Operation Heal Our Patriots® provides combat-wounded veterans and their spouses with a week of Biblically based marriage enrichment classes surrounded by the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, as well as ongoing chaplain care. This Samaritan’s Purse ministry is just one example of how we are helping to meet the physical and spiritual needs of hurting people across the globe in Jesus’ Name.

Support our work via https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/

CFC #10532

Samaritan’s Purse®, Franklin Graham, President P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 | samaritanspurse.org

SamaritansPurse @SamaritansPurse @SamaritansPurse

© 2020 Samaritan’s Purse. All rights reserved.

Military families are very familiar with adapting to change. Coping with being away from loved ones is difficult, especially around the holidays. But being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely.

A shift in plans

Maybe traveling to your hometown is too expensive, or you’re living overseas. Maybe your spouse’s work schedule makes things complicated. Give yourself permission to be upset at these circumstances.

But keep moving forward. You can still fill your holidays with memories.

Sometimes alternatives to the picture-perfect holiday you thought you’d have can make wonderful, lasting memories.

If your spouse is deployed, rally friends in a similar situation and have a holiday movie marathon. If your service member’s leave doesn’t get approved, host out-of-town relatives instead.

As the age-old lyrics claim, there’s no place like home for the holidays — unless your spouse is deployed. Or plane tickets are expensive. Or leave gets denied. Or training schedules change at the last minute.

Open presents through video calls. Mail care packages and gifts. Give yourself permission to create new and unexpected traditions.

Room for one more

Whether you provide it or need it, there’s always a seat at the table in the military community. If you know of someone without a spouse or their family, open your home or merge your plans. Building a community beyond blood-related family is one of the greatest perks of the military.

Many younger service members spend their first holidays away from family. Consider sending them a plate of food or inviting them to an activity. Taking in younger military members is appreciated by not just them, but their families who may not be able to be there.

Say yes

The USO holds holiday gatherings around bases. Unit family readiness groups have events and opportunities to gather when service members are deployed. Operation Homefront and Operation Help a Hero offer a holiday meal and have “Adopt a Family” programs. Doing something for someone else over the holidays might not just make their holiday more cheerful, but yours, too.

If you are overseas, you have the chance to see how different cultures celebrate. There is never a shortage of ways to be involved. Squadrons or bases often hold several holiday events. Local restaurants cater or sell special meals. Say yes to an invite, to an opportunity to volunteer or try something new.

Embrace it

When plans fall through, you can (and will) adapt. Staying put instead of going somewhere for the holidays gives you the chance to embrace where you are.

It nudges you to go out of your way to celebrate in ways you may not have before. Toys for Tots, baking cookies for service members in the dorms and Holidays for Heroes programs are all wonderful opportunities to give back. Sometimes the best or unexpected traditions form out of the most disappointing circumstances.

There is always a way to turn the unpredictability of military life into something special. You never know, spreading holiday cheer in unexpected ways could make it the most memorable one yet.

GUNNY CLAUS Q&A WITH

BY CRYSTAL KUPPER, AIR FORCE SPOUSE

Since World War I, Gunny Claus has delivered presents and smiles to families at Marine Corps bases, USOs and veterans’ hospitals across the map. Now affiliated with Toys for Tots, Gunny Claus is resuming a busy in-person schedule after seeing more than 3,000 children virtually for the past two years.

We spoke with Robert Porter, a retired Marine who is one of many that play the role of Gunny Claus, about what it’s like to play a Santa Claus-like figure in a military uniform.

How did Gunny Claus come about?

Santa’s elves are great at making toys, but logistically, they’re not the best. They left out Santa’s list, and Rudolf ate half of it. So Santa Claus was thinking, “I need to check this list, but who can help me? I know! I’ve got the Marine Corps. They’re in every place around the world, and who better to help check that list twice than Marines?”

So where does Gunny Claus live?

Troll Station, Antarctica. The boss has the North Pole; I take the South Pole.

What about a squadron?

1st Reindeer Division, Tactical Sled Group.

How has Gunny Claus changed since World War I?

One of the ways is the toys we distribute, and how we distribute them. Back then, they were simpler, like wooden log sets, block and dolls — nothing electronic. And they were mostly delivered by horse and buggy, or just a horse.

How are you different than Santa Claus?

Well, I’m not fat. And I’m on all the social media accounts. But like Santa Claus, I do get recognized sometimes, even though I’m not always in uniform.

How were you chosen?

I was helping at a Toys for Tots event in civilian clothes. For some reason, all of the kids were afraid of me. I felt like Krampus. I went on social media and was trying to figure out if I could get a Santa Claus uniform or something to help with that, and I saw a Vietnam veteran who was Gunny Claus down in South Carolina. I said, “That’s it!” He’s retired now, and I’m Gunny Claus.

What is the best part about being Gunny Claus?

Making Christmas possible for those who would not get Christmas otherwise.

Do you have any stories to share?

Near the Canadian border, it was getting late and really cold at an event. A family that had gotten there really early got pushed back in the crowd. Their daughter had received a Barbie doll, but she really wanted this nice trainset. I went over and said, “My daughter really wanted that Barbie, will you trade me for this trainset?” Her face lit up. It really made her Christmas.

What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?

Snow! I want a white Christmas.

How can our readers participate in helping you this year?

Toysfortots.org is where you can donate money to purchase toys. And if you want to get ahold of me, I’m on social media. Just look for Gunny Claus.

Find Gunny Claus on social media