By J.G. Noll Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after driving the Greeks from the city. It consists of eight days of celebrations, to imitate the miracle at the dedication where the Jewish people had only enough oil for one night, yet it burned for eight. All over […]
Articles by J.G. Noll
These 7 GIFs Describe the Deployment Wall Perfectly

(Photo: US Air Force, Airman Rhett Isbell) You know that moment during deployment where it feels like you just can’t make it another second? Maybe it’s because life sucker-punched you right when there was a comm blackout. Maybe it’s because it’s really hard to solo-parent. Maybe it’s another reason that makes deployment hard. Or maybe […]
21 Facts You Didn’t Know About Presidents and the Military

There is no Constitutional requirement for presidents to have served in the military, although a majority of the 45 have, in some capacity. Here are some of the strangest, most interesting, and downright intriguing facts about the Commanders-in-Chief and their relationships to the military: 1. James Buchanan is the only president to serve as enlisted […]
These 11 Scenarios Can Scare Even the Toughest Milspouse

Halloween is just around the corner, which means that tricks, treats, and horror are just a part of life–especially if you live with someone who loves the holiday. But milspouse life can offer its own (silly) scares, even when it’s not October. Here are a few scenarios that just might shoot a chill down your […]
Literally Just 6 Adorable Photos of Service Members and Kittens

We often forget that the military is not only about training and firepower. In fact, it sometimes offers quieter, softer moments that are just as inspirational and memorable as other louder ones. Sometimes the mission includes saving kittens from a hurricane or a flight line or teaching community members about pet safety. And sometimes–just sometimes–those […]
9 Things Every American Should Know About the Navajo Code Talkers

Navajo code talkers were once unable to even talk about the role they played in World War II. Now, let’s take a closer look at these veterans and their accomplishments and honor their part in WWII: 1. While the Navajo Code Talkers are most famous from World War II, the military used indigenous language as […]
When Your Military Child Is the New Kid at School… Again

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2016! “I don’t know if I’ll like this school,” my daughter said in a quiet voice as we approached the building. “I don’t know a single person here,” she murmured. Then she gripped my hand a little tighter. Inwardly, I cringed, though on the outside I still […]
Warm Your Heart With These 18 Photos of Homecoming Kisses

Love is in the air. . . and it’s never more apparent than on the piers and tarmacs and parking lots where families celebrate their loved one’s return from deployment. These romantic welcome home kisses are precious memories for the subjects and reminders for the rest of us that distance truly does make the heart […]