i started by putting away a few ramen noodles and canned goods with a expiration of at least 2014, then for water storage id wash out tea bottles that were strong and put them away, as for weapons and ammo your pretty well off as said before, but i would add a 22 rifle to the collection for small game if it can be afforded, then one of the most important things is training, you being former military should be well off but your wife should at least know how to operate and shoot a pistol if lets say for example u have a garden and have to take care of the plants ur wife maybe attacked by someone waiting since women are easier targets most of the time, so where ever u go u want a side arm if caught off gaurd. Welcome to the forum.