Heroes at Home

Honoring the unsung sacrifices of America’s military spouses

TRIPLE ROOMS

Congratulations Military Spouse Awards Nominees!

Newly Remodeled!AmeRicAN owNed & opeRAted

910-455-4923

iNteRSectioN oFHwy. 17 & Hwy. 258

JAcKSoNVille2 2013 heroes at home

office1122 Henderson Dr., Jacksonville, N.C. 28540347-9624

PublisherJames M. Connors

Managing editorEna Sellers

assistant Managing editorAmy Binkley

contributing editorChantel Green

editorial designerBecca Keller

event coordinatorEmily Kelley

business ManagerRachel Picard

advertising designersHillary BrattonJulia Dillon

sales staffBobby StoneEmily KelleyTeresa Moore

distribution ManagerDennis Fusco

heroes at home disclaimer: Heroes at Home: Military Spouse Award 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.

As the proud civilian publisher of The Globe and The RotoVue newspapers, which serve the Marines and sailors aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, I’ve seen the hard work and dedication our service members provide our country. I also know the sacrifices of their spouses, the unsung heroes left behind to take care of the homefront. Honoring these spouses with for their loyalty to the military and their service members is necessary, and I’m thankful to celebrate six years, and more importantly, the more than 60 nominees during the 2013 Military Spouse Awards, Heroes at Home event.

This event would not be possible without the faithful support of the local business community. Since the inception of our Heroes at Home event, Stevenson Auto Group and USA Discounters have led the way with their generosity. This year’s Gold Sponsors, Webster University and Marine Federal Credit Union, also made significant contributions, and Biotest returned to show their appreciation as well. Our new sponsors include Kimberly Clark, Verizon Wireless, New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Carolina Pediatrics. Thank you all for your assistance.

I’d also like to extend my gratitude for the service members and their spouses who are in attendance today, including our guest of honor, Maj. Gen. Glen M. Walters. Thank you to our judges who took time out of their schedules to read each spouse’s story while supporting the community through their local organizations including the USO of North Carolina Jacksonville Center, Hope for the Warriors, the United Way, Marine Corps Family Team Building and the Jacksonville-Onslow County Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, the Landmark Military Media of NC team is grateful to have Ms. Kim Ratcliff of WECT/WSFX Carolina in the Morning returning as the emcee for this event. Joining her this year is Carolina native, Skip Waters of WCTI News Channel 12.

To those who came today to show their support their spouse, family member or friend, thank you for recognizing the importance of the role of a military spouse and for joining our team in celebrating their hard work and devotion.

The 2013 Heroes at Home nominees, finalists and winner are worthy of all the praise and appreciation they receive. Congratulations and thank you all.

Jim Connors

Publisher of Landmark Military Newspapers of North CarolinaThe Globe & RotoVue

www.usadiscounters.netwww.usadiscounters.net

4 2013 heroes at home

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

The Parent of a Service Member is a Hero because they gavethis country a life that chose to fight for freedom.

Children are Heroes because they wait and pray for their serving 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 would never

understand. They wait, cry, laugh

and love like todayis their only day.

The staff and faculty of Webster University are

honored to recognize our Heroes afar and our

Heroes at Home.

HEROES COME IN MANY FORMS

(910) 451-0951

52013 heroes at home

Where Looking Good is

UnderstoodAll work done exclusively by students.

[email protected]

4781-1 Gum Branch Road, Jacksonville, NC(910) 455-5767School of hair DeSignSchool of hair DeSign

CheveuxCheveux

Salon Services Available10am - 1:30pm Mon - Fri8am - 11am SaturdayNo Appointment Required

Now Accepting Pell Grantalong with MyCAA & VA! CoNGRAtulAtioNS

to All the 2013 heRoeS At hoMe

NoMiNeeS!

As military spouses, we have the ability to inspire the community and our families in ways others do not understand. With Heroes at Home, these spouses, these local inspirations get honored for their ability

to do the incredible everyday.

United Way

I’ve worked with volunteers (many of whom are military spouses) for more than 20 years. They’re the best people to work with because they give

their time so unselfishly.

MCFTB

Spouses are the unsung heroes. Service members are typically recognized for their outstanding

acts of courge, but frequently no one knows how their spouse is holding down the homefront. They

deserve to be recognized too.

Hope for the Warriors


These women blow my mind with everything they do. As I read the nominations, I had chills. I’m

amazed at all they’ve endured and accomplished.

Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce

This is a time to recognize the support system of our country’s warriors. The warrior can do his or her job knowing that the household is doing well because

the military spouse is managing it with grace.

Hope for the Warriors

I am honored to have the opportunity to get to know each of the applicants through their nominations. It warms my heart knowing these spouses stand behind their service

members even through separations, challenges and the ever-changing lifestyle of the military.

USO

Congratulations to the 2013 military

spouse awards nominees & winners!

Our resources are as sustaining and

precious as our strong military spouses.

Congratulations 2013 nominees!


2543 Onslow Drive910-347-4721

Natural Health FoodsMonday to Friday 9am to 7pm

Saturday 9am to 6pm

Pet Supplies Supplements

Skin Care • Cleaning Supplies • Herbal Teas • Gluten

Free Items • Juices and WatersFreezer and Cooler items

Packaged Bulk Items

Congratulations to all the 2013

Military Spouse Awards nominees!


Sushi Bar•Steamed Shrimp•Ribs•Pepper Steak•Shrimp Fried •RiceSesame Chicken•Crab Rangoon•Mussels•Kung Po Chicken•Shrimp Subgum•Potstickers•Sweet & Sour •Pork & Chicken

Chicken Lo Mein•Fried Shrimp•Grilled Lemon •ChickenFried Wonton•Egg Foo Young•Chicken Teriyaki•Chicken With •BroccoliCharbroiled Pork •Chop Zucchini & CornAnd Much, Much •More!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKHOURS: MON - SATLUNCH 11:00 - 2:30 PMDINNER 4:30 - 10:00 PMFRI & SAT 4:30 - 10:30 PMSUNDAYS 11:00 - 9:30 PM

CALL FOR YOUR RESERVATION OR TAKE OUT ORDER TODAY!346-5382 or 346-6675

109 Henderson Drivewww.MaiTaiJacksonville.com

ALL ABC PERMITS

More Than A Chinese Buffet!

MAITAISOUP • SALAD BAR

DESSERTS INCLUDED

BUFFET NOW AVAILABLE TO GO

Congratulations to all Heroes at Home 2013 nominees!

Brig. Gen. Burke W. WhitmanBrigadier General Burke W. Whitman serves

as the Deputy Commanding General (Mobiliza-tion) of II Marine Expeditionary Force, and con-currently as the Assistant Division Commander of 2d Marine Division (the Ground Combat Element of II Marine Expeditionary Force).

Reared in Atlanta, he graduated with honors from Lovett High School, earned a BA with hon-ors on a work scholarship from Dartmouth Col-lege where he played on the rugby team, an MBA from Harvard University, and a commission as an officer of Marines after graduate school.

As a Marine, he has commanded infantry and reconnaissance units at all levels from platoon to regiment; served as an operations officer at all levels from battalion to combatant command; developed national military strategy at the Pentagon; advised foreign security forces; and conducted combat in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He earned a Mas-ter of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College, and is a fully Joint Qualified Officer.

Chronologically, he has served as Com-mander of a Rifle Platoon, Mortar Platoon, Light Armored Company, Civil Affairs Detachment,

Reconnaissance Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion deployed to Iraq, and 25th Marine Regi-ment deployed to Africa. In other operating assign-ments, he has served as Aerial Observer, Company Executive Officer, Battalion Operations Officer, Special Operations Liaison Officer in Bosnia, Di-vision Operations Officer, Senior Advisor to an Iraqi Army Brigade, Joint Interagency Operations Officer with U.S. Central Command, and Direc-tor of Afghan Forces with Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. In supporting assignments, he has served as Deputy Director of Middle East Strategy & Policy with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Member of the Amphibious Capabilities Working Group.

As a civilian, he has served as CEO and CFO of two companies traded on the New York Stock Exchange and included in S&P 500 and Fortune 500, and was voted an Institutional Investor Best CEO and Best CFO. He has served on the Boards of Toys for Tots Foundation, the Federation of American Hospitals, and Marine Corps Univer-sity; and on the Founders Group of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Members of the Crystal Coast Quartet – Bonny Morden, An-drea Tolmich, Holly Gutierrez and Kimberly Zimmerman – will donate their time and talents to set a melodic atmosphere for the Heroes at Home Awards ceremony. Making music with three violins and a cello, the group is honored to be a part of the event recognizing military spouses.

“I don’t know how they do it,” remarked Morden. “I’m over-whelmed at their strength. We had no hesitation and jumped at the opportunity to be apart of this event. We’re deeply touched and thrilled to be able to show our appreciation to the service members and their families.”


and Walmart would like to congratulate the 2013 Heroes at Home Nominees! Pick up your 3 pack of Kleenex® Brand tissues at your local and beat those spring allergies!Kimberly-Clark is a patron

sponsor for the 2013Heroes at Home

Please help us help those coping with rare, chronic, genetic diseases.

New donors can receive $30 today and $70 this week!

Ask about our Specialty Programs!

Must be 18 years or older, have valid I.D. along with proof of SS# and local residency.

Walk-ins Welcome.

Wireless Internet Available.

New donors: Bring in this ad for a $10 bonus on your second donation

Biotest Plasma Center1213 Country Club Road

Jacksonville, NC 28546

910-353-4888

www.biotestplasma.com

Giving Healthy FuturesPlasma Donors Needed Now

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE

AT: BIOTESTPLASMA.COM



028TheGlobe5.67x5c-V2.indd 1 8/31/12 9:39 AM





Walk-ins Welcome.





910-353-4888












Walk-ins Welcome.





910-353-4888












Walk-ins Welcome.





910-353-4888












Walk-ins Welcome.





910-353-4888












Walk-ins Welcome.





910-353-4888












Walk-ins Welcome.





910-353-4888












Walk-ins Welcome.





910-353-4888








Spare Change, one of Eastern North Carolina’s most sought-after musical groups, recognizes the importance of the sacrifices of service members. They also know the challenges faced by the spouses who are left behind. Lead singer, and the only female in the group, Veronica Welch, lent her powerful vocal talent to honor those who serve on the homefront with her rendition of the national anthem at the 2013 Heroes at Home event.



EmceeKim Kopka Ratcliff is the co-anchor for Carolina in the Morning on WECT and FOX Wilmington, and has generously emceed the Heroes at Home event for the past several years.“I can’t wait to meet this year’s spouses and hear their stories. I am always amazed at the challenges the contestants have faced and overcome,” said Ratcliff. Kim has experienced the challenges of military life first hand as she watched her mother take care of her and her two brothers, often on her own. She says support at home is critical because a happy spouse will make for a happy Marine.

www.nhrmc.org

They said his career was over. Instead, his life’s purpose was restored.

NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital made it possible.

Co-EmceeMy television career started before I made the choice to pursue broad-cast meteorology. From fall 1970 through spring 1971, I was the science, geography and miscellaneous team representative on the WBBH-TV20 “High School Quiz Bowl” program in Fort Myers, Fla., where I attended North High School. I was the blond kid who knew the answer to questions like “what fish has both eyes on one side of its head? North Fort Myers...Waters...the Flounder” and “what is the ugliest mammal on earth? The warthog.” Little did I know that to be the beginning of a fun and exciting career in television. After college at the University of South Florida in Tam-pa, I returned to Fort Myers and went to work as a television meteorolo-gist at WEVU-TV26 the ABC affiliate in Southwest, Fla. I worked there from October 1976 through April 1982, when the opportunity to return home to my native North Carolina was made available to me at NewsChannel 12. It was a pleasure to move back to North Carolina, where I was born (Greensboro), and where most of my family still lives.


ChaplainNavy Lt. Kenyon Kaehr will deliver the invocation at the event and believes supporting military families is also indirectly supporting service members.

“Military families are the true backbone of every service member,” said Kaehr.

In honor of Marine Corps tradition, four members of Lejeune High School Color Guard will present the colors for the Heroes at Home event.

The color guard is led by retired Master Gunnery Sgt. James Gardiner.


A mother’s love is un-like any other – one that will sustain a family through the hardest of times.

Rian Sanford spent the past six years fighting the ed-ucation system for fair treat-ment of her sons, both of whom have autism.

She dealt with multiple de-ployments while overcoming overwhelming obstacles.

“It is said that being a parent to one child with autism is like being a parent to four normal children due to the amount of specialized and medical care required. If that is true, then my wife has been a mother and an advocate to eight children

for nine years now,” said her husband.

While her husband was de-ployed, Sanford’s advocacy paid off with her sons’placement in a more constructive school.

Sanford is a force to be reck-oned with as a mother, wife and advocate, yet still finds time to help others through the Excep-tional Family Member Program at Marine Corps Air Station New River.

The biggest reward is seeing your husband and family flourish even with

these obstacles.-Rian Sanford

By Chantel Green

Unlimited Time

Outstanding Images

Great Price

Military Discount

Package time is unlimited, giving our mothers times to relax, have fun and enjoy this time with your baby.

Each package comes with a DVD of the entire session. Bring in a Flash memory drive to save your unlimited

images. Free extra DVD for deployed spouses.

Packages starting at $ 75 plus tax.

Get a sneak peek of your little runner atlittle runner atlittle runner at

!Where the goal is to give you the best quality and service you deserve.200 Valencia Drive


jacksonville4-dfetalphoto.com

200 Valencia Drive200 Valencia DriveJacksonville, NC 28546Jacksonville, NC 28546

910-346-3343

32 weeks

14 weeks

One deployment is one too many for most military spouses. Amy Taft has endured 14 since 1996. Her husband, a Navy corpsman, was injured and has suffered from PTSD and trau-matic brain injuries.

Taft believes walking through life with so many different people is one of the greatest rewards of military life, and for the past de-cade, she has devoted her time to counseling and advising Marines and sailors.

She strives to discover new ways to help people and plans to do that through earning her doc-torate degree and opening a fam-ily center for those dealing with PTSD and TBIs.

Taft’s devotion extends not only to military members but to their families as well.

“She is a personal counselor for other military families, assist-ing with all aspects of adjusting to military life,” said a nominator.

Taft’s secret to navigating mili-tary life is simple.

“Just go to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day – a new approach,” she said.


By Chantel Green

andFREE Registration!*

Enroll no

w

and REcEivE ThE*

2nd &

4th Weeks

FREE!

• Infants 6 weeks to 12 years• HighReach Learning®

Curriculum

OUr many cOnvenient LOcatiOns204 N. 18th. St. • Morehead City • 252-247-2006204 N. Shepard St. • Havelock • 252-447-1802270 Hwy. 70 West • Havelock • 252-444-1809

3705 Old Cherry Pt. Rd. • New Bern • 252-636-3791301 Ninth Street • New Bern • 252-638-2957

783 West Corbett Ave • Swansboro • 910-326-3386

312 Brynn Marr Rd. • Jacksonville • 910-353-5437928 Henderson Dr. • Jacksonville • 910-347-5437

www.childcarenetwork.net

*Promotional offer is limited to new enrollees only and cannot be used in combination with any other offer or discount at listed locations only.

• Nutritious Meals & Snacks Provided

• Caring, State Credentialed Staff

Also, to

show our appreciation

for your service:

enjoy one free

dAy on us(call ahead to reserve your

spot, spaces are limited.)

We have learned to live for today, taking

each victory and magical moment for

what it is.-Amy Taft

For all the HATS you wear... Our HATS are off to you!

Congratulationsto the HEROES at HOME nominees and winners!

Mother, Friend, Chef, Coach, Chauffeur, Accountant, Volunteer, Teacher, Maid, ... MILITARY SPOUSE

Congratulationsto the HEROES at HOME nominees and winners!

Mother, Friend, Chef, Coach, Chauffeur, Accountant, Volunteer, Teacher, Maid, ... MILITARY SPOUSE


wcti12.com


Volunteering is not a paid position because the work done is priceless, and the volunteers are selfless.

Krystyn Case is one of these devoted individuals.

Case dedicates her free time to the Naval Hospital aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Her efforts toward medical improvements for service members and their families makes a widespread impact on the Camp Lejeune community.

Continuing her tireless volunteer efforts and taking care of her own children, Case took on the challenges of her husband’s 12-month deployment.

“She gracefully overcame any and

all challenges thrown at her, while always simultaneously offering her assistance and support to anyone at the Naval Hospital, or in her personal realm,” said a friend and nominator.

Case admits to facing her fair share of challenges as a military spouse, but says it has enriched her life. She remains steadfast in believing that rewards are found within the challenges of military life. She would never trade it for anything.

By Chantel Green

The military family is not comparable to

any other community, and I love being a

part of it!-Krystyn Case

THE YEARBOOK REVOLUTIONNo boundaries. No limits.

School Yearbooks • Sports Books • Church Directories • Club Books • Deployment Books

The best choice for

MILITARY DEPLOYMENT BOOKS

STARTING AT

FOR 20 PAGES$8.49STARTING AT

FOR 20 PAGES

Portion of all military book sales donated to Semper Fi Fund

Contact Sallie Spangenberg, USMC spouse, for a free quote:[email protected] or (910) 381-8690

NO MINIMUM ORDERS • NO DEADLINES • 3-WEEK TURNAROUNDFREE SHIPPING • FREE eYEARBOOKS


In times of trouble, trial, confu-sion and despair, people look for a hand of hope. Rhiannon Tuttle is ready to help.

Not even her third trimester could keep Tuttle from volunteer-ing to be the point of contact for spouses while more than 50 Flight Line Marines trained in California earlier this year. With her experi-ence as a Family Readiness Assis-tant, the act seemed natural, and she considered it her duty to be there for others.

“I know that as a spouse I am supposed to maintain my individu-ality and not allow his career to overshadow my own path in life, but when we spoke our vows it was

no longer “his path” or “my path,” it became our path,” she explained.

Tuttle couldn’t anticipate her weeks would hold many hospital visits as several of her peers dealt with life-threatening situations, surgeries and even the loss of a child. She stood strong for those who couldn’t, epitomizing the ex-ample of a military spouse worth following.

“This life can seem like an uphill battle every day,” she said. “It’s not for everyone, but there is no other way of life for me.”

By Amy Binkley

...there’s no other way of life for me

-Rhiannon Tuttle


She took care of our son while he was healing from surgery and all our animals while I was deployed.

She always puts herself last.

She took care of our three young children while I was deployed and participates in family readiness programs, career days, YMCA and children’s book

readings.

She puts her heart and soul into each event for the Camp Lejeune Officers’ Wives’ Club and will go

above and beyond the needs of the club. She has almost tripled the fundraising amount from the

past years.

The Corner Jeweler

[email protected]

233-B western Blvd. Suite1Jacksonville, nC 28546(910) 219-GolD (4653)

Freedom Village Shopping Centerlocated by the new wal-mart(910) 219-9797

Carolina Pediatricsof Wilmington

Dr. Mary Forehand , Dr. Mary Beth Carter, Dr. Sarah Adams, Dr. Heather Henderson and Dr. Jeanine May, Cindy Compeggie, PNP

NEW LOCATION IN HAMPSTEAD NOW OPEN!

910.763.2476 • www.carolinapedswilm.com

wilmington715 Medical Center Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401

hampstead15444 us hwy 17n bldg 16

1st fl hampstead, nc 28443

(Located inhampstead village)


Carolyn spends a significant amount of time on the internet reading and responding to forums from other military spouses. She tries to give guidance to other

spouses and new people to Jacksonville.

Emily is always fun to be around and helps out with childcare whenever she’s needed. She also writes

a wonderful article about being a military parent (in Coastal Carolina Parent) which is uplifting and

fun to read.

She is a very caring and loving mother and involves her children in activities to help other military

families. She is one of the best Marine wives you will ever meet.

www.nationaldodge.com

2223 n. marine Blvd. • Jacksonville • 910.347.3777

Automotive Group

Congratulationsto all Heroes at Home Nominees

Purchase any New or Pre-Owned Vehicle and

Receive FREE Oil For Life!

Daniesha AikensAislinn Baker

Kathy BenjaminVictoria Bourg

Genevieve BowmasterKrystyn Case

Nicole CouchShamica M. DeBoseSamantha Delatte

Tammy DerrickDayna Mae DowBrianna Englehart

Margaret EppersonNatascha FogelTeresa FreelandChristie Fricke

Shana HamiltonCeraya Hancock

Emily Hanke

Amanda HernandezMegan HoffmanAshely JacobsMelissa Jibson

Christine JimenezCorey Jones

Davinity JonesAmanda KelleyCourtney KeysAmanda King

Kara KlobyBrittany Koczrowski

Loren KueblerAndrea Kutilek

Marcia Marie LaroseBaileigh Levee

Philomena MakinenJanice MarcumCarissa Marine

Patricia Lee McCrary

Courtney MoonAshlee Morris

Cathy O’GormanCoretta Powell

Rian Marie SanfordTammie Bittiker Saylor

Erin ShaferLaura ShulerLeyda SimonBrittany SpainBecky Stalcup

Amy TaftCarolyn M. Thomas

Rhiannon TuttleErin WarthenMisty Wells

Sue WestonJennifer Wiser

Tiffany Youngquist


Thank you to everyone who submitted their loved ones for the Heroes at Home Award!

Presenting this year’s

Congratulations 2013 Heroes at HomeTM Nominees and WinnerProud Sponsor of the 2013 Heroes at HomeTM Military Spouse Award


I never wore the uniform,no medals on my chest.

The band it doesn’t play for me,I am not among the Best.

I do not march in cadence,I do not rate salute,

I stand among the silent ranks,our devotion absolute.

If you’ve not worn my shoes,you do not know my story.

I live a life of sacrifice,my reward a private glory.

I’ve wept many silent nights away,and I’ve kept the home fires burning.

I’ve worried and I’ve waited,

as world events were churning.

I’ve moved more times than you could fathom,

left more people than you’ve known.I’ve planted gardens ‘round the

world –Very few that I’ve seen grown.

I’ve grieved with new-made widows,and had my share of scares –

when a ship or plane or man was down,

and all I had were prayers.

I’m not asking for your sympathy,(although appreciation can be nice)

I did it quite on purpose though –I chose to sacrifice.

I’ll tell you a secret now,one you’d never guess.

About the one glory that is mine,it’s just enough - no more, no less.

When you and I stand togetheras our national anthem plays,

I’ll fill with reminiscencesof how I spent those days.

I’ll know the pain and joys again,I’ll know that freedom isn’t free,

I’ll know I’ve helped to pay the priceand that the anthem plays for me.

ROYAL VALLEY MOBILE HOME PARK

221 RIGGS ROAD,

HUBERT910.353.9327

NEW HOMES | FAMILY FRIENDLY | PLAYGROUND ON SITE

CONGRATULATIONS 2013 MILITARY SPOUSE AWARDS NOMINEES!

Elizabeth Soutter Schwarzer

910-353-1450353 A Western Boulevard

Jacksonville, NC

bradleyjewelers.com

J e w e l e r s


Not only is Jen a stellar Commanding Officer wife, she has contributed greatly to the Family Readiness Program for our unit. She also founded an organization that reaches out to

families with Down Syndrome children to help provide them with support, information and friendship.

My wife managed to not only keep herself strong during deployment but me as well, and she continued to keep her head up during an extension. No matter

the circumstances she always was there for me.

I was inspired by Shamica’s attitude and fortitude to make life for her and the boys as normal as possible while

Artonio was deployed. She continued to be productive at work and be there for all of her friends and coworkers

whenever we needed someone to talk to.

She is a very caring person and puts a lot of hard work back into the community. She is actively

involved in the USO and other area organizations. For that reason, I feel that she is deserving of this award.

WWW.GARYSAUTOSALES.COM

Jacksonville1914 Wilmington Hwy

910.478.0533

sneads Ferry2145 Us Hwy 172

910.327.3070

Congratulations to the 2013 Heroes at Home nominees!


At the end of every month, at least one young mom pictured with a dumpling sweet baby puts a plaintive post on a military spouse website. “Does anyone know how to make a little extra money from home? My daughter is eight months old but I’m not really ready to leave her yet. My husband is deployed. We have bills to pay. Do you know of anything?”

Internet silence. With a 26 percent unemployment rate among military

spouses, this isn’t a surprise. Of course, we spouses are quick to offer solidarity: I’m so sorry this is happening to you. Can you try cutting back your expenses? Have you tried Mary Kay? Etsy? Answering surveys online?

I usually sit at my keyboard frozen, not a good job idea in my idea hamster head. Who knows how a military spouse can get a real job? One that she can work from home? One that doesn’t require selling anything to your friends or intense magical thinking?

Well, uh, I do. This month I am going to be the one responding to that post telling her to go to www.msepjobs.com.

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) is the new Department of Defense job program for military spouses. In the first three months of the program, the DoD has already vetted 96 corporate partners like SAIC, Amazon, AT&T, 3M and George Mason University with more to come. So far, 5,600 military spouses have been hired for a mix of different jobs, from entry-level stuff and barista/cashier positions to careers in technology that require a masters degree. In fact, an outside auditor found that more than 40% of the job listings in the program require a college degree, which reflects the rising level of education found among military spouses.

“This really is about establishing careers, not just jobs,” said Robert Gordon, assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy in a telephone

conference last week. Gordon said that portability and telecommuting are essential, although not exclusive, features of the kinds of jobs MSEP is looking for from their partners.

So I went online to check out the job offerings available. What did I find? Like on all job hunting sites, I found out I was not qualified for most of the jobs offered. After all, I’m not a Chinese linguist. I do not currently live in Stuttgart, Germany. I did not major in accounting - shoot, I couldn’t even make myself attend an accounting class any time the sun was shining. But I did find a few jobs for which I was qualified. I even found a couple of jobs that interested me to which I could telecommute.

What didn’t I find? I didn’t find anyone with a handout for military spouses. In my brief search, I didn’t find anyone advertising for young moms with absolutely no skills who could seal envelopes at home for big money. But I did find opportunity. I did find jobs where a military spouse could get her foot in the door and maybe get a follow-on telecommuting job later. I did find a pattern of jobs that might be reason enough to go back to school seeking a particular major using GI Bill money.

Military spouse employment is a complicated issue, I know. It isn’t going to be solved by a simple jobs board. It isn’t supposed to be. But this new pattern of negotiating with employers, championing military spouses in the job search, discovering quality jobs that can offer military spouses portability and/or telecommutability, is a big step forward, I hope. For all of us.

Jacey Eckhart is a military life consultant in Washington, D.C. She is the author of “The Homefront Club” and the voice behind the award-winning CD “These Boots.” Facebook Jacey or contact her at [email protected].

By Jacey Eckhart

Jacksonville at Gateway Plaza near tarGet

910-989-5957Jacksonville at Freedom villaGe near wal-mart

910-577-7274835 Piney Green rd.910-219-10773 Great Locations to serve YOU

Congratulations to all 2013 Military Spouse Awards Nominees!OFF$10 ANY COLOR OF $50 OR MORE

OFF$10 haircut, style & wax.95$10 haircut

aDD a style FOr $5.00. lONG Or thicK hair extra


If a picture is worth a thousand words, local photographer Michelle Parsley wrote a novel about the 2013 Heroes at Home. Parsley donated her time and talents to provide promotional photos for the event and pictures of the finalists. She also documented the big day to make sure spouses stories are not only told but seen.

“As a military spouse myself, I’ve seen the trials and triumphs they’ve gone through,” Parsley explained. “Usually there isn’t a lot of recognition for spouses. We appreciate your service hold-ing down the homefront.”

Many thanks to Rachel Deere, owner of Bridal by the Sea, for her generous donation of the flowers for this event. She believes it is important to support the military families who protect and serve the country. Deere comes from a military background and knows firsthand the struggles families face.

“I have many friends who serve and whose spouses are holding down the fort at home. The active-duty members get a good bit of recognition, and I feel it is important to recognize the spouses as well,” said Deere.

910.938.2200353 Western Blvd Suite C | Jacksonville, NC 28546

changesmedspa.com

15%Discount

On all hair & skin services with military

ID & this ad.

We also offer: Microdermabrasion, Clarifying

Mask, Pumpkin Peel, Oxygenating Facial, Detox &

Antioxidant Facial, Smoothing Body Treatment & Massage


Special thanks to Angela Diaz and her daughter-in-law at Happy-cakes Cupcakery for their cupcake donations. As the mother and wife, respectively, of a member of the Navy, they both feel very strongly about recognizing the families behind the military.

“We understand the families of service members have an incred-ibly tough job. We consider it a privilege to be able to participate in this event and do whatever we can to provide support for military families,” said Diaz.

Everyone shows their appreciation in different ways. Support Mili-tary Spouses, a local non-profit company, does it with shoeboxes. Through their generous donations, the Heroes at Home nominees were given packages made with love and filled with items like jew-elry, cosmetics, stationary and more. “We understand the sacrifices that military spouses and their families make throughout the year, but we especially want to show them how grateful we are in honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Day. The Shoebox Gifts are just a small way we can show support for the heroes on the homefront,” stated Dr. Steven and Diane Rumley.

Amanda Hernandez is loved. The bubbly redhead’s natural maternal in-

stinct won her a place in the hearts of most people who met her long before she was ever recognized for an award.

“She has reached out, touched and helped so many people by just showing kindness, love and compassion,” said her husband, Chief Petty Officer Angel Hernandez. “She spent countless nights caring for our sick children, juggling homework, giving baths, taking care of automotive issues, handling housing mat-ters and chauffeuring kids to therapies or other scheduled activities.”

While Amanda’s main priority is her fam-ily, she considers it her duty and honor as a military spouse to extend her open arms to others.

“As a military spouse you have a family no matter where you may go,” she explained.

“We form lifelong friendships and bond to-gether through good times and bad.”

Her own tragedy of losing a child was dev-astating, but it couldn’t keep her down.

“She decided, almost immediately, there had to be other military families going through the same grief without the benefit of a support group,” one ofher nominators wrote.

It fueled her to begin the Resolve Through Sharing Infant Loss Support Group at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune last October, and the response was tremendous.

“I often wonder how Amanda does it.

She can bring you in and make you feel like family,” another nominator noted. “She is one of those few people you know will drop everything and come help you in your time of need.”

Having experienced the trials of multiple deployments, Amanda knows sometimes the heroes left at home just need a shoulder to cry on.

“When you see her in action, you just know this is a military wife who has it figured out,” a friend wrote. “She has it all balanced so well. I have seen her not only think of her own sailor, but of everyone he is deployed with and their families.”

Amanda’s approaches military life with an inspiring flexibility.

“Be ready to roll with the punches,” she said. “And remember, like with everything in life, it is what you make it.”


The majesty of a mother’s love When you see her in

action, you just know this is a military wife who has

it figured out.

By Amy Binkley

HEROES AT HOME


2013sponsors

2013advertisers

United Way of Onslow County

We are Onslow. We are United. This is our Way.

2010-2011Campaign Kick-off Breakfast

Thank you to our Sponsors:Incentive Program Sponsors:

Tuesday,September 28

8:30-10:00 amHilda’s

$10 per person

RSVP by September 24 at unitedwayonslow.org or call 347-2646camplejeuneglobe.com newriverrotovue.com

C o a s t a l C a r o l i n a

2013gift sponsors

Picaboo YearbooksVerizon

Webster UniversityTLC Tanning Spa Bowtique

United WayMichele Parsley Photography

Ann Mowry - Oragami OwlSupportmilitaryspouses.org

Tildy DesignsChanges MedSpa

Cheddar’s Casual DiningUSA Discounters

Fantastic Sam’sStudio 350

Kimberly ClarkAbove & Beyond Salon

Triangle Motor InnCheveux School of Hair Design

ONWASA Webster UniversityUSA Discounters

Natural Health FoodsMai Tai

Marine Federal Credit UnionBiotest

Kimberly Clark

Blue BambooNew Hanover Regional Medical Center

Atlantic Bay MortgageJacksonville 4D Fetal Photo

WCTIChildcare NetworkPicaboo YearbooksExtreme Outfitters

Sanders FordThe Corner Jeweler

Carolina PediatricsNational Dodge

VerizonRoyal Valley

Bradley’sGary’s

Rock Creek Country ClubFantastic Sam’s

Changes MedSpaStevenson Automotive

Rock Creek Golf & Country Club308 Country Club BoulevardJacksonville, NC 28540PRO SHOP (910) 324-5151 • OFFICE (910) 324-3022www.golfatrockcreek.comwww.golfatrockcreeknc.com

A family-Oriented environment with custom homes & recreational facilities

18 hole championship

golf course

SPECIAL MILITARY PRICING

SENIOR RATES

Amenities include

Driving RangePro Shop

Swimming Pool

910-455-1551www.lejeunemotorco.net

910-938-0555www.kia.stevensonauto.com

910-937-1555www.stevensonscion.com

910-937-1555www.stevensontoyota.com


910-353-1515www.stevensonusedcars.com

910-455-1555www.stevensonsuzuki.com

910-326-1804www.stevensonchevy.com

910-395-1116www.stevensonacura.com

910-347-6678www.mazda.stevensonauto.com

910-346-4944www.lejeunehondacars.com

910-455-1555www.stevensonhyundai.com

Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com

910-353-1515w.stevensonusedcars.com

For Our Most Updated and Complete Pre-Owned Selections Go To: WARRANTY

Unlimited Miles Unlimited Time

L I F E TI M E

Accepted Nationwidewww.StevensonAuto.com

If it has our name on it,You have our word on it!REMEMBER...

May 2010HEROES AT HOME













Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com




L I F E TI M E



May 2010HEROES AT HOMEPage 32













Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com




L I F E TI M E
















Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com




L I F E TI M E
















Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com




L I F E TI M E
















Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com




L I F E TI M E
















Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com




L I F E TI M E
















Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com




L I F E TI M E
















Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com




L I F E TI M E
















Proud Presenting

Sponsor of...

a.com




L I F E TI M E




TRUCKSPlus888-633-7671

www.stevensontrucksplus.com910-455-1555

www.stevensonsuzuki.com

919-736-2900www.stevensonhondaofgoldsboro.com

3

Heroes at Home

Documents

Transcript of Heroes at Home