MUW Alumna Sheila Wendt Marries

Sheila Wendt, MUW Class of 1985 and Darryl Vickery are pleased to announce that they were married June  26, 2010 at Central Presbyterian Church in Mobile, AL by Rev. Chris Bullock   Their attendants were their sisters, Lynn Wendt Husted and Sherry Vickery Tittle and Darryl's cousin Don Richardson and brother Jeff Vickery. Sheila's niece and fellow W girl, Amanda Husted Kirk sang at the wedding.

Sheila and Amanda

The wedding cakes were provided by MUW alumna, Beth Simpson Quave and included a milk and dark chocolate groom's cake with chocolate icing.  The wedding cake was red velvet and white chocolate almond with white icing.

Like most women, Sheila dreamed of her father walking her down the aisle for her wedding.  Unfortunately, Shelia's dad passed away before her big day.  She missed him a lot, but carried his photo in her bouquet.

Wedding guests included Sheila's MUW friends Jane Allen Howell, Penny Stork Dearman and Lisa Daniels Mathis.

Sheila and Darryl enjoyed a honeymoon in Branson, Missouri and will make their home in Semmes.

Have you recently celebrated a milestone in your life?

The MFAeA Blog would love to publish announcements of your engagement or wedding, the birth of your children or grandchildren, your promotion, new job or retirement or any other significant event in your life.  Please send information to mfaeablog@gmail.com

Photo of the Week

Christie Collins ('07) and Matt Christian give the Kissing Rock some love at Homecoming 2010, demonstrating that even some guys want to avoid becoming "old maids!"

Congratulations Dr. Corrigan

Congratulations to Nora Corrigan, Ph.D., MUW Assistant Professor of English, on her win on Jeopardy today.

Lowndes County Chapter of MFAeA Elects New Officers

The Lowndes County Chapter of Mississippi's First Alumnae Association met Thursday, July 15 for its Annual Business Meeting.  The meeting was attended by over 125 people, including MFAeA members, guests from the MUW Alumni Association, MUW faculty and staff, members of the community and the media.

The meeting opened with an invocation by the Reverend Carol Mead ('77).   The business portion of the meeting was begun by John Prevost ('93), the chapter's 2009-10 President.   Maye Vest gave the nominating committee report.  Lillian Wade, President of MFAeA gave a report and then Tori Pumphrey ('76) introduced the guest speaker, Allegra Brigham.

The 2010-2011 officers of the Lowndes County Chapter are:

• President – Tori S. Pumphrey
  
• Vice president – Reba Porter
  
• Secretary – Frances Ayers
  
• Treasurer – Elaine Evans

The meeting closed with Bev Jones leading the singing of Serene as the Dawning.

In the News

MUW Interim President Allegra Brigham attended the recent meeting of MFAeA's Lowndes County Chapter at the Columbus Country Club. The meeting was covered by several local media outlets. 

The Commercial Dispatch ran a news article about Brigham's "call for unity" among the university's alumni, stating that "alumni must focus on recruiting new students, donating generously and speaking positively about MUW."

The Dispatch also ran an editorial (with nary a mention of merger or changing the university's name!) throwing support behind Brigham's call for unity: "We, too, want The W to rock. For more than 125 years, the school has been the bedrock of this community. Never has it been more vital to the economic health and quality of life of Lowndes County."

WTVA also featured a story on the meeting, the transcript of which can be found here (the video clip is located to the right of the text).

Photo of the Week

Friends are one thing that come to most W alum's mind when we remember our college years. McCall shares this photo and others on her blog in a post where she writes to her 18 year old self with advice on how to get through her college years. This advice includes

"Spend as much time with your girlfriends as you possibly can; one day not too far from now you'll be willing to give just about anything to have so many people you love living just down the hall from you. Take advantage of this as often as possible. Stay up late giggling, skip class to share secrets, and ditch the boys for the girls. Those boys don't matter; these girls do."

MUW Alumna Serves as Production Manager for Tennessee Williams Play

MUW alumna Sarah Hickox, who has recently returned from a stint working at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., will serve as Production Manager for Sweet Bird of Youth this fall, a production included as part of the annual Tennessee Williams Tribute.

Sarah has recently posted that she is looking for actors for the production, particularly men over the age of thirty. No previous acting work or experience is required. They are also looking for carpenters to help build the set. No theatrical building experience is necessary. If you are interested, please contact Sarah ASAP!

Sarah also recently wrote and produced the performance of The Long Blue Line, adapted from oral histories compiled in Dr. Bridget Smith Pieschel's book Golden Days, at this year's Homecoming weekend.

For more information about this year's Tennessee Williams Tribute, to be held September 6-12 in Columbus, check out their website.

Presidential Search Survey

A Note from Lilliwren:

Dear W Alums,

IHL Commissioner, Dr. Hank Bounds, has announced that the Parker Executive Search firm has been selected to conduct the presidential search for Mississippi University for Women. The next step in the process is to select the Campus Search Advisory Committee. He is now requesting applications to serve on this committee that will be charged with seeking input from various constituency groups as to what attributes are desired in a presidential candidate. A copy of the letter is available if you would like more information about the application process. The deadline is August 3rd.

The officers and board of directors of Mississippi’s First Alumnae Association want to know what qualifications and characteristics you think the next president of The W should possess. Please complete the survey so we can compile a comprehensive list of desirable attributes.

We will leave the survey open until the Committee is formed. Thank you for participating. Your input is very important.

Lillian Wade
MFAeA President

Help Wanted!

Keeping this blog running is a lot of fun, but it would be really boring if all it talked about was my experiences.  I need YOU to help make this blog fun for all of us.  Here is a quick way you can help.  Move-In Day for students is getting close.  I'm going to be writing a post about Move-In Day as it was in years past--whether the past was last year or fifty years ago--or anything in-between--or outside that range.  Your job, which won't take very long at all is to go to our Google Form and fill it out.  It has a grand total of three questions on it, so please, let us know how things were "back in the day".

Help Preserve the History of MUW

We all know that Mississippi University for Women was the first and last state-supported college exclusively for women. We also know it is a university steeped in tradition, but over the years, traditions can be lost. Some may be deliberately suppressed like activities that are now considered hazing; others die because they outlive their value or because no one passes them on (like social club songs of inactive clubs).  Mississippi's First Alumnae Association is committed to preserving our history in one way or another. Here are some ways you can help:


1. Dr. James Allen has agreed to update the MUW Song Book but needs for alumnae/i to send him songs from social clubs, song fests, and any other source to go in the cumulative book -- including "Friends." He would prefer words and music, but if you only know a title or reference to someone whom you believe knows the words or music, that will be a help. So, look through college memorabilia and send it to him. You can find his email address here.

2. We do not have jurisdiction over collection of MUW archives, but we do intend to scan in any things you have from college/alumnae/i days to be kept on an accessible exterior hard drive. So, my request is that you look around and collect in a place (box, folder, envelope, what-have-you) and let me know that you are willing for it to be scanned and returned. This way we can know that the pictures and info will be preserved regardless of whether or not the library ever has funds to process archives. Leave a comment on this post or send us an email so we can make arrangements when ready. If you have a scanner and are willing to scan your stuff, let us know that, and we'll let you know what format we need.

These are long-range plans but this year's goal of collecting is a reachable one.

Photo of the Week

Jimmie Meese Moomaw ('58) introduces her cousin, Hazel Howard ('40) and presents her with an Alumnae Achievement Award at Homecoming 2010.

Thanks to Jane Dearing Dennis for this photo.  

You can see the rest of Jane's Homecoming photos on facebook.

Do you have photos of your W days or of your participation in Alumnae events?  We'd love to publish them, and/or link to your on-line albums.  Please send photos or links to mfaeablog@gmail.com

Wesley Asks Alums for Help

It's that time again!

The students will begin moving in at the W August 15th and the Wesley Foundation needs your help.

On Move-In Day, Wesley students and Board members are out in force helping the students move their things in the residence halls and giving out cold bottled water.  The first two days of classes, the Wesley students also set up a "You Are Here" Tent and help new students find their classes and give out water again.

Here's how you can help:

1. Donate bottled water.  Drop it by the Wesley Foundation or give it to a Wesley Board member.  (We need some for August 15th and more for August 18th & 19th.)

2.  Come on August 15th, noon to 5 pm, to help give out water & information about Wesley.  We'll even "let" you help the students move their things in the dorm.  This is a great way to meet the students and invite them to your church.  It's also a great way to put your faith in action.

3.  Make a donation.  Our expenses are great at the beginning of school so donations of any amount are needed and appreciated.

We appreciate your support and ask that you continue to lift up the ministry at the Wesley Foundation in your prayers.

If you have questions, call 328-1998 or email wfm@muw.edu. Check us out at www.muwwesley.com.

Blessings in abundance, Gail

Note from Lilliwren:

I will be happy to collect whatever you wish to donate. Call me at 328-8012.

Last year, Wesley ministered to and served more students than ever before. You can help make this year even better.

Lowndes County Alums Welcome Interim President Brigham

Attention All W Alums & Friends of the W
Lowndes County Chapter of Mississippi's First Alumnae Association
Annual Business Meeting

Thursday, July 22, 2010
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Columbus Country Club - Columbus Room
Registration 11:45 a.m.
Lunch 12 noon
Cost - $12.00
RSVP by July 20, 2010
662-328-7710 or 662-240-0001 or jackied@tilc.com
Please make your reservation early. Space is limited.

Please mark your calendars.
This is the most important meeting of the year. It's a time to elect officers, pay dues, hear reports on our accomplishments, and visit with fellow alums.
Special guest, interim president, Allegra Brigham will update us on campus news. Call today.

Pets on Campus

Like most universities, The W does not and did not allow pets to live in the dorm.  Like most university rules, this one was ignored by at least a few students.


I had a cat in the dorm my Sophomore year.  A friend of mine found her on campus and thought it would be good for me after my Dad died.  I got caught because he was sticking his paw under the door when people would pass by.  I found it a home with Missy Davis’s mom.  Then my Junior and Senior years, and several years afterwards, I had a pet tarantula named Amber.  I always found it amusing to tell people that she had gotten out to see their reactions.  A couple of the BLs across the hall from 501 had a cat my Senior year and that’s when I discovered I had become allergic to cats.  Funny how things could change in just 2 years.   (Dana Jackson)


Dana's friend, Angie, had this to say about the tarantula's food supply:  "DJ didn't mention the CRICKETS she kept in the hall to feed to Amber the tarantula. Let me just say cricket noises echo off of cinderblock walls...all night long.... ;)  Much like the train whistles, though, you just got used to it."

"I had a pet parakeet my Junior and Senior years....named "S***bird" (excuse the language:-)....originally known as Chipper, but somehow evolved, hmmm? wonder how that happened!  LOL!  Well, that bird learned how to say some very creative things!..."where's Traci", "Michelle's my buddy", "I'm a s***bird", "what's your number?", etc.  It got out in the hallway a few times and flew all the way to the elevator from the last room by the stairwell in Goen!  THEN, we had a cat in 501, named "Patch" as BL actives...it was Carol Cooper's cat.  It fell out of the 5th floor window once and survived but never quite was the same.  Lots of fun memories w/ the critters! " (Traci Demel Schulz '90)


"We once had a hamster on the hall, which was universally hated due to its nocturnal and eternal exercising on its wheel. And there was a toddler who belonged to the "dorm mother" in the Mag. She was kind of a pet to all - we loved her! I remember she had a unusual trait: she ALWAYS tiptoed." (Cheryl Jackson Cooper, Class of '82)

"My suitemate and I had a cat our senior year. He was the hall cat, and since by senior year you'd picked who you wanted to live with, nobody turned us in. Opus was a quiet cat, and Lesa and I were really careful. We would put a towel under the door of the room he was staying in at the time, then leave the bathroom door open to that room and shut the bathroom door to the other room. The RA left us alone, and Opus graduated along with us." (Michele Perry Bernard, Class of '83) 


"I lived on the hall with Michele, Lesa and Opus, and was a suitemate to the RA.  The last week of school we had Opus out in the hall one night and introduced him to the RA.  I remember saying that I couldn't believe she didn't know he was there." (Ruth Wilz Curcuru, Class of '83)


What about you or your friends?  Did you have pets on the hall?  Leave a comment and tell us about it.

Photo of the Week

One thing many alums look forward to at Homecoming is social club reunions.  Unfortunately as some of the clubs have become inactive, there have not been students to host the parties.  Fortunately the University has stepped up to the plate and hosts reunions for these clubs.  Here, Lancer pledge sisters Debbie Tate, Julie W. Palermo, Cheryl P. Sheppard, Jane D. Dennis enjoy their homecoming reunion.  This photo is from Debbie Tate's facebook album and she invites you to take a look.

An Unbiased Opinion About a Great School

I have a list of Google searches I run periodically to see what results catch my eye.  One is "Mississippi University for Women".  Today I found a review of MUW, which I'll excerpt below.

" A close up look at the educational product, the options for women and actually for men too, the extra curriculars and the rave reviews that have been heaped upon this southern institution of higher education will likely change your first glance thinking about Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, Mississippi."

"Today while Mississippi University for Women remains open to both genders it maintains a firm focus on providing educational experiences and programs that will benefit the academic development of women." [unfortunately the article was written in 2007 so I'm not sure this statement is still true, but there is still time to right the ship]

"Mississippi University for Women is also the beneficiary of a dedicated and skilled faculty and a tightly knit community of alums who are anxious to help students at Mississippi University for Women to succeed in their chosen field." [The alum part is especially true]

"Mississippi has had a troubled past and seldom is sufficient time given to a consideration of some of the real educational gems that exist within the state today. Mississippi University for Women would be one Mississippi school worth reviewing."

The author writes under the pen name "Lima" and claims to have a B.S. from Georgetown and a Masters from Brown.  

Honoring Those Who Serve

As we celebrate the birth of our country this week, Mississippi University for Women alums honor our family members who have served or are serving in the armed forces of our country.

Sarah Sheffield ('06) honors her father, William Sheffield.  He was in the Navy for twenty-two years, including three tours in Vietnam. Sarah says, "Our veterans are the very reasons we have the freedoms we have in America. Their service and sacrifice is never forgotten and I give my eternal gratitude for what they have given me."

Ellen Kirby Shannahan ('77) is honored to be the daughter of West Point graduate W.D. Kirby, Jr., who served in the Army for twelve years as a helicopter pilot. She is also the wife of Norman E. Shannahan, who enlisted during the Vietnam era while working in a draft-exempt job because he felt it was his patriotic duty. He retired as a major after twenty years of service and two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot.

Mary Libby Bickerstaff Payne ('54) is the daughter, wife and mother of veterans.  Her father, Reece O. Bickerstaff from Tishomingo, served as a Private, U. S. Army, during World War I (he was in France at the time of the armistice).  Her husband, Bobby R. Payne (shown left) from Morgan, TX, was a Staff Sgt., U. S. Air Force during the  Korean Conflict (1951-1955).  He served most of his enlistment in the personnel office at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi.  Her son, Reece A. Payne from Pearl, was a Petty Officer 1st Class, in U. S. Navy and served from 1989-2009.  He served three tours in the Persian Gulf; sea duty in the Baltic Sea; and a short mission into waters off Somalia.  His shore duty was in Norfolk, VA. His retirement photo is below.

Cheryl "Sherrie" Jackson Cooper ('82) has always defined herself as a "Daddy's Girl" and grew up with her father's military service as a big part of her childhood. Robert Ralph Jackson served in Japan during the Korean War. "My father met my mom while he was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, and we all knew they would never have met otherwise. She was an Arkansas girl staying with her older brother in San Antonio and he was a 'Yankee' from upstate New York," she explains. In addition, Sherrie says her dad was the "go-to guy" for all childhood injuries: "He had been a medic and so we always knew he'd know what to do in a crisis."  Although he passed away in 1977, while Sherrie was a junior in high school, she says the lessons she learned from her father -- many of them passed on from his Air Force experiences -- are a valuable part of her daily life.

Dana Jackson ('93) is grateful to be the daughter of William Brent Jackson, who served in the Army during WWII. He was captured during the Battle of the Bulge and was a German POW until the liberation in May 1945. His namesake, Dana's nephew, is currently serving in the Navy.

Hilary Lumpkin Hawkins, daughter of Nita Byrd Lumpkin ('67), graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, and afterward served 6 years as a surface warfare officer.  She had two deployments to the Far East on an LDS -- a ship that carries Marines and their equipment -- while stationed in San Diego for four years.  Her last two years were served in Key West, FL. Since leaving the Navy in 2004, she has worked as an Assistant Project Manager for Atlantic Marine Corps Communities, a contractor that refurbishes and rebuilds military housing for the Marine Corps in several locations.  The photo to the left shows Hilary on her wedding day, eight years after graduation, with her Annapolis friends.

Heather Dunn Schmitt ('07) comes from a family with a strong military background.  "I have three men in my life who have served in the Air Force," she explains. "My grandfather, Lt. Col. Robert E. Dunn (deceased), was a pilot in the Army Air Corps before it changed to the Air Force; my father, Captain Charles D. Dunn (retired), was in Research and Development for a top-secret satellite program (the details of which he STILL cannot share more than thirty years later!); and my husband, Major Andrew Schmitt, is currently piloting the KC-135R Stratotanker at RAF Mildenhall, England.  The sacrifices they made, and are continuing to make, in order to serve our country are huge; however, they all understood (as did we, as family) that the sacrifice was well worth it in the end.  In my opinion, being in the military is one of the most important jobs out there; we, as a country, must keep up our due diligence in order to protect those freedoms which we all hold so dear.  I thank 'my men,' and ALL our service men and women, for their continuing service to our country."

Neely Woods Hunter ('95) is the proud daughter of Michael Alan Woods, who served in the US Army from 1970-1977 in the 1010 Supply and Service out of Pittsburg, KS.  She is the proud granddaughter-in-law of John Stanley Hunter, who joined the Georgia National Guard in 1938, went active duty December 1940, and served throughout WWII, participating in the landing at Normandy.  Granddaddy Stanley's birthday is as patriotic as he is: July 4, 1920!

Hershel Young Quarles, Jr., a native of Stone County, Mississippi, and father of Lydia Quarles ('71), was a bombadeer/navigator on a B-17 ("Flying Fortress"), which was in the same squadron as the famous "Memphis Belle": Squadron 324 of the 91st Heavy Bomber Unit.  This flying wing was a part of the 8th Army Air Force and it was located in Bassenborne, Cambridgeshire, Britain. He was wounded on December 23, 1944, ending his WWI tour. You can meet Lydia's dad and the men with whom he served in this video.

Carolyn Camper Mann ('60) is honored to be the spouse of Capt. Harry E. Mann (deceased), who served during the Vietnam War. He was a crew member on B-66s and flew 100 missions over North Vietnam. He also flew missions over North Vietnam in B-52s. "Many memories are attached to that ten-year period in our lives," she says.

Ruth Wilz Curcuru ('83) is the proud daughter of Major John "Pat" Wilz, USAF.  Pat served twenty-five years, retiring in 1972 after serving at bases throughout the US as well as in Japan, Canada and Turkey.  The photo above was taken at his retirement ceremony (the oldest girl is Ruth). She is grateful for his service and for all those who have defended our freedom.

Ashley Dean ('06) is proud to be the daughter of General Robert Dean, whose assignments included a deployment to Kuwait during her W years.

Courtney Ballard Murtaugh ('78) is honored to be the mother of 2nd Lt. Keefe Murtaugh, USMC. Keefe is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 2009. Keefe is currently attending Infantry Officer School in Quantico, VA. “I am amazed at my son’s courageous determination and commitment to something much bigger than himself. It is an honor to be his mom and have him as my son," she explains.

Anne Swearingen, ('73) recognizes her sister, Dr. Lynn Swearingen ('76), who served as a physician in the Navy.

Mississippi's First Alumnae Association joins these alumnae in celebrating our military heroes and veterans this Independence Day and thanks them and all our servicemen and women for their service to our country.  Feel free to add a comment celebrating the military service of your loved ones.

Lenora Headley Beck, US Army

Today we welcome Lenora Headley Beck, c/o 1972, an Elementary Education major who was a member of the Caballero Social Club and the Student Mississippi Education Association.  After graduating from Mississippi University for Women, Beck taught elementary school for three years. "My education studies at MUW prepared me for a teaching career. My teaching experience enabled me to qualify for a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army in 1975. My MUW education and my teacher experience gave me the confidence and basic leadership skills that I needed to succeed in the Army," she explains.

When asked about her Army career, Lenora says, "I served in the U.S. Army and retired in 1996 after twenty-one years of service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. My specialties were Supply Management and Transportation Management."  She served as Supply and Services Officer, G4, 5th Infantry Division, Fort Polk, LA; Supply and Services Officer, G4, 3rd Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas; and Operations Officer, 553th Supply and Services Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas. She is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and served overseas in Okinawa and The Netherlands.

Thanks for visiting with us today, Lenora, and we appreciate your service to our country.

Gene Ray Ewing: USAF Physical Therapist

While military opportunities for women have expanded in recent years, Gene Ray Ewing, MSCW class of 1948, was one who served when positions and opportunities for women were very limited.  

Gene majored in Physical Education while at Mississippi State College for Women.  While at the W, she was in charge of lighting for Miss Pohl's dance programs.  A devout Baptist, she went across the street to the Baptist House for a short service each day.  "I kept flowers on the altar every day by taking them off the table in the dining hall and bringing them back after the service," says Gene.  She was also a member of Blacklist and Hottentots.  

When she attended physical therapy school, she was pleased to find that her MSCW education had left her more prepared than her peers.

Following her years at the W, Gene spent three years in the Air Force as a physical therapist, taking care of men injured at war and on base.  Polio made its periodic appearance while she was a physical therapist, so one of her jobs was teaching polio victims to walk again.  

While she was in the Air Force, Gene tells us, "I was in a group that got scholarships for outstanding Korean students to come to the States."  Gene also coached an all-Black enlisted women's basketball team and played with them. "Being an officer, I could check out an airplane with two pilots to take us to play games in other towns. We all had on parachutes, of course."  

Doesn't Gene look great in that uniform?  She told us, "We went to New York City and had our uniforms tailor-made so we had good-looking uniforms. We were the only girls in uniforms that we ever saw the two years we were at the University of Pa. We would wear the uniform to church and ladies would take us home with them for lunch. Then we would wear them to ball games and get in free and stand at attention and salute when the flag went up. We loved every minute of it."

Gene, we've loved every minute of this interview and thank you for your service to our country.

Fur Baby Friday

Carrie Pate ('07) recently adopted Sophy, a Boston terrier. Her name is inspired by a character in Georgette Heyer's novel The Grand Sophy.

 Sophy is Carrie's graduation present from her parents, as she just completed her MSW at UGA.

Carrie is training adorable little Sophy to serve with her as a therapy dog!

Fur Baby Friday runs on the first Friday of every month. If you would like to see your fur baby featured, please send photos to mfaeablog@gmail.com.

Sarah Golden--Air Force Wife

When honoring those in the Armed Services, we also have to honor their spouses.  These women and men put up with moving frequently, handling the homefront during deployments, and knowing that the plane that is lost could be the one on which his/her spouse serves.  As Mississippi University for Women is in the same town as a pilot-training Air Force base, many alumnae have married pilots or support personnel and begun the adventure of beginning or joining a military family. One such alumna is Sarah Beeler Golden, class of 2002.  

Sarah, a history major and Spanish minor, was president of the Mam'selle Social Club, Masker #1, a member of Hottentots, the Honors Program, and the Spanish Club, and served as Senior Class Cheerleader.  

She and her husband, Major Barrett Golden, United States Air Force,  who is currently a C-130J Instructor Pilot, initially met at the Sports Page in Columbus. Sarah told us, "I was in my senior year of college and he was at Columbus Air Force Base for pilot training.  We had mutual friends and also established a friendship. Our groups of friends hung out for several months and eventually he asked me out.  That was November 2001.  We have been together since then.  We were married in November 2003 and are expecting our first child in August of this year."

When asked what she saw as the advantages and disadvantages of being a military spouse, Sarah replies, "While there are lots of hard things about being a military spouse, like the continuous moving or deployments, I believe the positives definitely outweigh the negatives.  We have both had opportunities to see things and experience things we would not have otherwise.  And the Air Force is a small community. We have friends all over the world to visit!"

Every couple has stories to tell their children, and the Goldens are no different.  Here is one they'll be telling:  "My husband recently returned home from his fifth deployment overseas. We found out I was pregnant just before he deployed.  We were both emotional, what with this being our first child, and we knew he would miss a lot.  But he got to 'be there' on the day of the gender ultrasound via Skype. So from Bagram, Afghanistan, he was able to Skype my doctor's office (the staff were amazingly supportive and helpful and excited for us) and join us for the ultrasound to find out we were having a baby girl.  That was a great day and one we will definitely remember a long time!"

"I am so proud of my husband and his fellow service members," she adds. "They make so many sacrifices and do it out of love and pride for their country. I am also very proud to be a military spouse and proud to raise my daughter in this life."

Sarah, our country is blessed to served by men like Barrett, and he is blessed to be supported by you!