Military Monday | Interview with Vanessa

 

This blog series – Military Monday – is to highlight the many women that help make the military community a great place to be. Some women are experienced, some are new and hesitant, but we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, and it benefits everyone when we support each other!

This Monday I have an interview from Vanessa! She grew up in the military and married into it as well. She has such a unique and refreshing perspective on being both a daughter and a mother in the military community.

1. Tell me about yourself, Vanessa!

I have grown up in the military since I was 11, however even before that we moved around for my father’s job. I went to more schools than I can count including three different colleges. I work at home and homeschool our children. I enjoy spending time with my husband and with our four children.

2. How long has your husband been in the Army? How long have you been together?

My husband has been in the military for over 15 years and we have been together for most of that time.

3. Since you came from a Military family, did you expect to marry a Soldier?

I can’t say that I expected to marry a Soldier, but I have always enjoyed many aspects of military life. When we moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, I do remember telling my father that the only way I would meet a man to marry in Oklahoma was if he was in the military. I knew quickly that I did not want to settle down in Southwest Oklahoma. I did however end up meeting my husband while my father and he were both stationed in Oklahoma!

4. What is your favorite part of being married to a man in the U.S. Army?

One of my favorite things about being married to a man in the U.S. Army is seeing new places. The process of moving can be exhausting, but there is something exciting about driving (or flying) to a new place and discovering the differences and opportunities of each new Army home.

5. Do you feel a responsibility to volunteer at every unit your husband is in?

I do not feel a responsibility to volunteer at every unit. My husband and I decided early in our marriage that our family will always come first and for us that has included me staying home with the kids. Depending on what our circumstances have been I have not always been able to volunteer. For instance, when we were at one duty station I had our third and fourth child and was too busy at home to help elsewhere.

6. What was your favorite duty station and why?

My favorite duty station has been Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We lived on the New River Air Station while we there. The front yard of our house looked out on the beautiful river. Our house was also within walking distance of the station marina and we were able to go sailing regularly. The weather is great there and the beach was only about 40 minutes away. During the time we lived there both of our families were less than a six-hour drive away.

7. What might be fun for a kid can be stressful as an adult! What did you find were some of the differences you encountered between being a kid in a Military family compared with being the Mom? 

One of the most stressful duties of being a military spouse is definitely moving. It was a very exciting time as a child knowing that we were going somewhere new and of course when I was younger my mother was taking care of all the hard work. I am thankful we have companies that come and pack up all of our things.

8. Have you had any mentors or other wives that helped you along throughout your husband’s military career?

One of the many blessings of being a military spouse is meeting so many wonderful people. I have made many great friends and we have supported each other many times over. I find that military spouses are so wonderful at pulling together and helping each other out. The person I have turned to mostly for a mentor has been my mother. She has the knowledge of a military spouse and wisdom on how to deal with the many different situations that arise. It is great having someone close to me to count on for advice.

9. What is your best memory of being with family or friends while your husband was training or deployed?

I do have some wonderful memories of time with my parents and my sister and brother while my husband has been in the field training or deployed. I usually take the time he is gone to spend more time with my family. I lived with my parents through one deployment and it was great to spend more time with them and for our children to get to know them better. I also have stayed for extended vacations during other deployments.

Thanks so much for sharing Vanessa! You have a such a positive outlook and I respect your choice of keeping your family first.

I’m hoping to interview Vanessa’s mom next for another unique perspective… stay tuned!