Podcasts about military family lifestyle survey

KPBS Midday Edition takes a look at how traumatic brain injuries are affecting our veterans and active military. Then, we turn to the lives of military families in San Diego and findings from Blue Star's Military Family Lifestyle Survey.

This week I'm interviewing the Steven A Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania's Director Leah Blain, PhD. Dr. Blain earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. There she conducted research in the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  She completed an internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Maryland Healthcare System. There she trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for depression, anxiety and panic disorder, and chronic pain, and mindfulness-based interventions. She previously served as Director of Behavioral Health at Chase Brexton Health Care’s Columbia Center. Her clinical work focuses on trauma recovery, working with survivors of assault, abuse, and combat, on issues including depression, guilt and shame, anger, dissociation, and PTSD.The Cohen Veteran Network believes in evidence-based treatment with the goal of working toward finding healing. The program provides timeline-based care with a comprehensive plan created for the member to meet the needs of the member and to help them in their future.Access to CareThis episode coved how easy access to care through the Cohen Veteran Network is. We also discussed how being in a crisis stage is not the only reason to reach out for care. Those who are looking for treatment for a variety of reasons should consider reaching out to the Cohen network.Mental health is a spectrumMental health is a spectrum and not a straight line. People might often look at mental health and compare where they are in a linear sort of way. But mental health is anything other than linear and each person needs to find a path that works for them. The Cohen Veteran Network helps to ensure veterans and their families are given the proper support with either a long-term care plan or the opportunity for booster or check-in therapy as needed.Trauma is not always military relatedThe last main topic we covered is that some trauma that military members have faced comes from childhood or non-military-related events. Sometimes war or military experiences can cause trauma from people's past to exacerbate the experiences faced in the military. The Cohen Veteran Network does not withhold care from veterans or family members for any reason. They work to help people with whatever trauma they are facing.Connect with Steven A Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania:Steven A Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania websiteCohen Veteran Network WebsiteMentioned in this episode:Changing the Conversation about Mental HealthRelated episodes:Mental Health in the Military - Episode 73Looking at Military Service from a Different Perspective - Episode 125An Invisible Combat Veterans Story - Episode 90Check out the full transcript here.  Thank you to Blue Star Families for supporting the Women of the Military podcast! The Military Family Lifestyle Survey is open until June 6th, 2021. Head over to BlueStarFam.org/survey2021 to take the survey today. You could win one of five $100 gift cards. The stories and information shared become the fuel and information leaders need to help create change that will directly benefit us and our families.Thank you to my Patreon Sponsor Col Level and above:Kevin Barba, Adriana Keefe, Lorraine DiazThank you Patreon members for your support. Become a Patreon member today! Click here.   

This episode is sponsored by Blue Star Families. The Military Family Lifestyle Survey is open until June 6th, 2021. Head over to BlueStarFam.org/survey2021 to take the survey today. You could win one of five $100 gift cards. The stories and information shared become the fuel and information leaders need to help create change that will directly benefit us and our families.Stacie's dad saw a flyer about ROTC and that is how she began her military career. She needed a way to pay for college and ROTC gave her that opportunity. She said it was the best decision she ever made. And she made a lot of great friends. She picked the career field of Pubic Affairs because of her degree in Journalism. She started her career by being a Gold Bar recruiter at the Academy. Telling others about the opportunity to join the military through ROTC.She attended Defense Information School (DINFOS) in Fort Mead, Maryland, and got her first opportunity to learn about the joint environment since all the military branches have their PA training at DINFOS.DeploymentShe deployed multiple times. Serving a year in South Korea, working with NATO in Italy, and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of the interview was focused on her deployment to Afghanistan as part of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). I also deployed as part of a PRT so we talked about the difference between her pre-deployment training and my own.I did a whole series about what a PRT is and have shared my (email) letters home. You can check out the series here. And read my letters here.Losing team membersPanjshir was a relatively safe deployment. They could ride around in regular vehicles, but always wore their protective gear and had weapons. But they would need to make trips back to Bagram (the main base in Northern Afghanistan) to gather supplies, mail, and get people out for R&R. On May 26, 2009, four members of her team were killed when in a suicide bomber attacked the convoy. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mark Stratton, PRT commander, Army Master Sgt. Blue Rowe, PRT first sergeant, Senior Airman Ashton Goodman, PRT vehicle operator, and Abdul Samad, PRT Afghan legal advisor were killed in the attack.Stacie had worked directly with Ashton both through the Women Affairs missions and helping her to get her work published. She also was the only woman officer on the team and that gave her the responsibility and the honor to pack up her things and send them home to her family. The event has had a major impact on her life and she has started a scholarship in Ashton's name for her high school.The effects of warWe also coved the PTSD caused not only by the PRT deployment but the other deployments. If you are struggling with any mental health issues or need someone to talk to check out Episode 137 with the Cohen Clinic which talks about resources to help those struggling with mental health challenges.Mentioned in this Episode:Girl's Guide to the Military (Free Guide)Girl's Guide to the Military on YouTubeRelated Episodes:Amanda Huffman, Civil Engineer - Episode 2When Public Affairs Changed - Episode 67Civil Engineering in the Air Force - Episode 136 

This episode is sponsored by Blue Star Families. The Military Family Lifestyle Survey is open until June 6th, 2021. Head over to BlueStarFam.org/survey2021 to take the survey today. You could win one of five $100 gift cards. The stories and information shared become the fuel and information leaders need to help create change that will directly benefit us and our families.Jodi decided to join the military because she had left school and was looking for something new. Her parents encouraged her to join the Defense Force. She did not know anything about the military and just went to the Recruiter and ended up in the Royal Australian Air Force in supply. She went to recruit training and struggled with fitness. Because she was not prepared, she was getting yelled at for walking something flipped that caused her to decide she was going to be the fittest person. She talks about how embarrassed she was and that driver motivated her. She ended training as one of the fittest people in the group.While at her first assignment her brother was sent for his training. They were able to bond together. They both loved being in the Air Force. And it was nice to be together after moving away from family. She loved being in the Air Force the challenge of a new job with each assignment gave her purpose and drive. She served for 14 years until the military forced her to leave due to a back injury she had sustained early in her career. While training for a deployment she was unable to wear the body armor and could not deploy. She struggled in her transition out of the military because she was not ready to leave.Transitioning out of the militaryLuckily, she was able to find a job when she interviewed with an Army veteran. Shortly after that she started her family and was a stay-at-home mom while her daughters were young. Once they began school she needed something for herself. She decided to go back to college and studied Nutritional Science. She found a community while studying at the University. And also was led to the path she is on today when a friend recommended she come to Mates4Mates. A program for veterans with physical and psychological injuries. She had struggled with identifying as a veteran since she never deployed. But her friend assured her that she would be welcomed.Mindfulness and a new careerShe was able to learn about Yoga and mindfulness. Mindfulness can help veterans with many different issues and can be used in daily life. It is a powerful practice and something more veterans should look into. When her friend moved to the next assignment she took over her role of teaching classes. She dreamed of creating a program that included mindfulness, yoga, and her nutritional expertise. People said it would never happen but today Jodi now works with Mates4Mates and the Department of Veterans Affairs on well-being programs throughout Australia.Connect with Jodi:https://www.jodiallennutrition.com/Mentioned in this episode:Women Veteran UnitedMates4MatesRelated episodes:Finding Healing through Mindful Meditation - Episode 133Finding Healing through Yoga - Episode 81Joining the Australian Army - Episode 33Check out the full transcript here.  Thank you to my Patreon Sponsor Col Level and above:Kevin Barba, Adriana Keefe, Lorraine DiazThank you Patreon members for your support. Become a Patreon member today! Click here.   

This episode is sponsored by Blue Star Families. The Military Family Lifestyle Survey is open until June 6th, 2021. Head over to BlueStarFam.org/survey2021 to take the survey today. You could win one of five $100 gift cards. Penny Lee Deere began her military service in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and served in Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Her career spans 20 years, from 1975 -1995. It was interesting to hear her experience having begun her service as part of the WAC and then transferring over to the US Army in 1978. She also shared a number of stories of her time during Desert Storm. The interview ended with her sharing about the work she does to give back to Veterans and how it helped her in her healing journey.Currently, she resides in Albany NY. She credits “the Arts”, as saving her life. She is a multi-media artist, writer, and photographer. You can learn more about her at mindbodysoulbypenny.com.Add podcast infoFrom Women's Army Corps to Operation Desert StormPenny graduated from a class of thirty-six and was told she was not college material. With the other option of becoming a farmer's wife, she decided to join the military with the plan that if she joined the military she would serve for twenty years. Initially, she looked into the Marine Corps but picked the Army instead. She began her career in the Women's Army Corps and was one of the first women platoons to have a male drill instructor as integration was beginning. In 1978, the Women Army Corps disbanded and she became a member of the US Army.She spent twelve years of her twenty-year career overseas in Germany and she started her career as a Postmaster and then transferred to become an Army Intel Analyst to help ensure she would get promoted. She ended up getting promoted from her previous job while she was at training to become an Intel Analyst but she was excited about the change in careers.Desert StormShe was in Germany when Iraq invaded Kuwait in the summer of 1990 and they began preparing to deploy for Desert Shield. All the paperwork and arrangements were in place. She was a single mom and her children 4 and 7 were set to fly back to the states when she deployed. She ended up leaving for Desert Shield in November and came home in May. One story she told was she remembers getting to talk to her daughter once. Her daughter had seen the announcement on the television that the war was over. And she wanted to know when her mom was coming home. It was a challenge to be separated from her children but she was thankful for her parent's support.She shared some memories from her deployment as well. She talks about a story of getting lost in the blackout Forward Operating Base and deciding to stop and sleep in the next open tent she found. It happened to be the Dining Facility and the cooks didn't understand why she was there are 4 am. She also talked about an incident in guard duty that almost led to a friendly fire incident.After the warThe military downsized after Desert Storm and she helped her unit close up the base she was at in Germany and then went to Georgia where her unit had been reassigned. She left the military after twenty years of service in 1995 but did not identify as a veteran. She went to the VA in 2003 to get help for some of the medical/mental issues she was dealing with. And through that slowly became part of the veteran community. She used art to help her find healing and then the VA closed the programs. She went to the local American Legion asking for space to hold an art class. They gave her space and then when they saw she was doing added her program to their chapter.Giving back through artShe continues to work to help other veterans through Art. With COVID they began working through zoom to share different stories verbally. And this summer Art from her post is going to be displayed at the Women Memorial in DC.Connect with Penny:Mindbodysoulbypenny.comMentioned in this Episode:Help Heal VeteransRelated Podcast Episodes:Advocacy with MOAAServing during Desert Storm - Episode 57The Challenges Faced by Single Moms - Episode 46Check out the full transcript here.  Thank you to my Patreon Sponsor Col Level and above:Kevin Barba, Adriana Keefe, Lorraine DiazThank you Patreon members for your support. Want early access to episodes, ad-free content, and one on one mentorship advice? Become a Patreon member today! Click here.    

Please join us as we chat with Dr. Kim Hunt, Senior Research Manager at Blue Star Families, about their annual military family lifestyle survey. Dr. Hunt shares important topics identified in last year's survey, how they affect our military community and also highlights the focus and importance of completing this year's survey.   Show Notes: The 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey is now open until October 16, 2020! Blue Star Families, in collaboration with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, analyzes trends related to major shifts in military life issues and helps local and national government leaders better understand the realities that military, veteran, and National Guard/Reserve families face.  Participate here: https://bluestarfam.org/survey/   Dr. Kim Hunt is the Senior Research Manager at Blue Star Families and has been active in education and the nonprofit sector for more than 30 years. She has completed multiple research and evaluations projects for military and veteran service organizations and has served on the Coordinating Council for the San Diego Military Family Collaborative. Together with her husband, a retired Navy officer, and their two daughters, Dr. Hunt moved 16 times throughout the US and Europe and has taught and run reading programs  for multiple age levels at a variety of public and private schools. These experiences prompted her interest in researching the experiences of highly mobile military children. Dr. Hunt holds a PhD from the University of San Diego in Leadership Studies with a dual focus on Nonprofit Management and Education Leadership.   This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by Fort Campbell Spouses' Club and Scott Spouses' Club.

Scott Tucker, author of Veteran Wealth Secrets,  acknowledges we surrender a lot of our liberty when we enter the military. So, as we transition out, we have a responsibility to get that freedom back and become autonomous again, personally, professionally and financially. He is the founder of US Veterans Wealth, the author of a new book Veteran Wealth Secrets and the creator of the Thirty Day LinkedIn Liberty Challenge. He provides powerful tools to help the veteran find financial freedom. The Spotlight So we asked Scott Tucker to step into the Spotlight. Scott Tucker grew up wearing camo pants and studying the Civil War. So it was a natural thing for him to consider West Point. A 2002 graduate, Scott served in Germany and in OIF II as an Air Defense Artillery officer and as a liaison in an Air Force squadron. As a language major at USMA, words matter and have meaning. Consequently, how we say things and how we communicate have a significant impact. Take the term “Military Transition Process.” “Military” – It is focused from the military point of view. “Transition” – it is a change. “Process” – the military has some boxes they need to check Bottom line, it's about the military and not about the individual... When Tucker hears canned guidance that each transitioning service member has to do certain things a certain way, Tucker responds, “Says who?” Veteran Wealth Secrets So why not write a book about it? After twenty years of perpetual war, the transition back to civilian life has become another “out-processing center.” Designed without much regard for the future and best interest of the veteran, Tucker thinks it is time for a fresh view. VeteransWealth Secrets is "The playbook for obtaining financial control in the modern economy." He writes, “Trends continue to show that veterans do not feel transition assistance programs are preparing them for a successful transition into civilian life.” Citing the Blue Star Families 2019 Military Family Lifestyle Survey. “The big takeaway here is that a substantial percentage of military families are struggling financially even before transition. And people who are struggling to meet their day-to-day and month-to-month financial responsibilities do not have the means to implement any longer-term financial plans, which means they probably aren't even making them.” So rather than publish yet another “how to”  guide on resume writing and what kind of suit to buy, Tucker takes us on a deeper dive. Each veteran needs to find their passion and seek a career that leads to real independence, autonomy, and individual and financial freedom. About our guest You can learn all about Scott Tucker on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottrtucker/ US Veterans Wealth online at   https://usvetwealth.com   and on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/usvetwealth His new book https://VeteranWealthSecrets.com About your host Bob Louthan is a VMI Graduate, Army veteran, and executive with over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and private capital formation. He founded VeteranCrowd to bring veterans and veteran-led businesses together with each other and the resources they need to prosper. You can learn more about Bob Louthan on LinkedIn. And consider Joining the VeteranCrowd Network today

Hello everyone! On this special bonus episode, I’m so glad to be talking to Jessica Strong, an Army spouse, mom of three, and the Co-Director of Applied Research at Blue Star Families.  Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses in 2009 to empower military families to thrive as they serve. Their groundbreaking research and their annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey are raising the nation's awareness of the unique challenges of military family life.  Jessica shares some insights on what past surveys have revealed, how this year’s survey looks different in light of COVID-19 concerns, as well as their push to get the widest sampling possible. The survey is the largest gauge of the challenges active-duty and veteran members and their families are facing each year, and it’s crucial to have high participation in order to drive solutions. This year, they’re especially encouraging families of color to participate in order to have the most diverse representation possible. The 11th annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey (aMFLS) was launched on September 8th, 2020. For six weeks, members, families, and veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves are encouraged to participate in the most comprehensive survey that highlights and analyzes the experiences and challenges facing military families today across the country. The survey closes on October 16, so please don't wait to voice your opinion and share your story! As Jessica says,  "Take the survey. People are listening. And the people who are making changes are listening and looking for this. If you have something to say, this is where to say it. Don’t say it in a Facebook comment, because it won’t get where it needs to go. Say it in the survey." CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE BLUE STAR FAMILIES ANNUAL MILITARY FAMILY LIFESTYLE SURVEY SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE Get Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group

In this podcast, Army spouse, daughter, and sister, Jenny Akin, an Applied Research Analyst from Blue Star Families talks about their annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey , amazing and often FREE opportunities available to military families through Blue Star Family Summer Programming and how families can get involved in their local community.     For the Sake of the Child Listeners let your voice be heard by taking part in the Blue Star Family Survey open now through June 16th by simply clicking on the link: https://bluestarfam.org/survey/ Folks, I took the survey myself.  This is an opportunity for you to share your concerns to create change.  All I have to say is just do it. If you want to know more about all that Blue Star Families has in their summer programming become a member and then check out their website at: https://bluestarfam.org/family-life/ .You will find Blue Star Museums, Parks, Theaters, and Books.  My family has taken advantage of Blue Star Museums and Books in years past and we look forward to checking out theaters and parks this year.  We all love FREE so either visit our Parent to Parent webinar below or Blue Star Families website to find out more.     To participate in the recording of our MCEC Parent to Parent Preventing the Summer Slide webinar that I mentioned in the podcast click here: http://militarychild.adobeconnect.com/webrec-2219/event/registration.html The Summer Slide webinar will uncover simple ways parents can engage their children in educational and enrichment activities during the summer without them even noticing!    If you want to be in the KNOW about FREE stuff you will want to take part in our brand new Maximize Your Military Child’s Summer Experience webinar where we share tips on how you can maximize your military child’s summer experience by taking advantage of military-connected discounts and opportunities, engagement activities and unique summer experiences available to military students.  Of course we feature all the cool stuff Blue Star Families has to offer this summer so come check it out! Register here to view the recording: http://militarychild.adobeconnect.com/webrec2419/event/registration.html   This podcast had been made possible because of the generous support from Offutt Officers' Spouses Club.

Improving your quality of life is a goal everyone wants. But when you’re in the military, how do you get your voice heard so changes are made? The Military Family Lifestyle Survey, that’s how. Today my guest, Hisako Sonethavilay from Blue Star Families is here to discuss what the survey is and how it’s helping to improve the lives of Service members and their families. Hisako is Blue Star Families' Senior Advisor of Applied Research. Our discussions gets into what the topic concerns of military families are, personal finance issues and how the research is applied to make change. And stick around for my special What’s on Lacey’s Mind guest, Sharon Gran from MilitarybyOwner!

July Sponsors: Plan Your Gram: Plan Your Gram is a powerful social media tool for visually planning + scheduling your instagram feed. Drag and drop images before you post and schedule the best time to post them. Best of all, no on-going monthly fees, it’s just a one time purchase for the life of your business. Unlike other schedulers that lock you into $10-$50 a month, Plan Your Gram is just $15.99, once. Plan Your Gram is brand new Instagram planning tool, for iOS and Android. Learn more at planyourgram.com Sign up for Amazon Prime! Free Two-Day Shipping, unlimited photo storage, plus exclusive access to movies, music and Kindle books. shepercolates.com/amazonprime   Vivian Greentree, Ph.D., joined First Data as a Senior Vice President and Head of Military and Veteran Affairs in February 2014. In this role Vivian created First Data Salutes, a company-wide military engagement strategy to provide the military community with access to career opportunities and best-in-class education resources, while offering premier business solutions to veteran-owned businesses. Before joining First Data, Vivian helped to found Blue Star Families, the largest chapter-based military support organization in the country, where she most recently served Director of Research and Policy. While at BSF, Vivian created and oversaw BSF’s groundbreaking Military Family Lifestyle Survey, which examines a broad spectrum of issues affecting modern-day military families. The survey was referenced in Presidential Directive-9 “Strengthening Our Military Families,” the precursor to the Obama Administration’s Joining Forces initiative and continues to be cited in military policy discussions nationally. She is also the creator of the Blue Star Spouse Employment Toolkit, the first of its kind military spouse employment resource, written and tested based on the unique career needs of military spouses. The Spouse Employment Toolkit has since evolved into a suite of military spouse professional development initiatives known as Blue Star Careers, including educational, employment, and mentoring programming and has been adapted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce into an online military spouse resume engine, Career Spark. Before joining BSF, Vivian served as a Supply Corps officer in the Navy, on active duty and in the Reserves. After serving in the Navy, she used her G.I. Bill to attain her Ph.D. in Public Administration and Urban Policy from Old Dominion University, where she earned several awards, including Ph.D. Outstanding Student of the Year, Phi Kappa Phi, The Pindur and the Ted Constant Scholarships, and a University Fellowship. She holds a masters degree from the University of Maryland University College and undergraduate degrees in Journalism and Public and International Affairs from the University of Georgia. Vivian’s research on civic engagement, the military community, and public policy has been published in peer-reviewed journals like Public Administration Review and the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, along with mainstream media outlets. She has appeared as a subject matter expert on panels, advisory boards, conferences, and national media outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, and NPR. And, she is a Senior Research Fellow of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. In 2012, Vivian was named a Daily Point of Light by the Points of Light Institute for recognition of her volunteer work and a "Top 40 Under 40” alumni by the University of Georgia’s Alumni Association. In 2013, she was appointed to the University of Georgia’s Alumni Association Board of Directors and designated as an Ally Spouse by the Military Partners and Families Coalition. A strong supporter of civic engagement, Vivian serves on the selection committee for the prestigious Lincoln Awards and is the Quality of Life Sub-Committee chair for the Virginia Military Advisory Council, a position she was appointed to by Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014. Vivian is married to a Naval Officer and they have two young boys, ages 9 and 12. Vivian's definition of success: personal success is rooted in knowing each day I've used my skills and my resources to help at least one person and then get to go home to a family where I know we are raising our children to have empathy and sociological imagination. Things we chat about with Vivian Greentree: Success and growth wasn't a straight line Being a realist, believing in the best of humanity Doing a Ph.D program at night while husband was deployed for a year and having 2 kids under 3. opportunities are often wrapped up in a disguise. Helping found a non-profit for military families because there was a need in the military community for a military family group empowering others Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cutty

The fourth consecutive survey fielded by Blue Star Families, the 2013 Military Family Lifestyle Survey detailed the many challenges faced by military families after more than twelve years of continuous war. The key concerns identified include pay and benefits, changes to retirement, military spouse employment, the effects of deployment on the emotional well-being and development of military children, and military child education.