The AHRN Minute

Memorial Day is more than just the start of summer for military families and communities across the country. This episode highlights meaningful ways to honor the service and sacrifice of fallen service members through remembrance ceremonies, memorial visits, family traditions, and quiet moments of reflection.

This episode covers the Blue Star Museums program, which provides free museum admission to active-duty service members and their families during the summer. It highlights eligibility, the 2026 program dates, the types of participating museums available nationwide, and how military families can find locations near them.Find participating locations at https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums.

This episode covers how TLE and TLA can help reduce the cost of temporary lodging during a PCS move. It highlights who qualifies, how each program works, and what to know to maximize your benefits and avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.Learn more at https://blog.ahrn.com/lodging-allowances-tla-vs-tle/.

This episode covers year-round military discounts available to service members, veterans, and their families. It highlights savings on retail shopping, automotive purchases, wireless plans, and travel, along with where to find these deals and how to take advantage of them.Learn more at https://blog.ahrn.com/military-discounts-appreciation/.

The VA Certificate of Eligibility is the first step to using your VA home loan benefit. This episode explains what the COE is, why lenders require it, who may qualify, and how to get one quickly so you can keep your homebuying process on track, especially during a PCS move.Learn more at https://blog.ahrn.com/va-certificate-of-eligibility/.

Free national park passes are available to service members, veterans, and Gold Star Families. This episode explains the Military Annual and Lifetime Passes, who qualifies, and how to access over 2,000 federal recreation sites.

This episode explores how military-focused rental platforms like AHRN support service members and their families during PCS moves. It highlights the importance of trusted listings, tenant and landlord verification, and relocation resources designed to make finding housing near base faster and more secure.Learn more at https://blog.ahrn.com/ahrn-advantages/.

This episode breaks down how service members can explain their military experience in a way civilians actually understand. It focuses on translating your MOS into plain language, highlighting the mission behind your role, and showing impact through clear results and metrics. Learn how to shift from military terms to civilian-ready language so your experience is easy to communicate in interviews, resumes, and everyday conversations.

Space-Available travel, or Space-A, can help service members and their families save on flights by using empty seats on military aircraft. This episode explains who is eligible, how to check flight schedules, and what it means to fly standby. Learn how to plan ahead and make the most of this military travel benefit.

Certifications help translate military experience into civilian careers, but not every service member knows how valuable they can be. This episode explains why certifications matter, how they help employers recognize your skills, and how they can open doors to new opportunities after service.

PCS moves are more than just packing and relocating. They are a major transition for service members and their families. This episode highlights AHRN’s 2026 PCS Toolkit and the updates designed to make planning your move easier and more manageable.Learn more and access the downloadable toolkit at https://blog.ahrn.com/pcs-toolkit-updates/. 

The GI Bill is an incredible benefit, but it doesn’t cover everything. This episode breaks down what the Post-9/11 GI Bill pays for and what it doesn’t, including housing, fees, books, certifications, and everyday living expenses. Learn how to plan ahead so you can make the most of your benefits and avoid unexpected costs.

Running a business during a PCS adds another layer to an already complex move. This episode breaks down practical steps to help service members and families relocate a business smoothly, including staying compliant with state requirements, updating business information, protecting inventory, and building new local connections. Learn how a little preparation can keep your operations moving right alongside your PCS.

Valentine’s Day can be challenging when military life keeps couples apart. This episode shares simple, meaningful ways service members and their partners can stay connected during deployment or duty, even across the distance.

SkillBridge can be a valuable transition opportunity, but may not be the right fit for everyone. This episode breaks down what SkillBridge is and shares three questions service members should ask before deciding if a program supports their post service goals.

PCS moves come with a lot of details to manage, and understanding your lease rights can make the process smoother. This episode breaks down how the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects you when terminating rental and vehicle leases during a PCS. Learn what notice to give, how to protect your security deposit, and where to find support.

Deciding whether to buy or rent at your next duty station can feel overwhelming. This episode breaks down six key questions every service member should ask before making a housing decision. From financial readiness to lifestyle fit, get practical insights to help you choose the best option for your next move.Read more at: https://blog.ahrn.com/6-questions-to-ask-yourself-to-help-decide-to-buy-or-rent/

PCS moves come with a lot of moving parts and knowing your entitlements ahead of time can make the process smoother. This episode breaks down key PCS entitlements, including Dislocation Allowance, temporary lodging benefits, per diem, mileage reimbursement, and personally procured moves, so you know what to expect before you relocate.Read more at: https://blog.ahrn.com/pcs-entitlements/

BAH rates have updated for the new year. This quick reminder covers what to know about the latest changes, why rates don’t always move with rent, and why checking your current BAH now can help avoid surprises later, especially during a PCS or lease renewal.Read more at: https://blog.ahrn.com/military-bah-rates/