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

Advocates urge Austin to act on active duty obesity ‘epidemic’

A new letter urges defense leaders to do more to prevent, identify and treat obesity in the ranks.

12 hours ago

No paper, no plastic: Be ready as commissaries adopt reusable bags

Reusable bags can be more expensive for commissary shoppers up front, but more cost-effective in the long run.

33 hours ago

Military child singers wanted for D.C. metro area group

The Pentagon is closer to extending a generous new benefit to millions of veterans

'Radical' proposal would change the way retired pay is divided in divorce cases

Former spouses might get a smaller share of a military member's monthly retirement pay if Congress passes legislation that some are describing as a “radical rewrite” of the law regarding the division of marital assets when military couples divorce.

Transition issues such as class and sports placement persist for military kids

Some military children are experiencing persistent Issues when they transition from one state to another with their families

A national forum brought in military kids to question DoD's No. 2 official

“If benefits are being cut more and more every year, how do you expect to recruit men and women to the armed forces?” asked Ronald Linhardt, 17, a Navy youth who is a student at Guam High School.

Veteran and military spouse is defense schools' teacher of the year

A veteran and retired soldier's spouse who teaches eighth-grade English at Fort Benning, Georgia, is DoDEA's 2017 teacher of the year.

DoD signals support for online shopping benefit for veterans

“A new source of revenue that could increase contributions to [Morale, Welfare and Recreation] and other quality of life programs is the expansion of the online shopping benefit to honorably discharged veterans,” stated the report, which detailed way

Red Cross looks to fill gap in veterans' emergency financial needs

The American Red Cross is testing the idea of providing financial assistance to veterans who don’t qualify for help through military agencies.

The Pentagon moves to set troops straight on its new military retirement plan

Officials aim to address "speculation, rumors" while providing the financial literacy training to military families.

PCS words of wisdom from a military kid

Military parents can learn from 18-year-old Sophie Roth-Douquet’s words. The biggest difference for her, she said, was the way her parents always seemed unaffected by the move.

Military Times’ 2024 Service Members of the Year

From combat medic to Paralympian: What drives Ellie Marks?

The Navy petty officer ensuring the Carney stays focused on the fight

Karen Jowers

Senior Reporter

All Stories By Karen

Advocates urge Austin to act on active duty obesity ‘epidemic’

A new letter urges defense leaders to do more to prevent, identify and treat obesity in the ranks.

No paper, no plastic: Be ready as commissaries adopt reusable bags

Reusable bags can be more expensive for commissary shoppers up front, but more cost-effective in the long run.

Military child singers wanted for D.C. metro area group

Military child singers wanted for D.C. metro area group

The Pentagon is closer to extending a generous new benefit to millions of veterans

The Pentagon is closer to extending a generous new benefit to millions of veterans

'Radical' proposal would change the way retired pay is divided in divorce cases

Former spouses might get a smaller share of a military member's monthly retirement pay if Congress passes legislation that some are describing as a “radical rewrite” of the law regarding the division of marital assets when military couples divorce.

Transition issues such as class and sports placement persist for military kids

Some military children are experiencing persistent Issues when they transition from one state to another with their families

A national forum brought in military kids to question DoD's No. 2 official

“If benefits are being cut more and more every year, how do you expect to recruit men and women to the armed forces?” asked Ronald Linhardt, 17, a Navy youth who is a student at Guam High School.

Veteran and military spouse is defense schools' teacher of the year

A veteran and retired soldier's spouse who teaches eighth-grade English at Fort Benning, Georgia, is DoDEA's 2017 teacher of the year.

DoD signals support for online shopping benefit for veterans

“A new source of revenue that could increase contributions to [Morale, Welfare and Recreation] and other quality of life programs is the expansion of the online shopping benefit to honorably discharged veterans,” stated the report, which detailed way

Red Cross looks to fill gap in veterans' emergency financial needs

The American Red Cross is testing the idea of providing financial assistance to veterans who don’t qualify for help through military agencies.

The Pentagon moves to set troops straight on its new military retirement plan

Officials aim to address "speculation, rumors" while providing the financial literacy training to military families.

PCS words of wisdom from a military kid

Military parents can learn from 18-year-old Sophie Roth-Douquet’s words. The biggest difference for her, she said, was the way her parents always seemed unaffected by the move.

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