You are mostly likely familiar with the "Freshman 15." That's a term describing the 15 pounds college freshmen gain during their first year of college. Recently I was on an online military spouse online connection site and joined a conversation called "The Deployment 20". As I chatted with those on this thread I was made aware of a growing phenomenon among military spouses: Losing/gaining twenty pounds during deployment.

It appears that Army wives noticed that during deployment their weight would fluctuate by 20 pounds from their non-deployment weight. for many the absence of their servicemember meant it was easier to maintain their diet. For others, like this columnist, deployment meant a weight gain during deployment.

Jim (yes, a military spouse) gained weight before deployment and has lost 35 pounds since his wife deployed to Afghanistan as an IA. Tammie lost 15 pounds during her husband's 'short' five-month deployment. Anita determined to lose 20 pounds during her husband's current deployment. So far, she has lost 16 pounds and has six weeks left to make her goal. Kalista gained 18 pounds during her last deployment and is now working out with her husband to get back to her ideal weight.

I cannot say I am surprised by these scenarios but I was surprised to learn that it is somewhat widely known and expected.

So, enlighten me, spouses. Did you hear of this term prior to this blog? And, do you experience this fluctuation in your weight during deployment? Do you roll with it, if you do or do you plan for to lose the weight you lose?

I'm interested in your experiences...Beth

I recently attended an MWR picnic on NBVC -Port Hueneme (August 24th). It was a great event; entertainment, great food, activities for the kids...and paintball for all ages. The only thing that was missing was...you.

I had a conversation with an MWR representative a few days later (unrelated to the picnic) and learned that MWR, too, was surprised by the low turnout. We had an extended conversation about communication and attendance.

As a new spouse I had the impression that MWR was for 'single sailors.' I made that assumption from the liberty centers I encountered where the single sailors could use equipment but I could not as a spouse. Ok, I jumped to a wrong conclusion. Perhaps you have as well.

But I am left with several other questions. I recently spoke with a young wife from the Norfolk area. She felt isolated and alone and did not know how to connect with other spouses in that area. I asked if she read her base paper; she did not. Do you read your base newspaper? Do you look for information and opportunities from MWR as well as FFSC, Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society, NEX and Commissary and more? Your base paper is a great resource for information on opportunities and events at your base and FFSC, Chaplains, MWR and NMCRS as well as FRG's have their events and calendars in most issues.

MWR is not just for single sailors...their mission includes morale, welfare and recreation for the entire Navy family, including spouses/families. Are you plugged in to MWR's communication stream? Most MWR's have an email tree to keep you informed on upcoming events. At NBVC MWR publishes a weekly (monday's) e-newsletter with upcoming events and information called "Highlights". Please contact your local MWR office to be added to their communication streams.

While our servicemembers are often our source of information...well, let's just say that sometimes our Sailors 'forget' to bring the info home. :)

Hope to see you at the next event!