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The 9/11 Generation

September 11, 2012
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on September 11, 2012 - 10:13am

Last month I traveled to New York City for a conference; before heading home, a group of military spouses had made the commitment to visit the 9/11 Memorial. We are spouses representing all branches, all ranks, and we are all post 9/11 military wives. It seemed fitting to make this stop; after all we would probably have never met if that day did not happen. United by our husbands’ service, motivated by patriotism that we share, and heartbroken by the immense loss of life that has occurred within our community as a result of those terrorist attacks.

A Complacent America While Military Families Continue to Grieve

August 17, 2012
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on August 17, 2012 - 2:54pm

Homecoming is in the Air!

January 18, 2012
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on January 18, 2012 - 9:38am

So Close to Home….

The Fight of His Life….on American Soil

January 9, 2012
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on January 9, 2012 - 10:21am

"One day, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching,” that is the signature quote of Gunnery Sergeant Dave Smith who almost lost his life in July. This Marine, this real American hero has seen four combat tours, even surviving an IED blast and being awarded a Bronze Star with Combat V; however, it was when he was safe at home that he almost lost his life. As people celebrated the start of a new year, GySgt Smith reflected on what he hopes for his future now that he has a second chance at life.

Tax Season is Approaching!

January 4, 2012
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on January 4, 2012 - 1:09pm

As the New Years’ celebrations come to a close, it is time to get our personal affairs in order. DFAS just posted the “Annual Tax Statement availability.” If you are a military spouse, be sure to know your Sponsor’s correct login information ahead of time: https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx.

Retiree 1099-R: AVAILABLE

Civilian W2: Jan 5, 2012

Congressional Military Family Caucus Family Summit (DC-Dec 1)

November 28, 2011
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on November 28, 2011 - 11:08am

I will be at this this week, with $950 Billion dollars in budget cuts to the DOD on the table I highly encourage everyone to attend, and if you can't please share with your contacts. I will get to speak on the spouses' issues panel.

The Congressional Military Family Caucus Family Summit scheduled for 8:30am to 3:00pm on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium in Washington, DC. The Summit’s primary focus is to educate Members of Congress and their staff, Department of Defense leaders, and the public on current issues facing military families.

4 More Years to be Thankful For

November 23, 2011
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on November 23, 2011 - 12:15pm

My Facebook friends started a trend at the beginning of the month, each day they named something they were thankful for in honor of Thanksgiving. Over the course of this year, I have had an abundance of blessings. Just last week, my husband raised his right hand and re-enlisted for four more years in the Marine Corps. His choice to become a Marine has turned into a gift not just for me but for our children. Every day of my life I get to wake up knowing the man I married chose a life of service, and not just any service but one as a United States Marine.

Make Your Voice Heard!

November 7, 2011
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on November 7, 2011 - 12:47pm

Blue Star Families, a nonprofit, bipartisan organization that supports all roles of the ‘military family’ has launched their annual survey. This isn’t your average survey; they have a direct relationship with our elected officials who are presented with this information to hear exactly what we are thinking. Now is your chance to be a part of it. At a time when fiscal responsibility has caused our Nation to look at Defense programs for cuts, it is more important than any other time that we tell that what we would like to see go and what we absolutely want to see protected.

Nominations are now open for 2012 Military Spouse of the Year

October 27, 2011
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on October 27, 2011 - 3:49pm

Some of you have been along with me for my journey as Military Spouse magazine's 2011 Military Spouse of the Year (that's a mouthful :) for the last 5 months. Just this week, nominations have opened for the 2012 MSOY for all 5 branches. I am hoping you will utilize your website and social media outlets to spread the word.

A Night amongst Heroes

October 26, 2011
By Bianca Strzalkowski
Submitted by Bianca Strzalkowski on October 26, 2011 - 12:43pm

Last week I travelled to Fort Worth, Texas for the AFI Sky Ball. Over the course of just a few days, I got to speak to the spouses & Marines of 8th Marine Corps District, meet 16 Medal of Honor recipients, and the 12th Sgt Major of the Marine Corps. I had no idea when I embarked on that trip that I would encounter so many life-changing moments, and it has become the ongoing theme of serving as the Military Spouse of the Year.

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