A Military Journey Across the Country
My husband and I went to high school together. We reconnected 16 years later, married in 2006, and instantly had a blended family of four boys. Since being married, we have performed multiple PCS transfers. Directly after the wedding, my sons (ages 7 & 8) and I moved to southeast Alaska from our hometown of Vancouver, Wash. I had never lived anywhere but my hometown near my parents, siblings, and lifelong friends. Getting remarried, moving to a place I had never lived nor experienced, and living a new life as a military spouse while suddenly raising a blended family of four boys (ages 6, 7, 8 & 8 at the time), often on my own, was a huge challenge. Since that original move, we have lived in Juneau, Alaska; Portland, Ore.; Portsmouth, Va.; Seattle (two tours); Washington, D.C.; and soon-to-be Scott AFB, Ill.
Upon transferring to Washington, D.C., in 2017, we became empty nesters and moved across the country away from the boys and both sides of our family. All the boys are young men now, carving their lives into adulthood. This was a new stage in our lives, more so for me as a mom. I’m now learning to reestablish myself in yet another new community. With our kids living 3,000 miles away, I worry about them starting adulthood on the right path and I’m figuring out my new motherly role in an extremely busy community of Washington, D.C. I have used my newfound time to volunteer and participate in multiple organizations, and I am enjoying this new period of life as a military spouse and all the ways that I can give back.
What She Does to Advocate for Moms With Young Kids
I am an advocate for military spouses with young children. I love volunteering with the Military Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group at Fort Belvoir, and I plan to continue volunteering as we PCS this year. MOPS International has a military division and recognizes the importance of support for the family unit, which I feel is so instrumental in assisting young military families in maintaining thriving and healthy relationships. In my volunteering at Fort Belvoir MOPS, I have been able to provide support for many spouses with young children. They know I am a shoulder to cry on, a voice to listen, and arms with a hug. I desire to do my part to help them feel encouraged, hopeful, supported and loved. Now that my boys are grown, personally there is nothing more fulfilling than investing into these young mothers and providing encouragement by simply being the voice to say, “You are doing a great job,” and, “You are NOT alone.”
We asked Paulette when she was announced as the Coast Guard branch winner: “If you were told right now that you were named the 2020 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, what would your reaction be and what is the first thing you’d like to do with this honor?”
If I were told today that I was named the 2020 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year®, I would have TWO immediate reactions! First, I would be ECSTATIC to be the VERY FIRST EVER Coast Guard Spouse to be selected for this honor! It would be such a proud moment for our ENTIRE branch, which tends to get overlooked. Secondly, I would be extremely grateful for the timing! I am an empty nester now, and I have the freedom to really dig in and participate with this program over the next year without having to compromise anything at home. What a blessing!
The first item on my agenda if I am named the 2020 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year would be to further my connection with MOPS International, Military Division. I have already reached out beyond the local chapter that I volunteer with to discuss partnering with them to open more charters in military installations and bases around the country. They are extremely encouraged and excited to work with me! My motto, #TogetherWeAreStronger, fits right in with this! I have connected with Sherri Crandal, VP of Global Ministries and Leadership Experience, and also Rebecca Grady, Coach for Area 27-Military MOPS division. They are thrilled to be able to partner with me to help connect more young military spouses to fight against isolation, depression, parenting during deployment as well as many other challenges facing our young military spouses. It has long been recognized that if the family unit is strong, the service member is better able to fulfill their mission, and I’m ready to get to work!
Beyond the immediate future, what do you hope to accomplish with the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® title throughout the rest of the year?
Now that my own children are grown, it is my turn to give back to others, as many great mentors did for me. The return on investment is so rewarding, witnessing these young military spouses and moms prosper in their own lives and helping overcome those struggles. There were mentors and military spouses before me who made such a difference when my boys were young. If I could be supportive in any capacity that eases their journey, that is priceless. I feel that I am called to serve others, unconditionally love my family, support my husband’s military career and proudly have the title of “mom.” I am humbled and honored by this consideration, and will continue strongly advocating for military spouses and moms.