Heroes at Home 2012

Landmark Military Mediaof North Carolina, Inc.

2012

2 | 2012 Heroes at Home

Congratulations to all ofour Heroes at Home!

561 Yopp RoadJacksonville, NC 28540910.346.1889

2025 N Marine BlvdJacksonville, NC 28540

910.455.2358

Thank you for reading this special publication chronicling our 2012 Military Spouse Awards, Heroes at Home. I am the proud civilian publisher of The Globe and The RotoVue newspapers which serve our Ma-rines aboard Camp Lejeune and the New River Air Station. Since 2002, our company, Landmark Military Media of North Carolina, a member of the Targeted Media division and a subsidiary of the Virginia Pilot Media Companies, has had the privilege of working with the public affairs office at these two installations. By teaming up with the Marine staff at these offices, we help produce these two newspapers and web sites which are read and viewed by active-duty military and their families, military retirees, government workers and residents of our communities. Thousands of the readers and viewers we serve reside on base and within the five country area we distribute to here in coastal North Carolina.

Eight years ago another military publication in our division, The Flagship, which serves the Naval sta-tions in the Norfolk Virginia area created the Heroes at Home event to honor military spouses. We decided to join in this effort to honor the service and sacrifice of the thousands who stand behind our nation’s military. The past five years have been a huge success. I am excited to report that since it’s inception we have received nearly one thousand nominations from all branches of service and all nominees have been honored, including the finalist and winners who now total sixty-five.

The opportunity to work closely with the dedicated, active-duty Marines of Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station each week, along with our civilian staff, many of whom are married to active-duty military has given our local team a unique perspective and appreciation of the required service these citizens offer to our country. It is this appreciation for all you do which compels us to continue to host this event here in Jacksonville. We hope this luncheon will convey to all our nominees in some small way the gratitude we feel each day.

This event would not be possible without the strong and continued support of the business community. I would like to point out that Stevenson Auto Group and USA Discounters have been with us since the begin-ning as presenting sponsors of this event. I also want to mention Marine Federal Credit union has also been a silver sponsor for five years running. I want to welcome Webster University as a silver sponsor and BioTest Pharmaceuticals Corporation as a patron. I want to also thank our media partners who help us each year to get the word out. They are The Bonten Media Group producers of WXFI-WYDO FOX and news channel WCTI 12 ABC and NCCOAST Communications of Morehead City publishers of HOMES magazines and over a dozen local magazines and web sites.

I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for those military members and their spouses that are in attendance today including our military guest of honor, General and Mrs. Paxton. I thank our judges who come from the ranks of the United Way, Hope for the Warriors, The USO and Family Readiness and volunteers. Finally, a special thanks to today’s emcees, Ms. Kim Ratcliff of WECT/WSFX Carolina in the Morning and Ms. Heather Miller, a former Landmark Media employee and past event coordinator.

Your presence here today is a testament to the importance of military spouses and the incredible work they do.

To all the nominees I wish to express my congratulations and thanks.

office1122 Henderson Dr., Jacksonville, N.C. 28540 • 347-9624

PublisHerJames M. Connors

managing editorEna Sellers

assistant managing editorAmy Binkley

contributing editorsSarah AndersonJessie Heath

sPecial editorEmily Kelley

sales staffBobby StoneEmily KelleyTeresa MoorePauline Chan-Wasicek

graPHic designersHillary BrattonJulia Dillon

business managerRachel Picard

distribution managerDennis Fusco

cover PHoto byJulie Gayler

Heroes at Home disclaimer: Heroes at Home is published by Landmark Military Newspapers of N.C., a private enterprise not connected with the DoD or the U.S. Marine Corps. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including does not constitute endorsement of these products or services by the DoD, the U.S. Marine Corps, or Landmark Military Newspapers of N.C.Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of Landmark Military Newspapers of N.C.

Group PublisherLandmark Military Newspapers of North CarolinaThe Globe, The RotoVue,NCCOAST Comunications

Letter from the publisher

Jim Connors

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“My choice for the winner will be someone who has not only been a great supporting spouse to their service member while they were deployed, but someone who has been great to their community, friends and family.”

Teresa Moore, account executive at Landmark Military Media and Marine spouse

“A winner for me would have commitment, integrity, passion for doing good works and dedication to their family and service member.”

Marisa Reeder, assistant director, USO of North Carolina Jacksonville

Center and Marine spouse

MEEt thE judgEs

“The stories are real, the dedication and loyalty that our

military spouses have is amazing.”

Heather Miller, former Heroes at Home event coordinator

“In this year’s winner I am looking for inspiration. I want

to be inspired to do better in my own life.”

Christina M. Scaglione, director of Finance and Administration, United Way of Onslow County and Marine spouse

I understand the sacrifices the spouses and families make on the homefront while the

Marines or Sailors are away. It is hard work and I have the utmost respect for those who withstand it, especially those who do it over

and over again. It takes a strongperson to live the military lifestyle.

Christina Diedrich,CLB-24 Family Readiness Officer

“It’s been an honor to read about the amazing spouses we have in our area and the inspiring work they do for their families and our community.”

Alexis Steele,Event and Volunteer Director

Hope For The Warriors


Answering the call to emcee another year of the Heroes at Home awards, Kim Rat-cliff has become a familiar name and face to the annual Military Spouses Awards.

A member of the news team at WETC and WSFX television stations, Ratcliff will emcee the fifth annual Heroes at Home.

Acting as emcee for the event is something that Ratcliff appreciates the opportunity to be part of.

“Being the emcee for the Heroes at Home event is such an honor,” Ratcliff said.

She also said that after being part of the awards ceremony for several years, being asked to return “means a lot.”

“This event helps me keep connected to my military upbringing,” she said. “I can’t help

but be proud of being involved in an event like this.”

A graduate of Lejeune High School aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the military has had a big impact on Ratcliff ’s life. She was married aboard MCB Camp Lejeune and is the daughter of Vietnam Veteran Col. John Kopka. The influence of growing up with a father in the service and the military lifestyle continues to have an impact on her in daily activities at work and home.

“I feel like I am a very disciplined person and I think that comes from my father’s person-ality and years in the military,” said Ratcliff. “I also have a sense that I need to do what I can to ‘serve’ my community.”

Ratcliff, who considered pursuing a military

career but later decided she could better assist her community in a different way, says that delivering up-to-date news and information is the way she gives back to her community.

Having grown up around the military, Rat-cliff can understand the unique challenges that service members and their families face. She has faced deployments, celebrated homecom-ings and waded through numerous challenges that accompany military life, and can offer advice and support to families who struggle with the same things.

“Try to keep in touch and become a mem-ber of your military family,” Ratcliff suggested. “I think that really helps (during deployment) because you are with other people dealing with the same things you are.”

STORY BY JESSIE HEATH

EMCEE

KIM RATCLIFFSTORY BY JESSIE HEATH

EMCEE

HEATHER MILLEREverybody has a story to tell.

For Heather Miller, the stories of each Heroes at Home nominee is a saga that show-cases the strength, fortitude and endurance of the every day military spouse.

The Heroes at Home event is more than just another luncheon to honor those who give so much - it is part of a tradition Miller has seen evolve over the last five years.

Having been involved with the incep-tion of the annual Heroes at Home military spouses awards event as a former employee of Landmark Military Media of North Caro-

lina, has befriended military spouses, worked with spouses of service members and experi-enced what they endure on a regular basis. A military wife since 1995, knows the personal trials and triumphs of the military family.

“What (military spouses) do to support their active-duty spouse is incredible,” Miller said. “These folks deserve to be celebrated by their family, friends and community. They are the glue that holds it all together.”

Having assisted with the Heroes at Home event in past years, recognizes that the competition is not easy to take part in. Most

nominees would rather stand in the back-ground and not toot their own horn, but is a firm believer that they deserve to be recog-nized for everything the do for their families.

“The stories are real, the dedication and loyalty that our military spouses have is amazing,” Miller acknowledged . “It’s a great reminder to me of the sacrifice our military families go through each day.

“Sometimes we take our military spous-es for granted,” Miller added . “Sometimes we forget to tell them how wonderful that they are.”


Lieutenant General Paxton is the Com-manding General, II Marine Expe-ditionary Force; and Commander, United States Marine Forces Africa.

Prior to his current assignment he served as Direc-tor for Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff and before that as the Chief of Staff for Multi-National Force Iraq in Baghdad. Additional General officer assign-ments include Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Western Recruiting Region, and As-sistant Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps, Programs and Resources (Director Programs).

Lieutenant General Paxton graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York with Bachelor of Science and Master of Civil Engineer-ing degrees. He was commissioned into the Marine Corps in 1974 through Officer Candidate School. A career Marine infantryman, the general has commanded Marines at every level from platoon through division and has served and commanded in all three active Marine Divisions (1st Bn, 3d Mar; 2nd Bn, 4th Mar; 3rd Bn, 5th; 1st Bn, 8th Mar; 1st Mar; 1st Mar Div). Lieutenant General

Paxton has also served as an operations, plans and training (G3-S3) officer within Fleet Marine Force units at the battalion, regiment, division and Ma-rine Expeditionary Force levels.

In addition to service in Iraq, Lieutenant General Paxton has operational tours support-ing stability efforts in the Bosnian conflict with Landing Force Sixth Fleet and in Mogadishu, Somalia as United Nations Quick Reaction Force, both while commanding Battalion Landing Team (1/8). Other staff and joint assignments include the Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Navy, Amphibious Operations Officer and Execu-tive Officer Crisis Action Team at UNC/CFC/USFK in Korea; and in Strategic Plans Branch, Deputy Commandant Plans, Policies and Opera-tions, Headquarters US Marine Corps. Supporting establishment commands include Company B, Marine Barracks 8th & I as a captain and Marine Corps Recruiting Station New York, New York as a major.

In addition to The Basic School, Lieutenant General Paxton’s professional education includes United States Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare

School (non resident), United States Army Infantry Officer Advanced Course, and the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He was a Federal Executive Fellow in Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution as a lieutenant colonel, as well as a Military Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations as a colonel. He has also been a Marine Corps Fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seminar XXI.

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Nomi

Nees

She does not allow times of separation to bring negativity into her life or relationships. Her attitude is highly contagious, helping other USMC spouses stay optimistic as well. – Holly Blair, Friend

Caitlin Lewis

Through all the craziness my work has handed me, Jennifer has not only maintained her cool and continued to give her time as a volunteer, she offered friendship and support to other spouses. – SSgt Guy Row, Husband

Jennifer Row

Amanda AraujoAmanda always supports other military spouses whenever they come to call. She is always there to lend a helping hand without pause or hesitation. – GySgt Damon Araujo, Husband


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NomiNees

Cynthia DucarCynthia’s strength leaks out of her pores. It is because of her strength and example that other spouses can get through deployments… She juggles family and squadron responsibilities with grace. – Emily Kelley, Friend/Unit Family

Ami McClainWhat makes Ami exceptional is the way she goes out of her way to help in ways that are unnoticed by many. Her service isn’t limited to an organization or an activity, it is the way she lives her life. – Keri Gernand, Friend

Jessica ValesquezJessica maintains a positive attitude and manages to bring nothing but smiles to those around her through these hard times. – Nikki Swain, Friend


Nomi

Nees

Angela SharpeIf there is any one spouse that deserves this recognition it is her. She always thinks of others before herself… Without her I would not be as well off as I am… - MSgt Thomas Curtis Sharpe, Husband

Lauren WelchLauren Welch, in my mind, is the epitome of a woman that lives and displays a servant heart and servant leadership style. I am constantly amazed by my wife and words cannot fully explain who she is and what she does. – Second Lieutenant Joshua Welch, Husband

Joni GordinierJoni has always been an inspiration for me. Her incredible strength and perpetual optimism is truly inspiring. She is an amazing wife, mother, and aunt. If anyone deserves this award, it is her. – Courtney Howell, Niece

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NomiNees

Laurie HowardShe doesn’t pass up a chance to help. EVER. She has told me her favorite thing to do is find someone that needs some help, and secretly do everything she can to help them. – CJ Bond, Brother

Chantia RobertsTia helped me through my first deployment. She was my shoulder to cry on, my ear to scream in, and has become a big part of my family. … she would do the same for anyone that called on her. – Emily Kelley, Friend/Unit Family

Kristy InoaShe is a pillar of stability for her girls and her husband… She is always looking out for others and not worried about her own hardship. She is an inspiration to me and her strength is admirable. – Amber DeCarli, Friend/Unit Family


Nomi

Nees

Lindsay DobberkeLindsay is an amazing example of what a military spouse should be. Just as our troops are dedicated to our country and their mission, Lindsay is dedicated to supporting her husband in his recovery. I hope that in all trials I may face, I can have the same amount of composure, grace, strength, and courage that Lindsay has. – Jessica Jackson, Friend

Natascha FogelNatascha is one of the strongest and strong- willed individuals I have ever met. One can’t help but feel a little bit stronger just by being in her presence. – Emily Kelley, Friend/Unit Family

Cindy WhitmoyerCindy is ALWAYS smiling … her laugh is absolutely contagious. She is ALWAYS there for friends when they need her to step up. – Stephanie Matas, Friend

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Our Troops and Warriors no doubt are Heroes;they endure things most of us cannot fathom.

The Parents of a Service Member is a Hero because they gave thiscountry a life that chose to fight for freedom.

Children are Heroes because they wait and pray for theirserving parent to come home and hold them.

Wives of deployed Service Members often give birth to their firstborn -without their husbands close enough to touch.

The Spouse of a Service Member endures things people unrelated to the military wouldnever understand. They wait, cry, laugh and love like today is their only day.

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Nomi

Nees

Kayleigh JohnsonKayleigh loves to help out other wives. She is always on support sites giving great advice… there to help us adapt into a life style that at first, is very confusing …She always thinks of others above herself.

– Ronnelle Marie Martinez, Friend

Melissa CooneyShe is my rock at home while I am away! I know that I don’t have to worry about bad situations because my wife is always ready to handle them. – SSgt Jeremy Cooney, Husband

Dara FryeShe goes above and beyond to be involved in her husband’s unit by volunteering her time to help others. She is selfless, and puts others before herself all of the time. – Diana DuTremble, Sister/Friend

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NomiNees

Samantha BredahlAs a deploying member of the Armed Forces, it is important that I know my family is taken care of. Samantha provides me with the confidence that she is able to handle any situation that presents itself. – CWO2 Roy Bredahl, Husband

Tonya VannoyShe always makes herself available to us, whether help is needed with something or if you just need someone to talk to. I couldn’t imagine someone more giving of their time and more willing to sacrifice so much than Tonya. – Casandra Chesser, Friend

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2012 heroes at home | 26

In 2010, Beth Nicol became the third recipi-ent of the Heroes at Home Award. In her nomination, originally submitted by her husband, Maj. Charles David Nicol Jr., he wrote, “Since my wife and I were married,

she has consistently placed a high priority on volun-teer work. According to her, it isn’t volunteer work, but rather ‘giving back to the community.”

Two years have passed, her family has grown and many things have changed, including their duty sta-tion, but Beth’s spirit for volunteerism and supporting her family remains unchanged.

“About a week after I won the award, I had our third son, so I now spend most of my time chasing three little boys,” Beth said.

In the past she has volunteered with the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue Society and the Ma-rine Corps Key Volunteer Program.

With her family now stationed aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, she has become the base youth sports t-ball coach and continues her volun-teer work, predominantly for the National Military Family Association in the Washington, D.C. Metro area.

The National Military Family Association is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting the families of the men and women currently serving the country and provides means of support through resources and scholarships, among others.

She is also in the midst of preparing for a fundrais-er for the University of Maryland Research Center for Celiac Disease, of which both she and her son are diagnosed.

Though Beth gives so much back into the commu-nity, her family has always come first.

In response to the difficult job market that Jacksonville, N.C. originally provided, her husband shared, “Making our family and supporting my career a priority, she recognized that her ability to maintain a career of her own would be difficult. Beth responded by going back to school … graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering with honors.”

She was able to telecommute as a civil engineer with an engineering firm, which allowed her to stay at home to raise their children, and continues to do so today in Quantico.

In 2010 she became certified as a professional engineer. Beth continues to have a positive impact on count-

less people and is proof that where there is a will, there is a way.

“Try to remember that, as military spouses, we are stronger than we seem,” Beth advises. “Today’s challenge could turn out to be tomorrow’s amazing opportunity.”

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When Milinda Rau was an-nounced last year’s Heroes at Home Awards recipient, no one seemed surprised except for her. Mother of three and

wife of a Marine officer, she is easily described as a passionate advocate for support to Marine Corps families who makes sure those around her are taken care of.

Or as her daughter Kyrie simply put it, “I’m just proud of her. She’s probably the best mom in the world.”

In 2003 and during a time of uncertainty, Milinda led the effort to establish a network of spouses and volunteers to work with the Marine Corps to prepare and keeping families of deploying Marines, of which included her husband, informed as they readied to leave in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Since then, she has served as a Key Volunteer Coordinator, a Family Readiness Officer for the Wounded Warrior Regiment aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico and continues to work aboard MCB Camp Lejeune with Marine Corps Family Team Building as a trainer.

Her professionalism and approachable demeanor has lead to a widespread impact on many of the families of deploying Marines aboard Camp Lejeune. She maintains a strong philosophy that has helped her and others through many deployments.

“We aren’t just going to survive,” she said. “We’re going to thrive.”

“(Milinda) is often requested by name by general officers and senior commanders aboard (MCB) Camp Lejeune because of her thorough knowledge and en-gaging passion for supporting Marines and families,” said her husband, Lt. Colonel Matthew Rau, who returned from his ninth deployment in January.

Today, her husband is preparing to turn his battalion over to the next commander. Their eldest daughter graduates from high school soon and her son is waiting to contract with the Marine Corps. She and her family plan to move overseas this fall and with a new chapter on the horizon, it’s a sure bet that she will handle it with grace.

“I stay grounded by remembering that I am a small part of the big picture. I just offer my small contribution and that along with the amazing ef-forts of so many other people, makes this whole

thing work,” she explains. “We can’t do it on our own but we are all capable of doing some small thing every day that makes someone else’s life easier or more positive. I don’t try to do it all. I try to just do what I can.”


FINAL

ISTS

At first glance, Dawn Brinkley may just appear to be a pretty face, but a closer look reveals a plethora of activities, titles and a very busy schedule.

“Dawn is a Marine wife, mother to a college freshman, a high school freshman, patient, patient-advocate, community volunteer and a tremen-dous friend and asset to fellow mili-tary spouses,” said her husband, Maj. Ian Brinkley. “I don’t know how she does it all without missing a beat, but I am so proud to call her my wife, partner, best friend and my personal hero at home.”

She is a former Mrs. North Carolina and a familiar face on Capital Hill, speaking as a national spokesperson for dystonia advocacy and raising awareness about the disease. Brinkley was diagnosed with cervical dystonia, a condition in which the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing a person’s head to twist or turn to one side.

But no matter how well-known her name may be, she counts her assignment as a military spouse as the most vital.

“To be a military spouse is an extraordinary challenge that comes with no instruction manual,” she

explained. “As a young girl I didn’t sit around hoping the day would come when I would grow up and marry a man whose career would take him away from home to distant and remote places on every milestone event in our lives.”

Instead of allowing the chal-lenges to get her down, Brinkley strapped on her boots and im-mersed herself in the military lifestyle.

Working tirelessly with the Wounded Warrior Battalion - East aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune as a moral volunteer, Brinkley also makes sure to remem-ber those who served long ago, regularly assisting with the Honor Flight program. Brinkley counts her challenges as blessings and hopes to pass on lessons she has experienced as a military spouse to those who are still learning.

“Anything worth it never comes easy,” she noted. “Without great challenges we wouldn’t receive great blessings. I exchanged vows with the man who took an oath to serve our country and together, with our children, we serve our community, our military and our country proudly.”

Tackling challenges without looking backSTORY BY AMY BINKLEY


FINALISTS

When life is built on a foundation of love, no storm can destroy it.

Jennifer Toro loves her family, and though the statement may seem simple, it has laid the ground work for overcoming every challenge that has come her way and allowed her to help those facing the same.

“My wife’s entire life is based on help-ing other people and inspiring others,” said her husband, Staff Sgt. Donald Toro II. “It would be a far darker world with-out her light to shatter the darkness.”

After 14 years of experience, Jennifer knows the typical ins and outs of being a military spouse, but when her son Evan was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, she entered uncharted waters.

She was unwilling to drown in the unknown and consumed every ounce of information she could find. Not only did she stay afloat, but she kept others from going under.

“The things Evan does, the words he says, the sign language he uses and the everyday things that we all take for granted are due mainly to Jen’s persever-ance,” Donald noted. “She has organized family and friends to attend Buddy Walks, countless fundraisers for multiple charities and has inspired everyone she meets to do

the same.”Jennifer has been a shoulder to cry on

and the supportive push that younger, less experienced military spouses have needed when navigating the unique lifestyle, especially when dealing with deployments and children.

“I don’t think I do anything out of the ordinary,” she said. “I have learned that I am a stronger person because of the demands of the military. The biggest chal-lenge of being a military wife is (saying) goodbye to your husband and best friend. It’s learning to be mom and dad.”

While her husband was deployed for more than 10 months, Jennifer never lost focus, keeping her family first and refus-ing to simply drift along until his return.

She taught herself to rebuild a lawn mower engine, extended her patio, built a lattice fence and completely transformed her yard from barren to stunning, all while attending her children’s appoint-ments, practices and other activities.

“She was completely steadfast and un-wavering in her commitment to our fam-ily, our home and my career while doing it all unassisted and without complaint,” boasted Donald. “I can’t imagine a world without her in it. She has been an angel walking among mere mortals. ”

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Life is not something you can put on hold. Amanda Hernandez understands that saying all too well. Filling her life with volunteer work, raising her family and help-ing anybody in need she runs into, Hernandez embraces every aspect of her life.

“When I reflect upon my very first function as a military spouse, I remember being in awe of other women and wondering how I would ever keep up,” said Hernandez. “They were so organized.”

It didn’t take her long to fall into step, though, and Hernandez quickly took the reigns in every situation her family found itself in. From moving to deployments to personal tragedies, Hernandez kept her family going when the going got tough. She volunteers at Johnson Primary School, helps run a carpool group, works with March of Dimes, sits on the scholarship board for the SNCO wives club and volunteers at the SNCO wives club thrift store.

In addition to her volunteer work with the community, Hernandez is

currently organizing an infant loss support group aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to help military families who experience the loss of a child navigate the unfamiliar waters. Having experienced loss in her own life, Hernandez seeks to en-courage those who are dealing with personal tragedy.

“After the loss of our son, we learned that dealing with infant loss is a lot different with services from the civilian side,” said her husband, Cheif Petty Officer Angel Hernan-dez. “At this point Amanda became determined to start a support group on base to address the needs of families with a loss like ours.

“I try to tell her that there is no way I could do what I do if she wasn’t standing behind me,” contin-ued her husband. “I often think that she gets the raw end of this deal. There is no pay, no rank, no title or ribbon to being a great spouse, but Amanda doesn’t care. It’s nice to have little luncheons and awards to honor our spouses who do what they do just because.”

A pillar of strength in uncharted watersSTORY AND PHOTO BY JESSIE HEATH


FINAL

ISTS

Congratulations

to all

2012

Heroes at Home

Nominees!

Shawnetta Larson is a true friend, mother, proud wife of a Marine and encompasses the definition of a role model. As an active member of the Newport Moose Lodge and a Marine Corps Key Volunteer, she leads by ex-ample and recognizes and appreciates those who volunteer alongside her.

“My mother, an amazing woman, once told me, ‘Volunteering is some-thing you do, not seeking recognition, but in hopes of bettering circum-stances for those around you’ ... When helping others we should not be look-ing for what we are going to be getting out of it, but what we can learn from it. That is all I have ever known,” Shawnetta explained. “Coming from a small town, we have always helped our neighbors, in good and bad times.”

As a testament to her upbringing and values, Shawnetta supports and unfailingly answers the calls of her Marine Corps family in their moments of need.

Denna’ Muncy, who nominated her best friend, recalled, “In 2005 .. I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. There were many times that I was so ill that I could not even stand but (Shawnetta) was there, helping me up. (She) gave me strength, love and

compassion and always with a smile.”Not surprisingly, Shawnetta was

the shoulder for Denna’ to lean on all while working full-time hours and raising two children on her own as her husband, Master Sgt. Matthew Larson was serving a year-long deployment.

“I know that the strength she draws upon during those long deployments and separations is given to her because of a loving, caring, husband, father (to their children) and best friend,” Denna’ continued. “There is not a day that passes without her giving thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon her.”

Shawnetta’s husband, agreed, “(Shawnetta) is very humble and con-siders everything she does to be simply doing what’s right ... She would follow me to the ends of the earth, and for that, I’m truly grateful.”

“Challenges are often disguised as our greatest awards,” Shawnetta concludes. “(The children’s) pride for their father and all that he does just proves that every move, every deploy-ment, every missed holiday is not in vain. There is a silver lining in every situation. Often times we have to look in order to find it, but if God brings it to us, He will bring us through it.”

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Crystal Ann Cavalier has never been one to seek at-tention. She finds comfort in helping others, provid-ing whatever she can

without asking for fear or recognition. So, when recognition comes her way, it is hard for her to understand why.

“I don’t feel like I do anything that other military spouses don’t do,” Cavalier admitted. “I’m glad (my husband) wants to recognize my hard work. That says a lot.”

In all honesty, it speaks volumes. Cava-lier, who has an obvious compassion for others, works to better the quality of life for herself, her family and everybody she comes into contact with.

Friendly and outgoing, Cavalier strives to make a difference in the lives of other military spouses and families. She started assisting families stationed at Fort Bragg, but quickly expanded her efforts to help military families across the United States, as well as those stationed overseas. When service members and their families were facing payday problems in spring of 2011, Cavalier volunteered to be the 8th District Congressional Military Family Caucus Chair and held several meetings with her congressman to discuss how the problem would affect military families.

Cavalier has also taken the iniative to start a non-profit organization called Sup-port Our Arthritic Kids, Inc., after her old-

est daughter was diagnosed with a medical condition in 2009. Keeping a level head, Cavalier not only helped organize her daughter’s treatment, but started reaching out to other children affected by the same condition.

In the words of her husband, Army Sgt. Dany Cavalier, “(Crystal) doesn’t like to brag about things she has done, but I feel the nation should know that one person does make a difference.”

“You don’t have to be dependent on your military member,” Cavalier said. “There are so many opportunities out here that I have taken advantage of and I want to pass that information onto other spouses.”

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Must be 18 years or older, have valid I.D. along

with proof of SS# and local residency.

Walk-ins Welcome.

233-C Western Blvd.Jacksonville, NC 28546 910-353-4888

Saving lives is not only a good thing, it makes you feel good too.

Plasma Donors Needed Now

Smile...

JANCLA.indd 1 8/17/09 12:17 PM

2012 Gift Sponsors


Three LocaTions To serve You.

2960 Richlands hwy, Jacksonville

1040 hendeRson dR, Jacksonville

hwy 17 & 58, Maysville

www.idigThepig.com

THE ORIGINAL

piggly wiggly

save Big aT The pig

We Cater to Military Families!

Thank you for all you do!

CongratulationsTo the 2012 Heroes at Home Nominees!

USA Discounters is extremely proud to be a

Presenting Sponsorof the Military Spouse Awards for the fifth consecutive year!

We recognize the important role our military spouses play in the Camp Lejeune community and

thank you for your dedication, service and support of our Armed Services!

www.usadiscounters.net

Heroes at Home 2012

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