AllMilitary.com

Mortgages and your new home.

Ok, there has been a lot of talk about subprime lending.

What is it?

Lenders take a larger risk when they agree to fund mortgages on homeowners who have high debt to income ratio’s, low credit scores,no money down, etc.

Home builders and Realtors are constantly trying to get loans for people with marginal credit or too much debt. The lenders started experimenting with making loans to higher risk clients under pressure from Builders and Realtors.the practice went too far and we found Realtors and Builders sales forces geting people home loans based on both spouses income and not considering their budget.This practice put many home buyers in trouble because with the new buy down loans, 3-2-1 loans,when the payments went up at the end of the first year,the homeowner could not make the payment.If one or the other was laid off or hours cut back or became pregnant or anything disrupted the income the homeowner could not make the payment.

The result of this practice is the largest rate of forclosures and Bankrupcies in History.

Each Political party will try to make this a political issue but the bottom line is “Poor money management practices by each of us.

“We want what we want when we want it”!

The mentality for the last decaid or so has been “I can have what I want when I want it with no regard for how we will pay for it.”

I purchased a new home 4 years ago. When It was being built I watched the people coming in the sales office to buy a new home.

Many of them had credit so bad they could not quallify for the loan on one income or in some cases they could not quallify at all.

They would fenagle and wrangle and lie to get approved for loans they could not afford.

Thinking to themselves”My income will go up and then I can afford it”.

No consideration to the unexpected expensed asssociated with buying a new home,they quickly found themselves unable to pay.

Excessive use of debt is the major factor in this senario.

When should I buy a home?

The popular beliefe in america for decaids is why rent when you can buy a home?

Seems to make perfect sense doesn’t it?

One of the problems is this,if you rent and you find yourself in credit or income trouble,you just move into another lower cost apartment.

If you purchase that home and streatch yourself to the max and beyond

and find yourself in credit or income trouble your stuck!

In My town Home values were giong up 15% per year 5 years ago.Builders were unable to build homes fast enough to meet the demand. As the matrket became saturated and more of the people could not afford the payments on the new home,they found themselves unable to sell and fell further behind until they lost there home’s.

On my street alone (about 40 homes) there are 4 homes abandoned.

The owner could not sell and could not make the payments so they just moved out.

My county has one of the highest forclosure rates in the Nation!

Every street in the newer neighborhoods has forclosures on it.

The home value today in my neighborhood is $40,000.00 Less than it was 4 years ago on average.

We can not blame the Government for this, we brought it on ourselves.

When then shoud I go into debt for 30 years for a home?

Lets consider a few basics.

First we should have a sound budget. One that has money left over at the end of the month.

Second we should eliminate all consumer debt! Credit cards,store accounts,finance company loans  family loans etc.

Next we should establish a sound cash reserve(Savings account) at least $2,000.00

Then we should save at the very least 5% of the ammount financed(preferably 20% or more). for a down payment.

We should establish with great care form our budget what we can easily afford to Pay per month.

Take great care here you will have taxes , insurance and associalion fees added to your payment every month,in most cases and THEY WILL GO UP EVERY YEAR!

Once you have determined these paramiters then go shopping with the mindset, we will not exceed these limits we have placed on ourselves period!

If you follow these guidelines your new home will be a blessing.

If you do not you may find,as tens of thousands of new homeowners have found,how quickly that dream home becomes a nightmare.

Don’t be too quickly pressures by family, friends  Realtors or Builders to buy a home when it is not easily affordable, or when we are in debt. or when our income does not merit the cost.

Take your time, do it right, make that home a dream home! 

Next time we will discuss the largest financial loss area in the American family.

INSURANCE!

Bookmark to:

This is a second entry in a series about Veterans Benefits

If you are in the military or recently separated from the military, you may be eligible for life insurance. Two regular and two insurance programs for the disabled are currently available to new policyholders.

Service Member’ Group Life insurance (SGLI)

This program is open to active duty members and reservists of the uniformed services.

On June 15, 2006, the President signed P.L. 109- 233, the Veterans’ Housing Opportunity & Benefits Improvement Act of 2006. This law extends the free coverage period under the SGLI Disability Extension from one year to two years. As a result of this change, service members who have a SGLI policy and are totally disabled from the time they separate from service can now keep their SGLI coverage for up to two years at no cost to them. Follow this link for more information on the SGLI Disability Extension.

Veterans’ Group Life insurance (VGLI)

This program is open to all veterans released from active duty and to separated reservists if applied for within 16 months of release of separation. SGLI can be converted into VGLI or a commercial policy upon separation. Early partial payment of proceeds is available to terminally ill policyholders.

Service Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)

This program is open to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Application must be made within two years of a service connected disability rating.  SDVI is limited to a $10K policy. For veterans rated 100% or TDIU they can request a waiver of policy premiums and upon proof of the rating premiums will be wavered.  In addition veterans rated 100% or TDIU can request a second DDVI policy in the amount of $20K. The premiums for the second policy will can not be wavered.  It is important to note that an increase in a rating is not considered a new rating; the award of a SMC is not considered a new rating. For veterans rated 100% or TDIU the veteran must have purchased the $10K policy before a waiver of premiums can be awarded. Also the veteran must have purchased the $10K policy before requesting a $20K policy.

Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

This program is open only to those veterans that have been granted the specially adapted housing grant.

For more information about Veterans’ Insurance visit the VA Website at:

http://www.insurance.va.gov/miscellaneous/index.htm

My next benefits blog entry will concern Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits

Bookmark to:

As a Veteran you should know what benefits you have earned. This is the  first installment concernig Benefits and will start you on the right track to understanding what you have earned due to your honorable service and how to access the benefits available.

You first question might be, “How do I know if I am eligible for benefits”?

Eligibility for most VA Benefits are is based upon an other than dishonorable discharge from the active military services.  Some military personnel may be eligible for some benefits while still on active duty when they have completed;  90 days of service during wartime /or conflict periods, or two years of service since 1980, or 181 days of peacetime service.

How to access your VA Benefits is very simple and can be done in one of two ways. If you know how to use or have access to a computer, you can file for benefits by going to:  http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp   and following the instructions provided. The other way is to file VA Form 21-526. You should always include a copy of your DD 214 when filing using VA Form 21-526.

Education Benefits

The VA pays monthly benefits for veterans, dependants, reservist and some active duty service members while they are in an approved training program such as college, on the job training, and various kinds of technical training.  The programs available are:

Montgomery GI Bill

 Veterans who first entered service after June 30, 1995 and had money deducted from their military pay are generally eligible. You can use these benefits in service or out of service. Some Vietnam Era veterans and certain veterans separated under special programs are also eligible. The Montgomery GI Bill also includes a program for members of the selected reserve and nation Guard members.

Veterans Education Assistance (VEEP)

This program is for veterans who entered active duty for the first time after December 31, 1976 and before July 1 1985, and contributed to an education fund.

Survivors and Dependants Education Assistance

Some spouses and children are eligible for education benefits.

What are the time limits to use the benefits?

Generally the following time limits apply.  Sometimes the time limits can be extended.

Veterans have 10 years from the date of their last discharge from active duty to use their education benefits. Reservists and National Guard members have 10 years from their eligibility date, which is determined by the Department of Defense or the Department of Transportation.  Spouses have 10 years fro the date VA determines them eligible. Children are generally eligible from age 18 until age 26.

How to find out if you’re eligible

To find out about you eligibility for VA education assistance, you must send VA an application. If you are a service member, veteran, reservist, or National Guard, use VA Form 22-1900, Application for Education Benefits.  If you are a child or spouse of a veteran, you will need to file using VA Form 22-5490, Application for survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance. VA Forms are available in PDF Format at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/

For more information about education benefits visit:         http://www.gibill.va.gov/

In my next installment I will cover VA Life Insurance benefits, the types available, who is eligible, and who may receive payment waivers. 

Let  me hear from you the readers concerning any questions you might have concerning this subject or other va benefit subject you may be interested in.  

Bookmark to:

General Policy in Rating

§ 4.1   Essentials of evaluative rating.

This rating schedule is primarily a guide in the evaluation of disability resulting from all types of diseases and injuries encountered as a result of or incident to military service. The percentage ratings represent as far as can practicably be determined the average impairment in earning capacity resulting from such diseases and injuries and their residual conditions in civil occupations. Generally, the degrees of disability specified are considered adequate to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses proportionate to the severity of the several grades of disability. For the application of this schedule, accurate and fully descriptive medical examinations are required, with emphasis upon the limitation of activity imposed by the disabling condition. Over a period of many years, a veteran’s disability claim may require reratings in accordance with changes in laws, medical knowledge and his or her physical or mental condition. It is thus essential, both in the examination and in the evaluation of disability, that each disability be viewed in relation to its history.[41 FR 11292, Mar. 18, 1976]

§ 4.2   Interpretation of examination reports.

Different examiners, at different times, will not describe the same disability in the same language. Features of the disability which must have persisted unchanged may be overlooked or a change for the better or worse may not be accurately appreciated or described. It is the responsibility of the rating specialist to interpret reports of examination in the light of the whole recorded history, reconciling the various reports into a consistent picture so that the current rating may accurately reflect the elements of disability present. Each disability must be considered from the point of view of the veteran working or seeking work. If a diagnosis is not supported by the findings on the examination report or if the report does not contain sufficient detail, it is incumbent upon the rating board to return the report as inadequate for evaluation purposes.[41 FR 11292, Mar. 18, 1976]

§ 4.3   Resolution of reasonable doubt.

It is the defined and consistently applied policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs to administer the law under a broad interpretation, consistent, however, with the facts shown in every case. When after careful consideration of all procurable and assembled data, a reasonable doubt arises regarding the degree of disability such doubt will be resolved in favor of the claimant. See §3.102 of this chapter.[40 FR 42535, Sept. 15, 1975]

§ 4.6   Evaluation of evidence.

The element of the weight to be accorded the character of the veteran’s service is but one factor entering into the considerations of the rating boards in arriving at determinations of the evaluation of disability. Every element in any way affecting the probative value to be assigned to the evidence in each individual claim must be thoroughly and conscientiously studied by each member of the rating board in the light of the established policies of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the end that decisions will be equitable and just as contemplated by the requirements of the law.

§ 4.7   Higher of two evaluations.

Where there is a question as to which of two evaluations shall be applied, the higher evaluation will be assigned if the disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned.

§ 4.9   Congenital or developmental defects.

Mere congenital or developmental defects, absent, displaced or supernumerary parts, refractive error of the eye, personality disorder and mental deficiency are not diseases or injuries in the meaning of applicable legislation for disability compensation purposes.[41 FR 11292, Mar. 18, 1976]

§ 4.10   Functional impairment.

The basis of disability evaluations is the ability of the body as a whole, or of the psyche, or of a system or organ of the body to function under the ordinary conditions of daily life including employment. Whether the upper or lower extremities, the back or abdominal wall, the eyes or ears, or the cardiovascular, digestive, or other system, or psyche are affected, evaluations are based upon lack of usefulness, of these parts or systems, especially in self-support. This imposes upon the medical examiner the responsibility of furnishing, in addition to the etiological, anatomical, pathological, laboratory and prognostic data required for ordinary medical classification, full description of the effects of disability upon the person’s ordinary activity. In this connection, it will be remembered that a person may be too disabled to engage in employment although he or she is up and about and fairly comfortable at home or upon limited activity.

Bookmark to:

“The
American Veteran” is Reality TV – VA Style

WASHINGTON – Using the latest in video and broadcast technologies, stirring music, creative graphics and solid writing, “The American Veteran” a monthly half-hour news magazine from the Department of Veterans Affairs, tells compelling stories of real-life veterans who have taken advantage of the many and varied benefits and services available to them as a result of their military service. 

 “We are committed to informing veterans and active duty military alike about VA’s many benefits and services and we are very pleased with the quality and reach of “The American Veteran,” said Acting VA Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield. “The feedback and recognition the program has received is a testament to the effort put in by all involved.”   

The series is designed to inform active duty members, veterans, their families and their communities about the services and benefits they have earned and to recognize and honor them. VA’s Office of Public Affairs and the VA Learning University/ Employee Education System (VALU/EES) produce the program and broadcast it to VA facilities on the department’s own internal network and around the world on The Pentagon Channel and community cable outlets. 

Aimed at veterans of all eras, their families and the American Public, VA also tells stories of heroism, sacrifice and relives moments in history with those who lived it reminding veterans of the bond of service they all share. 

The VA Office of Public Affairs offers the program to local broadcasters and cable outlets and makes it available for viewing on the VA Web site www.va.gov , just click on “public affairs” and then “featured items.” 

“The American Veteran” schedule on The Pentagon Channel is available at  http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/ where you can also view the program as it is broadcast. The Pentagon Channel has more than 1 million military viewers and is delivered domestically via DISH, EchoStar, T-Warner and Cox cable systems. (Check for service in your area.) 

A preview of the December edition of “The American Veteran” follows: 

MRSA - A deadly pathogen is spreading in our nation’s hospitals: methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known by its acronym MRSA. VA has launched a nationwide MRSA Prevention Initiative to contain the spread of the super germ, reducing the infection rate by fifty percent. 

PATIENT SAFETY –
Falls Center Tampa - Many injuries that require hospital visits begin when a patient falls. The Patient Safety and
Falls Prevention Center at the Tampa VA is conducting new research and testing new therapies to keep the elderly on their feet and out of the hospital. 

BLIND TECHNOLOGY - Many of our veterans suffer from debilitating eye diseases, including total blindness. VA has introduced new technologies – including a voice talk synthesizer that helps patients take their medications safely and a GPS devise that helps patients get around– all to improve the lives of blind veterans.  

NEWS YOU CAN USE – The VA operates a live 24-hour-a-day suicide prevention hotline; applying for VA health benefits; Dr. Jonathan Shay wins the McArthur Award  

SURVIVOR OF THE BATAAN DEATH MARCH REMEMBERS - WWII veteran Ralph Levenberg survived the Bataan Death March in the Philippines and three subsequent years as a Japanese POW. His story provides a poignant reminder of why we honor our heroes on Veterans Day. 

VETERAN PROFILE - Wayne Miller is a Vietnam veteran who lost a leg in combat.  Today, Wayne is a Vet Center Team Leader, award winning athlete and singer whose experiences serve as an inspiration to men and women he works with and counsels. 

Bookmark to:

Rickb54 and I will be sharing this new Blog as you have read Rickb54 background information about his qualifications I’ll add my qualifications and my military experience.

I was a military brat and can trace my family veteran generation back to the Civil War, they fought on both sides.    My father served in the Army during WWII, Korean, I joined the Army at 18 and served during 
Vietnam area. After active duty I enlisted in the California National Guard, and worked full time for 32 years until I retired in 1999. I have over 38 years of Military services.  During that time I held several different MOS.  From communications, Arty, Plt, Sgt INF, Senior Supply Sgt, 1SG for Cml Co. I was the MGIB manager for the CA ARNG; I work as the Senior NCO for Emergency for the State of
CA., Fires, earthquakes etc.  After I retired I was asked to come back to work and be the State Veterans Coordinator.

I now work as a Volunteer at VA Hospital in
Sacramento in the Benefits Office one day a week. I also help returning Veterans get information on there Benefits and help them fill out the 1010ez form for enrollment in the VA system.

I’m past commander of My American Legion post and asst sect for my District. I do volunteer work with the department of Fish and Game for CA.  Like Rickb54 I also surf the web for Veterans Info.

Like Rickb54 my goal of this blog will be to bring to light some of your veteran’s benefits both old and new. I will offer information about how to apply for your veteran benefits. I will also offer commentary concerning Veteran Issues.  

I believe between Rickb54 and my self we will be able to provide a information that will be helpful to all Veterans.   

My call sign is Wildman

Rickb54 quote “ While this blog is intended to be rich with veteran benefits information., It will take time to produce an archive  with a wealth of information, so in the meantime I suggest the readers visit other veteran benefits related sites. I hope that the information I provide here will enlighten your knowledge of Veterans Benefits and assist you with your dealings with the VA.”

Bookmark to:

I am  starting this new Blog  with some background information about the  qualifications I bring to the table, and my military experience.

I am a military brat and a third generation veteran.  My grandfather served in the Navy from 1916 and during WWI.  My father served in the Army during WWII, Korean, and Vietnam.  I joined the Army at 17 and served during  Vietnam, and all the minor conflicts until my medical retirement in 1986 with over 15 years service.  My three brothers (one who is a disabled combat veteran of Vietnam)  and a sister also served in the Army during the early 70’s.  My father and  all of my siblings were discharge for medical reasons.  Combined my family has served in uniform for about 45 years  we are all Disabled Veterans. Initally I served in the Infantry, and when afforded the chance to get into communications I chose telecommunications MOS 72G.  Some of my assignments include,  a tour in Korea on the DMZ, and four tours in Germany.  Since my medical retirement I have worked as a US Government Employee first as an Instructor in the Army’s MSE program, and later as a Lan Specialist at Fort Bragg NC.  In 1999, I was medically retired from Civil Service, and started volunteer service at the DAV, first as a Certified Service Officer and later as a Jr. Vice Commander. I am a life member of the DAV, and Paralized Veterans of America. I am a past member of the VFW and American Legion. While in Service I completd my High School and College education  both at Government Expense. In addition I have a degree in Electronics, and I am a Certified Lan Specialist with an extensive education in Computers, both hardware and software. Today I am rated 90%  with TDIU,  I am deaf,  wheelchair bound, and on oxygen. I  spend most of my time surfing the net for veterans information,  or sharing my time with my two grandsons.  I have done battle with the VA  for over 21 years, and helped many veterans in the processing of their VA & Social Security claims. My goal of this blog will be to bring to light some of your veterans benefits both old and new. I will offer information about  how to apply for your veteran  benefits. I will also offer commentary Concerning Veteran Issues.   While this blog is intended to be  rich with veteran benefits information. It will take time to produce an archive  with a wealth of information, so in the meantime I suggest the readers visit other veteran benefits related sites. I hope that the information I provide here will enlighten your knowledge of Veterans Benefits and assist you with your dealings with the VA.

Bookmark to:

Helpfull hints to find loss areas (Finding Money).

Lets see if we can discover some real cash flow together.

First as we discussed before, we must stop using debt to meet our needs.

Second we need to establish a sound budget.

People tell me all the time why they cannot do a budget or why “Budget’s don’t work for me”.

Sorry folks, that is a Copout!

Lets start with a reflective budget instead of a projected budget.

We can always look back and see what we did easier than trying to look into the future.

Just keep receipts for everything or write down what we bought. Then add them up at the end of the month and Presto,we have a reflective budget.

If we do this for several months in a row we can clearly see where our money is going.

 We Must Establish an emergency cash reserve!

Without a cash reserve to fall back on we are always on the edge of being forced back into debt.

When we find some loss areas and  begin to recapture these dollars, we must set them aside until we have an emergency cash reserve of at least $2,000.00, that way if the car breaks down or the hot water heater blows up, we have money to fix it instead of going back into debt.

This reserve must be replenished immediately if used for emergencies.

That way we always have a hedge against new debt.

The number one reason people fail to get out of debt is lack of an emergency cash reserve!

OK, where is this money coming from ?

There are many ways we can find cashflow without resorting to eating bean soup.

Lets start with tax returns. Most families get back $2,000.00 in tax return.

Can we, if we are strugling or desiring debt relief, afford to make intrest free loans to IRS? That’s right, if you are getting a tax return you are loaning YOUR MONEY to IRS interest free for a year.

Ok, how much do you get back on average? $2,000.00 We  need to INCREASE how many deductions we claim on our w-4.

We do not want to end up owing IRS so we take $2,000.00 -$200.00= $1,800.00

Divide  by 12 Months = $150.00 per month freed up in our budget every month by making this change.

First increase deductions by 1 and after 1 pay period figure how much our pay was increased by this change. Next divide that difference into the $150.00 or whatever amount weare wanting to attain. Then claim that many more deductions than before we started. This will ensure we don’t owe given we don’t change any other deductibles on our taxes more than normal.

Now we have freed up $150.00 each month.

Next, If we are struggling to get a grip on our finances consider temporarily stopping our 401k, 403b, 457 or Thrift Savings plan contributions. Even though our employer may match our contribution, if we are struggling stop temporarily, establish a Cash Reserve,  pay down at least all consumer debt and then resume the contributions.

“But everyone tells me not to stop my contributions”.

We must decide if we are going to remain broke like “Everyone.” or become truly free.

With the average family that means another $300.00 per month freed up.

That is a total of $450.00 and we havn’t given up pizza, movies, dining out or anything .

We will explore several more great ways to take control of your financial life next time.

Bookmark to:

Ready for Christmas Yet?

At this time of year more than any other time, Financial stress is looming.

What to do, how to pay for things?

Joe Money Matters will tackle the things that make you feel sick at your stomach and overwhelmed. WE NEED ANSWERS ,JOE!

Everything you have always wanted to know but were afraid to ask about Money, Debt, Financial stress etc.

Let’s set the table.

We all have been in the place where there is more month and not enough money.

What do I do? How will I manage?

Especially Military families. We want answers but there is no where to turn.

Well Joe has the answers!

Post your questions and we will undertake to answer them.

In todays highly charged political climate it is easier to blame this party or that one, but the answers are not in the Government!

Lets start with some revealing statistics.

55% of all divorce is a direct or indirect result of financial stress.

Many emotional disorders, such as depression and a nxiety disorder are related in no insignificant way to Financial stress.

Heart desease,stroke and many other illnesses are stress related.

The average 65 year old still owes 20 years on his mortgage.

 Most people in America will retire below the poverty level.

How many of us will fall into that statistic?

125%  of the disposable income of families is eaten up by debt.

Mom & Dad are forced out of the home, sometimes against their will, to work at jobs they hate and in many cases; for companies they dislike in order to pay for things they just had to have! 

Researchers say the average family spends about 20 minutes per day talking with their children.

The average family has NO money saved and lives paycheck to paycheck.

This means if a tire goes flat on the car, out come the credit cards.

If all the personal debt in America was divided equally between every man, woman and child in America it would mean every child would be born owing $3,800.00

Where are we going?

The financial experts tell us we are likely to experience the worst recession in history in the near future. Stock Market losses exceeding 50% of it’s value are possible.

Gas prices over $5.00 per gallon are likely in the next year.

What is the answer?

Will the Democrats be able to turn this around?

Will the Republicans be able to save us from this impending financial catastrophy?

Will the Independants have the answers?

If I hit the lotto everything will be fine.

NO!

The answer is not in any political party or in reduced salaries for corporate CEO’s or any other factor than taking authoriy over our own financial issues.

No one is going to help us if  we don’t decide to change a few basic things about how we relate to money.

We all want to be more sucessfull in out financial lives, but what bad habits are we willing to change to accomplish some financial freedom or even have some breathing room?

Debt is the major curse in our lives! Debt has robbed you and I and Debt

is distroying the American family, our government, and our freedom.

Let’s start right now. How can I budget, cut costs or begin to be a better stewart of our finances?

One important step in gaining real financial freedom is to STOP USING THE CREDIT CARDS!

Cut them up and throw them away!

Let’s figure out in future blog’s  how we can save $500. 00 per month or more on average just by looking at some seldom looked at areas of loss in the average family’s finances.

Are you excited? I am .

Joe’s deserve to win in life and in their finances.

Leave a comment and let me know what areas of concern you have.

Joe Money Matters is a section of the VAJoe Blog to ask for quick financial tips and advice from an expert with more than 20 years experience in counseling families to live without debt and to reach there financial potential. Please leave comments on this Blog. You can learn more about the Joe Money Matters advisor at his website. The posts and comments by JoeMoneyMatters reflect his two decades of financial counseling expereince. VAJoe.com does not endorse any financial strategies, but offers this blog as a service to its site members for discussion.

Bookmark to:

We recently interviewed the mind behind Yankee Mom to find out more about her blog.

What are 3 things your readers probably do not know about you?

My favorite shoes are Converse All Stars hi-tops. I have a black pair and a red pair - always.

I’ve always wanted to drive a big rig, preferably a Peterbilt.

I spent the first half of my life being terminally shy ~ hardly ever spoke. I’ve been making up for it ever since.

How long have you been blogging and why did you get into blogging?

I started blogging the month after my daughter left for Basic 2 1/2 years ago. I’d been reading the Milblogs for almost a year and learning all I could about the military and the war. An online friend who had a blog suggested I start one myself. So I did and I haven’t stopped.

I found it was great therapy while I was on the roller coaster ride of having a daughter in the Army. Plus, I’d met some terrific blogger folks who had been where I was then and were really supportive. Living in “Code Pink Land” there in CA, I didn’t have much support from the local people.

What is the toughest thing about being a military mom?

You know, I’ve been fortunate in that my soldier hasn’t been deployed yet. She’s in the Veterinary Corps and so far they haven’t needed her unit in the Middle East. But I know that can change without notice. After all, it is the Army we’re talking about here. So the hardest thing for me is the constant knot in the stomach that the phone call will come and she’s going to say, “Mom, I’m headed over.” My admiration for the families of
the deployed knows no bounds. It makes for long days and longer nights, for a long time.

As I told a young soldier who couldn’t understand his Mom’s reaction to his wanting to deploy, “look, we spend your first 18 years of life doing all we can to protect you from danger and harm. And there you go ~ walking straight towards it.” Every cell in our being is screaming No! at the same time our hearts are swelling with pride.

What are some of your other favorite Milblogs?

Oh, there are so many!! It’s unbelievable the talented writers we have with boots on the ground! I started at Mudville Gazette so Greyhawk and Mrs. Greyhawk will always be top of the list. I’ll list my favorite ones right now because there have been others through the years but they stopped blogging for one reason or another.

Here at home ~

Blackfive ~ I’ve also been reading them since I discovered Milblogs.

Hello Iraq ~ I always learn something at Devildog’s pplace. She does an amazing amount of research on anything she writes about.

The Thunder Run ~ Always a great roundup of what’s going on in the military and with our politicians.

A Soldier’s Mind ~ Lots of news on all the good our troops are doing.

Boots on the ground ~

Badgers Forward ~ awesome writings on what it’s like being in the Sandbox.

Jack Army ~ a former recruiter who’s now in Iraq. I’ve been reading his blog since my daughter told me she was enlisting.

Bill and Bob’s Excellent Afghan Adventure ~ just read. You’ll see why.

There are so many more that I had to set up pages on my blog to fit them all.
I’m now in the process of updating my blogrolls ~ I’ve discovered new blogs that are terrific!

What has been the biggest factor in helping you create and publish a successful blog?

I don’t know if I have a “successful” blog. lol I just have to write about what I see going on in this country. The complacency and whining going on today gets my blood up.
Also, I can’t stand to see our military getting trounced again by protesters and the government. So I guess I just write from the heart. I can’t be silent.

Do you have anything else you would like us to mention about you, your blog, or your readers?

I love good political discussions and my blog lets me have that. My commenters have often given me the chance to look at something from a different point of view or given me info I didn’t have.

I am so fortunate to have a group of readers who love this country and support the military straight from their hearts.

When I was living in California, they kept me sane and balanced. It was so wonderful to know that there were folks that don’t hate this country but believe in what it stands for. They have no idea how much I appreciate them.

Bookmark to: