If there is something that former Navy brat Sarah Smiley could tell you is that the military life always comes first! Sarah is a Navy wife, mom of three, and a military columnist. Sarah’s book “Going Overboard” has guided many of us through the many “unspoken” obstacles of the military life, and has offered us comfort in knowing we are not alone. In this interview, Sarah opens up about her life today as well as military obstacles and how she has overcome them.

Military families have been living unique lifestyles along side their service member for years. This has been an ongoing sacrifice in support of their service member’s career, and sometimes can be a hard transition for some families. Besides the support we receive from within our own community, there is still so much support needed from civilians.

At the young age of 28, Cheryl Gansner has already been through more trials and tribulations that she could have ever imagined. Cheryl and her husband Bryan have been married for 4 years, and they have both lived the typical military lifestyle. Separations and two deployments over the course of 6 years, but in July 2006 life quickly changed for this couple. Bryan was severely injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). This not only left a great deal of rehabilitation for Bryan, but also a difficult transition for the couple.

Being involved in the military community for 9 years now, I have always been very aware of Operations Security (OPSEC). I always watch what I say and how much information is given out, even to family members. I figure that while my husband is keeping us safe, my job was to keep him safe. I recently asked reader’s if they knew what OPSEC and PERSEC were and 75% answered no. Which makes me wonder, why aren’t they educating spouses on and off base?

How would you react to the news that your child is joining the military? Some may say that they would not be able to handle the news while others say they would feel nothing but pride.

About to experience her first Permanent Change of Station alone while her husband is deployed, Crystal has begun to build the courage and strength usually found only after years of marriage.

With the stress of yet another school year approaching, there are many different programs this year that want to help military families. If it is one thing we are good at, that is adjustment and change.

Think of when your soldier returned home from their last deployment, the anxiety of getting back to normal and moving forward as a family. Did you feel like the process of getting back into a routine took forever? If there was a program that helped you and your soldier get back on track as a couple, would you participate?

“Going Overboard, The Misadventures of a Military Wife” was the first book I picked up when my husband deployed. I was so lost, being a Guard wife and not living on base; this book opened up my eyes and made me realize I was not alone.

The Department of Defense has many ways for a military spouse to also enjoy the benefits of going to college for free or close to nothing. As spouses and dependents of our military it is important that you understand the benefits that we are entitled to and how to use them.