--------FB LIKEBOX-----

Buying a house: Before you sign.

July 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Home InspectionYou just closed on your new house. All of a sudden you notice that XXX does not work. Unfortunately, once you have signed the paperwork the house is yours and so – in most cases- is any problem that comes with it. How do you avoid this situation?


1. Make sure a home inspector inspects your house. Unfortunately, like in other areas of life, not all home inspectors are created equally. Here are some tips on how to pick a good one. It seems redundant to mention this but I have heard of , particularly, first time home buyers not having been advised to consult a home inspector.

2. Be there when the home inspector goes through your house. You will learn where your air filters are in your house, fuse boxes and more. Most home inspectors will tell you while they work what they are looking for.

3. Take notes if necessary.

4. Make sure you know your “Inspection Objection Deadline”. While as a home buyer you really don’t want to have to deal with the small stuff – the real estate agent should do this. However, it is important to be proactive. In the contract there should be a list(depending on your state) of deadlines that need to be observed in order to make this purchase happen. This list is particularly important if you have a real estate agent who is not on top of his game.
Once you receive the inspection report know the changes that need to be made according to your inspection report and your notes. Point them out to your real estate agent, who will then in turn relay the requirements to the “other side”. They will counter with if or what they are willing to repair.

5. It is a good idea to ask  your home inspector if he would be willing to come to your house again to see if all the necessary and agreed upon repairs have been made.

6. Last but not least: Do a thorough walk through the day of your closing. If your closing is first thing in the morning -maybe at 9 am – be at ‘your’ house early and test EVERYTHING. Water pressure,drains, all outlets,toilets, lights, microwaves, A/C and so on. If something is not working, bring it up at the closing. All parties will be there and there is a great interest to complete this actions. Don’t think that there is nothing you can do! You could agree on an allowance to fix an item that doesn’t work, or you agree (in writing) on a certain issue to be fixed after closing. Whatever happens…once you signed the house is yours.  In special cases you still have the ability to fall back on the seller but those cases are generally rare. So buyer beware ….and smart.

If you are considering to get a contractor you might be interested reading 25 things to consider or  maybe you’ll want to know what to ask a contractor?

 

Get something special:

Buy Autism Tshirts and gear and a portion will be donated to Autism Speaks. Code: SPEAK

Filed Under: buy, Maintenance, Military LIfe, Your Home Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Maxwells unique homeschool support

July 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I was very surprised to find an article describing an installation actively supporting homeschooling. It is a great opportunity as well as an alternative to ‘regular’ school, when kids are being torn out of their communities, their curricula’s  and their schedule. Change is not avoidable but it can be reduced.

There is good news in Alabama:

A unique cooperation has formed between parent initiated MAHE (Maxwell Area Home Educators) and Maxwell AFB.

Homeschooling is gaining popularity across the country, especially at military bases. “The military just have some unique circumstances in particular that make homeschooling an ideal option in certain situations,” said Debby Ramsey, director of the Maxwell Area Home Educators, an association of homeschooling parents.

Base youth centers offer art classes, science and math programs, and sports. Many installations offer music lessons and martial arts classes on base as well.
Debby Ramsey said the Montgomery area is accommodating these students.
“Because homeschooling has become so mainstream, and Montgomery institutions in particular have a good history of cooperative efforts with both (Maxwell) and MAHE, most anywhere you go you will find eager reception and accommodation for homeschooling needs,” she said.

Particularly, if you are stationed at Maxwell only for a short time, it seems the perfect opportunity to ‘try’ homeschooling. Read also “Take your school to your next installation“, “Homeschool and Schoolwork resources“, “School options“. Resource: Homeschoolfacts.com

Make your own books:Save 15% On Mixbook Orders $49+ (Code MX105)and here:

Filed Under: Education, Military Kids Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Buy, Sell, Trade – Sargeslist.com

July 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

How many times have I written maybe even ‘preached’ a little to sort, pack, wrap, but particularly reduce the amount of your household goods? Lots! Once you have done that, how do you continue?

You can have a yard sale. You’ll get rid of stuff quickly, but let’s face it anything above $20 will most likely NOT sell. Ebay? Ugh, shipping is a pain in the neck. Craigslist? Too many weirdos these days.

What if there were a classifieds website that would serve the military community? Classifieds would be free, it was easy to use and even though I am in one duty station I can add listings for sale in other locations. Instead of cities I can list and search by military installations.

If you haven’t heard of it yet, this kind of website is out there and it’s called Sargeslist.com. You can buy, sell and yes, trade with ‘extra’ features.  For example I would get a paw stamp if I signed up with a .mil email address. As a Sargeslist user, this gives me a certain amount of security that this ad is real, not a fake or scam.

I like that I am able to vote on an ad. I hate nothing more than reading “in like new condition” and when I get to the location to purchase to find out that the item I want to buy is on it’s last leg. If this happens with a Sargeslist ad I would make sure to vote and leave a comment about the item. That way I would hopefully safe others a trip.

I love the ‘see sellers other listings’ feature. Maybe I can buy several things at once? I sure would like to see all the things one seller has up for grabs.

Once you have signed up and -in, the listing process is a breeze and ads stay on for 30 days, unless you cancel the listing early. Compare that to 7 days on Craigslist. My fave: I can share my listing with several social media sites. Not possible on Craigslist.

The site in itself is very intuitive and ‘clean’, with lots of special features like installation information and data. It’s the result from years of experience, because the web developer of Sargeslist, R&B Communications, is also the developer of the very successful government website AHRN.com.

The only thing that’s maybe missing is a Sargeslist app. Knowing the website marketing and technology team, I would say, they are already working on that.

Filed Under: Preparation Tagged With: , , , , ,

Going to Disney with your PCS Orders

July 26, 2011 By 1 Comment

If you hate to part with your green to get more blue – sky or ocean blue, that is, then this blog post has you name on it.

Steve Bell is a 30-year (and counting) US Armed Forces Member who has literally
been to Walt Disney World more times than he can count, he even worked there
for three years! Steve’s Site Military Disney Tips helps military families find great
military discounts to help make a Disney vacation affordable. You can follow him on
Facebook.

Time to PCS – What’s a Disney Fan To Do?

PCSing can be a very stressful time in your career. There is so much to plan for and
worry about. Whether you have a family or are single, there are lots of things to
consider, where to live, the kid’s schools, the move itself.

Susanna’s militarydutystations.com is a fantastic resource to help you with a PCS.
Susanna asked me to do a guest post and I want to thank her for giving me the
opportunity to share a little of my Disney expertise with you.

My site is dedicated to Disney Military Discounts so naturally I view most things
from a Disney perspective. So my unique post on an upcoming PCS will be a little
different than you might have heard before.

What’s a Disney fan to do when moving to some far off land without a Disney park?

And

Might a much-anticipated Disney vacation during the PCS move ease the transition for
the kids?

OH NO – I’LL HAVE DISNEY WITHDRAWL

My family and I are life long Disney fans, so something that we’d think about with
a looming PCS is “Oh no, we won’t be near a Disney theme park for the next few
years!”

I know many other military members and their dependants who are big Disney
fans like us. For those of us who enjoy a Disney vacation every couple of years the
thought of being stationed too far away makes us cringe.

GREAT DISNEY DISCOUNTS

If this sounds too familiar to you and you are expecting PCS orders in the near future
then there couldn’t be a better time to head to Disney World or Disneyland to get
your fix before you have to worry about shipping household goods.

The US Disney theme parks are offering outstanding military discounts on resort
rooms and theme park tickets. These discounts have been going on in various forms
almost continuously since January 2008.

Disney has resort rooms at up to 40% off and theme park tickets discounted over
50% for military members.

YOU’VE GOT PCS ORDERS WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW? I’M GOING TO
DISNEY WORLD

Many experts agree allowing children help with and plan for a PCS move helps ease
the transition. Giving them something else to focus on and look forward to as part of
the transition could also be helpful.

While leaving their current home is something kids don’t look forward to, they can
be looking forward to a great Disney vacation right after leaving.

Make plans to stop at one of the Disney Parks as part of your move. Your kids can
spend time leading up to the departure from your old duty station researching and
planning for the Disney visit.

Allow the kids to decide what they want to do during the vacation. What rides,
shows, and attractions they want to experience. What Disney characters they want
to try to see. Even what types of foods they want to eat while there.

Who knows, Disney might become part of your family PCS tradition.

DISNEY PARKS AN AMERICAN TRADITION

I know some of you have thought, “But there are other Disney parks around the
world.” That’s true, and you might be stationed near one, but they just aren’t the
same. I’ve been to Disney parks in other countries and while lots of fun, it’s just not
the same with English not being the language the rides and shows are presented in.

Most importantly the OCONUS Disney parks are not offering the fantastic military
discounts which are available at the stateside theme parks.

I hope this post has given you an idea or two about a fun way to ease on to that next
duty station! Thanks again to Susanna for asking me to contribute to her great site.
If you are interested in the great military discounts going on at Disney’s theme parks
please visit me at militarydisneytips.com for more information.

So that your feet don’t hurt try KEENS

Filed Under: Military LIfe Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

EFMP and the confusion

July 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Exceptional Family Member Program. Have you heard of it? Unless, you have a family member with special needs, you will probably know this program as one of the stops to get approved for an overseas (OCONUS) move. It is also a program for family with special needs: Bringing parents together, informing them on upcoming programs, advising parents.

One is hospital based and does not provide any direct service to family members, the other is a family service program and located in those areas. I am scratching my head why you would name two programs the same. At least add an acronym. Maybe, for the screening program: EFMP-O? For OCONUS? Though, that makes me laugh.

All jokes aside. I think that there is too much confusion being caused by the fact that these two functions of the Exceptional Family Member Program are called the  same. Please, anyone!? Separate them! Oh, and while you are at it, can we make it the same in all installations?

What do you think?

Did you ever want to write a book? Now you can:

Filed Under: Programs/Events Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Military and Veteran Discounts-all in one place

July 17, 2011 By 1 Comment

Military.com has had an extensive military discount for a long time. However, for some reason I never visited.

Recently I came across Military and Veteran Discounts Website .It only was created in April of this year after Terrence Thomas, visited the  AT&T store, and asked for a military discount he had read about on the web and on several message boards. He went in and asked the associate about it and she was very helpful, but did not know about the discount for veterans. Feeling embarrassed with all of the fuss and ruckus caused over this (a manager was called in and made a call back to headquarters) he decided to make the purchase without the discount and hoped to resolve the issue at a later date.

Two trips back to the store with DD-214 in tow coupled with faxes and personal calls to their corporate offices still resulted in no discount. Now it was time to act. He knew that some veterans have been able to get the discount with a DD-214, but why them and not everyone? Did they make a mistake? Who knows.

The website states:

While we understand that companies are under no obligation to provide military discounts, (and we are grateful that they do) active duty personnel, reservists, retirees, veterans and spouses are entitled to accurate information about military discounts and veteran discounts. No one should have to pour through pages of pages of angry posts on message boards to determine their military discount eligibility.

Simply add your zip-code and start browsing all the listed discounts.

This website is a user generated website. While the website creators have started to populate the site with more than 225,000 discount base, they ask everyone to add their own tips. It’s completely FREE. If a code is invalid, a discount is denied you can also report on that.

What a great idea. Visit their website, and take a look at their Facebook page.

I think it’s a great idea.

Filed Under: Military Discounts Tagged With: , , ,

Ramstein, Germany-Vogelweh Housing

July 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

vogelweh-ramstein-housingWe have already established in lots of other blog posts that moving overseas IS scary. To take some of this fear away I try to post as much information as possible. Here I dug up important housing and moving information about Ramstein AFB

First of all know that some bases in Germany are so close together that the services are connected. This is why you might or rather will see : Kaiserslautern Military Community or KMC a lot. It’s just the name for the area. It will make more sense once you have arrived and gotten over your jetlag.

 More than 85 percent of military residents in the local area live off-base. Housing on base is limited to key and essential personnel. So let it slowly sink in that you might  initially live off base, and may be on a waiting list for several months, up to two years.

I you would like to life on base  should submit an advanced application (DD1746) through their losing (housing office as your last duty station) housing office. The effective date of the application will be the date you depart the last permanent duty station. If your family is transferring from a Unaccompanied Restricted Tour receive credit (maximum 12 months) on the waiting list.

If you are not submitting an advance application(why not?) must apply within 30 days of arrival to receive the same effective date of an advanced application. If you apply 30 days or more after their arrival date, the effective date will be the walk-in date.

Consider house hunting off base the moment you arrive even if you  desire to live on base due to the long waiting period.

We offer Government Housing in three areas: Vogelweh, Ramstein and Landstuhl. Our inventory consists of 3 and 4-story multi-unit stairwell buildings and townhouses. All units have 110 and 220 volt electrical outlets, built-in dishwasher, mini-blinds or rolladens and ceiling fans.

Townhouses have small private yards and an attached garage. You will be responsible for yard maintenance and snow removal whether you decide to live on or off-base, so you may want to bring a lawnmower if you already have one. Cable television is available at resident expense (no satellite dishes or external antennas are authorized in base housing).

  • Waterbeds and outside storage sheds are not permitted.

  • Privately-owned outside recreation equipment may be installed inside the back yards of townhouses.

  • Schools and playgrounds are located throughout the housing areas.

Waiting Time
Waiting times for base housing vary depending on your preference housing category and number of bedrooms authorized. You will be offered housing based on your area preference and availability. If we cannot adequately house your family in government housing, we will help you find a home on the economy until base housing becomes available.

The following two lists are updated on the 1st and 15th of every month. For more current information, please contact the housing office.

Average Wait Time for housing

Waiting list

Filed Under: Germany Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

*closed* Mixbook.com Photobook Give Away

July 15, 2011 By 21 Comments

mixbook photobooks 2

Some of you might already know that I am a huge fan of MIXBOOK.com- I know that a lot of you ladies are already as well, because when MIXBOOK.com gave away a free hardcover photobook WITH free shipping, the site was crashed!

Here is why I like this website:

I have NO patience. Nill. Nada. Zilch.

If your website says “create easily a photobook” I don’t want to have to hunt for the info!

MIXBOOK.com has managed to put together an extensive program that enables me to personalize as much and spend as much (or little) time as I want on making a book. I choose a book, a theme, pictures or automix, maybe add a little text, some deco. Badda-bing. Done.

Naturally, I have spent hours on my books, just because it was so much fun.

The function where you can invite contributors is really great. If you had an event with several photographers you can invite them to add photos and therefore make sure you are including ALL photos to make an even more comprehensive and phenomenal book.

Though the name MIXBOOK might be misleading you can create so much more that just books. Calendars, cards, announcements, invites….

Mixbook supports our military members with this exclusive discount :

20% off discount: Code – MLTRY20
No expiration date, but it can only be used once per customer.

Use it!

Now, to the fun part:

GIVE AWAY!

What: 2 (!) lucky ladies will receive a code for complimentary 20-page,

11×8.5 landscape, hardcover photo book with free Domestic Ground shipping

Start: 7/15/2011

End: 7/23/2011

HOW:

One Entry: *subscribe AND confirm by email (see upper right box on this website)

One Entry: leave a comment below and tell us how for whom you would use the the free code.

One Entry each tweet:

*Any of these:

  • Follow @mildutystations great information for your next pcs on militarydutystations.com #mixbookgiveaway

  • RT any of my (@mildutystations) tweets always adding hashtag #mixbookgiveaway

*3 Entries for adding information on a current or previous duty station

 

Save 15% On Mixbook Orders $49+ (Code MX105)

 

Filed Under: Give Away Tagged With: , , , , ,

Curious about Joint Base Marianas (Guam)?

July 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Joint BAse Marianas (guam)Whether you are heading to Guam -courtesy of the military- or you are just curious about this assignment, this extensive post by Kelly on militarydutystations.com leaves almost no questions unanswered.

The Island

There are pluses and minutes about Guam. One must keep an open mind coming here, because the culture and way of life are different and the island is small, and I am not going to lie, it can be monotonous at times, but if you are easy to adapt, as most military and their families are, then it shouldn’t be a problem. The locals are called Chamorros, and if you are lucky enough to befriend some, you will be entertained by some great bbq’s…be sure to get some of the recipes for their red rice, etc. “Boonie” is a nickname used quite frequently for things related to the island. Boonie car (old car bought on the island), boonie stomping (hiking), Boonie dog or cat (strays and there are a lot of them). The island is only 30 miles long, and has a lot of wonderful outdoors activities such a hiking (boonie stomping), snorkeling, diving, etc. The water is absolutely amazing. The base is nice and had all kinds of amenities a vet, movie theater, bowling alley, restaurants, fast foods places, a library, commissary, NEX, mini markets, car wash, swimming pool, gym, boating piers for fishing, dive shops, and a lot of historical landmarks, if you love history, so bring those cameras!

I would highly recommend making use of the base FFSC, which has wonderful programs for military and their families. This is especially the case for spouses who are in search of employment. It can be pretty difficult to find a job on island, but with a lot of persistence and utilizing your resources, such as the FFSC’s FERP Program and MSP, you may be able to get lucky.

Shopping

The commissary has periodic case lots sales in a large warehouse on base. These are great opportunities to buy in bulk at a great price. While we are on the shopping topic, there are couple things to remember for those who are shopaholics. The shopping can be scarce or expensive on island, unless you are into designer everything (there are a few designer malls in Tumon, the tourist city in Guam). There is a Kmart on island, but I am not going to lie, it is a rip-off. They hike the prices up about three times as much as the states. If you like thrifty shopping, I would hit up GPO (Guam Premier Outlets). They have a few decent stores there, especially Ross…although beware…it can get quite crowded. Things also sell out quite fast, and take a long time to sometimes be restocked even in the NEX. My recommendation to anyone who has specific items that they favor, stock up on A LOT of them before you move here, and have family send them to you or find an online store that ship tot the island (some places don’t, but they are getting better at this).

Living

The downsides, utilities…cell phone and internet services tend to go up and down. There are also quite few power outages at times, so make sure you have a lot of flashlights, etc. Since the island is in Typhoon Alley, they are always in some type of condition of readiness. If you live on base, you will be warned way in advance when you can expect one. These typhoons can show up ant time of the year, but the season is typically May through November. I bought a generator before I moved to Guam, but they do sell them on island. I would price them out, because they are not cheap. FFSC holds local typhoon prep. course, which is very informative. Also stock up on lots of water, not only for drinking, but for washing and plumbing. The same good for non perishables, such as canned foods, etc. You can never be too careful!

***I do want to make a note about some of the movers there (locally). I had a bad experience with Pacific Island movers. They stole some of my items (I found out when I moved back to the mainland and received my stuff), so if you get stuck with these movers, please be wary and maybe even request a new carrier.

Because Guam is pretty much restricted to the 30 miles, my recommendations are to get into the outdoors, photography, or the island’s history. This is something precious you can take back to the mainland with you. Also if you have money for traveling, Saipan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, and Australia are right there.

Housing

Housing is pretty nice, at least in my opinion. Most of the new renovations include ceramic/stone styles which are great for keeping the house cool. On the main base there are several housing communities, depending on what your spouse’s rank is. When I lived there, there was never a waiting list, unless you were a chief, but that depends on your PCS date. I would suggest looking at all the houses you can, so you can have your preference. If you have children, there are playgrounds behind some of the houses in several communities. Also, upon arrival let personal property know you are there and that you have an address. In the meantime, you can take out a hospitality kit from the FFSC, which includes all your kitchen goodies and then some for loan. Also, there is a self-help warehouse that is linked with housing. They can loan temp. furniture and microwaves until you receive your personal property. Afterwards, self-help can come in handy for mis. household items, paint and brushes, spackle, caulking, light bulbs, bug traps, top soil, rope, drain plugs, picture hangers, etc. (free as long as you live in housing) The beauty is…all of this is directly on base!

I enjoyed base housing, but if you decide to live off base and receive the allowance…be careful where you move. I have known people who had lovely homes off base, but have had them broken into/robbed, and it happens more than people know. I personally like the safety of the base, especially if your spouse is deployed or out to sea. Plus, the utilities can be very expensive (electric). If you go over your utility allowance, you are stuck paying out of pocket. Also, the BAH given to you is called OHA in Guam. There is a max, but you are only given what you need. So say it’s $2000 a month, and you find a place for $1500, you only get what the rent really is. If the rent is $2500, then you only get $2000 (the max). You get OHA and a utility allowance, which was around $500 in 2009.

This is for those adult learners:

Take a visit to the Navy College Office; they are not only there for Active Duty, but for Family, too. They have a UOM office there, too. Also be wary if you decide to go to the University of Guam. While I know many people who have went there without an issue, they do lose their accreditation every so often, so please do your research before you decide to attend there. Always make sure the school is regionally accredited and up to date on

Medical Treatment Facility

The Naval Hospital is about 20 minutes of the main base, and is has everything, but there is also a medical clinic on the man base. I would chose the later if you decide to live on base. You do have to go to the main hospital first to get registered with Tricare Pacific Prime. Also prior to leaving the island, you will be required to receive a medical and dental clearance. It’s easy, and your spouse will get the details from his current command about it. Also, don’t forget to check out your medical record before you leave to Guam, and carry it with you at all times.

Also, if you ship a car and it has arrived on Guam. You will need to first obtain a temp driving pass from the Treasurer of Guam (Guam DMV). This is a Catch-22 if you don’t have a vehicle to drive, but they will not release your vehicle without seeing that permit, so hopefully you have a rental car or somene who can drive you to get one.

Also, keep checking on the status of your vehicle on the website that the shipping company gives you. You will find out that your car has arrived on their before they even decide to call you on the phone to let you know.

Oh and if the personal property office ever tells you that half of your stuff is already there, but the other half is elsewhere (like Malaysia, lol!) just ask them to deliver what is already there for now. Funny and true story, but this happened to me, and yes they told me Malaysia. We waited almost a month after we got there, thinking only half of the shipment was at the warehouse, and personal property was waiting on the other half of the shipment (or at least that is what we were told). One day I got fed up and asked them to at least give us the half that is already there…well it turns out it was really all of our stuff the whole time.

PASSPORT:
Your spouse’s current command will direct him/her on the steps, but the spouse will need a free military passport, which he or she will get at the current command. This can only be used enroute to/from your pcs duty station. If you would also like to travel to other countries for personal travel while stationed in Guam, you will need to also buy a personal travel passport: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

PETS:
If you have pets and are moving to Guam, get ready for the quarantine. Guam, like Hawaii, is a rabies free island. If you are moving there with pets you have to take heed to a lot of preplanning before departure. Here is a link for the completer details on the steps: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/navycni/groups/public/documents/document/cnicp_a148489.pdf
I moved with a cat and a dog when I went there, and chose the five-day option, and let me just say it was a very confusing, costly, and tedious process. These are our babies, though, and they are basically like real children. The link pretty much says it all, but I had to make my own list and spreadsheet to keep me organized. I would start the planning right away, and let your vet know, because they could be really helpful with all this. Also, they don’t advertise this, but when I moved there a few years ago I did some research and found out you can get $250 per pet/max $500 from the Navy. It is not even a dent in what you may pay for the vet bills and airline, but every penny helps. Just make sure you inquire, because it seems like a big secret for obvious reasons. :-)

Here is some contact info:
Quarantine points of contact:

Department of Agriculture
Animal Health Section
163 Dairy Road
Mangilao, Guam 96913

Telephone Number
(671) 734-3942/3 Fax: (671) 734-6569
e-mail: gu.agri@yahoo.com

Hours of Operation:
Monday thru Friday
8:00 am to 12:00 pm
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Harper Valley Kennels
377 Chalan San Antonio
Tamuning, Guam 96913
Phone: (671) 648-7387
Fax: (671) 648-8387
Website: http://www.harpervet.net
e-mail: harperkennels@guam.net (no spacing)

Available to Military Personnel Only
Andersen Animal Quarantine & Kennel Facility
Andersen Air Force Base, Guam
Phone: (671) 366-5020
Fax: (671) 366-5021
Website: to be announced
e-mail: chumporn.velte@andersen.af.mil

We used Harper Valley, because I kept getting confusing info from the AF base, but I would try the AF base first anyways, because it may be cheaper. With Harper Valley, my babies were in a five-day program, but were realized the morning after they arrived. It wasn’t the cleanest place from what I briefly saw, but my babies were okay and cleared fast.

When you live on base (Navy), make sure you register your pets with the on base clinic. It is MUCH cheaper to take you pets here, than outside base. They are not open on weekends, so if heaven forbid there is an emergency, you are forced to take them to a civilian vet. I have been to Wise Owl, and I DON’T recommend them (long story), but I did like Isla Vet Clinic. They have really nice staff!

BASE WEBSITE:
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Guam

Filed Under: guam Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

YOU can intern in the White House!

July 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

white house internshipThe White house provides a unique opportunity to gain professional experience and valuable training in a high profile intern position for future leadership hopefuls to get their hands “dirty”. (It is politics after all). I am not joking about this. I know that there is great leadership talent among our military and their dependents at all levels! Whether you are a service member, spouse or child -  if you or someone you knows qualifies according to the information below – and wants to participate of course please use the information! Pass it on. It’s obvious, America can not have ever enough qualified leaders.

About the program:

The application periods for the Summer 2011 and Fall 2011 White House Internship Programs are now closed. No application materials will be accepted after March 13, 2011.

The application period for the Spring 2012 White House Internship Program is now open. Applicants have until September 11, 2011 to apply for a Spring 2012 White House Internship. See “Apply Here” for more details.

The following are important questions to ask yourself before and after submitting your internship application.  The link to apply can be found at the bottom of this page, but please read all instructions before starting your application.

Am I eligible to apply for a White House Internship?

All White House Internship Program participants must be:

  • United States citizens

  • At least 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college or university OR graduated in the past two years from undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college or university

    OR

  • A veteran of the United States Armed Forces who possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty at any time over the past two years

Am I available for the Spring 2012 internship program?

All White House Interns are expected to intern full-time for the entire term of the program:

  • The spring internship term runs from January 17, 2012 – May 4, 2012

  • Please visit our FAQ page for questions regarding quarter systems

  • The White House internship program is an unpaid program

  • The White House internship program is a full-time program

  • Interns will be expected to work from approximately 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday-Friday

  • Hours may vary by office

  • Please visit our FAQ page for questions regarding the definition of “full-time”

Do I have all my application materials?

A completed packet includes:

  • Two Essays: Each answer should be between 300-500 words in length

  • Current Resume: Your resume should not exceed one page

  • Three Letters of Recommendation

How do I submit my application correctly?

All application materials must be submitted online.

  • The deadline for the Summer 2011 White House Internship application period was January 23, 2011.  No application materials will be accepted after January 23.

  • The deadline for the Fall 2011 White House Internship application period was March 13, 2011.  No application materials will be accepted after March 13.

  • The application for the Spring 2012 White House Internship will be posted from May 9, 2011 – September 11, 2011. All Spring 2012 White House Internship application materials MUST be submitted ON or BEFORE 11:59 p.m. EDT September 11, 2011.

  • When an applicant enters a recommender’s email address into the application, the recommender will be sent an email with instructions on how to submit a recommendation for the applicant.

  • When a letter of recommendation has been successfully submitted, both the applicant and the recommender will receive an email confirmation with the name of the recommender who has submitted a letter on the applicant’s behalf.

Please click here to submit your application to the Spring 2012 White House Internship Program.

Filed Under: Military Family and Housing News, Programs/Events Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts