EP 05: A Military Brat’s Journey Back to Civilian Life

Afterthought on The Military Family

How is life out of military service?

What is the role of military families and/or spouses to the overall preparedness of the force?

How can society help in supporting military families?

Do civilian families face the same challenges as military families?

Let's hear it straight from Vicky, a brat and a veteran, her difficult yet fun experiences in transitioning from being an active-duty service member to a civilian. Get a glimpse of how military families live a unique lifestyle while serving the country, as well as the society's role in supporting them.

About the Guest:

Vicky Dizon, a US Navy Veteran, is a good friend of Mami Redj. She loves to work out, read books, and enjoys being a fur mom to her fur baby, Julia.

Before her enlistment, she held a corporate job in Makati.

Her fascination towards her Dad’s sea stories in the US Navy and her admiration of his bravery inspired her to join the military after the events of 9/11.

She is currently out of uniform and living the civilian life in the Philippines.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

• Common challenges and advantages during readjustment and transition
• Importance of families and/or spouses to active service members
• Simple ways on how society can support military families.
• Learn how to be understanding of the unique challenges that military families face

Single Quote:

“My message to our listeners, to our troopers, is when somebody in the military or a military dependent or family is going through something, lend them ear. Sometimes all they need to do is vent because they can't find anyone to vent to or to get it off their chest, and sometimes that helps a lot. Just getting it off your chest like talking to somebody who will listen to you unconditionally and unjudgementally”. - Vicky Dizon

Check out these episode highlights:

• 3:17 - When, at what age, and the branch she joined
• 4:15 - Who inspired her to enlist and why
• 5:20 - What happens during recall
• 5:58 - The event that sparked military recruitment again in 2001
• 7:38 - The challenges of being the oldest recruit and why she thinks it’s better to enlist when you’re younger
• 10:58 - 3 things she adapted in the military
• 14:27 - Her length of service and when it ended
• 15:35 - What made her leave the military
• 16:53 - Her first year as a veteran and who she missed the most
• 18:50 - The one military task she feels relieved not doing anymore after she got discharged
• 20:10 - Why home-cooked meals is synonymous to homecoming
• 20:41 - What she learned about herself after she left the service
• 22:43 - How self realizations and self searching empowered Vicky
• 24:00 - Her relationships and engagement with fellow service members
• 25:30 - Her hopes and plans for her future
• 28:05 - The important role of military families to service members
• 31:22 - The importance of spouses in military families
• 32:26 - What civilians can do to help military families aside from saying thank you and giving military discounts
• 36:15 - Sharing military experiences and stories
• 37:24 - #HugeSacrifice: Why serving in the military is synonymous to sacrifice