AWTR Show #854: Fly Safe

Vicki has been saying, “fly safe” to her husband for years. Her husband was the commander of an elite Apache helicopter battalion that deployed to Saudi Arabia for 9 months during the Golf War. In a time when phone calls were few and far between, they relied on the written word to stay connected. When Vicki got a letter from her husband, she felt like he was with her.

Her advice to other military spouses is that nobody has it all figured out – we’re all a work in progress. Army life is a whole different beast and you can either let it consume you or you can learn how to navigate it. Learn everything you can and make sure to take care of yourself. And rely on other military spouses to get you through tough times.

From Vicki’s narrative and journal entries, the reader gets a very realistic glimpse of what it is like for the spouses and families back home during a war- in this case the first Gulf War in 1990-1991- a time when most people did not own a personal computer; there was no internet, no iPhones, no texting, no tweeting. Her writing illuminates the roller coaster of stress, loneliness, sleepless nights, humor, joys, and eventually, resilience that make up her life while her husband is away. Meanwhile, Her husband’s letters to her, give the reader a front row seat to the unfolding of history, the adrenaline rush of flying helicopters in combat, his commitment to his country, and his devotion to his family back home. Together, these three components weave a clear, insightful, and intimate story of love and its power to sustain us.

Vicki Cody grew up in Burlington, Vermont and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1975, with a BS degree in education. For the next 33 years she was an Army wife, supporting her husband in his career. While raising their two sons and moving all over the United States and overseas, she served as a coach and mentor for Army spouses and as an advocate for Army families.

If you want to see more of what Vicki is up to, check out her website here or connect with her on social media via Facebook. Also, you can buy her book here and you can find a free copy of Your Soldier, Your Army: A Family Guide here.

News 6 with Jolene

Here is a News 6 mashup of top stories for the week of Oct. 11, 2021, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

First Lady Releases Report With Goals to Help Military Families

First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden is leading an initiative to help military spouse employment. Joining Forces is a program from the White House designed to support families of service members and veterans, caregivers and survivors. Dr. Biden released a new report: Strengthening America’s Military Families. She states, “Through Joining Forces, the White House is committed to supporting the military and veteran communities through economic and entrepreneurship opportunities for military spouses, including access to affordable, quality child care; support for military-connected children in the classroom; and health and well-being resources.”

Most Americans Support Resettlement of Afghan Refugees

A recent poll found most Americans support the resettlement of Afghan refugees, reported AP News. “The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds 72 percent of Americans say they favor the U.S. granting refugee status to people who worked with the U.S. or Afghan governments during the war in Afghanistan, if they pass security checks.” Refugee resettlement organizations have found that the poll reflects the support they have been receiving from volunteers in areas where Afghans are being resettled.

First All-Women Team Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

For the first time in history, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery was guarded by an all-woman team, reported Task & Purpose.

“History was made … For the first time in the 84-year vigil, on the 30,770th day of the continuous guard, an all woman changing of the guard occurred …” said Col. Patrick Roddy, commander of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (Old Guard). Soldiers have been guarding the tomb for 24 hours a day, seven days a week since 1937.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was guarded by an all-woman team for the first time ever

Resource Recon with Brooklyn and Annie

Check out our Instagram for Trivia Thursday’s and our This or That posts.

We also want to highlight one of our recent blog posts, I Have a Lot to Learn by Anastassia Kennedy:

Recently, I “opened” my very small business for orders. I was a bit nervous, but I did successfully get a few orders. As I was working on a few, I noticed the time and supplies took more time and required more supplies than I originally thought. Apparently I have a lot to learn. I did—do—try my best not to overcharge for an item, but I now understand why some handmade items cost so much.

Everything is a learning experience. I learn new things every day and do my best to retain what I’ve learned. The goal will always be to build my skill and grow my business. I’m willing to go the extra mile and take the time to do so.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda

Today we are showcasing Army Wife Network’s Platoon Member of the Month recipient – Wendy Butler. A little bit about Wendy is below:

I married her childhood sweetheart at 21, we went to college and graduated together. He was an ROTC success. And then our life began! He went active duty in 1987 and we recently celebrated 35 years of marriage in August. It’s been a ride that I will always cherish. We had three beautiful babies in the early 90’s as we began his military career. Without much thought, I became a full-time supporter of all things family and military with our first duty station in the cavalry. It was an amazing 20 year career with deployments beginning in Bosnia, separations including Korea, then Kazakhstan, with some stability in Kansas and Texas. Then a deployment to Iraq with a homecoming to Germany, which is a special home away from home. And finally a retirement to the Department of Defense life. I have always said, he retired, but is still playing with his friends in the sandbox . Of course, he couldn’t stay on the sidelines for too long. So off to Afghanistan he went as a civilian in 2018. I am now a full time Nana with a background in elementary education who wants nothing more than to be available to my children, grandchildren, family and friends as we live this life. I found Army Wife Network because apparently my role did not retire. I needed the connection to those who know me and who know us, so I’m very grateful for the Network. 

Thank you so much to Wendy Butler for being active on our social media and for doing your part to empower military families across the globe.

Thank You

Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to info@armywifenetwork.com or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @armywifenetwork to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of AWN. We appreciate your engagement and support.

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