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

EP8: Apprehension about Bringing Kids into Military Life

On this episode I get pretty personal and discuss my apprehensions about bring children into this military life. Yes, I am probably overthinking this but my husband and I are going to try to have kids soon and their childhoods will look a lot different than either of ours since they will be kids of an active duty service member. My kids probably won’t be around their grandparents and cousins as much as I was growing up, there dad will be gone for extended periods of time, they will move towns and school fairly frequently at least compared to my own childhood when I didn’t move at all! 

I think my biggest apprehensions comes because they will grow up in a totally different way than I did. I only know my own childhood perspective and theirs will be so much different. I know that I will be the stable factor in their lives and that is a lot of pressure on me to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy while taking care of dogs, home, businesses. All while my husband is away. 

Listen to me talk through it all on today's show. 

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

EP7: How to Fly Space-A with Jessica Baddeley

Today on the podcast I talk with Jessica Baddeley and she is telling me all about how to fly Space-A. Space-A means space available and is a service the military provides for members and families in certain situations. If there is space available on a military flight that is already going somewhere you could possibility get on that flight for free! However, it’s not that easy.

Jessica tells us exactly where to start in the processes by going to SpaceA.net and then finding your terminal's Facebook page to get information on flights that might be going out near you. She then explains what documents you need in order to fly Space A this also depends on what category you are in, which she explains as well. 

Jessica then lays out what you should be doing 2 weeks before you want to fly, 48 hours, and the day of! She makes is clear that you are giving your time instead of your money. It takes her on average about 18 hours to get from Hawaii to California and the flight is only 5 hours. That is a lot of waiting time. But hey, if you are saving $1500 it’s worth it! 

We talk about the worst times to fly Space-A because it is so busy: summer, holidays, and school holidays! So even if you don’t have school age children check the calendar of your local area and the area you are going to and make sure it won’t be busy because school is out. Jessica also gives good tips on what to bring like wear layers, get this ear protection (for kids), and everyone must wear closed toed shoes! 

Find Jessica here:
Instagram: @msjbaddeley
Facebook: Jessica Baddeley @bfitjourney

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

EP6: Take that Overseas Assignment!

Today I am here to convince you to take that overseas assignment or request one ASAP! There are so many options for different overseas duty stations from Japan, Korea, Germany, UK, Italy and so

With the country band Old Dominion 

many more. Technically Hawaii and Alaska are labeled as OCONUS but I am specifically talking about bases that are not part of the USA.

There are so many positives that can come out of living overseas and on this episode I try to tell you my personal favorites. I start with the number one reason why I like living overseas... the travel opportunities! It is relatively cheap to get to really awesome European cities. So what if you don't want to travel? I mention the benefit of receiving COLA (COLA Calculator) and how you can save a lot of that money if traveling isn't your thing.

Then, I go on to talk about culture, authentic food, new customs, the chance to learn a new language and meet amazing people from a different country you would have never met otherwise. Also, you will grow as a person! You will become more adaptable, resilient, independent, strong, brave, etc. You will realize that you can do things you never though you'd be able to. Hopefully this episode will persuade you to take the leap if you have been on the fence about that overseas assignment.

I mention Ep 2 in this podcast find it here and Ep 3 find it here.

Instagram: @hurryupandwait_
Blog: Hurry Up and Wait

EP5: Going through an Unaccompanied Tour

I have Kylee Burton on the podcast with me today. She is a full time student, a newborn photographer and blogs over at thebutronbutton.home.blog. Her husband is currently on an unaccompanied tour in Korea and we talk about what that is like, how she is dealing with it, and she gives some great tips if
any of you are going through something similar.

Kylee reiterates the importances of communication and setting time aside for each other especially during a long distance relationship. Her and her husband have a giant time difference (13 hours) to deal with and they still make time for each other! She mentions how nights are tough and missing experiences with each other is not great.

Kylee says key to stay sane is staying busying, starting a new hobby, taking it day by day and allowing your dogs to sleep on the bed with you ;) She also mentions that taking care of your mental health is very important and taking a step back from social media might help with that.

Kylee mentions this podcast episode about traveling with dogs and this episode about "dependa." 

Kylee's instagram @theburtonbutton
Kylee's blog The Burton Button

EP 4: Navigating Military Life With Pets

On this episode I talk about living on base with pets or off base with pets. I talk about how base housing has lots of the same conditions as off base housing like breed restrictions and a pet deposit. Although you can make some accommodations to on base housing that you might not be able to off base... unless of course you buy a house. Then you can do whatever you want haha.

 I mention this "unspoken" rule of 2 pets per family in the military. I go into depth with what it's like to travel with pets especially flying and PCSing overseas. This is the type of airline approved kennelI was talking about. And if you do have pets and have the option to fly the rotator.... do it! Especially if you are PCSing OCONUS!

I 100% recommend the vets on the military bases. I have never had a bad experience with them and they will know exactly what you need when PCSing or living on base with your pet. I believe the military knows people love their pets and they do what you can to make your life with your pet the best. Although it's very clear... the military will not be reimbursing you for your pet travels!


Fill in your own information sheet if you are PCSing with your pet and want to put it in a clear plastic sleeve and duct tape it to the top of their kennel like I mention in the episode. Download here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kLbXyvQsTYE4Iyh-GwDeZEVOCVdzBZol/view?usp=sharing


Or right clink and save photo below:

Ep3: The Word "Dependa" in the current military culture w/ guest Ali Eddlem

On episode three, Ali Eddlem and I talk about the word "Dependa" in the current military culture. Ali is an Air Force wife of 2.5 years and a real life friend of mine. We first try to define the word dependa and I read the Urban Dictionary definition of the word. We talk through why the word is used mainly used to describe female military spouses keeping in mind that 92% of military spouses are female (Source).

We discussed its origins and why most people using this term are military spouses themselves. Are military spouses putting each other down to make themselves feel better?

Do people marry military members specifically for benefits and their spouses rank? Even Tricare's twitter leaned into the assumption that spouses marry for benefits titling a wedding day photo "you had me at Tricare." (Later apologizing, of course.)

And what is up with the facebook pages and subreddit threads dedicated to justifying using the word "dependa" and policing military spouses behaviors?

Salon.com article that mention. We talk about it all on the podcast this week!

Ep2: Perks and Quirks of a Small Military Base

On episode two I discuss the good and base of being stationed at a small military base. For me the good largely outweighs the bad but I also feel the same when we are stationed at a large military base. I talk about privacy, the small community, and how you are definitely going to run into someone you know when you are out and about on base. This can be a good thing and a bad things (if you are in a bad mood/ in sweatpants haha.) Having everything close together and never having to guess where anything is at, is awesome!

One major quirks of being stationed at a small base is the limitation of food and resources on base. We have one gym, four places to eat (all fast food), one library. These places also have limited hours compared to the same resources on a larger base. Our one shoppette on base is open from 8am to 9pm where as the shoppettes on larger bases are open from 6am to 11pm and sometimes even 24 hours.

Keep in mind this episode I am talking specifically about the base and not about the community / recourses surrounding base.