Lindsay Castiglione
Charleston, SC
My husband Charlie is a submariner in the Navy. We've been married for 7 years, and have two sets of twins ages 5.5 and 3.5. I am a Certified Lactation Counselor, and teach Expecting Twins and also Breastfeeding Multiples classes for Twin Love Concierge.
What do you like about military life?
I like being able to live in different areas. We've been at 5 different duty stations and are about to PCS again this spring.
What do you not like so much?
The actual moving part! It's tedious, especially with four small children. Now that my oldest two are in kindergarten, I worry about them switching schools every few years, but I try to think about the resiliency it will build.
Do you have special talents/hobbies? How do you spend your time?
I'm a former competitive figure skater, and love to coach when I can fit it into our busy life! I also work out regularly at our local YMCA. I love the friendships I've built in our community by being involved there!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Taking on a firm career direction as my children will be older and more self-sufficient by then. Charlie will be looking at retirement, and hopefully we will be able to set up a home base near our families in New England.
What's the most rewarding part of your life?
Being able to accomplish my personal goals, while also trying to do my best raising my children and being a supportive military wife.
What's the most challenging part?
Balancing it all - the rewards are great, but there can be a fine line between having it all and being spread too thin. I have to be very organized with calendars, lists, binders, etc., and it's a challenge for me since I'm not an inherently organized person!
How would you say being part of a military family shapes you?
I feel like it has helped me be more flexible and adaptable to whatever circumstances come up. I'm a die-hard optimist, and that's fortunate being in this position! Being part of a military family has made me a pro at finding everything a community has to offer - quickly! Usually before we've even PCS'ed, I've researched schools, recreation programs, gyms, libraries, etc.
What has surprised you about military life?
The support amongst the spouses of the servicemembers. In every duty station we've lived. These women (and sometimes men too!) have become like family away from home. I love how other spouses are willing to drop whatever they are doing and help another however they can! It's something you don't see as often in the civilian community from my experience.
What advice or encouragement can you share?
Be committed to making lemonade out of life's lemons! Just like any military family, we've had moves that seemed to go wrong every step of the way, orders that came at the last minute, and so many dear friends we've had to say "see you later" to with tearful hugs goodbye. I've always found working through these tough times brings happier ones right around the corner, we just have to make the best of it in the meantime!
