Blog posts with the tag "Military Families"

Staff Perspective: Cleats, Jerseys and “Kicking Balls” - Finding a Sense of Belonging

By heather tompkins  on 23.04.2025 10:55 am

As Month of the Military Child (April) comes to an end and Military Spouse Appreciation (May) begins, I have been reflecting on my experience as a military spouse. The old adage, “it takes a village” comes to mind in relation to these experiences and how “my village” has helped me cope with the challenges of military life. With another pending PCS and not looking forward to the stress of moving, I take pause to appreciate the opportunities for new connections each duty station has brought.

Staff Perspectives: Never Have I Ever…Been a Military Dependent

By Allison Hannah  on 09.04.2025 10:08 am
Allison Hannah, LCSW, MSW

I’m a military spouse—a dependent, as we are often referred to in the military community. That word frequently comes with a sting, implying passivity, lack of contribution, and sometimes even entitlement. But my story, like many others, is much more complex than being defined by a label. 

Staff Perspective: Military Families with Children Who Have Special Needs

By Jessica Strong  on 26.03.2025 9:27 am
Dr. Jessica Strong

As a military spouse, mother of three extraordinary military children, and researcher on military families, I know military families and children are resilient. Like many other military families, our story includes cross-country and global moves, navigating the emotional terrain of multiple deployments, making friends and moving away from them, and growing through it all. However, personally and through my research, I also know that resilience isn't an innate characteristic; it's a dynamic quality that is carefully cultivated.

Staff Perspective: Never An Even Split

By Kristyn Heins  on 11.02.2025 10:54 am
Kristyn Heins, Ph.D.

When you’ve decided to officially share a life with someone, maybe through marriage, civil union, common law, or any other way, you may go into it with the assumption this is 50/50. This is a partnership where together we will put effort into building a life we love. Few of us have an outright conversation about expectations and roles, we just think, “I love this person and they love me and we will figure out our own way”.

Staff Perspectives: SOARing into the Future: How Research Can Support Military Teens

By Allison Hannah  on 27.11.2024 10:59 am

Certain mottos stick with us from the moment we begin learning life skills. For me, one of the earliest was "be prepared," a principle I carried from my days as a Girl Scout into my military career. This motto emphasizes the importance of readiness and adaptability, key components of resilience.

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