Immersion into the Nellis community

When Josh received his orders to report to the Nellis AF Base, we made the conscious decision that we would live on base.  We felt that since we were not raised in military families we needed to learn as quickly as we could about the culture of the military.  What better way to learn the terms and access the benefits then jumping right into the base community?  Truthfully, most of the time I do not notice much of a difference now that we are in our permanent base housing. I am just a mom on the street taking the kids to school like the other moms.  I feel like it is a mini town sometimes. There are times when I really do notice though, like in my correspondence with the Warrior Fitness Center.  This is one way that I have found to connect myself to the community.  I am starting to recognize some of the people that come to my classes and I see them at the Commissary or at the school.  It helps me to feel that I have a place here.  I have also joined the Nellis Area Spouses Club.  This club is open to any military affiliated person in the area, so retired, active duty, reserve, national guard, etc.  There is a lot of military around. I am glad that this group is not specific to Officer's Spouses only. One thing that I will be doing is volunteering time once a month in the Thrift Store.  The Thrift Store sells donated clothing and housewares and all of the profits go back into the military community.  They fund scholarships for military family members as well as give to local area charities.

It is important for Josh to be involved in many different aspects of military life as well. At the end of every year he is given a Officer Performance Review (OPR). This review is an evaluation of his work over the last year and is used when he applies for higher rank, different positions and opportunities within the Air Force. The evaluation looks at his professional accomplishments (leading an element, money saved or money earned, number of people he help return to service, etc.). The OPR will also look at his contributions to the Air Force community outside his professional duties (services, activities, volunteering). He takes all his activities and writes bullet statements or "bullets". These are reviewed by his rater and commanders and then submitted to the Air Force. These are kept in his file and follow him throughout his career.  Josh has been chosen to lead the Family Advocacy Program (F.A.P.) at Nellis. F.A.P. is the program that provides services to family members that have issues with domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment. His element works to prevent first and treat second. Josh has exposure to all levels of Air Force leadership and this bring a great deal of exposure and pressure. His element is comprised of 10 individuals and most are civilians.  Many have some form of military experience or have been working in the program for a few years. Josh is very excited about this opportunity. He will have monthly meetings with the base vice commander so he will become well known in some circles.

The second major project that Josh has undertaken is the planning of the 2015 Air Force Ball. This is the formal event for the base. Josh will observe the 2014 ball committee to learn how they planned and prepared for the event and then starting in October he will take the lead for the coming year. This is a very complex event that he will lead a team of people to implement it. I am excited because I will have an excuse to get all dressed up and go out with Josh in his mess dress (formal military tuxedo.)  

 

First day of school for Bub and Bear.  Pants is in the background and is unhappy at being left behind.