My Journey as Army Spouse of the Year – 2011

I remember getting to Fort Bragg 5 years ago and reading Military Spouse Magazine, and it really inspired me to be able to want to open my own business – something that I could call my own. Military Spouse Magazine has really grown worldwide since then, and it has empowered so many spouses from all branches of the service.

I really want to thank Military Spouse Magazine and Armed Forces Insurance for hosting and sponsoring this contest. This has been one of the best experiences of my life, especially getting the call from Babette of Military Spouse Magazine to congratulate me on winning the Army Spouse of the Year. I could not believe that I had won the popular vote in the contest, the results of which were officially announced on Jan 25, 2011.

Since then I have been in contact with the North Carolina Governor’s Office, speaking to her Military Liaison about the things I would like to accomplish for military families in North Carolina. I have also been congratulated by Senator Hagan, Congressman Kissell and Congressman McIntyre.

I was interviewed for the Fayetteville Observer, and I have an upcoming interview with a TV station. Last night I was on Navy Wife Blog Radio, and I am getting ready to participate in a photo shoot for Military Spouse Magazine. I am already enjoying being an advocate for the Army, and for Military Spouse Magazine.

I really feel as if I am now able to reach out to all Army spouses and say that if I can work hard and achieve something like this, then you certainly can too. Also, working with the Blue Star Families chapter here at Fort Bragg has been a wonderful experience. I have awesome volunteers who are trying to help get the chapter established and running, and I really think all these years of volunteer work have really paid off.

I do take my volunteer work seriously. In addition to the above, I am a representative for the National Military Family Association and member of the Association of the United States Army – Braxton Bragg Chapter. I truly enjoy helping other people and getting the word out about the military, especially with the Army.

After almost 11 years of marriage, I can say that being a military spouse is to be a part of the best sorority/fraternity in the world. The sisterhood of military spouses – just like with the Greek college organizations – has a rite of passage you have to go through to join, after which you have access to sisters and brothers who are going through the same thing you are – and you remain a member for life!