Latest news with #militaryfamilies
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
5 Reasons why a national cemetery belongs on your summer road trip itinerary
Summer is here, and while theme parks and roadside attractions promise excitement, there's one unexpected stop that might leave the most profound impact: a national cemetery. Many military families are planning their PCS travels, summer visits to their hometowns, and bucket-list stops, but what if your most meaningful stop this summer isn't on a thrill ride or waterfront escape? What if it is somewhere quieter and more peaceful? A visit to a national cemetery is not only a wonderful and solemn way to pay your respects, but it is also a remarkable way to learn and enjoy a beautiful place. As a veteran and military spouse, I understand the importance of pausing to express gratitude for someone else's sacrifice, and I truly don't take it lightly. This is exactly how I now get to write this, because in our own travels as a family, we have chosen to stop at many national cemeteries to be there when it seems to be extra quiet. So, what if during your summer travels you include these resting places to reflect on the ones that made your freedom to travel possible? Honor the Fallen Physically visiting a national cemetery in person can help you connect with sacrifice. Headstones stretching across lawns while flags wave in the wind give you time to reflect and learn to pause in the middle of a busy summer. Each headstone represents a life of service as well as someone left behind to continue a legacy. There are over 150 national cemeteries in the United States, each of which uniquely preserves that sacrifice and history. From the iconic and historic grounds at Arlington National Cemetery to the beautiful grounds of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (which rests on Punchbowl Crater on O'ahu) to the picturesque view from the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery overlooking San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. These places are sacred spaces, where honor and the beautiful grounds come together in remembrance. You can honor the fallen through your travels by learning the story, visiting these spaces, reading their names, and leaving coins or flowers behind. Teach, Reflect, and Connect with Military History Reflecting on the power of legacy is not only for those who have lost a service member, but also for the families who can visit these resting places to create time for important conversations with younger generations. Families can make the most of these visits, allowing their children of all ages to learn about the ultimate sacrifice, talk about the history of wars, the different service eras, and why remembering matters. These sites are not only perfect for families to learn and find connection, but also for history buffs to discover the preserved stories and appreciate the extensive visitor centers and historic sections. You can also learn about the local history where the cemetery is located, including battles in the region. A visit to a national cemetery during your summer road trip provides everyone with the opportunity to learn about a timeline of events in American military service, spanning major conflicts and eras of combat and non-combat. These sacred places are part of who we are as a country and how we can remember and learn from the service and sacrifice of those who served our military. Scenic Beauty National cemeteries can be found in some of the most beautiful spots in the country. Along the coast, overlooking the ocean, surrounded by rolling hills, showcasing mountain backdrops… these sacred places are hidden sanctuaries with panoramic views. These road trip stops can offer breathtaking vistas in a quiet, solemn way that beats the summer crowds and rushing of the PCS season. For example, the Chattanooga National Cemetery, located in Tennessee, offers stunning views of rolling green hills and Lookout Mountain. The landscape is also steeped in Civil War history, enticing visitors to learn more about the country's past. If you love the tranquility of the desert climate, visiting the Bakersfield National Cemetery will reveal its beauty while nestled in the foothills of the Tehachapi Mountains. The white headstones rest in an area with wide-open stretches of land, with native flora that offers a quiet and beautiful setting. From the desert to a semi-rural mountain landscape, you can visit the Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington. This resting place offers beautiful views of Mt. Rainier, spanning over 158 acres with a lush and evergreen forest setting. These places offer calm and stillness, surrounded by landscapes that provide a natural setting without distraction. We know the summer season is filled with busy roads, beachside crowds, loud amusement parks, and chaotic PCS moves. We know finding peace in the chaos can be difficult ,but our national cemeteries offer just that, a rare break from all of that. A restful stop on hallowed ground that shares American history with stunning views, allowing us to honor and remember. These shouldn't just be detours; they can be summer destinations. Destinations that offer reflection and can become memorable experiences. Whether you're a military family, a history buff, or simply someone looking for meaningful moments in your travels, a stop at a national cemetery will stay with you long after the trip ends. Don't Miss the Best of Mighty Milspouse We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter. These hacks are 'totes' the smart way to PCS These military spouses were unsung heroes of American history 9 Incredible day trips from Stuttgart, Germany for any military family
Associated Press
09-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Movers by the Sea Offers Military Moving Services Across Southern California
07/09/2025, Carlsbad, CA // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Movers by the Sea, a trusted local moving company in Carlsbad, CA, is proud to announce the launch of its military moving services to assist service members and their families throughout the region and across the country. The new service is designed to address the unique challenges of government-ordered relocations, such as permanent change of station (PCS) and official reassignment moves. Knowing how stressful and complex military moves can be, the Carlsbad moving company aims to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. 'Our military families sacrifice so much, and they deserve a move that's as smooth and stress-free as possible,' said a spokesperson of Movers by the Sea. 'This is our way of giving back—by making their transition a little easier and showing our appreciation for their service.' To meet the specialized requirements of military relocations, the team of military movers at Movers by the Sea is expertly trained to handle PCS moves and follow all required military protocols. They are familiar with Department of Defense (DoD) procedures and understand the complexities involved, from base access logistics to strict weight limit compliance. Fully licensed and insured, Movers by the Sea offers comprehensive military moving services, which include packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and optional storage. It uses high-quality packing materials, follows military-approved inventory protocols, and offers real-time tracking to ensure household goods arrive safely and on time. The company also accommodates vehicle shipping and specialty item transport upon request. In addition to logistics, Movers by the Sea provides the proper paperwork and expert support to help military families stay compliant with regulations and receive the reimbursements they are entitled to. The company handles every detail with care and attention to detail. Movers by the Sea stands out among military moving companies in Carlsbad because of its flexible scheduling and personalized planning. Military moves often happen on short notice and timelines can change, so the company stays adaptable and ready to act quickly. Each family is assigned a dedicated move coordinator, who works closely with them from start to finish, answering questions and ensuring everything goes smoothly. As Carlsbad moving companies expand to meet rising demand, Movers by the Sea reaffirms its commitment to those who serve. With responsive crews, local expertise, and a proven track record of successfully handling detailed assignments, the company consistently has become a reliable partner for military families throughout Southern California, earning their trust one successful relocation at a time. To learn more about Movers by the Sea and its full range of moving services, visit About Movers by the Sea Movers by the Sea is a trusted Carlsbad moving company offering professional relocation services across Southern California. The team specializes in residential, commercial, and military moving, bringing tailored solutions and reliable execution to each project. With a focus on clear communication, punctuality, and quality service, the company ensures every move is executed with attention to detail and respect for the client's time and belongings. From the initial consultation to the final delivery, Movers by the Sea provides a smooth experience designed to exceed industry standards and customer expectations. ### Media Contact Movers by the Sea Address: SAB – Carlsbad, CA Phone: 714-800-3024 Website: newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> Movers by the Sea Offers Military Moving Services Across Southern California
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Yahoo
These hacks are ‘totes' the smart way to PCS
When planning a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), military families face the daunting task of transporting their belongings across the country or even overseas. Amid the stress of researching housing, vehicle transport, new schools, and all of the other things, finding practical and cost-effective ways to manage your luggage is crucial. While researching our own PCS from Virginia Beach to Honolulu, someone somewhere put storage totes on my radar. It turns out many military families have turned to using large totes—specifically 27, 55, or 60-gallon containers—as an efficient solution for packing and transporting their essentials. Airline policies offer generous baggage allowances for military personnel and dependents traveling on orders, making these oversized totes a game-changer. Here are a few benefits of using these totes during your PCS, along with a breakdown of baggage policies from major U.S. airlines to ensure a smooth and budget-friendly move. American Airlines: Active-duty military members and their dependents can check up to five bags free of charge when traveling on orders. Each bag can weigh up to 100 pounds. For personal travel, three bags can be checked for free. Delta Air Lines: Active-duty members can check up to five bags for free when on orders (four in economy class). These bags can weigh up to 100 pounds each. For personal travel, two bags up to 50 pounds each are allowed for free, with three bags allowed for those in first class. United Airlines: Active-duty personnel on orders can check up to five bags, each weighing up to 100 pounds, for free. For personal travel, three bags weighing up to 70 pounds each are allowed. Southwest Airlines: Southwest allows military members on orders to check an unlimited number of bags, provided no single bag exceeds 100 pounds or 80 inches in size. Alaska Airlines: Military members and dependents can check up to five bags for free, each weighing up to 70 pounds. There are no oversize fees for these bags, making large totes more practical. When using large totes for your PCS, it's a good idea to secure them with zip ties for added security. However, it's important not to attach the zip ties until after you've checked in your bags, as the TSA or airline staff may need to inspect the contents. During my most recent PCS, a friendly Delta employee once shared a handy tip: bring extra zip ties and tape them to the lid of your tote. This way, if TSA or an airline employee needs to open your tote while it's in transit, they can easily reseal it with the spare ties. One less thing to worry about during your move! When it comes to organizing and labeling your totes, creativity abounds. Prioritize everything you'll need upon arrival immediately (assuming you've also sent an Unaccompanied Baggage shipment). Spouse Facebook pages for your next duty station are invaluable resources. Simply search for 'totes,' and you'll find advice from families who've been in your shoes, helping you avoid last-minute scrambling. Add Contact Information: Use painter's tape to label each tote with your phone number and name in case it gets misplaced. Inventory Each Tote: Keep a list of items inside each tote, whether on paper or digitally. For a tech-savvy approach, try attaching a QR code with the contents list. 'Open Me First' Tote: Designate a tote with essentials like toiletries, pajamas, and other essentials for your first night. This is especially useful for evening arrivals. Create a Kid-Friendly 'Toy Tote': A toy-specific tote keeps kids entertained during the move and doubles as a toy box once you're settled. Optimize for Temporary Lodging: If space is limited at your temporary lodging, pack a tote with storage solutions, such as collapsible cubes or drawer organizers, to quickly make the space functional. Planning your PCS move with the help of totes can be a game-changer. From airline allowances to organizing hacks, these containers offer an efficient and budget-friendly way to transport your essentials while keeping everything organized and maximizing your DLA. With a bit of preparation and creativity, you'll have everything you need right at hand, making the transition to your new home a smoother experience for the whole family. Safe travels and happy moving! We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter. Solo meals with soul: How to make cooking for one feel like self-care 5 Reasons to attend your base town hall meetings PCSing with school-aged kids: Strategies to find the fun
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
You answered one Tricare question and now you're the expert
Tricare is one of those systems you either kind of understand or absolutely don't. There's no in-between. And if you're one of the unicorn spouses who somehow managed to figure it out? If you've navigated MilConnect without rage-quitting, chosen the right plan, locked in a PCM who isn't deployed, and convinced a provider to actually accept Tricare rates? You're it now. You're the reference point. The urgent care whisperer. The unofficial customer service rep for your entire spouse group. It usually starts small. You answer one question in the group chat correctly. Or you mention something helpful at a Unit Family Day. Next thing you know, someone's texting you at 8:42 p.m. to ask whether urgent care visits count toward the deductible under Tricare Select, and you're explaining how referrals work with all the clarity of someone who never meant to memorize the rules but accidentally did. You didn't sign up for this job. But now everyone thinks you work there. It took you three PCS moves, one misrouted prescription, and two near-screaming matches with an off-base pediatric clinic to finally understand how Tricare actually works. And now you do. On more than one occasion, you've explained the following: Your coverage lives and dies with DEERS. If it's not up to date, nothing else works. If your info isn't correct in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, your kid doesn't show up in the system and you're paying out-of-pocket at the pharmacy until it's fixed. You update DEERS on MilConnect now like it's a ritual, every move, every baby, every new assignment. The plans aren't one-size-fits-all, and no one explains that clearly. You know that Tricare Prime is free but requires referrals for anything more complicated than a sinus infection. You know that if you're not near a military treatment facility, Select will give you more control but comes with out-of-pocket costs. You've explained the difference at least a dozen times to new spouses who thought 'Select' meant 'better.' Guard/Reserve coverage doesn't just happen. You've watched families assume they were covered under Tricare Reserve Select, only to find out (during an emergency, of course) that enrollment requires paperwork and premiums. No one told them. You tell them. Tricare for Life is a gift but only if you enroll in Medicare Part B on time. You've walked one too many retirees through the panic of almost missing that deadline. Your knowledge base for Tricare extends beyond just booking routine appointments. Now you know that: Express Scripts delivers prescriptions straight to your door for free, and anyone standing in line at the pharmacy on base might be doing it the hard way (unless it's antibiotics—then you know you're back in line with the rest of us). The Nurse Advice Line is your secret weapon when it's 10 p.m., your kid has a fever, and you don't know whether you need urgent care, ER, or just Tylenol and a popsicle. It's open 24/7. Most people don't even know it exists. Referrals must go through your PCM, and calling a specialist directly—no matter how well-meaning—is a great way to get hit with an unpaid bill. You've now said, 'Wait, did you get a referral for that?' more times than you can count. Not all providers who take Tricare accept Tricare rates. That's a hard lesson. And you've learned to check the Tricare Provider Directory every time before scheduling anything outside the MTF. You've learned the hard way that understanding your plan is the only thing that stands between smooth care and complete chaos. When you're the one who knows the system, it's easy to become the person everyone turns to. And for a while, that feels good. But eventually, it catches up with you. You find yourself answering questions in the school pickup line, in the commissary aisle, in the middle of your own dental cleaning. Being generous with your knowledge doesn't mean making yourself available at all times. You're allowed to redirect and to say, 'I'm not sure, but you can find that on the Tricare site.' We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter. These hacks are 'totes' the smart way to PCS 4 secret skills milspouses have but don't realize 4 milspouse personas you'll meet during deployment
Russia Today
06-07-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
Trump signs ‘Big Beautiful Bill' after B-2 bomber flyover (VIDEOS)
US President Donald Trump signed a sweeping multitrillion-dollar tax and spending package, dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill', into law during a dramatic ceremony at the White House on Friday that featured a flyover of the American aircraft used in recent bombing raids on Iran. The signing ceremony took place during an Independence Day picnic hosted by the president for military families. Trump devoted much of his speech to praising the Air Force for conducting 'one of the most successful military strikes in all of history,' before shifting the focus from military to economic accomplishments. 'As we approach the 250th anniversary of America's founding exactly one year from now, we are creating an economy that delivers wealth for the middle class, a border that is sovereign and secure, and a military that is unmatched, unequaled anywhere in the world,' Trump declared. 'This bill will fuel MASSIVE economic growth and lift up the hardworking citizens who make this country run… Our country is going to be a Rocketship, economically,' he added. 🚨 THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL IS NOW OFFICIALLY THE LAW OF THE LAND! The ceremony followed a narrow vote in the US House of Representatives, which passed the legislation just a day earlier. MOMENTS FROM BECOMING LAW...— NO TAX ON TIPS— NO TAX ON OVERTIME— NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY— TAX DEDUCTION ON AUTO LOAN INTEREST FOR VEHICLES MADE IN AMERICA The nearly 900-page bill extends the 2017 tax cuts from Trump's first term and temporarily reduces taxes on tips and overtime pay. It also allocates hundreds of billions of dollars in new spending for the president's border and national security agenda, including funds for the US-Mexico border wall and large-scale migrant deportations. LIVE AT THE WHITE HOUSE: A B-2 Bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base is escorted by two F-35 fighters for a special flyover — in honor of those who participated in Operation Midnight Hammer — as the Star-Spangled Banner is BLESS AMERICA! 🇺🇸 To partially offset the costs, the bill imposes steep cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and clean-energy subsidies. According to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates, nearly 12 million Americans will lose Medicaid coverage by 2034, while around 3 million will lose eligibility for food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits. The CBO further projects that the legislation will raise the national debt by $3.3 trillion over the next decade, as it incurs revenue losses totaling $4.5 trillion while only generating $1.2 trillion in spending cuts. It also includes a provision to raise the national debt ceiling by $5 trillion, thus allowing for further federal borrowing. Thursday's House vote, just one day before Trump's July 4 deadline, followed a tense 24-hour period of internal GOP negotiations. Republican holdouts initially blocked a procedural vote on Wednesday, prompting Trump to personally call lawmakers into the early hours of Thursday to secure support. Only two Republicans, Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, ultimately voted against the bill.
