MAY 2016 | 5TH EDITION
HONORING OUR UNSUNG HEROES For their strength, sacriďŹ ces and commitment to our Fort Lee community.
2 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2016
We can do hard things You’ve probably heard it whispered between spouses. You may have been the one whispering. I don’t think I can do this. This is too hard. I don’t want to be a military spouse anymore. It’s one of the open secrets of military life; people want out sometimes. It’s not all creative reunions or the stereotypical superhero spouse who keeps the household together and supports their service member. It’s also middle-of-the-night returns with sleeping kids in the back of the car. It’s feeling isolated in a new place after the latest PCS. It’s tears on your pillow in the middle of a deployment. You know it will pass. It always does. And you remember, and remind others, about the lifelong friendships, the bonds that will never break, the unique position you are in to give back to this community that you are a part of, both the military community and the place you call home…well, for now.
Military spouses are equipped with the empathy gained from dealing with goodbyes on a regular basis, insight gained from seeing how things are done all over the country and a can-do attitude that’s been honed by deployments, PCS moves and the need to remain flexible no matter what. Volunteerism is a natural fit for us. In fact, a 2014 report from Blue Star Families showed that 68% of respondents reported that they volunteered in 2013. This was much higher than the 25.4% of the general public who volunteered with an organization in 2013. A full fifth of military spouses spent 20 or more hours a month volunteering in 2013. It’s not just formal organizations that military spouses are volunteering to help. A vast majority of military spouses will step up and help their friends and neighbors with the day-to-day chores that can weigh us down the most. Eighty-nine percent reported they volunteered informally by helping with child care, doing yard work, providing transporta-
tion or simply providing help to friends when they need it. How amazing is that?! The five finalists for the 2016 Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year embody this spirit of helpfulness and volunteerism many different ways. They serve on PTAs and volunteer in schools. They volunteer in local churches and all kinds of military organizations. They are active members of family readiness groups. They’re stay-at-home moms and full-time employees. The five finalists profiled in this issue remind us that we are strong, we can make a difference. It will always be hard, but it doesn’t have to defeat us. These five spouses remind us that when the going gets tough, the milspouse gets tougher.
Carrie Anderson is an editor with Military Newspapers of Virginia. She is a proud Coast Guard spouse of five years and is raising two future Coasties who can’t get enough boats. She loves writing, sailing and helping military families.
Myra Williams
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2016 JUDGES
Spouse of Major General Darrell Williams, Commanding General, Combined Armed Support Command
Pam Bartee Spouse of Command Sergeant Major Nathan Bartee, Combined Arms Support Command
Stephanie Parker Army Community Service Officer
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2016 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 3
JULIE
COFFMAN SPOUSE OF SSG DOYLE COFFMAN Echo 832nd, Fort Lee, Virginia
17 ½ Years as Military Spouse
6 Number of PCS Moves
5 Number of Deployments
2016 Area of Focus:
Tell us briey about your background and life as a military spouse: In 1999, I jumped right in to military life. I got married on January 1, and by the 23 my husband was off to Marine Corps boot camp. Our ďŹ rst duty station was Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, where we were attached to Marine Wing Support Squadron 371. Here I successfully ran a home family child care business, 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.â€? I was eager to become part of the Army family, so I got involved in the Army Family Team Building (AFTB), was active in the FRG and took over PTA president for two years. I received Volunteer of the Quarter in 2006. We moved to Fort Drum in 2006. Fort Drum was a blast. My husband was deployed most of the time, so I dove right in to Family Readiness Group (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 VA, and here we are today. In April 2016, I received the Gold Presidents Volunteer Service Award logging over 500 hours in a calendar year. Over the course of our 17 1/2 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 homefront. 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. How do you balance family/work/
My area of focus for 2016 is family, supporting my soldier and giving back to the community. Another area of focus is helping our next generation of service members and their families feel welcome by working with the USO, Spouses Club and AFTB. Other things I would like to focus on are training for my hike and continuing to grow as a military spouse and mom.
“
Do not go where the path may lead – go where there is no path and leave a trail.
�
RALF WALDO EMERSON
military life? I balance my family/work/ military life by running around like ‘a chicken with its head cut off.’ No but seriously, balancing everything can be a challenge. I balance my family/work/military life by staying organized, planning ahead and having a strong support system (family, friends and other military spouses) keeping in mind that I have to be exible, and roll on! Family is always ďŹ rst; I love the moments when we are all together. What do you do to support other military spouses/families? I support my military family by standing by my soldier letting him know I am there
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4 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2016
JULIE
COFFMAN
KIM
continued from page 3
for him. I make sure things run smoothly on the homefront so he can stand strong for our country. To help support the military spouses and the families I feel it is important to help educate and welcome the new spouses into the Army family by providing information about the Army and community resources. I do this by being involved with my husband’s unit, Prince George Schools, Spouses’ Club, USO and AFTB. Sometimes the best thing I can do to support other military spouse is just to be a listening ear and be there when they need me. Working with the USO helps me give back to our military and their families by providing support on and off post. You may see me and my dog Sprinkles around post, and together we help support our troops and their families here on Fort Lee by providing comfort, a smiling face and a little reminder of home for those who are away. We also work in the veterans’ and children’s hospitals throughout the Richmond Metropolitan area. I have a love for baking and making people smile! My way of doing this for our military members, spouses and families is to make and donate cupcakes! Volunteer Service Highlights: My biggest highlight of volunteer service is giving back! We are a volunteer family in our house, even the dog has her job. I have been volunteering our entire military career with PTAs, PTOs, Spouses’ clubs, NCO clubs, kid’s sports and USO Fort Drum. Since here at Fort Lee, my volunteer service includes track coach; swim club staging; Swim 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.
HODDER SPOUSE OF COLONEL CLINTON A. HODDER US Army Retired, Fort Lee, Virginia
and very successful in their careers and doing a wonderful job of raising their children .Three of the children served in the military with our daughter, Maria, making it a career in the Marine Corps. I have been blessed with such a great family that has enabled me to commit my entire life to taking care of my husband and have the ability to give the rest to the Ft. Lee Community as a volunteer for the American Red Cross at the Kenner Health Clinic and the tri-city community.
47+ Years as Military Spouse
6 Number of PCS Moves
2016 Area of Focus: I plan to continue to serve the American Red Cross, the Kenner Health Clinic and to expand my volunteer efforts in other community events as long as my health holds up. I am on schedule to work over 900 hours for this year and a total that will be over 4,500 these past five years. My main focus is the pharmacy refill window where over 100,000 prescriptions are dispensed in this very personal and highly sensitive area, that needs a very professional approach that allows each patient to leave with a smile and a feeling that we care about them and we are always there for them. I always try to do this even when there is a problem. Satisfaction with a smile is always the best medicine!
“
A commitment made is a committment required!!!
”
Tell us briefly about your background and life as a military spouse: In 1968, I left my war torn country of Vietnam and came to the United States as an 18 year old war bride. I was separated from my culture and my parents and alone in a country where I could not speak the language or have an understanding of my new country. I quickly learned the language and began raising my family of four children and becoming an American citizen. I taught my children to love and serve this wonderful country and to always give back to the community by volunteering when they get a chance to do so. After the passing of my husband of 22 years, I met and married my present husband 23 years ago. We continue to reside outside of Ft. Lee in Prince George County and spend almost every day on Ft. Lee volunteering in our respective activities. What is the best part of being in a military family? I am so proud of our family which consists of six grown children and 14 grandchildren. The children are all college graduates
How do you balance family/ work/military life? I always plan ahead. I am able to volunteer 20+ hours per week, do grandmother and wife requirements on the weekend, social activities at noon or in the evenings and still have time to give my husband two or three days a week (24/7 attention). He and I support each other and we consider ourselves a great team who help each other so we can help others.
herself as a volunteer at one of the most demanding positions one could have: working at the Kenner Health Clinic Pharmacy Refill Window. Just to be allowed to volunteer there, I had to have a lot of training, security clearance and a lot of patience, professionalism and a friendly disposition. My goal is always smile and present a professional manner and assurance that their prescriptions are correct and promptly given to the patient. In less than 5 years I have over 4,500 volunteer hours and I am very proud that I can contribute to dispensing over 100,000 refill orders and to ease the workload on the permanent techs. I am humbled by the recognition and honors I have received for just doing what I love to do, but here are a few:
v Most people call me Miss Kim and some even call me Miss Ft. Lee because I have had the wonderful opportunity to bring a smile to What do you do to support them these many years. v Life Time Achievement Award other military spouses/ from the President. (4,000+ hours in families? During my 40+ years at Ft. Lee, five years) v Service to the Armed Forces it is estimated that through award from the American Red my work at the military dining Cross facilities, my business on Ft. Lee v Outstanding Volunteer of the and my thousands of hours of volunteering that I may have per- Year from the American Red Cross v Certificate of Achievement for sonally provided goods, services Outstanding Service from Governor and sincere acts of kindness to as many of 3 million soldiers, retir- of Virginia ees, spouses and children on this v Letters of Appreciation for Outstanding and Selfless Service from installation. I have always been lucky and grateful to have had the both US Senators of Virginia ability and the time to help my Ft. v Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for Community Events from Lee family these many years. the American Red Cross Volunteer Service v The Catharine Greene Medal for Highlights: outstanding and selfless support to In 2010, my husband and I her husband and the Quartermascompletely retired and made ter Corps these many years. v The Sara Cole Myers RN Distinthe decision to make volunteerguished Volunteer Service Award ing our next full time career. I became an American Red Cross v The Rose King Distinguished Community Service Award volunteer who quickly found
2016 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 5
MICHELE
MALDONADO SPOUSE OF SFC DAVID MALDONADO 262 QM Battalion, Fort Lee, Virginia
to those I come across on a regular basis: 4x2 Lego© Club kids and parents, Teen Social Group kids and parents, Girl Scout girls and parents and anyone who may need information or direction. I have tried to fill needs as they are presented; my daughter needed a troop What do you do to to participate in, families of support other military different abilities needed a spouses/families? place for social interaction I hope what I’m known for and autistic teens need a is a kind word and some safe place to advance their sage advice. I do my best to social skills. By creating really listen to the concerns those clubs and Girl Scout of the spouses and children troop, I not only fill the needs I come across, and hopeof my family, but other fully give them something to military families at the same think about. I give personally time. good and the not so good. Sometimes the imprint you can leave affects someone’s trajectory. That fuels my stamina every time. Making sure I have personal time, and time to reconnect with my spouse also helps!
13 Years as Military Spouse
5 Number of PCS Moves
5 Number of Deployments
2016 Area of Focus: My area of focus this year personally is getting my son, Tyler, back on track from obstacles he endured in school last year. I am also doing my best to spend more family focused time, possibly to include homeschooling next year. On the volunteer front, my focus will be on fine tuning the groups I facilitate to ensure they stand alone after we PCS. Above all, just enjoying what comes my way.
“
Do what you HAVE to do, then do what you WANT to do.
”
I tell my kids/therapists/doctors this all the time! Knock out the pesky things you have to do, and then truly enjoy those things you are looking forward to. Not only does it make you a responsible human, but you enjoy the WANTS so much more without the HAVES over your head.
Tell us briefly about your background and life as a military spouse: I am a mother of two special needs children (Autism, ADHD, SPD, ODD, Trichotillomania & asthma, ADHD) and a proud military spouse. Life for me is a balance between appointments and therapy for my children, planning and participating in various activities, making time for family and ensuring there is a little down time. I like to stay engaged with what my spouse is doing at work, supporting him in any way possible. We also like to take family day trips to stay connected. My hobbies include reading, sewing/ quilting and hanging with the girls.
our house, friends and school. I explained to her that while moving was hard, there were so many things to see and do in the world that she should think about how much she will see before she’s an adult. I told her that while making new friends is hard, it also teaches her how to make friends and overcome obstacles by understanding life goes on. Being able to teach my children good life lessons and seeing and doing all the things our great country has to offer us is my favorite part of the military. Not many lifestyles allow us to push ourselves personally to overcome the obstacles military life presents.
What is the best part of being in a military family? Once, when stationed in Fort Bliss, my daughter asked why we had to leave
How do you balance family/work/military life? I balance all aspects of life by seeing the good in every aspect of my life, both the
Volunteer Service Highlights: s %&-0 6OLUNTEER /NGOING Coordinated SouthPark Mall Lock-In for 1,100 Girl Scouts s %&-0 4EEN 3OCIAL 'ROUP facilitator s 'IRL 3COUT !DULT 4RAINER s *%* -OORE -IDDLE 6OLUNTEER s &ORT ,EE !REA 3POUSES Club (FLASC) Secretary s 'IRL 3COUT 4ROOP ,EADER s %&-0 X ,EGO¥ #LUB facilitator s &,!3# 3PECIAL %VENTS 6OLUNTEER s ,, "EASLEY %LEMENTARY 6OLUNTEER s .ORTH %LEMENTARY 6OLUNTEER
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6 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2016
Photos provided
Michele Maldonado with her Girl Scout troop.
Stephanie Renteria with her family.
Michele Maldonado and her family.
Maureen Slotnick and her family.
Stephanie Renteria with the Fort Lee Catholic Women of the Chapel, during the 2016 World Day of Prayer.
Maureen Slotnick running with Team RWD (Red, White, Blue).
Julie Coffman with her family.
Julie Coffman volunteering during Christmas.
Julie Coffman’s dog, Sprinkles. Together they help support troops and their families here on Fort Lee by providing comfort, a smiling face and a little reminder of home for those who are away.
2016 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 7 Photos by Harry Gerwien
8 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2016 I volunteered to become the Vice President of CWOC and have assisted the President in all of her duties. I am also a part of our crochet and knitting group, where we make blankets for babies in the NICU and prayer shawls for women who are receiving chemotherapy. We donate these blankets to local hospitals.
STEPHANIE
RENTERIA SPOUSE OF CPT MARK RENTERIA HHC CASCOM, Fort Lee, Virginia
10 Years as Military Spouse
4 Number of PCS Moves
4 Number of Deployments
2016 Area of Focus: For 2016, I chose to focus on volunteering with the Fort Lee Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC). The women of this group have been such a blessing to our family and I felt they deserved my 100%. We have monthly meetings and have different outreach every month where we donate items the organization will need. I attend weekly bible study lessons and have been a facilitator. In October 2015,
The CWOC has really allowed me to shine and grow in my faith. The CWOC is an amazing place because even though I may have 10 years of Army wife experience, some of our ladies have had 20-30 years experience. The wisdom and knowledge that have shared with us is very inspirational and I strive to be like many of them.
“
Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but actually you’ve been planted. You will bring forth life!
�
CHRISTINE CAINE
What is the best part of being in a military family? The best part about being in a military family is the connection and bond that we build with our immediate family. We don’t have anyone else to depend on when we ďŹ rst move to a new post and we really learn how to work as a team and take care of each other. Our family unit is stronger for this and it has taught each of that there are no limits to what we can do and accomplish in this world if we work together. How do you balance family/work/military life? In order to maintain balance in all areas of my life, I decided to volunteer for only one organization at a time. In previous years, I have spread myself thin and felt that I was not able to give my all to the different organizations and family. As much as I’d like to help with
multiple organizations, my family comes ďŹ rst. I am the constant in my children’s lives and I need to be able to be present when they need me. I also try to make sure the events we go to are for the entire family so that we can combine all aspects of our life together. I may not get a lot of time to myself, but my kids will get to see the importance of helping others. What do you do to support other military spouses/families? The way that I support other military spouses/families is not unique from any other spouse. I join the Family Readiness Group, mentor younger spouses, join a local church group and welcome new families to our neighborhood. However, what sets me apart is that I try to ensure that the birth of a child is celebrated. When I had my second child, we were not in see RENTERIA, page 11
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2016 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 9
Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian
EXPLORE &
10 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2016
8 Years as Military Spouse
MAUREEN
SLOTNICK SPOUSE OF MAJ BRIAN SLOTNICK CASCOM/Army Logistics University, Fort Lee, Virginia
PROUDLY SUPPORTING The Heroes at Home and all military families.
5 Number of PCS Moves
3 Number of Deployments
2016 Area of Focus: I have three main areas of focus for 2016. Of course the family is my first priority and keeping the kids, Louie (age 4) and Scarlett (age 2), happy and healthy while dad is deployed this year. My second priority is to keep running to help maintain my balance between work, volunteer, family and friends. I’m running the New York Marathon in November 2016 (my third time running the race) and I’m running/ raising money for Team RWB (Red, White and Blue) which enriches the lives of veterans through physical and social activity. My third priority is giving back to my community through volunteerism and making connections for people and with people. Together we can really do so much.
“
To have courage for whatever comes in life, everything lies in that.
”
MOTHER TERESA
Tell us briefly about your background and life as a military spouse: I enjoy being a military spouse. I try to be positive about everything in our life. This journey has taken us to many places and introduced us to all kinds of friends. We are lucky to share the adventure with our family. There are moments of trial, but if you stick together as a family unit, it will all work out. We stay connected to our community through physical and social activity and volunteering so we instantly have contacts in our new communities. I truly believe in never taking anything for granted. If you have your health, a great family and love in your life, you can do anything. I think that is why we all enjoy the
military so much; it’s a team effort and an adventure. We are blessed!
moderation.
What do you do to support other military What is the best part spouses/families? I try to always stay involved of being in a military with the spouses club family? I think the best part of being wherever I am, as a member in a military family is the or volunteer leader. I think instant community you get the smallest act is often the wherever you go and find nicest: making a meal for someone else that is in the someone, taking out their military or has been. You trash, watching their dog instantly have that conwhile they are away – those nection because you are sorts of things. I also believe a part of a military family. we all have gifts and everyWe are a small community, one has their “thing” which so when you find someone keeps them together. For me, else in your shoes, they truly that is physical activity, and understand your situation. running. I truly try to encourYou can ask for advice and age spouses/families to get you can offer advice. One of moving, whether it is a walk, my favorite quotes is “people run or BBQ as a family. The will never truly understand family that moves together, something until it happens stays together is my motto! I to them.” In the military, try to encourage these amazespecially with families, you ing spouses and families to can often find someone in a find their niche, which can similar situation and not feel help them in any stressful so alone about what is going environment/situation. I like on. I think the best part is to help them get involved the people that make up the with something that they other military families. can take wherever their next move or adventure may be. How do you balance Volunteer Service family/work/military Highlights: life? I think the key here is having v Team Red, White & Blue a strong mission statement Veteran Outreach Director for yourself and your family. v United Way of Richmond Our 2-year-old was recently & Petersburg Young Leader diagnosed with epilepsy and v Team Red, White & Blue has a genetic disorder, SCv Fort Lee Area Spouses N1A, so for us our family is Club Second Vice President the number one priority. Our v Fort Lee Area Spouses goals are to stay together, to Club keep the kids healthy and v 2CR RSS FRG Treasurer, to lead active lives within Vilseck the best of our ability, while v Vilseck Spouses Club giving back to our commuMember & leader for the nity and serving our country. book club I think when you nail down v Vilseck Thrift Shop Volwhat is important as a family unteer and can always focus back v Heidelberg Spouses Club to that mission statement, Member you can balance your family, v Army Community Seryour work, your military life, vice Volunteer and certified your volunteer time. Don’t AFTB Leader look at it all in one day, look v Raised over $10,000 for St at it spread out over the Jude Chidren’s Hospital from week and then the month. 2009-2011 through running That way you don’t think races, organizing a 5k and you have to touch on every hosting a pizza dinner and aspect of your life in one day; silent auction. that can be overwhelming. v Advocate and volunteer Know what is important to for Winged Betty which celyou and prioritizing that ebrates the American woman for yourself and family. And through freedom and love. moderation, everything in
2016 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 11
Words of Wisdom
O L L HmE y name is
Our 5 ďŹ nalists offer advice for other military spouses JULIE COFFMAN I have learned to be exible, cherish every minute of time with my soldier, be patient, BE TRUE TO WHO ) AM AND LOVE MY FAMILY -Y words of advice to other military spouses would be to be loyal to yourself, your SPOUSE YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR COUNTRY (AVE a positive attitude, learn from others experiences, dig in and ďŹ nd your military family, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU #ARRY 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 "E !RMY 3TRONG KIM HODDER !FTER OVER YEARS DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC I have learned that everyone has a need to be treated with respect, even if they are causing a problem. It is easier to solve a problem with a respect, understanding and, of course, with a smile. I always remind myself that patience, kindness, compassion and dependability must be the watchwords for all volunteers. MICHELE MALDONADO The thing I have learned is to take things as they come, because the worst case scenario most assuredly has a silver lining. WORDS OF WISDOM: 'ET IN THERE AND volunteer! Not only does it give you a sense of worth, but doing so in a military commu-
nity often gives you the knowledge to navigate the twists and turns of military life. It also gives you the sense of community and family; something that often is missing and causes strife for spouses. ADVICE: 7HEN THEY SAY hKNOWLEDGE IS POWERv IT S FOR A VERY GOOD REASON +EEP IN mind that the military makes everything VERY CONCRETE AND LITERAL 9OU WANT TO KNOW how to ďŹ x your spouse’s uniform? There’s a regulation for that. Same goes for their jobs, OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS !#3 -72 ETC THERE S EVEN SOMETHING IN WRITing for how to cut grass on the installation! Not only do you learn when something’s WRONG BUT WHEN SOMETHING IS RIGHT ,ASTLY praise the rights. Too often those who are doing the right thing just want to hear it from you! STEPHANIE RENTERIA I’ve learned a lot from being a military SPOUSE ) VE LEARNED THAT hWEARING YOUR big girl pantiesâ€? is not enough, especially during deployments. I’ve learned the importance of a battle buddy and how crucial it is to have at least one close friend at the post you are stationed at in which you can always depend on. I’ve learned that you are never too old to ask someone if they would like to be your friend. I’ve learned that regardless of how big a post is; it is still possible to feel alone. I’ve also learned
that it’s okay to ask for help. I’ve learned THAT IT S A SMALL !RMY SO MAKE SURE TO treat everyone with kindness and respect. I’ve learned that it’s important to attend post activities and join different post organizations. MAUREEN SLOTNICK I truly think the best words of wisdom are to be yourself and never be ashamed of THAT 7E ALL HAVE GIFTS 7E ARE ALL GOOD AT things. I love to run but I’m not the best
housekeeper, so I run and I’ll ask for help cleaning my house. I love to cook but I’m not the best baker, so I’ll ask a friend for help. I think focusing on what your gifts are and, when you need help, not being afraid TO ASK FOR IT #ONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNIty, whether that is through volunteerism or church or work; ďŹ nd that niche so that you have that instant community with other MILITARY SPOUSES 7E ALL NEED TO HELP EACH other, lift each other up and not tear each other down.
STEPHANIE RENTERIA continued from page 8
our hometown and had not built up our support system on that post. No one from my husband’s unit was there to help us welcome the birth of our daughter. Being away from home and not having that support was very difďŹ cult for me. So, I made a promise to myself that if I met another military spouse and she was pregnant, that the birth of her child would be celebrated and welcomed into the military family. I’ve made baskets with homemade blankets, miscellaneous baby items, and delivered a meal to the family. The birth of a child is so special and even if I never see the spouse after I deliver the basket, I hope that the spouse knows that even if she is far away from home, she’s not alone. Volunteer Service Highlights: s &ORT ,EE #ATHOLIC 7OMEN OF THE #HURCH s 6ICE 0RESIDENT &ORT ,EE #ATHOLIC 7OMEN OF THE #HURCH s ((# #!3#/- &AMILY 2EADINESS 'ROUP ,EADER &2' s ((# #!3#/- &2' s !RMED 3ERVICES 9-#! /PERATION +ID #OMFORT VOLUNTEER s ((# "3" "#4 #$ &2' ,EADER
WE NEED THEM. THEY NEED US.
DECADE AFTER DECADE, WITH YOU ALL THE WAY.
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12 • FORT LEE HEROES AT HOME • 2016