AWTR Show #860: TWENTY-ONE STEPS

Jeff Gottesfeld was of military age during the Vietnam era. His position on the military could be described as skeptical at best. But as he got older he started going to National Cemeteries on Memorial Day. When he saw tombstones with the marking of Unknown on them, he started doing some research. And that’s where the idea behind TWENTY-ONE STEPS came from.

Line 6 of the Tomb Guard Creed is “my standard will remain perfection.” In a sea of children’s books about individual identity, Jeff decided to write about giving up your identity. The idea of giving up of yourself – selfless sacrifice – for something larger is important, especially in the age of identity. TWENTY-ONE STEPS is told in the first person so that kids can put themselves in those shoes. Through the book, kids get to learn about honor, reverence, sacrifice, obedience, commitment, patriotism, responsibility, service, and love.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is America’s shrine, preserving and honoring the remains of Unknown soldiers from three wars. TWENTY-ONE STEPS is the illustrated picture book that tells the story of the Tomb, and the steadfast Tomb Guards who keep faith and watch every minute of every day. It is told from the point of view of the first Unknown interred in November, 1921. 

Jeff writes for page, stage, and screen. He has won awards from the American Library Association, the Association of Jewish Libraries, the Writer’s Guild of America, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Alliance for Theater and Education. His current focus is picture book texts for children. Born in Manhattan and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, he currently lives in Los Angeles.  

Listeners, if you would like to see more of what Jeff is up to, check out his website here or connect with him on social media via Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Don’t forget to get a copy of TWENTY-ONE STEPS here.

News 6 with Jolene

Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of Nov. 8, 2021, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

38 Privatized Military Housing Communities Under New Ownership

Military Times reported that 38 privatized military housing communities are under new ownership. The Michaels Organization purchased eight of the properties from previous owner, Clark Realty Capital. Lincoln Military Housing sold its company to its employees and changed its name to Liberty Military Housing. The new company now owns privatized housing at 30 military installations. These two sales are considered positive moves for military families.

Department of Defense Decides Against Merging Commissary and Exchanges

The Department of Defense has decided against merging the Defense Commissary Agency and all three separate exchange systems, “finding that the plan would not result in the billions in savings originally projected in 2018,” reported Military.com. A newly released report found that merging the Commissary and Exchanges would cost “an additional $1.5 billion.” Read more at military.com.

TRICARE Open Season

Do you need to make changes to your TRICARE health, dental, or vision insurance? Mark your calendars now for TRICARE Open Season, which starts on Nov. 8. You can make changes between then and Dec. 13, 2021. Any changes go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

A Look at the Male Military Spouse Experience

Male military spouses are on the rise, and according to the Army, some male spouses are making an effort to carve a path in the traditionally female-dominated role. The Army estimates that the number of male spouses married to an active-duty female service member is approximately 11%, and they’ve found a trend that male military spouses tend to have some prior military service.

You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.

Resource Recon with Amanda B. and Sarah R.

This week, we are doing a Social Media Scoop:

Our team here at Army Wife Network has been busy keeping up with our Behind the Scenes series on Instagram – which gives our audience a peak into our personal milspouse lives. This month’s theme is #AWNDoesGratitude. Sarah R. is grateful for the holidays where her husband is home for the holidays. Amanda B. is grateful for her daughter and having another one on the way.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda B.

Today we are showcasing Army Wife Network’s Platoon Member of the Month recipient, Patrick Bonbrisco:

My very own father, Patrick, has been extremely empowering and supportive to my husband and the military and to me as a milspouse. Growing up our family didn’t have any military relationships or experience, so knowing that this is my dad’s first experience with anything military related makes our family feel even more supported and recognized. My dad is always there for me when I need him the most. He is willing to stop everything in Florida and hop on a plane to wherever we’re currently PCSed in order to come help. He has been there for me, for my daughter’s birth, and through my husband’s deployment after she was born. I’m so appreciative of him and I consider myself quite blessed to have a dad like him. Thanks for your love, support, and empowerment to me, my family, and to us gals here at Army Wife Network It means a lot dad.

Thank you again to Patrick for doing your part to empower military families all across the globe.

Podcast Brought to You by First Command

This podcast episode was brought to you by our AWTR show sponsor, First Command Financial Services, whose mission is to help our nation’s military families build a future worthy of their service. First Command provides ongoing financial coaching that evolves over the course of your military life and career. And, with 170 locations worldwide, you’ll find a First Command office near most major military installations. Visit firstcommand.com today and find a First Command financial coach near you.

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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