President Bush signed legislation ushering in a new era in GI
Bill benefits. Although the administration had originally
opposed the new GI Bill on the grounds it would be too
expensive and may entice service members to leave the
military, Bush praised the bill for including a provision
that permits veterans and service members to transfer unused
benefits to spouses and children. This provision is popular
among servicemembers who have asking for the ability to
transfer all or part of their GI Bill for years.

 Read the full article at Military.com.

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Your military ID can save you money! Did you know that HUNDREDS of  retailers , restaurants, and businesses that offer discounted rates on merchandise and services?  Click here to see which companies offer military discounts.

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These darling Americana tea towels would make a lovely hostess or housewarming gift!

Click here for more styles and designs.

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The military affords you access to many discounts and deals. You just need to know where to look. For instance if you use your military id, you can save money on airfare, lodging and other vacation expenses.

Here are other vacation expenses, reports MilitaryMoney.com, that you can save money on using your Military ID:

• Military Lodges or Temporary Housing

• ITT Office

• Military Appreciation Days

• Space A Travel

• Armed Forces Recreation Center

• Armed Forces Vacation Club

Military lodges or temporary housing. You can expect to spend more than $100 per night at a hotel room in virtually any major metropolitan area. So before you make your reservation, call the temporary lodging facility at a nearby military installation to check room availability. Reservations for many of these rooms are available for less than $100 per night, and many of the rooms include kitchen facilities that can help save money on meals. Information on temporary lodging can be found on the installation website. Additionally, Military Travel Guide USA, published by Military Living and found in most military exchanges, lists phone numbers and websites for temporary lodging facilities in the United States.

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This phrase epitomizes the lifestyle of a military wife. In my case, the Army determines where we’ll live. Transforming bland, sterile quarters into “home sweet home” every couple years can be a real challenge, especially on a military salary. A little money and creativity goes along way. For me, it’s worth the effort and I view decorating as a quality of life investment.

 Wherever we go, I keep this sign prominently displayed, with family pictures propped up nearby. It reminds me that home really is where the heart is. I love putting our signature on government housing. We move a lot! Even though the environment may be new and strange, it’s important for me to create a place where my family feels happy, secure, and a sense of belonging and love.

I’ve created a list of tips and ideas on how you can make your military house feel like a home too.

Ideas on Making Your Military House a Home

Walls

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The 4th of July is a great time to talk about parenthood and patriotism. We should all be teaching our children about the rich history of our great nation. I’ve decided to make a deliberate effort to raise patriotic children.

I recently purchased 2 wonderful books to assist in this process and thought I’d share them with you.

How to Raise An American by Myrna Blyth & Chriss Winston

The American Story by Jennifer Armstrong

My boys are still quite young, however, I don’t think it’s ever too early to instill age-appropriate patriotic values and ideals in them.

 It is important that they know who our founding fathers were and what they stood for.They already know the Pledge of Allegiance and our National Anthem. I’ve been teaching them what our flag means and what it symbolizes. I’ve also been teaching them how to show respect for Old Glory. I want them to learn about the Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, our U.S. Constitution, and the the Federalist Papers. I will help them to understand how our government works and what democracy really means. I don’t’ want them to take their liberties and way of life for granted. I want them to reflect upon the true costs of freedom and to revere those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect it.

Moreover, I want them to understand why their father chooses to be a soldier and why he believes in the call to duty, in honor, and in our country. I want them to be proud to be Americans!

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As we celebrate our freedom this 4th of July, please take a moment to give thanks to those who have fought to secure us the rights of a free and independent country. Likewise, remember the patriots of America that continue to defend and preserve our way of life today.

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To my fellow home front warriors serving in the silent ranks, I salute you!

Warrior

I never wore the uniform,
no medals on my chest.
The band it doesn’t play for me,
I am not among the Best.
I do not march in cadence,
I do not rate salute,
I stand among the silent ranks,
our devotion absolute.

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My heart swells at the sight of an American flag waving high. It invokes a sense of pride, gratitude, hope, and patriotism. It symbolizes freedom and reminds me of the sacrifice by those who have courageously served, and those who continue to serve, to protect and preserve our civil rights.

Carleen, my friend and fellow Happy Housewives Club member (aka curley on the boards), snapped this beautiful picture of Old Glory on Flag Day.

 What does the American flag mean to you? Please e-mail me your thoughts.

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