Even though I have been a military spouse for almost seven years, having my husband back in the fleet after a year of school has made me feel like a rookie military spouse all over again.
Except this time, I already know a handful of abbreviations and which days to avoid the commissary. And thanks to the furlough, that feels like it should be every day.
Our new unit seems pretty amazing and very family oriented, which is new for both of us. There are family fun runs every month and spouse and family events planned almost weekly. There is even a wine tasting planned in which the men babysit and the wives go out!
His old unit went through three or four family readiness officers in the four years we were there so there wasn’t much consistency. As a new wife, I jumped right in and tried to get involved but found myself more comfortable making friends with military wives on my own rather than in a large group. I remained friends with these women and we supported each other daily. I felt like I had the military network I needed.
Now, back in the fleet, my husband and I agreed we would go in with an open mind and try to be more involved. As the newest members to the battalion, it is intimidating to see bonds and friendships that already exist within the group. But, I cannot let that stop me or it will be a very long three years here! There will always be families coming and going and luckily everyone has been incredibly welcoming and helpful.
Most recently, I attended a spouse meeting in which upcoming events and fundraisers were discussed. I came home feeling motivated to be involved. Everyone’s thoughts and concerns were respected and there were so many ways to contribute.
I was reminded that I will only get out of this unit what I put in. I have been struggling with whether or not to go back to work or continue my degree in higher education. I am struggling to find what my passion is outside of my family. I feel like being a part of this unit will give me some sort of fulfillment in that area - whether it be getting together with other wives, putting together care packages for the Marines that are deployed, attending homecomings or helping plan the USMC Birthday Ball, I can really benefit from being involved with this close knit unit.
I admit, doing this means I have to leave my comfort zone, but this feels like a good change. I feel like I am a part of something again. I have realized that being a military spouse is another hat I wear and I am looking forward to wearing that hat a little bit more.
