Life After the Military

[NDRock]

What area do you live in? I want to buy about 5 acres of property that has multiple schools within reasonable driving distance.

I’m in Cleveland, which is about 20 miles NE of Chattanooga

 

[NDRock]

As someone who broke his leg very bad once (tib/fib) and broke the same tib again a couple years later, I sympathize with the kid. Make sure he gets back up to full speed. I didn't do any physical therapy. Learning to walk again was not a huge issue, but learning to run again was a big. I ended up learning the wrong way, ran with heavy feet sorta plodding around for years.

That’s no fun. He’s definitely got some physical therapy in his future.

 

[goldandblue]

I’m in Cleveland, which is about 20 miles NE of Chattanooga

We have some friends down there. My wife's teammate and her husband live in Cleveland. He is a principal and she helps coach at Lee for WBB.

 

[RDU Irish]

I will have to look up the cost of living as well as how NC taxes military retirement. I want to stay away from military bases as much as possible. I am grateful for every opportunity the military has provided me but I don't want the constant reminder around me (hope that makes sense). Thank you for the input because any information is valuable. Tennessee is ideal for me because my mom resides in Indiana and the tax laws and cost of living is great for my situation. Plus I can drive to all ND home games!

Yeah - I would lean in to Tennessee if I were you. Beautiful state with the right mentality on taxes and plenty of schools that are likely to appreciate a former military trainer coaching up their kids.

We have a counselor office next door to my office - lots of military poking their head in the wrong door that we redirect. Good news is lots of support in the area, bad news they stay busy. I get what you are saying (well I will never get it but you know what I mean).

 

[NorthDakota]

What area do you live in? I want to buy about 5 acres of property that has multiple schools within reasonable driving distance.

the good people of Bismarck North Dakota say "hello"

In all seriousness, do any states tax military benefits to the point that its prohibitive?

 

[NDRock]

We have some friends down there. My wife's teammate and her husband live in Cleveland. He is a principal and she helps coach at Lee for WBB.

Nice. My daughter plays soccer for Lee. My wife teaches at one of the local high schools so I’m pretty sure I know who your friends are. Small world.

 

[bkess8]

the good people of Bismarck North Dakota say "hello"

In all seriousness, do any states tax military benefits to the point that its prohibitive?

Yes there are many states with tax laws that are not in favor of retired military personnel. A lot of fine print when considering how much you make and how much they can tax.

 

[ulukinatme]

Just here to say keep up the good work, @bkess8, congrats on approaching the finish line! Maybe you'll have more time for NCAA '14 once you're done lol.

 

[NorthDakota]

Yes there are many states with tax laws that are not in favor of retired military personnel. A lot of fine print when considering how much you make and how much they can tax.

Seems silly to push military folks away. But dumb people do dumb things

 

[bkess8]

Just here to say keep up the good work, @bkess8, congrats on approaching the finish line! Maybe you'll have more time for NCAA '14 once you're done lol.

Soon it will be time for us to start a dynasty on NCAA Football 24 or 25… and don’t worry I will be sticking to the spread option!

 

[ulukinatme]

Soon it will be time for us to start a dynasty on NCAA Football 24 or 25… and don’t worry I will be sticking to the spread option!

Can't come soon enough. Fuckin' Ed O'Bannon and the NCAA...

 

[GoIrish41]

Thanks for your service from one Old Navy guy to another.

 

[drayer54]

You should probably substitute teach for a few days and make sure it's what you want. It isn't the same these days...

 

[bkess8]

You should probably substitute teach for a few days and make sure it's what you want. It isn't the same these days...

Great suggestion and it is something that I have considered. I understand what you are saying and it is something that I have witnessed in my career while supervising (holding the hands of 18 to 21 year old kids) our youth.

 

[goldandblue]

Nice. My daughter plays soccer for Lee. My wife teaches at one of the local high schools so I’m pretty sure I know who your friends are. Small world.

LOL. That is kinda crazy! It's a small world for sure!

 

[NorthDakota]

The good people of North Dakota are basically shut down at the moment. Quite a blizzard!

 

[bkess8]

Planning an RV trip over the summer with the family to scout out places to live. I am considering Indiana, Tennessee, and most recently Texas. All these states have their pros and cons but I am considering Indiana because of my familiarity of the state and the path to obtaining a teacher certification, Tennessee because of the taxes but it is harder to complete a teacher certification, and Texas because of taxes, certification path but the property taxes are crazy in some places. I start with school quality because I want my kids to be in a good school system and I would like to teach in a good area, crime rates, and amenities. Anything I am missing when considering where to live or do you guys have some good cities to scout out? I have to have an acre of land but other than that I am open. Thanks as always!

 

[ginman]

Just saw this and only have a minute. I was in the army and now work for VA. I saw you are documenting everything for benefits - great idea! One teaching consideration- I have seen retired military become JROTC instructor. In NC where I live they are the best paid teachers in the school. I'd be happy to give more info on VA, if you want to send me an email, but it may be a bit before I get to it - Thank you for your service!

 

[bkess8]

I haven't considered the JROTC route but I can say after a little research and thought that it would be a quick no for me. I want to retire from the military and enjoy the other side of life. I want to be a teacher and coach, by doing JROTC it will just take more time away from what I really want to pursue in life. Thank you though for the suggestion.

 

[bkess8]

So my family and I are preparing to make our trek across this fine country with stops in Austin, TX, Nashville, TN, and Indy. Before we go home I will be taking them to campus to see the sights of the greatest University this earth has to offer ND! I am wondering since it is the summer will there be any restrictions on what we can/can't see. I know inside the stadium, arena, and many buildings will be off-limits but will they allow us to walk around campus to see the golden dome and also TD Jesus? I really want my kids to see them in person. Thank you for any help and suggestions.

 

[ab2cmiller]

You will certainly be able to roam the campus and see The Grotto, Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus etc.

I’m guessing you might be able to go in the Student Center and the library. I’m skeptical that you will be able to go in other buildings.

 

[Rockin’Irish]

I was on campus a couple of years ago during the summer and you could go into the Joyce Center (we walked on the court) as well as the Student Center and into the Library but that was the year before COVID so not sure if things have changed since then.

 

[Irish#1]

Joyce Center is pretty much accessible most of the time. I know ND gives tours of the campus. Not sure if they do during the summer. You might call and find out.

Mind if I ask what you're doing on your stop in Indy?

 

[ab2cmiller]

Notre Dame website they are not doing guided campus tours. Did have some info regarding a self-guided tour. I think there is an app.

 

[bkess8]

Joyce Center is pretty much accessible most of the time. I know ND gives tours of the campus. Not sure if they do during the summer. You might call and find out.

Mind if I ask what you're doing on your stop in Indy?

Taking my wife and kids to visit my mother but also going to scout out the Mooresville, Plainfield, Avon, Brownsburg, and Danville areas so my wife can get a feel of living in the area and see if she would like to move there. And also enjoy the 4th of July in the area.

 

[Irish2155]

Taking my wife and kids to visit my mother but also going to scout out the Mooresville, Plainfield, Avon, Brownsburg, and Danville areas so my wife can get a feel of living in the area and see if she would like to move there. And also enjoy the 4th of July in the area.

All nice places to live. I hope that you and yours enjoy the visit.

 

[Irish#1]

Taking my wife and kids to visit my mother but also going to scout out the Mooresville, Plainfield, Avon, Brownsburg, and Danville areas so my wife can get a feel of living in the area and see if she would like to move there. And also enjoy the 4th of July in the area.

All nice suburbs. Plainfield, Avon and Brownsburg have really exploded in the last ten years and traffic is pretty heavy, especially Avon. Mooresville and Danville still retain the small town feel IMO. Danville is a little further out past Avon, but you still have to deal with the traffic on 36. I've got a guy on my staff that lives in Danville, so if you have any questions, PM me and I'll get the scoop from him. Have fun.

 

[bkess8]

All nice places to live. I hope that you and yours enjoy the visit.

Yes, I've been doing a lot of research on the areas and I'm from Indiana so many are familiar. I want a great school system for my kids and hope to teach/coach in the future. I think my wife won't miss Cali too much living in these areas because she needs Target and Costco!

 

[Irish2155]

Yes, I've been doing a lot of research on the areas and I'm from Indiana so many are familiar. I want a great school system for my kids and hope to teach/coach in the future. I think my wife won't miss Cali too much living in these areas because she needs Target and Costco!

All are good school systems too but Avon and Brownsburg have become very big. So, if you prefer smaller schools then the other towns might be better options. And I’m not sure but Mooresville might not have close access to a Costco. Do your homework there for wife’s sake. 😀

Best of luck!!

 

[bkess8]

Concluded our summer scouting trip and it was interesting to say the least! My family enjoyed getting around the country and seeing what this great country has to offer. After making stops in Texas, Tennessee, and Indiana, we have decided it is Tennessee or bust for us after I retire. The only problem I have with this decision is Tennessee doesn't have many options for me to become a teacher through online certifications. I don't want to leave the military without a solid plan to be able to provide for my family. I am happy that I have some time to figure it out and also hopefully the housing market will settle out a little. Any help or connections to assist or talk to about TN teacher certifications would be greatly appreciated! GO IRISH!