Making it in the MilLife

Today, the “Storm” takes us to Alabama, California, New York and Illinois.  Read what our “Storming” military spouses thought of this unique experience.

Storming the Hill was an insightful and meaningful experience for me. It was a day to “talk shop” about our state and meet so many people with so many common interests. It was a day to talk about the military, and observe our politicians in action and their resolve to keep all promises made to military service members. It was also a day to remind myself of the blessings we have by living in the United States, and for this one day, being privileged to be a part of the wheels of democracy. – Shelley Bianca (USMC Spouse)

Leona (left) and Shelley (right) enjoy a break during “Storming”

How exciting it was to be part of the MOAA group storming this April! I was honored to have the opportunity to be one of a few voices representing all active duty and retired military and their families. Additionally, the whole experience was personally empowering. Members of Congress we spoke to seemed eager to hear what we had to say and I left hopeful that our message stuck with at least a few. – Marta McClintock (Navy Spouse)

I am a DC resident now, but I was born and raised in the NY-23rd District of Representative Bill Owens, so I was placed on the New York team. Our team leader, the president of MOAA’s New York Council, made all of the preparations for our visits and served as our team’s main speaker, as he was the only one of us registered to vote in New York State. We were joined by Long Island-native, Col. Dan Koslov (USAF-Ret.,) Deputy Director of Officer Transition Services. I don’t think our day could have gone any better. Every congressional member and staffer with whom we met was receptive to our message. My two counterparts have been storming with MOAA for years and said that this was the best year that they have ever had. -Kate Costa Leming (Army Spouse)

Kate strategizes with her NY “Storming” partner.

Monique (left) and Karen (right)- Team “MOAA Spouse.”

They came from all over our great nation: The currently serving and retirees; veterans that served our nation in times of war and peace; Gold Star Wives that have borne the loss of a spouse; and military spouses of our active duty. They came and they “stormed” because they care. They care about our nation’s military families across the entire spectrum of life. Being in the midst of such a passionate, knowledgeable, and engaged group (over 150 strong) is energizing.

I “Stormed” my home state, Illinois. My Storming Partner, Col Dale Yonker, USAF-Ret., is the President of the Illinois Council of Chapters. With true military precision, Dale and I covered the offices of eight congressional districts and both senators.

Col. Dale Yonker, USAF-Ret. “Storms” Illinois

What impressed me most? Truly, it was my “Storming” partner. He brought knowledge, insight and passion to every meeting. He beautifully articulated the challenges facing our entire military community and the need for congressional support. After a lifetime of service to our nation, Dale continues to serve; he continues to lead.

I am honored to be part of the MOAA team. Each and every day I work with men and women, like Dale, who continue to serve and continue to lead on behalf of our entire military community.-Karen Golden, Deputy Director of Government Relations-Military Family Issues (USMC Spouse)

The “Storm” will continue, next year. Come join us! In June, we will be accepting applications for the 2012-2013 MOAA Spouse Advisory Council. Sign up for MOAA Spouse E-News to get all the information.

Capitol Hill photo shoot

Today, follow three MOAA Spouse Advisory Council Members as they “Storm” Maryland, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Storming the Hill was a great opportunity to be a part of the legislative process. By informing our members of Congress of the key issues that impact our service members and their families, we are helping to ensure that we protect the benefits that were earned and were promised. I was fortunate to be part of an experienced Team MD working with Bob Norton and John Whitman. We spoke with staffers in the offices of Congressmen Ruppersberger, Bartlett, Hoyer and Harris. Congressman Bartlett even stepped out of a committee meeting to speak with us & voiced his continuing support of MOAA & his commitment to all our servicemen. He even personally thanked me for my family’s service. Given his busy schedule, we were grateful that he spent so much time with us.

We had a nice lunch at the Capitol Hill Club and met up with others stormers from around the country and compared notes.

In the afternoon, we teamed up with the rest of Team MD and met with staffers in the offices of Senators Mikulski & Cardin who also shared their strong support of our armed forces, veterans and protecting military benefits. As one senate staffer said, “a promise made is a promise kept” and we hope our storming efforts ensure that Congress remembers to keep their promises to our military & their families.

This experience gave me an even greater appreciation of all MOAA’s hard work, and I am fortunate to be part of such an amazing group and an opportunity such this one to make a difference as a member of the MOAA Spouse Council. ~Barbara Salazar Torreon (Naval Reserve Spouse)

Col. Bob Norton (MOAA, Deputy Director of Government Relations) storming for Maryland

The Hon. Erin Wirth

I worked with the Wisconsin team while “Storming the Hill”. Major Strong (Wisconsin Council) and Kathy Partain (MOAA staff) and I met with the offices of all 8 congressional districts and both senators. Everyone was very responsive and concerned about supporting military families. I talked about the strain on military families after a decade of armed conflict, which has been going on for my third grader’s entire life. They clearly valued our comments and input. It was a wonderful experience to meet personally with people who have such an impact on all of our lives. ~Hon. Erin Wirth (Coast Guard Spouse)

Hon. Erin Wirth and “Team Wisconsin”"

The Minnesota contingent may not have been big, but we were mighty! At most of the stops, we met with amazingly committed and knowledgeable aides with questions. After the first meeting we hit a routine, handing off to each other perfectly. Until Rep Tim Walz, that is. We went into his office to meet with the former SGM of the Red Bulls, Minnesota National Guard, sat down and didn’t say a word. Rep. Walz knew all our points, agreed with us, and is a passionate defender of the issues we were there to discuss. He is, however, a pragmatist, and realizes that no matter how right it is, we may have an uphill battle ahead of us. We ended our discussion with him asking if we could just take him along to the rest of the meetings, he knew it all, and his dedication to the military and veterans was palpable!

Rep. Keith Ellison was on his way out the door for one of the multitude of votes being held on that busy, busy day, but stopped and listened with great interest to a short version of our session. That was a great addition to the day.

The next day, two members of the group met with Senator Klobuchar herself, and I’ve been told it was a great meeting.~Karen Santiano Francis (Army Spouse)

Rep. Tim Waltz (D-MN),Karen Francis and the Minnesota Storming Team.

 

Where will the “Storm” take us next?  Who will we meet?  Come back tomorrow to find out!