Judy Davis Keynotes MilSpouseFest2018
2018-01-23
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, is the keynote speaker for the MilSpouseFest2018 event series, happening at ten military installations across the nation throughout the year. Judy will address the theme of the event, “Inspire Change,” by encouraging attendees to allow change to ignite enthusiasm and positivity. The themes in Judy’s popular book will be front and center as she talks to military spouses about healthy ways to manage change.
MilSpouseFest2018 events are free and open to all military spouses. Registration opens about a month before each event, and the limited tickets go quickly. For more information and links to registration, see MilSpouseFest.com.
Schedule:
San Diego, CA, Jan. 23
Carlsbad, CA, Jan. 25
Norfolk, VA, Sept. 12
Fort Hood, TX, April 17
San Antonio, TX, April 19
Fort Bragg, NC, Dec. 4
Camp LeJeune, NC, Dec. 6

Brenda Pace, Terri Barnes Lead Workshops at Gather Conference Sept. 28-30, 2017
2017-09-28 16:00 - 2017-09-30 17:00 (America/Denver)
Brenda Pace and Terri Barnes, coauthors of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, will each lead workshops at Gather, a Christian conference for military-connected women, Sept. 28-30, 2017, at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Brenda’s workshop, “The Call Forward,” will encourage women to meet every new challenge with confidence, even when it means stepping out of a comfort zone.
“Each step on life’s journey holds a new awareness of God and yourself,” Brenda says.
Her interactive workshop will give participants opportunities to explore together the challenges, methods, and opportunities of moving forward in the call of God.
In addition to her essay “The Perfect Move,” a story about her family’s experience with military moves, in Stories Around the Table, Brenda is the author of a four-book series called Journey of a Military Wife. Her other books include Medals Above My Heart, and One Year Yellow Ribbon Devotional.
Terri’s workshop, “Write From the Heart,” is about writing as a spiritual exercise for growth and outreach. She will discuss journaling as a devotional tool, and letter writing as a means of sharing faith.
“Writing is often overlooked as a form of worship and ministry,” Terri says, “but it has been both throughout history, and it still is today.”
As well as editing and contributing to Stories Around the Table, Terri is the author of Spouse Calls: Messages from a Military Life, a compilation of her long-running column in Stars and Stripes.
Register at the Gather website. Preregistration is $129 per person, or $149 at the door.

Judy Davis Keynotes MilSpouseFest at Fort Campbell Sept. 27, 2017
2017-09-27 | Cole Park Commons Conference Center, 1610 101st Airborne Division Rd, Bldg 1610, Fort Campbell, KY, 42223
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, is a keynote speaker for the MilSpouseFest2017 event series. She will speak at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on September 27, 2017. Participants have a choice of two event times: 10 AM–2 PM or 5–8 PM. Events will take place at the Cole Park Commons Conference Center, 1610 101st Airborne Division Rd, Bldg 1610, Ft. Campbell, KY 42223.
Whether you’re a seasoned military spouse, newbie, or somewhere in between, whether you’re the most popular person on base or you haven’t met anyone yet, MilspouseFest2017 is for every military spouse at every stage of life.
Military life doesn’t have to be lonely. Come spend a fun day with other military spouses who are facing some of the same challenges—and rewards—of military life.
During the event, you’ll participate in hands-on activities and interactive discussions. There are no lectures or PowerPoint presentations. Just a day of fun, laughter, food, prizes, and most of all community! Guests and speakers are connected to the military (many of them military spouses).
A new Employment Segment will be featured at both the day and evening events, presented by Hirepurpose. Both times will also feature a new Employment Table marketplace.
MilSpouseFest events are free to attendees, but registration is required and seats are limited. Register for the DAYTIME event or the EVENING event.
Please contact MilitaryOneClick if you have questions.

Judy Davis Keynotes MilSpouseFest2017 in San Diego, May 17, 2017
2017-05-17
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, is a keynote speaker for the MilSpouseFest2017 event series. She will speak in San Diego on May 17, 2017. The event is sold out and the waiting list is full.
Whether you’re a seasoned military spouse, newbie, or somewhere in between, whether you’re the most popular person on base or you haven’t met anyone yet, MilspouseFest2017 is for every military spouse at every stage of life.
Military life doesn’t have to be lonely. Come spend a fun day with other military spouses who are facing some of the same challenges—and rewards—of military life.
During the event, you’ll participate in hands-on activities and interactive discussions. There are no lectures or PowerPoint presentations. Just a day of fun, laughter, food, prizes, and most of all community! Guests and speakers are connected to the military (many of them military spouses).
Stay for “After Hours” if you’d like to hang out with new friends you’ve made or have questions for speakers or sponsors.
MilSpouseFest events are free to attendees, but registration is required and seats are limited. Although this event is sold out, you may find events in other cities near you. Please contact MilitaryOneClick.

Judy Davis Leads Military Spouse Appreciation Event at Aberdeen Proving Ground, May 12, 2017
2017-05-12 10:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Aberdeen Proving Ground Main Chapel, 4510 Boothby Hill, Bldg 2485, Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD, 21005, United States
In celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, will lead a military spouse event at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, May 12, 2017.
The event will take place at the APG Main Post Chapel, Fellowship Hall. Judy will present tools, strategies, and inspiration to help military spouses and others living the military lifestyle turn around the most difficult aspects of military life.
Two sessions will be offered. Session one will take place 10 AM – Noon. Session two is 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Judy will sign copies of her book following the sessions. Open to all military service members and spouses, retirees, DoD civilians, and contractors. Registration is required.
For more information or to register, please contact:
Sarah Polanco
Army Volunteer Corps Program Manager
410-278-7572

Terri Barnes Speaks at Fort Meade USO for Military Spouse Appreciation Brunch, May 12, 2017
2017-05-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | USO Fort Meade, 8612 6th Armored Cavalry Rd , Fort Meade, MD, 20755, United States
Terri Barnes, author of Spouse Calls: Messages from a Military Life, is the featured speaker for the USO Military Spouse Appreciation Brunch at Fort Meade, Maryland, on May 12. Terri will sign copies of her book, provided for all attendees courtesy of the Fort Meade spouses clubs.
The event begins at 10 AM EST with brunch at the Fort George G. Meade USO Center on Fort Meade. Spouses of active duty, guard, and reserve members are welcome to attend.
Sponsors of this event include Military Officers Association of American, Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses’ Club, and Fort Meade Officers Spouses’ Club.
Spouse Calls is the award-winning collection of essays from Terri’s popular column of the same name that ran in Stars and Stripes for eight years.

Corie Weathers Leads Women's Conference at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 6-7, 2017
2017-05-06 - 2017-05-07
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage will lead 120 women through the Gallup StrengthsFinder at a Women’s Leadership Conference at Misawa Air Force Base in Japan on May 6, 2017.

The Gallup StrengthsFinder provides participants with the opportunity to fully experience and understand their individual talents and teach them how to invest in themselves in ways that will build not only their career, but their relationships and overall sense of purpose.

May 7, Corie will work with the PWOC Leadership Board on the strengths from a team perspective, focusing on team development, synergy, and building better teams in the future.

Corie will follow these events with a Sacred Spaces book signing.

Henderson Hall Children's Fair, MilitaryFamilyBooks.com Author Book Signing, Saturday, April 29, 2017
2017-04-29 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Cpl Terry L. Smith Gymnasium, 27 Southgate Rd , Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA, 22211
To celebrate the Month of the Military Child, Marine & Family Programs is hosting the 10th Annual Children’s Fair at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on Saturday, April 29, 2017, 10 AM – 2 PM Eastern in the Cpl Terry L Smith Gym.
Come to the MilitaryFamilyBooks.com book table for a book sale from 10 AM – 2 PM, with a Meet-the-Authors Book Signing 11 AM – 1 PM.

Featured authors and the books they will be signing:

Alia Reese, author of My Daddy Is a Marine.
Kristin Ayyar, author of Countdown ‘til Daddy Comes Home and Countdown ‘til Mommy Comes Home.
R.S. Greene, author of Where Do I Belong?
Marlene Lee, author of The Hero in My Pocket.
Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito, author of Summer of Courage and Life After Deployment; coauthor of Military Life: Stories and Poems for Children and Stories Around the Table.
Sonia Salinas, author of Muu, Muuu Dice Una Vaca, and El Abecedario Yo Me Sé.

The author table is next to the book sales table in the Cpl Terry L Smith Gym. Books available for purchase during the event at special event pricing include:
Event price $5 each (plus 6% VA tax):
Coloring My Military Life–Book 1
Coloring My Military Life–Book 2
My Dad’s Deployment: A Deployment and Reunion Activity Book for Young Children
My Mom’s Deployment: A Deployment and Reunion Activity Book for Young Children
Event price $8 each (plus 6% VA tax):
Enter at Your Own Risk: Cathy’s Animal Garden
Cedric and the Dragon
The Good Fire Helmet
Military Life: Stories and Poems for Children
Night Catch
Summer of Courage
The Spy With the Wooden Leg
The Wishing Tree
Wish Ribbons
Deployment Journal for Kids
Where Do I Belong
My Daddy Is a Marine
The Hero in My Pocket
Mommy Wears a Uniform
Muu, Muuu Dice Una Vaca
Event price $10 each (plus 6% VA tax):
El Abecedario Yo Me Sé
Countdown ‘til Daddy Comes Home
Countdown ‘til Mommy Comes Home
Life After Deployment
Spouse Calls
Military Spouse Journey
Stories Around the Table
Right Side Up
Activities at the book table include a Heroes’ Tree/ Wishing Tree, where kids can add special thoughts in honor of their military hero.
Giveaways include:

Free single issue of Military Kids’ Life magazine with each purchase of $10 or more (while supplies last).
Free Countdown Chart and Tell Daddy Chart with purchase of Countdown ‘Til Daddy Comes Home (while supplies last).

Drawings for prizes (no purchase necessary) at the MilitaryFamilyBooks.com table include:

One-year (4 issues) subscription to Military Kids’ Life magazine
Set of Coloring My Military Life coloring books
Pack of 31 yellow wish ribbons
Our Heroes’ Tree Basket (two small American flags, yellow ribbon, two stencils for making ornaments, a pack of colored pencils)

In addition to the book sales and author book signing, you’ll find FREE fun for all ages!

Balloon Artist
Photo Booths
Crafts
Video Games
Board Games
Bounce House

Obstacle Course
Chance to Win MCX Gift Cards
Discount Lunch Coupon
Free Ice Cream in front of the MCX

The event is free to attend. Books are available for purchase; cash and credit cards accepted. Lunch is available for purchase in front of the MCX at the American Summer BBQ Expo.
Please register upon arrival at the Cpl Terry L Smith Gym. See the MCCS website for more details and participation agreement.

Judy Davis Keynotes MilSpouseFest2017 in Jacksonville, NC, March 30, 2017
2017-03-30 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, is a keynote speaker for the MilSpouseFest2017 event series. She will speak near Camp Lejeune on Thursday, March 30, 2017, 9 AM – 2 PM at Courtyard Marriott, 5046 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Whether you’re a seasoned military spouse, newbie, or somewhere in between, whether you’re the most popular person on base or you haven’t met anyone yet, MilspouseFest2017 is for every military spouse at every stage of life.
Military life doesn’t have to be lonely. Come spend a fun day with other military spouses who are facing some of the same challenges—and rewards—of military life.
During the event, you’ll participate in hands-on activities and interactive discussions. There are no lectures or PowerPoint presentations. Just a day of fun, laughter, food, prizes, and most of all community! Guests and speakers are connected to the military (many of them military spouses).
Stay for “After Hours” if you’d like to hang out with new friends you’ve made or have questions for speakers or sponsors.
Register for free online at EventBrite or contact MilitaryOneClick.

Judy Davis Keynotes MilSpouseFest2017 in San Antonio, March 1, 2017
2017-03-01 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, is a keynote speaker for the MilSpouseFest2017 event series. The first event takes place in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, 9 AM – 2 PM at The Veranda, 1746 Lockhill Selma Rd, San Antonio.
Whether you’re a seasoned military spouse, newbie, or somewhere in between, whether you’re the most popular person on base or you haven’t met anyone yet, MilspouseFest2017 is for every military spouse at every stage of life.
Military life doesn’t have to be lonely. Come spend a fun day with other military spouses who are facing some of the same challenges—and rewards—of military life.
During the event, you’ll participate in hands-on activities and interactive discussions. There are no lectures or PowerPoint presentations. Just a day of fun, laughter, food, prizes, and most of all community! Guests and speakers are connected to the military (many of them military spouses).
Stay for “After Hours” if you’d like to hang out with new friends you’ve made or have questions for speakers or sponsors.
Register for free online at EventBrite or contact MilitaryOneClick.

Corie Weathers Reading & Booksigning, Barnes & Noble, Savannah, Saturday, February 11, 2017, 2 PM
2017-02-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Barnes & Noble, Oglethorpe Mall, 7804 Abercorn Ext. 72, Savannah, 31406, United States
Elva Resa author Corie Weathers, and her husband, Army Chaplain Matthew Weathers, will read together portions of Corie’s book Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage at a booksigning event Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 2 PM Eastern. The event takes place at Barnes & Noble, Oglethorpe Mall, 7804 Abercorn, Savannah, Georgia.
Copies of Sacred Spaces will be available for sale at Barnes & Noble during the event and Corie will sign purchased books following the reading.
About the book:
As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie traveled on an overseas holiday trip with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in December 2015. She wanted to better understand her husband’s deployments and share her experience with other military spouses.
Like many military couples, Corie and Matt accumulated significant unshared moments during Matt’s deployments. Matt lost friends and fellow soldiers to combat in Afghanistan. On the home front, Corie sat with bereaved military families and walked through dark days with new widows as a friend and professional counselor. When Matt returned, he and Corie began using the term “sacred spaces” for these and other significant moments they had experienced independently. After multiple deployments, sacred spaces were taking up a lot of emotional room in their relationship.
Corie didn’t choose the timing or circumstances of her trip with Secretary Carter—Christmastime, in the midst of her family’s second cross-state move in six months—but it seemed the perfect opportunity for Corie and Matt to gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives.
Matt experienced life on the home front with new eyes as he moved their household belongings, prepared for the holidays, and settled their two young sons into their new school.
Corie’s trip brought her to Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, where she spoke with military families stationed overseas and deployed troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea. As she sat in the belly of a C-17, where her husband had said goodbye to the remains of friends and fellow soldiers, as she touched with her own hands the memorial at FOB Fenty and reflected on her grief as a care team member following the battle of COP Keating, Corie realized this journey was about much more than the push-pull of duty away from loved ones.
This was a journey to the heart of her marriage, a place where she would have to leave behind her resentment in exchange for ground she and her husband had surrendered to hurt, misunderstanding, loss—and to Afghanistan.
Corie set out on this trip hoping to gain a better understanding of her husband and his deployment experience, but along the way, she discovered a whole new perspective of herself and her military marriage.
Local ties:
During Matt’s second deployment to Afghanistan, he was stationed with Fort Stewart-based 3rd Infantry Division. He needed a ride back to the US for an important ceremony in Washington, DC, to support a fellow soldier.
From Sacred Spaces: “Fortunately, he encountered a group of special operation soldiers out of Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. They were headed home and heard that Matt was trying to get back to the US and why. They ripped off Matt’s unit patch and told him he could be their chaplain for the duration of the trip back to their home base. All he had to do was pray over their flight home.”
Corie says, “Matt will be forever grateful for the guys who snatched him up. They had a part in changing our lives and our story.”
The event:
Corie and Matt will read excerpts from the book at 2 PM and talk briefly about the impact of sacred spaces in their marriage and how couples can strengthen their relationship by intentionally creating shared sacred spaces. The booksigning will follow immediately after the reading.

Ft Stewart PWOC Hosts Valentine Event for Military Couples, Friday, February 10, 2017, 6-9 PM
2017-02-10 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, and her husband, US Army Chaplain Matthew Weathers, are guest speakers at a special Valentine evening for military couples. Hosted by Fort Stewart PWOC, the event takes place Friday, February 10, 2017, 6-9 PM Eastern.
An Evening in Paris – Fort Stewart
When: Friday, February 10, 2017, 6-9 PM
WHERE: Fort Stewart Main Chapel, BLDG 500, 10 Garry Owen St, Fort Stewart
Host: Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) of Fort Stewart, Georgia
AUDIENCE: Military couples
Cost: $10 per couple, limited seating
To attend: Tickets are available on a first-come basis beginning January 28.
Contact Roxanne Walker, Stewartpwoc@gmail.com
An Evening in Paris, hosted at Fort Stewart, Georgia, will be an elegant evening for military couples to celebrate their marriage, spend time with one another, and be reminded of the joy of their relationship. The theme focuses on the power that love, faith, and hope have in a healthy marriage. The event will be catered and include giveaways and the 3ID Jazz Band. Tickets are $10 per couple and seating is limited.
US Army Chaplain Matthew Weathers and his wife Corie Weathers, a licensed counselor and the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, will speak at the event. The couple will share their own story as detailed in Corie’s book Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, and offer encouraging ideas for ways military couples can better communicate and see their marriage thrive in the military lifestyle.
If you are unable to attend this special evening, you may meet Corie and Matt at a Barnes & Noble booksigning, Saturday, February 11, at 2 PM at Oglethorpe Mall, Savannah. The booksigning is open to the public and does not require a reservation or ticket.
Matthew and Corie Weathers on Military Marriage:
Matthew, an active duty US Army Chaplain, and Corie, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, have a passion for serving military and first responder families. The couple has worked together to support service members and families involved with the Global War on Terrorism. They cohost marriage retreats and offer an online marriage program designed to improve intimacy and connection. Corie speaks nationally on topics such as PTSD, grief, marriage, and military family culture.
“A surprising amount of military marriage is lived out separately rather than together. A couple can experience different perspectives of the same event at varying levels of intensity and sacrifice that can lead to a gap of understanding between them,” says Matthew. “Our own marriage changed for the better when we realized we needed to respectfully create a space where we could share our individual experiences with each other, without judgment or criticism. In those moments, we grew exponentially closer, thereby creating our own shared sacred space.”
Corie adds, “As a mental health counselor, I found that many military couples struggle to share with one another the deep toll deployments, loss, fear, and sacrifice have had on each of them individually. Over time, couples can feel misunderstood and disconnected. To save our marriages from years of deployment cycles, trauma, and the interruption of family life, couples must find a way to talk about the most sacred moments in their lives.”
Local Stewart/Hunter Ties:
During Matt’s second deployment to Afghanistan, he was stationed with Fort Stewart-based 3rd Infantry Division. A group of special operation soldiers out of Hunter Army Airfield gave him a ride back to the US for an important ceremony in Washington, DC, to support a fellow soldier.
Corie says, “Matt will be forever grateful for those guys. They had a part in changing our lives and our story.”
About the Book:
As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie Weathers traveled on an overseas holiday trip with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in December 2015. She wanted to better understand her husband Matt’s deployments and share her experience with other military spouses.
Like many military couples, Corie and Matt accumulated significant unshared moments during Matt’s deployments. Matt lost friends and fellow soldiers to combat in Afghanistan. On the home front, Corie sat with bereaved military families and walked through dark days with new widows as a friend and professional counselor. When Matt returned, he and Corie began using the term “sacred spaces” for these and other significant moments they had experienced independently. After multiple deployments, sacred spaces were taking up a lot of emotional room in their relationship.
Corie didn’t choose the timing or circumstances of her trip with Secretary Carter—Christmastime, in the midst of her family’s second cross-state move in six months—but it seemed the perfect opportunity for Corie and Matt to gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives.
Matt experienced life on the home front with new eyes as he moved their household belongings, prepared for the holidays, and settled their two young sons into their new school.
Corie’s trip brought her to Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, where she spoke with military families stationed overseas and deployed troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea. As she sat in the belly of a C-17, where her husband had said goodbye to the remains of friends and fellow soldiers, as she touched with her own hands the memorial at FOB Fenty and reflected on her grief as a care team member following the battle of COP Keating, Corie realized this journey was about much more than the push-pull of duty away from loved ones.
This was a journey to the heart of her marriage, a place where she would have to leave behind her resentment in exchange for ground she and her husband had surrendered to hurt, misunderstanding, loss—and to Afghanistan.
Corie set out on this trip hoping to gain a better understanding of her husband and his deployment experience, but along the way, she discovered a whole new perspective of herself and her military marriage.

Corie Weathers Hosts Military Spouse Wellness Summit Oct 17-22, 2016
2016-10-17 - 2016-10-22
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage will host the second annual Military Spouse Wellness Summit October 17-22, 2016. This online event includes ten guest expert interviews to listen to in the comfort of your home or on the go, plus an array of holistic marriage resources.
Organized by InDependent.org, this year’s summit focuses on how to achieve health and wellness independently in mind, body, and emotion, and thereby impact your military marriage.
The virtual event for military spouses starts Monday, October 17 and ends Friday, October 22. Saturday, October 23 is a bonus day, when InDependent will announce the grand prize winner of an amazing Ocean Getaway for Two grand prize, sponsored by the Military Benefit Association.
Each day, two expert interviews will arrive in your inbox. General Admission members (free) will be able to access these interviews only during the summit week. VIP members ($27) will have access to these interviews indefinitely. The only way you will have access to the interviews is by registering for the event. The interviews are accessible through your computer or mobile device and are designed for you to listen to at home or on the go.

A licensed professional counselor (LPC), your host Corie Weathers is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and author of the recently-released book Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage. Corie started her career as a counselor specializing in marriage, divorce, women’s issues, and substance abuse. She married a US Army chaplain and together they support service members and first-responder families. As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie advocated for mental health issues and served as a media correspondent, consulting for command teams, and speaking to groups about issues like PTSD, grief, and marriage.
Summit event sponsors include:
Title Sponsor: Armed Forces Insurance
Grand Prize Sponsor: Military Benefit Association
Wellness Sponsors: Association of the United States Army, Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, Dove, NextGen Milspouse Network
Media Sponsors: MSBNew Media, Army Wife Network, Blue Star Families, Germono Advertising Company, Military Spouse Advocacy Network, PCS Grades
Nonprofit Partners: Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, Healing Household 6, The MilSpo Project, Project Sanctuary
Prize Sponsors: emeals, Elva Resa Publishing, Gaia, Green Chef, QALO, R.Riveter, Thrive Market, Warrior Spirit / Mission Homefront, Zest Tea, ZZZBears

AUSA, Homefront United Host SpouseTalks for Reserve and National Guard Spouses, Sept. 22, 2016, 9:30AM - 2PM
2016-09-22 09:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Family Readiness Directorate and Homefront United Network, the New Jersey National Guard Family Programs, will host a SpouseTalks Military Family Forum on Thursday, September 22, 2016, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM EDT, at the New Jersey National Guard Armory, 1048 US Highway 206 S, Bordentown, New Jersey.
The event is open to all active duty, reserve, National Guard, retiree, veteran, and surviving military spouses, as well as service members and veterans. Recognizing that the Reserve and National Guard spouse experience is different from active duty life, this interactive experience was designed with the Reserve and National Guard spouse in mind. Spouses will have the chance to find impactful support, share coping tips, and create a network of like-minded friends with similar experiences and challenges, especially those challenges families face when geographically dispersed from a military installation.
Patty Barron, Director of AUSA Family Readiness, will kick off the event with opening remarks, joined by welcoming remarks from USAA, the Military Family Forum sponsor.
Angela Caban and Homefront United Network will lead a two-hour interactive session focused on developing relationships within the military spouse community.
At the conclusion of the event, an Exhibit Fair will showcase community partners and resources for participants. A complimentary lunch will be provided for those who attend and youth activities will be provided for children ages three and older. Books for the event include Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, written by more than 40 military family writers, and Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down by Judy Davis.
SpouseTalks is sponsored by USAA and local businesses. Register at HomefrontUnited.com.

Ft Drum-Area MilKids Invited to Fun Night of Music and Books, Fri., Sept. 16, 2016, 6:30-8:30 PM EDT
2016-09-16 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Celebrate being a military kid with this special night of music, books, and fun for Fort Drum-area military kids, Friday, September 16, 2016, 6:30-8:30 PM Eastern, at The Reading Room Bookstore, 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop W, Ste A102, Watertown, New York.
You’ll meet Janine Boldrin, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, and the editorial director of Military Kids’ Life magazine.
Military Kids’ Life magazine is the only print magazine written by military kids for military kids. The current issue of the magazine is all about music, being strong, and the awesomeness of your military home.
Kids will have the chance to step up to the mic and sing to their favorite tunes (and wow the mall with their military kid talent!), show off their strength, and make a fun craft that tells the story of their military life.
The Reading Room will have a selection of Elva Resa books for purchase. Books like Night Catch, Deployment Journal for Kids, and The Wishing Tree, were created especially for military kids!
This event is open to kids of all ages, but older elementary, middle school, and high school kids are especially invited to attend. Drop off your story samples and talk to the Janine to be considered for publication in the next issue of Military Kids’ Life!
Subscribe to Military Kids’ Life and receive four issues per year of awesome milkid content!

Sacred Spaces Book Club Discussion August 30, 2016, 9 PM EST
2016-08-30 21:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, will join Military Spouse magazine for a book club discussion Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 9 PM Eastern.
As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie traveled on an overseas holiday trip with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in December 2015. She wanted to better understand her husband’s deployments and share her experience with other military spouses.
Like many military couples, Corie and her husband, Matt, an Army chaplain, accumulated significant unshared moments during Matt’s deployments. Matt lost friends and fellow soldiers to combat in Afghanistan. On the home front, Corie sat with bereaved military families and walked through dark days with new widows as a friend and professional counselor. When Matt returned, he and Corie began using the term “sacred spaces” for these and other significant moments they had experienced independently. After multiple deployments, sacred spaces were taking up a lot of emotional room in their relationship.
Corie’s trip brought her to Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, where she spoke with military families stationed overseas and deployed troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea. As she sat in the belly of a C-17, where her husband had said goodbye to the remains of friends and fellow soldiers, as she touched with her own hands the memorial at FOB Fenty and reflected on her grief as a care team member following the battle of COP Keating, Corie realized this journey was about much more than the push-pull of duty away from loved ones.
Join in the discussion as Corie talks about her powerful experience, the impact of sacred spaces in any marriage, and how couples can strengthen their relationship by intentionally pursuing their spouse’s heart.
Register for the book club discussion.
Buy the paperback from MilitaryFamilyBooks.com or Amazon.com.
Buy the ebook from MilitaryFamilyBooks.com (nonKindle) or Amazon.com (Kindle).

Corie Weathers Shares Sacred Spaces on Army Wife Talk Radio Aug 1, 2016, 7 PM CT
2016-08-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, is a featured guest on Army Wife Talk Radio on Monday, August 1, 2016 at 7 PM Central. She will talk about her new book and the journey that helped her discover a new perspective of her military marriage.
As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie traveled on an overseas holiday trip with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in December 2015. She wanted to better understand her husband’s deployments and share her experience with other military spouses.
Like many military couples, Corie and her husband, Matt, an Army chaplain, accumulated significant unshared moments during Matt’s deployments. Matt lost friends and fellow soldiers to combat in Afghanistan. On the home front, Corie sat with bereaved military families and walked through dark days with new widows as a friend and professional counselor. When Matt returned, he and Corie began using the term “sacred spaces” for these and other significant moments they had experienced independently. After multiple deployments, sacred spaces were taking up a lot of emotional room in their relationship.
Corie’s trip brought her to Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, where she spoke with military families stationed overseas and deployed troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea. As she sat in the belly of a C-17, where her husband had said goodbye to the remains of friends and fellow soldiers, as she touched with her own hands the memorial at FOB Fenty and reflected on her grief as a care team member following the battle of COP Keating, Corie realized this journey was about much more than the push-pull of duty away from loved ones.
Listen in as Corie talks about her powerful experience, the impact of sacred spaces in any marriage, and how couples can strengthen their relationship by intentionally pursuing their spouse’s heart.
Army Wife Talk Radio is an internet talk radio show for Army wives, by Army wives. Listen to the show.

Sacred Spaces Military Marriage Webinar July 25, 2016, 8PM Eastern
2016-07-25 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, is hosting a FREE marriage webinar on Monday. July 25, 2016 at 8 PM Eastern/ 7 PM Central. She will talk about how to intentionally pursue your spouse’s heart by creating more shared sacred spaces in your marriage.
The webinar is part of Corie’s Intentional Marriage Challenge, an outgrowth of her many years of marriage to her Army chaplain husband, Matthew, and her recent overseas journey with Secretary of Defense Carter, which brought a new perspective to her own marriage and her ministry as a counselor to military and first-responder couples.
Register for free at Enliven Marriage to join the webinar.

Judy Davis Keynotes Dove Real Beauty's Women in the Military Luncheon May 18, 2016
2016-05-18 11:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Kingsmill Resort, 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg,, VA, United States
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down is the keynote speaker at Dove Real Beauty’s 3rd annual “Women of the Military” luncheon. Sponsored by Unilever’s Operation In Touch, the event takes place Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Eastern at the Kingsmill Resort, 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Judy’s talk includes:
Discover Your Difference

Military life puts us in a constant state of change. It’s important to discover who we are, manage expectations, take care of ourselves, and embrace our uniqueness.

Making Your Difference

How do you make a difference in the world without losing yourself?

Judy will share tips from her book and also sign copies following the luncheon. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Right Side Up.
Registration is free, but seats are limited: http://bit.ly/1NkIu5m

Schellhaas Signs New Memoir at BEA May 13, 2016
2016-05-13 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | McCormick Place, 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States
Kristine Schellhaas, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life will sign copies of her new memoir 15 Years of War: How the Longest War in U.S. History Affected a Military Family in Love, Loss, and the Cost Of Service at BookExpo America (BEA) on Friday, May 13, 2016 12-12:30 PM Central in the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Cooperative Booth 2229, McCormick Place, Chicago.
BEA is the largest publishing event in North America, attracting booksellers, librarians, educators, specialty retailers, and authors. IBPA is the largest publishing trade association in the US.
15 Years of War provides a unique he said/she said perspective on coping with war in modern-day America. It reveals a true account of how a dedicated Marine and his equally committed spouse faced unfathomable challenges and achieved triumph, from the days just before 9/11 through 15 years of training workups, deployments, and other separations.
This story of faith, love, and resilience offers insight into how a decade and a half of war has redefined what it means to be a military family.
Booksellers, librarians, and other BEA attendees are invited to come receive a complimentary signed copy of the book at the booth at noon.
BONUS:
Fans of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life: If you bring your own copy of the book to the booth between Noon and 1 PM, coauthors Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito and Kristine Schellhaas will both be available to sign your book!

Weathers, Hoppin, Domingos-Lupher Speak at Military Spouse of the Year Awards May 4-5, 2016
2016-05-04 08:00 - 2016-05-05 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Several Elva Resa authors will attend the Military Spouse of the Year Awards events in the Washington, DC area May 4-5, 2016.

Stories Around the Table coauthor Sue Hoppin, founder and president of National Military Spouse Network, will keynote the Military Spouse magazine Military Spouse of the Year Town Hall on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.

Corie Weathers, author of the forthcoming Sacred Spaces and 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year (and Army MSOY), will lead a Spouse of the Year panel and breakout session with fellow MSOYs Jana Kingery (Air Force ), Stacey Benson (Coast Guard), Nicole Spaid (Marine Corps), Julia Kysela (National Guard), and Tammy Meyer (Navy).

Following lunch, Stories Around the Table coauthor Adrianna Domingos-Lupher, 2015 MacDill Spouse of the Year and founder of MSB New Media and Next Gen MilSpouse, will participate in a business and entrepreneur panel led by Lakesha Cole, 2014 AFI Military Spouse of the Year and founder of MilSpouseprenuer.
Current Military Spouse of the Year Corie Weathers will keynote the MSOY Awards VIP luncheon in Washington, DC on May 5, 2016, when the 2016 AFI Military Spouse of the Year will be announced.
Among other insights, Corie will share her life-changing experience traveling overseas with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter in December. The journey helped her gain a new perspective on deployment and her military marriage. Her memoir Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage is available for preorder from MilitaryFamilyBooks.com.

Holly Scherer Shares Her Inspiring Story at the Spouses' Club of Fort Eustis Luncheon April 21, 2016
2016-04-21 10:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
* * * PLEASE NOTE: Due to a family emergency, Holly will not be able to make the luncheon as planned. However, Fort Eustis spouses are still in for a real treat: Janine Boldrin, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, will share her story!

* * *
Holly Scherer, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, and Military Spouse Journey: Discover the Possibilities & Live Your Dreams, is the guest speaker at the Spouses’ Club of Fort Eustis April luncheon on Thursday, April 21, 2016, 10:30 AM – 1 PM Eastern at the Fort Eustis Club, 2123 Pershing Ave, Fort Eustis, Virginia.
In May 2015, several Fort Eustis military spouses attended Dove Real Beauty’s Operation in Touch event at Kingsmill Resort for women in the military and LOVED it! The event featured inspiring speakers, all coauthors of Stories Around the Table. Everyone in attendance received a copy of the book.
The Spouses’ Club of Fort Eustis chose to use Stories Around the Table as a launch pad for their yearly theme “What’s your story? Everyone has one!” Each month throughout this year, a military spouse shared her story with the group.
To close out this exceptional year-long story sharing, Holly will share her inspirational journey through military life and beyond.
Check-in begins at 10:30; lunch will be served at 11. Cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP to the Spouses’ Club of Fort Eustis by April 18. Limited childcare is available for children nine months old to five years old.
Sharing stories creates supportive communities. Host a Stories Experience in your community.

USO San Diego Distributes Disney DVDs for Month of the Military Child
2016-04-20 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Courageous boys and girls throughout the US stand in steadfast support of their military service member throughout moves and deployments. Every April, organizations and communities honor children of military families as part of Month of the Military Child.
This year, USO San Diego thanks our brave military children’s readiness and resiliency with a giant DVD distribution. Each registered child will have the opportunity to select a Disney DVD.
Program Details
Date: Wednesday, April 20th
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: USO San Diego Downtown Center
Address: 303 A Street, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101
Refreshments: Papa John’s pizza will be served in the Café

*10 military children have the opportunity to select a family friendly Disney movie every 5 minutes!

Parking
The ACE Parking Lot #12, located diagonally across from our Downtown Center entrance, is available. Parking passes are located on the USO website and are available at the center. Metered street parking is also available. No parking will be allowed inside USO San Diego’s garage.

Program Requirements

A valid Active-Duty, Reserve, Guard or Dependent Military ID
Open to legal dependents of Active-Duty, Reserve, or Guard (Ages Birth-18)

Registration
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is now closed; all 480 spots have been registered. Please arrive in time for the slot you signed up for during registration.

Please check the USO San Diego Facebook page for updates.

Judy Davis Guest on The Bruce & Blanquita Show Friday, April 15, 2016
2016-04-15 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Chicago)
Legendary radio hosts Bruce Hathaway and Blanquita Cullum welcome guest Judy Davis on The Bruce and Blanquita Show, Friday, April 15, 2016, 7 AM – 8 AM Central, airing on the No Bull Radio Network 92.1 FM in San Antonio, Texas.
Judy is the cofounder of DASIUM (formerly Living Thru Crisis), a company leading the way in prevention of depression, addiction, and suicide in teens and young adults. Judy will talk about the growing crisis of suicide in the military community, sharing tips and strategies families can use in everyday life to maintain healthy lives and support systems.
Judy is the author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down; Warning Signs: A Parenting Guide for Discovering if Your Teen is at Risk for Depression, Addiction, or Suicide; and “My Son’s Battle” in Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life.
The Bruce and Blanquita Show is available live 7 AM – 8 AM Central and replayed throughout the day on No Bull Radio.
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Did you miss the broadcast? Listen online.

Amy Bushatz Guest Expert for InDependent MilSpo's Guide to Self-Care
2016-01-01 - 2016-03-31
Stories Around the Table coauthor Amy Bushatz is among the all-star lineup of guest experts in the new InDependent online program for military spouses, MilSpo’s Guide to Self-Care.
The free online program will occur monthly from January through September 2016, with each month featuring experts presenting health and wellness content as it relates to military life. Program participants receive a 30- to 60-minute prerecorded interview, book club recommendation, access to a private support group, one group coaching session, and an in-person or virtual meet up. The program is designed specifically to help military spouses practice self-care and encourage them to invest time in themselves each month.
Military spouses can register at In-Dependent.org.
The idea for the MilSpo’s Guide to Self-Care was inspired by the first-ever online 2015 Military Spouse Wellness Summit (MSWS) cohosted by InDependent and Army Wife Network. The event attracted more than 2,000 participants from Kansas to Japan. The next summit is scheduled for October 2016.
MilSpo’s Guide to Self-Care experts and themes include:

January: “Power of Choice” hosted by Kathy Stoddard Torrey, Tapfer Consulting
February: “The Art of Advocating for Yourself” hosted by Olivia Jaras, Salary Coaching for Women
March: “Time Management” hosted by Amy Bushatz, Humans Outside

All participants will be eligible to win monthly giveaways donated by program sponsors like eMeals, Amazon, and Elva Resa Publishing.
InDependent was founded by military spouses for military spouses, with the goal to create a thriving community of military spouses who inspire each other to make health and wellness a priority. InDependent is a campaign of Public Health Foundation Enterprises, a 501c(3) nonprofit and nationally recognized leader in fiscal sponsorship for more than 45 years.

Adrianna Domingos-Lupher, Judy Davis Speak at Online Military Spouse Wellness Summit, Oct 19-24, 2015
2015-10-19 - 2015-10-24
Adrianna Domingos-Lupher and Judy Davis, coauthors of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, are among key speakers at the first Military Spouse Wellness Summit, held online October 19-24, 2015.
The free online summit is organized by In-Dependent.org and The Army Wife Network and sponsored by The USAA Educational Foundation. The theme is “Invest in Yourself” and is aimed at military spouse health and wellness. Summit participants will receive ten interviews from health, nutrition, fitness, and financial experts specially recruited for the summit to help inspire military spouses to thrive. Military spouses can register at the In-Dependent.org site.
The schedule for the week includes:
Day 1/Oct 19: Invest in Your Future – Sponsored by the USAA Educational Foundation
Scott Halliwell of the USAA Educational Foundation will speak about dealing with money stress in a relationship. Scott is a Certified Financial Planner and financial readiness program lead with The USAA Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving financial readiness for the military and local community.
Adrianna Domingos-Lupher will talk about bringing health, wellness, and balance to your finances. Adrianna is the CEO of MSB New Media with its flagship online magazine, NextGen MilSpouse. She wrote “Smart Money” in Stories Around the Table. She is also the cofounder of SpouseBox, a subscription box that introduces subscribers to new and exciting military spouse and veteran made products. The White House recently honored Adrianna as a Military Spouse Entrepreneur Champion of Change.
Day 2/Oct 20: Invest in Physical and Mental Health – Sponsored by QALO Rings
Judy Davis, The Direction Diva, will talk about the emotions of military life. Judy is a motivational speaker, published author, and lifestyle blogger as well as military life and teen suicide prevention expert. She is the author of multiple books including Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk? and the essay “My Son’s Battle” in Stories Around the Table. A spouse of an active duty Army service member, Judy is known to reveal the unspoken truths of military life and provides action-oriented solutions to military families.
Ruvi Makuni, owner of Fit. Active. Toned., will speak about how to make fitness non-negotiable. Ruvi is a certified fitness and nutrition coach who helps people get FAT online and in person. She is passionate about providing convenient fitness and nutrition solutions to make it easy for people to get back on track with their health and fitness goals. She knows how difficult it can be to try to make health and lifestyle changes on your own, especially if you have a hectic work schedule and family obligations.
Day 3/Oct 21: Invest in Eating Well – Sponsored by MSB New Media
Capt. Kimberly Elenberg, of Operation Live Well, addresses how to make healthy eating choices on your military installation. Capt. Elenberg supports the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs as the Defense Health Agency Program Manager for Health Promotion. During her career, she has responded to many disasters and in 2009 was selected as the Nurse Responder of the year as well as the USPHS Responder of the Year from among all service categories and service members.
Kiersten Peterson, nutritional therapy practitioner, of the blog Vibrant Life Army Wife, describes how to clean up your diet while maintaining your sanity. Kiersten is an Army wife and after years of digestive distress, thyroid issues, anxiety, and constant fatigue, Kiersten discovered real food and started her journey to heal her body with real, nutrient dense food. She recently opened up her practice as a nutritional therapy practitioner with the goal of helping others find true healing and vibrant health through real food.
Day 4/Oct 22: Invest in Your Relationship – Sponsored by Thrive Market
Corie Weathers is a licensed professional counselor and the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year who talks about how to build a strong relationship with your spouse. Corie is a licensed professional counselor that has worked with individuals and families for almost 15 years. She is certified in Prolonged Exposure for use in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the Department of Defense Center for Deployment Psychology. She sees many military members and their families who struggle with the hidden wounds of war.
Brad Willis, also known as Bhava Ram, is the founder of Warriors for Healing. He talks about Yoga for you and your spouse and how to mitigate anxiety and PTSD. Bhava Ram is a former NBC News war correspondent who covered the Gulf War and Afghanistan. A broken back and failed surgery ended his career. Dealing with cancer, drugs and alcohol, he healed himself through the mind-body sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda. He devotes his life to sharing the miracle of self-healing with others. Bhava Ram is the author of three books: The memoir Warrior Pose: How Yoga Literally Saved My Life, The 8 Limbs of Yoga: Pathway to Liberation, and Deep Yoga: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times.
Day 5/Oct 23: Invest in Preventative Wellness – Sponsored by MetLife Dental
Tracey Pearcell is the regional dental benefits advisor for Metlife TRICARE Dental. She speaks on how stress affects your dental care. As a dental benefits advisor, she educates the military community about the benefits they are entitled to receive. In addition to working with MetLife, she was an Air Force active duty service member and now serves as a member of the Air National Guard. Tracy is also a spouse of a retired active duty service member.
Leslie Brians, a military spouse talks about how to make Tricare work for you. A former college athlete with a passion for real food and fitness, Leslie understands the importance of a group setting to motivate and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Leslie married into the military in 2009 and has lived both stateside and in Europe.
Facebook Group and GIVEAWAYS:
All participants of the Military Spouse Wellness Summit 2015 will have access to a private Facebook group (join when you register). In this group, participants will be able to post questions, interact with other summit participants, and win some fun giveaways. Winners will be selected based on active participation in the daily prize discussion thread.
Among the giveaways: a Right Side Up Book Club Kit and a Military Spouse Journey Book Club Kit!
On Saturday/Oct 24 the SpouseBox grand-prize winner will be announced.

Jacey Eckhart Leads AUSA Military Family Forum on Transition, Oct 14, 2015
2015-10-14 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Walter E Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
Jacey Eckhart, military sociologist and coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, will lead the Military Family Forum #5 at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, from 2-4 PM Eastern. The event takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and will be streamed live via webcast.
The topic of the Forum is “Transitioning to Veteran or Retiree Status—What Spouses Need to Know.” Joining Jacey is Noreen O’Neil, Senior Advisor, Military Spouse Program, Hiring Our Heroes, United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Panelists include:
Teresa W. Gerton, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Veteran’s Employment and Training Service, United States Department of Labor;
COL Adam L. Rocke, Director of the Soldier for Life Program, Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Army;
COL John W. Radke, United States Army, Retired, Chief, Army Retirement Services, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, United States Army;
Rosye B. Cloud, Senior Advisor for Veteran employment, United States Department of Veterans Affairs;
Joe Quinn, Director of Leadership Development, Team Red, White and Blue; and
SGM LeeAnn M. Conner, Senior Army Career Counselor.
The Forum will be moderated by Anthony J. Stamilio, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Civilian Personnel/Quality of Life.
The event will be streamed live from the AUSA Annual Meeting via webcast. Follow on social media: #AUSA2015 #AUSAFam

Davis Helps MilSpouses Rejuvenate Under Stress at USAA's DigitalMilEx Sept 22-23, 2015
2015-09-22 08:00 - 2015-09-23 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down is a featured speaker at the 2015 Annual USAA influencers conference, DigitalMilEx™, presenting on “Rejuvenation Under Stress—Family Perspective.” The event takes place September 22-23, 2015 at the Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade.
Judy’s session focuses on helping military spouse entrepreneurs find balance for themselves and their families:
As an entrepreneur, the task of serving the military community can be overwhelming. Add in a never ending to-do list and the daily task of finding balance between work and our family, and it’s no wonder we are all stressed and on the verge of burnout. In a real and transparent way, Judy will share tips and strategies for rejuvenating your passion under stressful situations, injecting life back into your business, and finding a healthy balance so you can move forward and keep your family and your business strong.
DigitalMilEx™ offers two days of learning and networking with well-established and rising digital influencers who have a strong military connection. This unique opportunity provides a solution-based environment to tackle the unique challenges bloggers, podcasters, writers, authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs face in fulfilling their mission to the military community.
You’ll hear from compelling, high-achievement keynote speakers on how to:

Be more social business focused
Set up and track social analytics
Protect yourself and your business in cyber space
Get a program approved for sharing with a military audience
Secure sponsorships and monetize
Develop financial strategies for success
Scale a business with sound strategies
Help the military community through hardships
Appeal to millennials in your marketing and social media communications
Rejuvenate family and teams under intense stress

Registration for DigitalMilEx is now closed. Please join the conversation on social media: #USAADigiMil.

School Strategies to Support Military-Connected Students Aug 31, 2015
2015-08-31 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
Stories Around the Table coauthor Amanda Trimillos will lead a free webinar on “Back-to-School Strategies That Work! Supporting Military-Connected Students and Their Families” on Monday, August 31, 2015, 6–7:30 PM Pacific.
This webinar is presented by National University’s Leadership Center. Amanda is a National Board Certified Teacher, program ambassador, and military spouse who has experienced first-hand what it is like to move throughout the county as a military-connected family. Her unique perspective as both a teacher and a parent helps provide educators insights into how to support students and their families coping with the challenges of military life.
You will leave the webinar with specific strategies you can use in your classroom, as well as recommendations you can take back to your school or district to help make important changes that can help better support these students and their families.
You will receive access instructions approximately 48 hours prior to the start of the event and again on the day of the webinar. Please note that the start time is 6 PM Pacific (9 PM Eastern).
Register for free online.

Judy Davis Keynotes Vance AFB Spouse Resilience Symposium Aug 28-29, 2015
2015-08-28 - 2015-08-29
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, will be the keynote speaker at Vance Air Force Base’s Spouse Resilience Symposium, August 28-29, 2015, in Enid, Oklahoma.
On Friday, August 28, Judy will lead a “Living Thru Crisis Suicide Prevention Parenting Conference & Leadership Seminar.”
On Saturday, August 29, she will keynote the Spouse Resilience Symposium, talking about “Kevlar Kouples and Bulletproofing Your Marriage,” with tips for building a stronger marriage within the military lifestyle.
Saturday’s event includes a collection of helpful workshops for military spouses on finance, personal organization, healthy eating, gratitude in your everyday life, and even beauty tips. The symposium takes place at the Vance AFB Collocated Club, Bldg 601. Includes brunch, lunch, giveaways, and a male spouse lounge.
For more information, call Maggie at 580-213-7709.
