My first duty station I was privileged to be with Corpsman with an infantry battalion with 7th Marines at Twentynine Palms, CA. I checked in still an E1,l deployed within months after checking in, still learning about the job as Corpsman with Marines. I made two combat deployments before checking out of 7th Marines and into Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) with the mentality of “HN for Life.” I kid you not, that was what they had etched on my going away plaque when I left 1/7. This past year I was able to return with the Marines, but now as the Navy Senior Enlisted Leader in the battalio ..read more

Why date night is necessary and is needed in your calendar. We went out to a restaurant out in town, one we haven’t been to since we moved here last year. With me being gone for training and then deployment we didn’t get a chance to go to it, but we are sure glad we did tonight. Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com But getting back to the topic, why date night is necessary. 1. Communication is key in any relationship, especially marriage. Sometimes misunderstandings happen and next thing you know, it turns into something you both didn’t expect. You end up fighting over something so minuscule it di ..read more

2020 was a challenging year for everyone. Some of you might find little to be thankful and grateful for with the global pandemic, social unrest and endless political banter. We’ve overcome a mandated distance and separation like no other from friends and family. Some have experienced the loss of a family member or friend. I pray we all find peace, continued love and support to those in need. But as we close out the year, it’s always good to reflect and find things we should be grateful for to help us start 2021 with a positive mindset. Here is my list of things I’m thankful for and grateful to ..read more

I am on Deployment… a Unit Deployment Program (UDP). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This deployment is different from my previous four with the Marines. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There is no enemy to kill. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ No high valued target to capture. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ No raids to conduct. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ No towns, entire cities to clear. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ That was my deployment then. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is my deployment now… ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Leaving Camp without my flak and kevlar. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ No Med bag to carry everywhere we go. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Because now, I’m free to go. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To come and go. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Venturing off away from Camp, without asking for permission t ..read more

Most people think the relationship is not as strong if you’re not always together. I’m here to tell you that’s not the case, especially for military couples. This will be the second time since the last fall that we’ve been away from one another for months (it’ll be our longest). Being in the military, you expect it. Not saying that I look forward to it and of course it’s never easy leaving my wife and baby girl back at home. But it has taught me a few things that has strengthened our marriage. Here are the top three reasons of how being away from my wife has made our relationship even stronge ..read more

Away from my baby girl, living in this foreign country I wonder baby girl, could you visit Daddy, possibly? Away from my baby girl, I missed you walking for the first time. I wonder baby girl, Will I be able to hear you talk for the first time? Away from my baby girl, because Daddy has a job to do. I wonder baby girl, that one day you’ll understand I do it all for you. Away from my baby girl, Daddy’s gone away again. I wonder baby girl, when will I see you again? The post A Military Dad’s Poem to his daughter back home. appeared first on Reden Dionisio ..read more

Are You Having Fun? Ok, admittedly it’s difficult during these times for us. We moved to a new location. A week after we move, I’m away across the country for military training, leaving my wife and baby girl alone for the next two months. Oh and deployment coming up in less than a month. Yeah, it’s stressful. But that’s life. Our life. We do our best to make time. And that’s the important thing, Gents… and ladies if you’re reading this. Put it in your calendar. Block off an hour or two of alone time with your significant other. Don’t just go to the movie theater or dinner ..read more

Bunrok Race 2019 THERE’S ALWAYS SUNSHINE ON THE OTHER SIDE! Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring some sunshine in other peoples lives. It wasn’t the best conditions, but we got it done! First and foremost, thank you to God for bringing us safely to the Philippines, my motherland. My goal was the same as my last visit. To provide and sponsor a fun filled event, promoting health and fitness with the importance of camaraderie within the community. Secondly, thank you to my family and all the volunteers who dedicated their time in putting the plan into action. There was ..read more

FAD Diets I’m sure we’ve tried one of them at some point. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who has. Which one have you tried? If you did lose weight, did the pounds stay off once you went back to your usual way of eating? The real truth is they don’t work in the long term. So what does? Here are some tips you can use to help you burn fat and keep it off. 1. Don’t go on a fad diet that causes massive calorie deficits. It’s detrimental to your health and your metabolism. 2. Have a balanced eating plan. One that makes sure you eat the right foods, at the right times and in the right ..read more

In Home Equipment If you’re a busy Dad, sometimes getting to the gym is a little difficult. Your wife works long hours. You’re tied up with the kids, being Mr. Mom. Time is limited, but you can still get a good workout in with these in home fitness equipment. Fitbit Ionic Watch Get personalized workouts and coaching to reach your goals. Pump up your jam with storage for 300+ songs and get connected to your fav apps for sports, weather, and more. Plus, you’re all set when you want to treat yourself to that post-workout beverage? You can make purchases on the go with the built-i ..read more