We have known for a long time that we are going to be moving. When I say a long time, I mean like a year almost. In that time, we have slowly began to prepare family and friends for the upcoming events And, as anything in the army may go, we waited and waited to do the things that we needed to do. We never thought, it would end up like this....
So if you have never moved with the army before, then the only advice that I can give you, is to be prepared to fly by the seat of your pants. We did everything that we needed right off the bat. In July 2012 we did a brief that explained a little about how the whole thing works. It was brief that we had to attend to move any farther in the process. Considering we had so much notice in advance, we thought we would get a head start and not have to run around crazy when the time came. We then were instructed to go take care of EFMP (Exceptional Family Member program) Basically that one or more of the family members have a need of some kind. For me it was that I need to have access a rheumatologist, and for Dallas, he has an IEP. We were told that before you can even get your orders cut, you needed to have that done. We did that, and got a letter saying it was all taken care of in August 2012. We took care of the dogs, as there is a huge quarantine Rabies process that you have to go through in order for them to allow your animal into the state of Hawaii. 5 months later, and we had heard nothing...... so we did what the army tells you to do, and wait.
Well, when it finally came to the 60 day mark of us having to move, we started to worry and finally started to ask about it. Someone around here was blaming it on Hawaii and the people there were saying it was Kansas. We will probably never know what held the whole thing up, and it was probably the one time that I should not have followed the waiting rule, and asked someone about it sooner.
So now we are about 45 days before going, and with us wanting to take some time to go back home, we finally got orders at the beginning of this week. It has been a mad rush.
As I said if you have never moved with the army, you will never what this all takes to get the ship sailing. I know that people (including myself) think that this is an easy task since the army does it all for you. What a pain in the ass it is when you feel like the middle man in your own move, with your own things. You have to do things in a certain order, and things are expected of you along the way. Sure they will move you for free, but what am I going to do with me and my kids in the middle of an island with no house, none of my things, and no car. This is if we are also avoiding the fact that I have never been on a plane before and I am about to fly 10.5 hours over the ocean with 2 small children to a place we know nothing about.
You also need to realize that deep down this is part of the adventure, and a huge part in why people like the army for the most part. I am aware that when all is said in done, I will be living in paradise. Hotels, rental cars (when I am paying on a perfectly good car that I will not see for 30+ day) food, planes, trip home, seeing everyone you want to see and wants to see you, letting someone else pack all your things. While we are on that topic, you do not get to pack your things. They do it, and they do it the way they want to, not the way that you would do it.
It's all very surreal to me, and since I am working still because they gave us such short notice, it's even harder. It really is the start to another army chapter, and in the end, this is what it's all about. Meeting new people, seeing the world, learning new things, and being part of something bigger than yourself.
I can not help but also be sad. Sad that I am having to let go of my life here, my job, my friends, and my comfort that I have found in Fort Riley and all the beauty here. It is a roller coaster. A beginning and an end. I will never loose touch with some ladies that have always been there for me, and some that are amazing people. Each person I have met here has made an impact on my life in one way or another. I feel like I have made a difference in some peoples lives in the Family Readiness Group that I have been running for 3 years. With that I will walk away with a smile.
We are leaving here in 2 weeks, and I will be sad, and excited all at the same time. This is a whole new thing for me, and I just hope that we can get through it with the tragic events as possible.
ADVICE: When it comes time for you to move with the army, sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands. Be willing to let loose a little, and be aware and prepared, that things are going to get different real fast. If you like to control things and be in control of your life, you need to be able to let loose a little and enjoy the ride the best that you can. Try not to let it drag you down. You will get mad along the way, sad, and frustrated. Try to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it seems like a very dim light. There is one thing that I learned very quickly coming to Kansas. It is what you make it. No one comes to Kansas because they want to for no real reason. Hell no one even vacations here unless they have family here or passing through. You make your army experience, it does not make you. Stay strong and carry on!
