For all of those who have questions with health care, childcare, or anything else military or even non miltitary related!
Sara Knight
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
We got the news Friday that my fiance is being deployed to Afganistan. He will be leaving about a month for Kansas and then be shipping overseas mid Feburary. We had had a small traditional wedding planned for October 2010 but have since decided to elope seeing as it will give us better pay. We do have an 18 month old daughter. I just don't exactly where to start. Where do I get the information I need for housing and insurance? What information does the millitary need for documentation of our marriage and where do I send it? Is there any sort of additional support for my daughter? I already have to move becuase I cannot afford to live in our current house and it is very far away from my family. This is my fiances second deployment but first one since we have been together. I met him soon after he returned from his first deployment. I'm just so lost and confused. Is there anyone who can help me?
kerry Siegel
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
Hi all, I am new to totspot, usually i use "what to expect" forums, im in the fayetteville area, any one close by?
Abigail Creller
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
Deployed right after or even before baby is deployed? It could go either way with my husband. I keep hoping that she will come before he leaves, so that he can at least meet her.
my husband was able to stay on rear d until after our daughter was born, he was supposed to be shipped out in april, but he got to stay till july 7th, Caroline was born may 21st GOOD LUCK
Abigail Creller
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
How many people are dealing with or getting ready to deal with deployment? Especially their first ones? I am getting ready for my husbands first deployment and it is killing me to try to be strong for everyone. Did anyone else have a really hard time? What did you do to help ease the pain?
Currently my husband is on his 2nd deployment. The best advice I can give you is to stay busy, do not watch the news and hand write letters to your spouse and have him handwrite you letters as well. As far as with children that I am in the dark about especially since we are in the process of adopting our first child due in about 8 weeks. What some of my friends did to occupy their time was to get involved with a mommy's group and schedule frequent play dates with other deployed spouses. Also if you have a FRG (Army's acronyms for Family Readiness Group), attend it, get involved. Keeping a strict schedule for you and you kids helps a lot too. Hope that helps. ~Belle
Yeah, you are lucky. but i think that i am in labor now and my hubby will be here in the morning so wish me luck!!!
I know it is hard, but hang in there. I wrote letters and made videos for the hubby. Made a collage of pics to send him as well. Recorded movies, etc.....these are things that will keep you busy. I also was working as an RN in the NICU at nights which also helped to pass time. If you need a voice don't hesitate to keep writing. Also, look for military groups in your area an stay active with the FRG (Family Readiness Group). Good luck!
Belle B
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
Hello everyone, so where is everyone living these days... currently I am near Fort Jackson.
:)
Tammi woodward
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
I just wanted to say thanks to all of you are in the Military or are married to Military. I know that you make many sacrifices to keep us safe and our freedom. Looking forward to getting to know you even though I am not in military nor do I have military spouse. I really just wanted to show my appreciation for all of you.
Abigail Creller
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
James got to come up for 9 days and be here for the babyshower, but he is still missing Bailee being born. I am getting induced on Thursday and at least he can be on the phone with me. He leaves on Sunday for at least 9 months!
Abigail Creller
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
How many people are dealing with or getting ready to deal with deployment? Especially their first ones? I am getting ready for my husbands first deployment and it is killing me to try to be strong for everyone. Did anyone else have a really hard time? What did you do to help ease the pain?
Abigail Creller
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
How many people are dealing with or getting ready to deal with deployment? Especially their first ones? I am getting ready for my husbands first deployment and it is killing me to try to be strong for everyone. Did anyone else have a really hard time? What did you do to help ease the pain?
Abigail Creller
in Military and Military Spouses
updated over 2 years ago
How many people are dealing with or getting ready to deal with deployment? Especially their first ones? I am getting ready for my husbands first deployment and it is killing me to try to be strong for everyone. Did anyone else have a really hard time? What did you do to help ease the pain?
Melissa, over 2 years ago
Hi Sara. Wow, I feel for you! Our family hasn't had to endure a deployment yet, but I know it can be touch, especially when you have a little one!
The following information is based on my Air Force experience. I don't know much about the other branches, but I'm sure it's very similar (but they probably have different acronyms/terms for places.)
Once you two are married, your husband will have you entered into DEERS ("the system"; through the MPF - Military Personnel Flight. Your hubby should know where to go) so that you are now counted as a military family member and will get an ID. Your daughter will also be entered in as a dependent. You will need your marriage documentation brought in, in-person to the MPF. I'm also pretty sure you will need birth certificates/SS cards for your daughter and probably you.
Every base I've been to has a Family Support Center for dependents. That would be my first stop after the MPF! There is often tons of information and assistance that bases offer families.
As for housing, the base/post housing office has information on on-base houses as well as properties off-base. You can either receive housing through the base or can be given a housing allowance to pay rent off-base (though some bases have restrictions on living off-base.)
I'd be glad to talk with you about any other questions you have, but I'm sure you will get most of them answered through the MPF & Family Support Center. From what I've seen (7 years in now) the military has been awesome at providing help and taking care of you. As soon as you are married, you will have access to tons of resources through the base/post.
My husband and I were married in a similar way. He didn't go through a deployment, but I had decided to leave the military and marry him, but we weren't planning on having our wedding for about 6 more months. In the meantime, I would have no where to live easily. So we had a quick courthouse marriage and then later had our wedding. Many doors are open if you are a spouse and the military also offers LOTS of support to spouses of deployed members. I think it will definitely be beneficial for you to be a spouse while he's away rather than a fiancee. Good luck, congratulations, and let the group know if you have any more questions!!
-Melissa