Identity Crisis: Let's take a drive!

This weekend, our family ventured out to a remnant commissary and military exchange near Indianapolis. Fort Benjamin Harrison was closed during the 1991 base realignments, but still has a military presence in the area with DFAS, Army Reserve and National Guard Units, MEPS, American Legion Membership HQ and VFW IN HQ all located at or near the former post. The surrounding property has been redeveloped into a state park, golf course and residential neighborhoods.  You can even rent officer's quarters for the weekend.

Why did we drive over an hour to go to a small commissary and exchange when you can get similar items five minutes away?  Because "our kind" is there.  I can't explain it, other than we feel like we are among friends. I admit that I feel a certain sense of pride in flashing my military ID, which my civilian counterparts don't understand.

Whether I like it or not, the military lifestyle is part of my identity.  So many newly retired families try to assimilate to their new community immediately wanting nothing to do with "that life".  That is what we are trained to do:  adapt and overcome, but I urge you not to simply dismiss your military days...they made you who you are.

Was it a magical shopping experience with tons of military personnel on a fabulous installation?  No, but that wasn't the point.  As my oldest daughter stated:  I just feel at home.

“From this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remembered-

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers"

William Shakespeare

  

Harrison Village PX

Harrison Village Commissary

Former Ft. Benjamin Harrison Officers Club

Pulling the Ripcord

Are you itching for your spouse to retire?  Can't wait for the day you no longer have to put up with:

• Deployments
• TDY
• PCS moves 
• Mandatory fun 
• FRG and steering meetings
• Unit obligations
• Taking a number at the pharmacy
• Long commissary lines

This list goes on, and many of us relish the idea of finally cutting the cord with the military.  Even though it seems like the day can't come soon enough, I urge you to not go cold turkey.  There is a certain sense of familiarity and security in being part of the armed forces community.  It drives you crazy, but it can also feel like home.  Many retirees and their families enjoy staying connected to the military.

Ways you can stay involved:

• Join a local chapter of a veterans organization - Legion, VFW, MOAA
• Work at a job that supports the military
• Support or volunteer at your local USO, Operation Homefront or Wounded Warrior chapter
• Greet heroes participating in honor flights or volunteer at a Fisher house
• Stay involved with spouses clubs and/or their fundraising efforts
• Attend a welcome home ceremony or local Veteran's Day parade 
• Contribute to fund drives for troops overseas
• Contribute to a military-related charity
• Subscribe to (or follow online) military publications, such as Army Times, Military Times or Stripes
• Suggest a military appreciation supply drive to your workplace as a community outreach project
• Keep connected through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
• Participate in a student veteran's organization if you are headed back to college

Maybe you were not into your spouse's career or did not immerse yourself in the military culture, but for those of us who did, retirement can be a grieving process. Staying somewhat connected can help ease the transition when "home is where the military sends you" no longer applies!