Navigating Life as a Retired Military Family
Welcome to the first episode of the "Retired Military Family" podcast! I'm Djaataa, and I'm here with my wonderful husband Olumide. We're excited to share our journey and insights about life after military service, raising a family, and navigating the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a retired military family.
Our Military Journey
My husband retired from the Marine Corps 14 years ago at the young age of 27. His first duty station was in Okinawa, Japan, which he fondly remembers for its Pacific charm and the camaraderie among his fellow Marines. After Japan, he was stationed in North Carolina, where we got married. Following his retirement, we moved to Texas, a place close to our hearts.
Transitioning to Civilian Life
Transitioning from military to civilian life wasn't easy. My husband pursued higher education, utilizing tuition assistance programs available to active-duty members. He now holds multiple degrees and has been a guest speaker at his university. For military spouses, there are also educational programs available, such as the one I used to earn my associate's degree in human resources.
Utilizing Military Resources
One of the key themes of our podcast is the importance of utilizing available resources. The VA recently released its 2025 Veterans Resource Guide, which is packed with valuable information. We emphasize the need to ask questions and seek out resources, whether it's for education, healthcare, or other benefits.
Our Move to Washington, D.C.
Our move to Washington, D.C., was driven by my job opportunity. The transition from Texas to D.C. was significant, but it opened up new opportunities for us. My husband had his VA rating re-evaluated, which provided additional benefits and support.
Life as a Retiree
Life as a retiree comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. My husband enjoys giving back by mentoring others and sharing his experiences. We believe in the importance of not gatekeeping knowledge and helping others navigate their post-military lives.
Future Episodes
In future episodes, we'll dive deeper into various topics, including:
Educational Opportunities: Programs for veterans and their families.
Healthcare and Benefits: Navigating the VA system and accessing healthcare.
Family Life: Raising a family as a retired military couple.
Travel and Relocation: Tips for moving and traveling as a retired military family.
Advocacy and Support: How to advocate for yourself and your family.
We'll also have individual segments where we share our personal journeys. My segment, "Un-Wine," will focus on my experiences as a military spouse, while my husband's segment, "Coffee and Feels," will explore his hobbies and insights.
Join us as we explore the retiree lifestyle and share valuable resources and tips to enhance your life. Whether you're a veteran, a military spouse, or someone interested in the military lifestyle, we hope our podcast provides you with useful information and inspiration.
