10 Things For Military Spouses to Always Remember

My time being associated with the military has taught me a lot. I've seen all sorts of military wives and experienced all sorts of things. Throughout this I've learned some very important things. So I've decided to share them with you. These are things that I feel are very important for any military spouse to remember.

1.) You're more than just a milso. 
It's ok to identify as more than just a military spouse or so-and-so's wife. You have your own identity.  You need your own interests that will keep you busy during those long field trainings and deployments. Don't solely think of yourself as a milso. You'll lose who you are in the process.

2.) You're NEVER alone.
Sometimes it may feel as though you are, but you're not alone. There is always someone who's going through something similar to what you are, you just have to find them. There are facebook pages and your FRG, that are always giving support. I know my followers on my Tumblr are always willing to listen and help.

3.) There are so many resources within your reach. Use them.
There are so many scholarships and grants available for the spouses of servicemen and women, you have access to help finding a job, and so so much more.

4.) Hurry Up and Wait. The motto of the miltary.
The military is known for never doing anything on time, and always changing plans. Just be patient. There's nothing you can do about it.

5.) Be Flexible 
Things are constantly changing in the military. You may be forced to pack up and move on a whim, your spouse may work late, and new training schedules may pop up unannounced. You've just got to learn to be flexible and deal with it.

6.) DEPLOYMENTS END! They may not seem like it, but they do.

7.) Friends and family may not understand what you're going through, but that's ok. 
This can be hard, especially on those who are new to the military lifestyle. You may get told "well you signed up for it". I know I have been multiple times. These comments usually aren't meant to be hurtful.

8.) Embrace every duty station. 
Although your duty station may be less than pleasurable, make the best of it. You may never get the opportunity to visit again. Try local restaurants and visit local museums, hiking trails, etc.

9.) This too shall pass. 
When you hit that bump in the road that you don't think you'll overcome, like in the middle of a deployment, just remember it'll end. Eventually.

10.) A general POA won't cover everything. 
There are tons of different power of attorneys out there. Ones for your cars, banks, and housing. Be sure you have the correct ones. It's better to be over prepared, than under prepared.

10 Things Only A Military Wife Would Understand

1.) Keep your family and friends close, no matter how many miles are between you. 

Being a military wife, you will face many obstacles that could be difficult to handle on your own. Obstacles such as deployment, can leave you feeling alone. This is where your friends and family come in. They will be there for those late night calls, when you can't stand sleeping alone anymore and the world feels like it's crashing down on you. Your friends will help the time pass more quickly, by keeping you busy with girls' nights and lots of laughs!

2.) Sleeping with the ringer on high and your phone laying next to you. 

You've taught yourself that your phone's ringer must ALWAYS be on high while your husband is deployed. If you turn your phone on vibrate for a second, that will be the second he calls and you don't hear it. A missed call can crush the mood of your entire day. Especially when those calls are few.

3.) Always write addresses in pencil.

You'll make friends at each base you go to. You'll want to keep in touch with those closest to you. But you know that they will move multiple times, just as you will.

4.) There are no goodbyes, only see you laters. 

The Army may move you and your family away from those that you've grown close to but that doesn't mean that you'll never see them again. Often times families can be restationed together later on down the road. You've learned that even if you aren't stationed together, you and your friends will stay in touch and many times you'll arrange to see each other. You can meet in the middle or take turns going to each other's house.

5.) It's okay to cry.

You've been told your entire life that crying is a sign of weakness. That IS NOT true. Sometimes the stress of military life, or life in general, can be too much. Crying is a release. You've learned that it makes you feel better. Holding it in only leaves you hurting more.

6.) Homecomings are the happiest days of your life.

You've both survived the deployment. You've experienced the tears, pain and loneliness that accompanies the time apart. Your husband has finally made it home, safe and sound. The first kiss at homecoming is magical, just like the first kiss you two ever shared. Now you finally get to walk away, holding the hand of your husband. No more nights alone. No more skype calls. You get to  be together again.

7.) You've learned to pack your entire house on short notice. 

Your husband has just now gotten his orders and it's time to PCS. You've learned through your many moves how to pack quickly, where to get free boxes and just what all you can take with you and what you need to sell.

8.) Having to explain the many acronyms of the military to your non-military affiliated friends and family.

While talking to your friends and family about your life, you have to explain what PCS, MOS and NTC. You bring them up, forgetting that your friends don't know what they mean. You've gotten so used to talking to the other spouses around base and your husband, that you forget not everyone knows what the acronyms means. 

9.) The pain of going through the gate to get on base. 

You know the pain of the long lines of cars that are waiting to make it through  the main gate. The line that gets held up by those without military IDs trying to get on base and being turned around to get a visitors pass. Or new people to post asking for directions to the PX or Commissary.

10.) You never ever shop at the Commissary on payday. 

The amount of people who shop at the commissary on payday is outrageous. The lines are ridiculous and trying to maneuver down the aisles is almost impossible.