M-TEC Message Forum / Open Forum / U.S. Military Spouses

need help with CAA

ajoy — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:14:26 GMT

Hi everyone! We're stationed at an installation that qualifies for the CAA. I called the family center on base to help me with the application process. But, they told me they can't. The reason being that I am currently in California. I am living with family while my husband's deployed. They can't help me because I have to come to their office to fill out the application and have them sign it off. I don't know when I'll be back on base, but I really want to enroll! I also want to take this opportunity since CAA isn't offered to all base installations....and, did I mention, I'm so eager to enroll!:D What should I do? Any advice, please? Thanks!

Laparoscopy

jashurek05 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:09:52 GMT

Good morning! So I have to have a laparoscopy about a month and a half before my husband gets back from deployment. I saw the pictures in my studies of the procedure...I'm a little unnerved to say the least about having 3 prodding instruments in my belly at the same time! I know it's a pretty routine, outpatient surgery now, but I haven't had surgery since I had my appendix taken out in the 5th grade.

Has anyone had this procedure? It's actually being done to see if scarring on my tubes is preventing us from getting pregnant. Any stories you might have would be great..I'm a little nervous about doing this while my husband is gone.

Merry Christmas to everyone...especially those whose husband/wife won't be home this holiday season.

Jolene

Christmas Poem

gloriaj — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:26:50 GMT

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep..
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times..

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Constru ction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Gloria Smith

Miss my Husband..

mnpmoseley — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:21:06 GMT

My husband found out on the 19th that he would deploy for the next 2 months and left on the 21st. I am soooo lonely. I guess it is the shortterm notice and the holidays combined that get me this time. He has been gone for Thanksgiving before and he has been gone much longer but.. I don't know. I went to go see the movie Twilight, had my oldest watch the 3 youngest, and the movie just made it worse. All I could do was daydream for the next 2 days. Ugh!!!! I am usually fairly strong. It is probably because of the 4 children that DEMAND my attention, but this time I am so weak aching for him everyday. As in the movie, Edwards tells Bella "I no longer have the strength to stay away from you anymore." I can't go anywhere without seeing holiday stuff and thinking that I wish he were here. As for school work....lol. I can't seem to pick it up much. I try to stay up after the kids go to bed and I am just too tired. Forget getting up earlier. I feel too guilty to put on the headphones and block my youngest out during the day especially since her daddy's gone. What the heck?

Does anyone have beginner loneliness relapses? I am going on 7 years as a military spouse here and 13 years of marriage, 1/3 of it spent with him deployed.

Oh, I'll survive. My youngest doesn't help.. she is 3-years-old and keeps asking where daddy is every morning. I tell her he is on a trip for a lot of days and she tells me " No he isn't, he go to work and go to sleep and be here in the morning" and will stomp out of the room. Oh but how I love to hear those little feet patter out and that little bootie shake.

Pam

Sack Lunches

Diana Gish, CMT, AHDI-F — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:19:13 GMT

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq '

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago ' His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated.

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand,wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check Made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in This country who no longer understand it.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Mail for Military

Susan Francis CMT AHDI-F — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:04:02 GMT

I received this request and wanted to share it with everyone who might be interested in letting our U.S. Military men and women know we are thinking of them during the holidays and appreciate their efforts.

Good morning:

If you or your family members (school projects) would like to send a message of holiday cheer to U.S. service men and women around the world, you might like to participate in a project called "Holiday Mail For Heroes," sponsored by the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, Inc.

From now to December 10, 2008, the public is invited to send holiday cards with messages of thanks and cheer to:

Holiday Mail For Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

The cards will be screened, sorted and delivered to military bases, military hospitals and veterans' medical centers.

The project was announced yesterday in Washington, DC by officials of the Red Cross, Pitney Bowes, the Marine Corps and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Red Cross Officials said cards must have regular first-class postage when mailed to the Maryland post office box. The cards must be received by December 10, 2008. They should not contain gifts, money, food or other inserts, and they should not be decorated with glitter. The Red Cross also requests that the cards not be addressed to individuals. There is a web site: www.redcross.org/holidaymail.

Many thanks for supporting our troops, veterans and their families.

Freedom and Jeff

Diana Gish, CMT, AHDI-F — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:30:35 GMT

Not many people get a picture of this proud bird snuggled up next to them

Freedom and Jeff
Freedom and I have been together 10 years this summer. She came in as a baby in 1998 with two broken wings. Her left wing doesn't open all the way even after surgery, it was broken in 4 places . She's my baby.

When Freedom came in she could not stand and both wings were broken. She was emaciated and covered in lice. We made the decision to give her a chance at life, so I took her to the vets office. From then on, I was always around her. We had her in a huge dog carrier with the top off, and it was loaded up with shredded newspaper for her to lay in. I used to sit and talk to her, urging her to live, to fight; and she would lay there looking at me with those big brown eyes. We also had
to tube feed her for weeks.

This went on for 4-6 weeks, and by then she still couldn't stand. It got to the point where the decision was made to e uthanize her if she couldn't stand in a week. You know you don't want to cross that line between torture and rehab, and it looked like death was winning. She was going to be put down that Friday, and I was supposed to come in on that Thursday afternoon. I didn't want to go to the center that Thursday, because I couldn't bear the thought of her being euthanized; but I went anyway, and when I walked in everyone was grinning from ear to ear. I went immediately back to her cage; and there she was, standing on her own, a big beautiful eagle. She was ready to live. I was just about in tears by then. That was a very good day.

We knew she could never fly, so the director asked me to glove train her. I got her used to the glove, and then to jesses, and we started doin g educat ion programs for schools in western Washington . We wound up in the newspapers, radio (believe it or not) and some TV . Miracle Pets even did a show about us.

In the spring of 2000, I was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. I had stage 3, which is not good (one major organ plus everywhere), so I wound up doing 8 months of chemo. Lost the hair - the whole bit. I missed a lot of work. When I felt good enough, I would go to Sarvey and take Freedom out for walks. Freedom would also come to me in my dreams and help me fight the cancer. This happened time and time again.

Fast forward to November 2000, the day after Thanksgiving, I went in for my last checku p. I was told that if the cancer was not all gone after 8 rounds of chemo, then my last option was a stem cell transplant. Anyway, they did the tests; and I had to come back Monday for the results. I went in Monday, and I was told that all the cancer was gone.

So the first thing I did was get up to Sarvey and take the big girl out for a walk. It was misty and cold. I went to her flight and jessed her up, and we went out front to the top of the hill. I hadn't said a word to Freedom, but somehow she knew. She looked at me and wrapped both her wings around me to where I could feel them pressing in on my back (I was engulfed in eagle wings), and she touched my nose with her beak and stared into my eyes, and we just stood there like that for I don't know how long. That was a magic moment. We have been soul mates ever since she came in. This is a very special bird.

On a side note: I have had people who were sick come up to us when we are out, and Freedom has some kind of hold on them. I once had a guy who was terminal come up to us and I let him hold her. His knees just about buckled and he swore he could feel her power course through his body. I have so many stories like that.

I never forget the honor I have of being so close to such a magnificent spirit as Freedoms.

Hope you enjoy this.

Jeff

To all military wives

jashurek05 — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:56:38 GMT

I found this on a Navy forum tonight and wanted to share it with other military spouses. This was meant for a Navy spouse, but it can easily be transformed to any branch of service. :D

I have never met this lady but I was moved by what she wrote. It can also be turned around for all kinds of Military wives.

While I have never had the pleasure of meeting you or your husband, I felt the need to write you and express a very deep feeling that I have in my heart.

I, as a person, am not brave. I do not tackle things head on, as I hate confrontation. I will travel 100 miles out of my way just to avoid a conflict. I am an American woman that has no idea what is going on in the military other than what I hear on the news.

I have never had to let go of someone so that they could go fight for people that they didn't know, people that sometimes do not appreciate or understand what they are fighting for.

I have never had a sleepless night of worry because of a report that another bomb has exploded and I still haven't heard from my husband.

I have never had to wait for months on end to hold the one that I loved so.

I have never had to tell my children that daddy wasn't coming home tonight because he was so far away fighting for something that they aren't yet old enough to understand.

I have never had to hold my head high and suppress the tears as I hear that it will be at least another six months of separation before my loved one gets to come home.

I have never had to deal with a holiday away from the one that I thought I would share every day of my life with.

And I have never had to feel the panic rising in my heart at the sound of a ringing phone or knock at the door for fear that it is the news that everyone is terrified of getting.

For the reasons listed above, I can not tell you that I understand how you feel. I can not tell you that you must be strong. I can not say that you shouldn't be angry, because you "knew what you were getting into when you married a military man". I can not say these things because I have never had to walk in your shoes.

What I can say for certain is that because of your unselfish acts of bravery and your husband's willingness to stand up for those who see him as "just another sailor" - - I will never have to walk in your shoes.

I do understand that as a military wife you are expected to uphold a certain amount of control, but I never understood how you could do it, until now. I have figured out that you are not like other women. You are of a special breed. You have a strength within you that holds life together in the darkest of hours, a strength of which I will never possess. The faith you have is what makes you stand out in a crowd; it makes you glow with emotion and swell with pride at the mention of The United States of America.

You are a special lady, a wonderful partner and a glorious American.

I have more respect for your husband than I could ever tell you, but until recently I never thought much about those that the soldier leaves at home during deployment.

Until this moment I could never put into words exactly what America meant to me.

Until this moment, I had no real reason to.... Until I heard of you.

Your husband and his military family hold this nation close, safe from those who wish to hurt us...but you and those like you are the backbone of the American family. You keep the wheels in motion and the hearts alive while most would just break completely down. Military families make this nation what it is today.

You give us all hope and you emit a warming light at the end of a long dark tunnel.

Because of you and your family...I am able to be me. I am able to have my family. I am able to walk free in this great land. Because of you and your family, I can look ahead to the future with the knowledge that life is going to be okay. Because of you and your family, I can awake to a new day, everyday.

I realize that you are a stronger person than I will ever be because of these things and I just wanted to take the time today to say thank you to you and your family for allowing me that freedom.

I will never be able to repay this debt to you, as it is unmatchable. However, I hope that you know that no matter where you are...what you are doing...what has happened today...or what will happen tomorrow...Your husband will NEVER be "just another sailor" to me.... And you, dear sweet lady, will never be forgotten.

You are all in my prayer's everyday and I pray that God will bring you back together with your loved one safely.

May God Bless You!

Special assistance with funding

Susan Francis CMT AHDI-F — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:08:22 GMT

For those of you seeking funds to enroll in the M-TEC training program, in addition to our military discounts and student loan, we wanted to let you know that we also partner with Operation Life Transformed (OLT), a private sector, who assists with funding. Their mission is to provide training and job placement opportunities to family-member caregivers of our heroic war wounded. Working in concert with the Departments of Defense, Veteran's Affairs, and Labor, the OLT addresses the unique challenges facing spouses and other family members as they cope with the post-injury economic devastation that results from the dislocation and disruption of caring for an ill or injured service member. You can find complete information at their website www.lifetransformed.org.

Please feel free to contact me or Debbie Kean if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help. :)

It's official!!

rshill94 — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:11:22 GMT

Hubby passed his over 40 physical so he goes in bright and early Monday morning to swear in!!!

I'm so proud of him!!

Just had to share :D

Prayer request

mt2b — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:16:20 GMT

To those who believe in the the power of prayer:

My husband is passing in his application for a tech slot on base and it would be really nice if he got the job. If he gets the job it means higher pay and no more 120 day MPA tours. Best of all no going back to his poor paying civilian job! I am really hoping he gets this job but he isn't holding his breath. He is fully qualified for the position and has been busting his butt since 2002 to be qualified for when the position opens up....not to mention he has been doing the job on MPA tours for several years! So PLEASE pray that he gets the job! We may not know who gets the job until mid October.

Thanks!

Back in business

jashurek05 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:31:17 GMT

Hello everyone, after a rough PCS, I finally have everything back in order and am starting back in my studies. I'm feeling just a little overwhelmed right now, but I'm sure after a few days of being back in it, it'll start to make sense again. DH will be deploying downrange next month, so I'm thankful for this course to keep me occupied. This will be our first deployment since we got married. Of course he's used to it & assures me it will go by fast...me, not so sure. But my goal is to have the course completed by the time he gets back or at least almost completed.

We PCS'd to Gulfport, MS if anyone's out there close by! Study buddies are always great. I'm sorry I just missed Diana in Okinawa!

Take care,

Jolene

Wanted to say Hi!

rshill94 — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:17:21 GMT

I just wanted to jump in and say hi to everyone here. It's not official yet but my DH is enlisting in the National Guard this month and I'm hoping to be able to join in on this board soon!

We are both prior service veterans, he was Navy and I was AF....I'm jealous that he gets to go NG but I'm too old! I'm very proud of him for doing this.

I saw the posts on Okinawa and it brought back so many memories...I was stationed there back in the dark ages. To give you a hint Naha AB was still standing and that's where I worked!!! Another hint was I was there when they changed the driving from right lane to left lane!!! Dark ages indeed....LOL.

I'm thinking if I can survive that I can survive M-tec!! :D

Getting MT jobs while overseas?

AFeodWife — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:00:58 GMT

I'm still considering taking the plunge and enrolling in M-TEC's program. My husband and I are stationed in England until around Feb. of 2010 and we're hoping to stay overseas for our next assignment. I'm wondering how difficult it is to find at-home jobs when you're stationed overseas. I've only checked out a few sites, but they all say you need to be residing in the US. Has anyone here actually been able to find companies willing to hire military spouses stationed overseas? I keep hearing all this talk of how this is such a great, portable career for us spouses. I just want to be sure I'll be able to find work over here. Has anyone been successful with finding work outside of the US? Thanks!

Anyone in Okinawa?

jashurek05 — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:48:38 GMT

Just checking to see if anyone is currently studying in Okinawa...I'm still waiting on my box...it takes forever for things to get here! We're supposed to be leaving this summer but it would be nice to have someone here to study with!

Jolene

Just got my books

endersgirl — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:45:35 GMT

Hey, I'm Shea an Army wife stationed over in Germany, my books just arrived yesterday and I can't wait to get started and get to know everyone!

Moving to San Antonio

Carolyne Thrasher — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:37:18 GMT

Hi! I'm not a military spouse, so I hope I won't offend anyone by posting here, but I am looking for military spouses because I am moving to San Antonio at the end of October and wanted to know if any of you were currently in San Antonio. I am halfway through session 18 but would love to network with anyone in San Antonio even after I graduate. Again, if I have transgressed by posting here, I apologize!

Calling all Air Force.. or should I say "Pigeons"...

mnpmoseley — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:07:32 GMT

Seeing all the newbies around, I thought we could get a roll call of all those in the Air Force/Spouses. I think it would be good for other branches to do the same. I am not discriminating by any means..... but let's admitt it.. There are some things that are very unique to the different branches. I love everyone's support. It is nice to see a community of military here understanding the challenges and the jargon.

So just give a small introduction etc...

I am Pam . My husband has been in the Air National Guard for 7 years. We have been married for 13 years and have 4 children. He has not been to Iraq/Afgan., but has served under war time orders in D.C. for a year. In the last 7 years, he has been deployed and gone approximately 3 years. I love beening a military spouse. I have tremedous pride in our country and just want to do my part. I once debated about joining up but decided that my children really needed me at the time. Now being 32, I would be an old woman at bootcamp if I joined up!!

I just read my instructors bio.. pretty cool too, her name is Lynn Nevala and she served in the Air Force doing Medical Transcription in (I think) 1965? What an awesome legacy!!!

Pam

Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.
George S. Patton

Need to VENT!!!

ArmyWife&Momx5 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:36:20 GMT

Ok ladies I need to vent!! I know that you ladies will understand this!! My husband and his section were suppose to get a 4 day b/c of something they did out in the field. Well guess what it got pulled!! Are we surprised!! NO!!! We are in the middle of getting ready to move into new quarters and this happens!! Now the reason is it getting pulled b/c they have to do SRP for NTC. Really why do they have to do SRP just to go to NTC. Never really understood that!! SRP b/c of deployment I can understand!! Well now I have to try to move everything around and hope that I can without having to lose anything. Just wanted to say thanks for listening!! Its just one of those Army days!! I have and always will be a 100% supporter of my husband and the Army but somedays I need to let off some steam!

Thanks for all!!

Looking for a study/encouragement buddy

Mom2Marcus — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:30:49 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I am a 29 year old Marine Corps spouse in California. I just started Session 2 and would love to find someone to chat with, exchange ideas, and encourage along the way. If you are in Session 2 let me know!

Thanks!!

Jennifer A

Hi Everybody! :)

SusiThaler — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:42:57 GMT

Hi Everybody!

I am waiting for my shipment to arrive and can't wait to get started. I am a stay-at-home-Mom and Army-Wife and am very fortunate to take part in the CAA program. Looking forward to get to know you all! :)

Just Enrolled!!

Christina Simerson — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:29:21 GMT

Hello Everyone, I completed my enrollment last Friday, and I am eager to get started. I am a Navy spouse. We are going on 14 years with the navy, and we're stationed at NAS Brunswick, Maine. I'm so happy to see so many military spouses that I can relate too... I can't wait to get my books and to get started.....

Happy 4th of July

Susan Francis CMT AHDI-F — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:26:14 GMT

We wanted to wish all of you a Happy 4th of July weekend. We appreciate all the men and women in the Armed Forces and their families who stand by every day to make sure we are safe.

Thank you and God Bless America.

I'm back and better than ever!

evos524 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:50:35 GMT

Okay, so I was never really gone. LOL I've had a rough couple months with my DH being deployed, and my studies got brushed to the side (bad, I know!). You would think the more deployments you go through, the easier they would be. Not so much! LOL Either way, after a little heart to heart with my instructor, I am back and ready to go!!

On a side note - my DH is scheduled to come home for R&R in January. That's almost a full year into this deployment. Word on the street is they are making everyone in his unit take their R&R before the end of the year, so it looks like I might get to see him earlier! Woooohoooooo! I just hope it's not too early! Anytime after halfway is fine!

Hello everyone from new student

Jasmine's mom — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:13:16 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am an army wife and have recently enrolled with M-TEC. My husband is 4 months into his 15 month deployment to Iraq. I am a stay at home mom to a 7 month old baby girl. We were originally stationed at Fort Hood but I moved to Austin prior to his deployment in order to be closer to friends. I was a scientist in the medical field before adopting the army lifestyle. My materials arrived last week and I have just started Session 1. So far so good!

First long deployment

Chad's Sis (Melissa Wilson) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:56:49 GMT

So, my husband's leaving for his first 6-month deployment, and I'm really starting to get depressed about it. We've been married for 5 years, and I've done my share of short deployments. The longest he's done since we got married was 3 months, and that was pretty hard ('course he left a couple weeks after we got married, so I'm sure that didn't make it any easier.) He recently transferred to a fast attack sub (Navy) so this is going to be the first of many long deployments. I have about a week to cram in 6 months' of bonding and memory making. Being that he'll be, you know, underwater :), I'll have little to no contact with him, except for if they happen to pull into a port for a day or 2. Even then, the cost of an international phone call will be too massive to really have a lengthy conversation.

I just don't know if I'm quite ready for this, and I was hoping for some tips or some wisdom from those of you who have been through this. Thanks, guys - I really appreciate it.

~ To all the military spouses ~

~Christine~ — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:39:27 GMT

I am not a military spouse so forgive me for popping in on your board...

I just wanted to let you all know that I think you and your spouses (and your children!) are some of the most courageous people in the world!

You probably have heard of the show Army Wives - well, I started watching it when they re-ran season one and I fell in love with the show immediately! I am sure that the show pales in comparison to what you go through in real life, but I am guessing that some things are a good indication of what it's like in the Army and that just amazes me.

Last night was deployment for some of them and I don't know how you ladies and gents do it! I cried so hard and this was a TV show! The strength that you all have to make it through for both your soldiers heading out and the family you are left to care for is beyond words. I am not sure I would have that strength..

Anyway, I just wanted to say that this show has opened my eyes, and I had to let you know that I respect all of you so much.

God bless all of you!!!!!!

Salary question

marinewife — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:27:39 GMT

I'm a future prospect for MTEC. I'm a certified pharmacy technician but want to make the switch to MT since i've been a stay at home mom since i had my son 14 months ago. My problem is that i'm a little nervous about the salary. I have read somewhere that you get paid a low salary when you first start out. So my question is for the individuals with employment; how long did it take for you to start earning a higher salary? I understand some are quick learners and others are a little slower, but my question is that what is the typical timeframe before someone becomes comfortable or experienced at their job? I'd like to hear other people's input concerning this matter.

Thank you,

May

Where is everyone?

Debbie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:48:28 GMT

So, I haven't been here since the end of March and have been going nuts about the fact that I've had so much work lately that I haven't had time to get over here and see what's going on... I finally get over here and find that I haven't missed anything! (PHEW:hehe:)

So, is everyone studying REALLY hard, or what?

Major article being written by the Department of Defense

Susan Francis CMT AHDI-F — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:19:19 GMT

A major article is being written by Department of Defense together with Department of Labor.

They have requested quotes/snippets from military spouses now in training or having graduated and now employed -- Why you chose this career? Why it is working for you? How do you feel it will mesh with the military lifestyle and family, etc. It might help to have which branch of the military your sponsor is in and rank, if you wish to include it.

If you are a military spouse and do not mind being quoted in an official press release, please let me hear from you ASAP so we can forward your comments to Pamela Smith at Department of Defense for a big promo being written about the medical transription industry--education, workforce shortages, available apprenticeships, and "Mission MT: The Career that Moves with You," etc..Thank you for shooting these to Diana Gish swiftly: dgish@ahdionline.org.

New & trying to get info

SandraB75 — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:48:10 GMT

Hello everyone!

I decided to register with the hopes of gaining more information regarding the program. I'm a military spouse and am currently a student with TRSI. I enrolled with them before my husband headed for Iraq last year, but I've been extremely dissatisfied and just plain old upset with the faculty, program, and the school as a whole.

Anyhow, how long does it take to finish up the course with M-Tec? Do they offer extensions in the event that a student needs to take a break due to an emergency, etc? Do staff members respond in a timely fashion? I'm really doing my research this time before I end up with another couple of thousands down the drain.

Anyhow, I'm looking forward to your responses. Please add anything that you think is significant,valuable, etc. so that I may make a better decision this time.

Thanks!

Sandra

YAY!

NavyWifeAmanda — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:25:01 GMT

I finally enrolled! I had to do the payment plan, so unfortunately I don't get the military discount.

But I'm excited to get my first box and start the program!!!!

Any military spouses currently a working MT?

Debbie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:05:57 GMT

(besides me that is)

If you are married to the military and a working MT, I need to talk to you! Please let me know who you are - I know I'm not the only one!

Hey, isn't Angela Russell a military spouse and didn't she graduate not too long ago? (Forgive me if I got the name wrong!!) I met her in Reno... if you know her, could you tell her I'm looking for her and anyone else who fits this profile!! :w00t:

The electronic B.O.S.

DianaQ — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:02:34 GMT

While I do realize that having the cd version is considerably better in terms of quick reference, I think that for learning purposes I'm having trouble when it comes to studying.

Due to work, I spend a large amount of time out of the apartment and carrying a laptop with me is not an option at this moment. I have found myself printing out material from the BOS just so I can keep up with the reading. After the 20 pages I printed out today just for a few topics, I think I'm going to find the print version to carry around.

Does anyone else have this problem? Or am I just time challenged?

Attention Military Spouses

Debbie — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 11:20:08 GMT

AAMT is working with the Department of Defense Military Spouse program, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Medical Transcription Association to develop outreach and awareness of the medical transcription profession to military spouses and to provide more information on the newly formed National Registered Apprenticeship program for medical transcriptionists.

If you are currently [b]in school studying to become a medical transcriptionist[/b] let us know how we can contact you to provide you with more information and to help us create a program that is responsive to the needs of military spouses. Please contact Debbie Kean at keandebbie@qmail.com.

If you are a [b]military spouse and practicing as medical transcriptionist[/b] let us know how we can contact you to provide you with more information on how to help us create an exciting new awareness program that will be responsive to the needs of military spouses. Please contact Debbie Kean at keandebbie@qmail.com.

Even if you are not interested in being contacted for your input and participation, please let Debbie know that you are a military spouse (active duty or reserves) so that we can compile statistics for the DOL and DoD.

New to M-Tec

DianaQ — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:43:57 GMT

Hiya,

I'm Diana, just received my welcoming email and am on the lookout for the M-Tec goodies.
I am also a military spouse. My husband is a SSgt in the Air Force and we'll be transfering to Okinawa by September 2008, so I'm hoping to carry the study materials with me.

It seems like I'm a professional student. I received a BA in Psychology in Mexico, became a CNA in the States, and have been working towards a BS in Nursing for a couple years until the transfer came through and I had to put it on hold, you know how that goes.

Ergonomics and the Workplace presentation for MTs

Lisa Williams, CMT, AHDI-F — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:23:57 GMT

ONE “LIVE” PRESENTATION ONLY: Monday, March 24, 2008

Continuing Education Credits: Approved by AHDI for 1 CE in Technology in the Workplace.

Name of Class: "Better Health and Productivity for MTs through Ergonomics."

An overview of how to arrange your desk, seating, computer, and reference materials to be the most advantageous ergonomically to promote better physical and mental health and higher productivity. This presentation will also discuss color schemes and aromatherapy ideas.

Presenter: Lori DeVaney, Trainer for Webmedx.

Lori DeVaney began her ergonomics study approximately 30 years ago with her first transcription job. Put the cassette tape in the machine, press play, press stop, then rewind, then type. She spent a number of years as a telephone operator, in a production-based environment where she encountered similar situations to MTs in that the job is stressful, very sedentary, and at the time lacked much in the way of ergonomic training to promote safety and health. She has continued the study of ergonomics, working as an MT and as a trainer for medical transcriptions, and continues to study and focus on the health of MTs trying to create ways to make each work day more comfortable, healthy, and profitable.

Length: One hour.
Cost: $8.00 members, $10.00 nonmembers

Open To: Students, Grads, Practitioners, Members, Nonmembers/Guests of the Online Association. You do not have to join AHDI or OA-AHDI to attend classes.

Register Here: www.oa-ahdi.org/ce/archive/erg0308/erg.htm

Upon registration, you will be sent an email with instructions and the URL to the conference room for the meeting and the password to get in. PRINT IT, AS YOU WOULD AN AIRLINE CONFIRMATION.

Your username is your real name in order to get credit for attending.

When:
Monday evening, March 24, 2008
5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
6:00 p.m. Mountain Time
7:00 p.m. Central Time
8:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Please write education@oa-ahdi.org if you wish to be on the mailing list to receive announcements.

In the event OA-AHDI or the presenter experiences an unavoidable weather/technology glitch at time of presentation, OA-AHDI reserves the right to refund or solve in the best fashion.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

Susan Francis CMT AHDI-F — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:18:27 GMT

I am a fan of Extreme Makeover on Sunday night. Last night, they had a special surprise for a family who is stationed in Virginia (one of my favorite places to visit). The husband was in the Coast Guard and serving time in Iraq. They not only rebuilt a house for him, but they brought him home to experience the construction, sent him on vacation with his family to Disney World AND (here's my favorite part LOL) they had Toby Keith come in and present him with a 2008 Ford F150 truck AND a live concert!!!! I hope they can do more shows like that one and help military men and woman and their families. Not to mention, if they had Toby on every week, I'd be hooking up the DVR! :) :) :)

Welcome Aboard

Susan Francis CMT AHDI-F — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:15:02 GMT

We wanted to send out a warm WELCOME ABOARD to all our military members today and let you know that we are happy to have you with us. We know that some times deployments and other things can wreak havoc on your course work, so be sure to keep in touch with your instructor and let them know how you are doing. Definitely ask them questions along the way. We hope to see more of you posting here as well.

If you need anything along the way, just holler! :)

Getting started

jashurek05 — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 04:16:52 GMT

I have completed my MT course shortly after being stationed in Okinawa. I went to the Naval Hospital (Navy spouse) to see about a position and was told that they only use transcriptionists from the states. I need to get certified and will definitely need a refresher. Any advise? We'll be leaving here soon...maybe...and would like to have a plan before we get to our next station.

Thanks!!

Jolene