My son was born on Naval base in Iceland 14 years ago. We have lost his birth certificate how do we go about getting a copy for him? My husband is no longer in the military? Thank you for any help you can give me.
I get quite a few requests for information on how to get a copy of lost birth certificates from overseas. The following information will help you with that. If you were born to a US citizen parent(s) and your parent(s) registered your birth at a US Embassy or Consulate in the form of a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240), and you would like evidence of your birth and US Citizenship, submit a request which includes the following: 1) Subject's full name at birth, date, and country of birth 2) Parents' full names, including mother's maiden name, and their dates and places of birth, and nationality 3) Daytime phone number 4) Signature of subject or parents 5) $10 fee per document. Send check or money order in US funds made payable to Department of State Mail Requests to: Passport Services Correspondence Branch Suite 510 1111 19th Street NW Washington, DC 20522-1705 If your parents did not register your birth it is suggested you apply to a US Passport Agency for a US Passport or INS for a Certificate of Citizenship to document citizenship. If you submit satisfactory documentary proof that you acquired citizenship at birth, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issuedin the subject's name. Look in the phone book under US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. A US Passport is also proof of US Citizenship.
My husband recently got orders for Korea. He's an E5, been in for 9 years. He's going to request command sponsorship for my daughter and I to accompany him, but my question is how likely will we be able to go with him? Do you think we have a good chance of going? He's already done 2 years back to back in Iraq and I don't think I can do another year long separation so soon!
There is no telling. With the way things were with Korea over the summer they may be hesitant to allow families for the time being. I have not heard of anything definite though. You can look into going over non-command sposored though.
Hi,
I am one of eight children born to an Air Force man and bride from Japan. my parents have been married over 54 years. 3 of my siblings were born in Tachikawa Air Force Base, Japan. how does one go about receiving a birth certificate? any help would be appreciated. thanx so much, donna
I get quite a few requests for information on how to get a copy of lost birth certificates from overseas. The following information will help you with that. If you were born to a US citizen parent(s) and your parent(s) registered your birth at a US Embassy or Consulate in the form of a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240), and you would like evidence of your birth and US Citizenship, submit a request which includes the following: 1) Subject's full name at birth, date, and country of birth 2) Parents' full names, including mother's maiden name, and their dates and places of birth, and nationality 3) Daytime phone number 4) Signature of subject or parents 5) $10 fee per document. Send check or money order in US funds made payable to Department of State Mail Requests to: Passport Services Correspondence Branch Suite 510 1111 19th Street NW Washington, DC 20522-1705 If your parents did not register your birth it is suggested you apply to a US Passport Agency for a US Passport or INS for a Certificate of Citizenship to document citizenship. If you submit satisfactory documentary proof that you acquired citizenship at birth, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issuedin the subject's name. Look in the phone book under US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. A US Passport is also proof of US Citizenship.
My husband has been in the U.S. Army for 16 years now. He is now stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA for the past 3 years and now has to go to Germany. I am a federal employee for 16 years. We can't afford to keep our home, so I will go with him..Can I take leave from the Federal Government and return later on with out breaking my service time..
A Federal employee may ask for leave without pay/leave of absence. Leave without pay (LWOP) is a temporary nonpay status and absence from duty that, in most cases, is granted at the employee's request. However, in most instances, granting LWOP is a matter of supervisory discretion and may be limited by agency internal policy. Employees may visit the Link below for additional information. You need to direct your question to your Human Resources Office. http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/html/lwop.htm
Hello, my husband recently joined the Air Force and is currently in basic training. Today I received information about the DEERS and tricare programs and have no idea on if I am enrolled, or how to get enrolled if Im not. An already filled out application for Uniformed services identification card deers enrollment was included. So I figure I need to go get my id card. How do I go about doing all this? Thank you very much. -Proud Air Force Wife
You may take the paperwork for your id card to any military installation to get your id - including Coast Guard and National Guard. Once you have that done you need to enroll in TriCare. The number to call for help on that should be in your paperwork somewhere.
My husband has been in the Army for over 19 years and will be returning from Korea next month. He will be stationed at Fort Hood. Is it true that he may not be able to submit his retirement paperwork when he gets there?
The Army goes back on forth on stoplosses. If there is a stoploss in place he would have to wait to put in for his retirement.
Sgt Mom
I am a single father of three. None of my kids live with me, but i do have joint custody over all three, where i see them every other weekend. I have two kids with my ex (who is actually considered my wife through common-law), and one child was barely brought to my attention. Even if i marry my ex, am I unable to join the air force because of my 3rd child.
It is possible sometimes to get a waiver for various things. The only way to find out for sure is to speak with an AF recruiter. The regulations change frequently and they would know what the current regs are.
SGT Mom, important question here hoping you can help. I have been seperated for 9 years now. I just found out that a divorced was finalized that year. I just found this out due to a public records check since i have decided to finalize the divorce but cannot locate her. What do i do especially since i have collected BEH for all that time. Her and i had a understanding and i just kept the money. I am up for a clearance investigation as well...what the heck am i going to do??
If asked about something as part of your clearance you need to answer truthfully. You should answer their questions only.
My friend and spouse are from Africa,he is stationed in the United States Army,currently they are stationed in Germany.She needs to know how she can get her US citizenship while they are in Germany.Her spouse ids not trying to get any info to her.Any help would be apprecited.
Probably the best thing to do is start at the American Embassy in Germany. There should be someone at the Embassy who could give her the information on the process to become an American citizen.
My Boyfriend just joined the Navy. If we are not married can I go with him when he is stationed? If we do live together off base, will the Navy still pay for housing while he is deployed? What rights do I have if we are not married?
You may move to follow him at any time. It will be at your cost though and there are no guarantees he would be allowed to live off base with you. Once he is allowed to live off base he would be eligible for singlae BAH. If/when he deploys the BAH would stop. Until the two of you marry you have no rights or benefits.
help someone! i need to get released from the marine coprs-my family needs me back home. my father has lost his job, my brother lost his job moved back home my mother is going out on disablity, i also need to go home, i am -408$ in miitary and will be +161$(saw budget agent) out of military a month, having a baby no one to help me at all, cant afford to live. i am requesting pregnancy discharge under hardship and dependancy reasons. i need to get out. ive been in almost one year. please help me.
Unless they are willing to approve you application to get out you will have to complete your enlistment.
i just wrote another question and this is an addition to the previous, if i dont get out of the marines, is there anyway i can take some kind of leave (other than anual because i have none) to go home two weeks prior to having my baby so i can have my baby at home? i know about the 42 days after bith but is there anything that can send me home before birth? please please i need help.
You only have annual leave and the leave after the child is born. There would need to be "extenuating circumstances" for the command to approve leave not earned yet. If that happened you would then be "in the hole" and would have to go longer before being able to get leave again.
My husband is stationed in Hawaii and he is clearing from the Army. Do we have to do any procedures to clear the army also?
If you are with him and in housing you will need to clear housing. Other than that there is nothing you need to do.
hello again, my second question is, if i do or do not stay in the marines either way, i heard there is an Marine corps order to terminate a spouses contract overseas in the case of child birth. we are engaged right now but will get married as soon as we can, he is in okinawa japan for a two year unaccompanied tour, i dont want him to miss our babies first steps, words ect. please help me bring him home.
The military's needs will always come first. They will not change his orders just because you have a child.
i have two questions so will make two posts. im 4 months pregnant & in the marines,my fiance is serving a 2 year unaccompanied tour in japan & being deployed soon,my family is 3000 miles away,i have NO ONE to help me at all, and no $! i want out,i am requesting a hardship separation,i have info to back it up,like a budget plan and letters of recomondation from a priest. but told its near impossible do you have any advice to help me support my case, or a better separation i can use? please help!
The only thing you can do is document and support your case to try and get out.
My brother in-law's father was a US Navy. They are living here in the Philippines. Is there a chance for his family to claim for a US citizen?
Your best bet would be to check with the American Consulate in the Philippines. It may depend on if his father became a US Citizen, if he was born in the US and so forth.
Hi,
I lost contact with a friend of mine. How can I go about doing a search to see where he PCS to? Are there any weblinks that are accurate.
Thanks so much
You may want to check out the Buddy Finder at www.military.com
my father is a us citizen. i was born in bitburg germany i need to get a certified copy of my birth certificate. how can i get it quick?
I get quite a few requests for information on how to get a copy of lost birth certificates from overseas. The following information will help you with that. If you were born to a US citizen parent(s) and your parent(s) registered your birth at a US Embassy or Consulate in the form of a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240), and you would like evidence of your birth and US Citizenship, submit a request which includes the following: 1) Subject's full name at birth, date, and country of birth 2) Parents' full names, including mother's maiden name, and their dates and places of birth, and nationality 3) Daytime phone number 4) Signature of subject or parents 5) $10 fee per document. Send check or money order in US funds made payable to Department of State Mail Requests to: Passport Services Correspondence Branch Suite 510 1111 19th Street NW Washington, DC 20522-1705 If your parents did not register your birth it is suggested you apply to a US Passport Agency for a US Passport or INS for a Certificate of Citizenship to document citizenship. If you submit satisfactory documentary proof that you acquired citizenship at birth, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issuedin the subject's name. Look in the phone book under US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. A US Passport is also proof of US Citizenship.
Hello,
I am currently in the active army. I graduated AIT and am on leave before I get to my first duty station. I am newly pregnant and really want to be discharged. How long will the discharge/separation process take? I don't want to get to my first duty station and be given the run around about the whole situation. Is there anything I should do to speed up the process? If you have any other info about pregnancy discharge/separation thatwould be great! Thank You for your time.
You will have to check into your permanent duty assignment. Once there you may talk to them about trying to get out of your enlistment. You may have to complete your enlistment, so be prepared.
My girlfriend and I are both in the Navy and we would like to get pregnant. She wants out and I was wondering if the Family Care Plan Discharge would play a part in her getting out? Any information on how she can accomplish this would be greatly appreciated.
It might help, but ultimately it will be a command decision on whether or not to process the request to leave the Navy prior to finishing the enlistment.
My husband has been enlisted in the army for 7 years. We have free tickets from the military for us to fly anywhere but inorder to receive these IPOCT tickets we need the original orders that bought us to hawaii in 1998 but we don't have them. We asked the PAC office but they don't have a copy. We also checked on the AKO and it's not on there. We only have the reenlisted orders. Where can I get the original orders from 1998 that bought me to my first duty station in hawaii?
There should be a copy of his orders in his record. Have him check that out.
Hi, I enjoy your site. I am going through several emotions right now. My son turned 18 in May, graduated from high school June 3rd and arrived for basic on June 7th. We are also in the process of selling our house. He is the "baby of the family" and is shy. (that's why he joined the air force - to help him get over being shy). I have been crying ever since he left. I was told he'll be different when I see him again. I feel like I'm losing a son. Words of encouragement?
I know it's difficult to have them go off to basic. You will get letters from him probably telling you how much he hates it - this is normal! So don't worry about it too much. Once he's done he will most likely be glad he stuck it out and finished. I have a group on Yahoo specifically for parents with a child in the military. Feel free to join - the group is very supportive of one another. Go to - http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/sgtmomsparents
i'm 22 years old and just found out that my real father is a retiered veteran he is still living, my question is can i get benifits under him even though his name isn't on my birth certificate, and if so how do i go about doing so? thanks!!!
Children of military personnel can only have medical priviledges, ability to shop on base and such until the age of 23 if they are a full time student or 21 if they are not in school full time. He would have to show proof of paternity to add you to his record to go through getting you an id. This would take time and might not be settled until after you turned 23.
My husband is in the navy. We just got married and had diffuclt doing so but now its to late for us to do things together and is going back to japan where he is stationed. How can i get my Id card and all other things without him being here?
Have him send you the paperwork for your id. If you can get the fax number for the office you will get your id from he may be able to fax it directly to them. You may get your id from any military base or Coast Guard base. Once you have your id you may also use medical, the exchange, the commissary and so forth on the base too. Make sure he registers you in DEERS so you may get set up for medical care through TriCare.
sgt Mom
My daughter is stationed in Ft Bragg, NC. She is leaving for Iraq in August. Can I become her "dependant" in the army and live on base while she is in Iraq? I am trying to get disability at this time, but am afraid will not be able to get it before she leaves. Can I become her dependant and how long would it take.
Thanks
You can become her dependent, but it is a long and lengthy process. It takes a lot of paperwork, verification from doctors and so forth. You can begin the process now if you would like, but it may not get done in time. If you became her dependent, she would have to apply for base housing, not you. I am not sure what the waiting list is for housing at Ft Bragg, but some waiting lists can be up to 2 years.
Dear SGT MOM im 17 and already swear in to the army ill be 18 in a week i leave in two weeks i live in GA with my mom but i just moved back i was in San Antonio and my fiance is 5/12 month pregnate with twins i wanna know will the babys birth be covered with medical benifits because thats the main reason i joined and what are the rules for(BAH)i would have to live on dorms until we decide to get married? And do you know the mailing adress for ft sill? so i could give it to my fiance..Thank you.
Until you are married your fiance` is not eligible for any benefits, including medical. So, the birth will not be covered by TriCare. Once the babies are born and you have the birth certificates you may add them to your records and list them in DEERS so they may then receive medical care under TriCare. Once you are married, if your fiance` is living with her parents and not paying any sort of rent she will not be eligible for BAH. You need a valid rental agreement or mortgage paperwork to get BAH. There is not a way to get your address prior to going to basic training. The address is specific to your class/unit and until it starts there is no way to know what that designation will be.
Hello Sgt Mom,
I was born with military parents and was born in Augsburg, Germany in 1960. My mother gave me my birth certificate before she passed and I've lost it when I moved to Washington. I need to know if it's still possible to get a copy of my birth certificate and who do I contact. I hoping these records are archived somewhere within this hospital. I have no idea of the name of the hospital, can you help or direct me to the correct department? Thank you for your help.
I get quite a few requests for information on how to get a copy of lost birth certificates from overseas. The following information will help you with that. If you were born to a US citizen parent(s) and your parent(s) registered your birth at a US Embassy or Consulate in the form of a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240), and you would like evidence of your birth and US Citizenship, submit a request which includes the following: 1) Subject's full name at birth, date, and country of birth 2) Parents' full names, including mother's maiden name, and their dates and places of birth, and nationality 3) Daytime phone number 4) Signature of subject or parents 5) $10 fee per document. Send check or money order in US funds made payable to Department of State Mail Requests to: Passport Services Correspondence Branch Suite 510 1111 19th Street NW Washington, DC 20522-1705 If your parents did not register your birth it is suggested you apply to a US Passport Agency for a US Passport or INS for a Certificate of Citizenship to document citizenship. If you submit satisfactory documentary proof that you acquired citizenship at birth, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issuedin the subject's name. Look in the phone book under US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. A US Passport is also proof of US Citizenship.
My son and daughter-in-law are in Ansbach Germany and are pregnant she needs parenting classes very much and wondered if you knew about how to go get some or where?Thanks so much Lynda
The Army Community Service usually has parenting classes. Have her check with them to get the schedule.
Dear Sgt.Mom,
my Girlfriend is going to work for the Military as a civilian. She is going to live o base overseas. We both want to marry. Now my question: If we are married am Im allowed to live with her on base even if I dont have a greencard or other US papers (work permission/visa)? Can we move on base and start my adjustment of status there?
Thank you for Ur help!!!!
I'm trying to find some information for you on this. Please email me directly at sgtmom@sgtmoms.com.
Sgt mom is there any website that you know of to see what units are due to deploy this year 2006 or is that information all internal only?My husband just got fort hood 4/5 air defense and im nervous will get there and his unit will be deploying soon and he just got bk from a year in korea.
Due to OPerational SECurity (OPSEC) this type of information is usually not available on the interent. He will have to find out from the unit.
My brother is in the Navy is his name is not on his daughters birth certficate how does he go by pytting his name on it? The mother of the child is incarated and her fasmily is not helping so that we may do this legally without having to spend a great deal of money that we don't have. He is also paying voluntary child supoort. Please help???????????
You will need to contact the office in the birth state that handles the birth records. The various states have different ways to add his name to the birth record. Most may be handled by a notary and no need of a lawyer.
My boyfriend and I are thinking of getting married. I live in Canada and he lives in the U.S. am i going to have to wait to move there or can i move there right after we are married? Do you know of any information we should go over??
The best thing to do is call Immigration Services at 1-800-375-5283. They will know all the "ins and outs".
My husband is leaving the Navy this December. I'm having a hard time finding out if they will provide a PCS move and move money for our last move. He has served 8 years active duty. Also I'm moving ahead to our new location ahead of him for a job, please advise if they will move our household goods to a non-state of residence. Thank you for all that you do...
They will move you to your home state in his record or the equivalent. So, if you are in Jacksonville, FL and home of record is AL, they will move you to AL or the same distance, but not somewhere such as CA. Check with the Family Service Center on base about their Smooth Moves class and anything they have for upcoming separations from the Navy.
My husband is currently in the Military and I also want to join. My only concern is we wouldn't be stationed together. If we're not stationed together would we receive Family Seperation Pay? Is that incentive for keeping families together? Also, we have a daughter who is 11. How do you think this will affect her? Are military kids generally more "balanced"? Will this create an unstable life for her?I've heard that the military owns you. Will this greatly cut in to family time?
They try to station married couples within a 50 mile radius of each other, but there are no guarantees. The way I understand it FSP is only for deployments and not being stationed apart. You will have to have a current child care plan at all times. In other words, a plan to show who will take care of your daughter if/when you deploy. As for how she would cope with this, I can't say for sure since I do not know her. Some kids do fine with this lifestyle and others have difficultites adjusting to things.
Hi,
I'm a green card holder and have been preparing for applying the U.S. citizenship. This week I found we are going to Germany in August. Should I still process the U.S. citizenship application?
It would probably be best to continue the process. Most likely the next set of orders will be back to the States. You would have to begin the long process all over again, so go ahead and finish now instead.
When an enlisted love one deploys, what rights, access to information, etc. do non-spouses such as a girlfriend or boyfriend have? And if their loved one were to be hurt or worse will they be told or only the soldiers family members be provided with information?
Unless you are legally married a girlfriend or boyfriend has no rights. If your loved one has you listed as the contact should anything happen to them, then you would be notified. If they list a parent then they would be notified.
I am thinking about joining the Air Force Reserve and I am a single mother my daughter just turned 1. I was wondering if there was any info for single parents in the military?
You can talk with a recruiter for some information. Below are some links you may find of use - http://www.army.mil/Soldiers/dec97/features/parent.html http://public.mcguire.amc.af.mil/FSC/Readiness/EspeciallySingleParents.htm http://www.bethesda.med.navy.mil/Patient/Patient_Support_Services/Single_Parent_Support.aspx
I have a friend who was born in Germany on a US Air Force Base and both of his parents are US Citizens. He was wondering how he could obtain a copy of his birth certificate? He says he is a US Citizen also but has no clue how he would obtain his birth certificate because he was born on a base in Germany. If you could help us out, we would really appreciate it. Thank you Cathy
I get quite a few requests for information on how to get a copy of lost birth certificates from overseas. The following information will help you with that. If you were born to a US citizen parent(s) and your parent(s) registered your birth at a US Embassy or Consulate in the form of a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240), and you would like evidence of your birth and US Citizenship, submit a request which includes the following: 1) Subject's full name at birth, date, and country of birth 2) Parents' full names, including mother's maiden name, and their dates and places of birth, and nationality 3) Daytime phone number 4) Signature of subject or parents 5) $10 fee per document. Send check or money order in US funds made payable to Department of State Mail Requests to: Passport Services Correspondence Branch Suite 510 1111 19th Street NW Washington, DC 20522-1705 If your parents did not register your birth it is suggested you apply to a US Passport Agency for a US Passport or INS for a Certificate of Citizenship to document citizenship. If you submit satisfactory documentary proof that you acquired citizenship at birth, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issuedin the subject's name. Look in the phone book under US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. A US Passport is also proof of US Citizenship.
I plan on going in the military. What can i do to get duty station of choice
Not much. It will depend on if they even have billets open for your "job" at the duty station you want. Sometimes if you are first in your class going through school you will get your choice of the orders available before the others get a shot at orders.
my boyfriend is in the navy and they started the hole buddy system thing he i guess suppose to fill out papers to see if he can come see me for the weekend what are the chances you think that they will say yes he can and how long do this process take
The process will depend on the command. They take it at their own pace. It may also depend partially on how far away you are - sometimes they allow closer trips and not ones further away.
I'm married to an American Catholic Marine and we want to start a Holy Card/Christian Card pen pal exchange for spouses of Active and Veteran Marines. How can we do this? (You can release my email address and anyone can email me for further information about where to send a SASE envelope to receive one).
Vonnie D
Augusta, GA USA
Please email me directly at sgtmom@sgtmoms.com and I will try to help you out.
HI,HOW CAN i FIND SOME ONE WHO SERVED IN THE MILITARY AT FORT PEPPERRELL NEWFOUNDLAND ,CANADA
I have not dealt with the Canadian military so I honestly could not tell you the best way to find them. You might start with looking for organizations for retired Canadian military and see what help they can offer and go from there.
Hello, I am in the Army at AIT in Fort Jackson, SC. I want to try to get joint custody of my daughter. Who do I need to talk to and what to do first. What documents do I need to start things??
Go talk to legal on base and they should be able to recommend a lawyer for you. Most lawyers will give a free consultation, answer questions, tell you what paperwork you need and so forth.
my son is stationed in Heidelburg, Germany. Himand his wife has a baby born there Nov. 22, '05. He will be TDY to USA Jan. 27,'06. The problem is the baby's passport may not be back in time. Is there any way the passport can get back to them before Jan. 20, '06?
I was corrected on my answer and sent the following information from A. Stephens - Current guidance is 8-12 weeks for a passport issue. A passport is not able to be expedited overseas, unless in case of an extreme emergancy, and a Red Cross Message is needed to support the emergency. When a child is born overseas, the birth must be "reported" to the consulate, this takes a bit longer than the normal passport process as there are other steps involved (ie, issuance of the Consular Birth Certificate, social security number).
My daughter is a single parent of a 14 month old. She is being put on an 8pm to 8am shift. That means daycare all night plus another 6-8 hours during the day while she sleeps which means she will only see her daughter about 4 hours within a 24 hour day. Are there any regs for single parents relating to work hours. I thought the military supported the family. This will be hard on her as well as the child. She has talked to several people with no help what so ever in the matter.
Unfortunately the military does not make concessions for single parents. This is part of the reason why single parents are to have a child care plan in place at all times. I know this is difficult and does not seem fair, but civilian employers do not make concessions for single parents either.
Dear mom
I was born in bitburg germany in 1990 and now i live in the united states. My mother lost my birth certificate and I need it to get my temps for driving. I have been searhing long and hard and I am getting nowhere. Your help is greatly needed.
thanky, holly
I get quite a few requests for information on how to get a copy of lost birth certificates from overseas. The following information will help you with that. If you were born to a US citizen parent(s) and your parent(s) registered your birth at a US Embassy or Consulate in the form of a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240), and you would like evidence of your birth and US Citizenship, submit a request which includes the following: 1) Subject's full name at birth, date, and country of birth 2) Parents' full names, including mother's maiden name, and their dates and places of birth, and nationality 3) Daytime phone number 4) Signature of subject or parents 5) $10 fee per document. Send check or money order in US funds made payable to Department of State Mail Requests to: Passport Services Correspondence Branch Suite 510 1111 19th Street NW Washington, DC 20522-1705 If your parents did not register your birth it is suggested you apply to a US Passport Agency for a US Passport or INS for a Certificate of Citizenship to document citizenship. If you submit satisfactory documentary proof that you acquired citizenship at birth, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issuedin the subject's name. Look in the phone book under US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. A US Passport is also proof of US Citizenship.
If someone want's out of a branch of the armed fources can they buy back thier contract?
To the best of my knowledge, no.
Im new to this army life and im not really sure about alot of stuff so i have some questions...
My fiance is in the army and has just started AIT. We want to get married in June but he will be done with AIT my march. He informed me that there is a 99% chance that he might get sent to Iraq. If he does and we get married before he leaves will they give im leave. And My second question is where do I live if he is in Iraq.
Thank you
Jena
He may be able to get leave right after AIT if you would like to move your wedding up to March. If he is being sent to Iraq he will have a lot of training to go through between AIT and Iraq. It can be difficult to get leave during this time. He should however get some leave prior to leaving for Iraq. None of those dates are set in stone, so you would have to be very flexible with your wedding plans. If you do get married prior to him deploying you could stay where you are and then once he returns move to his duty station. Most wives opt for this since they have friends and family where they are to help them through rather than moving to a new place and knowing no one.
I just talked to my son in Kuwait, he would like us to send him a laptop computer.
Is it safe to send such a item in the mail; how could we make sure that he will be receiving it so it doesn't get lost in the mail?
I've heard of folks shipping laptops over there. I would make sure the package is insured for the replacement cost. You could talk to one of the clerks at your local post office and they could tell you the best way to send it.
You answered the question about how my friends daughter could get child support but didn't answer the question about how do they do a paternity test when he is stationed in Korea?
Most likely he will need to have it done through the clinic or hospital there in Korea and have the results sent to the lawyer handling the case.
I recentley just got out of basic training for the Air National Guard. My fiancee is now thinking of joining. He has a 4 yr. old boy who he is trying to get full-custody of due to some problems with the child's mother. We are getting married this coming yr. Is it a good idea for both of us to be in the service? Will his decision to join interfere with his custody battle? I personally think it's not good for him to join b/c I think he needs to be there for his son since the mother is not.
He really needs to discuss this with his lawyer to find out what ramifications it could have on his case. He would need to know how his child would be cared for if you were both activated for one thing. He may want to take care of the custody issue first and then once that is settled look at joining the ANG.
my bf is currently in the navy, he's been in for about a 1 1/2 years. he really hates it and wants to get out. he has some medical problems, i.e. heart problems (not sure exactly whats wrong). like i said before he wants to get out because he is starting to get into a lot of trouble....what can he do to get out???
If he has discipline problems he can be discharged from the military. His other option is a medical discharge if his medical problems are serious enough. Otherwise, he will have to bide his time and wait for his enlistment to run out.
I just went today and actually talked to another recruiter. The recruiter stated that I would need to show them a custody agreement when I enlist to show who has custody of my daughter. Is this true? and the recruiter told me that I would not be able to keep tricare on her because I would not have custody. Two recruiters are telling me two different things and I'm not sure where to turn to find out what is correct. Is there a website to go to to look up militay laws etc..
Thanks for the help!
I checked with a current recruiter I have contact with and this was his response - The policy for all ACTIVE DUTY Branches of the military is that single parents cannot join. For the Reserve and Guard of the branches , its different. I think the Army National Guard handles it differently from state to state, but the Reserves both the Army and the Air Force (not sure about Navy and USMC) do allow single parents. They allow them with something called a Family Care plan, this is basically someone taking care of the family in their absence. On active, many recruiters will tell single parent applicants to give up full custody to someone and then once they get to their first base, get the child back. This is a big no no , the single parent signs a form stating they will not try to get the child back and if they do they can be discharged. Now should something serious happen to the person you gave custody of the children too, such as death, dying, can't financially take care of the child or provide the proper medical care for the child any longer, then and only then , if there was no one else to take the child , could the soldier get the child back. Even then, if it causes the soldier to miss to much time from work or becomes a problem, they could still throw you out.
1.I am a single parent of one child, I would like to join the reserves and was told by a recruiter that I could do this without giving up custody of my child. I would only have to give my brother access to her information, insurance etc...I would just like to verify that this is correct.
2. If I decide I want to enlist full time ater 6 months in reserves will I be able to do this without giving up custody. THe possibilty remains that I might like it and choose to go fulltime.
Check with the laws in the state your brother lives in and will keep your child. He may need a "provisional custody" set up for him to get medical care for your child, sign them up for school/day care,etc. (I just went through this bringing a friend's child to live with us after Katrina.) They will have papers for you to sign and you will not have to be present in court for this to take place. Once you are ready to have your child live with you, you will need to go back to court to dissolve this, unless you want to leave it in place for the future. If you are active duty you will be required to have an up-to-date child care plan at all times. You will have to show them you are prepared and can deploy when needed.
I have a paternity question. My boyfriend, who is currently deployed, and I are having a baby in March. He's scheduled to come home on leave a few days before my due date. If he misses the birth, how do I go about getting his name on the birth certificate? I read that since we're unmarried both of our signatures on the birth record have to be witnessed. We want the baby to have his last name.
Call the birth records office for your town. They should know if he needs to sign the certificate. They should also know if you could get a notarized letter from him to allow you to place his name on the birth certificate. If they can't help with it, then put your name only. When he gets back you may go to the office to have the birth certificate changed to include his name.
Someone help. I am already a soldier in the Army National Guard. My wife and I want to go active duty together. She will have to go to boot camp. What do we have to do to make sure we get stationed together? We are both looking at an MOS in the medical field. Will this make it easy and possible to do AIT together? We are trying to avoid being seperarted. Any advice will help. Thank you. SPC. Cancel
There are no guarantees that you will be stationed together. They can try to make sure you are within a 50 mile radius of each other. It all comes down to what the military needs and where. Talk with personnel to see what they can do for you.
First of all, I have read your posts on several forums, and you are a great help to many people. Now on to my question. My husband recently told me of his desire to join the Marines. I have tried to find every piece of info available on the internet about raising a family of 5 in the Marines. I would love to support him in this decision, but I need to know what we will be getting into. Is there somewhere that I can find out the good, the bad and the ugly of Military life for a family?
You are doing the right thing by trying to find out all you can now! You may want to join my Yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sgtmomsgroup/ There are plenty of spouses on the group to give you good, first hand experience and advice.
I was wondering how Space A travel works. Can you use Space A in the United States or only if you are flying out of the states?
Here are some Space A links to help you out - http://www.military.com/Travel/Content1/0,,SAF_rules,00.html http://www.military.com/Travel/TravelPrivileges/0,13396,,00.html http://www.glue.umd.edu/~oard/spacea/ http://www.globemaster.de/links/Government/Space-A/
My husband and I have orders to Japan. My mother is going through a difficult time ---divorced, no job, Korean turned american citizen, but has been living overseas most her life, no home or friends in the states --- what are the first few steps for my husband and I to sponsor her, to make her our dependent so she can live with us and PCS with us?? Thanks.
He will have to start with personnel. To have her declared a dependent he will have to show good cause for her not being able to support herself. It is a long process but it can be accomplished. Good luck.
my boyfriend is in the navy, iam pregnant with his child. he knows its his and he claims it.but i want to know what all is required for the child to be eligible for his benifits
He will have to add the child to his record to get anything going. In order to do that, they may or may not require proof of his being the father. Once he is on the record your child is eligible for dental and medical care. There is some limited use of the commissary and exchange - on these your boyfriend would have to speak with personnel to find out exactly what is allowed.
Do you know where I can purchase the books "The Navy Spouses Guide" and "Todays Military Wife"?
If you go into the links area of my site and then into the Shopping links you will find a link for Amazon. I have both books linked on that page for you to order. I hope you enjoy them!
I have been trying to find what you can and can not send in care packages. I went to the ideas section and then went to the base FAQ section. One big no is food. I would like some suggestions and also what is a cheap way to send large packages? And has any one heard of PAL?
Here are some ideas for care package contents - HeaterMeals from AnySoldier 800-503-4483. Ready To Eat Tuna or Chicken Salad kits Breakfast-type foods and drinks Girl Scout cookies Instant & regular coffee, filters, powdered creamer, sugar packets Coffee makers, hot plates. Instant hot chocolate packets Campbell's chunky soups, chicken, beef, etc. Fast Food Hot Sauce Packets[\li] Individual packets of Trail Mix, Beef Jerky, Slim Jims, peanuts, pretzels, cookies, Sunflower Seeds and canned nuts Canned chips or potato sticks Cereal bars, granola bars, Energy Bars Pre-sweetened powdered drinks, Kool-Aid, Gatorade Lil Debbie snacks, brownies, cakes - no icing. Packs of candy, gum, Twizzlers, tootsie rolls, Skittles, sweet tarts PERSONAL ITEMS & HYGIENE ITEMS: New Knit Hats and Gloves New T-shirts - Large or XL) Antibacterial wipes, lotion, sunscreen, travel size toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, tissues, Gold Bond powder Eye drops (cleaning kind-in plastic bag) Small containers of Tylenol, Motrin, Advil Band Aids, cough drops, dental floss, combs, chapstick, lip balm, q-tips, nail clippers, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper Flip flops/shower shoes Athletes foot creme, foot powder, boot Odor Eaters - no aerosol bottles Paper, pens, postcards, envelopes Black Shoe Polish Feminine products. If your package is for a woman, address the package "Attn: For Female Soldier" ENTERTAINMENT: New DVDs, CDs & players Disposable Cameras AT&T Prepaid Phone Cards Handheld electronic games Puzzle, Word Game & Crossword books Beanie Babies for the soldiers to give to kids Magazines, local papers, comics, paperbacks - mystery, action, drama, science fiction Games, Chess, Checkers, Dominoes, Parcheesi, Yahtze, Uno, Cribbage, Puzzles, Cards, Nerf toys Game Boys & games Baseballs, footballs, gloves, frisbees MISCELLANEOUS: Holiday decorations Blank greeting cards Wrap around sunglasses Film (35 mm) Paper Towels, Windex, Laundry Detergent (travel size-powder or cubes(no liquid), Febreze Duct tape, Ziploc bags, Styrofoam cups Glasses wipes Clothespins, Clothesline Battery Operated Fans, Misty Mates PROHIBITED ITEMS: Illegal substances, Alcoholic beverages, Explosives, including fireworks. Offensive or obscene materials, including photos, drawings or any other material which may offend members of the opposite sex, members of another race, background, nationality or ethnicity, religion, or who are conservative or modest. It's best to send several small packages rather than one large one. It's much easier to get small packages loaded into leftover space on transports than large items. The larger boxes will get there eventually. PAL (Parcel Air Lift) is a special rate through the US Post Office for shipping. Ask about it at your local Post Office.
I would like to submit a poem I have written how do I do that ?
Email it to me at sgtmom@sgtmoms.com and let me know how you would like your name listed as author.
Cheating on Soldiers.......My boyfriend is going to get deployed soon to Iraq. The one thing I don't want him worrying about is me cheating on him. That's the last thing I would do. I love him with all of my heart and it's the thing he's most worried about when he's gone. I only want to be with him, I want to marry him, and have a family with him. If any of you were in this situation please help, I need some advice on how to reassure him. Thankyou
About all you can do is continue to reassure him that you love him and that you are there for him. Write to him as much as you can - email or snail mail and keep the communication open. It may take time and effort, but eventually he will come to realize you are in this "for the long haul" so to speak.
I am both a Air Force spouse and active duty member. My husband is deployed right now but once he gets back I have to do a 12 month tour to Korea. We are also parents of a 1 1/2 year old daughter. I'm looking for any books that will help me get through this time of separation from both my husband and daughter. Does anyone have any suggestions? to include religious books?
Since she's young that limits the list somewhat. These are just a few I've come across for young kids, most are geared for Dads being gone unfortunately - Captain Cat by Syd Hoff Daddy, You're My Hero and Mommy, You're My Hero by Michelle Ferguson-Cohen My Daddy is a Soldier by Kirk Hilbrecht, Sharron Hilbrecht
I am trying to get out of my military obligation since I might be having my second child and the needs of my children is greater than the army right now. I was given the option to leave with my first child but choose to stay in and serve and I would like to use my option to be released. Can the army keep me in if I opt to get out of the army?
Yo will probably need to take this up with your Commander. It may depend on your job and if there is a stop-loss in effect for you. These links might help some too - http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/books/wac/chapter11.htm http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/books/wac/chapter11.htm#t1
Hello,
Do you have any recommendations on really good books for Navy fiances or wives who are having a hard time coping with the sepration, or are confused about the whole military experience? I would love to find some good reading material on the subject. My fiance just went into Navy boot camp. Thanks!
There is a book called the Navy Spouse's Guide and Today's Military Wife. Feel free to email me directly at sgtmom@sgtmoms.com with any questions. I am actually a Navy Spouse. (over 20 years now) I have contacts with all branches to cover their questions as well if I do not know the answers.
I am about to go back onto active duty, I will be a single mom. Any suggestions or comments or advice would be wonderful. My family is taking custody until I get on Active Duty and then I will take back custody of my two yound children. What are my options for childcare? Is it easy to find someone to take care of my kids like military spouses?
My experience has been that daycare is fairly easy to find. Be sure to check them out, ask for references, etc. There are base daycare centers, many familes living in base housing operate "daycares" in their home, and there are the same options out in town. Be sure to have a current childcare plan in place at all times. The military does not like to hear that you can't find a babysitter with an upcoming field excercise, TDY, deployment, etc.
Hi: My husband is enlisting in the Army. I have a child of my own that my husband hasn't adopted. If my husband were to get an assignment overseas. I would need a passports for us. I've never had to go to court for custody for my son. How would I obtain a passport?
Well, if your husband gets stationed overseas you may need to speak with a lawyer about the issue of custody. I have no idea how your child's biological father feels about custody, but it may become an issue in this instance. Getting a passport is the same for everyone. You may pick up the paperwork at your local post office. Some "mail stores" such as Mail & More, Pack & Send and so forth offer passport services from passport pictures to providing the paperwork as well.
Hi:
I am not in the military. My employer is interested in sponsoring a family over the Christmas holiday. We are located in Illinois and we wanted to help a family who has someone in Iraq and may be struggling financially,especially during the holidays. Do you have any ideas? Thanks.
It's wonderful of you to think of our military families. The best thing to do is contact your local Reserve Unit or Recruiter's Office. They should be able to let you know how to help someone out. If not, check with the Red Cross and they might have some ideas for you. Good luck!
My husband is in the Army. I was wondering if he is alotted any time to help me move when he completes AIT?
They are usually given the opportunity to take some leave to help with the move.
I was wondering if my husband is going to need a computer for Tech. School. He is in the Air Force and his schooling is for 19 weeks. Is this something that they can use? Also are the computers that are brought by the soldiers connected to the internet in the dorm?
He will not need to buy a computer for his schooling in the Air Force. Most bases have online computers for use in the base library and other places onbase. He may or may not be able to use one in the barracks. It would depend on if he has a phoneline for his barracks room, and he would be responsible for the phone bill and the internet service bill.
My husband is in the air force and I wanted to shop at the bx/px. I was wondering if I had to go to a Air Force base or can I go to any military base? If I can go to any military base can you tell me which bases have those facilitied in the state of Indiana?
Once you have your military id you may use services at any military base or Coast Guard base. In Indiana there is Grissom Air Reserve Base in North/Central Indiana, and in Indianapolis the Commissary and Exchange are still operating at Ft. Harris.
My husband left for basic training 1-3-02, however he did not graduate until 6-20-02 due to an injury. At the time he left we hadn't even been married 2 months. He is not scheduled to graduate AIT until October. According to him, they are currently deploying 1 out of 3 AIT soldiers to Korea, which is an unaccompanied tour of 12 months. Is there anything we can do to postpone this since we will have already lived apart 10 months? An army regulation perhaps? Any help is greatly appreciated.
As far as I know there is nothing on the books to defer him being sent to Korea. You may luck out and he won't go until later in his career. If you do not have children have you considered going with him or at least visiting? I have known of spouses to go over even though it was not command sponsored. Feel free to email me directly with any questions - sgtmom@sgtmoms.com.
I am trying to locate my biological father whom I have never met until my mother died recently. Before she died she told me his name, where he was from, that he was in the Navy and where he was stationed in 1945 when she met him. That's all she could tell me. He doesn't know about me. Is there anyway I can get his service records with only this much information? Any suggestions on how else I could locate him through the military?
If you will go to my Lost and Found section you will find information to help you get information on your father. You can even try to get a copy of his military record. Please feel free to email Sgt Mom directly.
My daughter is 25 and is the parent of a 1 year old. She is thinking about joining the military but is unsure about how to go about this given her responsibilities as a parent. What are the steps to sign up as a parent, and how/when do parent and child re-unite as a soldier mom?
Contrary to popular beliefs, she will not be required to give up custody of her child or have someone adopt the child. She will have to let a family member or trusted friend care for her child during training. She will need to leave notarized statements allowing the caretaker to get needed medical attention and so forth for her child. Once she has completed training and is at her first permanent duty station she may have her child join her. If she is in a position to be called out for field manuevers or deploy she will need plans in place to have her child cared for during these times. She needs to know who will care for her child ahead of time instead of looking for someone one afternoon when she finds out she is to leave the next morning for manuevers. Some commands do not require a child care plan be in place, but if she is unable to make manuevers or deployment and is found "non compliant" for this reason she can be discharged from the service.
My spouse is overseas, on a smaller camp, and I was wondering how he is getting access to his money. Is there ATM's or Finance people over there and is there a weekly "allowance" he's able to get?
He is getting paid. Exactly how they have access I am not sure. I have no idea where he is to find out for you. Sorry I could not be of more help, but without a specific place it's difficult to say.
Uniforms are so expensive, how can I get some cheaper?
Check to see if your base has a Thrift Store. Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society usually runs a Thrift. Check with the base dry cleaner and some out in town too - if items are not picked up in a certain length of time sometimes they are sold for the cleaning charges only. Look through ads in your base paper or ads tacked up in the commissary or Exchange, BX, PX, etc.
What can the Family Advocacy Program do for me?
They offer a wide variety of programs. One of their main concerns is the welfare of the family. They offer counseling of different sorts - family, marriage, anger management and so forth. With the Navy, these services are also part of Family Service Centers and the FAP is more concerned specifically with abuse situations.
Does the base have a veterinarian?
Some bases do and some don't. You will have to call the base directory or base information to see if there is one. If one is available they only provide basic services. They will give yearly vaccinations, heartworm checks, kennel cough immunization; you can buy you heartworm and flea prevention medications through the base vet also. It is cheaper to go through the base vet than a civilian vet, but you may want to make sure you have a civilian vet in mind for emergency or serious problems that may arise with your pet.
What is the Spouses' Club?
The Spouses' Clubs used to be the Wives' Clubs, which changed with so many male spouses nowadays! Most bases and commands have them. They are a chance to socialize with other spouses and possible do some good for the community. A lot of the clubs do charitable work for the community and the base. It also gives you the opportunity to get out and socialize some when your spouse is away. If it is a group specifically for your spouse's command it is also a good source of "official" information. It's too easy for rumors to run rampant and sometimes these meetings are a good time and place to sort things out.
What can the Navy/Marine Corp Relief Society do for me?
They offer many services. They can help with budgeting classes, emergency help, food lockers, baby's first sea bag, and plenty of volunteer opportunities as well. Visit or call the office nearest you for more information on exactly what is offered and when.
How can I find a babysitter for Spouses Club meetings and other times as well?
Many times the Spouses' Club has arrangements with the Child Care Center or a couple of spouses to watch the children during the meeting. If you need a baby-sitter for other times check with neighbors, your church, Red Cross etc for listings to go through. Red Cross offers a babysitting course occasionally and you should be able to get a listing of some of the participants.
What does the Family Service Center (FSC) or Army Community Services (ACS) do?
They provide all sorts of support for the families. They provide classes for anger management, new parenting classes, and support groups. They can help with financial matters such as starting and sticking to a budget. They can help with pre-deployment matters and finding out what is available in your community if you are new to the area. Visit your local center to find out all of their services.
How do I sign my child up for school, and how do I know which school they are to attend?
Call the school board and they will be able to tell you which district you live in, and the proper school. Then call the appropriate school and ask what is needed to sign your child up for classes. If you are moving during the school year you will be able to pick up a "partial record" to take with you for your child. Then the school will have to contact the old school for your child's full transcript.
My parents are visiting; can they shop in the commissary with me?
Yes, they may accompany you in the commissary, but they are not allowed to shop. Most commissaries are now checking ids only when you pay.
Note: Due to the events of Sept 11th some commissaries are checking ids at the door and may not allow friends or family in with you. You may want to call ahead to check on that.
Can I use the legal office?
The legal office can help with minor legal matters such as notary services, wills, power of attorney and so forth. It's best to call and make an appointment before going.
How can I get a base tour for my group or get someone from the base to speak at a meeting?
Contact the Public Affairs Officer for the base. They should be able to set you up with what you need!
Is there anything available to keep my kids busy during the summer?
Check with the Youth Center and the Teen Center. They have things going on all the time. Sometimes there are day trips planned and others it may just be some type of activity at the center. Check with your base pool about swim cards. Many pools will let children, usually 10 or older; take a swim qualification test with a lifeguard. If they pass they are issued a swim card and may go to the pool to swim without a parent. This can be a great help if you just want a couple hours to get some errands run and they don't want to go along with you! You might also be able to drop them off at the base bowling alley for a few games. Just start asking questions and you never know what you will find!
Can I use Food Stamps or WIC (Women, Infants, Children) checks at the commissary?
Yes you sure can! Shopping at your commissary is the same as shopping at a grocery store off base.
Red Cross helped me out with an emergency, how can I "pay them back"?
You can volunteer for a variety of "jobs" at ARC. Talk with them to find out what they need and where you might be able to help the most. Who knows, it could be the start of a career for you!
Do they accept handicapped children?
The centers make all efforts to mainstream the children needing special attention.
Special needs children may have to be evaluated by the CDC director and base medical to assure their needs may be met at the Child Care Center.
What are the hours and fees for base Child Care?
For this you will need to stop by the Child Care Center for a copy of their hours and fees. Fees are on a sliding scale according to rank of the service member.
What kind of counseling does the chapel offer?
First off, you have total confidentiality when you speak with a Chaplain. They may not share any information you give them without your consent. They can help with counseling for drugs, alcoholism, family problems, marital or premarital problems, work related problems, moral issues or any area you may have some concerns.
I don't attend church on base, can I still use their services and can I request to speak with a Chaplain of a particular faith?
All the services of the base chapel are open to all military personnel and their dependents. The Chaplains are trained in all faiths. They may not be "ordained" for each particular faith, but they are familiar with all the doctrine for each faith.
What are the CDC workers' qualifications?
The workers must go through the local and national agency checks. References are checked, and the CDC screens all applicants.
What is the Air Force Aid Society and can I use it while my spouse is gone?
The AFAS is a non-profit organization to help Air Force personnel in emergency situations. They can give interest-free loans for basic needs such as; food, rent, utilities, moving expenses, funeral expenses, dental work and so forth. Active duty needs to go through their unit commander or first sergeant for services and retirees need to go through the American Red Cross. If your spouse is gone you may use the AFAS if you have a power of attorney. If you do not have a POA, they can contact your spouse and if permission is granted they may give you assistance.
How do I get a copy of my (or my child's) birth certificate from overseas?
I get quite a few requests for information on how to get a copy of lost birth certificates from overseas. The following information will help you with that.
If you were born to a US citizen parent(s) and your parent(s) registered your birth at a US Embassy or Consulate in the form of a Consular Report of Birth (Form FS-240), and you would like evidence of your birth and US Citizenship, submit a request which includes the following:
1) Subject's full name at birth, date, and country of birth
2) Parents' full names, including mother's maiden name, and their dates and places of birth, and nationality
3) Daytime phone number
4) Signature of subject or parents
5) $10 fee per document. Send check or money order in US funds made payable to Department of State
Mail Requests to:
Passport Services Correspondence Branch
Suite 510
1111 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20522-1705
If your parents did not register your birth it is suggested you apply to a US Passport Agency for a US Passport or INS for a Certificate of Citizenship to document citizenship. If you submit satisfactory documentary proof that you acquired citizenship at birth, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issuedin the subject's name. Look in the phone book under US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. A US Passport is also proof of US Citizenship.
I haven't heard from my spouse and they've been gone a long time. What do I do?
Red Cross can do a "Welfare Check" for you. Give them the name, SSN, duty unit, all pertinent information and they will contact your spouse's unit. You can request to have your spouse reply to this message and they will make sure that happens.
What kind of services can I use at American Red Cross (ARC)?
ARC offers financial help, counseling, referrals and the emergency communications talked about above. They are available 24 hours a day for emergencies.
How can I get an emergency message to my spouse?
If you have an emergency contact your local Red Cross office. Most bases have an office
on the base, if you are not at home you may use the local office. All Red Cross offices will have a "military liaison" trained to help our service families. You will need to give the Red Cross information such as your spouses Social Security Number (SSN), his work address, where he is at the moment (overseas?) nature of the emergency and so on. If this is a medical emergency or a death in the family they will need the contact name(s) and phone number(s) for doctors, hospitals, funeral homes and so forth to verify the information before being passed along in the message. If you need your spouse to come home on emergency leave tell them you are requesting your spouse to come home. If you only want to speak with them they will ensure they contact you.
What are the Operation Dear Abby addresses?
Unfortunately due to situations with the mail Operation Dear Abby has been cancelled for this year. You can now go to OperationDearAbby.net to send email greetings though. Please take a moment to send a message to our military personnel!
My spouse will retire soon, what are we entitled to use still?
If your spouse is retiring with benefits you may still use the hospital or clinic; BX, PX, NEX, and AAFES; and the commissary. If your spouse is retiring before gaining retirement benefits you will not have use of any of the amenities on base.
What do I need an id card for?
Your id card is your "authorization" for everything! You need to show your id to enter many bases, to shop at the exchanges or commissaries, when you go for a doctor's appt or to the Hospital. The types of ID cards are - Green for active duty members, Blue is for retirees, Red is for Reservists and National Guard, and Tan is for Dependents.
If I am living with family while my spouse is away can I use services at the base closest to me?
Yes. You can use any base close to you for any services you are eligible to use normally. You may even use a Coast Guard base if it is close. All you need is your id card!
What are my benefits as a military spouse?
You are eligible for many benefits as the spouse of military personnel. You have medical coverage through TriCare; dental coverage through United Concordia Dental; shopping privileges at the commissary and exchange, BX, PX, etc.; all services offered at the Family Service Center, Army Community Services and so forth; bases have a Chapel or church on base; Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) services such as the gym, golf course, pool; and much more. Just check your specific base to see what is available.
What if my id expires while my spouse is on deployment or on a remote tour of duty?
Your spouse will need to fill out add Form 1172 for you to renew your id. Once you get this from him you can go get your id renewed. Try to make arrangements before your spouse leaves. Get a copy of your spouse’s orders before they leave. That way if the form gets held up you should be able to get a temporary id until he gets home at the worse case.
My boyfriend is a U.S. Marine. In a few short months he is leaving to go on float. We have never been apart for that long and I know it is going to be very hard on me. I thought the three months he spent in boot camp was hard I can only imagine what this is going to be like. Any advice??
It is difficult to have our loved ones away and for an extended period at that! My roughest time was 8 deployments (6 months each) in 7 years. One of the best things to do for yourself is to keep busy! If you work or go to school great! That will help keep you occupied. If you do neither, consider going to work or back to school. Also look into volunteering your time somewhere. It helps to do something to get you out of the house and around others. If you know of other girlfriends or spouses contact them and start a group. It helps to know someone going through the same thing and to be some support for each other. Another thing to help is contact with your boyfriend. Send letters, cards, emails, goodie boxes, you name it! A hint on writing letters – number the envelopes in the corner so that when he gets 15 all at once he can read them in order! Send email cards too, and on the goody boxes just throw in all sorts of things! When my husband was aboard a carrier I would put in individual bottles of water. They have to go on water restrictions at times and could not even brush their teeth – bottled water solves that problem! So even though you might think it is something stupid to send, it could end up being his favorite! If he is gone during the holidays, send him boxes of blank Christmas cards so he can send some out to family and friends. If he has access to a vcr tape his favorite television shows and send them out once a month. I know it is difficult and especially the first one, but you will be amazed at how fast the time can pass. The more deployments you go through the easier it gets too! It is so much easier now to stay in contact with each other it is not bad at all. Contact seems to be the biggest thing when apart. It is so much nicer now that we can stay in contact via the internet and so forth as compared to “the old days” when it would take at least a month for a letter to reach the ship and vice versa. At times the mail would get cut off too and it would take even longer! Hang in there, you’ll do fine! Good luck!
How can I get someone in the military's email address?
Unfortunately, there are no master lists of e-mail addresses. And due to privacy, I can not pass out e-mail addresses for anyone. The best way to find out if your loved one has e-mail access and what their address is, would be to contact them by phone or US / APO mail and ask them. If you have an emergency, and need to contact a military family member, contact your local Red Cross Office for assistance.
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