10 Reasons Being A Military Wife Is Totally Awesome

Yesterday was Veteran's Day, and I loved seeing so many people come together to thank the amazing men and women who have served and are currently serving our country. For any veterans reading this, thank you! We are so grateful for you and your service!

In keeping with the military theme, Parker and I got to talking yesterday. We have always said that military life is what you make it, and we completely stand by that. You can focus on the negatives of deployments, distance from family, etc. and be totally miserable or choose to see the positives. 

I'd be lying if I said military life doesn't come without its share of cons, but I think we so often dwell on those cons and take the pros for granted. So today, let's talk about those pros. Let's talk about the 10 reasons why being a military wife is totally awesome.

In no particular order...

1. Free Healthcare

As much as we all seem to complain about Tricare, it's basically the sweetest gig ever. When we lost our first baby, I had an unplanned surgery and subsequent overnight ER visit. Over $10k in medical bills was almost completely paid for. Boom. Tricare for the win.

2. Globetrotting

This one is obvious, but it's a positive if we choose to see it that way. We get to see the world and live all over the country (and sometimes abroad). Texas is awesome, and we will God willing be back there one day, but Florida, Virginia, and where ever else the Navy chooses to stick us are pretty darn great too. 

3. That Uniform Though

Yall, is there anything more handsome than a man in a uniform? I think not.

4. NEX Access

The NEX is like a giant shopping mall just for the military. It's tax free and discounted, and we happen to live near the largest one in the world. #winning

5. Military Balls

Let's call a spade a spade. We are girls, which means we like to dress up. The military gives us the opportunity to get all dolled up once a year and go to the Ball. You'll never feel more like Cinderella than you do on this night. You also get to enjoy perk #3.

6. GI Benefits

Since Parker and I have already gone to college, the plan is to transfer his GI bill to our first kid. That's one less college we should have to pay for. Not a bad gig, yall. 

7. Friends Galore

This is another obvious perk worth noting. Meeting so many people from so many different walks of life is just a cool experience. One can never have too many friends. Also, nobody will understand what it's like to be a military spouse quite like the other wives. You need each other. 

8. A Learned Independence

Our husbands leave for weeks to months at a time with limited communication. If you're not an independent person by nature, you will learn how to be. I think this is good character building. 

9. Military Discounts/VA Loan

Everyone loves saving money, and we get to do a little of that. The VA loan was huge when we were buying a house, and military discounts are everywhere. Nobody ever complained about saving too much money.

10. Pride For Your Guy

I couldn't be prouder of that husband of mine. Every time I see him in action or see videos of him flying, my heart swells with pride. Not everyone has the courage or discipline to do what these guys do. I have so much pride for the career he has chosen.

So there you have it: 10 reasons being a military wife is totally awesome. The military has ruined plans, caused arguments, and complicated life, and I won't pretend that it hasn't, but it's also afforded us great opportunities. It's tough at times, but I think it's worth it.