Military Families Blog

Honorable Veterans Charities?

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:18:07 GMT

Diane writes: I went to look up the best veterans charity that would help our military the most. I wanted to write a check & so I checked this website.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Center

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:04:58 GMT

Help build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Center at the Vietnam Wall, the most-visited memorial in Washington, DC. Every year, more than 4 million people visit the stark black granite wall engraved with the names of 58,261 Americans who died in Vietnam. The names are arranged in

Infantry in Vietnam was a Higher Percentage of Draftees

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:30:12 GMT

Bryan writes: The Vietnam draft numbers are a little misleading, because 90 of the Army infantry consisted of draftees by '69. Bryan, Thank you

Test your knowledge of Military Money Matters

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:20:35 GMT

This fun quiz at HowStuffWorks will test your knowledge about Military Money Matters. There are 10 questions, and the average score is 5. You'll need to read each question carefully. And be sure to read the explanations at the bottom of each question, whether you get it right or wrong. You might learn something new! Enjoy.

No National Health Care!

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:39:40 GMT

Frank writes: Dear Mr. President, We cannot afford your costly programs. We have a bad future here in America. Please - NO national health care!

Earned the right to salute the flag

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:11:38 GMT

I don't really care what the regulations state regarding saluting of our Flag. I fought for it, I'll salute it. Seems fairly simple to me. The fact

special dispensation for saluting the flag?

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:22:44 GMT

A reader asks: I know a veteran in my town who states that he was given a special dispensation for saluting the flag from someone at Luke Air Force Base,

Is Congress Still Being Censored?

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:41:38 GMT

Jeff writes: Is this censorship in Congress still occurring this many months later? Before I start sending emails to all my friends and military retiree

Do You Need Tax Help? How About Free Tax Help?

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:35:01 GMT

Do you need tax help? As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, do you need income tax help to avoid IRS tax problems? There are a number of places for free tax help. Military families can get free tax help through

Serving in the Military was Our Privilege

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:24:24 GMT

Ken writes: Dear Tammy, It is because of the love of our country that we served... It is because of what our parents, grandparents and great grandparents

Thank you to our military!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:27:49 GMT

Tammy writes: Words can never express the gratitude I feel every day for the ultimate sacrifices each member of our armed forces make daily for the freedom

Kilmer's Bad Judgment

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:20:57 GMT

Tom writes: Mr Kilmer, As A Vietnam vet I can't sit by and let you criticize, malign, and tell lies about my fellow comrades. I feel as though you have

Ronald Reagan Always Stood With Our Military

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:07:29 GMT

Today is the anniversary of Ronald Reagan's Birthday, 99 years ago. With our military troops in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is a good time

SEAL Prosecution Unbelievable!

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:20:48 GMT

In my opinion, the actions taken by these leaders against these three SEALs will lead to special ops personnel of all branches being hesitant in the field.

Happy 99th Birthday, President Reagan

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:16:41 GMT

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of these United States, was a true American patriot, a great communicator, a great inspiration, and a great leader. It's hard to realize it's been more than 20 years since he left office, and more than 5 years since he was laid to rest on the grounds of his Presidential Library overlooking beautiful Simi Valley, California. Any words we write would be inadequate to express our admiration for this great man. He was a true leader who had

SEAL Prosecution is Ridiculous

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:49:35 GMT

Butch wrote: It is pretty ridiculous that charges went up thru the chain of command in the case of the three SEALs who captured this high-value target

I'm Moving to Mexico

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:51:09 GMT

Dear Mr. President: I'm planning to move my family and extended family into Mexico for my health, and I would like to ask you to assist me. We're planning

Take Care of Americans Without the Burden of Illegal Aliens

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:44:23 GMT

Terri writes: American people have fought long and hard for our rights and freedom. More of our citizens go through hard times as opposed to those few

Is Val Saying Draftees Are 'Lesser' People?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:40:12 GMT

Dallas writes: Val Kilmer's assertions, if he in fact made them (as it appears), seem to imply that people who couldn't afford college, didn't make the

These SEALS are HEROES

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:39:28 GMT

Russ writes: These men are heroes in every sense of the word. They did their job and did it professionally and efficiently. Whether or not this godless

Use of Such Sexual Innuendo by Major News Outlets Unacceptable

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:14:18 GMT

I'm ignoring the political implications of this article to speak up on behalf of children everywhere. I can't quite make the leap that using the term

Have You Unwittingly Used the Term "Tea Bagging?"

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 07:50:18 GMT

If so, we think you'll change your mind after reading this article. The terms "tea bagging" and "tea baggers" have become fairly commonplace in recent months, as a derogatory reference to the popular Tea Party protest movement. To certain segments of the population, however, the term "tea bagging" has much darker implications. Serious implications which are

Before You Buy That New TV for the Big Game . . .

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 08:17:08 GMT

Have you ever wondered about the true cost of items you buy on credit? If you're paying over time, is that sale price really worth it? In this timely real world example just weeks before the Super Bowl, we'll show you how much you'll pay for that new TV if you buy it on credit and pay the minimum monthly payment - and the length of time it'll take to pay it off. You won't

Military Families Ski Free at Jay Peak

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:24:23 GMT

Jay Peak Resort in Jay, Vermont, is giving families of deployed soldiers from Franklin, Orleans, Caledonia, Essex and Lamoille counties free season passes to the resort. They'll also get half-off rentals and free skiing and riding lessons. Military families outside those counties will get half-off lift tickets. The ski resort says it's a way to give back to our soldiers and their families. The season passes will be given out later this month.

No Military Discount at Michael's

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:02:42 GMT

Our popular page about merchants offering military discounts had included Michael's on the list. This morning, we received a note from Sarah, who works at Michael's, telling us that information is incorrect. She suggested we contact corporate at 1-800-MICHAELS. We're suggesting that all of you who shop at Michael's may want to call that number and ask (politely) if Michael's would consider offering a military discount to the thousands of military wives who buy scrapbooking and other craft supplies at Michael's, as a way to say "thank you" for the sacrifices they make to enable and support their husbands' service. If Michael's corporate is not receptive to that idea, perhaps you may want to let them know you will consider shopping elsewhere.

Calendar of Support the SEALs Events

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:31:57 GMT

Those of you who may be interested in attending a rally to show support for the SEAL Trio will find a calendar listing the various locations hosting rallies by following the link. Rallies are scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, in Norfolk, Virginia; Coronado, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Perrysburg, Ohio (Matthew McCabe's home town). Keep checking back with the pro-troop event calendar for other pro-troop events, including future events for the SEAL Trio.

Free the SEALs Rally Tuesday

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:21:42 GMT

Tuesday, January 19, was the originally-scheduled trial date for Navy SEAL Matthew McCabe. Last week, his trial was postponed, but the rally for the SEAL Trio will continue in Norfolk on Tuesday as scheduled, to show public support for the three SEALs. McCabe's trial will take place in Norfolk in May. Trials for Jonathan Keefe and Julio Huertas will take place in Iraq in April, to allow them to exercise their Constitutional right to confront their accuser, Ahmed Hashim Abed. Abed is the high value target terrorist who was behind the vicious murder and desecration of four Blackwater guards in 2006. Their bodies were burned, hacked to pieces, dragged through the streets behind a car, and strung up from a bridge over the Euphrates River. The three SEALs captured Abed in a daring nighttime raid in September, and they now stand accused of punching him after he was in custody.

Update on SEAL Trials

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 06:25:01 GMT

Earlier this week, the trial of two of the SEAL Trio was moved to Iraq after the government refused to bring the "detainee" to the US to testify at their trials. Matthew McCabe, the third SEAL, was scheduled to begin his court-martial next week in Norfolk. At a separate hearing this week, his trial was (scroll down to update)

I Concur!

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:41:42 GMT

Ken writes: If ANYONE has a right to express their feelings on this issue, Debbie Lee is that person! I've met other parents who have lost sons serving in SEAL and SF units and they are in this category as well. We MUST

SEALs Prosecution is Appalling

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 07:36:53 GMT

Debbie Lee writes: I am appalled and disgusted at the charges against our SEALs for having given a HVT (High Value Target) a fat lip. I have heard

Free the SEALs!

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:44:53 GMT

Three U.S. Navy SEALs are being prosecuted in a military court-martial for allegedly "abusing" a detainee, who claims one of them punched him in the stomach. Even if you haven't heard much about these prosecutions, you will certainly remember hearing about the

PROPER SALUTING WHEN OUT OF UNIFORM???

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:14:46 GMT

I AM RETIRED FROM THE ARMY AND THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT WE ARE ALLOWED TO SALUTE THE FLAG WHEN OUT OF UNIFORM. I belong to an organization that a

2010 Military Pay Chart

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:43:28 GMT

The Military Pay Chart for 2010 reflects a 3.4 pay raise. There are a number of variables that affect the amount of an individual member's military pay and allowances, including

kilmer has no life experience

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:45:28 GMT

Jonny writes: how did kilmer get to julliards at such a young age? daddy bought his way in. do you think his acting is really, special? he is just

Happy New Year Troops/
2010 New beginnings!!!

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 06:27:35 GMT

Joni writes: I am a single mother of two and I just want to thank you for all that you have done for us. I pray every night for you guys and hope

Year-End Charitable Giving

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 07:37:06 GMT

If you're one of those people scrambling to make your year-end charitable donations to make sure you get the corresponding tax deduction, be sure to read our expose of veterans charities that miss the mark, including

Volunteered for Vietnam
and Proud of it!

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:58:58 GMT

I come from a large, traditional Catholic family. My parents worked hard to support me and my other brothers and sisters. We weren't abused. We

Happy Holidays and
Merry Christmas!

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:25:58 GMT

The Eckardts write: We, the Eckardt family, wish all of our soldiers overseas a very Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays :D We hope you all find

Best Wishes From
Been There Done That

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:22:56 GMT

Ben writes: Know what it's like being in the big ashtray of the world. Millions of miles from everything you know and love. Keep your head low and

Thank you to you and your family

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:18:26 GMT

Dearest Soldier, Thank you so much for putting our your uniform to defend us everyday. Your courage to serve us is beyond words. Thank you never

Tracking Santa

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:30:43 GMT

Tracking Santa 2009 just got easier.

NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, who has for more than fifty years helped children around the world track Santa on his Christmas Eve flight around the world, has added even more ways to stay current on Santa's whereabouts this year. You can follow Santa on

Soldier's Night Before Christmas

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:14:41 GMT

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
in a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see

Merry Christmas!!

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:12:30 GMT

From a grateful nation, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Please know that you are in our prayers. We know you are sacrificing so

Non-US Citizen Veterans

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:07:52 GMT

So, according to this ACT, what are non US citizen Veterans to do? Are non-US citizen servicemen or women free to do as they wish? Stand at attention only,

Can't Find Sears Heroes at Home

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:10 GMT

A reader writes: UMMMM what? So i have seen Sears Heroes at Home on a commercial tonight (12/19/09) and the first thing i did was try to find it.

Disrespect in the Military

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:27:54 GMT

Anonymous writes: If you question the authority of our President, Barak Obama, as your Commander in Chief then please take off the uniform of my

Merry Christmas

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:05:38 GMT

Beth writes: At my age you tend to appreciate things more. But all my life I have loved and appreciated what you guys do for us. My father was a

Chessani Not Guilty - Murtha Hospitalized

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:51:34 GMT

Just heard that Murtha was hospitalized Sunday night with abdominal pains from a gall bladder issue, according to his spokesman. Guess he was really

Chessani Not Guilty of Misconduct

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:35:23 GMT

Marine LtCol Jeffrey Chessani, the most senior of the "Haditha Marines" to face charges stemming from the house-to-house combat in Iraq four years ago, was found not guilty of misconduct late Friday afternoon by a Board of Inquiry after just three hours of deliberation. The Board's decision means

Should I Rent or Buy a Home?

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:17:36 GMT

Because of frequent moves, military families have special considerations when deciding whether to rent or buy a home in a particular duty station. Among the things you should consider are