Life as a Marine Corps Jet Pilot's Wife

Today I am linking up with two fellow military spouses, Jen and Amanda,  to share a little bit about my experiences as a military spouse.  We have a wonderful life and feel super blessed to be a part of this crazy lifestyle.  The sense of community is unparalleled and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to travel the world.  Most importantly, I am proud to stand beside my husband and support him throughout his career.



//Tell us about yourself and your blog.

For those of you who are new, I'm Sam and I currently live in Meridian, Mississippi with my husband Rob who is finishing up jet flight school with the Marine Corps.  Every time we move to a new place, I love reading local blogs to find ideas about where to eat, shop, and hang out.  I started Reddy Or Knot to chronicle our ever-changing lives, as well as share our favorite places, recipes, and adventures.  It's been so much fun to look back and reminisce on our adventures over the last couple of years.  {{Like when Rob found out he was going to flight school, surviving a DITY move on a week's notice, Rob's first Solo flight, and Lady Eagle Day}}



//What branch of military are you affiliated with?

Rob is in the Marine Corps.  He actually had a bit of an unconventional path: taking some time off from college to join the Marine Corps reserves as a Forward Observer, finishing college and heading to TBS as a ground contract, finding out 10 days before graduation that he actually received a competitive air contract, and heading to Pensacola to become a Marine Corps pilot.  This also means it's been an unconventional path for me supporting him -- from an Enlisted Marine's 19 year old girlfriend to an Officer's wife, I've experienced a little bit of everything and have been proud to stand by his side through it all!



//What is one thing you enjoy about the military lifestyle?

The adventures!  We get to live in places that we never would have lived and meet people we never would have known.  Sure, some of the places may not have been on my dream list (cough...small town Mississippi...cough) but it's all about attitude.  If you chose to see the best in a place and make the absolute most of it, you will never have a bad experience.  We choose to travel on the weekends to explore nearby cities (like New Orleans, Seaside, Fairhope) and leave no restaurant unvisited ;)



//What advice would you give other spouses who are new?

1.  YOU control your happiness.  Your attitude will make or break you in this lifestyle.
2.  Get plugged in.  The military community is amazing and the friends you meet will become your rocks during tough times.  Yes, you will have to say goodbye but having wonderful friends spread all over the country is truly a blessing.  No matter where you move next, you can be sure to run into a familiar face!
3.  Embrace change and embrace the local culture.  No matter how bad (or how good!) an experience is, it will only last three years! Make the most of every experience and you'll never have a bad duty station :)