As families are gearing up for a new school year, many military spouses will also be among the students.  Military spouses all over the world are applying for a college tuition assistance program that will pay for up to $6,000 for classes over two years.... Read more here

A new school for girls recently opened in Panjshir Province in Afghanistan. ADM Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a best-selling author, and Afghan officials all were on hand for the opening.

Also present at the opening of the Peshgur School for Girls, was Lima, a 16-year-old girl from another school, who translated the Chairman’s remarks from English into Dari for the large crowd of local children, village elders and provincial leaders.... Read more here

Military families know too well the stress of having a family member deployed. Children especially are affected. Military spouses have been speaking up about the challenges faced by families of servicemembers, even talking with Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Last week, Gates was recognized by the National Military Family Association for his work to improve support for military family members. Recent changes include modifying the GI Bill to allow servicemembers to transfer benefits to other family members–an idea that Gates first heard about from a spouse at Fort Hood, Texas.

Other changes include the Military Spouse Career Advancement initiative, which allows military spouses to get professional training, licenses or certificates needed to move into portable, high-growth careers, such as health care and technology. To learn how to apply for this benefit, click here. Already, many spouses have taken advantage of this benefit to enroll in courses this summer.... Read more here