Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a deep love and respect for our country and those who have been called to defend it. Many of my aunts and uncles served. With my original roots being grounded in Central Florida, I have called Rutherford County home since 1989 and raised my two beautiful children here. My son, Nick, enlisted in the US Army straight out of high school. After 8 years active duty, and 3 years Army National Guard, he now lives across the Pacific with his beautiful wife Shannon and their son, Sebastian. My daughter, Nichole, also enlisted right out of high school. After nearly 7 years active duty in the US Marine Corps, she is now a full-time mom. She currently lives on the East Coast with her husband, an active-duty Marine, and their two boys, Luka and Mateo.
Even though I have always had a deep love and respect for our military, I never truly understood the depth of sacrifice these brave men and women have given until my own children placed their lives on hold to answer their call to bear allegiance, protect, and defend this great Nation.
In March of 2017, I walked through the doors at Father’s Vineyard in search of a new church home, a family. Somewhere I could learn and grow, make a difference. After attending services for only a few short months, I joined the church and began to share my passion, a military ministry with my church family and my pastors.
The amount of encouragement and support I received were both overwhelming and inspiring. In October of 2017, the Military Ministry at Father’s Vineyard was officially birthed, and I was appointed as the director. Although God didn’t call me to serve our country by enlisting, He did call me to serve by honoring and serving those who have been called to serve; to make a difference in their lives by praying for them, supporting them, their families, and by simply thanking them for their service.
In addition to being the director for the Military Ministry, I am also an active Guardian with Blue Ridge Honor Flight and a volunteer for Wreaths Across America and The Wall That Heals. I also serve as the non veteran Community Impact co-lead for the Military Veteran Business Resource Group at my place of employment, and I am an associate member of the CPL Chris S. Ebert Marine Corps League Detachment #1221, an advocate for Quilts of Valor and veterans benefits and mental health.
“I am only one, but still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” ~ Helen Keller
Love God. Love People. Make a Difference.