The Final Things Every Family Should Do Before a PCS Move
by D'Antrese McNeil - May 5th, 2022
No matter if you love or hate your current duty station, it will always be an important era etched into your life. So, why not make your last memories of it the best you’ve ever had? I’ll be honest, NAS Patuxent River had very little to offer this big city girl, and it has been probably one of my least favorite duty stations to date.
However, I will miss this place. I’ve cultivated relationships and made ‘Framily’ (friends and family). You can read more about my Pax River adventures here.
So how do you make the most of your final weeks or months before a PCS move? How can you properly celebrate the time you've spent and the things you've learned at your current duty station? You need to go out with a bang!
Every military family should do these things before a PCS move
Do something new
You know that list of places and events (the Bucket List) that you’ve been telling yourself you need to get out and do and see: DO IT NOW. I am guilty of this. I’ve said for the past three years that I was taking my family to our local water park and have yet to follow through with that. I will finally do it this summer since we leave the area in August. We’ve already gotten our passes!
Have a going-away party
Nothing is more fun (at least for us) than a good kickback. Get your people together at your home and grill some food, pull out some drinks and games and just hang out. My mom always says your last memories with people should always be happy. This is a great way to make that happen. Plus… anything that involves good food is a worthwhile event.
Host a fun event
Now, this isn’t for everyone. But a great way to leave your mark and go out with a bang is to host a luncheon or poetry jam, or whatever suits your fancy. If you have joined any local groups or clubs at this assignments, get the gang together for a last hurrah. You can even think further and set up a club or group that continues even in your absence. I’m all about leaving a legacy, and it's a great way to feel that you've made a difference at your duty station.
Volunteer
That’s right, get out there and find a way to be useful. Whether it's on base or off base, find an activity that is meaningful to you and to the community. Even here in my small town, there are a plethora of things for us to dive into to help. Plus, you will be surprised as you go through life how many places look to see your volunteer history. So, rack up those hours!
Show Appreciation
If you stop and think about it, there are numerous behind-the-scenes people who have helped your time at this duty station go smoothly. Those MA/MP’s that secure the gates and base? Thank them. They work 24/7 to ensure our bases/posts and housing are safe. And I’ve found they love cookies. If you live in housing, remember that your housing office staff are just that, the staff. And they are simply following the rules that are placed on them. So, thank them as well. Your Command/Unit FRG, base volunteer opportunities…anywhere you can leave a piece of gratitude, do it. A smile and thank you go a long way.
And there you have it! Just a few ideas for you to go out with a bang, before the packers arrive and the moving truck pulls in.
D’Antrese McNeil is a proud military spouse. She is a stay at home mom, as well as a photographer and vlogger/blogger. She is also the Pax River Military Spouse of the Year 2017. D’Antrese is a proud Houston, Texas Native. She enjoys Hip Hop, R and B and country music and is a big Foodie! Check her out on YouTube: D’Antrese Le’Chelle and FaceBook: D’Antrese Le’Chelle.
