Hugs and kisses in a cheese shaker?
By elaine | October 10, 2011
As a military speaker in the area of family readiness, the cool thing is that I get to share amazingly great simple things that families are doing to stay connected when deployments separate them. What’s my expertise? Having interviewed over 3200 military families and seen what they do firsthand. My job as both a military speaker and author is to bring you the best of all those ideas. So how do families stay connected? Check out these ideas:
1. During deployment, a toddler missed her daddy’s hugs and kisses when she was tucked into bed. So Mom took a cheese shaker jar and filled it with slips of paper with “X’s” and “O’s” on them. At bedtime she shakes the jar over her daughter and says that these are Daddy’s kisses and hugs to send her off to sleep.
2. I’ve been told of many ways to send your voice across the miles such as small recordable picture frames, alarm clocks, recordable discs in stuffed animals or in Daddy Dolls (for the deployed parent’s voice), and of course Skype where available. Sometimes only 10 seconds of voice can bridge thousands of miles.
3. Handwritten letters are becoming more and more appreciated by loved ones many miles apart. Especially now
that they are breaking down communications centers in Iraq, but troops are still there. To encourage her child to write, one mom helped her son create his own personal stationery using a publisher program. She made it a self-mailer to ease the mailing process. Her child loved using this to write his special notes.
4. Even pets get into the act. One woman writes “We gave our dog a new “comfort toy” while my husband was gone. A comfort toy could be anything that belonged to my husband like an old slipper or a shirt (with his scent on it) knotted up like a chew toy.”
When I speak at family readiness conferences or yellow ribbon events I get to share so many of these awesome ideas with my audiences! Sharing heartwarming ideas is the next reason why I think it’s great to be a military speaker. See samples of more great ideas from my books at www.ImAlreadyHome.com or click here to read more about what it’s like to be a military speaker.
Topics: Deployment Readiness, Military Speaker | No Comments »
I made a wish and got the unexpected!
By elaine | October 6, 2011
True to my word and – commitment to my business colleague Brad Montgomery – we’re starting out a series of blogs dedicated to answering the question, “What’s it like being a military speaker?” Since being a speaker is truly personal and encompasses so many great things, I’ll share a fun and different perspective in each post…over the next 20 posts!
The family on the cover of my books!
Background: I’ve been a military speaker for the past nine years and pioneered the idea of speaking and writing in the family readiness arena. That means that I speak to families who are in any phase of military deployment or separated when TDY. So, the first and biggest perk is that I get to talk about family to families! I’ve done a great deal of speaking and training in the corporate environment, and continue to do so. Talking about family doesn’t come into play very often, and it was something that was missing. A long time ago I started “putting out to the universe” (I call it praying) two things: I wanted to talk about the importance of family relationships and I wanted to make a difference for more than just a day. That was it.
When I began writing connection idea books for the military back in 2003, I was also requested come speak at conferences to talk about the ideas in the books (see the books I’m referring to at www.ImAlreadyHome.com). Over the next few years I came to realize that I DID get exactly what I had prayed for! I was helping families stay strong and connected, telling stories about family, and making a difference for an entire deployment.
There are many speakers out there addressing myriad relevant topics, but I truly believe that those of us who are in direct contact with the amazing military families have the very best job when it comes to being called a military speaker! Thanks to the Family Readiness offices for letting me be a part of making my own dreams come true while being there for you. To find out more about being a military speaker, click here.
Topics: Everyday Military Life, Military Speaker | No Comments »
Military Speaker | Elaine Dumler
By elaine | September 30, 2011
I have the best job in the world because I’m a military speaker and author who has the privilege of helping our service members and their families stay strong and connected during deployments. That’s just plain awesome! Now that some units are beginning to draw down, I get to help with reunion and reintegration too. I can’t think of much better than that. Anyway, along the last 8 years of this journey, I’ve been asked some questions about what I do and how I do it. Blogging cuts right to the chase, so let’s go ahead and answer some of those questions.
What is a military speaker? A regular professional speaker is someone who enjoys sharing valuable relev
ant information with a group of people in their industry. A military speaker is a professional speaker who has found that his or her very special audience is comprised of people involved in an aspect of military life. For me, I’ve chosen to be a military speaker specifically for our service members and their families. This allows me to be a part of helping military families learn and commit to staying connected with each other when they leave on TDY or deployments. Being a military speaker is a specialty.
Why do you need a military speaker when planning a military event? Won’t any association speaker do? Because military specific speakers are the people who have spent a great deal of time and research getting to know the military, their lifestyle, what drives them, what their challenges are and how they can specifically be of assistance. They know the language…and you have to admit that the military certainly has its own language! Any professional speaker can come and give a presentation, but it’s likely to sound like many others given “out there” in the world. A military speaker brings humor, character, knowledge of the military lifestyle and a feeling that they “get” you to the platform. Don’t settle for less.
Why do
I like being a mil
itary speaker? I love it because of all the amazing people I get to meet. I don’t just come in, do a presentation and then head out the back door. I’m there for the entire event, and that has let me make real friends over the past years. I get to be part of your lives not only for the weekend of the conference, but hopefully for years to come. I tell people that I have lots of “great friends” on bases and posts whom I haven’t even met, because they have read and used my books or heard me speak from somewhere in an audience. You can see from these pictures, how great it is to meet such remarkable people.
Why am I the best military speaker for your family readiness conference? I have been speaking at National conventions and State Family Programs conferences, on bases and posts around the country for eight
years. My expertise is focused specifically on your military family and your family program volunteers. If you’re planning any family and/or volunteer conference then I’m the best you can get for bringing you those funny, intimate and heartwarming family connection ideas. I’ve worked with family programs volunteers in regional trainings and I know how to help you recruit and retain your volunteers and give them the information they need to go out and help the families under their care. After all, I’ve interviewed over 3200 military families on what they do and what websites they rely on to keep their family strong.
What makes me
differ
ent fro
m others as a military speaker? I’m the only person who can bring you the connections from two bestselling books. I’m a professional speaker, which lets me help you create a great event and troubleshoot problems. I know how to use humor and stories to keep people involved and interested, and all of my breakout sessions are fully interactive to generate more great ideas. Oh yea…I’m the only civilian family connections specialist who summarizes general session presentations by wrapping points around the photos and experience of an incentive ride in an F-16 taken with the 180thFighter Wing in Ohio! Now that rocks!
of the connection ideas and resources I’ve gleaned over the years make up the ideas in each chapter of the book…over 250 ideas and 200 resource websites in each one. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories from deployed families that it just makes sense that I bring you the 15 or 20 that stand out as amazing. That’s where Flat Daddy® came from, and the stories around military discounts that I share. The ideas in the book “I’m Already Home…Again” are the ones used in the pre-deployment and deployment presentations, and the ideas from “The Road Home” are shared in the reunion and reintegration program called “From Barracks to Backyard”. How do I chose a military speaker for my event? First decide on the theme of the event and specifically the 
people it is designed for. Is it a conference just for the service members? Should it be training rather than an event? Is it regional? Find the military speaker who you feel can connect and serve the people who will be in that particular audience. Then decide on your budget so that you’re ready to talk about that up front. Finally, when you have your event dates selected, and your preferred speaker selected, have them put a hold on those dates while you are working out the details. Since most events are scheduled for weekends, they can get booked up quickly. Then you don’t have to run the risk of losing your speaker to another event. I have lots of military speaker resources, and would be happy to help you find the right one if your event isn’t designed for the families…which of course, I’d be perfect for!
I trust that this page has helped address some questions hanging out there regarding hiring a military speaker to bring the exact right amount of knowledge and pizzazz to your program. If you’d like any other information about hiring me to be your family readiness military speaker, write to me at my speaking contact page. I hope we have the chance to connect for real in the near future. Thanks for all you are doing to make our country and our everyday lives safer.
Topics: Military Speaker | 2 Comments »
AMC bites the dust…the end of an era of connection.
By elaine | September 22, 2011
Do 
you know what tomorrow is? I know, it’s Friday, but more than that, it’s the ending of an era. Pine Valley, PA ceases to exist as the daytime serial (or “soap opera”) All My Children ends its 41 year run. I used to watch it, but drifted away over 12 years ago. Still, I’m a little saddened by the departure of characters I’d come to know, many of whom are still part of the show. Even if you’ve never seen a single episode of All My Children, who hasn’t heard of the venerable Erica Kane…queen of Pine Valley! Played by Susan Lucci for all of the character’s 41 years, she has been the epitome of the woman you “love to hate.” But there’s more to the story of this milestone. It’s the end of a time of daytime theatre that has given career starts to many of the celebrity names we are familiar with today. This week I’ve actually been watching the final episodes as they bring back cameo appearances of the characters and storylines I remember from years ago. It’s interesting to watch how the writers are tying up dangling scenarios that were meant to go on and on while still surprising you with the unexpected. Stuart lives! It doesn’t get better than that. Here’s what I remember, and see if any of this makes you smile and say…”I remember that too!”
- I remember spending the day at my Grandmother’s house when I was little and having to eat our lunch in the living room while she tuned in to “watch my stories.” I didn’t care what we watched, as long as I was sitting there next to her.
- I remember starting to watch All My Children when I was in college and we had one large lounge at the end of the dorm hall that had one TV. Many of us girls would plan our class schedules to meet “back at the house” to have lunch and watch who did what to whom and still wonder how people could ever get themselves into such horrible situations.
- I remember watching before the invention of the DVR or even The Soap Channel which meant that you had to be sitting in front of the TV specifically at the time of airing if you wanted to catch that day’s episode…and how devastating it would be if everyday life…heaven forbid…got in the way of that!
- I remember times when two people would be fighting about something they wouldn’t need to be fighting about if they only knew what was going on in the background storylines. I would occasionally yell “Why don’t you just talk to each other!” at the TV knowing that if they did, everything would straighten out. Of course I knew why they didn’t talk…because then there wouldn’t be a story to watch!
But it’s not just that. I remember the conversations over coffee that started with something akin to, “Do you even believe that Tad would have an affair when he has Dixie waiting home for him?” or “Doesn’t Brooke know what kind of a man Adam is?” or “Do you believe how gorgeous Maria is?” We knew it was all fiction, but we enjoyed the personal time we were sharing together, sitting around a table between classes. I remember how much I miss that. Now with social media, these conversations happen digitally. I want people to remember what it’s like to connect personally with another person, and for many of us, the daytime soap was an avenue that fostered that. I want you to remember the importance of sitting next to grandma on the coach, and feeling like a grown up because the two of you were engrossed in the same thing, even if you had no idea what was going on. Now, watching it this week, I find that I’m quickly drawn back into the intimacy of the character’s lives I knew so well…if only for a few minutes…and get a twinkle in my eye when I realize that I still think Tad is hot, especially with a few years, a few pounds and some sexy grey hair added to the mix!
Topics: everyday stuff | No Comments »
Your Inspiring Military Family
By elaine | May 25, 2011
I think I’m going to really like this series of blog posts these coming weeks. Every time I read a card that has the thoughts of a military family written on it, I get chills. The intensity, emotion and support for each other show through every word. I hope that someone’s words will affect you at a time when you need to hear them and that they make you smile…and be thankful that you’re a part of the extended military world. Here are my favorites for today:
“I feel that I am helping my country by being a support to my soldier, and helping her by knowing that her son is being cared for which gives you peace of mind.” – Cynthia
There is no better gift to give a soldier than helping to care for their children left behind during deployments. Blessings go out to the grandparents, neighbors, teachers and child caregivers who step up to fill this important void.
“A military family is just that – an extended family. We do activities together and are there for one another. People who are involved in the military understand the trials, tribulations, and good that come from it.” – Jaime
It’s the connection of everyone in the military that creates that family. Many say it’s a warm and comforting feeling knowing that they are a part of a community of common experiences, and they can share with each other because they say “I know what you’re going through”…and truly mean it. Thank you to all military families for being so special.
Topics: Everyday Military Life | 1 Comment »
Living in a military family is inspiring!
By elaine | May 23, 2011
Yesterday, I had the privilege of presenting a Yellow Ribbon pre-deployment session for an Army National Guard Aviation Unit that is getting ready to deploy soon. Their families are supportive and amazing, and I enjoyed every minute with them. It was an honor. During the program I asked them to write down what they like about being a part of the military family environment. What they wrote was inspiring and over the coming weeks I’m going to share some of those with you. Why? Because in everyone’s life, things come up that just plain suck. Sometimes, when it seems like everyone and everything is fighting against you, and you’re ready to throw in the towel, you need to be reminded of how great you are! By truly listening to some of the reasons that other families are glad they can stand up and shout about what makes a military family different and wonderful, can let you put the bad things into perspective. They don’t last forever. To get you started, here’s what makes a difference to Mary Lou Sundby: “Being a ‘proud’ parent watching our son grow into the fine young man he has become, and what the military has done for him to become who he is today!” Thank you Mary Lou, and all our military families, for reminding Americans how terrific you are! Enjoy your day and watch for more inspiration.
Topics: Deployment Readiness | No Comments »
Coming Home – Amazing Military Homecomings
By elaine | March 7, 2011
Ok, when is the last time you watched a TV show with a box of Kleenex at your side? If it wasn’t within the last 24 hours, then you didn’t catch the series opener of Coming Home on Lifetime network. Last night was the season opener of Army Wives and immediately following it was Coming Home. It had the kind of “feel goodness” of Extreme Home Makeover set to amazing military homecomings. Some were staged to be surprises for the family – usually the kids – and others were home video clips that were sent in. I’ve seen a number of homecomings and reunions first hand and there is nothing in this world that is better than that. I’m thrilled that these amazing events are now the subject of a TV series, and I thank the families who have shared this intimate part of their lives with the rest of us. The first episode had kids being surprised at school assemblies, over a video feed that “appeared” to have broken, a dad making a surprise appearance at his son’s Signing Night for college football, and the most elaborate of all – a dad surprising his son and “knighting” him at a Knights of the Roundtable show!
I’m proud that we as a country are welcoming back all our military soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines with open arms. I hope that if you see this show, you get a feeling for what these families go through and the strength and pride they hold themselves together with for the many months they are apart. The strength of our country shows through these people in ways that I hope you’ll never overlook. When you pass a serviceperson in uniform in the airport, or another public place, offer your hand…and your smile…in gratitude. And next Sunday night? I hope you’ll be in front of the TV watching Coming Home!
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Closets, Clutter and Deployment!
By elaine | February 27, 2011
I’m starting the year 2011 feeling “cluttered.” I feel like my work life, and sometimes my personal life is overloaded and I find it difficult to figure out how to prioritize things. Just when I remember something I have to do, I forget something else! There are just too many things around me right now. Have you ever felt like that? I went to put groceries away in my pantry and found that it was so cluttered that I couldn’t find a place for a box of Cheerios! Now that’s sad. Then I hung up some clothes in my closet and was hit in the head by boxes – some empty and some full – that fell from the shelf above the clothes bar. I realized then that everything around me was cluttered; closets, office, kitchen, etc. So I’m thinking that maybe if I clean out some of the clutter around me, that my life will begin to feel less cluttered too. So here’s my experiment: I’m going to clean out the closets. I’ll throw out (hopefully) things I can’t even remember last using, and give away things that could prove helpful to other people. I feel like it might be a cleansing from the inside out if I can surround myself with a less cluttered environment. So I started with the pantry and am amazed at how great it is to open the door and actually be able to see what’s on the shelves! Now I need more food – not really!
Look around you and see if the clutter is making you feel out of control. Especially if you’re going through a deployment, because you’re taking on so much more just by the fact that you’re missing an adult in the household! Can your kids help you put the toys away? Are there others who could use some of their old furniture and toys? Can you donate them to the childcare center at your FRG or FAC? Maybe it will help you to get back in control if you clean out your closets too – both physical and mental. Let me know how it goes, and I’ll keep you informed from my end too. Ok – now off to clean the hall closet!
Topics: Everyday life | No Comments »
Is your life defined by SUCCESS or SIGNIFICANCE?
By elaine | December 3, 2010
Fun projects together!
December is a month when I tend to reflect on things. I look at all I have in my life and wonder if that’s the true definition of Success. I’m pretty lucky, so most of the time it is. In church last week, the minister talked about how we define Success for our own lives, and then he took it a step further. He asked if, along with living a successful life, we were also living a significant life! That was something I hadn’t thought of before – the need to have both success and significance in our lives. I know that December is a challenging time for families that are separated by military deployments, and it’s hard to see the positive side of that. How can you make it easier on you and your family? Together, try doing something significant this season for someone else – something that helps someone else from which you expect nothing in return. If you do it with your kids, you help teach them what a difference they can make in another’s life. Try organizing a toy drive, volunteering to serve supper at a homeless shelter, making a banner togther to send overseas or throwing a party through your FRG for community families needing a bit of cheer. The possibilities are endless. I’d love to hear some of what you come up with to do. Email me at Elaine@ImAlreadyhome.com and we’ll compile the ideas to spark other acts of kindness in the future. By doing this you’ll see that SUCCESS + SIGNIFICANCE = LIFE! Happy Holidays from all of us here at I’m Already Home.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
Veteran’s Skills Put Them Back to Work.
By elaine | October 29, 2010
Soon we’ll be adding a new phase to our business: the people and relationship side of getting our military veterans back to work. I heard about a company, JL Transport – The Caring Movers, (www.TheCaringMovers.com) on a Mike Rosen radio broadcast. The owner, Jim Lockard is a 30 year Air Force veteran and makes it a priority to hire military veterans to join his workforce. In this time of economic turmoil when jobs are scarce and so many of our vets are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, I wanted to find out exactly what makes a veteran such a sought after employee. So I called the company, and here’s what I found out:
- Individuals who “live” the military lifestyle have a background of commitment…to themselves, to each other and to an employer who treats them well. This commitment and loyalty fosters their need to go above and beyond when asked to complete a project. How refreshing it would be to have employees who will stick with you as an employer.
- The military lifestyle is different, and it instills values that are vital to a thriving business. These include resiliency, respect, patience, trust and honesty all of which translate into skills that are a valuable commodity to the personal nature of their moving business.
- Veterans arrive with the skills, personality and understanding to do a good job but often don’t know exactly where to put those skills to work. Caring companies can help them refine and apply those skills.
- Lastly, JL Transport is a company that can offer employment opportunities outside of just 9-5 full time employment to meet the needs of the veteran who is still reintegrating back into their life after deployment. Sometimes they just need part time, evening or contract work. At The Caring Movers, a job might require that a lost bag from the airlines be delivered to someone at 3:00 in the morning!
This company, and many others out there, is sharing the advantages of putting our military veterans back to work! Why not join them.
Topics: From DEployment to EMployment | 2 Comments »
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