AWTR Show #864: Brainstorm for Brain Injury

Almost 3 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury every year. And most people with brain injuries don’t have any physical signs. When you look normal, people expect you to behave normally. However, TyAnne Crook  and Dr. Judy Gooch from Brainstorm for Brain Injury want you to remember that invisible doesn’t mean imaginary.

There are ways that you can advocate for yourself or someone you are caring for:

1. Learn your limits and stick to them. This refers to your personal life.
2. Learn how to communicate with your providers.
3. Consider recording appointments. Always get permission before doing this.
4. Be okay with sticking to your decisions.
5. Be willing to walk away from people that aren’t supportive and providers that aren’t listening.
6. Find providers that know and understand brain injuries.
7. Ask family and friends for help when things get overwhelming.
8. Don’t forget to take breaks. You should build these into your schedule. You have to find the number and type of breaks that work for you. You won’t get it on the first try.
9. Most importantly, don’t give up. Work everyday to improve.
10. Reach out to Brainstorm for Brain Injury to find a people who understand and are going through similar things.

Brainstorm for Brain Injury was born out requests from people with brain injury and their caregivers.  It was founded by a rehabilitation physician and two caregivers of brain injury survivors. The mission is to connect and educate those affected by brain injury in a supportive community.  Our vision is that survivors and caregivers feel understood, have hope and receive optimal care for the longterm

TyAnne Crook was a regular mom doing school runs, helping with homework and folding a never-ending pile of laundry.  On April 10, 2013, all that changed. She became a caregiver to a child with a brain injury. The pile of laundry is still never-ending, and even though her life changed forever that day, she still loves to bake, travel, snow ski, golf and see life through the lens of a camera.

Dr. Judy Gooch is a physician who is board certified in adult and pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Practicing medicine since 1986, she was the medical director at a major children’s hospital and a professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine.  In 2012 Dr. Gooch started Utah Neuro Rehabilitation, a private medical practice focused on improving the lives of children and adults with neurologic conditions.

Listeners, if you would like to see more of what Brainstorm for Brain Injury is up to, check out their website here, or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Amanda B.

This week we are showcasing one of our volunteers who is an MRE (Motivated and Ready to Empower) winners – Amber Peterson, our Social Media Assistant.

Amber is originally from Colony, Kansas, and is currently living in South Korea with her husband, Tyrell, and daughter, Serenity. While living in South Korea, Amber has had the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. During that time, she has graduated college, started the Camp Humphreys Mom Meet-Up, and hosted the Camp Humphrey Spouses’ Social.

Amber also has a home-based business that she started after realizing there weren’t many options for the gluten-free community at Camp Humphreys. So Humphreys Gluten Free Treats was born and has now been up and running for a year. While the Peterson family has enjoyed their time in South Korea, they are eager to find out where the Army will send them next.

We also wanted to give a huge shoutout to our band of bloggers team for making it an excellent year. Army Wife Network is so appreciative of our entire band of bloggers for always going above and beyond and truly being motived and ready to empower!

So much thanks goes out to Amber and our band of bloggers for doing their part to empower military spouses all across the globe.

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:

USTRANSCOM Awards $6.2B HHG Contract

United States Transportation Command announced it has awarded the highly competitive $6.2 billion global household goods contract to HomeSafe Alliance, headquartered in Houston, Texas. HomeSafe Alliance is expected to begin work on Dec. 1, 2021 but will have a tiered take over of the contract, which is expected to last more than a year, according to the Department of Defense.

USTRANSCOM has also rolled out a new website for service members and their families to review survey data on moving companies. The website is aimed at consumers to be able to see peak moving times and adjust their move schedule. Additionally, you can look at past performance reviews on transportation service providers.

U.S. Air Force Accepting Applicants for Aim High Flight Academy

The U.S. Air Force is accepting applications to their all-expensed-paid, three-week flight training program at Aim High Flight Academy in Florida. This program is designed for people ages 16-23 who are full-time high school or college students or an enlisted member of any service. Application deadlines are Dec. 10, 2021.

USPS Deadlines for Military Holiday Mail

Holiday shipping deadlines are nearing for military mail through the United States Postal Service. The deadlines fall between Dec. 9 and 16. Check out the full details at usps.com where you can also request a Military Care Kit containing shipping boxes, tape, and customs form envelopes for free!

Nominations Open for 2022 AFI Military Spouse of the Year

2022 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year nominations open on Nov. 29, 2021! If you know a military spouse who is moving and shaking in great ways for the military community, nominate them today!

Free Christmas Trees for Troops

Trees for Troops is celebrating its 17th season of donating fresh Christmas trees to troops around the world. To find out if you qualify for a free Christmas tree, check your recreation center today! All military branches are eligible for trees, but each location determines local eligibility. For example, Fort Bragg MWR is giving vouchers for active-duty service members in pay grades of E-6 and below, while supplies last, but Fort Benning MWR has no rank restrictions and is offering trees on a first come, first-served basis.

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

Special Feature Interview

Joining us today to talk about holiday budgeting tips in 2021 and how to be smart about holiday spending is Olivia Inglett, a Financial Advisor with First Command. Olivia met her husband at Liberty University during undergrad in 2014. After he commissioned as an officer into the United States Army, they got married and moved to Fort Rucker, AL where she began her journey as a financial planner.  As a New England native, her favorite part about the holidays is curling up with her family to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and the crackling fire after a long day of pond hockey!

During the holidays it can be hard to keep from going overboard with finances. Because the pandemic has impacted many families and businesses financially, it’s more important than ever to have a plan. However, you don’t have to sacrifice a great holiday experience just because you’re saving money this year.

Below are ways to keep from spending too much this holiday season:

1. Create a budget. It can help to group things into categories and maybe assign a percentage to each category.
2. Start planning gifts early and then you can compare prices.
3. Think outside the box. Experiences and homemade presents make wonderful gifts.
4. Always be on the look out for sales. If you start early, this will be easier as well.
5. Consider doing a Secret Santa instead of buying a gift for everyone.
6. If you typically donate money to a charity, think about donating your time.
7. Don’t forget about thrift shops, which can have great deals and is better for the environment.

Lastly, remember the reason for the season. It’s about spending time together with loved ones.

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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