Ruck Up Buttercup

Season 2 Episode 13: Homeschool in the Military. On today’s episode of Ruck up Buttercup we are chatting about homeschool. We have special Guest Crystal Neihoff the Host of The Military Homeschool Podcast. She came on to share her story, why she started a podcast and we talked about a lot of commonly asked questions that new to homeschool families are often curious about. If you have considered stepping into the homeschool world for whatever reason (AND THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT REASONS as we discuss) this is an episode you are going to love hearing about. We talk about regulations, how to overcome struggles, advocate for your kids, and knowing that homeschool doesn’t have to be forever. Resources mentioned on today’s show: Crystal Neifhoff Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryHomeschoolPodcast/ The podcast is available anywhere you listen to podcasts. More about Crystal’s Story: https://armywifenetwork.com/Crystal-Niehoff/ Homeschool Legal Defense Association: https://hslda.org National Home Education Research Institute: https://www.nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/ Find Ruck Up Buttercup: www.instagram.com/ruckuppodcast Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org

On today's episode of Ruck Up Buttercup we are talking back to school! Grab a coffee and join our conversation as we talk about back to school with our kids. We have a variety of experiences from Ashley being a military kid who had to move every year to new schools, Kim has kids pre-k through High School and has dealt with a variety of different schools and IEP's. And Sabrina homeschools. So we have a little bit of everything you may encounter on your journey of school with your kids. Whether you are cheering for them to go back to school or you are sad to see them go this girl chat will make you feel like you are not alone in your journey and no matter what school choices fit your family, you are doing your best!! Find us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org

Season 2 Episode 11: EFMP On today’s episode of Ruck up Buttercup we are chatting about EFMP. A topic that has come up a lot this year as we talk about PCS but also will continue to come up as the new school year begins with IEP’s. EFMP the Exceptional Family Member Program is set up by the military to provide additional services to families with members that need to be provided additional services and medical appointments due to a specific condition that their primary provider can’t accommodate. This ranges from seasonal bronchitis, heart conditions, migraines, to more challenging diagnosis like speech apraxia, ADHD, and autism. There is a wide range in which they cover and families are required to enroll in EFMP. The program is meant to protect families with medical needs during moves in order to make sure that you are only sent to places where you will receive proper services. Our amazing guests Kirtley Adams and Jesica Ogden are both heavily involved in the EFMP world. Kirtley currently volunteer with EFMP at Fort Benning and is a wealth of knowledge she also has a 7 year old son who is enrolled. Jesica is a licensed advocate and deals on a daily basis with her 3 children being enrolled and receiving services. Their experience has come with SO MUCH LEARNING. They share so many valuable facts and tidbits that we didn’t even know existed. All of the resources they mentioned are included below, but as always we want to really encourage you to do your research. Yes we talk about these as challenges, but they are all things you can get through. And they are SO WORTH IT in the long run. You are going to learn, grow and experience so many things through this opportunity. Your kids or yourself may be dealing with things that require a little more attention but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy the same experiences and it is wonderful to see that there are programs like these available to help. If you know any resources for these challenges that will be helpful to the listeners PLEASE send them our way so we can better help families. Resources mentioned on today’s show: EFMP: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-member/ https://www.militaryonesource.mil/leaders-service-providers/efmp-special-needs/branch-support-services ECHO: https://newsroom.tricare.mil/Articles/Article/2561363/what-is-echo-and-how-do-i-enroll Medicaid: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/ready-to-sign-up-for-part-a-part-b Advocates: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-find-a-special-education-advocate EFMP Forms: DA 2792 is the form to enroll in EFMP, and DA 2792-1 is to enroll in educational EFMP Welcome to Holland Poem: https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-holland Kirtley Adams: [email protected] Jesica Ogden: [email protected] Find Ruck Up Buttercup: www.instagram.com/ruckuppodcast Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org

Season 2 Episode 10: OCONUS PCS On today’s episode of Ruck up Buttercup we are chatting about Changing Tides, our summer informational series being discussed on Deployed Love on Facebook. Listen to meet Alyssa as she gives us some amazing tips on how being conscious of our surroundings, mostly our environments when we move from one location to another can help to build a more resilient family unit! We have said more times than I can even remember in the past that a strong and resilient family equals a strong and resilient military force! Knowing your surroundings and what risks you may encounter by the region you live in, whether that is hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes or tornados, you can prepare best and know that you are going to feel secure and safe. We all move and change locations quite often so remembering to research your new location, talk about emergency plans, and how to be more self reliant is always a great idea We want to help you do that research so we have included some great links below, also make sure that you join us on Deployed Love on Facebook as Alyssa will have even more really great information as the summer continues!! Resources mentioned on today’s show: Red Cross Emergency Preparedness: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html Emergency Kits: https://www.ready.gov/kit?gclid=CjwKCAjwh-CVBhB8EiwAjFEPGTbID1A7a5CTl_ra_G0FHeuQL83VA6KqPLMCcptfAPUwiVHvDMcGHxoC2dUQAvD_BwE Find Alyssa Here: https://instagram.com/the_roaming_researcher?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-johnson-820183106 Find Changing Tides here: https://www.facebook.com/deployedlovesessions Find Ruck Up Buttercup: www.instagram.com/ruckuppodcast Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org

On today’s episode of Ruck up Buttercup we are chatting about Pcs, but mostly about PCS Oconus. A topic only talked about it seems when you are in the midst of a move away from the continental states. We all love the idea of living overseas and seeing the world, and why not, that isn’t something everyone get to do an doing that on the Military’s dime is amazing. Those moves however, come with a whole other set of challenges. Things that you may not even be aware of until you are in the throws of it trying to figure out how to overcome it. We wanted to talk about some of those topics as we here at Deployed Love have had family and friends PCS overseas recently. As well as a couple of us have done it ourselves and have a pretty good idea of the challenges you may encounter along the way. We want to really encourage you to do your research. Yes we talk about these as challenges, but they are all things you can get through. And they are SO WORTH IT in the long run. You are going to learn, grow and experience so many things through this opportunity. If you know any resources for these challenges that will be helpful to the listeners PLEASE send them our way so we can better help families. Resources mentioned on today’s show: EFMP: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-member/ Moving with Pets: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/moving/planning-your-move/moving-with-pets/ Dogs on Deployment: https://www.dogsondeployment.org/ Command Sponsorship: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/oconus-moves/logistics-and-family/obtaining-command-sponsorship-before-an-overseas-tour Space A Travel: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel-shopping/travel/travel-planning/plan-your-trip-with-space-a-travel/ Find Ruck Up Buttercup: www.instagram.com/ruckuppodcast Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org

On today’s episode of Ruck up Buttercup we are with a few lovely ladies who are realtors and lenders from both the east coast, and the west coast. We have Beth Lee, Sarah Crandall, and Ayren Pfeifer on to help answer questions about how the housing market is affecting the military family, as well as how to best navigate purchasing or renting a home in this market. Step by step through the process for all military home buyers: 1: Shop around for lenders, you should interview at least 3 lenders. 2.Shop around for an agent, you should also interview at least 3 agents. This allows you and the agents a chance to know what you are looking for, how to communicate, and to prepared for what is to come in the house buying process. 3. Make sure you and anyone you are purchasing the house with are on the same page when it comes to your wants and needs. So you are able to go into the house search with expectations. 4. Have money available for unexpected expenses. This may look like offering over asking, closing costs, home inspections, earnest money, or due diligence. If buying a house isn’t in the books for your family we understand and have a couple tips when it comes to getting a rental in a market where they are hard to find. Look for a property manager (they know about things before they even hit the main market), use Zillow (homeowners can now directly rent via Zillow and some of these houses may never reach the MLS, be creative and reach out to owners directly on social media. Luckily from the sounds of it the housing marketing is beginning to settle. If you have any questions any of these 3 ladies would be more than happy to help you how they can! Beth Lee: has been a mortgage loan officer the past 8 years, specializing in VA loans. She was born and raised in east TN and has 4 amazing daughters age 19 to 4. They are her driving force and she loves having a big family. She and her husband started 1st United Mortgage with the goal to help active duty service members and veterans especially those with less than perfect credit. Their home base is in Clarksville, TN and they service the following states: KY, FL, AL, CO, NC, GA, TN, and Virginia. From contracts to closings, her team is here to keep you informed, and get you in your dream home. Whether you have perfect credit or your credit’s a work in progress, if you are current or former military, you have earned the right to a VA loan! (P) 931-548-1985 (F) 931-548-1939 www.1unitedmortgage.com https://www.facebook.com/1stUnitedMortgage/posts/857706931035658 Sarah Crandall: has been a military spouse since 2013 and a licensed Realtor since 2015. She is currently licensed in GA, serving the Fort Benning area. Sarah recently got hired on with Real Estate Express to become a Real Estate Instructor, so she is now able to help other military spouses looking to become a licensed Real Estate Agent. She will be working on obtaining her licensure for Washington next, to also serve the Fort Lewis area by the beginning of 2023. Of all things to take away, Sarah would want everyone to know she considers herself more of an educator and guide than a salesperson. Please don't let the fear of the unknown stop you from investing in your family. She's happy to talk with anyone who would just like more information, no strings attached! Sarah’s contact info:(931) 444-0490 [email protected] www.facebook.com/TheBraveUS Ayren Pfeifer: I’ve been a full time agent for the last 15 years and a military spouse for nearly 2 decades. As a military spouse, I know the challenges of moving and that’s why I’m so passionate about helping my clients and putting their needs first. Buying and selling your home shouldn’t be stressful. Let us make it easy for you! She serves not only the San Diego California area, but also the Beaufort South Carolina IG: @realtorayren FB: Ayren Pfeifer, Realtor, ASP, GREEN, MRP Website: www.pfeiferteam.com Cell: (760) 566-6587

On today's Girl Chat we asked you all what you thought were some topics not really talked about in the Military Community. You had amazing ideas that ranged from health care to foreign spouses. We try to touch on as many topics as we could and hope that you find this podcast not only educational but enlightening. Knowing that you are not alone in feeling unsupported in the military life at different times. But do know there are other people out there that have likely been through the same situation you just have to know where to find them. A couple resources we mentioned in this podcast are: Military One Source: https://www.militaryonesource.mil The Lending Closet: Available at most bases with a quick google search through the MWR. Next Episode will focus solely on the Housing Market Crisis and the direct impact it is having on the Military Community. If any topics from this podcast feel like something you would like more information on please reach out so we can look for an expert in the area to come in and help us discuss it more. Find us: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast www.facebook.com/deployedlovesessions Email; [email protected]

Welcome to the Ultimate Q&A and get to know our hosts! Sabrina Johannes is one of our co-hosts, she grew up in Colorado and graduated high school in Nebraska. A veteran wife, and mother of 2. She is the founder of Deployed Love, and currently lives in Pinehurst, NC. Ashley Brown is the other co-host of the podcast, she is our resident military child and grew up all over the country. An Army wife, and mother of 2 as well. She is the Program Director for Deployed Love and loves creating all things virtual and national to get you all active and involved in the community. She is also located at Fort Bragg. Kim Clagg is our amazing 3rd host during the Girl Chats!! She grew up and now is back to living in Columbus Georgia. She gets the best of both worlds with military family, and her family near by. She is an Army wife, and mother of 6! Kim is our Volunteer Director and helps us grow the team across the nation of volunteers who love to meet you all. During this episode we just chat about all the things that make us us. From deep questions to funny ones you are going to enjoy a nice long chat. So grab a cup of coffee and join in. Find us: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast www.facebook.com/deployedlovesessions www.deployedlove.org

On today’s episode of Ruck up Buttercup we are with a military spouse and mom of almost 3 Athens Pellegrino. Athens is a seasoned spouse who has encountered her share of military challenges. During her last pcs it was mid pandemic and the struggles of moving to a new community felt extra hard to take on. She was struggling with how to explain the feelings of PCS to her oldest who was old enough to finally have a little grip on what was going on. She decided to create a story book that would allow him to understand the concept of moving duty stations from a child’s perspective. We discuss in this episode some of the challenges that military kids encounter as they are part of the family who serves. From PCS, to distant relatives we cover the less discussed situations and give some suggestions that have worked for us and our joint 6 kids. Athens also discusses her 2 previous books in The Military Child Chronicles. Where she has now written and plans to continue to write kids books that touch on the hard times military kids encounter. She hopes that her books will touch their little hearts and let them know that they aren’t going through these times alone. Check out Athens' Books at : https://themilitarychildchronicles.wordpress.com/ Reach out to her on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/athenspellegrino Or Via Email: [email protected] Find Ruck Up Buttercup: www.instagram.com/ruckuppodcast Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org

Season 2 Episode 4: Sherry Motcheck On today’s episode of Ruck up Buttercup we are taking on a new perspective of chatting with a military momma!! Sherry Motcheck is a mom to a soldier in the Army and a sailor in the Navy. She was brough into the military family pretty suddenly and with no warning. Her boys joined in college and she was thrown into being a military mom with no former military experience. Sherry talks with us about the feelings involved in having your child join the military, and the lack of resources for military parents as far as feeling involved, and knowing what to expect. We also chat about what a relationship with a soldier can look like from a mom’s perspective and then how that changes when the military member gets married or has kids. This unique perspective allows you to learn how to not only best love your spouse but also how to learn to love you in laws. They love their kid, and you love their kid so how to best make that work. We are really hoping from this episode you are able to look at the military life, and the military family from a new perspective and reach out to those more distant relationships and helping them to feel involved and supported as well. Check out Sherry’s book Remember the Lilies here: https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Lilies-Military-Journey-Learning Reach out to her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smotcheck Or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherry.motcheck Her website: www.sherrymotcheck.com Find Ruck Up Buttercup: www.instagram.com/ruckuppodcast Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org