Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a time to recognize the resilience, sacrifices, and unwavering support of those who stand beside our service members. At HFMN, we are fortunate to have a program director whose personal story of being a military spouse and mother exemplifies this strength.
She came to HFMN two years ago and has a long history of service-connected family as she is the daughter, widow, and mother of Army veterans. Her father trained as a mountaineer with the 10th Mountain Division at Camp Hale and served as a mine sweep in the Korean War; he returned home physically unscathed but reluctant to share stories about his time in the service. While he rarely spoke of his experiences to her, he found solace in sharing them with her husband who was also an Army veteran. Her husband served on an oceangoing tugboat during the Vietnam War and subsequently retired as a Chief Legal NCO. Later, one of their sons followed in his father’s footsteps, continuing the family’s legacy of service.
She has always worked at a civilian job and even did a stint as a GS employee at HQ 7th Army CATC and at HQ USAREUR in Germany. Her journey eventually led her to HFMN after working with another local non-profit, where she established a veteran-directed care program that helped veterans access home and community-based services. Today, she dedicates her work to honoring her late husband and giving back to the veteran and military community.
On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we celebrate individuals like those who shoulder the burdens of service, offer steadfast support, and continue to give long after their loved ones have left active duty. Their sacrifices and contributions make a lasting impact, strengthening both their families and the broader military community. To all military spouses, past and present, we thank you for your dedication, resilience, and love. You are the quiet force behind our nation’s heroes, and today, we honor you.
