Monday, March 6, 2017

Get Involved

Being a military spouse is something that I never thought I would be. Of course all of that changed when Kyle and I got married in 2008. (If you are a new reader and don't know our story check it out here)

Kyle was already in the military, having commissioned the year before, and was living in NC at Fort Bragg. I was thrown into this whirlwind and I was terrified. Quite a few of my family members were in the military but I did not have direct experience with it. You are thrown into this dynamic of soldiers, spouses, and protocol. I was living in a new place, with a husband who was gone all the time, and I had to find where I fit. 

I was lucky enough to find a group of friends outside of Kyle's unit and some within. A senior spouse took me under her wing and really guided me in those early years, helping me figure out where I belonged. She is still one of my dearest friends (well family) and her husband has been an amazing mentor to Kyle.

2009- I didn't know a lot of people but I attended any event I could.

Once I was able to figure out who I was, I was able to really take hold of what I wanted to do and what impact I wanted to have. I became really involved in the FRG (family readiness group) and thrived on planning events, running fundraisers, and providing help/resources to those who needed it. I learned a lot from my leaders at the time and it served me well later when I became an FRG leader and a Battalion Senior Advisor.

 Being able to volunteer and be a part of the units that Kyle was in made me feel connected. Kyle was never the type to tell me that he didn't want me a part of his work life, too often I have seen soldiers who do not want their spouses to be a part of groups such as the FRG. That makes me sad because even in the not so great ones you might just make one friend that will last a lifetime. I have so many amazing friends that I have met over the years and they are a huge part of our lives. Even as a spouse if you don't want to volunteer, attend the ceremonies (changes of command, promotions, changes of responsbility, etc) they are full of so much history and you will still meet some awesome people.


When Kyle took company command in 2013, I was able to take all I had learned and put it to good use. I knew the type of leader I wanted to be and the type I didn't want to be. I wanted every single spouse to feel as though they belonged, that no matter who they were or where they came from that they had something to offer and that they were wanted. I also wanted the soldiers to know that I cared. I was at the company at least 3 times a week, I wanted them to see me and know who I was and I wanted to know them. It was probably one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, being able to give back to those who give so much was an honor. I can't wait for E to be old enough to volunteer with me.

 I have always been the type of have a glass half full type of attitude, is life perfect, no way. However, when you make the most of it it can be really amazing. I also know that there are those who don't want to be involved and that's okay, I commend them for knowing that about themselves. Even as a spouse if you don't want to be involved with the military side find ways to volunteer in the local community,

I've been able to experience a lot of cool things because I chose to be involved. Watching 20,000 soldiers run in formation during All American Week, dressing up as Blind Mice for a unit Trunk or Treat, volunteering to serve food at the largest pancake breakfast awarded to a military installation, walk with some amazing ladies to support our deployed soldiers on Veterans Day, and honor amazing volunteers who give their time to others. All of these experiences were made better by the people involved.

Honestly, this doesn't even have to directly apply to military life, it applies to life in general. Get out there, get involved in your communities, and get connected to the places and people you are co-existing with. Find and do something that you are passionate about, it can make all the difference.

24 comments:

  1. I loved this post! You really do have to go out there and create the life you want.

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  2. I love this and couldn't agree more! I cannot believe the AMAZINGLY AWESOME people I have met, just by getting off the couch and volunteering a few hours of my time here and there.

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    1. YES! It really is amazing what can happen when you step outside of your comfort zones.

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  3. Yep, yep, and yep. I can identify with all of this. It's such a weird life, and I had no idea what I was getting into way back when.

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  4. I can imagine being a military spouse is one of the hardest things!! It's so awesome how involved you got. I think if I were a military spouse I would want to be involved too.

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  5. Great encouragement for all military spouses!! I know that you practice what your preach!

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  6. You are such a rockstar! I can't believe how much you take on and do! It's amazing. I think you get out of life what you put in, and you my dear are putting your heart and soul into it. <3

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  7. I like your message. And so true for anyone, not just a military spouse, charity work and volunteering or just getting involved makes me feel so fulfilled!

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  8. It's so different with what MH does in the military. Getting involved with other spouses isn't that easy....and absolutely NONE of them have ever reached out to me (even tho, MH's best friends are other recruiters). I'm organically making friends with people outside of the military world in Boston and doing my best to navigate everything on my own. My experience is totally different than others in many ways. Life is definitely what you make of it and there is so much whining by milsos its pretty disturbing. If I complained in my life every time something didn't go my way or just say "I quit" (read I want my spouse out of the military!!), I would have one shitty existence I tell you! LOL. Big shockeroo, life isn't always perfect. Anyhoo, you can get involved anywhere in anyway and make your time wherever positive. Great message Jen.

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    1. Haha you are so right my friend! I love that you are getting involved and meeting meeting in Boston, that definitely can make all the difference. We all have the ability to make a difference in everything we do.

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  9. I love this so much! I feel like it's too easy to not get involved and then you really feel like you're missing out on the sense of community and getting to know the people around you! I feel like we need to try and get involved with our neighborhood a little more often!

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  10. It is a bit of a struggle for an introvert like me

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    1. I can definitely relate to that! I was the same for a long time and it took a lot to finally break me out of my shell.

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  11. I love this post!!! You are definitely my mentor and I so wish we were at the same post!!!

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  12. Good post and thanks for being a volunteer! There's so much out there to do. Right now we teach children's church quite a bit during the year. It's amazing how you see the children grow and they give back in hugs and smiles and I wish I had more time to get other things going. But not right now. Thanks for your thoughts!

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  13. I love this! I run 2 programs at our church so I am super involved ther which means everyone knows me so it's crazy I can not leave church without SOMEONE stopping me every week but I love it and it's great to be connected!

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  14. Serving pancakes! That was Mission Breakfast by our company I bet :) another fun connection! I provided some assistance for that.

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    1. It sure was!!! :) It was such an amazing event.

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  15. Jen you really have inspired me! I really want to get more involved, but I am so shy and I hate going to things where I don't know anyone. It's something I've been working on getting over. I just went to my first FRG meeting and I really enjoyed it. I want the FRG to grow and to be a supportive and fun place but the only way to do that is to get involved myself. Right now most of my friends are spouses in my husband's command but I want to get more involved in my local community to make some friends who are not.

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  16. I just love your attitude, it's spot on. I have very little knowledge of military life, but your last point is true for everyone. When we move, I'm going to make a huge effort to get involved in all sorts of stuff. It's the best way to meet people and feel you're doing something useful!

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  17. I think this might be one of my favorite posts ever! I'm sure military life is very difficult, but I love reading about how you've gotten involved and found ways to impact and help others! And you're right, that is so true about life in general!

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  18. I've always wanted to be involved within the FRG and meet other wives that way but both in Ft Lewis and here in Bliss the FRGs were awful (almost non existent here in Bliss) and got ignored when I tried to volunteer. Thankfully here in Bliss I found a great group of spouses outside of Lance's unit that are truly amazing! I hope my experience with spouses within the unit is different in Germany *fingers crossed*

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Love hearing from you!! :)