Wednesday Wanderings - Coffee Time Romance

Welcome to Wednesday Wanderings! Congratulations to Regency Researcher for winning last week’s prize – a Hawaiian tote bag with Hawaiian treats! 

This week we visit a place on the Internet – Coffee Time Romance, http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/

I discovered Coffee Time Romance after co-owner Karenne McConkie participated in a chat with Cathy Maxwell and Beverley Kendall for Romance Radio on May 6, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/romanceradio

When I logged onto CTR’s website, I noticed a significant theme – military support. Many of the CTR staffers have military connections, so let’s learn more about these veterans, spouses, and brats!

1. What is Coffee Time Romance and how did it come about?
A long time ago on a computer that is far far away (now) a Yahoo Group was created. The idea was that it would be fun to talk books with family and friends to share likes, dislikes, and book news. Soon friends of friends and friends of family joined. The group grew and expanded to weekly chats with authors and book give aways. Soon people wanted more, so Coffee Time Romance & More was invented and a website was born. Thanks to technology, our family and friends are all over the world. We continue to grow and change and the ride has been a blast! It will be fun to see what the future holds for us.

We are an on-line family who have come together with a love of books and stayed together because we have found a niche that works for us no matter where we live or are stationed. Of course, the fact that we are all nuts helps!

2. The website has many references to the military - what is your connection to the military?

Brenda – Army Lt. Colonel, Retired
I joined the Army in 1971 when I was 19 years old and there was a war in Vietnam. At that time the Army was still segregated by sex, so I was a member of the Women's Army Corps (WAC). I was trained at Ft. McClellan, Alabama to be a Morning Report Clerk. They then sent me to Ft. Rucker, Alabama and a WAC Company living in old WWII buildings that had two floors and one large latrine at the end of the first floor. In 1972 I went back to Fort McClellan for the last of the WAC Officer Candidate School classes. I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and sent as the Executive Officer to the WAC Company at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Over the next 10 years I saw Europe, California, and Fort McClellan again. I left active duty as a Captain in 1985.

I wasn't through with my first career, because I spent the next 8 years in the Army Reserve. By this time I was a Military Police Lieutenant Colonel - the perfect time to retire. In two years they will pay me for that retirement.

Go to Washington D.C. and you can find my picture and story at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. I am a Vietnam Era Veteran.

Delane – US Air Force, Active
I am a 19-year veteran of the US Air Force as well as a military brat.

Cherokee – Army brat & Married into the Army, Husband RetiredMy connection to the military is: I am an Army brat. My dad was in the military, and spent almost 21 years, ending up a 1st Sgt, when he retired. I also married someone that was in the Army, as well.

Anya - US Air Force, Active
One of favorite military remembrances was when my then 7 or 8 year old said, "Mom isn't in the military, she is in the Air Force". I was assigned to an Army post and almost everyone thought it was hilarious.

Plus …
LeeAnn – Wife to Marine, Active
Danielle – Army Brat
Karenne – Army brat, Navy brat, Wife of my hero an Army Man

3. How has your military connection helped you and hurt you in your pursuit of a career?

Brenda – Army Lt. Colonel, Retired
My military connection was my career. I spent 14 years on active duty in the Army and 8 years in the Army Reserve. Because I was a Military Police Officer in the military, I used that experience to break into the Criminal Justice career field as a civilian. The disadvantage was that I was older than my peers. Additionally, the Army was ahead of the South in the equal opportunity for women in the workforce. My experience as a Provost Marshal of a community in Germany really didn't have an equivalent place at home.

LeeAnn – Wife to Marine, Active
It has hurt me career wise because of all the moving (moved every 3 years). It was hard to find a good job. It has given me the knowledge that no matter the workload or stress I can do it.

Delane – US Air Force, Active
The military has helped me because it allows me to lead at an age when few civilian companies will. It has allowed me to grow as a leader and has made me a better person. The well-known discipline offered by the military is often a deciding factor when competing for a job especially if you have retired.

Cherokee – Army brat & Married into the Army, Husband Retired
I can’t really say it has hurt in any way, as far as helped, all I can say is the military has a great connection when it comes to families reaching out to help in time of need and are very supportive when you are looking for any employment; at least that is how it was in my life.

Anya - US Air Force, Active
Moving has been hard on the kids and for me college. But University of Maryland is at many overseas bases.

4. What are some of the benefits and challenges of being a veteran/spouse/brat?

Brenda – Army Lt. Colonel, Retired
Veterans have access to some of the best medical care available. VA Hospitals are in various locations across the nation. Transportation is even available from outlying areas. Veterans’ preference is a reality in the jobs available at the VA Hospitals. VA preference is not commonly available in the civilian market place. A lot of employers see military service as an inconvenience to them. The challenge is translating your skills into a decent income after you return home.

LeeAnn – Wife to Marine, Active
Meeting lots of great people and seeing all sorts of other cultures has been really great. Too much moving and my husband’s deployments have been the big challenges.

Delane – US Air Force, Active
The benefits for being in the military is the assurance that there will be a job tomorrow, knowing that if anything happened to me my family would be cared for. I also take pride in knowing that I served something bigger than myself. Some of the challenges are disapproval from the very people we are fighting for. The very idea that people from other countries hate us because we are the face they see when they think of the U.S government. The most frustrating thing is when people from our country hate us and we are only doing what they tell us to.... after all they are the “we the people” that run this country and sends us to war. We are responsible when they make a mistake when voting and are unhappy with their choices. WE FOLLOW ORDERS!

Cherokee – Army brat & Married into the Army, Husband Retired
I would have to say in my case, I remember how I used to hear civilian people, at times, think we had it good because we got benefits and things free. They never saw the other side of the matter where spouses or children often had to wait many hours to see dentists or doctors because in some cases the military men were needed to been seen first. Or how often the dentists or doctors we show were not always so ‘friendly.’ I had to laugh many times when I would hear some of my aunt’s say; I was going to be rich being married to a military man. If they only saw the monthly checks. I must admit being the widow of a military man, it was a struggle on some things after the spouse’s decease, fighting for some benefits and making sure I did get all the benefits after his loss. I remember Bob inquiring how much would I receive after his death compared to his current check, and when he saw the amount, he told the lady that just didn’t seem fair for the widow to get such a small amount . I thought it was nice he was still looking out for me, even though he was not going to be here.

Anya - US Air Force, Active
For my kid with learning disabilities, it has almost required us to stay overseas to get the best support educationally for him. The DoD schools have a basic plan that is similar throughout the world. All US schools get paid ALOT of money specifically to educate military kids, and some have excellent programs designed to support kids who will move every few years.

5. How can romance readers support military families?

Brenda – Army Lt. Colonel, Retired
Join the large number of people who see veterans in uniform and tell them "Thank you." Donate your books that you don't want to keep to the veterans’ organizations that volunteer at VA Hospitals. Attend the Veterans' Day Parade or other Veterans' Day ceremonies where you live.

LeeAnn – Wife to Marine, Active
Donate to the USO

Delane – US Air Force, Active
The USO is an outstanding avenue as well as Red Cross. But I think the best thing is to take the time to thank a military member or veteran. Words don't cost a thing but are more valuable than you could ever imagine especially when there are times we all wonder what we are fighting for. If you are unsure how to go about this contact a VA hospital, hospice, or veterans lodge. They can steer you in the right direction and are always looking for help. Most of us would just like assurance that we are fighting for something good and that the American people see that even if that don't agree with the fight.

Cherokee – Army brat & Married into the Army, Husband Retired
I believe romance readers can support military families by showing them they are there for any assistance they might need, even if it is to hold a hand, give a hug, or anything during any time of need. Military families really go through much, especially when they are separated from their husbands. The USO is a good cause and has always been around cheering on our military. They need our support in every way to keep thriving.

Anya - US Air Force, Active
I love the USO. Best USO ever is in the Seattle Airport!

Karenne – Army brat, Navy brat, Wife of my hero an Army Man
I am lucky enough to be able to make donations to the USO and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Thank you, Coffee Time Romance, for sharing with the SOS Readers!

I also recommend the USO - I previously volunteered with the USO Outreach Center at Fort Meade. Here in Hawaii, I enjoy the USO concerts, including Gary Sinise and the Lt Dan Band. To learn more about the USO, log onto http://www.uso.org/.

To learn more about the Disabled American Veterans, log onto http://www.dav.org/.

I invite you to leave a comment about Coffee Time Romance, blogging about romance, and/or supporting military families. One randomly selected winner will receive a Navy tote bag with an Air Force travel mug, Hawaiian coffee, and a book from a Coffee Time Romance author!