Military Benefits and Honoring Your Military Spouse

Individuals in the military face many challenges, from hard work in poor weather and dangerous conditions to time away from loved ones and friends. They are able to give their all because of the enduring patience and support of their spouses. These men and women, along with holding down the home fort and raising children without their significant other, must be ready to pick up and move at a moment’s notice. Often having to prepare to hunt for a new job if their employer has no location to transfer them to. It is for their sacrifices and commitment that we celebrate National  Military Spouse Appreciation Day the Friday before Mother’s Day. If you know a military spouse be sure to thank them for their selflessness and continuous support on May 11, 2018.

If you are a military spouse, or know new military spouse still building their own support system, here are benefits available to such dedicated Americans.

Education Benefits

The GI Bill(R) and the  Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) are two of the benefits that are available to those married to a member of the U.S. military. MyCAA offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance for spouses seeking an associate’s degree, license or certification while the GI Bill(R) allows service members to transfer their benefits to a spouse or child aged 25 or younger.

Spouses and children can also enjoy the free Moral, Welfare and Recreation digital library through their Military OneSource account. Their database has everything you could wish for; talking-picture books, at home experiments, research resources, tutors, and tools to help you pick up a new language or an instrument.

Military Discounts

Many businesses throughout the country offer significant benefits to service members and their spouses or children. This can include everyone from retailers to restaurants, insurance companies, and even mortgage companies. When in doubt, it never hurts to ask if there is a discount for active or retired military families. While many of these discounts are modest, technology and telecommunications companies often provide discounts greater than 10% for goods and services.

Job Security

Finding a new position when your service member spouse has been relocated can be challenging at best. There are online services, such as USAJOBS, that can help you find a company abiding by the Military Spouse Preference (MSP) program. This program encourages companies to hire military spouses on a temporary, term, or permanent basis. Through the Military Spouse Appointing Authority, some agencies are even able to appoint a military spouse to a position without competition.

Protecting our military families is something that is important to the team at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery. We see firsthand how America benefits from the sacrifices that are made every day both at home and abroad. We have a deep understanding of the  symbolism in military funerals  and will help ensure that your loved one receives the respect that they deserve for their ultimate sacrifice. Contact one of our compassionate staff members today at 480-832-2850 if you have any questions about taking care of your loved one after they have passed.