What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

The most rewarding part is seeing the way my kids look at me—with love, pride, and trust—even when I’m in uniform, far from home. My 7year old daughter & 5 year old son are my entire world. Balancing military life, being a supervisor in the code division, and having cared for my mom for years—it’s a lot. But every little “I love you, Mommy,” every video chat where they tell me what they learned that day, reminds me that everything I’m doing is for them. They’re the reason I keep pushing forward.

What is one memory of your kids that you will never forget?

Right before this deployment, my daughter handed me a folded piece of paper without saying much—just hugged me tight and slipped it into my hand. I waited until I was settled in overseas to open it. It was a drawing of me and her holding hands, with a heart between us as saying, “I miss you already, Mommy. I’m so proud of you.” I cried when I saw it. That little drawing it’s on my wall, and every time I see it, it reminds me I’m still connected to them, no matter how far away I am.

What would you do with $20,000?

The first thing is make sure my mom, who I cared for over 5 years after her aneurism, continues receiving the support & comfort she needs. I’d put aside money for my kids futures, education, activities, anything that helps them dream big. They’ve already given up so much with me being away. And if there’s a little extra, I’d invest in our church’s ministry, playing bass there has been healing for me, and I’d love to give back to the place that helped carry me through so many seasons of life.