Episode Summary

This episode is a deeply personal one. Annie and Katelynn are joined by Annie’s husband, Andre, to talk about the upcoming end of his military career—and the beginning of their next chapter as a reunited family. After years of geo-baching (living apart due to military assignments), they’re finally 17 days away from living under one roof again, with retirement coming in just 169 days.

Together, they reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of military life, the bittersweet countdown to retirement, and what it really means to start over—this time, side by side. From deployments and missed milestones to building new routines and dreaming about what’s next, this conversation is honest, funny, and full of love.

Whether you’re a military family, a solo parent, or just navigating major life transitions, this episode will hit home.

Standout Quotes

“I will miss seeing him in uniform. Little boys have gone up to him at a restaurant and thanked him for his service. He’s real-life GI Joe.” – Annie

“I’m sure you feel a little bit like an outsider sometimes when you come back and there’s all this conversation about what’s happened while you’ve been away. That has to be hard.” – Katelynn 

“I admire Annie’s ability to see things through, and she has a level of resilience that is unparalleled.” – Andre

Takeaways

1️⃣ Military retirement brings both relief and uncertainty for the service member and their family.

2️⃣ Geo-baching is a reality for many families, but that doesn’t make it easier emotionally.

3️⃣ Reintegration takes effort, communication, and a willingness to rediscover how to share life together.

4️⃣ Celebrating milestones is important—even if they’re messy, emotional, or imperfect.

5️⃣ Change is hard, but also full of possibility. New routines, new dreams, and new versions of family life are worth embracing.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Paired couples app
• Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
• I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher

Featured Chaos Anthem

“Final Countdown” – Europe

Because what better way to mark 17 days until coming home (and 169 until retirement) than with this iconic anthem? It’s dramatic, nostalgic, and perfectly chaotic—just like this final stretch.

🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Connect with Us

Have a milestone or chaotic countdown of your own? We’d love to hear it.

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🌐 Website: thechaoscommanders.com

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