Posts Tagged Military Homefront
Blogger Urges Readers to ‘Move Forward’
Posted by in Family Matters on October 19, 2010
David Lloyd is the director of the Family Advocacy Program Office of Military Community and Family Policy. In this guest blog, Mr. Lloyd urges victims of domestic abuse to seek help for both themselves and their children.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Looking Back, Moving Forward
by David Lloyd
Oct. 19, 2010
More than 20 years ago, the first federal funds were authorized for the establishment, maintenance and expansion of programs and projects to prevent incidents of family violence and provide shelter and assistance for victims and their children.
Congress formally recognized October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month through a congressional resolution, citing the frequency of violence against women by their intimate partners, the universal nature of such violence and the associated abuse of children in homes where domestic violence occurs. The resolution also recognized the importance of nationwide efforts to increase public understanding of domestic violence and the work of advocates to help domestic violence victims leave abusive relationships.
Over the last two decades, the momentum of the domestic violence movement has continued to build.
The dedication of tireless advocates has helped increase public understanding of domestic violence as a serious public health issue, and driven public investment in the prevention of domestic violence.
Read the rest of this entry »
Pets Can Be a Welcome Addition to Families
Posted by in Family Matters on June 10, 2010
Army Capt. D.J. Skelton, a wounded warrior who continues to serve, plays with his dog outside his Monterey, Calif., home. DoD photo by Fred W. Baker III
Heather Forsgren Weaver, a colleague of mine at American Forces Press Service, is a regular contributor to Family Matters. Heather’s been heavily involved in this blog from the start. She edits, helps write and posts content on a daily basis.
�
In this blog, Heather writes about how an English bulldog became an important part of her family and gives tips to military families who are thinking about adding a non-human family member to their clans.
Choosing a Dog
By Heather Forsgren Weaver
June 10, 2010
Pets have always been an important part of my family life, and that’s true for many military families as well.
When I was 7 years old, growing up in Utah, my parents bought us a Shetland sheepdog named “Lady Sunshine Spring.” She was a member of our family until I was away at college. As I was moving to the East Coast, my family added a Maltese-poodle mix named “Monie” to the family who was with us until 2004.
By that time, I had married and I wanted a dog almost as soon as the “I-Do’s” were said. Now that I had a fenced yard, I wanted a dog. So an English bulldog, “Sir Nasdaq Rukeyser of the Internet” joined my life. Nasdaq passed away last year, but my husband and I have recently welcomed another furry addition to our family, “Rokie,” another English bulldog.
For military families, summertime, when school is out, is a great time to add a pet to the family. And, there are some great resources to help you out. Read the rest of this entry »
Tools Ease Moves for Military Families
Posted by in Family Matters on June 3, 2010
By Elaine Wilson, AFPS
June 3, 2010
elaine.wilson@dma.mil
This time of year is typically a busy moving season for military families. And no matter how seasoned a mover, each permanent change of station can seem like a daunting task.
I can sympathize. Although I’m no longer in the service, I moved three times during my eight years in the Air Force and once as a Defense Department civilian. While I’m certainly no expert, I did pick up some new tips and lessons learned along the way. I hope you find some of them useful:
1. Do a thorough spring cleaning before the packers come. Otherwise, you’ll end up with absolutely every item in your cabinets and closets, wanted or not, at your end destination. I could have done without the bags of outgrown clothing I forgot to give away and the piles of discarded fabric from a quilt project I never finished. The last thing you want to be doing upon arrival at a new destination is attempt to track down the nearest thrift store.
Read the rest of this entry »
Military Kids are Unsung Heroes
Posted by in Family Matters on October 21, 2009
Children of servicemembers from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., wait for the siren to begin a game of musical chairs during Family Day, Aug. 14, 2009. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Manuel F. Guerrero
By Elaine Wilson
Elaine.wilson@dma.mil
Oct. 21, 2009
A few years ago, I interviewed several military students for an article I was doing for that year’s Month of the Military Child coverage.
I was curious about how they felt about the frequent moves, long separations from loved ones and the adjustment to new schools. To be honest, I expected to be showered with a litany of complaints and problems.
I wouldn’t blame them at all. My family had moved several times before I was 11. That last move was the worst. I was the new kid starting sixth grade — middle school — and still today, I get shivers down my spine thinking about it.
I’m sure I’m not alone on that one.
Read the rest of this entry »
Don’t Face Elder Care Issues Alone
Posted by in Family Matters on September 18, 2009
Returning from seven months in Afghanistan, a U.S. Marine greets his father. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Randall A. Clinton)
By Elaine Wilson, AFPS
Sept. 18, 2009
My dad called me the other week with some disturbing news. A tremor in his right hand had prompted him to visit the doctor for an exam. The diagnosis was Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disease of the brain with no cure.
When I heard the news, it felt like the floor was about to collapse from under me. I’d heard of Parkinson’s, but had only seen it’s manifestations in Michael J. Fox, a longtime favorite actor of mine. He had been diagnosed with the disease in the early 90s and now has very visible shakes and tremors.
How could my strong, resilient father, a doctor himself, be afflicted with the same disease?
My dad is in the early stages of Parkinson’s; his only symptoms at this point are a slowed gait and tremor. But over time, the disease will progress and affect his motor control, speech and other functions.
Read the rest of this entry »