A Memorable Entrance (our Memories Made winner)

Everyone could use a do-over from time to time. By some the entries we received in our Memories Made contest, there are many who could also use a stockpile of band-aids, a GPS, and the number to the local search and rescue.

We asked you to share your unexpectedly funny stories of your best funny family memory, and, boy, some of these tales had us laughing and sympathizing at the same time. And wondering if you were the inspiration for Life of Pi, Land of the Lost, or Snakes on the Plane (or the boat, in one story).

Now, many of us, as military families, know the anxiety of being in a new place, meeting new people, and wanting to make a good first impression.  So earnest and excited, that we forget that mirrors can be our best friend.  Especially if we haven’t worn a dress and pantyhose in a while, and it’s our first visit to a new church, in a new town, with people we have never met before.  And the results, well….they can be memorable.  As they were for our winner, Misty:

Resume: makes an impression; great sense of humor.

Well, we were all four holding hands walking in excited to visit our new church.  We enter in, and this nice little older lady taps me on the shoulder.  I was excited thinking, “What what a warm welcoming!”

Much to my surprise, she was tapping me on my shoulder to inform me that the back of my dress was completely tucked into my hose.

Needless to say, I ran for the bathroom immediately.  As embarrassing (and funny to my husband and kids) as it was…I’m glad I was there with them to share that funny moment. We laughed about the fact that I strolled clear across a parking lot so proudly with them not having a clue I was putting on a show for the world.”

How would you like to be known forever as “that lady who flashed the entire congregation in the parking lot”…before they actually even know your name?  We know we’d probably want to run away and hide, and never go back, but since Misty is a great sport, we figure, why not the next best thing? Four plane tickets to anywhere in the 48 or Canada!

And may we suggest a cozy pair of pants for the trip?  Just a thought.

Congratulations to Misty and her family! Here’s to making some more memories!

Let The Good Times Roll!

If lightsabers came out at YOUR last family get together, we want to hear about it. And if it was only wiffle bats you pretended were, that’s cool too.

If you have a story about a family gathering that begins with “This one time..” or “No Lie..true story..” and ends with laughing so hard it hurts, submit it to our Memories Made contest. Fame (or infamy) AND 4 plane tickets could await those brave enough to send us a photo and quick essay of your best funny family memory.  We want to see a vintage or unexpectedly clever family photo that shows good memories or captures an especially funny moment in the life of your family…and a story about your family to go with it.

We will pick one winner to receive four free plane ticket vouchers to take a trip to visit family and make more memories. Important note: Flights MUST be booked by June 6, 2013 and actual travel completed by June 6, 2014. See details below.

How to Enter:

1. Pick a photo, any photo, that shows one of your great family moments. We won’t exclude any photo as a potential winner but we’re looking for photos that are vintage in nature (1960s, 70s, 80s, etc.) or capture a funny moment in the life of your family. Only one photo/entry per fan, please.
2. Next, write a quick essay/story that relates to the photo and shares a memory your family made that was funny or crazy or where something went wrong that you can laugh about now. Please keep essays to 150 words or less. Stories that relate to your life as a military family are great!
3. Post it on the Operation Homefront Facebook page…include the words “Memories Made” somewhere in the message. Or you can email it to socialnet@operationhomefront.net. DEADLINE: Noon CST, on Wednesday, May 15! 
4. Watch and enjoy other moments as they come in and wait to see who the winner is…it could be you!

How To Win:

• We’ll close the contest at noon CST on Wednesday, May 15. We’ll have a winner chosen within 24 hours and will post the results on our Facebook page once we have them.

Rules and Guidelines for Memories Made Essay/Photo Contest

Why Military Spouse Appreciation? Because We’re Awesomely Normal!

It was our second year as members of our local community pool and summer swim team, when one afternoon, my husband popped in on the way home from the base.  In his Navy whites.  Just a quick drop by, kiss on the cheek, wave to the kids, see you at home type deal. As he walked out, three heads simultaneously swiveled to stare in confusion at me:

Take a bow, spouses. You have more than earned it.

“YOU’RE a military wife?” 

“Yes…”

“He’s in…the NAVY?!”

“Yes….”

“Since when?!”

“Uh….the last 10 years.”

“How did we miss that?”

That’s actually a good question.  The answer probably involves a little bit of me not really wearing military life on my sleeve and (I suspect) a bit more of the stereotypes and myths surrounding “the military spouse”.  But mainly, I think it was because our chats were those common to a group of acquaintances. We talked about things like swimming, schools, topics in the news, or events around town.

You know, normal everyday stuff.

I am going to say something that might surprise you: the “military spouse” is, really, just like you.  They have their talents and gifts, and their quirks and not-so-awesome moments.  They don’t have super powers and wear capes (though it would be totally cool if they did).  They carry the day and drop the ball.  They can light fires under folks, or put them out.  Or put out the fires they started (“I thought the burner was off,  honest.”).  They have kids that get straight As and ones that just can’t seem to turn in their homework. Their lawns need mowing.  Their cars need oil changes.  Their cat needs to go to the vet. Their friends know not to call them between 9 and 10PM, Sunday night.  Because, Game of Thrones, people!

So, after all that, you may ask, why Military Spouse Appreciation Day?

Because they live a life of the seemingly ordinary, under conditions that are anything but.  Because people they love deeply, their partners in this crazy world, are gone for months, sometimes years.  Because they know their loved one may never come home, or be irrevocably altered by the horrors of war when they do.  Because others can’t, or won’t, make that sacrifice.  Because even though they often go unnoticed, what they do serves all of us in a way that we may never be able to repay.

And that makes them extraordinary.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is May 10th 2013.

Help Us Honor Generations of Service

Serving our country is often a family tradition. If you and at least two other members of your family (father, grandfather, mother, uncle, aunt, cousin, etc) have served in our US Armed Forces, Operation Homefront and Outback Steakhouse invite you to apply to attend a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience in Chicago.

 - Were you inspired by your military family members, or have you inspired others to enlist?

- Do you have generations of Active, Guard, Reserves and/or retired military members in your family that you would like to bring together to honor?

- Do you have a story about you and your family’s service that you would like to share?

If you are a military family or veteran and have at least two other family members that have or are serving, you are eligible to enter.  You, and one of your inspiring family members, must be available to travel between 5/23 and 5/25. For local families in Chicago that don’t need to travel, you will need to be available on 5/24 only.

This special event will be held in Chicago, Friday, May 24, 2013.  It’s a secret, but a special guest will join honorees for this luncheon!

We will select 10 honorees (and the inspiring military family member’s guests) to receive this special VIP package.  Five of the honorees must be from the Chicago area and up to five can be flown from anywhere in the Continental United States.  Air travel and lodging will be provided free of charge to the honorees and family members.

Entries accepted through April 24.

Spotlight: Military Child of the Year for Navy, Alexander Ray Burch.

As we get ready to honor this year’s Military Child of the Year Award recipients in Washington DC on April 11th, we are privileged to share their inspiring examples of resiliency, leadership and achievement.  Today, we’re proud to spotlight Alexander Ray Burch, Navy Military Child of the Year for 2013:

Born at 25 weeks and 1.5 pounds, Alexander Ray Burch was not expected to survive the night. He pulled through but at age four, doctors discovered he was hearing impaired and would continue to lose his hearing with age. Instead of limiting him, Alexander excels in doing for others. He said, “I really enjoy volunteering a lot because at the end of the day I know I have made a difference, I made today count.”

While living in Guam, then nine-year old Alexander collected food and water and delivered supplies to villagers who lost their homes in a devastating typhoon. Since then, he has grown into an honors student and chess enthusiast who immerses himself in volunteering. This year, he volunteered over 400 hours which included producing a video for an Anti-Bullying Campaign. He is a member of the golf team and on the homecoming court. Dawn Thompson, Director of Youth Programs at Grand Forks Air Force Base, wrote, “There is nothing he will not do and ‘no’ does not appear to be in his vocabulary. He is an inspiration for all kids and many adults.”

Alexander’s father, David, is a retired Navy Chief who served 24 years including assignments in Naples, Iceland and Guam. He currently works with the FAA. His mother, Joanne, is a Training & Curriculum Specialist for Child and Youth Programs at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Navy service is a family tradition. Alexander’s great grandfather was a retired Commander, earning a bronze star for service in WWII and Korea. His great uncle was a retired Chief Warrant Officer.

Alexander says the best part of being a part of a military family is the privilege to have lived around the world. “I have experienced white outs in Iceland, earthquakes, typhoons and super typhoons. . .I have met some amazing people of all different cultures and religions, tasted different foods and visited palaces and castles. I am so proud of my dad and so thankful to the US Navy for all the opportunities given to us.”

While his hearing disability prevents Alexander from pursuing his dream of a Navy career, he plans to work toward a career in government supporting the military. He is especially interested in a career in business, accounting or entrepreneurship and has been accepted to the University of North Dakota.

Alexander is a voracious reader, loves watching scary movies and his favorite food is sushi. He enjoys playing on the computer and spending time with his new puppy, Finley, and three cats. Alexander is the eldest child of Joanne and David Burch. Alexander has a younger sister, Olivia.

Service Highlights
Torch Club Food Drive
GFAFB Movie Theatre, Volunteer Asst. Manager
Animal Shelters
Youth Center

Other Highlights
Homecoming Court
Youth of the Year, Grand Forks AFB (2011-12)
Youth of the Year, Grand Forks AFB (2012-13)
Finalist, Youth of the Year, State of ND (2013)
National Society of High School Scholars
4-H Club, Vice President & Ambassador
Chess Club, Golf Club
Odyssey of the Mind

Favorite Quote: Alexander says, “This quote inspires me to work hard, be the best I can and not just think of myself but to see everyone else around me and their needs.”

Let the future tell the truth, and evaluate each one according to his work and accomplishment. The present is theirs, the future, for which I have really worked, is mine. ~ Nikola Tesla

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The fifth annual Military Child of the Year Awards will be presented April 11, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. In addition to the trip to our nation’s capital, recipients are awarded a laptop computer and a $5,000 cash prize. To learn more about Operation Homefront and the Military Child of the Year® Award, visit www.militarychildoftheyear.org. For more about Operation Homefront visit www.operationhomefront.net.

 

Spotlight: Military Child of the Year for Army, Nicole Marie Daly.

As we get ready to honor this year’s Military Child of the Year Award recipients in Washington DC on April 11th, we are privileged to share their inspiring examples of resiliency, leadership and achievement.  Today, we’re proud to spotlight Nicole Marie Daly, Army Military Child of the Year for 2013:

Nicole, age 16, has moved 9 times and so far, attended 3 high schools. Despite these constant changes, Nicole is ranked at the top of her class with a 4.7 GPA, a weighted score based on her coursework of Honors and Advanced Placement classes. She has earned varsity letters in both cross country and track and runs half-marathons with her father.

She served as the Military Child Education Representative for Fort Lee on a panel determining ways to help military children transition between schools. Nicole volunteers weekly with the Fort Lee Thrift Shop and at events to support the College Scholarship Fund for the Fort Lee Area Spouse’s Club. In addition, she spent over 150 hours last year on weekends visiting National Guard and Reserve units to teach soldiers and dependents about their education benefits. Nicole was nominated by her school counselor, Tara Bauman-Seely, who wrote, “She is truly an example of a well-rounded student and immediately embraced her new environment and involved herself with extra-curricular activities. She certainly stands out to me as a role model for military students!”

Nicole’s father, Edward, is a West Point graduate and Chief of Ordnance and Commandant of the Ordnance Center and School at Fort Lee, VA . Her mother, Cathy, is also a West Point graduate and a former Quartermaster Officer. Nicole’s great-grandfather served in WWII.

Growing up in a military family “created resiliency because every time we move, I have to constantly prove myself as an individual and my capabilities” Nicole explains. Her favorite part of this lifestyle is the diversity. “The ability to engage with so many different cultures, ways of life, and personalities is invaluable and something I cherish every day. It truly opens the mind at such young ages, which I believe is the key to human harmony.”

While still open-minded about careers, Nicole is leaning toward the medical field. “I think the impact that doctors are able to have on patients’ lives is amazing. Having said that, the possibilities are endless!”

Nicole’s favorite thing to do is spend time with her family, especially cheering together for the NY Yankees or her brothers at their baseball games. She is the eldest child of Cathy and Edward Daly, both West Point graduates. She has two younger brothers, Connor and Mitchell.

Service Highlights
Fort Lee Thrift Shop
Fort Lee Spouse Club
Family Readiness Groups

Other Highlights
Freshman Class President, Citizenship Award
Military Child Education Representative, Fort Lee
Model United Nations
Chemistry Club
National Honor Society
Varsity letters in cross country & track

Favorite Quote: Nicole says, “I have this quote posted as my screensaver and throughout my room. It is a continual reminder every day of how precious life is, and how I should strive to make the best of it.”

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. ~ Oscar Wilde

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The fifth annual Military Child of the Year Awards will be presented April 11, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. In addition to the trip to our nation’s capital, recipients are awarded a laptop computer and a $5,000 cash prize. To learn more about Operation Homefront and the Military Child of the Year® Award, visit www.militarychildoftheyear.org. For more about Operation Homefront visit www.operationhomefront.net.

Spotlight: Military Child of the Year for Marine Corps, Abigail MaryRose Perdew.

As we get ready to honor this year’s Military Child of the Year Award recipients in Washington DC on April 11th, we are privileged to share their inspiring examples of resiliency, leadership and achievement. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Abigail MaryRose Perdew, Marine Corps Military Child of the Year for 2013:

Abigail (“Abi”) is student council president and captain of the cross country team and track and field team. She carries a 4.1 GPA as a full International Baccalaureate (IB) senior with advanced placement courses in economics, calculus, European history and physics. She has volunteered over 200 hours this year including math tutoring. As president of Student 2 Student, she has grown the outreach of this group which helps new students acclimate to their new school and host country’s culture. Linda Berger, the IB Coordinator for Bahrain School, wrote, “In my nearly thirty years as a secondary school educator, I regard Abigail as one of my top students. She is intelligent, talented, highly motivated and positive.”

Abi has a proud history of military service on both sides of her family. Her mother, Jessica, is a former Marine who now works in accounting. Her father, Jason, is a Lieutenant Colonel with Marine Corps Forces Central Command. Abi’s paternal grandfather served in the Air Force and three grand-uncles served in the Marine Corps, including one West Point graduate. Abi’s maternal great-grandfathers both served, one in the Air Force and the other served in the Navy as a Seabee during WWII. And her mother’s uncle served in the Air Force.

Seeing the world is Abi’s favorite part of being part of a military family. She says, “I’ve seen and learned things that many kids never will. Traveling has given me an open mind towards new cultures and people; I’m willing to try anything once. I believe that moving around has made me the optimist and friendly person that I am today.”

Abi has earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy and plans to study development economics and Arabic. She would like to work as an attaché or Foreign Area Officer and in the long term, as a diplomat or run for public office. Somewhere in there, she would also enjoy teaching elementary students.

Abi enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially singing and rooting for their favorite X Factor contestants. Abi is the daughter of Jessica and Jason Perdew. Abi has two older siblings, William and Ashley and two younger brothers, Ethan and Andrew.

Service Highlights
Math tutor
Student to Student, President
Sunday School teacher
Love 146, Vice President

Other Highlights
Varsity cross country team, Captain
Varsity track & field team, Captain
Swim team
Junior Class Secretary
Student Council President
FFA, Greenhand President
National Creed Speaking Award
National Honor Society

Favorite Quote: Abi says, ” I know the importance of doing what’s right and sticking to what you believe. It can be difficult sometimes, but I try to stand up for what I believe in, even if it means rejecting the majority. It doesn’t matter what other people think of me; it only matters what I think of myself. I would rather maintain my integrity and do what is right, than follow the crowd.”

Don’t be afraid to stand for what you believe in, even if that means standing alone. ~ Unknown

Slideshow

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The fifth annual Military Child of the Year Awards will be presented April 11, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. In addition to the trip to our nation’s capital, recipients are awarded a laptop computer and a $5,000 cash prize. To learn more about Operation Homefront and the Military Child of the Year® Award, visit www.militarychildoftheyear.org. For more about Operation Homefront visit www.operationhomefront.net.