Sara Jane Arnett

Celebrating Holidays: Military Style

November 12, 2021November 12, 2021 Sara Jane Arnett 1 Comment holidays, military family, Military Life, perspective

This year will be the 16th Thanksgiving my husband and I have been married and the eighth one we’ve had to celebrate separately because of geographic separation. While our sons and I look forward to spending Thanksgiving in Dallas with dear friends while my husband is deployed, it reminds me of how our military lifestyle has shaped and molded us into what spending the holidays together looks like for military families. You make the most of whatever situation you’re in at the moment!

Experience PCS

Farewell, My Friends

May 6, 2021May 8, 2021 Sara Jane Arnett 1 Comment friendship, PCS

As a new military spouse eons ago, I was fascinated with the traditions and customs of the Army. In particular, the events known as “Hail and Farewell” ceremonies, where everyone gathers either formally or informally to welcome or say goodbye to those in a fellow organization.

Experience Household 6

Coaching Your Child Through Bullying

November 5, 2020November 6, 2020 Sara Jane Arnett 0 Comments military kids

A few weeks ago, I painfully overheard three middle school moms discussing the mistreatment of one of their children being accused of bullying: horrified because the school had called the parents to report the incident, angry because their child had been reprimanded and called into the Vice Principal’s office, and reluctant to pause and reflect how discrimination could be classified as bullying.

My heart beat gained momentum, and I instantly felt a sadness for many reasons.

First, because the conversation was one-sided and lacked empathy.

Second, this is the 21st century where consequences for bad behavior have seemed to shift to a collaborative process which stunts growth.

And finally, because the nameless victim was my son, who has systemically received some form of bullying on and off during his entire student career.

Experience Household 6

Welcomed Ruckus

September 5, 2020September 2, 2020 Sara Jane Arnett 0 Comments military family

Done. With a sigh of relief and purse full of snacks and entertainment in hand, my four boys and I finally went back to mass this past Sunday for the first time since COVID-19 took over our lives this past March. Needless to say, I was anxious about attending an event with so many people concentrated in one place, but was assured by our padre, Father John, that every precaution was taken to ensure the health and safety of parishioners was at the forefront of newly implemented COVID protocols.

Experience Household 6

New School Year Blues

August 5, 2020July 29, 2020 Sara Jane Arnett 0 Comments education, military kids

Are you experiencing thoughts of anxiety, guilt, worry, doubt, uncertainty, or all of the above concerning the upcoming school year? Are you singing the new school year blues? Join the crowd because wading through the information, news, and daily COVID-19 numbers are enough to drive anyone to madness especially when it concerns sending our children back to school in this ever-uncertain environment we’ve been stuck in for the past several months.

Career & Education Experience

Developing a Battle Rhythm to Manage Conflict

July 4, 2020July 3, 2020 Sara Jane Arnett 0 Comments advice, career, encouragement

love training. I love receiving new information and analyzing how and where to apply this newfound skill set. I’m a life-long learner and thoroughly enjoy facilitating training. One training that I particularly enjoy facilitating is Conflict Management. Leaders with communication skills such as facilitation, mentorship, and resolution are more likely to engage and thrive in managing conflict in their workplaces and at home.

Disagreement and challenge are inevetible and can result in conflict. However, conflict presents advantages of communication growth within organizations; individuals within organizations are shaped by their own values, beliefs, work ethic, perceptions, and behaviors. Possessing and exercising the skills and mindset in order to engage is crucial to conflict management. On the other hand, shying away from conflict allows issues to fester, which can affect the integrity of an organization and impose negativity within individuals

Experience Household 6 Military Life

Leading in Quarantine: 4 Do’s and Don’ts

June 4, 2020June 4, 2020 Sara Jane Arnett 2 Comments advice, perspective

In times of crisis, communication from leadership is crucial to the integrity of the organization and the people in it. Depending in which part of the world you reside, more than likely you have recently been in quarantine for a significant amount of time as we #stayhome in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Leaders have been called to action and forced to navigate uncharted territories as they adjust to the communication challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we continue to sift through theories and projections for the future, how can leaders sustain momentum as we ask, “How does one lead in quarantine?”

Experience Military Life

Military Spouse Serves as Global Leader

May 5, 2020May 8, 2020 Sara Jane Arnett 0 Comments military family, volunteering

Meet Jill Waters, recently sworn in Military and Family Readiness Council (MFRC) member who is positioned to collaborate, strategize, and meet quarterly in Washington, D.C. for the next two years.

The MFRC is comprised of spouses or parents of service members, higher officials, and service members from each branch of the armed forces to discuss policies, procedures, plans, and initiatives that globally support military families. Meetings are open to the public, and the last meeting of the year holds a vote on which council initiatives to put in place.

Experience Military Life

Shine the Light on Military Children

April 4, 2020March 31, 2020 Sara Jane Arnett 0 Comments military kids, support

Good morning Army Wife Network readers! I write this post with excitement and honor as we enter April and celebrate the Month of the Military Child. As we continue to operate in the uncertainty of our new COVID-19 stay-at-home norm, I want to offer you hope and a reflection piece that we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to push the reset button. This time of re-prioritizing life as we know it has allowed me to refocus my energy on what I hold most precious—our most valued military children.

First and foremost, it is with a humble heart that I highlight an incredible example of one our military children. I want to introduce you to Yasmine Dave’ Louise Searcy. She is the 12-year old daughter of Sgt. First Class Kennon and Oona Searcy, U.S. Army Great Lakes Recruiting Battalion of Pontiac Company.