Being married to a military service member will surely make you feel proud. However, it’ll also demand tolerance, patience, and flexibility from you. For instance, you’d probably have to sacrifice your livelihood and move to a military base where your beloved is stationed. Ideally, military families should be ready to move to a new location every two to four years.
Currently, there are almost 500 military bases across America, and your spouse can get stationed at any of them. During the first move, you might feel worried, scared, and disappointed because of the uncertainty of life inside the base.
However, many believe that living on these bases is similar to living in a small town. That’s because the government has ensured to offer all amenities like shopping centers, restaurants, medical clinics, and more. You’ll have access to everything you need to survive and live a happy life.
In this blog, we will discuss the amenities the government has promised for military families living on base.
#1. Access to Safe Drinking Water
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for providing safe public water supplies within America. They set standards for the quality of water in every locality, state, and city. Moreover, the EPA ensures that water suppliers across military bases implement these standards.
In 1974, the government passed the Safe Drinking Water Act, which secures your right to contamination-free drinking water. Did you know that this was passed partly because of a Navy base? Yes, the Camp Lejeune base in North Carolina became the flagbearer of change after a water contamination incident shook the country.
The Camp Lejeune Incident
Between 1953 and 1987, the water in two treatment plants, Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point, was contaminated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It happened because of illegal waste disposal methods from an off-base dry cleaning company. For over thirty years, one million service members, veterans, civilians, and workers were exposed to toxic solvents like trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene.
As a result, they developed ALS, cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, etc. According to TorHoerman Law, the government knew about the toxicity levels but covered up the contamination incident. Hence, the affected individuals were furious and filed lawsuits because they wanted justice for the wrongdoing.
Today, the Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts can range between USD 10,000 and USD 1,000,000. However, the payouts will depend on the extent of the injury and the proof provided by the plaintiff. Overall, the legal industry believes that the compensation will reach USD 3.3 trillion, making it the largest mass tort in America.
Since 1985, the water treatment plants have been shut down, and the drinking water has become safe due to regular tests. This incident changed how the government tackled water contamination issues, especially at military bases.
It proves that, as a military spouse, you have the right to safe drinking water. Moreover, you can hold the government responsible if your rights are violated.
#2. Access to Healthcare
The government is legally required to have state-of-the-art medical treatment facilities at all military bases. Technically, the Secretary of Defense maintains the medical centers at such bases for the armed forces and their beneficiaries. Therefore, these medical centers will serve all your healthcare and medical needs, from checkups to surgeries.
Ideally, the healthcare institutions will have outpatient and inpatient care facilities. The centers employ trauma care and specialty/subspecialty care professionals. It also has graduate education programs, training programs, etc. A good example of a military hospital would be the 60th Medical Group at the Travis Air Force in California.
It proves you don’t have to worry about medical care or regular hospital checkups when living on a base. These healthcare institutions will help protect, foster, restore, and sustain your health without having to go to a civilian hospital or clinic.
Moreover, you are eligible for TRICARE health insurance, specifically designed for military families. With this coverage, spouses can take advantage of the services provided by the Military Health System at pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals.
#3. Access to Recreational Facilities
Military Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is the cornerstone of any military base. This program aims to improve the quality of life and offers support to the community through social activities. With this, the government is compelled to create recreational facilities and programs for every resident.
Ideally, you’re eligible to use MWR facilities and be part of such programs if your spouse is on active federal duty. These include theaters, book clubs, shopping malls, fitness centers, golf clubs, libraries, etc. You can spend your free time at these recreational facilities to keep a check on your physical and mental well-being.
You can also join military spouse groups and participate in fun activities. It will help you attain a sense of community as everyone comes together to meet a single objective.
Other than that, you can visit on-base or off-base recreational centers. A good example would be the full-service Navy Recreation Center in Solomons, Maryland. Military families can go on a quick weekend getaway to this facility if they’re stationed in Washington.
In conclusion, military bases offer many amenities to make life easier. The government recognizes the responsibilities of a military spouse and appreciates your efforts. That’s why you can access exceptional healthcare, safe drinking water, and recreational benefits.
All these will help you live a better life. Think of it as an ultimate gated community where safety is the top priority. Moreover, you get to live in a community of like-minded people and enjoy all the amenities.