I am having a moment where I really appreciate how well the military takes care of us.
Since we are getting ready to move back home, I called about some apartments in Georgia close to where Scott will be in school. They gave me price quotes on furnished apartments that included phone, internet, cable and utilities. When I looked at the price they were quoting compared to a basic apartment, it seemed high. But then I realized I have no idea what the average person pays for these things. We have been so taken care of, I don't even know what is a reasonable rent price anymore.
For the past 5 years, we have shown up at a military base, asked for a house, and moved in a few days later. We never had to pay deposits, rental application fees, pet fees or, best of all rent and utilities. It is all part of our benefits.
And it gets better. We don't pay for health care either. Again, for the past 5 years, when I get sick, I go to the doctor. If I need medicine, it's free. When I cracked my head open on the sidewalk our first week in Japan and needed 5 stitches...free. Having this baby...free. My prenatal vitamins and any other medicine you can think of...free!
Granted, military life is not all cake. There are not many jobs you volunteer for knowing you will most likely get shot at by people aiming to kill you. Also, there are not many jobs you volunteer for knowing it will take you away from your family for long periods of time. But, in the hard times, it is nice to know you are taken care of. It is one worry, in a pile of other worries, you don't have to deal with.
While only 1-2% of our population actually serves in the military, I am proud to say I am married to one who does. And I am proud of how the military takes care of us.
