🇺🇸 Life After Service: Navigating the Retired Military Journey Together
Welcome to our blog—a space where we share the real-life experiences, lessons, and resources that come with being a retired military family. Whether you're a veteran, a military spouse, or simply curious about the military lifestyle, our goal is to offer support, insight, and community as we navigate life beyond active duty.
🪖 Our Military Journey
Our story began with my husband’s service in the United States Marine Corps, where his first duty station was Okinawa, Japan—a place he remembers for its Pacific charm and strong camaraderie. After Japan, he was stationed in North Carolina, where we got married. He retired at just 27 years old, and we eventually settled in Texas, a state that holds a special place in our hearts.
🔄 Transitioning to Civilian Life
The shift from military to civilian life came with its challenges. My husband pursued higher education using tuition assistance programs, earning multiple degrees and even becoming a guest speaker at his university. As a active military spouse, I also took advantage of educational resources and earned my associate’s degree in human resources.
📚 Utilizing Military Resources
One of our core missions is to help others leverage the resources available to veterans and their families. The VA’s 2025 Veterans Resource Guide is a great starting point, packed with information on education, healthcare, and benefits. We always encourage asking questions and seeking support—there’s no need to navigate this journey alone.
👉 Explore the VA Resource Guide
🏛️ Our Move to Washington, D.C.
A career opportunity brought us to Washington, D.C., marking a major transition from our life in Texas. This move opened new doors, including a re-evaluation of my husband’s VA rating, which led to additional benefits and support.
🌟 Life as a Retiree
Retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. My husband now mentors others and shares his experiences to help fellow veterans. We believe in sharing knowledge, not gatekeeping it, and we’re passionate about helping others thrive in their post-military lives.
🔍 What’s Coming Next
We’ll be diving deeper into topics like:
Educational Opportunities for veterans and spouses
Healthcare & Benefits: Navigating the VA system
Family Life: Raising kids as a retired military couple
Travel & Relocation: Tips for military families on the move
Advocacy & Support: Empowering veterans and spouses
🎙️ Our Podcast: Real Talk from a Retired Military Family
We’re excited to bring our stories and insights to life through our podcast, where we share personal reflections, practical advice, and honest conversations about life after military service.
🎧 Podcast Segments:
Unwind: A heartfelt look at my journey as a retired military spouse—balancing family, career, and identity beyond the uniform.
Coffee and Crayons My husband’s space to share his reflections, and lessons learned from his time in the Marine Corps and beyond.
Whether you're commuting, relaxing at home, or looking for connection, we hope these segments offer encouragement, laughter, and useful takeaways.
🤝 Join the Community
Whether you're just starting your transition or have years of experience, we hope this blog becomes a trusted resource and a place of connection. Life after service is a journey—and we’re walking it together.