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5 Points to Remember When Your Child Enlists in the Military

January 19, 2018 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Staying Positive: 5 Points to Remember When Your Child Enlists in the Military

It’s happened: your child has decided to enlist in the military.

This decision brings with it a mixture of anxiety surrounding the unknown as well as an eagerness to support them in their journey.

Don’t panic!

5 things to remember when your child enlist in the military

Balancing these emotions can certainly be difficult. Even with all of the resources that we have available to us in this modern age, it is hard when your child tells you they want to enlist in the military.

By focusing more on the positive aspects that will coincide with your child’s enlistment, you are more apt to approach the situation from an optimistic, mindful standpoint. After all, it is certainly not “bad” news!

Your child is about to embark on an honorable journey that will leave them more disciplined, educated, and well-rounded than they were before they left. Below are some key encouraging points to keep in mind when coming to terms with your child’s enlistment:

1. Advancements in technology equate to more communication.

Your son or daughter may not be able to consistently communicate with you during training. However, there are many ways to keep in touch with them during their time on base.

Tips on how to handle the news when your child tells you they are enlisting in the military

Although many military personnel still love getting snail mail, innovative technology gives us a variety of options to thoroughly communicate. Whether it be video chatting, e-mail, texting, or even engagement on social media, you are sure to have the means to communicate on various platforms.

It is important to note that internet access is not always reliable, especially overseas.  But most military personnel do have the ability to check in with their family to ease their worries at fairly regular intervals.

2. Enlistment opens the door to free education.

Thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, military personnel are eligible for up to $50,000 toward their education costs.

These funds can go toward college coursework, vocational classes, on-site job training, and even tutoring resources, if necessary. The only stipulation is that they have to adhere to the payment obligations that are set forth during their first year of service.

We all know how student loan debt can often hold individuals back for a long time before they have access to financial freedom.

Having the military pay for your child’s education fully, or even partially, is a fantastic benefit that will serve them well over their lifetime.

3. Your child will never worry about job security.

Wondering if our children will have financial independence and stability when without us is easily at the forefront of our minds as parents.

Staying positive when your child enlists in the military. Military provides opportunities for young men and women they would never have in the civilian world.

Enlisting in the military gives your son or daughter the ultimate job security due to the nature of the contracts that recruits sign. This binds them to their service for a set period. It is very rare for personnel to be fired unless the reasons approach treason, corruption, or some other seriously heinous act.

As an active duty military member, your child will receive a dependable salary along with compensation for amenities such as rent, utilities, and even fuel costs. This is much more than what most young adults gain directly upon finishing school.

Some struggle with securing these needs for their entire lives. You can find peace in knowing that your child will not.

4. Healthcare is always within reach.

Military personnel are offered policies by a company called TRICARE which gives them access to free or affordable healthcare, including dental. Situations, where they may need an ambulance, will be completely covered and should never result in hefty bills or other unexpected healthcare costs.

The military relies on the strength and well-being of its service members; therefore, the best care is available to them to keep them up to high military standards!

Knowing that your child’s health will always be a priority is imperative to any parent. Military personnel are provided with inexpensive or free care with military-specific HMO plans.

5. Support groups are always available.

Staying positive when your child enlists in the military.If you’re ever feeling like you need to talk with others who understand, there are many support groups, both online and locally-based, that can meet you with the empathy that you need.

Other military parents can give you insightful tips. Like avoiding too much media consumption! They also provide reassurance like knowing that you will be first to be notified if anything should go wrong.

They’ve been there, done that, and know the drills. Hearing tips from someone who is in your shoes, or has been in the past, will give comfort. Sometimes you just need someone to give you peace of mind.

It is normal to feel a sense of fear and uncertainty when your child is about to enlist. These emotions are warranted. However, it is important to realize the significant benefits that go along with your child building a future involving the military.

While we live in an era where we have access to unlimited forms of support and resources it sometimes makes it even scarier. Even the most uncertain times can become a bit more bearable with the right tools and support.

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Heather Lomax is a contributing writer and media relations specialist for Challenge Coins. She writes for a variety of military and lifestyle blogs and is especially interested in ensuring military families have all the tools they need to cope with the potential challenges that accompany the military lifestyle.

Filed Under: Military Pride Tagged With: armed forces, marines, military, support our troops, USMC

How One Business Recognizes Military Appreciation Month and RED Friday

May 5, 2016 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Military Appreciation Month

The United States Military is a vital part of our countries defense and the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces sacrifice on a daily basis with their time, health and many times their lives. Military families, wives, children and parents worry about their safety at home and abroad. It is a duty often overlooked, but one business is going the extra step and making sure their military employees and customers are recognized and honored.

Jefferson Bank decided to use RED Friday on May 6th, the official Military Spouse Appreciation day, to kick off Military Appreciation Month.

I learned about this story when I received an email from the bank Vice President who wanted to purchase a very large order of buttons. Naturally I was curious, being a Marine Mom I designed this button with the hope that it would inspire people to wear it on Fridays and show their support of the military. I have had a son deployed in the USMC to Afghanistan and will most likely have another, since I have three Marines. When I found out more I just had to write about it and share.

RED Friday Button to Remember Everyone DeployedRED Friday Button to Remember Everyone Deployed

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The R.E.D. Friday buttons are a reminder to Remember Everyone Deployed and has become a national movement in the military community.

How Jefferson Bank Supports the Military

I found out that an employee, who is a military spouse, first brought RED Friday to the attention of her fellow employees. They wore RED shirts to Friday softball games and it became a tradition. The bank is located in an area with a strong military presence and several employees are either military, military spouses, veterans, or have family serving in the military.

But the bank wanted to do more, so the buttons were one step. There are many activities planned for the month, but one of the things they did was purchase RED Friday buttons for all of their employees and provide to their customers. Each Friday in May they will pay tribute to the individual employees who will tell their military story. Please, if you are in the area come into one of their branches, pick up a button and tell them thank you for their support.

Visit the Jefferson Bank Facebook page, located in Houston Texas.Jefferson Bank, has eleven locations in the Houston area and is an independent, family owned bank going back three generations. How often do you hear of a family owned bank anymore. They sincerely care about not only their employees, but their customers, and it shows by their Facebook page.

It is nice to see a company adopting RED Friday of recognizing our soldiers, Marines, sailors and airman and I hope the trend continues throughout the year. I salute Jefferson Bank on this initiative and hope it becomes an annual tradition. I also challenge other businesses to show your support of the military, not only during Military Appreciation Month, but all year.

All it takes is a little button. Imagine if your waitress, or flight attendant on Southwest Airlines wore a simple RED Button and it started a conversation, a dialogue, and an appreciation of our military families nationwide?

Send your friends to the Jefferson Bank Facebook page and tell them thank you. Spread the news and let’s show everyone we love, honor, respect, and support our troops.

Origins of RED Friday

It is said that R.E.D Friday started in 2006 by two wives of Canadian servicemen as a way of showing solidarity to our troops deployed in Afghanistan. But many military wives have been wearing RED shirts for many years before the “movement” was announced. RED also in remembrance of the American Legion Red Poppy Campaign.
United States Marines graduation ceremony at MCRD San Diego

It is a small way to let military families know we are thinking of them and salute their service to our country. Although it is mainly a red shirt tradition people who have company dress codes choose to wear ribbons or buttons.  If you would like to be a part of the RED Friday movement I have several shirts, buttons and items in my Zazzle Store. Let’s spread the word and get more companies on board.

Ask Me Why I Wear Red ShirtAsk Me Why I Wear Red ShirtWear Red on Friday T-shirtWear Red on Friday T-shirtRed Friday NecklaceRed Friday NecklaceWear RED on Friday ButtonWear RED on Friday ButtonRED Friday Patriotic Flag T-shirtRED Friday Patriotic Flag T-shirt

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Learn More About R.E.D. Friday

Red Shirt Fridays | Support Our Troops

Recent Articles. Red Friday · Forget Not One · Pasco County Veterans and Troop Supporters. FOX NEWS. ‘Remembering Everyone Deployed’ Fridays: Let’s …

Support our troops – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Support our troops is a slogan commonly used in the United States and Canada in reference to … Groups have advocated the wearing of red on Fridays, in an event known as Red Friday, to show their support for all members of the armed …

Soldiers’ Angels – Where Did R.E.D. Friday Come From?

Dec 23, 2014 … If you follow us on Facebook or Twitter you know that every Friday we celebrate R.E.D. Friday. You most likely see lots of images like the one …

A Story on the meaning of Red Friday

… saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. A Story on the meaning of Red Friday.

‘Remembering Everyone Deployed’ Fridays: Let’s wear red America …

Apr 24, 2015 … With the wearing of red attire on R.E.D. Friday, it’s a common and unified acknowledgement of our service members to let them all know that we …

Red Friday Frisco | FC Dallas

Red Friday Frisco is an FC Dallas community initiative designed to benefit the residents of Frisco. On Fridays preceding a weekend home match (14 Fridays in  …

 

 

 

Filed Under: Military Pride Tagged With: armed forces, business, companies, marines, military, R.E.D. Friday, red friday, support our troops, Zazzle

Operation Longhorn was the Jade Helm of the 1950’s

July 14, 2015 by info@3QuartersToday.com

So many people were up in arms about Jade Helm in 2015, but have you  ever heard about Operation Longhorn? Watch YouTube or many of the alternative media outlets and according to some, the military was preparing to take over cities across the United States and enact martial law.

Military invades Texas Jade Helm Style
Texas Newspaper Article on Military Invasion

“Little Lampasas tonight waited for a green clad enemy to take it over- to test Army military government and to show what happens when you lose your everyday liberties”

“…it took us about a month to convince some people that this ” play” war wasn’t going to mean they were going to be pulled out of their beds at midnight”

Ok, take a deep breath and calm down. This was written in In April of 1952 when over 115,000 military men and women of the Army and Air Force invaded Lampasas Texas and occupied an area of 1,800 sq miles. This was before the age of social media and I imagine few outside of Texas knew about the 18 day operation.

First let me tell you I am NOT a conspiracy theorists, I am a realist and realize that the possibility of keeping a secret between more than a dozen citizens, or thousands of military members and hundreds of journalists just is impossible. I do not believe in the 911 conspiracies, death squads, death camps, or the gloom and doom some are predicting about Jade Helm. Entire books have been written about Jade Helm and I’ll be interested to see how many conspiracy theories are debunked and end up being false.

Debunked!: Conspiracy Theories, Urban Legends, and Evil Plots of the 21st CenturyWhat Is The Jade Helm 15 Project?:  Is it Martial law?Jade Helm Prophecy: A Revelation From Rev. David SteeleJade Helm 15: The Patriot Report (The Strategic Incremental steps towards martial law in America)

Largest Civilian Military Exercise in the United States

There have been several military training exercises that use public land and use civilians to role-play casualties. If you live near an Army National Guard base you see trucks, tanks, and other military equipment, you get used to maneuvers and understand the relationship with the local military and the citizens of the area. However, if you aren’t used to military protocols, or operations the name Jade Helm might scare you to death.

Military Agressors and Government to Run Town
Military Agressors and Government to Run Town

Military operations on public land, or using civilians to play act as participants (as wounded etc) is nothing new, we just haven’t done this in a large massive scale in a few generations.

The largest domestic military exercise in the United States involved the Army and the United States Air Force where the goal was to invade a town of 20,000 people in Lampasas Texas. My Dad was one of the paratroopers that landed northwest of Austin Texas as a member of the 508th division of the 82nd Airborne.

Facts About The Texas Invasion

  • Operation lasted for 18 days
  • Military invaders wore German styled caps
  • Flyers distributed outlined the following:
    • A 6pm curfew on the town
    • Theatres closed until “Centralist” entertainment films arrive
    • Churches closed
    • Men will be posted outside school classrooms to “check” on teachings
    • Private vehicles confiscated
  • However the working day was shortened to only 22 hours (isn’t that nice)
  • Over 20,000 people watched the maneuvers including many “foreign observers”

This mythical war happened just a few years after the end of World War II, and memories of Nazi invasion was still fresh in the minds of many people.

Mock War Down in Texas Is No Laughing Matter

Mock War in Texas- newspaper article from 1952
Mock War in Texas- newspaper article from 1952

Although this was a training exercise, a mock war, it was no “laughing matter”. Many from the 82nd Airborne lost their lives when they tangled in chute rigging, or their chutes failed to open. A total of 10 men died during Operation Longhorn. Planning took months, and it was a “paper operation”, but when the cocky parachute infantrymen hit the lazy Lampasas, you couldn’t tell it from the real thing”

These few newspaper clippings represent the little I know about my Father and his military career. Many of the articles sound as if  they could have been written today. The biggest difference is the lack of social media. The frenzy was isolated to the geographic region, not the entire country. Life Magazine did cover the “event” and considering their influence at the time they were the social media of the day, yet did not “spin the news” to martial law.

Invasion of Texas and the closing of Churches in Operation Longhorn
Invasion of Texas and the closing of Churches in Operation Longhorn

No matter how much we don’t trust or government, we should trust the men and women of our military. They are citizens of the United States and have taken an oath to protect and serve the United States. Just like in Operation Longhorn, the communities participating in Jade Helm have been briefed, consulted, and are fully cooperating with the military.

Accounts of Operation Longhorn

 

82nd Airborne 508th before leaving for Operation Longhorn, much like Jade Helm
Texas 1952 (April) – Before jump at “Operation Longhorn”. 3rd Platoon, K Co., 508th RCT, 82nd Airborne Division (photo credit to John G Hopkins Family)

Operation Longhorn– G503 Military Forum Photos, Photographer: John Dominis

Soldier Recalls Invasion of Lampasas County in Operation Longhorn, Lampasas Dispatch, Oct 26, 2010

Actual Military Video Footage of Operation Longhorn, Shutterstock.com

Grandmas Ranch and Operation Longhorn, Tyler Morning Telegraph 2/15/2015

Photos and flyers from the Agressors, The Circle Trigonists

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Information About Jade Helm

Texans brace for Jade Helm 15, massive federal military exercise

Even the governor is encouraging state troops to monitor Jade Helm, which is largely subject to a media blackout. Conspiracy theories about the goals of Jade Helm 15 include imposition of martial law.

Local fears swell as Jade Helm brings troops to Camp Bullis

SAN ANTONIO — Hundreds of U.S. military troops are coming through San Antonio as part of an 8-week training program shrouded in secrecy. The operation, called Jade Helm, begins on the 15th and involves 1200 troops across a number of Southern states.

Jade Helm 15, the military exercise that begat a thousand …

It begins. The geographically sweeping military training exercise, known as Jade Helm 15 is upon us. Special forces and troops arrive in  Texas and other states where they will train.

Texans Just Responded To Jade Helm In This EPIC Way …

The Houston Chronicle reported Friday that several hundred people started Operation Counter Jade Helm. The aim is not to stop the operation, but to practice their own skills.

Jade Helm 15: One nation under siege? — RT Op-Edge

Jade Helm 15 is the largest domestic military exercise ever held on US soil. Over 1000 members from the nation’s elite forces, including Green Berets, Special Ops from the Navy and seige in Texas.

 Military Books on Code of Conduct and Secret Operations

Between Threats and War: U.S. Discrete Military Operations in the Post-Cold War World (A Council on Foreign Relations)Code of Conduct, an inspiration story of self-healing by an ex-POWLincoln’s Code: The Laws of War in American HistoryCode of Conduct, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Training (Army Regulations Series)

Filed Under: Family, Military Pride Tagged With: 82nd airborne, air force, armed forces, army, conspiracy theories, jade helm, military, military history, politics, soldiers, texas

Marine Corps Values

March 29, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Marine Corps values of loyalty, pride, strength, and integrity are what I have seen in my sons as they continue their career in the US Marines.

If your son or daughter is thinking about the Marine Corps I would highly recommend it.

Famous Marine QuoteThe delayed entry program through the local recruiting center gives them a taste of the leadership skills, teamwork, discipline and confidence building that will help them succeed during boot camp.

Recruits also learn the Young Marines Obligation, which states, “From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon God, my Country and its flag, my parents, myself or the Young Marines.

These I will honor and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and myself. Semper Fidelis.”

In some areas, the Young Marines program is available for youth ages eight to 18. The program instills a sense of dedication, honor, and commitment to country along with patriotism. They learn to honor and respect themselves and others.

I am a very proud Marine Mom and designing Marine clothing and gifts on CafePress is just one way I express my pride. This design is one of my favorites. 

 

Filed Under: Marine Corps Tagged With: armed forces, cafepress, Gifts, marine corps values, Marine Mom, marines, military, shirt, US Marines, USMC

Girls Journey From Civilian to Marine: Letter #4

August 15, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Here is the last letter from Devil Doggery and her journey from civilian to a United States Marine. I really had to laugh at this letter as she sounded just like my youngest son in his last phase at boot camp. EVERYTHING was about food! I’m even going to compare the two letters. Here is an excerpt from her letter. (full one can be read here)

nutter butter
nutter butter (Photo credit: roboppy)

“And, again, I’m going to spend time talking about how I want to stuff my face so badly. You know what sucks though? I was trying to play exactly what I was going to eat as soon as I got home and then I realized… I’m probably flying into San Jose at like, midnight or later. And I could still go get something, but … I want Asian food and that  ain’t open that late. Or some In-N-Out… Mmm… But regardless, I’m sure if it’s that late, all I’ll want to do is pass out. And fortunately, I’ll still be able to get tasty snacks and such before then, because we have Liberty Sunday the day after we get back from the Crucible, meaning we get to wander the base and buy actual food, and a bunch of the other recruits said that their families would be willing to adopt me on Family Day (the day before graduation).

Either that or I figured I could mooch some treats off of them and then run off with some of the other orphans and have a bit of free time. Even though I’m a geek, so I find myself wodnering if there’s a bookstore somewhere on this base… LOL. I NEED TO READ THE SECOND BOOK IN THE CHAOS WALKING TRILOGY. Also, I would like to read Divergent. I think I just miss reading. And TV. Oh man, if I could, I would so just buy a pint of ice cream and a pack of cookies, (Chips Ahoy or Nutter Butters), and find a TV and just veg. That’s how I would spend my Liberty Sunday. Because I’m boring, LOL.

I want me some sushi and like, KBBQ and chocolate milkshakes and a burger and a donut from this awesome donut place in downtown Campbell, and banh mi from Lee’s, and Yogurtland, and EVERYTHING. I’m hungry. This needs to stop.“

Below is an excerpt from my son’s letter from last fall before he graduated from US Marine boot camp.

Liberty formation during a Marine Family Day
Marching in very formally with great ceremony

“Find a cheesecake place and pizza. Girl scout Caramel Delights are also on my snack list. Oh, and I’ll want to be stopping a lot to eat. One of the snack items is Eli’s Mama muffins, also cake, like back home, chocolate with vanilla frosting. Don’t forget Tammy’s Orero balls Swedish fish, beef jerky, snickers, and Twix.  Anything snacky. Bring my MP3 player with my songs on it, I seriously want to sing to the Carnegie Hall music”

It seems the topic of food is the number one discussion item in the barracks as boot camp gets closer to an end. If you don’t remember my son’s journey here is what he did actually eat on Family Day. It would impress the most serious competitive eater. We all stood in awe.

So in the end it doesn’t matter, male or female, they all crave the comforts of home, which starts with food.

This young women has most likely gone through the Crucible and is now a Marine. Graduation probably right around the corner. I’ll be interested in hearing her feelings now that boot camp is over.

Liberty Formation on Family Day
Liberty Formation on Family Day
Related articles
  • A Girls Journey From Civilian to Marine: Letter #1 (ndjmom.wordpress.com)
  • A Girls Journey from Civilian to Marine: Letter #2 (ndjmom.wordpress.com)
  • A Girls Journey from Civilian to Marine: Letter #3 (ndjmom.wordpress.com)

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: armed forces, boot camp, marine, Marine Corps, military, patriotic, United States Marine, us marine, USMC, women

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