Karen Jowers

Senior Reporter

Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.

All Stories By Karen

DoD considers universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-old military kids

Other efforts include programs to allow kids outside the installation to attend on-base DoD schools and rural kids to attend DoDEA's Virtual High School.

27 hours ago

Here’s how DoD is helping commissary shoppers save more money

More details emerge on how DoD is upping the overall commissary savings to 25%.

6 days ago

Housing allowances are about to go up for more than 100K troops

DoD has unveiled a number of initiatives to improve quality of life for service members, including a boost in Basic Allowance in Housing for some troops.

DoD ponders one-time payments to lower ranks to ease economic stress

High-level discussions are underway about a one-time payment to help lower-paid military families deal with inflation struggles.

Will roadblocks end soon for military household goods contract?

A court decision is expected soon on the new military household goods contract.

New DoD-funded spouse fellowship program coming in 2023

Paid fellowships will help more spouses land long-term employment.

Veterans hunger bill aims to connect those in need with more resources

One in 10 working-age veterans lived in food-insecure households between 2015 and 2019, including 5% in households with the most severe level of hunger.

Military spouse unemployment financial fallout is far-reaching

Active duty spouses have saved a small fraction of what they'll need in retirement, according to a new report.

Absentee voting: Here’s what military and their families need to know

Find out about states' deadlines for registering to vote, and other requirements to make sure your vote is counted.

How bad is the lack of child-care? Ask these Florida military families

The 7th Special Forces Group families' child care crisis "is endemic of the retention and recruiting problem we’re having right now."

VA abortion access and AFA highlights | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 9.24.22

Can you get an abortion at a VA clinic?

Who got a $500 million new Army tech contract? | Defense Dollars