Life as a military family is a unique adventure, filled with challenges, opportunities, and countless moves. My story is one of resilience, adaptation, and community—a journey that has taken us across the country and back, shaping who we are as a family.
The Early Days: A New Adventure
We started out as a young couple, Scott and me, with big dreams and two little kids in tow. Scott was selected for a school in California, and while he pursued his career, I moved back home to my parents for a while. That was when he made the life-altering decision to leave the military. Despite applying to countless jobs, nothing felt like the right fit, and he decided to reenlist in the Army. Soon after, we were off to our next duty station: Fort Benning, Georgia.
Finding My Purpose in Georgia
Fort Benning felt like home. I loved Georgia—the warm community, the opportunities to connect, and the chance to be involved. I became the “mayor” of our neighborhood and actively engaged with military wives, finding fulfillment in building relationships and supporting others. Life was going smoothly until the tragic events of 9/11. That day changed everything. The base went on lockdown, and fear swept through our country. Yet, it was humbling to see America come together, with flags flying proudly in every yard.
Not long after, Scott came home with news of another move. This time, the orders were for Alaska. I couldn’t believe it—Alaska, with its freezing cold winters and endless daylight. But we packed up, loaded the kids and our 150-pound Doberman, and embarked on a cross-country drive. It turned out to be one of the most incredible trips of my life, filled with unforgettable sights and experiences.
From Alaska to California
Life in Alaska was an adventure. Between earthquakes and the extreme light and dark cycles, it was both challenging and memorable. After a year, I knew it wasn’t where we belonged, and we were given the option to move. This time, we headed to Fort Irwin, California—a stark contrast to Alaska.
During this period of constant moves, Yahoo Groups became my lifeline. These groups were filled with advice from other military wives, offering tips on schools, housing, and what to expect at each new duty station. It was through these connections that I learned how to adapt and prepare for each new chapter.
Returning to Georgia and Building Roots
Eventually, orders brought us back to Georgia—this time to Fort McPherson in Atlanta. I wasn’t keen on living in the city, so we started house hunting. That’s when I remembered Newnan, the charming town where we had once gotten our Doberman. We found a home, planted roots, and settled into civilian life.
This move felt different. For the first time, we weren’t living on a military base. Finding information about schools, services, and the community was a challenge. That’s when the idea struck me: why not start my own group? I launched a small Yahoo group to connect with locals, which later evolved into a Facebook community, and eventually, Chatty Newnan Women was born.
What started as a small group of friends grew into something much larger. I remember hosting a cookie exchange with about 15 women—our first event—and watching friendships bloom. Soon, the group exploded as members invited their friends, and those friends invited more. I had finally found my tribe outside of the military.
Adding to the Story: A New Chapter of Family and Love
Life has a way of coming full circle, and the next chapter of our journey brought profound changes. Amanda, my little girl who had grown up navigating the military life alongside us, was now married and starting her own life as a military wife. It was bittersweet. On one hand, I was so proud of her strength and resilience, but on the other, the thought of her moving away, not knowing where she might end up from one year to the next, was hard to accept.
Becoming a Military Mom Again
Her husband’s first deployment brought back so many memories of my own experiences, but this time I was on the other side of it—as a mom. When he left, Amanda came home to stay with me. Watching her go through the ups and downs of deployment reminded me of how far I had come in my own journey and how much she was now walking a similar path. I was there to offer her the support and guidance she needed, but in many ways, she adapted on her own, proving how strong and capable she had become.
Welcoming New Life
After that first deployment, Amanda and her husband began growing their family. It wasn’t long before I got the news that I was going to be a grandmother. I can’t describe the overwhelming joy of holding my first grandson for the first time. He brought so much light into our lives, and the bond we formed was indescribable.
Soon after, Amanda became pregnant again, and before I knew it, we had two little baby boys to love on. Being a grandmother was unlike anything I had ever experienced—it was a new kind of love, deeper and more unconditional than I ever imagined. Watching Amanda as a mom brought me so much pride. She had grown into a strong, loving woman, balancing the challenges of military life with the joys of motherhood.
A Reflection on Generations
As I look back, I see how the cycle of life continues, each generation learning from the one before. Amanda’s path as a military wife reminds me of my own journey, and seeing her strength gives me hope for her future. Watching her boys grow up brings me endless joy, and being part of their lives, even from a distance, keeps me grounded and fulfilled.
Life isn’t always easy, but it has a way of surprising you with moments of love and connection when you least expect it. For me, those moments are wrapped up in the laughter of my grandchildren, the strength of my daughters and the memories we’ve built along the way.
A New Adventure: Retirement and the Police Academy
Scott’s military career eventually came to an end after 21 years. His final duty station was Korea, where he served an 18-month tour while the kids and I stayed in Newnan. Amanda was now married and a new mom. Roni was thriving in school, and we didn’t want to uproot them again. When Scott retired and returned home, we faced a new kind of uncertainty. After years of service, what was next?
A neighbor, who was a police officer, suggested Scott join him in law enforcement. At 39 years old, Scott entered the police academy and thrived in his new role. It was yet another chapter in our life story, one that brought new challenges and opportunities.
Reflection: A Life of Community and Resilience
Looking back, I see how each move and experience shaped our family. From military bases to small towns, I learned the value of community, the strength of resilience, and the power of connection. Founding Chatty Newnan Women gave me a way to give back and help others navigate life, just as I had once relied on others to guide me.
Our story was far from over, but one thing is certain: no matter where life takes us, we’ll embrace it with open arms, a strong sense of family, and a commitment to making the most of every adventure.
To Be Continued…