Month: February 2021

Military Museum in Tijeras, NM Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Call for Stories from Military Families

Events, Military Family Members, Military News, Museum News, Museum of the American Military Family, News, The Board of Directors

by Erica Asmus-Otero

The Museum of the American Military Family (MAMF), located in Tijeras, New Mexico – is celebrating its 10th anniversary in March 2021.

In celebration of the anniversary, the museum is asking military families, both active and retired, to submit a memory to the MAMF about their military service on a postcard or birthday card.

“We want to connect with families through their stories and cards but cannot have a big celebration out of an abundance of caution with the pandemic,” said museum founder and military family member, Circe Woessner.

Founded in 2011, the MAMF collects, preserves and displays memorabilia and nostalgic stories donated by military families, providing ongoing support through podcasts, books, and other mediums.

“Many Americans don’t understand the sacrifices that the families of service men and women make – how many times their families are uprooted, have to assimilate with new cultures and customs, make and lose friends, and change schools or jobs on a regular basis,” said Woessner. “The MAMF brings to life the stories of these families through their memorabilia, while providing a support network of families who can truly relate with the many challenges and emotions we’ve all experienced.”

Postcard and birthday cards will be accepted throughout the month of March and will be carefully curated in a commemorative 10th anniversary album and posted on the museum’s Facebook page: @MuseumoftheAmericanMilitaryFamily. Birthday greetings can be sent directly to: MAMF 546B State Highway 333 Tijeras, NM 87059.

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WANT AN EASIER WAY TO GIVE TO CHARITIES?

Military News, Museum News, Museum of the American Military Family, News, The Board of Directors

By W. Umber

Ask your financial advisor about a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) also known as a Charitable Giving Fund.  These accounts are setup through the financial services firm of your choice (Fidelity, Ameriprise, USAA, etc.).   You can fund this account with cash, stock, or other assets such as IRA minimum distributions, and you recommend an investment strategy once the assets are irrevocably transferred to the DAF.  The tax deduction for the charitable donation is taken at the time the assets are transferred into the DAF. Assets can continue to grow in value (tax free) depending on the investments you choose.  There may be other tax benefits depending on your situation.

Once the DAF is funded, you recommend “grants” or donations to your charity.  You can give anonymously, in memory of someone, or in support of specific projects.  The grant is made directly to the charity—no credit cards, checks, or websites to sign up for!  You will have a permanent record of the gifts you have made through the fund.

Essentially, this is like having a mini-foundation that you fund and control.  Check with your financial advisor to see if this is a good strategy for you, and don’t forget that you can donate to the Museum of the American Military Family through your Donor Advised Fund!

FIRST ESSAY CONTEST OF THE YEAR!

Events, Military News, Museum News, Museum of the American Military Family

TOPIC: ID CARDS

Everyone associated with the military has got to have an ID card memory! Turning 10 and getting your first one, losing your ID and dealing with that, nostalgically holding on to it long after it expired, the awful picture that could be just about anyone, trying to buy alcohol and being told it didn’t “count..”  During the month of March, we want to share your ID Card story!

In your essay, written in first person, please describe to us your most memorable ID card moment/s.

Guidelines:

  • Essays must be no more than 800 words.
  • Please include your name and phone number along with your essay submission.

The first 4 entries will receive a patch or pin donated by Military Brat Seal, and the first-place winner will receive a “goody box” of awesome prizes. If you’ve submitted a story in a contest before—that’s okay!

All entries will be posted on FB and in one, or more, of our blogs. All submissions must be emailed to us at militaryfamilymuseum@comcast.net.

 

Good luck!