New base, new life: how to survive

  • Published
  • By Cassie Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Admit it, when you married a military member you didn't realize how big your extended family was going to get. You didn't just gain blood relatives; you married the entire military family. And when you arrived together at your first base, reality harshly bit you in the . . . well you know. Whether Travis is your first base or your fifth, it is always difficult and exasperating to move to a new base. 

Don't get me wrong, traveling all over the world and seeing new and exciting places that most people will never get to see is very exhilarating. But for many people it is difficult to be so far away from family and close friends. 

So who do you turn to when you move to a new city? No one else is going to admit this, but let's be realistic; it is sometimes uncomfortable and too much effort to make new friends. Occasionally, I think to myself, "why go through the effort when I am just going to leave them again in a few short years." I have friends and family in five different states and I feel like I have left pieces of my heart all over the country. However, I cannot stress enough that letting these issues keep you from making friends is the absolute worst thing you can do. 

One thing I have learned is the military possesses some of the most kind and compassionate people you will ever meet. You have to remember that you are all in the same boat. They understand what you are going through better than your family could. Something else to keep in mind is that there is strength in numbers. Having people to support you when your spouse leaves on long deployments will make the time easier to deal with while they are gone. 

One thing that makes Travis so special is the many programs designed to assist new families, especially spouses, handle moving to a new base. The Airman and Family Readiness Center is a great resource that I highly recommend. One thing you can try is to join a spouse group which is an integral part of military life. The AFRC is always ready to assist spouses in any way they can. Whether it is encouraging them meet other spouses, find a job, secure child care, or financial counseling, they are there to help you adapt to the challenges of everyday military life. 

Additionally, if you are looking for a more spiritual atmosphere you can visit the Travis Hospitality House, which provides a "home away from home" to countless military singles and families. By working closely with the Air Force chapel staff, effective programs and activities are coordinated to meet the spiritual needs of the Travis Military Community. 

If you would rather look for assistance on-line, then I have the perfect Web site for you. www.militaryonesource.com is a treasure trove full of invaluable information. There are many different categories that support those transitioning to a new base. The "smooth moves" category gives advice and pointers on dealing with culture shock, coping with loneliness and deciding whether to live on or off base. It also has information on changing schools for your children or finding employment. Another is "military 101," which includes information on duty requirements, military life, military protocol, and benefits. This is good information for those new to the military and civilian spouses. These are just two of the many areas of interest that contain great information to aid your adjustment to life in the military. 

Everyone has their own way of dealing with moving to a new base. But, while you cope with the pressures of moving, remember that here at Travis there are many organizations and people willing to help you with the transition.