As I continue along our recruiting journey, I am overwhelmed by how much I miss being at a military installation.
I had no idea that it would be as hard to adjust. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m taking it in stride and I realize it will take more time than just 2.5 months to adjust to being away from the military community.
I just thought it would be easier. Spending 14 years surrounded by all that is military makes it harder.
I miss being surrounded by other military spouses and being able to get together for coffee or have play dates with our kids and talk about everything. I’m meeting some great people in our new city, but it’s different. I crave that secret connection military spouses have with one another, being able to share a world that many are not aware of. We have our own sort of language at times, and we can understand what each other is going through.
I most definitely miss the commissary. I’m always reminded of that phrase, “you don’t know what you have until it is gone.” Who knew how much money I was saving by shopping there. I realize it now! Thank goodness for AWN’s coupon seminar with Maggie Leung–she turned me into a new extreme couponer, and it’s helping me combat these outrageous prices. If you get the opportunity to take her couponing webinar, I would recommend it!
I’m lost without ACS! I miss teaching Army Family Team Building classes and participating in Army Family Action Plans–of course, recruiting has given me a host of things to bring up that will make good issues for AFAP. I’m working on a project here that would offer AFTB classes to new spouses whose spouses join the Army. I think it’s needed. I miss being able to walk into ACS and volunteer.
Through this experience, I am grateful for two things: Facebook and Army Wife Network. This is what has truly kept me connected to the military community and all my wonderful battle buddies. With their help, I know I will make it through this and all the military spouse journeys that lie ahead.
Janet, your recruiting community is lucky to have you (if they even realize it!). If you haven't contacted your Bn Soldier & Family Assistance Program manager yet please do. He or she is your best ally in setting up what you're trying to accomplish with families of new soldiers. I know cause I'm an SFA in Harrisburg, PA.
Good Luck Janet! I know how lonely it can be to be away from a military instillation. We were National Guard prior to going active duty and His unit was 2 hours away from our home so I had no support through the first part of our military life adventure and from my experience that is the mot cruicial part! Especially when I was stuck in a non-military city during our first deployment!
Hang in there! I know you will do well 🙂 You sound strong and confident!
Thanks so much for that advice Randy, I really appreciate that!! 🙂
I know excactly how you feel, my husband was volentold to be a recruiter, in an area that is not very military friendly. It took me a year to make new friends and that first year really wasn’t fun. I still miss living around an army post for the ACS, MWR ect. but we “only” have a year left, hopefully we’ll get stationed on a nice post after that
Good luck to you on your new adventure