One of the best ways for military families to bond is on a family vacation. Whether it be while on leave or during life after service, spending quality time together may be exactly what you and your family need to relax and catch up with one another. The greatest aspect of vacationing as a military servicemember or veteran is the ability to take advantage of discounts provided by some major airlines and popular travel destinations. 

There are plenty of frequented kid-friendly hotspots that offer military discounts as well. With so many options to choose from, where should you and your loved ones escape to? Here are a few ideas for families looking to save money on a trip and enjoy some much-needed time with their relatives.

1. Kid-friendly destinations
Walt Disney World currently offers military servicemembers a generous discount on four-day passes to the park. In fact, the pass is not limited to one of the parks located throughout Disney World, but allows families admittance to all four of the parks. Spouses of servicemembers are also able to participate while they are deployed. This is the ideal trip for military parents with children.

"Walt Disney World Resort is saluting U.S. military personnel by offering Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets," said officials from the Walt Disney World blog. "The Park Hopper Option is included, so you can come and go as you please through all 4 theme parks each day of your ticket!"

Sea World and Six Flags America are two additional destinations that offer military members discounts or even a free pass. Although these trips primarily cater to younger members of the family, there are also opportunities to spend quality time together as a couple. For example, the Walt Disney Resort offers parents babysitting options and kids' nights out while you and your spouse enjoy the spa or a massage. 

2. The zoo
The zoo is an attraction that usually appeals to people of all ages. According to Care.com, the San Diego Zoo gives military members a one-day pass, free of charge. There are even discount packages available for the entire family. The passes and discounts usually include a tour of the land, where 3,700 rare and endangered animals roam.

The best part about being in Southern California is that after spending a day or two at the zoo, families can also check out the local beaches to relax under the famous SoCal sun. 

3. A beachside paradise
Popular beachside resorts like Beaches in Jamaica offer a relaxing getaway for military families. If the kids are in tow, parents will have plenty of time to catch up, whether it be while lounging at the beach or being pampered at the hotel spa. Introduce your kids to a fun bonding experience by riding jet skis or engaging in other exciting beachside activities.

4. Camping
Camping is usually a viable option for military families that lack the funding to take off to a tropical destination or families who simply love nature. With the right camping gear, families can turn sleeping in the wilderness into a bonding experience. 

"One of the bonuses of camping, though, is the price tag," Amy Bushatz told Spouse Buss on Military.com. "At about $20 a day, a hotel will never beat the price of a campsite. If our initial gear investment is our estimated $400 – about the cost of four nights at an economic hotel – it will only take a handful of uses on trips where we camp instead of lodge for us to break even."

The serenity of nature could also help veterans and active duty servicemembers who are experiencing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder relax.

Job interviews can be challenging for anyone. But that difficulty is often multiplied when an individual has post-traumatic stress disorder or a mental illness. It is a hurdle that many veterans face in life after service when they attempt to start a new career outside of the military. 

While it may seem daunting, veterans who live with these conditions are not without hope. Researchers at Northwestern University found that study participants with PTSD or severe mental illnesses who trained with a virtual program were nine times as likely to get job offers in the next six months compared to those who did not use the system, the university reported. 

Training for success
According to the Chicago Tribune, the study looked at the virtual program "Job Interview Training with Molly Porter," a computer program that features an actress who reads questions and responses common in interviews.

The program, which was released for general use last summer, was created by SIMmersion, a Baltimore-based startup. According to the program's website, "Molly" is equipped to ask hundreds of common interview questions.

Northwestern University reported that participants were repeatedly asked questions by the virtual character, who acts as a human resources employee. Their responses were recorded with voice recognition software and a job coach in the program gave immediate feedback on the screen regarding their answers. As the interviews progressed, the questions became increasingly harder. 

Confidence through experience
Of the vets with PTSD and individuals with severe mental illnesses who participated in the study, the ones who did more training sessions tended to have a greater likelihood of getting a job offer and within a shorter period of time, the university reported. 

"Veterans with PTSD and people with mental illness such as bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia are prone to anxiety, which can escalate during stressful social encounters such as the job interview," Matthew Smith, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, said in an article by the university. "The training was a big confidence builder for them."

Individuals can purchase full access to the training program online for $89.95, but The Huffington Post said that it may also be found at some job resource centers. 

It has become increasingly common for veterans to start their own businesses upon returning to civilian life after service. It allows them to begin a career doing something that they love while using the leadership skills they gained during deployment. 

Although becoming an entrepreneur can be very rewarding, it takes careful preparation and determination. If you are planning on starting your own business after service, use these tips to guide you. 

1. Do what you love and know
One of the best aspects of being an entrepreneur is getting to do exactly what you love. 

"Veteran entrepreneurs are on the front lines, not unlike they are in the military," Jim Salmon, vice president of business services at Navy Federal Credit Union, told Business News Daily. "They're in charge of their own destiny, taking control of their direction and taking chances when they have to. They can leverage a lot of their military experiences and strengths to succeed [in business]."

You may have spent a large portion of your deployment working with computers or leading a team. Entrepreneurship enables veterans to take these skills and put them toward a career that revolves around their passions and experience. Therefore, instead of catering your skill sets toward an open job position, you are able to create a job that caters to what you know and love. 

2. Identify the areas you will need help with
Everyone has certain strengths and weaknesses. Entrepreneur magazine pointed out that when beginning a business, knowing the tasks that you excel in and those that you will need to seek help with is crucial to the success of your company. You will have to take on a number of roles during the development of your business. Once you have determined which parts of the job you struggle with, outsource these responsibilities. Understand when to rely on outside professionals to assist you to avoid major obstacles as your company grows. 

3. Take advantage of financing benefits
There are special financing options available for military servicemembers looking to start their own business during life after service. For example, veterans should see if they are eligible for government-backed loans, which provide the extra security that lenders usually require before approving loan applications. Unique financing options for veterans are particularly helpful if their credit scores are bad – there are specialty lenders, community banks and credit unions that are willing to assist retired servicemembers with specialty loans. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers its Microloan Program, which will fund a startup company for up to $35,000. The application process is fast, usually taking around 36 hours, so progress is not delayed as veterans begin their companies. 

4. Use the resources available
As entrepreneurship becomes an increasingly popular route to take after deployment, the Internet is overflowing with helpful resources and advice for veterans who choose this path. 

"There are a growing number of resources for veteran entrepreneurs," CJ Scarlet, a Marine Corps veteran and experienced entrepreneur, told Bank of America's Small Business Community. "You will find a plethora of agencies and programs [online] for entrepreneurs in general and for vets in particular."

According to Scarlet, one frequently used resource is the Veteran Entrepreneur Portal provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The portal includes tools that connect servicemembers to the most relevant information for starting specific companies as well as ideas for accessing resources to finance their businesses. Another effective strategy is reaching out to fellow vets who have successfully launched their own startups for advice and helpful connections.

Deployment can be very challenging for couples. It may be the first time you have ever been separated for a long period, while the risks involved in active duty service may also stress you out if you are not actively working to remain positive. The process is a journey that should be handled carefully with support. 

Whether your spouse is currently deployed or is going to be soon, take note of these tips to make sure that you are mentally prepared when the time comes. 

1. Realize communication may be hard
Although it is a difficult realization to get used to, it is always best to be realistic and accept that communication is going to be challenging during deployment. According to Military Spouse, while it can be tempting to tell yourself that you will talk for as long as you want every day, it is important to remember that servicemembers have to prioritize the demands placed on them during active service. Your spouse may not have the opportunity to talk on the phone or video chat when you planned to. 

Prepare for this by performing tasks like writing down all of the moments or events that you want to share with your loved one when time allows. Active duty servicemembers should feel that things at home are going smoothly so that they can focus on their missions. Letting your husband or wife know that you are coping well during days without communication will be reassuring. 

2. Familiarize yourself with the facts
Before and during your spouse's departure, take some time to educate yourself on where your loved one will be deployed and what his or her specific role requires. This will allow you to have a better understanding of what your spouse is doing every day and the experiences he or she may face. 

You will probably have a lot to tell your spouse on the phone, such as how the children are doing in school and how his or her friends are. However, knowing a little about your loved one's whereabouts and duties can provide you with specific questions to ask so he or she has an opportunity to share experiences with someone who is familiar with his or her role. 

3. Seek out support
Getting through a deployment on your own can seem impossible at times. Use the love and support of family members and friends to stay strong and positive. Join a local group, such as a running or book club, with your friends to keep busy during the day if you do not have a job. Doing something that interests you every day will help you maintain an optimistic outlook when times are tough. 

Spending time with fellow military spouses is another good idea. If you live on base, there may even be a support group where you can meet other men and women also trying to get through deployment. Talking to people who are experiencing similar emotions and challenges can be comforting and give you the strength you need.  

4. Stay connected
You may not be able to communicate with your loved one as much as you would like to, but you can still stay connected. For example, TwoOfUs.org explained that sending frequent care packages that contain your spouse's favorite food, pictures, videos and handwritten notes will ensure that you are sending your love when you can. You can also get creative and focus on the future with gifts like "coupons" that award your spouse with something during life after service, such as a hug from one of your children or a romantic dinner with his or her favorite meal. 

Fans of the television show "Modern Family" probably don't think of family patriarch Jay Pritchett first and foremost as a veteran. Occasionally the character will mention his time in the Navy and how it shaped him, but for the most part he is your typical American man who loves his family and works hard to grow his business. It is this portrayal that won the television show accreditation from Got Your 6.

The organization, which works to integrate more accurate images of veterans into the media, recognized six programs for their commitment to accurate portrayals of former members of the military, the Washington Post reported. This is the first of what the nonprofit hopes will be many rounds of accreditations. 

To be "6 Certified," a movie or TV show must contain a balanced and representative depiction of veterans, Got Your 6 reported. It must also fulfill one of six actions:

1. Consult with a veteran, family member or expert to create an accurate representation.
2. Cast a veteran in a significant role.
3. Create a veteran character that is multidimensional.
4. Hire a veteran writer to work on the script.
5. Develop a meaningful narrative that accurately tells a veteran story.
6. Have a veteran present during the filming process to ensure accuracy. 

The other films and shows recognized this month were the eclectic mix of box office hit "American Sniper," "Amira and Sam," "Hawaii Five-O," NBC's "The Night Shift" and the 20th season of "Dancing with the Stars" that featured wounded warrior Noah Galloway. 

The certification campaign is a response to a Got Your 6 survey in 2014 that revealed that most veteran characters in the media are portrayed as both heroic and damaged, an impression that affected how the American public viewed military members in their life after service.

Women in the armed forces have more options than ever before when it comes to the ways that they can serve their country. After an intense application and selection process, a select group of women in the Navy will be the first to expand these opportunities even further.  

On June 22, officials released the "FY16 Enlisted Women in Submarines Selections," naming the first group of female sailors who will serve in the U.S. submarine force. The list includes four chief petty officers and 34 others in lower pay grades, the Navy reported. They will serve in the two crews of the U.S.S. Michigan. 

According to the Navy, the selection process was competitive. The branch received applications from almost every community throughout the Navy, representing 31 different ratings. Each application was reviewed and scored using an objective system.

Navy Times reported that the application window opened in January and the selection process began in April. 

"We could not be more pleased with the amount of interest shown by enlisted women in wanting the opportunity to serve in the undersea warfare domain," said Rear Adm. Charles Richard, the Enlisted Women in Submarines Task Force commander. "It's an exciting time in the submarine force, as we continue to move forward in shaping the future of our force, drawing from the best pool of talent possible." 

The 38 selected women will undergo standard submarine medical screening before they begin training, the Navy reported. According to Navy Times, 69 female sailors were listed as alternates in case any of the selected women are unable to report for duty. 

While Mother Nature provides people with breathtaking landscapes and picturesque views, she is also capable of creating natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes that can be incredibly destructive. Especially lately, extreme weather conditions have left veterans and their families without homes. However, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers many retired servicemembers the help they need through its initiatives, such as the Home Loan Program. 

The prevalence of natural disasters
Floods and tornadoes have recently hit many Southern and Midwestern states. As more storms are predicted to sweep through many locations across the country, it is essential that veterans know how to handle a disaster if it strikes. Director of the Home Loan Program Michael Frueh urged military families to take advantage of their benefits in the event of a natural disaster. Reaching out to a VA loan specialist should be the second step after calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

"Depending on the severity of the damage, we'll issue guidance to all servicers in a particular affected area to say, 'please work with our Veteran borrowers in this community. VA is on their side to help,'" Frueh said, according to the VA.

Here are a few additional steps to take:

1. Contact your mortgage company
As homeowners are required to pay their monthly loan payments regardless of the condition of their house, the VA suggested contacting your lender as soon as possible after the event. Unexpected situations like these may make it challenging to submit your payments on time, as factors like repairs and replacing essential belongings can use up a significant portion of your finances. If you are unfamiliar with how to make contractor payments or with insurance loss check procedures, call your lender and ask that he or she explain these processes to ensure that you do not miss a step. 

If your home was provided by the VA's Specialty Adapted House program and needs repairs after a disaster, contact your VA loan specialist who may be able to inform you of any special options you have as a member of the program. Just call 877‐827‐3702 to see if you have any grant funds left over to assist you in your time of financial stress.

2. Understand the 3 disaster aid programs
FEMA will usually provide homeowners with assistance through three programs: individual assistance, public assistance and hazard mitigation. Individual assistance can include multiple aspects, such as disaster housing, which may be available for up to 18 months following the incident, and disaster grants and loans. According to FEMA, public assistance programs will generally cover the cost of 75 percent of the approved project costs for the reconstruction of the affected communities. During the repair process, FEMA pays for part of the funds for damage mitigation measures to make sure that the public is safe. This may mean relocation for disaster victims while the community is being rebuilt.

3. Take advantage of all your resources 
Even if you do not think that local veteran offices will be able to offer anything to help you recover from a disaster, it never hurts to try. The VA advised calling the nearest organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and any additional resources in the area. They may be able to offer you special assistance. The VA pointed out that this could even be true for veterans who are not currently members of these organizations.  

On June 19 and 20, NASCAR fans enjoyed the races while bringing hope to military families and veterans in their area.

The nonprofit organization Hope For The Warriors had booths at the Iowa Speedway during the weekend with special time both days where fans could assemble care packages, the Newton Daily News reported. The packages will be distributed to veterans and military families who live in the Greater Newton area.

"It's really about giving back to the people of Iowa," Hope For The Warriors Senior Director of Sports and Recreation Travis Hanson told the Newton Daily News. "The entire Midwest region, Iowa included, has shown tremendous support for Hope For The Warriors over the last 10 years, but it seems it's a rarity that they're championed for their efforts."

According to the organization's website, Hope For The Warriors aims to help current and former military members succeed at home by helping to restore their sense of family, self and hope. They provide comprehensive programs that focus on transitioning, engaging with peers, taking advantage of community resources and improving health and wellness.The nonprofit has opportunities for servicemembers, veterans and their families at every NASCAR race this season.  

One of the most daunting tasks for veterans upon returning to civilian life after service is finding a job. Learning how to job hunt or starting the process can be challenging after extended deployment. In addition to becoming familiar with the interview process, veterans have to figure out what career path they want to go down. Pursuing a job that suits the skills and experience gained while serving is important, as this will make retired servicemembers look more desirable to employers and ensure that servicemembers end up liking their jobs. 

Which careers tend to interest veterans most and allow them to apply their skill sets? Here are five that have become popular choices for retired servicemembers after returning to life after service. 

1. IT specialist
According to G.I. Jobs, one of the most sought-after careers for veterans is the role of an IT specialist. An IT specialist ensures that a company's computer systems are running smoothly and remain secure. They also look for ways to expand networks as the company and technology advances. Most of these careers offer the steady income and job security that veterans are looking for.

Some soldiers, depending on their specific branch, work with computers and technology while serving. Although many IT positions on the job market require a bachelor's or associate degree, many servicemembers use this as motivation to enroll in school if they do not have the education after returning from deployment. 

2. Emergency medical technician
Active duty men and women frequently gain experience as an emergency medical technician while serving. The role of an EMT requires teamwork and the ability to react efficiently in high-stress situations, which most retired servicemembers have dealt with on a daily basis. Business Insider also noted that because so many states are seeking retired military members for these roles, more than half of the 50 states offer a Military Skills Waiver test for certification. This can speed up the application process, which is important to many vets who feel the pressure to start providing for their families after retirement. 

3. Operations manager
An operations manager's primary responsibilities are running the day-to-day operations of the company. Depending on which industry the role is in, the specific duties may change. However, many veterans are attracted to it because it allows them to oversee a team and work closely with colleagues – two skills commonly acquired during deployment. G.I. Jobs also explained that as of March 2015, there were more than 244,000 opportunities available on the market.  

4. Training and development manager
According to Forbes magazine, many companies actively recruit veterans for roles that involve working with and training new employees, as retired servicemembers tend to have impressive leadership skills that fit such a role perfectly.

Training and development managers are often responsible for working with new staff members and developing strategies to advance the company. For example, they may be in charge of wellness and team-building programs, which many veterans find enticing. While some companies may look for a bachelor's or associate degree, military service experience may translate to multiple years of experience. 

5. Business administrator
Military leadership experience and a formal education are a combination that makes a strong candidate for the position of a business administrator. Most employees in these roles are management trainees and junior executives. Companies look for motivated leaders and applicants with strong organizational skills. Someone who is able to manage deadlines and has good time-management skills will also be appealing to recruiters. As daily routines in the military are often dictated by strict schedules, employers usually know that this is something that veterans have mastered. 

When an injury leaves a soldier confined to a wheelchair, life changes. But that doesn't mean that athletics are no longer an option.

The games
From June 21 to 26, more than 600 veterans will gather in Dallas, Texas, to participate in the 2015 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported. The games occur every summer and are open to veterans who receive care at a VA treatment center or medical facility and are confined to a wheelchair due to an amputation, spinal cord injury or certain neurological conditions. 

"The Wheelchair Games is a great example of courage and athleticism," said Robert A. McDonald, secretary of the VA. "If you want to see grit, determination and some of the finest athletes on the planet, this week in Dallas is the place to do it. These veterans have overcome obstacles, they've trained, they've persevered, and now they're ready to compete on the world's stage."

According to the event website, the Wheelchair Games is put on by a partnership between the VA and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

The website reported that former soldiers will take part in 18 events while supporting and mentoring new veterans in the process. The event is just as much about providing support and rehabilitation opportunities for participants as they are about competition. The VA reported that for many injured veterans, this is their first exposure to wheelchair sports.

The events include 9-ball, air guns, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, handcycling, field events, motor rally, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting. There will be participants in attendance from nearly every state in the U.S., as well as England and Puerto Rico, the VA reported.  

What is next
Registration has closed for participants, but volunteers and sponsors are still welcome to use the contact information on the event website to donate time or money to help make the Wheelchair Games possible.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Main Arena, the VA reported. Events will be held at the convention center and various other facilities throughout Dallas, including Victory Plaza, Southern Methodist University and Fair Park.

Members of the Dallas community are encouraged to come out and support the veteran athletes.