Episodes

Thursday May 16, 2019
Blue Star Families
Thursday May 16, 2019
Thursday May 16, 2019
In this podcast, Army spouse, daughter, and sister, Jenny Akin, an Applied Research Analyst from Blue Star Families talks about their annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey , amazing and often FREE opportunities available to military families through Blue Star Family Summer Programming and how families can get involved in their local community.
For the Sake of the Child Listeners let your voice be heard by taking part in the Blue Star Family Survey open now through June 16th by simply clicking on the link:
https://bluestarfam.org/survey/
Folks, I took the survey myself. This is an opportunity for you to share your concerns to create change. All I have to say is just do it.
If you want to know more about all that Blue Star Families has in their summer programming become a member and then check out their website at: https://bluestarfam.org/family-life/ .You will find Blue Star Museums, Parks, Theaters, and Books. My family has taken advantage of Blue Star Museums and Books in years past and we look forward to checking out theaters and parks this year. We all love FREE so either visit our Parent to Parent webinar below or Blue Star Families website to find out more.
To participate in the recording of our MCEC Parent to Parent Preventing the Summer Slide webinar that I mentioned in the podcast click here: http://militarychild.adobeconnect.com/webrec-2219/event/registration.html
The Summer Slide webinar will uncover simple ways parents can engage their children in educational and enrichment activities during the summer without them even noticing!
If you want to be in the KNOW about FREE stuff you will want to take part in our brand new Maximize Your Military Child’s Summer Experience webinar where we share tips on how you can maximize your military child’s summer experience by taking advantage of military-connected discounts and opportunities, engagement activities and unique summer experiences available to military students. Of course we feature all the cool stuff Blue Star Families has to offer this summer so come check it out!
Register here to view the recording: http://militarychild.adobeconnect.com/webrec2419/event/registration.html
This podcast had been made possible because of the generous support from Offutt Officers' Spouses Club.

Tuesday May 14, 2019
Extraordinary Military Kids Emma and Hannah
Tuesday May 14, 2019
Tuesday May 14, 2019
Listen in to Extraordinary Military Kids, Emma and Hannah, who are two sisters who talk about what it's like to be competitive athletes who have moved often.

Thursday May 09, 2019
NGR We Serve Too: Invisible Children
Thursday May 09, 2019
Thursday May 09, 2019
Dr. Carolyn Davis, School Counselor at Northview Academy in Sevier County School System, shares her perspective as an educator on social, emotional and academic needs of National Guard and Reserve children.
To learn more about the Military Student Identifier (MSI) click here: https://www.militarychild.org/upload/files/resources/FAQs_on_MSI.pdf

Tuesday May 07, 2019
Extraordinary Military Kid Harper
Tuesday May 07, 2019
Tuesday May 07, 2019
Extraordinary Military Kid, Harper, has a heart for service and talks about the importance of connection, volunteerism and giving back to the community. You won't want to miss her genuine story of how she ultimately became involved in the MCEC Student2Student program.
https://www.militarychild.org/audience/students
This podcast has been made possible by the generous donation from the Fort Bliss Spouses’ Association.

Thursday May 02, 2019
Thursday May 02, 2019
Overview: Do you want to know more about supports and resources for National Guard and Reserve families? Erika Slaton, Program Deputy and Branch Chief for Military Community Support Programs, whose office provides oversight of Military One Source will share the multitude of resources available to NGR families no matter their zip code or status.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ or Call the Military One Source Call Center at 1-800-342-9647
Dedicated pages on National Gaurd/Reserve specific topics: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-life-cycle/separation-transition/guard-and-reserves
Order Free Products: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/products
MWR Digital Library: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel-shopping/recreation/libraries/morale-welfare-and-recreation-digital-library
Plan My Deployment tool – a deployment how-to guide https://planmydeployment.militaryonesource.mil/
Special Needs Parent Toolkit and Education Directory for Children with Special Needs
Resources for Families with Special Needs: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/special-needs-resources
Biden Foundation:
This podcast has been made possible by the generous support of the Biden Foundation. If you want to know more about the Biden Foundation check out a podcast we did with them in the fall called Back to School with the Biden Foundation https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-s5m7i-98ec2e .

Tuesday Apr 30, 2019
NGR We Serve Too: Extraordinary Military Kid Allison
Tuesday Apr 30, 2019
Tuesday Apr 30, 2019
Extraordinary NGR Military Kid Allison talks about youth taking action, family strength and shares her story about what it was like growing up in a community that was not always aware that she had a parent serving.
Biden Foundation:
This podcast has been made possible by the generous support of the Biden Foundation. If you want to know more about the Biden Foundation check out a podcast we did with them in the fall called Back to School with the Biden Foundation.
Back to School with the Biden Foundation https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-s5m7i-98ec2e

Thursday Apr 25, 2019
NGR We Serve Too: Opportunity to Serve
Thursday Apr 25, 2019
Thursday Apr 25, 2019
Service Members, Spouses and Parents--Kelly Morrison and Jenny Hartsock talk about what its like to be dual military/dual branch and common issues like childcare and separation for NGR families.
Biden Foundation:
This podcast has been made possible by the generous support of the Biden Foundation. If you want to know more about the Biden Foundation check out a podcast we did with them in the fall called Back to School with the Biden Foundation. You will find the link in the show notes.
Back to School with the Biden Foundation https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-s5m7i-98ec2e

Tuesday Apr 23, 2019
A Village of Hope with Dr. Eric Flake and his daughter Kelsey
Tuesday Apr 23, 2019
Tuesday Apr 23, 2019
Extraordinary Military Kid, Kelsey, talks about moving, friends and offers some great advice to other teens. Her dad, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, LTC Eric Flake, MD also shares about building a village of hope for all military families with a child with special needs.

Thursday Apr 18, 2019
5 Actions for Exceptional Parents with Dr. Paul Ban
Thursday Apr 18, 2019
Thursday Apr 18, 2019
Dr. Paul Ban shares five actions parents with children with special or 2E twice exceptional needs can take when advocating for their children in 504 or IEP meetings, along with sharing his insight about gifted education. Register and join us for the webinar recording referenced in the podcast "School Transitions with a Child with Exceptional Needs" after you listen to this interview by clicking on the link below.
Thank you Travis Officers' Spouses' Club for providing generous support for this podcast.

Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
Extraordinary Military Kid Stefan
Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
In this Extraordinary Military Kid interview Stefan shares his experiences about moving from overseas to attend college in the United States without his family.