Military Mom Talk Radio

Military Mom’s Faith By Al Detres for Military Mom Talk Radio

sandrabeck — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:06:53 +0000

When people find out that I have a son in the military, they ask me how I am taking it. “Taking what?” I ask right back. I’m not sure what kind of answer they were expecting, like I should be losing sleep at night worrying about my adult son who made a very grown-up decision to enlist in the army during war time. Not the best choice from a purely pragmatic point of view, but I sleep just fine at night knowing that my son is up all night on guard duty protecting his country and that God never sleeps.

The presence of faith in my life allows me to think of my son without worry. I know that he is in God’s hands and the only thing worry will do is erode my faith. There is nothing my worry will do to help keep any of my children safe from harm. This is what peace of mind looks like. I love and care very deeply for all my children but have placed their well-being into God’s hands whether or not I am there.

This isn’t to say that I should be stupid or not careful. No, I just know that God will take care of them when I can’t and in ways that I could never even try. I also know that bad things happen to people every day and that could be one of my children, whether in the military or not. I just choose not to worry about what is not and focus on the reality of live as it is today. My children are healthy and happy and my military son loves his country, his God, his family and his life.

Al Detres is a father of four and a Christian Minister inOregonwho has a son currently serving in theUSArmy .

Success at Camp Pendleton Career Expo Sponsored by Military.com and the NCOA by Doris Rivas Brekke

sandrabeck — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:30:18 +0000

I had the priviledge and pleasure of attending the Camp Pendleton Career Expo on February 7th. This job fair was informative, exciting and very well attended. The main point I picked up from all the representatives of the companies and educational institutions was that everyone wants to help our military brothers and sisters! This will be a regularly updated blog as I receive new positive leads for all of you. Check out these companies and educational institutions below. And when you contact them, tell the contacts you heard about their career information from Military Mom Talk Radio!

Sutter Health- www.sutterhealth.org/employment ; Job opportunities are in Northern California in the health care industry. Have special programs directed towards military personnel.
Southern Wine and Spirits- www.southernwine.com ; positions in sales and service
The Entrepreneur’s Source- www.theEsource.com/DRaffeerty ; for those interested in investing in a franchise business; these people can help!

Educational Institutions:

Vanguard University- School for Professional Studies, Costa Mesa, Calif.; www.vanguard.edu/sps . I like this one because this school offers a master’s degree in Theology. Also has a “Veterans Center to help with financial aid and more…
Grand Canyon University- has degree programs for military professionals. I met this very nice advisor, Izzy Avila M.Ed., USN (Ret.), 619 218-1237. I highly recommend speaking to him personally! www.gcu.edu/serve

Keep checking this blog for more companies hiring and universities to attend.

- Doris Rivas-Brekke, “News U Can Use” for Military Mom Talk Radio

Military Mom Talk Radio is co-hosted by Sandra Beck and Robin Boyd and produced by Doris Rivas-Brekke, hosted by Toginet Radio and powered by Motherhood Incorporated. Military Mom Talk Radio supports and helps bring information to the families of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard and is dedicated to serving our friends and family at the following Army bases: Fort Sill, Fort Bragg, Fort Carson, Fort Jackson, Fort Sam Houston, Fort Dix, Fort Campbell, Fort Belvoir, Eglin AFB, Shaw AFB, Fort Hood, Fort Eustis, Fort Leonard Wood, Redstone Arsenal and Fort Bliss. We would also like to honor our friends and family at the following over seas installations: Bahrain Administrative Support Unit, NATO Support Activity Belgium, Bad Kreuznach, Rhein-Main Air Base, Stuttgart/Robinson Barracks, Naval Forces Guam, Kadena Air Base, Torii Station, Aviano Air Base. We would like to thank the Department of Defense for supplying guest and topics.

Life Leadership: Old Flour by Sandra Beck for Military Mom Talk Radio.

sandrabeck — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:24:38 +0000

sandra beck military mom talk radio

By Sandra Beck, Military Mom Talk Radio

Recently I found this great brownie recipe online – the good kind from scratch where you shave the chocolate into bits and mix the ingredients from their original source, not from a boxed package.

I was so excited and since I had a lot of wonderful chocolate left over from the holidays I made a massive batch filling up 6 pans thinking I would share them with neighbors, family and friends. I used this huge 5 pound bag of flour that I had removed from my mom’s house after she died. I didn’t check the date. The flour was years old but I didn’t know that because the packaging was unopened.

The brownies came out like bricks. So bad I had to soak the pans just to clean them. They never rose to the occasion and the flour was stale. I stood there in the kitchen so frustrated until I thought about the lesson here. Sure, use fresh ingredients got that. But for us as women it goes deeper than that.

How can we expect to rise to the occasion when we are the same old stale self? I realized with the brownie bricks that I was stuck in some of my old ways and if I expected my life to rise to the occasion I would need to use a fresh me and not the same old stale me. I never did make any more brownies because the fresh me doesn’t want to get fat…lol…but I do show up fresh everyday so I can rise to the occasion.

Sandra Beck is the host of Military Mom Talk Radio and the single mother of two boys ages 5 and 8. She is an author, internet brand strategist. She has worked with the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Army for over 20 years and is passionate about helping women lead their families successfully the specific challenges of military life.

Military Mom Talk Radio welcomes Lori Bell of NAMMS.org, Authors Ken Farmer and Buck Stienke, and Author Janie Smith

sandrabeck — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:56:08 +0000

Lori Bell is founder and president of National Association of Military Moms and Spouses, the only network of its kind that brings thousands moms of service members and spouses together in one fun, supportive online community. Author of the forthcoming book&nb sp;Prosper Where You’re Planted: The Military Spouse Guide To Creating the Life You Want With The Military Life You Get, Lori was recognized and named Military Spouse Magazine’s 2010 “Military Spouse of the Year”. Today, she helps leading brands connect with the influential “military mom market” and provides innovative solutions to increase bottom line profits. In addition, Lori is a by-name requested motivational speaker and singer. Called “a remarkable woman” by Lifetime Television Network and havin g her personal story featured on NBC Nightly News Making A Difference, Lori has appeared in front of more than 20 million people via major media such as CNN, ABC, Fox News, and The Huffington Post.

For more information visit www.nammas.org.

Reminiscent of Clancy’s best, but with more action, Black Eagle Force tells of a high-Tech secret Special Ops force defending American shores in a new military action thriller novel series by Buck Stienke and Ken Farmer.

A clandistine Special Ops force comprised of patriotic former US military men and women pilots and special forces members contracted to the Department of Defense. Their motto is: Semper Paro Bellum. They are the BLACK EAGLE FORCE.

Ken Farmer – After proudly serving his country as a US Marine (call sign ‘Tarzan’), Ken attended Stephen F. Austin State University on a full football scholarship, receiving his Bachelors Degree in Business and Speech & Drama. Ken quickly discovered his love for acting when he starred as a cowboy in a Dairy Queen commercial. Ken has over 38 years as a professional actor, with memorable roles Silverado, Friday Night Lights and Uncommon Valor. He was also OC and VO spokesman for Wolf Brand Chili for over eight years. Ken now lives near Gainesville, TX, where he continues to write and direct quality award winning films like Rockabilly Baby and write novels.

Buck Stienke – Captain – Fighter Pilot – United States Air Force, has an extensive background in military aviation and weaponry. A graduate of the Air Force Academy, Buck (call sign ‘Shoehorn’) was a member of the undefeated Rugby team and was on the Dean’s List. After leaving the Air Force, Buck was a pilot for Delta Airlines for over twenty-five years. He has vast knowledge of weapons, tactics and survival techniques. Buck is the owner of Lo ne Star Shooting Supply, Gainesville, TX. As a successful actor, writer and businessman, Buck lives in Gainesville with his wife, Carolyn. Buck was Executive Producer for the award winning film,Rockabilly Baby.

For more information visit www.blackeagleforce.com

Janie Smith, Trauma Coach, Speaker, Author, Founder of HOPE Beyond Trauma; caregiver; mother and spouse of career soldiers. Her new book, HOPE Beyond Trauma . . . a mother’s journey is based on Janie’s caregiving journey after her 15-year-old daughter sustained a severe brain injury in an automobile accident.
Years later, Janie watches her youngest son deploy to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan for six tours. She tells of the difficulties soldiers and their families face when they return home. When she discovered brain injury is the “signature wound” of this war on terror it inspired her to start HOPE Beyond Trauma and write her book, HOPE Beyond Trauma…a mother’s journey.

Janie’s mission and passion is empowering lives of those facing major trauma; specializing in brain injuries, caregivers, military families, everyone is welcome!

For more information, visit www.hopebeyondtrauma.com.

Military Mom Talk Radio on airs on Mondays at 2pm Pacific Standard Time on Toginet Radio and can be downloaded directly from Itunes and MilitaryMomTalkRadio.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Operation Gratitude Shares the Loss of Joan Mazzarelli

sandrabeck — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:47:41 +0000

There are many ways we here at home try to make a difference for our troops while they serve our country. One woman in southern California has been dedicated to remembering the military in a very special way. Our good friends at Operation Gratitude introduced the country to Joan Mazzarelli a few years ago, a woman who single handedly knitted an average of 500 scarves each year for Operation Gratitude to send to the military serving in Afghanistan. You might say she’s experienced – she’s knitted for soldiers before… in World War 2.

Sadly, we’ve learned that Joan peacefully passed away last Saturday night in the arms of her daughter Paula Boland. Joan graced this earth for exactly 99 years and 99 days. She will be sorely missed.

Joan’s funeral will be Tuesday in Granada Hills but eulogies will be held Monday from 5-7pm. We hope that everyone could take a moment and remember Joan and her family in thought and prayer at 5 oclock.

Founder Carolyn Blashak will be speaking during the funeral service on Tuesday on behalf of Operation Gratitude and all the military who have been blessed by Joan’s kindness .

Joan’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Joan’s memory to Operation Gratitude. Donations can be made here: Donate in Joan’s Memory or mailed to Operation Gratitude; 16444 Refugio Rd; Encino, CA 91436. Please note the memorial with your donationn and a beautiful Tribute Letter will be sent to Joan’s family.

Please take a moment to learn more about this remarkable woman in this video from 2010: http://bit.ly/ybBxb1 . May her spirit continue to warm the hearts of every soldier she so dearly cared for and dedicated her life to. Thank you, Joan, and God bless.

I’m not the Same Woman Who Shipped out Last Year By Al Detres for Military Mom Talk Radio

sandrabeck — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:01:08 +0000

One of the fears that people have when they have been away from home and family for an extended period of time is that they are not sure how to fit back into the family unit when they return. Military service can take a woman quite literally, to the ends of the earth. What they experience, see, hear, smell and do in the field can have a profound effect on how they respond to life after the fact. Some may need to share these experiences, others may never want to think about the horrors they witnessed in war. Either way, change has happed and is very real.

The changes need not be a burden, but rather can be used as a source of strength and broader perspective. Military women can be proud to know that they stepped into harm’s way to protect the peace and freedom that their families enjoy every day. They can share their newfound perspective with their families in such a way that will keep them from taking the freedoms we as Americans take for granted.

It is also important to remember that your family also changed while you were gone. They would have changed anyway, but the differences may be more noticeable. It is good to acknowledge and celebrate the growth and maturity that the whole family gained during your absence.

God brought you back because your purpose in this world is not finished yet. Many others did not come back because they had fulfilled theirs. Filled with a broader perspective of the world and a greater appreciation for freedom, it is true: you are not the same woman who shipped out last year; you are so much more than the woman who shipped out last year!

Al Detres is a father of four and a Christian Minister inOregonwho has a son currently serving in the US Army .

Life Leadership: Innocence Lost and Found by Sandra Beck for Military Mom Talk Radio.

sandrabeck — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:22:48 +0000

sandra beck military mom talk radio

By Sandra Beck, Military Mom Talk Radio

One of the things I know about life is that over time we lose our innocence – especially after traumatic events or situations such as deployment or loss. It’s like you come back and you are in a plastic box where the whole world continues around you but you just observe it from inside that little bubble. You can feel completely detached and separate from the emotions, but little by little you start coming back.
This is where and when you have to really take stock of your experience and make a decision. Do you want that experience to make you hard, impenetrable, and unreachable? Do you want to take that experience and process it with a friend or professional and let it become the fabric of your life but not your whole life?

I vote for the latter. When I came out of my own darkness I made a choice not to be bitter, angry, and a fortress that kept everyone away. It was a choice and something that would have been very easy to do. But I didn’t and as a result found a very rich and fulfilling life. It could have easily gone the other way if I let it. I’m not saying that I don’t have bitter, angry feelings from time to time – but I have made a conscious effort to let them go and return to my original state of innocence where the world is a bright shiny place to explore.

Military Mom Talk Radio welcomes Lynette Lovelace of Lifetherapy, Author Donna Mull, and Author Leila Levinson

sandrabeck — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:10:37 +0000

Lynette Lovelace combined her spirit, enthusiasm for life, and 20 years of harnessing her inner gifts and created a line of luxury apothecary products inspired by the therapeutic powers of fragrance and mood. Based on the simple yet influential notion of “Choosing Your Mood,“ Lifetherapy aims to encompass the various experiences of life (such as love, hardship, glory, serenity) while arousing the senses and allowing an escape from everyday life.

If you could capture the moments of your personal journal, your life, how would you go about doing that? Lovelace encourages those around her to imagine their lives as a journal, keeping in mind that every soul is unique. She has relentlessly filled her journals of life with ideas, creativity, moods and inspiration. Some journals have lines that define text, others are blank and allow for limitless expression; some remain empty yet alive with thoughts, intentions and daydreams, while others explode with sketches, intricate memories and quotes of loved ones.

Find out more about Lynette and Lifetherapy at www.lifetherapy.com .

“When a soldier serves, so does the family”. Author Donna Mull saw that statement on the shirts some military wives were wearing at a Fourth of July parade as they marched with their husbands. Suddenly, that statement had become personal. She had heard stories about mothers whose faithful prayers had changed lives. When her son received his orders for deployment to Iraq, she wanted to be one of those mothers. Equally motivated by love and pain, Ms. Mull embarked on a year-long journey of prayer, writing weekly devotionals that focused on the specific needs of soldiers and their families. She then forwarded them to friends and family, who used them as springboards for their own prayer times. If you have a loved one in the military, chances are you are engaged in a battle of your own. Will your loved one survive? Will you? How will you cope while your soldier is away? When your soldier returns, will he or she be changed? The Scripture-based prayers in Donna Mull’s A Prayer Journey Through Deployment will speak to your anxious heart with words of encouragement. Our loving Father understands your vulnerability, and you can rest assured that you are not alone. He will share your burden, and he will never leave your side.

You can find more about Donna at www.winepressbooks.com.

Leila Levinson is the author of award winning Gated Grief: The Daughter of a GI Concentration Camp Liberator Discovers a Legacy of Trauma. A graduate of Vassar College, Indiana University at Bloomington and the University of Texas School of Law, she advocates for veterans. She has appeared on CNN, is a regular contributing blogger for Huffington Post, and has written for The Washington Post, The Austin American Statesman, The Texas Observer, WWII Quarterly, CrossCurrents and War, Literature, and Art. The founder of the online community veteranschildren.com where veterans and their children share their stories, Levinson is now creating a nonprofit to bring attention to the transgenerational trauma that follows war and to facilitate a network of support for veterans and their families within central Texas.

For more information visit either www.leilalevinson.com or www.veteranschildren.com

I Made it Back Home Alive, Now What? By Al Detres for Military Mom Talk Radio

sandrabeck — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:23 +0000

One of the questions that plague survivors of any kind of trauma or disaster is, “Why did I make it while others did not?” This is one of life’s more difficult questions to which there are no easy answers. We have to work within the framework of what we do know and go on from there. What we do know is that we did make it out and there are those who need us here. God has a plan for each of us and knowing that we have purpose in life. God’s purpose for some may be to give up their lives in service to their country, while His purpose for others is to take what they have learned in the heat of battle and make their part of the world a better place.

Rather than exhausting mental energy on wondering why you survived when others did not, one of the keys to moving forward in life is to embrace what you know to be true: There is no need to feel guilty because God has a plan for you and you still have things to accomplish before your time is up. Your family needs you to focus on them and to help them in seeking out their God-given purpose in life as well.

The exciting thing about finding your purpose as a family is that through your service to your country, you have gained the courage, strength and discipline to seek out and accomplish whatever purpose God has set before you and your family. Don’t look back, just pick up the good things you have gained, leave the bad stuff behind and move forward in your life. You will be a blessing to your family and they will be a blessing to you as you seek out God’s purpose for all of your lives.

Al Detres is a father of four and a Christian Minister in Oregon who has a son currently serving in the US Army .

Military Mom Talk Radio welcomes Lisa Detres, Author Mary Lee, and Writer’s Corner with Joyce Faulkner and Leila Levinson

sandrabeck — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:48:09 +0000

Lisa Detres is a pastor’s wife, writer, and mother of four children who works as a customer service supervisor in Valencia, California. Her oldest son, Augustin, is currently serving in the Army and is stationed at Fort Drum, New York.

Lisa grew up in Denver, Colorado and followed her dreams of working in the garment industry to California. It is there where she met her husband, Al and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design. She worked in the garment industry for several years and then went into business for herself so she could spend more time with her family. She earned an MBA while caring for her family, running her own business and home schooling three of her children.

She is currently writing her first book which deals with helping women get closer to God.

Author Mary Lee is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and a Licensed Master Social Worker. “When Grandma’s False Teeth Fly” is author Mary Lee’s second book. Her first book, “My Air Force Mom” is a picture book that explores customs and courtesies of military culture through a child’s eyes. “My Air Force Mom” was a winner in the Children’s Fiction Category of the 73rd Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition.

Mary and her husband Chuck reside in Columbia, South Carolina. You can find more about Mary at http://marylee.tateauthor.com

Today’s Writer’s Corner features Joyce Faulkner and Leila Levinson. Have you decided to write a book? How do you start? Listen to Joyce Faulkner, award-winning author of “In the Shadow of Suribachi,” “Username,” and “For Shrieking Out Loud!” and Leila Levinson, award-winning author of “Gated Grief: The Daughter of a GI Concentration Camp Liberator Discovers a Legacy of Trauma” who will discuss reasons for writing (History, Dealing with PTSD, etc.), creating the right environment, commitment, and journaling.

For more information visit either leilalevinson.com or veteranschildren.com