Semi-Finalist #7: Proud Military Wife & Mom, Glena Walker

My husband, Richard Walker, enlisted in the Army in 1975. After three years of active duty he joined the Colorado Army National Guard in 1980. He graduated from OCS in 1985 and retired as a Major in 1999. During his years in the Army he served as a radio operator, airfield operations, combat medic, field medical assistant, and medical service corps officer.
His unit was activated for Desert Shield in 1990 and continued into Desert Storm. Our son, Aaron, was four years old and our daughter, Bethany, was born just after he was activated. He commanded the main medical evacuation hub for the theater. When he returned Aaron was turning five and Bethany was six months old.

For the last 20 years he has suffered from Gulf War Syndrome, PTSD, and a disabling injury. They say that dying in service to your country is the ultimate sacrifice. I do not want to lessen the sacrifice of those who have died nor their families. However, being disabled and living with the after affects of your service is a tremendous sacrifice in itself for the veterans and their families. You are reminded of it every single day.

Now our son is following in his father’s footsteps. He enlisted in the Colorado Army National Guard in 2010 and has graduated as a combat medic. He loves serving in the military and is looking forward to his opportunity to serve his country.
I am very proud of both of them. They exemplify what it means to be a soldier, dedication, integrity, and honor.

Glena Walker
Pueblo, Colorado

**Thank you for sharing your story with us, Glena.**

I'll be posting a semi-finalist every day over the next few days and announcing the winner on Labor Day.

Remember you can donate to ASMBA-STAR and help our veterans and their families!

Week #8 Semi-Finalist: Momoko Noel

My name is Momoko Noel; I am a Navy wife. My husband, Master-at-Arms First Class Bernard Noel is proudly serving in the US Navy.
We have a 3-year old son, named Julian (see family picture attached).

My husband has been in the Navy for 10 years now, and has worked in Seal Beach, CA, Coronado, CA, San Diego, CA, Pensacola, FL, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Fort Jackson, SC, Yokosuka, Japan, Kuwait, Qatar, and also did a 1-year combat tour in Iraq.

Our biggest challenge being a military family is the countless days or weeks or months we have to live apart. Moreover, my husband moved to the United States from Europe, and I am originally from Japan (we met when he was stationed there), meaning we have absolutely no family nor any support from anyone in the United States.

However, our biggest pride is to have the privilege to live in America, to protect this beautiful country, and since we both lived overseas, we know this country is the best!

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Momoko Noel

***Remember--- I will selecting semi-finalists to highlight here on the blog through Labor Day Weekend ! There are some great prizes up for grabs. A portion of my annual book proceeds go to ASMBA-STAR--my favorite charity for Vets and their families. So spread the word to all those hard working, dedicated military families out there.***

TO ENTER: Just send me YOUR STORY and a picture to
sarataneyhumphreys@hotmail.com

Official Letter from ASMBA-STAR

Here is the official contest letter from --ASMBA-STAR.

Sara Taney Humphreys Donates Portion of
Proceeds from Book Sales to the
ASMBA STAR Foundation


Last year, as a special thank you to our service members and their families, author Sara Taney Humphreys held a very special contest especially for military wives. It turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience for her. “I had the privilege of meeting several incredible women and their beautiful families. It's so easy to forget that there are real people who are deeply affected by the conflict overseas. Hearing the personal stories of these families helped me remember that our troops are husbands, fathers, brothers and sons who are immensely loved and sorely missed.” Sara has graciously decided to make this an annual contest to benefit the ASMBA STAR Foundation.

This contest will run from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Once again, a portion of her annual book sales will be donated to the ASMBA STAR Foundation. The mission of the ASMBA STAR Foundation, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is to improve the quality of life of the military service member, veterans and their families by contributing to the financial, educational, social, employment and medical needs that are unmet by the U.S. government. The Foundation has awarded grants to organizations such as the National Military Family Association, Knights of Heroes, Helping our Veterans, Project Sanctuary, Operation Stand Down, Fisher House, and many, many more.

Who is eligible?

This year the contest is open to ALL members of our U.S. military families - Moms, Dads, Sons, Daughters, Wives, Husbands, Sisters, Brothers. If you have a family member that is serving our country... we encourage you to enter and tell us all about them!

How do you enter?

Send an email to sarataneyhumphreys@hotmail.com with a picture of you and your family member in uniform. Tell us a bit about what branch he/she serves in, where you've been stationed, challenges you’ve faced, experiences you cherish, and so forth.

**Please put "2nd Annual Military Families Contest" in the subject line.**

Once a week, beginning Memorial Day weekend, Sara will choose one entrant to be highlighted on her blog. These weekly entrants are contest semi-finalists. Three winners will be selected over the Labor Day weekend, with prizes awarded as follows:

Second Prize: A $25 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of "The Amoveo Legacy" and a Team Amoveo T-Shirt.

First Prize: A $50 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of "The Amoveo Legacy" and a Team Amoveo T-Shirt.

Grand Prize: A book signing event at their local bookstore with the winner as Sara’s special guest of honor; FIVE free signed copies of "The Amoveo Legacy" (1 for them and 4 of their friends); a $100 Amazon Gift card and a Team Amoveo T-Shirt.

Spread the word about this contest. You can support our veterans and their families by purchasing a copy of "The Amoveo Legacy" or by donating directly to the ASMBA STAR Foundation.

Thank you for your support and for your service to our country!

1000 NorthChase Drive, Suite 300 P.O. Box 160384 Nashville, TN 37216 1-800-251-8434
For more information about the Foundation, please visit us at asmbastar.com