Once again, we were off to a new-to-us destination. The life of a military family is not for those who don’t like change. So much of life is built around constants, yet in a military life, change is one of those constants.
I admire my wife for her devotion to our family and to our country. I get it. I really do. I served from 1992-2006 in the U.S. Marine Corps, and my wife has served in the U.S. Army since 2000. Both of us spent time overseas with Operation Iraqi Freedom. And while I chose to transition to civilian life a few years ago, my wife stayed the course and built a career with the Army.
Most don’t think about the toll transfers take on military families; when one serves, we all serve. Being at the military’s beck and call is something we are used to. We know what we signed up for. While I’m not complaining about this life of service, trying to quickly find a new job when your spouse is transferred can be challenging and stressful.
But there was something different this time – something that made our family’s latest transfer experience better than it has ever been before.
As an asset protection manager at store 3492 in Wichita, Kansas, I wasn’t familiar with Walmart’s Military Family Promise (MFP) program until I spoke to a friend who worked at the home office. The MFP program guarantees a job at a nearby store or club for all military personnel and military spouses employed at Walmart or Sam’s Club who move to a different part of the country because they or their spouse have been transferred by the U.S. military.
I didn’t go into the MFP process with any preconceived notions. I knew I might not get the exact job I wanted unless something opened up. And, while I would’ve been thankful for any opportunity, I was fortunate enough to land the exact same position I had in Wichita at a Neighborhood Market in Joplin, Missouri, just a few miles away from where my wife is serving.
I knew Walmart cared about veterans and was familiar with our Veterans Welcome Home Commitment. But I had no idea we had policies in place to support me, a military spouse. The MFP allows me to focus on what’s most important during this transition – and that’s getting my house in order and getting my kids acclimated to their new surroundings.
I’m also taking time to share my story so other military family associates can take advantage of MFP and focus on what’s important in their lives during their own moves. Thanks to programs like these, we don’t just have jobs at Walmart, we have careers.