Field Problems™
Field Problem: Military Spouse Scholarships
Dear, Field Problems:
I’m desperately writing hoping you might have a clue about what to do. My sister, whose husband is in the military, just finished her first semester of school. Last semester she qualified for financial aid, and next semester she doesn’t, even though there is no way they can afford it. I am wondering if there are scholarships or grants targeted towards military spouses. She gets a partial scholarship from the school, and she’s really smart, but there is no way she can return in the fall if she doesn’t find help paying for it.
Kristi; Fort Bragg, NC; Army spouse
Field Problem: Career Conundrum
Dear, Field Problems:
My husband was recently brought back on active duty, so I have become a full-time military spouse. He will be continuing his training at Fort Bragg in a couple of weeks. Prior to my husband being called back to active duty, I worked as a teacher with a master’s degree. Now I am wondering what I can do to get a job on the installation, either teaching or otherwise. Whom would I contact for employment help at Fort Bragg? Also, what is your opinion—is it better to work on or off post? Any help you could pass along will be very helpful.
Emily; en route to Fort Bragg, NC; military spouse
Field Problem: Exploring the Commissary
Dear, Field Problems:
I have always wanted to know more about the commissary. Do they do special orders? What is the deal with the surcharge? How do they set their prices and why do they change? Can you tell me more about how it all works?
Jean; Fort Carson, CO; military spouse
Field Problem: Pass Info to Your Parents
Dear, Field Problems:
Why aren’t there any real resources for military parents? There is an assumption that we don’t want to know information or that we don’t care. We are not sure which. Do you know of any resources to help us out?
Pat and Ryan Bryant; Milwaukee, WI; parents of a service member
Field Problem: Space Available Advice
Dear, Field Problems:
I’ve seen quite a few conversations about Space A military travel on your website, but I’m still very confused. Where do I start? Is there anything that is a “must know?” Any advice you can provide would be very helpful. I’m completely overwhelmed.
Gwendloyn; Fort Wainright, AK
Field Problem: Support Group Revival 101
Dear, Field Problems:
I am a veteran, a spouse of an active duty soldier, and a mom of two children. I also work as a Soldier and Family Readiness Group Advisor at Fort Bragg. One of our “field problems” is how to revive our SFRG so that family members can get the support they need. We surveyed family members and found people really want the social aspect, not the learning aspect, which is surprising to me. How do we achieve both?
Kim; Fort Bragg, NC; Army spouse and veteran
Field Problem: And Baby Makes Two (or Three)
Dear, Field Problems:
I’m in a little bit of a different situation recently. I am the proud father of a new baby boy. His mother and I are not together. This is my first, and I’ve never had to address the meshing of my military career with family matters. What can you tell me that may stop my feeling that I’m going to compound my mistakes?
Andrew; Fort Gordon, GA; Army soldier of 10 years
Field Problem: Military Child Resources
Dear, Field Problems:
I’ve heard that the month of April is when the military honors military children. Are there any special things going on at installations? Where can I find out more about resources for my children?
Charlotte; Fort Irwin, CA; Army spouse
Field Problem: Helping Military Kids Cope
Dear, Field Problems:
I have a toddler boy; he is 2 years old and is having a hard time adjusting to Daddy not being home. The problem we are having is I am not sure how to get him to understand (he is acting out) and what I can read to him that will help him understand. You recently came up with a list of books for a 5-year-old, but I wasn’t sure if they were age appropriate with a language that my son will understand.
Any chance you can suggest books that are easily understood by toddlers and can help them deal with deployments? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Danielle; NWS Charleston, SC; Active Duty Navy spouse and veteran