family life, Shelbee on the Edge

The Perks of Military Life & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #152

December 10, 2019 / 76 Comments
family life, Shelbee on the Edge
family life, Shelbee on the Edge

I mentioned in yesterday’s post that we delivered Jeff to Syracuse Hancock International Airport on Friday where he departed for Fort Benning, Georgia, where he will remain for the next two weeks…leading straight up to just a few days before Christmas. In the grand scheme of military living, a two week separation, even in the midst of the holiday season, is not all that bad, but still it packs a bit of a punch when the holiday blues take hold. This past Veteran’s Day, I shared a little peek into our military lifestyle, the ups and the downs and all of the in-betweens. While we have become quite adept at handling the frequent separations, it still can take a toll even on the strongest military families. In order to cope with it all and push forward, one must always take account of all the blessings and extra little perks that come along with military life.

Sure, the extra perks don’t make up for time apart or the struggle of single parenting. (For real, this parenting thing is a two person job. I applaud all of the single parents out there. I don’t know how you do it alone all the time. It is seriously no joke.) Nevertheless, I do so appreciate the extra perks that come with being a military family. This post is going to spotlight one little perk that may go unnoticed and under appreciated by many, but it really does bring comfort to military families while traveling. If you travel frequently, you may have noticed that many airports have military courtesy rooms.

Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport

They are sponsored by the USO or other military support groups and offer a very comfortable and exclusive lounge area for soldiers and their families while hanging around airports either waiting for departures or arrivals. You do need to show a military identification card in order to even enter the lounge area, making you feel more special than usual, and you are always greeted with much appreciation for your service to the country. I have only visited a few Military Courtesy Rooms because I don’t travel by plane all that often, but they all have offered a comfortable lounge area, a television, and an array of food and beverages in a fully stocked kitchen area. The person hosting for the day, which is usually a retired veteran, generally insists that you stock up on snacks before leaving the courtesy lounge and boarding your plane! Because food always warms a heart that is missing someone!

Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Radical Ralphie

The Military Courtesy Room in the Syracuse airport showcases all kinds of military memorabilia with extensive coin and patch collections on display as well as a wall honoring veterans who have passed. Jeff and both of my boys are avid collectors of military memorabilia, so Jeff was having fun showing the boys all of the collections in the Syracuse airport. With his frequent travels, Jeff has become quite familiar with the Military Courtesy Room in Syracuse. I know he has definitely logged some serious naptime in these recliners. I really liked the travel pillows made and donated by Cicero-North Syracuse High School to bring some comfort to traveling soldiers and their families. What a cool initiative for high school students to sponsor.

Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Never Forgotten, Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport

After saying goodbye to our soldier, the boys and I hung around the airport for a bit, checking out all the other fun stuff. There is a cockpit for the kids to play in, landing gear to check out, and a really cool model Mock Two.

Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Radical Ralphie
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Radical Ralphie
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport

We also had some time to just act goofy and have some more silly fun before driving back home through yet another snowstorm. Oh North Country living! We are always buried in snow.

Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Radical Ralphie
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Military Courtesy Room, Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Do you travel frequently by airplane? Have you noticed military courtesy rooms in other airports? Or maybe just some cool stuff to do with children while waiting around at the airport?

Stop back tomorrow to see the details of my crazy little airport outfit!

And now your featured favorites from last week’s link party.

Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)

Chrissy of Granola & Grace shared her post, The New Pants I Love To Repeat by XCVI Official, and I loved her outfit as much as you all did because I had this post highlighted to share as one of my favorite outfit posts! I love Chrissy’s monochromatic gray look with that adorable slouchy top and gorgeous snakeskin booties. She also shows different ways to style her favorite pants, so go check out her post for more fashion inspiration.

monochromatic outfit, Granola & Grace
Chrissy of Granola & Grace

My Favorite Fashion Post

Shauna of Lipgloss and Lace is Fabulously Festive in this amazing green coat! I have seriously been searching for a gorgeous green coat for just about my entire life and have yet to find one, so I am always bowled over into swoonville when I see a pretty coat in this vibrant color. With additions of plaid and red, Shauna really is an image straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie!

green coat, plaid blanket scarf, Lipgloss and Lace
Shauna of Lipgloss and Lace

My Favorite Non-Fashion Post

Linda of A Labour of Life is seriously so cute and creative with her Christmas Ornament Cocktail Glass. I absolutely love this idea and if I ever have the opportunity to entertain in my home at Christmastime, I think I may want to give these pretty little cocktail glasses a try. They are super easy to make, just go check out Linda’s instructions and you will see!

Christmas ornament cocktail glass, DIY, A Labour of Life
Linda of A Labour of Life

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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76 Comments

  • Nancy

    December 10, 2019 at 10:34 am Reply

    I don’t travel by airplane but I don’t know if we have got that in the Netherlands. So it will be a few though weeks for you. But you have your lovely boys with you too help!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 10:43 am Reply

      Thanks, Nancy! We are just taking it one day at a time. Of course, the day after Jeff left, the toilet handle broke and I had to replace it myself…this is the way it always goes…as soon as leaves, all the things break and the all the snow falls! Haha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 11:53 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Tamar! I have never been through Boston by airplane, but I am sure it is a much bigger airport than Syracuse. Although, I do love how small Syracuse is especially when I have the kids with me. It just feels safer.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • ROBIN LAMONTE

    December 10, 2019 at 11:45 am Reply

    Shelbee,

    Thank you for sharing the military comfort room at Syracuse airport!
    It was lovely and I enjoyed all the items.
    The photos of the boys are priceless.
    I hope the 2 weeks go by quickly for you my friend!

    Merry Christmas!
    Robin

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 11:51 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Robin! Oh, I hope the next two weeks flies by as well! I already broke the toilet the day after Jeff left and in my attempt to fix it, I think I made it worse. There are certain things that I would prefer my husband handles! Haha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 2:53 pm Reply

      Thank you, Mireille! I don’t know how long these rooms have existed at airports. I believe they were started by the USO and now some have been taken over by other different military support networks. I also believe they are all funded by fundraising efforts of these groups, which is really cool and completely heartwarming. The one in Syracuse is really like a mini military museum!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chrissy

    December 10, 2019 at 12:22 pm Reply

    Shelbee, how fun to be featured on your blog! Thank you for your kind words, it makes for a great start to the day! And what a creative post idea – the courtesy lounge. This is the first I’ve heard of it and I have loads of family in the military. lol. Btw, my brother-in-law and brother are currently stationed in Benning. Wouldn’t that be crazy if one of them bumped into your hubby?? It’s a large base, but you never know. 😉 Have a wonderful week and again thank you!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 2:50 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Chrissy! I am sure that your brother and brother-in-law are both quite familiar with military courtesy rooms in airports! Jeff is currently overseeing an air assault training class so if either them are in the current class or are instructors at the air assault school at Benning, then they have definitely met him! I am going to email you to get their names and I will ask Jeff! You never know. It is a small world and an even smaller Army sometimes.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jill

    December 10, 2019 at 12:30 pm Reply

    Your boys are so cute! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a military courtesy room at our airport but I’m sure there must be one. Thank you to your husband for serving and keeping our country safe!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 2:47 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Jill! Now that I have talked about these rooms, you might notice them! I used to travel more often before I was married and never noticed a military courtesy room at an airport before. But once I became a military spouse and learned of these rooms, I started seeking them out and they are actually quite common. But I suppose if you are not military, they would be quite off your radar!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Pam Ecrement

    December 10, 2019 at 1:50 pm Reply

    I very much GET what you are saying here. To be honest, I don’t think that those outside of this experience can fully grasp the breadth of it and the depth of the impact. You’ll be in my prayers during this separation. You see I married a man I loved who was also a Marine Corps officer. During our first three years of marriage it looked like this: 6 months together, 5 months apart, 3 months together, 13 months apart during which our first child was born while my dear hubby was in a war zone, 5 months together. He met our son when at 8 months of age. At the end of his commitment, he got out because another 13 months apart were ahead of us and the risks were increasing.

    This life deserves ANY perks available to these service families.♥️

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 2:44 pm Reply

      Pam, thank you so much! This comment seriously just brought tears to my eyes. I agree that those who don’t live the life definitely have difficulty grasping the impact. And I know there are lots of other people who work in jobs that send them traveling frequently, but most of those jobs do not carry the same risk and also include a much higher paycheck! We are nearing the end of this life, sort of, with retirement coming in about a year and a half. But the likelihood that Jeff will continue working for the military as a civilian is quite high, so I doubt much will change. Much thanks to you and your husband and children for your commitment to service as well. I hope your holiday season is filled with much love, peace, and joy.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jess jannenga

    December 10, 2019 at 4:09 pm Reply

    I had no idea about this! That is great that you can utilize this room and military families can use it before flying. I like the pillows and snacks.. even though I cant sleep on a plane! I applaud you and your hubby – you for taking care of the kids and your hubby for his service. Thanks for sharing this. Your kids are cute and aren’t they little hams!
    have a great day!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  • Jen

    December 10, 2019 at 4:47 pm Reply

    I didn’t know the military had courtesy rooms like this. That is so cool. Your little people are very cute! Here’s to hoping the 2 week separation for duty goes smoothly for all.

  • Ashley

    December 10, 2019 at 5:08 pm Reply

    What an awesome perk for military families! I love that there is so much to do to keep the kids entertained AND learn about the military. Very cool! And hoping your husband gets home soon for the holidays!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  • Lizzie

    December 10, 2019 at 5:38 pm Reply

    I love that you shared this part of your life with us! I have a lot of family members in the army, navy and marines but I have not have experienced it firsthand., I, did, however grow up with a single mom so I can relate to that 🙂 Love that they have a lounge area in the airport and a lot of neat things to see (would love to see the model!). I had no idea about any of that! Hope the separation goes by quickly 🙂

    Lizzie
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 5:47 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Lizzie! It took me a long time to get comfortable sharing these parts of my life on my blog. But I am glad that I made that transition. And your momma did a great job even doing the parenting thing alone!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ruth Josey

    December 10, 2019 at 5:49 pm Reply

    I think I remember seeing a Military Lounge last time I flew through Austin and thinking what a wonderful idea that was. I’m so glad they do something special for our guys and gals and their families. Spouses and families of members of our military deserve so much for the sacrifice they make and I know this time of year is especially difficult. Thank you so much for sharing him with us! And your little guys are such cuties – I just love this post!

    Ruth
    https://voguefauxreal.com/2019/12/09/

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 5:57 pm Reply

      Ruth, thank you so much! I am glad that I have a forum where I can share some of these things as well as a little peek into what military life looks like! I am just a regular gal, living my life, but these are all the things that make up my life!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • FancyBoy

    December 10, 2019 at 6:22 pm Reply

    I don’t travel too much by plane— but, that Military Courtesy Room is sweet! Glad you have that there for some comfort! It’s not easy running the household by yourself for sure— hang in there!!!

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    December 10, 2019 at 6:42 pm Reply

    I thank your husband for his service! That is so hard… My husband has to travel this week and next week and he’s going to miss the kids Christmas play for the first time ever tomorrow. Boo! It is hard solo-parenting!!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 10, 2019 at 6:51 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Carrie! I am so sorry that your husband has to miss the Christmas play. What a bummer. I am all too familiar with that feeling! I do so hope your holidays are filled with many blessings though! And very safe travels to your husband as well.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Christina Morley

    December 10, 2019 at 7:34 pm Reply

    Cool reading all about the lounge and your time there. I was an Army brat growing up. Maybe I mentioned that before. As a kid, I appreciated the Commissary. Even if you were overseas, you could still buy all of your favorite foods. I don’t think there were special airport lounges back then. That’s certainly a nice touch. Sorry that your hubby will be away during some of the holiday season. Take care and thanks for hosting!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 11, 2019 at 11:42 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Tina! I think I did know that you grew up in the military. I don’t think my kids are true military brats because we have been stationed at Fort Drum their entire lives and retirement is coming soon! And we have never lived on base. We are fully immersed in the town itself. But they are very familiar with friends moving away frequently and daddy being gone often!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Helen C.

    December 11, 2019 at 12:03 am Reply

    This is one of your most interesting posts. I woulndn´t mind realing more posts in the future about the family life of people working for the military. It´s worth noticing that not only the soldiers need to have courage to do this job, but all his/her family members need lots of courage to overcome all obstacles, like spending so much time apart. Congratulations for having a strong and loving family!
    Lots of hugs!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 11, 2019 at 11:37 am Reply

      Helen, thank you so very much! It is quite the life and I will try to share more about it if people are finding it interesting. I guess I find it kind of boring so I don’t put too much of it out there. But every now and then, I throw some military lifestyle things into my posts!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ada Furxhi

    December 11, 2019 at 12:07 am Reply

    Ohhh the boys have learned so much from their dad and military life. I too learned a lot about the military and the army. Thanks for the post.

    Ohhh and look: I linked up this week and I think you will like my posts.

  • Cheryl Shops

    December 11, 2019 at 4:31 am Reply

    I had no idea there were special military lounges at the airport—it’s like the AmEx Centurion lounge, but more homey and less filled with businessmen on their phones 😉 Seriously, though, I think that’s awesome, and servicepeople like your husband definitely deserve special treatment!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 11, 2019 at 11:35 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Cheryl! I think I was able to visit one of those fancy businessy lounges years ago when I did a lot of corporate travel and it was filled with a bunch of stressed out business people on cell phones (I guess I was probably one of those people). Haha. The military lounge is way more relaxed and homey than that, for sure!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Shauna

    December 11, 2019 at 4:44 am Reply

    You are so sweet, thank you so much for the feature! 🙂 Also, I’m happy to learn that you’re a fellow military wife! I used to be. My Husband was Special Forces in the Air Force and just retired. Military life is tough, deployments are THE WORST and I’m sending so lots of love during this time! Glad to know he’ll be home for the holidays. Hang in there!!

    Shauna

    http://www.lipglossandlace.net

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 11, 2019 at 11:33 am Reply

      Shauna, thank you so very much! I had no idea that you were also a military wife. It is such a great community, isn’t it? I get so excited when I meet other military families in this part of my life! We have 1 1/2 years until retirement, but I am sure my husband will continuing working for the military as a civilian. And I don’t think much changes in those jobs. How has the transition into retirement been for you? Wishing you a very blessed holiday!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Katie

    December 11, 2019 at 5:31 am Reply

    I used to live in Syracuse and I think it’s wonderful that they have a military courtesy room at the airport! While it must be so difficult to have a husband in the military, just know that we are so grateful for the sacrifices that your husband and family make for our country!

    -Katie
    http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/

  • Deborah Stinedurf

    December 11, 2019 at 10:57 am Reply

    That is really cool…I’m not in airports enough to have noticed the military lounges, but I really love that they exist because you all deserve it! I also love that they’re staffed by retired veterans. It will be a rough few weeks I’m sure, but girl…you got this! Sounds trite I know, but you do. Just hold your chin up and power through…your man will be home before you know it! xo
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 11, 2019 at 11:19 am Reply

      Debbie, thank you so much! It is a really cool benefit offered to us while traveling. And there are certain perks that I don’t mind taking advantage of. While it might sound trite, it is still always nice to hear some encouraging words. Two weeks is really no big deal, but I am in a serious winter/holiday funk so I could really use my husband to lean on! He is my rock. But we are already half way through week one! We will get through the weekend and then smooth sailing from there!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Laura Bambrick

    December 11, 2019 at 8:22 pm Reply

    That is SO NICE! When my dad was in the military I don’t remember having anything similar, but I am really glad there are things like that in place now, because being a military wife or part of a military family can be really hard and they deserve all the perks they can get!

  • Susan

    December 11, 2019 at 11:26 pm Reply

    I have never noticed these rooms, but am so glad to see them! A privilege most deserved, truly thoughtful, and the least we can do. I will be on the lookout now.

  • Marilee Judith Gramith

    December 14, 2019 at 7:02 pm Reply

    Look how relaxed your boys are. Clearly, the importance of these “sanctuaries” for military families is not a perk and more like an entitlement. A cozy family bonding lounge is the very LEAST we can do.
    Those darling rascals with their cross-eyed grins should be on a USO circuit. They certainly cheered ME up!!
    If I could wrap my arms around your family I would. Thank you all for your service.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      December 15, 2019 at 11:25 am Reply

      Aw, Jude, thank you so much! Ooh, but I so despise that word “entitlement”. Why does that have such a negative connotation? Although, if I were on the other side, I would quite agree with you that military families should have certain entitlements, for sure. As for these little rascals of mine, if I could wrap them in packaging and send them your way, I would! Hahaha. I am typing this at 6:25 a.m. with Ralphie literally sitting on my left arm and he has been chattering away in my ear non-stop since 5:50 a.m. I have not consumed enough coffee yet for this!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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