Thanks for joining us, sorry for the hiatus. We're back and better than ever as we talk about what has been going on in our life since mid July. Big changes ahead...tune in!

Update over the past 7 weeks!

Welcome to "Carseats and Camo," where we tackle the important topic of mental health. In this episode, we address the stigma surrounding seeking mental health support within the military community, discussing reasons such as the limitations imposed when receiving medication and the added approval required. We offer strategies to reduce this stigma and create a more open environment. Exploring the impact of military life on mental health, we delve into the unique stressors faced and the consequences of trauma and PTSD. To provide practical help, we discuss evidence-based coping strategies such as mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and healthy eating. We emphasize the importance of utilizing available resources like Military OneSource, the Military Crisis Line (call 988 press 1, online chat by texting 838255, Europe Call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118, Korea Call 080-855-5118 or DSN 118, Afghanistan Call 00 1 800 273 8255 or DSN 111, Philippines Dial #MYVA or 02-8550-3888 and press 7), TRICARE, mental health clinics, and the Military and Family Life Counseling Program. We provide contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), stressing the significance of seeking support. In conclusion, we remind listeners that seeking mental health support is a sign of strength and express gratitude for their support and feedback as we strive to provide valuable insights and resources to military members and their families.

In this episode I tell my personal story of surviving sexual assault during my time in the military.  We also explore the broader issue of sexual assault in the military, including the challenges that survivors face in coming forward. This episode serves as a reminder that sexual assault can happen anywhere, including within the military, and highlights the importance of continuing to push for change and accountability within our armed forces.

On our next episode of Camo and Carseats, we'll be talking about education benefits in the military. Join us as we discuss the different types of benefits available, how to apply, and tips for making the most of your education opportunities.

In this episode of Camo and Carseats, we're discussing the unique challenges and opportunities of traveling as a military family. Whether you're PCSing across the country or taking a vacation during leave, we've got tips and strategies to make your travel experience more enjoyable and affordable. Giving strategies for making travel more affordable, from taking advantage of military discounts to using travel credit cards to earn rewards. From dealing with keeping kids entertained and comfortable during long trips, we'll share our best advice and personal experiences. We'll also talk about the importance of finding community and support as a military family, whether that means connecting with other military families at your destination or tapping into online resources like military family blogs and forums.

In the episode we sprinkle in some of our personal stories and experiences of traveling as a military family. From memorable road trips to unexpected travel mishaps, we'll share some of the highs and lows of our own experiences and offer some lessons learned along the way.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just getting started, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your headphones and join us for an informative and entertaining discussion on traveling as a military family!

In this episode of Camo and Carseats, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning out of the military and adjusting to civilian life. We explore the loss of identity and sense of purpose that many veterans experience, as well as the mental health challenges and difficulty in accessing benefits that can make the transition even more difficult.

We also delve into the employment and education opportunities available to veterans, including resources for finding jobs and pursuing education opportunities, as well as strategies for building a professional network and making the most of military experience in the civilian job market.

We discuss the various ways in which veterans can adjust to civilian life, including maintaining a sense of purpose and identity, building new relationships and finding community, and coping with culture shock and other challenges. We also provide tips for a successful transition, and highlight the various VA benefits.

In this episode of Camo and Carseats, we dive into the topic of joining the military and getting married. Brandon and Kimber share their personal experiences of how they met and fell in love while navigating the challenges of military life.

They discuss the unique stressors that come with serving in the military and getting married, such as deployments, long-distance relationships, and the difficulties of planning a wedding while in the military. They also talk about the financial and logistical considerations that are important to keep in mind when deciding to get married while serving in the military.

Brandon and Kimber provide valuable insights and advice including how to communicate effectively, build a strong support system, and stay connected during deployments and separations.

They also share some of the joys of military marriage, such as the sense of community and camaraderie that comes with being a part of the military family. Listeners will come away from this episode with a better understanding of what it takes to make a military marriage work, and the importance of communication, flexibility, and a sense of humor.

Join us for this insightful episode of Camo and Carseats, and discover the ups and downs of joining the military and getting married.

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