EP 12: Fort Campbell, KY Base Spotlight with Shania Shovlowsky

On this episode of the Hurry Up and Wait podcast I talk to Shaniaabout the army base Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I plan on spotlighting military instillations throughout this podcast so hopefully this is the first of many.

Shania has been living at Fort Campbell for a little over a year and has so much insight. We dive into what housing is like on base and she lets us know what communities on base to stay away from! Then we talk about schools and childcare. People will choose to live on base just to send their kids to the base schools, that’s how good they are. Shania talks about the recreation options on base like pools, gyms, movie theater, bowling alley etc. And then she mentions some awesome actives that the USO and MWR puts on. I ask about safety and Shania mentions “gate runners” which is a term I had never heard of. I guess they are people that just don’t stop at the gate and the whole base has to be shut down until they are found… talk about annoying. Shania get’s honest about how gossipy the people on the base are and what it’s like to try and meet other spouses at Fort Campbell. Shania even started a group to help spouses meet each other. She creates a whole calendar with events for each month. If you are stationed in Fort Campbell check out the group, it looks awesome.

Then, I direction the conversation to the surrounding areas and towns: cause let's be real, we aren’t just gonna stay on the base when being stationed at one. There are two towns near Fort Campbell: Clarksville, TN and Hopkinsville KY. There are many parks and recreational activities like Land Between the Lakesand Tiebreaker. Restaurants to try: Strawberry Alley Ale Works, Blackhorse Brewery, the Grilled CheeserieFood Truck, NYPD, and Golly G's ice cream.

We chat about cost of living in the area. Hint: it’s cheaper than the majority of states in America. Shania than compares Fort Campbell to where she grew up (New Jersey.) Turns out people are friendlier in Kentucky then they are in the New Jersey. However, the trade off is there are more bugs and bigger ones too in Kentucky.

And remember: a must when being stationed at Fort Campbell is venturing to Nashville. It is about an hour and fifteen minutes away. It is perfect for singles, couples, and even kids.

Shania’s instagram: home.sweet.military.home

EP 11: What to Pack in Your Unaccompanied Baggage / Express Shipment

On today’s episode I talk about logistics and what to pack in your unaccompanied baggage, also known as express shipment. (Downloadable PDF). First, you get this shipment if you are PCSing to or from an OCONUS location as well as your regular household goods shipment. People do this shipment one of three ways, I believe. The majority of people send some things a head of time in hopes they will be there or be close to being there once they arrive at the OCNOUS location. Another option is to keep the stuff that will go in this shipment out of your HHG and send it right before you leave. (This makes more sense if you are going from an OCONUS location back to CONUS and I explain more about this in the episode.) And the last option is to not to an express shipment at all and keep everything in your household goods shipment.

Logistical things to know:
-The express shipment doesn’t always arrive faster than your HHG especially during summer peak PCS season. This is because your express shipment travels space available on a military flight so if they have more important things to ship your stuff will get bumped.

-When PCSing to an OCONUS location remember they almost always have a lending closet available and loaner furniture. So you might not need as much stuff as you think you need. You can probably borrow stuff.

-Your going to be able to find places to buy things at your OCONUS location when you are in need of something.

Categories of things you should take, I go into specific examples of things in the category in the episode: Electronics, Clothes, Linens, Kitchen Stuff, Entertainment, Kid items, Pet Items, Military Gear, Bathroom, Medical, Living Room, Cleaning, Misc.

Podcast Info:
Instagram @hurryupandwait_

EP 10: Life of a Flight Surgeon's Wife w/ Kdee Kolle

Today I chat with Kdee Kolle about her life as a flight surgeon’s wife! Her and her husband have known each other since high school and being a doctor is something he always wanted to do. Their family has had a very exciting and unique journey since he joined the Navy. There has been many schools, trainings, they have had two babies, and PCSed three times in three years, so lots going on. Her advice is to celebrate all the minor victories and little things along the way.

She gives insight and tips for someone who’s spouse might have an irregular and unpredictable work schedule. Kdee says give yourself, your spouse, and your kids a lot of grace when going through a difficult season of life. Have things planned but also have low expectations for how that plan is going to go cause things always change. Speaking of change- their family have PCSed three times in the last three years! Her biggest advice is to make sure you know the schedule of how things are happening with your PCS and don’t stress too much cause somehow it all works out! 

Kdee’s outlook on their journey is so wonderfully optimistic and their family seems to be thriving in this military life!  

Kdee's instagram and blog

Podcast Info:
Instagram @hurryupandwait_
Blog: Hurry Up and Wait Podcast

EP9: Transitioning out of Military Life w/ Carly Croy

On episode nine I talk with Carly Croy about her and her husbands transitions out of the military. Her husband has been in six years and he is now ETSing. We talk logistics like terminal leave, moving to your new home location, using the GI bill, future healthcare, and classes that the military offers when service members get out.  

I ask her about future plans and fears that comes with entering the civilian world. We both agree the military is nice because you get a lot of benefits and a built-in community. Carly says the military world sometimes feels like your half adulting. She is nervous about going from that to having to figure everything out on their own. However, he is so optimistic about the future and not having to deal with all the unknowns the military brings. She is so excited to have her husband around all the time and be able to explore many possibilities. 

She gives the advice to family and friends of someone who is transitioning out of the military. Then she gives advice to any family ETSing: you have to take everything one step at a time, find the good in this season of life and hold onto that. 

Carly’s Blog

Carly’s Instagram @carly_croy

Podcast Info:
Instagram @hurryupandwait_
Blog: Hurry Up and Wait Podcast