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Honoring our unsung heroes for their strengths, many sacrifices and commitment to our Fort Lee community. WWW.FTLEETRAVELLER.COM | WWW.MILITARYNEWS.COM | 4TH EDITION
2 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2015
%< /,6$ 60,7+ 02/,1$5, Times have certainly changed. The typical military spouse is no longer a housewife in a polka-dot apron, with a fantastic casserole recipe, and a stack of open letters from the front lines. Today’s “milspouse” comes in two genders and all colors. Military families aren’t limited to husband, spouse, two-and-a-half kids and a dog named “Fido.” Marital relationships and family make-up now run the gamut. In the past, military spouses were somewhat bound to the home, but with increased military family support such as base child care and career counseling services, now military spouses can pursue careers, vol-
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unteer, or stay at home. Unlike our historical counterparts, today’s milspouse doesn’t have to rely on infrequent “snail mail” to stay in touch with a service member who is away. Thanks to modern technologies, we can use email, cell phones, and even video teleconferencing to stay in touch. Career opportunities have changed too. Our service members aren’t bound to the old lock-step path determined by the skills taught at their basic training. With the emergence of unconventional strategies, such as cyber warfare and the use of drones, as well as a new emphasis on joint operations and how global economics impacts military action, our husbands
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and wives in the service gain valuable new experiences that will be marketable in the civilian sector. However, there are some changes that have, arguably, made military life more difficult. A war-weary public, military budget cuts, and increased operational tempo have translated into longer and more frequent deployments and threats to compensation and benefits. Military families are feeling the stress of our unpredictable future. The new diversity of military spouses is a reflection of the ever-changing modern military culture. If variety is the spice of life, then military spouses are well seasoned, indeed! But how can we judge the quality and character of military spouses who live such different lives? Despite the vast array of modern military lifestyles, all military spouses have one very important thing in common: We all love a U.S. service member. This common thread that binds us all together – past, present, and future – provides us with uncommon strength. The strength to endure the new hardships of military life, and the bravery to see the honor in lives of military service. As the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. And for military spouses, our extraordinary strength is the link that unites us all. In this issue, we profile the five finalists selected by our 2015 Fort Lee Heroes at Home judges. These finalists were chosen from a number of outstanding nominations. Nominations were provided by active duty personnel, friends, family and coworkers. The five finalists were chosen based on the following criteria: exceptional volunteer work accomplishments, fortitude in generating support for other military spouses and families, overcoming challenge and
2015 JUDGES Maureen Lyons Spouse of Major General Stephen Lyons, Commanding General, Combined Armed Support Command
Angela Parham Spouse of Command Sergeant Major Terry Parham, Combined Arms Support Command
Stephanie Parker Army Community Service Officer
Susan Loden Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator, Army Community Service
going above and beyond. These spouses exemplify the modern milspouse and are truly heroes at home.
Lisa Smith Molinari has been a Navy Spouse for 21 years. Her award winning weekly column, “The Meat & Potatoes of Life,” is published in military newspapers across the US, and on her blog,themeatandpotatoesoflife.com. Her latest book, Stories Around the Table: Life, Wisdom and Laughter in Military Strength, is available through elvaresa. com. Lisa and her family are currently stationed in Newport, RI.
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Honoring Achievement. Celebrating Commitment.
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)RUW /HH +HURHV DW +RPH 0LOLWDU\ 6SRXVH RI WKH <HDU /,)( $6 $ 0,/,7$5< 63286( My husband and I have been married for seven years. When we began our dating life my husband was attached to a 8th BN, 100th Division Reserve Unit based at the Naval Command Center in Millington, Tennessee. A year after we were married, Matthew fulďŹ lled his dream of becoming an ofďŹ cer in the Army. He left for OfďŹ cer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia in September of 2008. He graduated OCS as a Transportation OfďŹ cer in December of 2008 and headed to Fort Sill, OK for the second portion of his training. Upon completion of his training at Fort Sill he was stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia for his Transportation Basic OfďŹ cer Leadership Course. After graduation from TBOLC we moved to Fort Carson, Colorado in 2009. Upon arrival our brigade was ďŹ nishing its deployment to Iraq and my husband became part of Rear Detachment. As a new spouse to the active duty life it was good to see how the return from deployment worked and celebrate with the spouses who had waited a long year to see their spouses. During this time at Carson I became eager to learn how to better support my military community. I enrolled in practically every course Army Community Service had to offer. I became active in my Family Readiness Group, leading both of them, and earning Volunteer of the Quarter in 2010. I also became in ac-
tive in the OfďŹ cer Spouses’ Club chairing the Publicity/Advertising position. In May of 2011 Matthew deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After the deployment to Afghanistan my husband pinned the rank of Captain and we were given orders for Career Course at Fort Lee to report October 2012.
%(67 3$57 2) %(,1* ,1 $ 0,/,7$5< )$0,/< The best part of being a military family is the incredibly rewarding experience we have to serve our nation, both on the battleďŹ eld and on the “fort,â€? and give our children the hands on experience of giving back. I love being able to support the mission of our soldiers through educating our spouses.
%$/$1&,1* )$0,/< :25. $1' 0,/,7$5< /,)( Balancing family/work/military life can often times become very hectic. There have been many times when one commitment has crossed another because of over commitment. The key is to put family ďŹ rst, carve out special moments, and then rank what is most important. Keeping a detailed calendar that is synced with my husband is crucial. There are some nights when we give a high ďŹ ve and he takes over at home and I head out. The ďŹ nal, most important part, is having a “villageâ€? of friends that help pick up kids, watch kids, drop dinner when you are sick, etc.
6833257,1* 27+(5 0,/,7$5< 63286(6 )$0,/,(6 The best way to support other military spouses/families is to educate them on the resources that are available to them.
— See Burdett, page 11
We salute the Heroes at Home. Military spouses are the unsung heroes who give of themselves, and their time to families and communities. We salute those who go above and beyond, despite their partner’s long deployments. They work, do community work and provide moral support for their families and others. Your selfless service to give back makes all of us proud and is a standard we should all strive for.
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4 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2015
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meeting people in the same life circumstances as you and being able to help each other when needed.
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6833257,1* 27+(5 0,/,7$5< 63286(6 )$0,/,(6 Everyone needs support at some point in their lives. I like being someone people can come to for help. I know that one day I may need support so I give the same support I would want to receive.
92/817((5 6(59,&( +,*+/,*+76 I have been volunteering in the Army since I was a child. My father was active duty growing up. My mother was really into volunteering and she showed me and my sisters the importance of volunteering. For the last two years the majority of my volunteering has been with my husband’s battalion. We established a very successful FRG. I helped organize numerous fundraisers and battalion functions for the families of the 244th Quartermaster Battalion.
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My area of focus for 2015 is centered more around family right now. Our oldest is graduating from high school and we are helping him set up for his future endeavors. We are also moving to the Washington DC area this summer so the focus is making sure the family all gets settled into their new lives and routines as best as possible.
My husband and I have been married for 20 years. We have also been in the Army for 20 years. We have four children Sheldon 18, Nanibaa 16, Tyler 12, and Kehasbah 9. This is our ninth duty :25'6 2) :,6'20 stations. We have been through four deployments. I work full time as a high school math teacher. The thing I’ve learned from being a military spouse is to always be you. Make friends where ever you go because those friends will be there for you always.
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I love all that the military offers. I love being able to travel and see new places. I love meeting new “Stephanie Gaussoin was faced with a challenging situation while she was stationed with her husband in people from so many different backgrounds. Hanua Germany. Her husbands company was faced with a service member being murdered in the barracks. Stephanie stepped forward and assisted with both the single service members on reloacting to another bar%$/$1&,1* )$0,/< :25. $1' 0,/,7$5< /,)( racks and assited with those miitary familes that had service members that were involved in the investigation Balancing family/work/military life has its challenges. The love and support of my husband, children for both moral support and directing them to the proper agencies for counseling.� and both our families is the foundation of everything we do. Another huge part of this balancing act is the support group of friends I build at every duty station. Another great thing about the Army is -Lt. Colonel Jerry Gaussoin, spouse and nominator
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Joy.
2015 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 5
Helping deliver a bundle of joy into the world is a great privilege. In fact, we celebrate each new arrival by playing a lullaby throughout the hospital. If you’re expecting, you can expect more from us. To find an OB/GYN or to schedule a tour of The BirthPlace at Southside Regional Medical Center, call 804-765-5381 or visit SRMConline.com.
Beautiful, spacious birthing suites Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Board-certified OB/GYN physicians Experienced nursing staff Internet access to stay in touch with family and friends
In-room, private portrait sessions Birthing classes and postpartum education Advanced infant security system Certified lactation consultants Board-certified neonatologists and pediatricians
Minutes count. Less than 15 minutes away from Fort Lee. Southside is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.
6 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2015
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2015 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 7
I have had the privilege to serve the community, its active and retired servicemen for over 40 years.
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%$/$1&,1* )$0,/< :25. $1' 0,/,7$5< /,)( I always plan ahead. I’m able to volunteer 20+ hours per week, do “grandmother� requirements on the weekend, social activities at noon and evenings, and still give my husband two to three days (24/7 attention). He and I are a great team who help each other make it happen!
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6833257,1* 27+(5 0,/,7$5< 63286(6 )$0,/,(6 During my 40 years at Fort Lee, it is estimated that through my work at the dining facilities, my business on Fort Lee, and my thousands of hours of volunteering, that I may have personally provided goods and services, and sincere acts of kindness to more than three million soldiers, retirees, spouses, and children on this installation. I have always been lucky and grateful to have had the time and desire to keep my Fort Lee family these many years.
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I love Fort Lee and all of its wonderful people (active, retired, and civilian employees). I am always grateful and in awe that most people call me “Miss Kimâ€? or “Miss Fort Leeâ€?! I have been so blessed for doing something I really love to do. Here are a few “highlights.â€? â– 2008 - Catherine Green Award – from Quartermaster General for 40 years of unselfish dedication and sacraďŹ ce to the Fort Lee community, the Quartermaster Corps, and the U.S. Army. â– 2012 – The President’s Award – for “Lifetime of volunteer service.â€? â– 2012 – American Red Cross – “Service to the Armed Forces.â€? %(67 3$57 2) %(,1* ,1 $ 0,/,7$5< )$0,/< â– 2013 – Retired/Senior Volunteer Program – “Sara Cole Myers RN Distinguished My immediate family totals six children and 14 grandchildren. The children are all colVolunteer Service Award.â€? ** lege-educated, successful in their careers, and doing a great job raising their children. My adopted family is the Fort Lee community. It is my greatest love next to my family. In 1968, I left my ravaged homeland of Vietnam and came to the United States as an 18-year-old war bride. I quickly learned the English language, achieved American citizenship, moved six times between the U.S. And Europe, and raised and educated four children to love and serve their country. At the passing of my ďŹ rst husband of 22 years, I met and married my present husband 23 years ago. We have continued to reside in Prince George, and spend every day on Fort Lee volunteering in our respective activities.
— See Hodder, page 8
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8 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2015
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%$/$1&,1* )$0,/< :25. $1' 0,/,7$5< /,)( Staying organized and lots and lots of prayer.
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â– 23 years of marriage (as of this month, May 9) â– We’ve been in the Army since 2000 (15 years) â– Six PCS moves (Fort Gordon, Fort Benning, AFNORTH Netherlands, Fort Bliss, Fort Stewart, Fort Lee). â– My husband has deployed to Iraq (2), Afghanistan (1), and Egypt (1) â– My husband was enlisted for eight years and has been an ofďŹ cer for seven years
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6833257,1* 27+(5 0,/,7$5< 63286(6 )$0,/,(6 As FRG leader I encourage families to keep themselves trained (AFTB and MRT). I also try to keep them informed about unit, on post and off post events and activities. I bake and give little token gifts to the soldiers/families so that they feel appreciated.
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â– Fort Benning: FRG, high school science teacher (misc school functions) â– AFNORTH: FRG, worked at multinational CDC â– Fort Bliss: FRG, Red Cross, AFAP â– Fort Stewart: FRG, AFAP local and FORSCOM conference in ATL, high school science teacher (misc school functions), volunteered at church once a week â– Fort Lee: FRG (BN and company level), AFAP, movie night for ait soldiers, Bible study for AIT soldiers, Bible study for BDE permanent party, facilitated a weekend marriage retreat with husband, volunteered at church two days a week and led three marriage conferences there in addition to heading up their military ministry
$5($ 2) )2&86 )25 We will be PCSing to Fort Polk this summer. My focus will be to meet new people and get involved in the FRG, AFAP, and religious support programs there.
:25'6 2) :,6'20 Learn as much as you can about the Army, if you understand what is going on, it helps! Embrace it. Find things that you like and focus on those! Stay positive! Get involved. Don’t even try to go it alone!
The amazing people. While in the military we have met some of the most wonderful “Christy is a full time volunteer. Christy volunteered with her FRG, church and the Fort Lee Inpeople. We have developed friendships that will last forever! stallation. She earned a President’s Volunteer Service Award through Fort Lee for the last three years, a bronze in 2014 and gold the two previous years. This total of over 1650 hours from 2012 to 2014 is evidence of her dedication to the Army and to the Army Families within her sphere of inuence.â€? - Spouse and nominator Capt. Burke D. Norris
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327 Cavalier Square Hopewell, Va. For leasing information, call Susan Davis-Harrell at 804-541-7938
â– 2014 - Retired/Senior Volunteer Program - “The Rose King Distinguished Community Service Award.â€? ** â– 2014 – America Red Cross - “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for Community Events.â€? â– Numerous Fort Lee, Kenner Health Clinic, and Department of the Army CertiďŹ cates of Achievement. ** Only recipient of both awards in the 25 year history of the awards.
$5($ 2) )2&86 )25 To continue to serve the Red Cross, Kenner Health Clinic, and to expand my volunteering to other community events. Over 800 hours are projected for 2015. (2014 ended with 912 hours of volunteer service.)
:25'6 2) :,6'20 Remember – Patience/Kindness/Compassion and Dependability are the watchwords of all volunteers! “Your audio must match your video!� A commitment made equals a commitment required.� Be dependable and responsive.
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2015 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 9
become a more diverse person.
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%$/$1&,1* )$0,/< :25. $1' 0,/,7$5< /,)( In my family, it is very hard for my husband to spend time with us. Moments we do have, we make sure that we make it count. I work every day to close that empty gap with our kids, making sure that they are OK, mentally, physically and emotionally.
6833257,1* 27+(5 0,/,7$5< 63286(6 )$0,/,(6 I belong to a great Family Readiness Group, I let the families know that I am just like them and I am here to help, bringing services, activities, and solutions. I can say that over 17 years, I don’t look at the spouses as dependents, I look at them as if they were my family. To this day, I can say that some of my best friends are my military sisters and brothers, we have a strong bond that has lasted throughout the years and different stations.
92/817((5 6(59,&( +,*+/,*+76 /,)( $6 $ 0,/,7$5< 63286( My military experience started 17 years ago, at the time I had no notion of what military lifestyle entailed because I was visiting from another country, so I had to learn everything at a fast pace. I have been married to my husband for almost 17 years and I believe that it is getting stronger every day. During our time together, we have endured changing duty stations seven times as well as three deployments. Every time my husband deployed, there was always different challenges my family and I had to endure.
I volunteer on post as an FRG Leader for Alpha Company, 244th QM BN and I have been doing that since March 2014. For off-post I serve as Vice President of the PTA at CC Wells Elementary School in Chester, Virginia. My duties and responsibilities include activities for students, parents, and teachers as well as an interpreter to foreign speaking mom and dad’s registering their children for school. For my oldest son, I assist where I can and that means donating time to raise money for sports equipment, uniforms etc.
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2015 looks to be a very productive year for me as a person, mom, wife and volunteer. With the FRG, my main goal is to see people coming because they want to, not because The best part of being in a military family is the transformation your family and you they have to. It has become a very awesome group of people who look at each other as go through. At the end of the day, that transformation turns you into someone stronger — See Rettzo, page 11 as well as exible and adjustable. Being in military family gives you the opportunity to
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10 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2015
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2015 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 11
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5HWW]R - Continued from page 9 family rather than Soldiers. Each member of the FRG knows they can count on us as well as we can count on them. Being a part of the PTA, our efforts have enabled the school to raise over $6,000 and purchase 35 state of the art audio/ video equipment for each classroom enhancing each of the children’s learning capabilities.
:25'6 2) :,6'20 Being a military spouse, I have learned to be open minded, patient, and enjoy every moment with your family. These traits
are what gives me more endurance, more strength, as well as more opportunities to be flexible and adjustable. I am proud of being an Army wife, I see it like this, While my husband protects this country, I am protecting him and his family.
“As a result of her efforts, she has enabled the local elementary school to acheive attainable goals, receive equipment other schools were already utilizing, and last but not least, emphasis the importance of showing our younger generation results of someone who cares for our children.”
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-Friend and nominator Jade Holroyd
- Continued from page 3 So many new spouses are not aware of the multiple of agencies, groups, and resources available to help them connect with other spouses, create a network, and learn how to better support the mission of the Army. This education piece is why the Family Readiness Group is so critical.
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■ 2BCT, 1-10 CAV, Delta Company, Family Readiness Group Leader – Fort Carson 2009-2010 ■ 2BCT, 204th BSB, Charlie Company, Family Readiness Group Leader – Fort Carson 2010-2011 ■ Fort Carson Officer Spouses’ Club Publicity/Advertising Chair 2010-2011 ■ Bronze Volunteer Award – Fort Carson, 2011 ■ Volunteer of the Quarter for 2BCT, 4ID – Fort Carson, April 2011 ■ 832nd Ordnance Battalion, Bravo Company, Family Readiness Group Leader – Fort Lee 2013-2014 ■ Fort Lee Area Spouses’ Club – Ways and Means Chairperson – Fort Lee 2013-2014 ■ Bronze Volunteer Award – Fort Lee, 2013 (Awarded in 2014) ■ Fort Lee Girl Scout Troop Leader
5391 – Fort Lee 2014 ■ Fort Lee Girl Scout Troop Leader 5391 – Fort Lee 2015 ■ Gold Volunteer Award – Fort Lee, 2014 (Awarded in 2015) ■ Fort Lee Area Spouses’ Club – 2nd Vice President 2014-2015 ■ Fort Lee USO – Fort Lee 2014
$5($ 2) )2&86 )25 Elected President of the Fort Lee Area Spouses’ Club for the 2015-2016 term. My goal is to further reach military spouses and help coordinate more fundraising activities in the upcoming term to allow for more scholarships and community outreach. Community engagement will be a large focus.
:25'6 2) :,6'20 Two greatest Words of Wisdom I can offer would be to learn to be flexible, even when it is not in your nature; and to find your “village.” Being flexible to change decreases stress and allows you to see the silver lining in any activity. Finding your “village,” or small group of other spouses that you can rely on for anything and vice versa, is critical to “keeping it all together.”
Government Employees Insurance Company Congratulates Our “Heroes at Home”
12 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2015
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We are PROUD TO SPONSOR the fourth annual FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME Military Spouse Awards
We recognize the important role our military spouses play in the Fort Lee community and thank you for your dedication, service and support of our Armed Services!
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