The Tale of The Traveling TASH

Just like the story of the magical traveling pants which fits each friend perfectly no matter what size or shape they are, The Army Spouse Handbook (TASH) does the same.

The book travels around the world and provides you with the “right-sized” guidance you might need for your situation. It will “fit” and guide you perfectly as you embark on new adventures each time you PCS.

A great way to share the knowledge

Amber, an Army spouse from Alaska, bestowed TASH to her coffee group spouses. Having the knowledge of Army spouse customs really helps young spouses understand why the Army follows certain traditions. Also knowing these customs and protocols helps spouses feel more comfortable at formal events. 

TASH begins its global journey

One of Ginger’s closest friends, Angel, and PIC (partner in commitment) had the most amazing idea for her daughter’s wedding gift. Her daughter was marrying an Army soldier, and she wished to bestow upon her something of value, unquantifiable yet rich with knowledge and resources to help her navigate the wonderful life as an Army spouse.

Angel decided to send The Army Spouse Handbook (TASH) around the world to get reflections, advice, and pearls of wisdom from other Army seasoned spouses. These days of dual military, professional working spouses, volunteers, and moms, what better way than to share experiences and wisdom to the next generation with this quintessential Army spouse reference book! 

The journey of this book started off by being sent to Ginger to inscribe a note on the title page. Ten messages have already been collected from Army spouses wishing her daughter blessings, but most importantly sharing encouraging words and uplifting stories from their Army walks of life just like the story of the traveling pants. 

TASH has traveled to New Hampshire, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, California and is still making its way around the world to gather reflections and advice from Seasoned Army Spouses.

The Protocol Team shares their favorite traditions

Michelle

One of Michelle’s favorite traditions was the unit coffees. Michelle thinks she received the original Army Wife Handbook shortly after it was first published in the late 80’s–nineteen eighties that is! She liked perusing through it quite frequently to double check on protocol suggestions and ideas for a variety of traditional events. 

The chance for networking and camaraderie with unit spouses was something she always looked forward to each month! Early in her husband’s Army career, well before SFRGs, it was the way to find out and share news within the unit, but also to check in with each other, enjoy some appetizers and catch up while enjoying a fun evening! 

Ginger

Ginger’s original TASH book traveled from continent to continent, state to state, with her for twenty-five moves; it is worn, dog-eared, tabbed and highlighted throughout.

Ginger’s favorite tradition is the tea. She adapted the traditional tea to whatever post they were stationed, and her farewell was a magical “mermaid” themed tea.  Adapting Army spouse traditions to your personal style is best as it comes across genuine and from the heart!

Lynda

Lynda’s grandmother, a WWII Army wife, gave Lynda her 1st copy of The Army Wife Handbook in 1998 during her husband’s first duty assignment. After all these years, that book is the first in and last out of her bookcase in each and every Army move.

Lynda loves the tradition and exhilaration of the ceremonial cavalry charge still practiced on cavalry posts. She also loves the camaraderie and laughter at a spouses’ unit coffee and welcomes the challenge of creating a fun, new theme for the evening.

Ann

Ann’s favorite tradition is The Coffee. These typical monthly get-togethers are easy for several members of a coffee or SFRG group to put on. They provide an excellent opportunity for the coffee group leader to pass along monthly news and  the means for the Army spouses of that group to socialize. This last benefit means that friendships are formed and available when needed especially with newcomers.

BIG NEWS FOR THE TRAVELING TASH!

The Protocol Team is excited to share that The Army Spouse Handbook was selected to be added to the   Library’s General Collections of the Library of Congress

*For more information on the Handbook , The Army Spouse Handbook  and for more advice from the Protocol Team, check out their Q & A Session published in 2021.