Heroes at Home Fort Lee 2017

Central Virginia HONORING OUR UNSUNG HEROES FOR THEIR STRENGTH, MANY SACRIFICES AND COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY. FORTLEETRAVELLER.COM | MILITARYNEWS.COM | 6TH EDITION

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Publisher: Laura Baxter MNV Editor: Karen L. Gill Sales Development Manager: Adair Wells Creative Director: Tricia Lieurance Graphic Designers: Susan Cofer, Allyson Garner Photographer: T. Anthony Bell, Fort Lee Traveller

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The contents of this special section are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DoD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard.

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BY KAREN GILL At first glance, military spouses may seem just like any other spouses. But a closer look and listen reveal that they are different, but with many characteristics in common that are forged in adversity and that challenging circumstances that they share.

Military spouses, including this year’s Heroes at Home Military Spouse Award nominees, know what it’s like to be away from home, family and loved ones. Because they have gone without, military spouses cherish what others may take for granted, such as celebrating holidays with their families and being home, wherever that may be.

At Independence Day parades and homecoming ceremonies, those most vigorously waving the U.S. flag are likely to be military spouses. They are proud of their service to our country, and what they have learned about other parts of the world and other cultures, which makes them appreciate our American way of life and the benefits provided by a grateful nation.

Military spouses are a resilient and adaptable bunch.

From learning new skills at home to finding resources to help others and new ways to solve dilemmas, military

spouses know how to get things done.

Not only can military spouses tell a Chinook from a Blackhawk, a cruiser from a destroyer and a Humvee from a Hercules, but they also recognize the sacrifices and struggles of others. Every one of our Military Spouse Award nominees volunteers to help other military spouses as well as others in need. Because they have been in tough spots themselves, military spouses appreciate a helping hand and give freely of their time to assist others.

Even though the military lifestyle is sometimes challenging, help is available from family support systems, other spouses and private organizations ready to encourage and support military families.

And now, it is our turn at Military Newspapers of Virginia to support our communities’ military spouses by recognizing their hard work, dedication and sacrifice for our country. To all of our deserving military spouses, we offer our heartfelt thank you.

A former active-duty U.S. Army spouse of 16 years and the mother of two Army “brats,” Karen L. Gill is special sections editor for Military Newspapers of Virginia.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING The Heroes at Home and all military families.

Ashley

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TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 12 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 2 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 4

I married my husband, Omar, in April 2005 not long after his enlistment into the Virginia Army National Guard. Since our marriage, we welcomed three children into our family, moved nine times, and I completed two degree programs. National Guard families are sometimes outside of the benefits, support programs, and resources that are open to other military spouses. For the first six years of our marriage, Omar worked a normal job and was active only when necessary, making it difficult for weekend plans and vacations. Then he accepted an active duty posting with the National Guard, making our lives very similar to many other military spouses. This was a hard transition for me and our daughters, but the support and resources were available to make the necessary adjustments. We have just completed our first successful deployment as a family.

AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017:

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING IN A MILITARY FAMILY?

HUGGI Spouse of SSG Omar-Nedal R. Huggi, B Company, 777th ASB, Sandston

■ Family

A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

- Douglas MacArthur

The best part of being in a military family is the pride that comes from being a member of the longest-stand military group in the United States. The Virginia National Guard was formed from the minutemen of the American Revolutionary War, who were known for being ready at a minute’s notice.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE FAMILY/WORK/MILITARY LIFE?

Very carefully. I am a working military spouse and our three daughters are very active in extracurricular activities. I work to provide myself balance from a knowledge foundation. The evening are for the girls and their activities, and weekends are

family time. Everyone is considered when the plans have to be changed, and we are honest with our kids about why we can’t do something when duty calls.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO SUPPORT OTHER MILITARY SPOUSES/FAMILIES?

I have been a Family Readiness Group Leader for five years and make morale calls to families routinely. Additionally, I was part of a family play group with other parents of young children with deployed spouses.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Girls Scouts leader, Troop 305,October 2015 to present • Family Readiness Group leader, 91st Troop Command, October 2015 to present • Family Readiness Group leader, D Company Aviation, July 2013 to July 2015

to youth activities. We have such pride in our Soldier and our country, and we appreciate our time together so much. The friends I have made and that the kids have made are, by far, the best friends we will ever have.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE FAMILY/WORK/MILITARY LIFE?

TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

I have only been married to Jonathan for 2.5 years, but I became involved in his unit’s Family Readiness Group while we were dating, so a total just short of five years. While Jonathan has been on three deployments, I have only had to endure one, May 2016-April 2017. You learn a lot about yourself during the 11 months when your better half and best friend is away: Like how to fix a leak and a flat tire and the postal carrier’s first name.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING IN A MILITARY FAMILY?

The children get to see and learn so many things, from camps

It can be tricky. I work full-time as a sales exec for our local newspaper, and I also am the Battalion Family Readiness Group leader. Planning and marketing are my strengths, so my career and my volunteer work coincide. I have strong FRG volunteers in the Battalion who make my visions come true! We also have a high school senior and an 11-year-old with lots of school activities ranging from music to baseball games. When Jonathan is home, we split the house chores and errands, so life runs more smoothly. During last year’s deployment, it was harder. I was lucky that I could switch my job from full-time to part-time for a few months. Always remember to have fun!

WHAT DO YOU DO TO SUPPORT OTHER MILITARY SPOUSES/FAMILIES?

As a Battalion Family Readiness Group leader, I am always planning the next great event for the families, from family days, harvest parties, and dinners to babysitting for new moms while their spouse is deployed. Selfless service is an amazing thing.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

• 1-116 HHC FRG co-leader, Lynchburg, 2012-2016 • 1-116 Co A FRG leader; Bedford, 2016-2017 • 1-116 BN FRG leader; 2017-present

Crystal

WHALEY Spouse of 1SG Jonathan Whaley, Virginia Army National Guard, Fort Pickett YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 2.5 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 1 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 0 AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017: ■ Battalion level family events ■ Recruit for empty volunteer roles ■ Continue to foster relationships at BN and MSC level

The strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their families.”

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Elizabeth

TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

SCRUGGS Spouse of Major Andrew Scruggs, CASCOM, Fort Lee

When my husband and I were married, we made a pact that he would take care of the soldiers and I would take care of the families. To this day, we are committed to this pact. Each move brings new experiences and opportunities to figure out how to support military families where we are. I have always been passionate about helping people. Over the past 12 years, whether it was through volunteerism or in a paid position, I have worked hard to bring awareness to programs, resources, support and assistance available to military families.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING IN A MILITARY FAMILY?

YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 12 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 1 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 7 AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017: ■ Whole spouse wellness of body, mind, and spirit.

I want to help spouses be healthy and seek out resources that can assist with their personal and professional goals.

Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.”

- Bob Goff

The journey and the people we meet along the way. We have the opportunity to explore places we may have never explored otherwise. This lifestyle forces you to grow and push yourself. It is an unpredictable lifestyle, and it is amazing to see the family take it all in stride, because we all understand why this lifestyle is necessary.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO SUPPORT OTHER MILITARY SPOUSES/FAMILIES?

Whatever I can. If I am unable to help, I connect them with the wealth of resources available. There are so many resources available to support military families, and it can be an overwhelming process to navigate. I have been fortunate to have been able to find work and volunteer opportunities in multiple military family support programs to include: deployment and mobilization, relocation, EFMP, employment readiness,

AFTB, AFAP, FRG’s, ASYMCA, operation homefront, USO and military housing offices. These experiences have afforded the opportunity to have a lot of knowledge on what resources and services are available to military families.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Fort Polk Spouses Club Community Grants fundraiser, 2011-2012 • Fort Polk Twitter ambassador, 2011-2012 • Sacred Heart Catholic Community Church lector, third grade Sunday school teacher, and vacation bible school leader, 2012-2014 • Auburn Hills Christian School Varsity girls basketball coach, 2014-2015 • Auburn Hills Christian School Varsity boys basketball coach, 2015-2016 • Girl Scout Troop Cookie Mom, 2017

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING IN A MILITARY FAMILY?

TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

I’ve known my husband Nicholas since I was 11 years old growing up in Odessa, Texas. I am the mother of two amazing children, Thomas and Madelaine, which I currently homeschool.

Since the beginning of our marriage and my entrance to military life, I have actively sought out the companionship and mentorship of other military spouses. I needed that connection with other spouses like myself to get through some of the difficult, lonely times, and to help celebrate the joyous occasions this life can bring. I also wanted to be like one of those women who I looked up to, who helped other spouses, families and children guide their way through this unique lifestyle of ours. Most of all, I like feeling “useful.”

My favorite part, is the one that most people don’t always like, I love moving! As a small-town Texas girl, I had not traveled much before I got married, but now, I have visited almost every state. My family has been exposed to so many different cultures, experienced new foods, new ideas, and new climates. We can honestly say we have made friends all over the United States. I knew we had passed on our love of exploring new places when my son came to me and said “I like it here, and I’m glad we have gotten to stay for a while, but, I’m ready to go somewhere new. We’ve been here too long and I want to explore a new place!” With every move, our little family has become such a tight “Unit,” because we only have each other to rely on. Every new spot has new places and new friends to explore and learn about together.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

• 71st Transportation Battalion FRG treasurer, 2016-present • Troop 5391 Fort Lee Brownie Troop Leader, 2014-present • Fort Lee Area Spouses Club membership coordinator, 2016-present • Catholic Women of the Chapel, 2014-present • Catholic Catechism instructor, 2015-2016 • Fort Lee Area Spouses Club hospitality and volunteer coordinator, 2015-2016 • ALU Spouse and Student Spouse Coffee Group initial organizer • Youth Sports Team Parent, 2016-present

Jessica

MILLER Spouse of Captain Nicholas Miller, 71st Trans Battalion, Fort Lee YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 12 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 2 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 8 AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017: ■ I am striving to focus on my faith, my family, and bettering my community

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Joshua

MARTIN

The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.�

- General George S. Patton Jr.

TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

Lauren and I have been married since November 2005. We met on active duty at Fort Carson, Colorado. Since we moved back to Virginia and joined the National Guard in 2004, we have both held various positions within various commands in the Commonwealth. Lauren was re-assigned to the 29th Infantry Division in mid-2016, and subsequently deployed in August 2016.

This is our ďŹ rst deployment together. We’ve moved twice since we have been in Virginia.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING IN A MILITARY FAMILY?

The best part of being in a military family is the camaraderie. Although I have experience as a member of the military myself, being a military spouse is also like being part of the military. There is a great support network, and what I have enjoyed the most are seeing the relationships that my children have built through the military.

My daughter has been involved in youth programs since she was 8, and now at 16, some of her closest friends are other military children.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE FAMILY/WORK/ MILITARY LIFE?

It is not always easy. Since Lauren has left, I’ve been essentially working two jobs. Ac-

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Spouse of SFC Lauren Martin, 29th Infantry Division, Fort Belvoir YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 11 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 1 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 1 AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017: â– Family â– Increase volunteer work, â– Re-integrate successfully after deployment

tivities for the children have not slowed down, nor have the responsibilities at home. We have a great support network of family and friends, and a great support network through the National Guard and especially the Youth Program. It takes focus to get things done, even though sometimes you’d rather just sit down and rest.

My mother, Lauren’s mother-in-law, has been a blessing since the deployment, as she has been able to be with the kids while I still have to work long weekends and travel. Being able to stay in communication with Lauren has been great as well, as we’re able to talk about things and make joint decisions as we normally would, even though she’s deployed.

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VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

â&#x20AC;˘ Cub Scouts Pack Treasurer, den leader/ assistant den leader, 2012-2016 â&#x20AC;˘ Virginia National Guard Youth Program youth camp counselor, 2013-2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Adjutant General Corps Regimental Association treasurer, 2014-current â&#x20AC;˘ i9 Sports head coach/assistant coach (basketball), 2014-current â&#x20AC;˘ ChesterďŹ eld Basketball League head coach/assistant coach, 2014-2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Jacobs Road Elementary School Watch Dog DADS Program, 2014-2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Midlothian Middle School PTA treasurer (nominee), May 2017-TBD (if nomination is approved)

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Julie

TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

COFFMAN Spouse of E6 Doyle Coffman, Echo 832nd, Fort Lee YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 17.5 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 5 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 6 AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017: ■ Julie is currently hiking the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness for the USO.

Do not go where the path may lead, but go where there is no path and leave a trail.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

In 1999 I jumped right into military life. I got married on Jan. 1, and by Jan. 23, my husband was off to Marine Corps boot camp. Our first duty station was MCAS Yuma, where we were attached to Marine Wing Support Squadron 371. Here I successfully ran a home Family Child Care, and started our family.

In 2004, we switched from Marine Corps life to Army life. We packed our bags, and moved to Giebelstadt, Germany, where my husband was attached to 69th Air Defense Artillery. Here I learned what it meant to be “Army Strong.” I was eager to become part of the Army family, so I got involved in the AFTB, and was active in the FRG, and took over PTA president for two years. I received Volunteer of the Quarter for 2006. We moved to Fort Drum in 2006, which was a blast. My husband was deployed most of the time, so I dove right into FRG, PTA, PTO and USO. I also started and ran a bakery for three years.

Here I received many awards for volunteer service and work in the community. In 2013 we moved to Fort Lee. In April 2016, I received the Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award, logging more than 500 hours in a calendar year. Over the course of our 171/2 years in the military, we have managed to raise three fantastic children: two sons born in America and one daughter born in Germany.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING IN A MILITARY FAMILY?

For me the best part of being in a military family is being able to support my husband and the troops on the home front. I love being able to meet new people, experience the cultural

diversity of new places, and pass on my knowledge to the next generation of military spouses.

You would be surprised what a small Army it really is when you start developing those friendships that last forever.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

We are a volunteer family in our house, and even the dog has her job. I have been volunteering our entire military career with PTAs, PTOs, Spouses clubs, NCO clubs, kids’ sports, USO Fort Drum.

At Fort Lee, my volunteer service includes track coach, swim club staging, Wwim Might mom, Football Mom, Soccer Mom, USO volunteer, Spouses Club Historian, Therapy dog handler for Fort Lee, the VA, and children’s hospitals, as well as deployment and welcome home ceremonies. Working in the animal shelters and helping with Girl Scouts has been very special for me, because I love animals and children very much. I also volunteer with the Holiday Helper, Salvation Army, and help teach new spouses the ways of the Army through being an AFTB instructor.

sanctuary in our home -- a place of rest and safety for my husband and children. This enables us all to have the fortitude to serve those in our community. We are not perfect or super-human. If we ask and obey, God will direct us to the people and missions we need to be involved with. He will, at times, also command us to rest. There will always be more work to do, but if we fail in the mission of caring for ourselves and our families we have much to lose.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

Our first duty station was at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where our world changed on 9/11. Since then we have had to move 10 times. This has been challenging in many ways, yet the experiences and people we’ve met have made it all worthwhile.

Each duty station has not only provided unique ways for us to minister to others, but also has given us excellent environments for mental, social and spiritual growth.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE FAMILY/WORK/MILITARY LIFE?

Balancing family and military life is always a challenge. When you have to do one thing, often something has to give. There have been many times where I took too much on and became depleted. Over the years I have learned to say “yes” to the best things and even take times to say “no,” so that I can restore and better take care of my family. My main mission is to provide a

I love serving others. Yet, I could not have a good thought, tendency or even the ability or any love at all without my creator transforming my very heart. Without him, I am self-centered, but he causes me to want to take time to be involved and help others. I am thankful for the breath I have so I can speak encouraging words to others and the strength he provides, so I can reach out and minister to that next person. Secondly, I have such high regard for many spouses I have met who continually put themselves last to pour out to their families, friends and both military and civilian communities. I am amazed by their sacrifice of time, energy and resources, over and over again. I cannot applaud myself, as it pales in comparison to all I’ve observed. May we all endeavor to applaud and encourage these spouses to keep fighting the good fight!

Julie

LESTER Spouse of Major James Lester, 23 Quartermaster Brigade Chaplain, Fort Lee YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 18 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 2 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 8 AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017: ■ Take a step back from several things to restore and get ready to move for the 11th time. Yet, there is always a mission to accomplish. God gives me the grace to endure and transition to the next season!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

- Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

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2017 WINNER

Marie

FOWLER

Spouse of Captain Christopher Fowler, A Company, 71st Trans. Battalion, Fort Lee YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 8 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 1 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 4 AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017: ■ Mentorship. Our FRG at Army Logistics University is the best one I’ve been a part of yet! Every month our meetings focus on Army benefits, and we also have spouse socials that allow us to get one-on-one time with new spouses with lots of questions. One of my specific goals for our FRG is to resurrect our monthly “class” that educates spouses on the ins and outs of PCSing. I was organizing them and had to take a break to have a baby.

TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

My husband had been in the Army for one year before we met.

We were married two months, when we moved to South Korea for two years. While there, I surrounded myself with other active spouses, joining the Spouses’ Club, PWOC, the Family Readiness Group, and working with the youth group at our chapel service. Every time we move, these are the places where I plug in. Volunteering and being part of the spouses’ clubs are how I find friends and thrive in the Army life.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING IN A MILITARY FAMILY?

I love getting to live all over the country and world. I have learned so much by living in different places and meeting different people. I have tasted amazing foods from all different cultures. I am very much a people person, so getting to make new friends every place we move is exciting for me. My military friends are my family, so my family is always growing. We share moments and memories, birthdays and holidays, that we don’t always get to share with our relatives.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE FAMILY/WORK/MILITARY LIFE?

I’m not always successful, but I try to balance all of these things by intertwining them all. For instance, I ask my daughter to help me cook when preparing a meal for a friend who has just had a baby, or have her help me put together goodie bags for a church ministry I volunteer with. For FRG stuff, I work with an amazing command team. My 3-year-old usually can be found sitting at the table next to the Battalion Commander at our steering meetings. Being able to have my family with me is what

allows me to volunteer in such a capacity.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

• FRG co-leader, 71st Transportation Battalion, November 2015-present •Small Group facilitator, Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC), June 2015-December 2016 • Advisor, Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC), September 2015-May 2016 • Youth Leader, The Heights Baptist Church, January 2016-present • Baker/Crafter, StripChurch RVA, September 2016-present • FRG Leader, B Co. 710th Brigade Support Battalion, Fort Drum, April 2013-June 2015 It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

- Harry Truman

Mary

SHAVER Spouse of LTC James C. Shaver, JFHQ, Fort Pickett YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 10 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 3 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 1 AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017: ■ Educating new incoming families to the Virginia Army National Guard.

Everything happens for a reason!”

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TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

I began my official Military spouse role when my husband deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. Our then 5-year-old daughter, Maddy, and I were left at home for 10 long months without our Soldier. It gave me my first real taste of what life would be like going forward for us as a military family. Most National Guard spouses and families are dispersed across the state, with many being in rural areas and far from the nearest military installation and other military families. This makes it very difficult to have the support needed while your Soldier is away. It was then that I realized I need to learn more about this “military stuff!” So I began volunteer work supporting the Virginia Army National Guard in whatever capacity they needed me.

We had a new addition to our family in 2009, and our first PCS in 2012 to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This was real and exciting! I took the year off and vowed to learn all I could this great military life. I volunteered more than 40 hours a week in several positions, and enrolled and completed every class, seminar, and webinar that was available. This was all invaluable information that I was ready and ecstatic to take back to all my military spouses, friends and families in Virginia. It was bittersweet to leave a year later when my husband completed schooling, but we were ready to get back to our “home” state of Virginia.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING IN A MILITARY FAMILY?

The best part of being in a military family is that I am always learning something new and exciting about myself. There is al-

ways change, and I am always surprised by how resilient I have become through the years.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE FAMILY/WORK/MILITARY LIFE?

The best balance is there is no balance at all. You do what you have to do, at any given moment.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

• VA Army National Guard • Co-FRG leader, 116th Spartan Shield MET • Key Caller, MTC • FRG leader, JFHQ • President of Spouse Council, Fort Leavenworth,CGSC- ILE • Army Family Team Building advisor, Fort Leavenworth ACS

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING IN A MILITARY FAMILY?

TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND/LIFE AS A MILITARY SPOUSE:

I’ve viewed each duty station as an opportunity for adventure, service and learning. Each new assignment has allowed me to grow in my Christian faith as well as find new ways of serving others. Fort Drum was a season of adjusting to motherhood with my two very young daughters, while also navigating our first deployment. I first stepped into leadership with our company FRG and also led a monthly prayer support group for our deployed spouses. Fort Knox is where I discovered Zumba and was licensed as an instructor, co-teaching free classes to spouses on post. Fort Lee has offered me a variety of service opportunities through my Zumba instructing, PWOC facilitating and serving as the BN FRG Advisor for my husband’s battalion.

These six years have been full, and I’m a different person now than when we first started this journey!

The best part of sharing life with other military families is our common understanding of this unique life. Military children understand what it’s like when they’re separated from a parent. Spouses can truly empathize with each other over the unique challenges and joys that come with the military. Community and friendships usually don’t waste much time, because we all know that we don’t have much time together! The relationships that are built are authentic. I have had the privilege of meeting the most amazing military spouses, whom I greatly admire, during our various assignments. I’m struck by their bravery, pro-activeness, their parenting, their commitments to enhance their marriages in every new season and their compassion toward their fellow military spouses!

Being in the military has strengthened our family! Our daughters understand the value of enjoying the blessings we have at each duty station knowing they vary from place to place – from great schools and teachers to different extra-curricular activities and church/chapel services. As a family, we value our time together and try to make the most of those seasons when we’re not separated. This has given us a greater appreciation for each other.

Sasha

MOEN Spouse of Captain Daniel Moen, 16th Ordnance Battalion, Fort Lee YEARS AS MILITARY SPOUSE: 6 NUMBER OF DEPLOYMENTS: 1 NUMBER OF PCS MOVES: 3 AREA OF FOCUS FOR 2017: ■ To continue in my current service roles within 16th BN and PWOC.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS:

• PWOC care group facilitator • 16th OD BN FRG Advisor • Initiated and teach a free Zumba class for military spouses at Liberty Chapel • Volunteer at Enon Elementary School in Chester

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

- James 4:8

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MARIE FOWLER

My most important advice for other military spouses is to be positive. Find the good in every duty station or assignment, such as “The heat works great in this Fort Drum townhouse!” Find positive people to surround yourself with. Be a positive effect on an organization/group. Not everyone is going to want to be the “leader,” but the leader also needs helpers who make things happen.

LIZ SCRUGGS

You have to have realistic expectations, be flexible and find opportunity wherever you go. Military life is like a roller coaster, it can be scary, it will have highs and lows, twists and turns, but it will be over before you know it, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. The emotions are real, and at times, you want to laugh, cry, scream and barf. Don’t hesitate to ask for a hand when you are afraid or struggling. If you don’t know where to turn ask, always ask, never be afraid to ask.

JULIE COFFMAN

I have learned to be flexible, cherish every minute of time with my soldier, be patient, be true to who I am and love my family! My words of advice to other military spouses would be to be loyal to yourself, your spouse, your family and your country. Have a positive attitude, learn from others’ experiences, and dig in and find your military family: We are here for you. Carry the people you meet with you, in every adventure you go on with your soldier.

Take every day for what it is, hike your own hike and be true to you! Be Army Strong.

JOSH MARTIN

I’ve learned that although things can be difficult, there is always a support network out there, even though sometimes it might not seem like it. There are always people willing to help, you just have to ask. We cannot be too proud to ask for help. Many times others may not offer

Myra Williams

2017

JUDGES

Spouse of MG Darrell Williams, Commanding General, CASCOM

help, because they do not want to seem nosy, or feel like they are bothering you by constantly offering assistance.

However, the willingness of others to help in time of need is tremendous, and all we have to do is ask! Above all else, support your Soldier while they are deployed, so they can concentrate on what they are doing. I do my best to make sure things run smoothly at home, so my wife doesn’t have to worry that things are being taken care of or that the kids are doing well. I do everything I can so she can concentrate on her job and come home safe and soon!

CRYSTAL WHALEY

The friends you make in the military -- the other wives, the girlfriends, the moms, the sisters -- these people are your tribe. They will be your lifelong friends, no matter where your arrows take you. Going through a deployment, you will have a flat tire, a leaky faucet, and maybe a bill that was paid late, but you will find yourself while fixing those things. You are some of the strongest people I will ever have the pleasure of meeting. You are serving your country along with your spouse in uniform, and you are doing a great job!

JULIE LESTER

Take care of the needs of yourself, your family and your spouse first! They are your primary ministry. Our spouses will thrive in their work if their home life promotes a loving and restoring environment. Secondly, connect with other spouses through FRG, chapel activities, volunteer opportunities and neighborhoods. These spouses become a lifeline and family. We all need to support each other.

Also, remember that no one, except God, is perfect. We ourselves have many flaws and shortcomings and need to work side-by-side with people who also fail. God can meet our imperfections with his perfectio,n so that we may press forward and spur one another on toward the goal! Lastly, the one matters! Look around and observe. There is probably a spouse right in front of you who could use a friend or encouraging word. By touching one life, you touch many!

Pam Bartee

Spouse of CSM Nathaniel Bartee, CASCOM

Stephanie Parker Army Community Service Officer

SASHA MOEN

I truly believe that each new assignment is an opportunity for personal growth and service toward others. A seasoned Army spouse at my first duty station said she viewed them as chances to reinvent oneself by taking on new hobbies, learning new skills, and investing in new friendships. Seeing those military “curve balls” as opportunities rather than pitfalls drastically changes our perspective, which also significantly impacts our family members’ experiences as well as those around us.

Don’t wait to be invited by others, invite them first!

(This is not only empowering for you, but also gives an incredible example to your children in how to navigate new friendships.)

I have learned SO much walking through this journey while fully acknowledging all I’ll continue to learn as we follow this unique calling in the years to come. It’s an amazing life!

JESSICA MILLER

I have learned that it doesn’t matter where you go or where you live, home truly is where your heart is. My family is everything to me, and we have been content in the middle of the Mojave Desert and the winters of North Dakota, as long as we have each other.

Secondly, I have learned that no one is responsible for my happiness but me, and this hasn’t always been easy.

When we move to a new place, whether it is a “desirable” location or not, I can make the decision to stay inside and be lonely and sulk, or I can make the conscious often difficult decision to get out there and start making friends and networks. My advice is to get out and go, go, go! Go join a club, get involved, go to your neighborhood parks, meet people, travel and explore your new home, volunteer, and really put yourself out there. Even for those who are struggling, this life can offer help and a lifeline, go to ACS for free counseling, go to a chaplain.

This life can really bring you down or raise you up; it’s all up to you!

Susan Loden

Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator, Army Community Service

Vickie Sais

State Family Programs Director,Virginia National Guard

Michelle Maldonado

2016 Fort Lee Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year

www.fortleetraveller.com | May 11, 2017 | HEROES AT HOME | 11

PRESENTED BY

Spouse of CPT Christopher Fowler, 71ST Transportation Battalion, Fort Lee

2017 HEROES AT HOME CENTRAL VIRGINIA MILITARY SPOUSE OF THE YEAR Read all about the ямБnalists in the 2017 Heroes At Home Spouse Guide online at FortLeeTraveller.com

PRESENTING SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSORS Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian

TABLE SPONSORS

Flowers Courtesy of

Grand Prize Courtesy of

12 | HEROES AT HOME | May 11, 2017 | www.fortleetraveller.com

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