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Military families know a lot about what it means to rise to the challenge. While service members are doing their job protecting our country, their families are standing up and handling all the things at home. The COVID-19 crisis is adding new challenges to the list of things that must be handled. Militaries families are not strangers to difficult situations. They know uncertainty. They live in uncertainty. They plan and plan only to have plans change because of the needs of our country. They pack and unpack and single parent and hold down the fort while the service member is away. They plan homecomings and overseas moves and holidays without loved ones. They work hard to make new friends and build community at each new duty station with each additional PCS. They make it look easy. Read more...

Nina Wilson is more than an amazing Operation Hero facilitator at Corporate Landing Elementary School in Virginia Beach. She's also mom to a recent Op Hero grad and a current participant. After her son graduated from the program in November, she knew she wanted She recalls thinking, “Where do I sign up? How do I get involved?”

Nina understands the costs of military life. Her husband has deployed five times over the course of their marriage. She said it doesn’t get easier, but you just keep going. You find friends and build community. Nina can often be found organizing neighborhood events, getting spouses together or simply showing up for the people in her life who need her. Read more...

May 10, 2020 is Mother's Day; a time to celebrate Mom and let her know how much you appreciate her. With current stay-at-home orders in place and the world looking a little different than it usually does, you may be at a loss to plan something for her. Popular Mother's Day celebrations often include dining out for brunch or dinner, going to the movies, or enjoying time with friends. Since those aren't options this year, we've put together a list of quarantine approved Mother's Day gifts and activities that Mom will truly appreciate! So we're counting down five ways you can appreciate Mom without ever leaving the house. Read more...