May I ramble about orders? There will be a point at the end, I promise. As the window for orders approaches 'it' starts; that wrestling with the unknown that impacts our life. I start anticipating and assessing the possible options. Will we be able to stay here? Will it be a good opportunity for my husband? Will it be a career enhancer or career killer? Will he love his next billet or will it be one that he 'endures' while counting down the days till our next 'window'? Will we be moving? I love my house, will I find a house I enjoy as much as this one. Where will these orders send us, down the road or across country? What about my job, my career? What about the kids, what about family, what about friends? Arghhh! The mental gyrations can be dizzying yet I put myself through it every time! "Hello, my name is Beth and I'm a control freak."

So we have orders. My husband just informed me that he has orders to HoA otherwise known as Horn of Africa. He has GSA orders for a year in Djibouti, Africa. One Year. Boots on the Ground. Africa. Did I mention that was for a year?

Many of you may know that my husband just battled kidney cancer, and won. He is home recuperating from surgery to remove the cancerous tumor from his kidney. We are so blessed. They got it all!

Can I tell you that during this challenging time I prayed? I mean I PRAYED. I prayed fervently. I prayed dangerously.
- "Lord, thank you for revealing this cancer so early that it has the best possible prognosis. Please let them get it all!"
- "Lord, please let him be approved to reenlist."
- "Lord, 'You' decide where his next orders should take him, you know his career desires, put him in the best place for his career - just let him be able to reenlist!"

Did I really pray that? Okay, Lord - when I said "You decide" what I meant was "You decide the orders that *I* would want...while still being the best place for him." Horn of Africa? I misspoke God. Can we have a 're-do?'

So, we have orders. After my initial pity party I found my big girl panties, changed my attitude and set about the task of readying myself for GSA orders. I loved; let me repeat that, I REALLY LOVED shore duty, so much so that I forgot [conveniently] much about deployment. Orders in hand means I need to get my ducks lined up so my Sailor can deploy assured that I'm 'good to go'. Where are those birth certificates? My Power of Attorney expired WHEN? Not another horrid photo ID, valid for another 3 years? I know I have a checklist somewhere...or did I throw it away in the bliss of shore duty?

Got orders? Are you heading back to sea duty? Perhaps your hubby is like my man, heading out on GSA orders (by the way I understand IA/GSA training at Fort Jackson is known not only for developing skilled IA/GSAs and some great Abs - I'm just saying...).

The point is orders change everything. Like it or not I'm walking the path of GSA orders. Have you been there? Are you there now? Will you be on the path with me? Walking with friends always makes the journey so much easier...wanna come along? I need you, your friendship, your insight and, of course, someone to share a coffe with...

The AP defends the decision to publish this photo, against the wishes of the family, as their 'journalistic duty' to cover the news and 'reality of war'.

What is interesting to me is that I have never seen front page photos of a dying victim of gang violence. I do not recall photos of the mangled bodies of victims of drunk drivers above the fold. I have no memory of photos of the ravaged bodies of victims of spouse/child abuse ever publised in the newspaper. Those photos would quickly (and rightfully) be decried as inappropriate and insensitive. But when it comes to photos of our brave service members - well, that is a "journalistic duty."

BULL!

This family asked for the photo not to be published. Would this request be ignored if Cpl Bernard was a victim of one of the recent train wrecks?

I lack the words to express my anger, disdain and utter indignance at not only the publishing of this photo but the justification, the excuses, offered by editors as to why this was 'responsible' journalism.

We all know war is ugly. Hollywood has documented, personified and glamorized the violence associated with war and conflict. Video games emulate the violence. Quite frankly, the supposed claim that they were trying to do a 'service' to the military by showing the true cost of war falls on deaf ears.

I don't need to see the crime scene photos of Columbine to know that it was horrific. It would add nothing to my understanding of that tragedy. Likewise this photo offered nothing save inflict greater pain on the family and fellow marines who lost a son, a brother.

Shame on the AP. Shame on the papers that published that photo.

This week Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West joined Navy Homefront Talk! on a special broadcast. MCPON West tackled various subjects throughout the broadcast from questions that were solicited from listeners in advance of his appearance. MCPON started the interview by expressing his appreciation of Navy spouses offering a 'hearty BZ [Bravo Zulu] for the support from the family, spouse, parents, grandparents' who, through their support, empower our Navy to accomplish their worldwide mission.

IA/GSA Assignments: MCPON spoke about the Navy's IA/GSA deployments. "Our sailors have proven what a valuable asset they are to commanders on the ground. I don't think they were expecting the versatile war fighter they found in our Sailors." Currently there are 14,000 sailors deployed 'boots on the ground' while there is roughly 10,000 deployed on ships. MCPON offered that these deployments are going to continue for a few years into the future based on current world events.

MCPON West also offered advice for Sailors and families who may be considering IA/GSA deployments, advancement/career implications of an IA/GSA assignment as well as family support for these sailors and their loved ones both during and 'post' IA/GSA deployment.

PTSD: MCPON tackled head-on the topic and challenge of PTSD and the resources available for both Sailor and Families. He voiced his desire to dispel myths regarding PTSD and commitment to educate and support fleet and families on PTSD.

MCPON voiced his support and focus on communication and pushing information to people, as opposed to asking them to pull it, including utilizing new mediums of communication. MCPON hosts a Facebook page and encourages Sailors and families to become a fan and post your insight, ideas, feedback on his page (www.facebook.com/MCPON). He is also on twitter (www.twitter.com/MCPONPAO). When asked if we would see a MCPON blog soon he said, "Oh, I'm busy focusing on my Facebook so I don't think so at this time."

Other topics discussed on this broadcast include family support, Ombudsman program, new media, and much more. To hear the entire broadcast click here. Once there click on the "MCPON is on the Deck" episode for the full broadcast.

MCPON West will be returning to the show in the near future and he wants to take your live calls. Stay tuned as I will let you know when that broadcast is scheduled.

If you have not checked out internet broadcasting, or podcasts, let me encourage you to do so! Think of DVR for your talk show entertainment. Each podcast can be listened to live or on your laptop at your convenience. Perhaps my favorite feature is the RSS feed to subscribe to my favorite podcasts. I download them to my MP3 player to listen during a commute or workout. Navy Homefront Talk! airs live once a week. You can listen or subscribe to the show at www.blogtalkradio.com/nht.

We arrived that Saturday morning not knowing what to expect. We introduced ourselves as 'new volunteers, please put us to work.' We were directed to "Miss Tilly." Miss Tilly, age 85, is a spunky senior citizen. What she lacks in height she makes up for in energy and drive and she quickly set us to work.

I love Miss Tilly. I have worked with her for a year now and have watched her 'adopt' all the babies that come to the food distribution, give all the volunteers nicknames (my hubby has one he'll never forget - but I best not print it here).

Miss Tilly, widow of a deceased career Sailor, started passing out food (cheese) to military families from the back of her station wagon in 1985. Since then she has grown and expanded. The free Food Distibution takes place on the third Saturday of each month at NBVC-Port Hueneme's Building 19. Service members E-6 and below are eligible (E-7 with two dependents are eligible). Each month families receive a selected meat (turkeys at the holidays), staples, canned vegetables, baked goods such as breads and more. Diapers are distributed when available.

This coming Thursday (June 25th)Smokey's House of BBQ, joined by KHAY (100.7 FM) will honor Miss Tilly as she celbrates 28 years of working with the Military Families Food Bank. But more than just honoring a woman who wants "the volunteers recognized - not me" Smokey's House of BBQ will give a $10 Gift Card to everyone who donates $10 to the Military Families Foodbank between June 22-25th.

Please support the military families of Ventura County with your generous support. Smokeys House of BBQ is located at 1201 S. Victoria, Oxnard. Call 805/985-7125 or logon to www.smokeyshouseofbbq.com for more information. Smokey's is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

For more about Miss Tilly (Matilda Ahearn) click here.

Miss Tilly, thank you for 28 years of serving us, military families!

Ann is the devoted mother of two adorable daughters and proud wife of her Seabee. She was active in her church, a volunteer in her daughter's kindergarten classroom, an active member and volunteer in her command FRG and amazing friend to many. Ann was always helping others. She was known for organizing 'play days' for the children and events for her circle of friends. The wife of a junior enlisted her resources may have been limited but her care, concern and love for others knew no bounds.

Ann was a breast cancer survivor. While her battle with cancer took its toll on her body, it never quenched her joyful spirit. She had a ready smile for everyone. She is a selfless woman. She was a humble, joyful woman who took such joy in looking out for and caring for others.

A few months ago I learned Ann was engaged in a second battle with cancer. Cancer was back and with a vengeance this time. When I talked with Ann she was resolved to beat the odds and defeat this enemy of her body. Through the months of treatments Ann continued to care for others, continuing to volunteer in the classroom and FRG as her body allowed. Each time we spoke she would focus on 'me' and my life rather than wanting to dwell on the battle she was waging. I never heard her complain, rather I heard her desire and concern for her children, her husband, her family. Amazingly, she would often say, "I apologize, I don't mean to be a burden."

This past Saturday Ann McCurdy lost her battle to cancer but won her reward: eternity with the Lord she trusted. At her memorial service at the base Chapel it was evident the impact she had on so many lives, the Chapel was full. A friend whispered to me, we underestimated the impact she had, we have double the people we planned for.

One of her friends who shared at the memorial service defined a hero as "Ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the midst of adversity and against all odds." That would be Ann McCurdy. Facing cancer with courage, grace and determination while continuning to care for others.

Ann left us too soon. For her family; her husband, children, parents and siblings, an immense void remains. For her friends; well, we are left with the memory of a wonderful woman, a devoted mother, proud wife...her memory provokes me to be like her. Ann, my life is changed because your life touched mine. Thank you...

As we talked it was clear that the role of the COMFORT in the big picture of National Security was not apparent. I was saddened at the opinion, and lack of interest, of this interviewer. Ok, granted, the COMFORT is not on the front lines of battle in Afghanistan (um, a land-locked country) or anti-piracy efforts off the coast of Africa or supporting the air/sea assualt of other Navy vessels. But the humanitarian mission of the COMFORT is strategic and a key part of National Security. Scoffing?

What is National Security and what does it take to assure national security in the 21st century? In the old, cold war model national security was almost synonymous with a strong military. Today national security encompasses more than just 'shock and awe.'

Consider the piracy challenge filling the front page of today's news. We know the pirates are from Somali. We also know Somali is a country with a failed government. The government has not provided for the future of their people in four distinct areas; education, economy, safety and security. As a result, desparate times give way to desperate measures: lawlessnes and, in this case, piracy.

National Security necessitates not only a strong military but education and economic opportunities for a stable society. A nation's citizenry cannot advance without basic health and safety. If its citizenry is marked by poor nutrition and a lack of basic medical care and hygiene it cannot rise above the daily struggle of survival. If its citizenry lies in fear of in their homes from local thugs, again, how can a nation advance?

Our national security is affected by the more than the military strength and prowess of our enemies. It is also determined by the health, safety, security and economy of our neighbors.

The work of the USNS COMFORT and the non-governmental organizations(NGO) partnering with the Navy in "Continuing Promise 2009" is a vital part of national security. Contributing to the overal health and safety of a community strengthens that community, and contributes to the overall health and strength of that nation.

Ok, ok, I know the perspective still remains that a strong military equals national security. And I'll grant you that a humanitarian mission is not wrought with the same dangers as a boots-on-the-ground mission in Afghanistan. But in terms of the contribution to the health and welfare of not only these communities, but their nations and our nation - well, national security is far, far more than guns and the COMFORT is at the tip of these efforts.

I'm always looking for solid information and sound advice for, not only today, but the future. There are many resources out there to help us with tax planning and financial planning. For military, we encounter unique tax challenges and sound information is 'golden'. Sorry - couldn't resist the temptation...LOL.

So, I want to pass along a few resources available for us...if you have other resources - please pass them along on this blog!

1. VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance...these volunteers are trained and experienced with the unique tax challenges (combat pay, etc.) of the military. Their services are free and even include the ability to efile your return. They are available on your local base. Contact your local FFSC/ACS for their contact information and location.
2. Military One Source - is offering free tax consultants and e-filinMOS is again offering H&R Block's tax g for active duty, Guard, Reserve and family memebers. Logon to www.miltiaryonesource.com or call 800-730-3802 for assistance.
3) Military One Source - is offering webinars "Managing Your Money in today's Economy. Two webinars times are offered for our convenence; Feb 26th at 8:00pm Eastern or Feb 27th at 4:00pm.
4) Turbo Tax continues to offer free federal tax filing with Turbo Tax. logon to www.turbotax.com.
5) USAA - J.J. Mantanaro and Laurel Bragg, USAA's Financial Planners and Financial Counselor will bring their webinar "Tips to Save This Tax Season and Beyond..." February 19th; 8:00pm Eastern.

Ok, that is the start of my list...let me know if you have utilized these resources or know of more to add to my list!

PS: I'm joining both webinars from MOS and USAA - join me there!

Beth

Oxnard Republican Women Federated
Invite Military Spouses of NBVC
To a "Holiday Luncheon" in their Honor!


Wednesday, December 10, 2008
11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club
2600 South Harbor Blvd., Oxnard


Please come as our guest and help us honor
Military Spouses and the sacrifices
they make for their families!


Please RSVP to:
Gerry Moreno 805-985-0450 (leave your name & phone number)
and/or E-Mail: gerryferraro@hotmail.com

We can accommodate the first 25 spouses to RSVP.
Babysitting Costs will be paid! Casual to Business Dress

"A CLASS ACT"
from Westlake High School Choral Music Department,
Directed by Alan Rose, will perform Christmas
and Patriotic Songs for Everyone's Enjoyment

Directions: North on Ventura Road to Channel Isl. Turn left. Channel Isl.
Becomes Harbor Blvd. Cross over bridge & turn left at the First Signal. Bear
Left to the first entrance to shopping mall; continue left to Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club.

BuildASign is giving away 20,000 free banners (vinyl) or jumbo cards (you know those cool huge ones) during the month of November to honor our military.

I love this! They have a great selection of free banners or jumbo cards. You can even customize a sign or jumbo card for your service member. They will even ship it to an FPO or APO if they are deployed.

I just checked with them and they still have banners/cards available so hurry! Logon to www.buildasign.com/troops to build a sign for your next homecoming, to send holiday greetings or a jumbo card for your favorite service member.

Let me know which one you selected! I customized the 'flag banner' for my Sailor...

Yeah, me neither. However, it is safe to say that for each vet there are family members who sacrificed along with them...and for most vets - a spouse.

Someone did think about the spouses of those who serve this Veteran's Day; Bonnie Hunt. Bonnie's daytime talk show (The Bonnie Hunt Show) chose to focus on the spouses of veterans and active duty in her Veteran's Day broadcast.

Set your DVR to record the Bonnie Hunt Show on Veteran's Day. Bonnie filled her audience with military spouses. Her first guest was an Army couple Patty and Pat. Pat was injured, sustaining a TBI (traumatic brain injury) in Iraq. His injuries left him unable to talk, walk and with seizures. His recovery, however is steady and he is an inspiraton. He has recovered speech and walked on stage with the assistance of a cane. Patty is also an inspiration to many military spouses supporting an injured service member.

I was moved by Bonnie's desire and efforts to insure that we as military spouses knew that we are not forgotten. She expressed over and over her amazement what our lives require of us with deployments, sacrifice and stressors of military service.

Bonnie partnered with Sears to provide each military spouse in the audience a $100 gift card to express her appreciation.

I never want to diminish the importance and solemnity of Veterans Day or take anything away from those who have served. But it was such a pleasant,encouraging surprise to see acknowledgement that alongside most vets a spouse also served and sacrificed. Thank you Bonnie!

To my amazement all that I thought I knew and understood about budget & finance all these years is totally WRONG. Washington is leading in a new, cutting edge approach to debt management - spend more money. Who knew?!?!

I'm astounded, I really am. Being a military spouse I am very aware of the the impact that debt/finances can have on not only my credit score but also my Sailor's career. Literally thousands of service members have lost their clearances over the past seven years due to a debt level that makes them a security risk. I think the government owes these service members an apology, security clearance restored and perhaps even restitution. They were only ahead of their time in Washington's example!

Okay, enough of the sarcasm. But pehaps not enough indignation. If I must keep our debt to income ratio in check, if our financial health is mandatory for my Sailor's career how much more should the legislators of our country wisely manage the nation's debt.

Let me back up just a moment. In a time when we are so over our heads in debt that not only is their no light at the end of the tunnel...there IS no end to the tunnel, are we hearing from presidential or congressional candidates for not just fiscal restraint but for total budget cuts? NO. Not one. I have not heard the candidates espousing how they are going to fight not only new ridiculous funding of pet projects but CUTTING those already in existence. The silence is deafening.

But what really has my ire today is recent news...We are broke and our congressional leaders are proposing another 'stimulus package' (translation: cutting more checks from an overdrawn account to those they hope will vote and keep them in power).

If I must balance my finances it is time to require it of our leaders. I propose a few simple steps...

1) Post the government checkbook on line with full disclosure of expenditures (ok, classified projects should not be disclosed in particular but I'll be watching for out of control spending in that category). Sound absurd? Well, it has worked in states and municipalities across the country...and didn't Speaker Pelosi promise "unprecedented transparency?" Post what I bought with my tax money, Nancy.

2) Hire debt management experts [Dave Ramsey (Financial Peace University), June Walbert (CFP, USAA), or even the local FFSC Financial counselor - if they'd even take it] to ruthlessly identify and cut the fat. They can coach congress and the president with the basics of debt reduction and development of a spending plan. Get professional help - outside the beltway help - from those whose personal finances are in order.

3) Cut salaries of all elected officials (have you ever noticed how prosperous it is to be a congressman? They all seem to be able to afford multiple homes, compounds, and much more.) Perhaps they are over paid. The opportunities to increase their wealth as a result of their government service is great. Therefore their meager government salary is inconsequential. What a great start in our budget saving initiatives - cut salaries by 50% and 'redistribute that wealth' back to the tax payer.

4) Institute an immediate budget cut across the board. Everyone takes a 10% cut with the sole exception of the military (we are at war afterall).

5) Austerity needs to be the by-word. If millions across this country have to make decisions not to spend on 'wants' to pay the 'absolute needs', if small businesses must make payroll and manage their budget then so does the government.

6) Outsource what is not effectively done by the Government. Wanna' stimulate the country, create jobs? Outsource to the civilian sector what can be done more effectively than the government and do it now. Have you noticed the government is THE MOST inefficient business? And, to be honest, often the most ineffective. Put it out on the market where industry must balance their books AND produce a quality product.

Simplistic? yeah. Effective? Possibly...but business as usual, more deficit spending, in my opinon, is not acceptable. What is your opinion?

My article stirred some strong opinions and I was challenged to blog about it. I accept the challenge and look forward to a discussion.

The premise of my article was a question...Is the current pay for enlisted (and I'm not addressing the officer vs. enlisted pay fray) adequate? Is it the best America can do for their fighting force?

Once you read the article...I want to hear your comments - and yes, I love the debate! Many took issue with my article stating I didn't include all the pays service members get such as BAH, BAS, enlistment bonus, hazardous duty pay and the like. So, I want to own what I could/should have improved and defend/explain the rest.

First, I only have 500-600 words to address a complex topic. I failed to adequately make my point. I own that, I apologize. Let me try to set some things aright just a bit...

It is so difficult to address all the pay 'potentials' of a service member. They vary so greatly. Not all deployments are to tax-free zones, not all rates get a reenlistment bonus and reenistment bonuses vary greatly. Housing is only provided for roughly 30% of the forces so 70% DOES pay their own utilities. I could go on and on...

Many readers felt the WIC example in my article was a disservice and even 'false' as it only mentioned base pay. WIC is a federal program and the guidelines were established at the federal level...including the determination that military WIC eligibility is only based on base pay. That is why I referenced base pay. I didn not intentionally omit additional pays (or benefits) in the WIC discussion. I clearly stated it was BASE PAY which determines eligibility so base pay was listed and discussed. But my question is still valid...if congress decided base pay is the basis, and our base pay is too low...could they just pay junior enlisted enough base pay to be above the threshold?

But, let's look at what is equal across the board. The example in the article of the housing assistance program in San Diego (and other similar programs across the country) includes ALL income sources. So that levels the playing field. With all sources of income (BAH, BAS, FSA, etc.) an E-2 through E-5 is well within the guidelines for assistance depending on years of service and a few other parameters E-6 and E-7 will also qualify.

Since PPV changed housing almost the entire force that resides on base now receives BAH (but immediately paid to the base housing management partner) so all have BAH. So, I'll let you decide if that levels the playing field.

In speaking with the director of the Food Distribution on our base, BAH is not a disqualifyer from the Federal Income Guidelines for food distribution (not food stamps, not WIC). So, E-1 through E-6 qualify and some E-7 will qualify based on number of dependents.

Many wrote saying where else could a person with just a high school education make this much money. Well, do they just have a high school education? Statistics show that our enlisted forces are above their civilian counterparts in educational achievement. Further, the training most of our forces receive (according to smart transcripts) translates into college credit equivalency. So, are they really just high school grads?

Further - aside from the 'high school education' perspective...Military service is like no other 'job'. It involves risk and sacrifice like no other, especially in a time of war.

Let me tell you why this issue came up for me. I host an internet talk show for spouses (www.blogtalkradio.com/nht). I recently did a series on finances in response to rising gas, food and other costs. While preparing for one broadcast I had a conversation with a subject matter expert who said, "For junior enlisted with a family to make it they will need to know all their resources; Food distributions, WIC, Commissary, Thrift Stores, Coupons and the like." This person is both a retired service member and now retired from a military support center.

I was struck...for junior enlisted families to make it they need: "Food distribution, WIC, Thrift Stores, Commissary, Coupons and the like..." As I said in my article, I have long held the opinion that most junior enlisted financial issues are a lack of proper financial management from perhaps a lack of education or mentoring. But, I am struck that a professional from a military support center indicated that there is such little wiggle room in the family budget that thrift stores, commissary, WIC and Food distributions are such a key.

So, back to my question...Isn't it a shame that the families of those defending our nation need coupons, thrift stores, food distribution, etc?

I don't think military should become millionaires, nor do I view the current pay/benefits something akin to 'impoverished, indentured servanthood.

Hopefully I have addressed some of the concerns with my article, but let me get back to my original question. If we can spend $2 million to study the flow rate of catsup and $1 million to study the sex habits of a rodent, can this great nation pay our armed forces a little better than thrift stores, food distribution coupons and the commissary?

I surrender my time to the chair... you have the floor...