Week #1 Semi-Finalist: Proud Army Wife, Angela Streit

Where to start of about us, I’m Angela and my husband is currently in the U.S. Army. We are stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky. On April 25th 2011 my husband left our daughters Nevaeh who was 4 at the time and Shaylin 1 and myself for a deployment that changed us as a family. When he came home for his mid tour leave we became blessed with becoming pregnant with our 3rd child a boy. He missed birthdays of both of our girls, moving into a bigger house on post, all of the doctors appointments while I was carrying our son. While he was gone we made sure to take tons of photos, video chatted, and sending him care packages to make a place that was hard on him being at and away from the people that cared the most about him a little bit easier. All in the mist of it all the due date for our son was to be before his homecoming. I was considered high risk in my pregnancy with all the complications so he was trying to make sure he got home to me in time for his birth. Thankfully he has an amazing chain of command that helped him get home less than 2 weeks before he was born. Through out a crazy up and down roller-coaster year of loss of friends that was with him, being separated, somehow built our growing family closer in so many ways. I’m truly blessed to be an Army Wife to an amazing man and have such a support system from all over. Thank you for letting me share our family’s story.
Thanks again,
Angela Streit

Happy Memorial Day~

Thank you for sharing your story, Angela! Many thanks to your husband, and the thousands of soldiers like him!

If you are a proud military wife then send us your story! Entries are welcome all summer long and I'll be posting a semi-finalist and her story every week until Labor Day. So spread the word to any military families you know.

Remember, a portion of my annual book proceeds to ASMBA-STAR every year. You can support our veterans by donating directly to ASMBA-STAR or purchase your copy of Unleashed.

How to enter: Send you story and picture of your spouse in uniform to sarataneyhumphreys@hotmail.com

*Please put 3rd Annual U.S. Military Wives Contest in the subject line!

And the 2010 Winners Are.....

Happy Labor Day everyone! I hope you've all had a fun summer. Every single year I am completely blown away by how quickly the summer months fly by. Although, with four boys at home...I don't know about you....but I'm ready for school to start! Mine go back tomorrow :)

First and foremost, I want to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all of the U.S. Military Service members and their families. The sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families can never be truly understood or appreciated unless witnessed first hand. This annual contest is my way of expressing my gratitude for all that you do for our country! As last years' Grand Prize winner Courtney Bishop Jackson said, "My husband is a U.S. Airman so you don't have to be!"

Thank you to all of the men and women who submitted their stories again this year. I enjoy reading every single one. I am already looking forward to next years' contest!

Without any further ado....I give you the winners for the 2010 contest.

Second Prize: A $25 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of "The Amoveo Legacy" and a Team Amoveo T-Shirt. This award goes to..... An Army of Five

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

Grand Prize: A book signing event at their local Bookstore! Joyce and Carrie (Mother and Daughter) will be the special guests of honor. 5 Free Signed copies of "The Amoveo Legacy".

(1 for them and 3 of their friends) A $100 Amazon Gift card and a Team Amoveo T-Shirt.
And the Winner is.......A Mother's Tribute

I'd also like to extend my thanks to ASMBA-STAR for partnering with me again this year. I look forward to teaming up again in 2011.

Every year I will continue to donate a portion of my annual book sales to ASMBA-STAR. Keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming paranormal romance series. Book 1 will be released in Fall 2011 from Sourcebooks Publishing.

Although our contest (and another summer) has come to a close, I hope you'll continue to pop on by the blog and see what's happening. Enjoy this last little bit of summer! Boo-Yah!

Week #7 Semi-Finalist Petty Officer 2nd Class Catharine Lindsey

The guy in the picture is my twin brother, SPC Christopher Lindsey. The girl in the other picture is me. While I was searching through my pictures, I kept thinking "I know I have one of us together!" but honestly, I can't remember the last time we were together long enough to have a picture taken together.

My twin and I haven't always been close. Spending too much time together can put a strain on any relationship, especially one where you've been together since conception. I joined the Navy just before I turned 19 and he was still struggling to find himself. He battled with depression, which led him down a dark path. I briefly feared that I'd have to come home to bury my twin before he called me one day to tell me that he couldn't keep living like this anymore, and he'd enlisted in the Army.

I wrote him daily while he was in basic training, and when he was sent to San Antonio for school, I was elated. I'd been stationed in San Antonio for a few years, and was pregnant with my daughter. I was due to give birth a few weeks before he finished with his school, and since he was going to be sent to Korea for a year, I figured God was stepping in and giving us a chance to reconcile our relationship.

My daughter was born just after 1:00 in the afternoon on July 29, 2005. Chris didn't have a car, but he didn't let that stop him from getting from Fort Sam to Lackland to be there for me. I still remember the tears in his eyes as he held her and said "Holy crap Cathy... you're a mother. I'm an uncle! When did we grow up??"

He was sent to Korea shortly after my daughter was born, then served 17 months in Iraq, and is currently serving in Germany. He's requested to extend his tour, as he is about to be married. I haven't met her, but I've managed to speak to her a few times over the phone, and she seems really nice. The important thing is that she makes my brother happy.

I got out of the military 2 years ago to raise my daughter and attend school to become a nurse. I want to go see Chris in Germany, but flights are expensive, and the school's fast-paced curriculum won't allow for more than 8 hours worth of absence. I miss my brother, but we keep in touch through sporadic phone calls, emails, and instant messenger (when we can - he's out in the field a lot). Sometimes I feel like I talk to his fiance more than him, and that's only on Facebook.

Is it hard? Definitely. He is -quite literally- the other half of me. But I wouldn't change it for the world. My brother is making a difference and doing something amazing with his life. He's contemplating the Physician's Assistant program, would would open the door for him to go to medical school when... if he ever decides to get out of the Army. To think, 5 1/2 years ago, I was worried whether or not my brother would end up in jail or dead, and he's saving lives now.

To borrow from my brother for a second... Hooah, SPC Lindsey!

Sincerely,
(former) Petty Officer 2nd Class Catharine Lindsey - sister to the most amazing twin brother in the world.

***Remember---Each week between now and Labor Day I will select 1 semi-finalist to highlight here on the blog ! 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

Week #2 Semi-Finalist- Crystal Weatherington

Hello

I am not going to tell you how difficult that life can be as a military family, because I am sure that you know first hand what life is really like.

A little about the Weatherington Family:

I am a stay at home mother and wife to a wonderful 5 year old little boy named Trenton. When my son was just 2 years old we all moved from the warm sunny state of Florida to support my husband in a military career. We had a huge shock the minute we crossed the state line into upstate NY. Always living in Florida this was a huge shock for us, to go from sun and sand to snow and endless months of winter. Anyways, enough about being up here in New York at Fort Drum, like I was saying we all moved up here to support my husbands military career, and we all couldn't be prouder of him. He is an Air-traffic controller in the US Army! We are getting ready to hit our second deployment in 3 years, I have found alot of things important by being a military spouse. Like lending a hand to a wife in need, or being there to listen and lend support. I am still a young wife (26) but I have learned alot in the time we have been here. My FRG was such a welcomed family I was happy to help when asked to be a key caller, not only did I get the opportunity to connect with alot of military families but I had the pleasure of learning what military family is really like. I was recently asked to be the new FRG leader and cannot wait. I love my military life and wouldn't trade it for anything.

As a side note....children are so invaluable that when my husband deployed for the first time my 4 year old son came to me one night while I was crying and said "mommy it's ok, don't be worried I am the man of the house now and will take care of you!" Children in the military live a completely different life from most children, my son has grown up so much...

Well I am sure this is long enough...

Thank you for reading
Crystal Weatherington

**I hope you enjoyed Crystal's story! I know I did. Keep those entries coming!!! Send your story to sarataneyhumphreys@hotmail.com and YOUR story could be next!**

Week #1 Semi-Finalist: A Mother's Tribute

I would like to enter my daughter, Carrie Reyes. This is her husband's fourth time to go to Iraq. They have four children, two with special needs. She spreads herself pretty thin to take care of them, and go to school but she has managed both very well. This year has been pretty rough because the state of Georgia doesn't have much knowledge or tolerance for children with Autism. She has had to stand up to the school system for not treating her child in the proper manner. Even an expert from Emery could not change the schools way of treating her son. It was good for her son to see that she was brave enough to stand up for him. She and Adam have another son who has sever medical problems. Both Carrie and Adam have treated this son as they do the others. He goes to the accelerated high school where they live and recently was asked to write an essay on how his handicaps have
helped him get to where he is. I think what he said is a great tribute to their parenting. He said, "I don't have any handicaps."

She is always sending her husband "care packages" and makes sure all the guys in the unit has a bag of snacks when they leave. She also bakes cookies and sends them to the whole unit. She is very thoughtful, but it doesn't stop at her husband, whom she loves very much. She checks on several of the wives to make sure things are going ok for them. All in all, I think she makes an excellent Army Wife.

And Adam, her husband is the best 1st Sergeant I've known. He has been in EOD for over 20 years with no mishaps. He is good to those under him and makes sure they are trained right. He also worries about them when they are out on a mission and he has to stay behind. He is sharp when he needs to be and concerned when he needs to be. He has had to watch his wife raise their kids almost on her own while he is serving our country. And what better praise can be given to him than, his mother- in-law loves him as her own son.

Joyce Phillips


***Remember---Every weekend between now and Labor Day I will select 1 semi-finalist to highlight here on the blog. ! There are some great prizes to be had. 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.***

Want to enter? Send your story & picture to info@novelromance.net

2nd Annual U.S. Military Family Contest--Entries Welcome!

Last year, as a special thank you to our service members and their families, I held a very special contest for Military Wives. It turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience. 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.

I have decided to make this an annual contest. I am very excited to report that ASMBA-STAR, an outstanding organization for Vets and their families, has agreed to continue their partnership with me.

This contest will run from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Once again, a portion of my annual book sales will be donated to ASMBA-STAR.

Who is eligible? This year I've opened the contest up to ALL U.S. Military Families. Moms, Dads, Sons, Daughters, Wives, Husbands, Sisters, Brothers. If you have a family member that is serving our country...tell us 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 and so forth.

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

Once a week, beginning Memorial Day weekend, I will pick one entrant to be highlighted on my blog. These weekly entrants are semi-finalists. Labor Day weekend I will select three winners.

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 and the winner will be the special guest of honor. 5 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.

I hope you'll help me spread the word about this contest. I look forward to meeting more incredible families! You can support our veterans and their families by purchasing a copy of "The Amoveo Legacy" or donate directly to ASMBA-STAR .

And the Winners Are......

I have to admit it was not easy to select the winners of this contest. All of these women are dynamic, strong and dedicated individuals. I admire each of them for their strength and devotion to their families. So...after much contemplation....the winners are....

Courtney Bishop Jackson

Grand Prize: $100 Amazon Gift Card. and Her name (not her likeness) will be used for a character in one of my upcoming books. Autographed copy of "The Amoveo Legacy".

Amy Teets

First Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card & autographed copy of "The Amoveo Legacy".

Jennee Allan

Second Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card & autographed copy of "The Amoveo Legacy"

As I mentioned, I will be donating a portion of the proceeds of my book sales to the veteran's charity ASMBA STAR . Originally it was going be based off of sales from the summer. However, after meeting these women and their families I have decided to base my donation off my total sales for 2009. I cannot think of a more worthy cause to contribute to than our military and their families. Happy Labor Day everyone!

US Military Wives Semi-Finalist Week #12

My husband is a United States Marine. The Marine Corps is all about Pride and Tradition. My husband had to deploy to Iraq three weeks before I gave birth to our son Logan. A week after I had Logan I had internal bleeding and had to have more surgery. I wish my husband could have been there, and I know he would of like to be there for both occasions. Families make sacrifices as do military members. We have been stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC and are now stationed at Parris Island, SC. My husband is a Marksmanship coach now. He is non-deployable for a bit. So we are thinking of trying for child number 2 why he is here.
Proud Marine Wife,
Laura Zalfen

**Remember, as part of this summer long contest, I will be donating a portion of my proceeds from all of my book sales between the dates of 6/1/09-8/31/09 to ASMBA STAR an outstanding charity for Veterans and their families**

Only 1 more week to enter!

Semi-Finalist Week #11 for the U.S. Military Wives Contest

My name is Tonya Ganze and I'm married to LCpl Dustin A. Ganze of the United States Marine corps reserve. We have been together for 2 years and married on March 15Th of this year. Dustin has been with Ordnance Maintenance Co. in Waco, Texas for 3 years. In addition to the reserves he works a full time civilian job. He takes on all this responsibility without any complaints, all to support his family and country. Sadly we lost Dustin's mother 3 months before our wedding day. She was so very proud of him and wanted more than anything to see him marry in uniform, which he did. We are waiting very patiently to hear from his unit about deployment. Dustin was to deploy to Iraq in May but it has now been pushed back until sometime around December. This will be his first deployment and despite the fact that he is the sole provider for our family he is very willing to go. He believes if some of his brothers and sisters in the corps can be deployed 2 or 3 times he can definitely take his turn. His going may mean someone else doesn't have to take another tour. In the military each day with your loved one is cherished. We have friends who have had to miss out on anniversaries, births, and their children's growing up due to multiple deployments. I am very proud of my husband and the choices he makes out of pure love and care for us. The Marine Corps has definitely strengthened the wonderful person he is.

--Tonya, a proud Marine Wife

**Remember, as part of this summer long contest, I will be donating a portion of my proceeds from all of my book sales between the dates of 6/1/09-8/31/09 to ASMBA STAR an outstanding charity for Veterans and their families**

Week #9 U.S. Military Wives Semi Finalist

My husband and I met while we were both serving in the Marine Corps on deployment to Italy in support of the UN forces during the Bosnian conflict. We met in Italy, but actually started dating in Germany. We married just before Christmas that year and welcomed our little boy the spring of the next. Whirlwind romance...more than 12 years and a daughter later, still going strong.

My husband is now a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Blackhawk pilot in the U.S Army. He has served two tours to Afghanistan and is currently serving a year in Iraq, due home this fall. After trying to attend college for over 12 years, I finally graduated Cum Laude from Saint Leo University and am now a financial counselor working mainly to help military families. Since marrying, we have been stationed in Florida, the Carolinas, Alabama, and New York, where we have lived for over 7 years now.

Having served myself, I think I have had a huge advantage in understanding military life. That being said, we have had our share of challenges to overcome. Each step taking us that much closer to retirement and a new life. I have been blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home mom for the majority of my children's lives and fill my "extra" time volunteering in the community and practicing my passion of photography. I have worked in our family readiness groups, the Red Cross, the financial counseling office, Cub Scouts, Brownies, and am currently the treasurer of our school's PTO. We have all met some truly wonderful friends along our way and look forward to meeting many more.

Stephanie Talcott

Proud former Marine and Marine/Army wife :o)


A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child.

~Knights of Pythagoras

Week #3 Semi-Finalist Military Wives Contest

My husband, Lt. Col. Chris “Gash” Carslon, served 10 years active duty Air Force as first a F-111 pilot and then an F-16 pilot. He was stationed at Vance AFB (Oklahoma) for pilot training, then 2 tours at Cannon AFB (Clovis, NM), a tour at Upper Heyford (England), & Moody AFB in Valdosta, GA). He separated from active duty AF in 1999 and transitioned into active duty Texas Air National Guard. Gets a little confusing for the non-mil folks. LOL. Basically it’s the same pay, retirement, benefits, but instead of working directly under the federal gov’t, he now works for the state of TX. He has been an F-16 instructor pilot @ the Kelly Guard (aka The 149th Lone Star Gunfighters, which is @ Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX) for 10 years (this August).

As all military spouses know, there are always challenges in being married to someone who serves their country. When we first married in Nov 1996, he moved me to another state where, of course, I didn’t know a soul, and then promptly left 2 weeks later when his squadron deployed to Gulf for 4 months. This rotation continued for the two years, where I don’t think we celebrated Thanksgiving or Christmas together until 1999! LOL Throw on top of that all the TDY’s (temporary duty’s – usually 1-3 weeks at a time), cross-country’s, & long work hours, it can be a bit grueling – for him and me! J And while he has the benefit of not deploying now – because hey, if the instructor pilots leave, who’s going to instruct? – there are still plenty of TDY’s, cross-country trips and long work days (and don’t forget that 1 weekend a month deal the guard throws on top of it ). Not that they don’t deploy, but the trips are more to their choosing and the deployments are for more than 3 weeks. But you know, as a spouse you either sink or swim. I’ve known lots of folks who have gotten divorced because they just can’t deal with it. They say they know what they’re getting into when they marry a military person, but I don’t really think anyone knows what they’re getting into, aside from maybe military brats who grew up living the life. It’s hard, but we make the most of it and we’ve made some fantastic friends throughout the course of his 20 years. In my experience, our squadron becomes our surrogate family. You can be hundreds (if you’re lucky) miles from home or stationed on the other side of the world, but one thing you know is certain – you can always depend on your squadron support group. We’re there for each other, help each other, watch each other kids grow up – and most important – have fun together. It’s certainly not a life for everyone, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything in the world.

The picture above is us at the RTU Graduation in May 2009. In normal terms, it was the graduation for the latest group of F16 pilots.

By the way, I think this is fantastic of you to recognize the military spouses.

Cheers!

Missy “Jiggles” Carlson
(yeah, I’ve even been gifted with my very own “call sign”…)

Remember....I'll be selecting 1 semi-finalist every week through August 31st and then reveal the Grand Prize winner on Labor Day Weekend. All of the contest details are on my website in the contests section. Please pass the word to anyone you know!

http://sarataneyhumphreys.com/rataneyhumphreys.com/

Don't forget....a portion of all of my book sales from June 1, 2009- August 31, 2009 will be donated to ASMBA STAR, an outstanding charity for Veterans and their families.

Semi Finalist #1: U.S. Military Wives Contest

Happy Sunday everyone! I am blown away by the unbelievable responses I'm getting for this special summer long contest. Every single woman that submitted has a great story and each one has the ability to touch your heart. I decided to post their letters as is. What better way to hear from our "Heroines at Home"!

Remember....I'll be selecting 1 semi-finalist every week through August 31st and then reveal the Grand Prize winner on Labor Day Weekend. All of the contest details are on my website in the contests section. Please pass the word to anyone you know!


http://sarataneyhumphreys.com/rataneyhumphreys.com/

Don't forget....a portion of all of my book sales from June 1, 2009- August 31, 2009 will be donated to ASMBA STAR, an outstanding charity for Veterans and their families.



Ladies and Gentleman....I give you Semi-Finalist #1 Amy Fossette: Proud USAF Spouse!!! In her own words.




My husband is a Tech. Sgt in the USAF. This picture was taken right before he made Tech!

We have been together for 6 years, but just recently got married last August 2008. We are currently (and have only been) stationed at Mountain Home AFB in Idaho. We have a beautiful 7 year old boy and one on the way. (Our 7 year old is from his previous marriage, but we are going for adoption for me since she is not in the picture at all!)

My husband was in the USMC for 4 years and then joined the USAF 8 years ago. He works as an electrician in the 366th CES Squadron. Since we have been together he has been deployed twice to the Middle East. Once in 2005 and once in 2006-2007. We are looking at another deployment starting the 17th of June and lasting until the beginning of next year. (But it's not as long as the last one and he has been able to be home for 2 years so we are blessed!) The only thing that disappoints us is that he might not be here for the birth of our son. (I am due July 20th) But at least he'll be here for the first words, first steps, etc!

Our beautiful, wonderful 7 year old son has high-functioning autism, so the military is picky on where to station us next. However, we have such wonderful friends and family close by that we are grateful to be able to stay here for as long as we have! (Even though we had orders to Azores (Portugal) and they got cancelled.......)

We also just added a new member to our family in August........a McNab puppy named Scout who right now is whining at me because he wants to play instead of watch me type this up! Silly boy!

I was working full time until the last few weeks due to his deployment (I want to be able to be there for my kids) and the new baby! Plus this way, I can try to catch up on my scrap booking!!!

That is our story, well in a nutshell at least! Even though we have had our trials and bumps in the road, we can still come out smiling and staying as optimistic as possible! I would not trade my family for the world!

Amy Lynne Fossette
Proud USAF Spouse

Summer Long Contest for MILITARY WIVES ONLY!

Here are the details--Please Forward to any Military Wives you know :)

As a special thank you to our service members and their families, I am running a very special contest for Military Wives ONLY. This contest will run from June 1st - August 31st and during the contest months I will donate a portion of my proceeds of my books sales to ASMBASTAR a fund for veterans and their families.

How to enter:
Send an email to info@novelromance.net with a picture of you with your spouse in uniform and a bit about what branch he serves in, where you've been stationed, challenges etc. for 2 entries into the contest. If you purchase The Amoveo Legacy email the receipt along with your photo and story for 8 more entries in the contest!

Please put "Military Wives Contest" In the subject Line.

Prizes:

Once a week I will pick one entrant to be highlighted on my blog. These weekly entrants are semi-finalists. Labor Day weekend I will select one winner from the semi-finalists

The Grand Prize is to have her name used as a character in one of my books and a $100 Amazon Gift Certificate
First Prize is a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate
Second Prize is a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate

** This contest is open ONLY to Military wives from any branch of the U.S. Military**