Brandie's Brownie Buzz

About three years ago I was introduced to a man named Kevin.  Kevin was serving overseas in the Army and someone sent him a soldier care package that contained Fairytale Brownies.  Kevin filled out our comment card and sent it in.  He wrote that our brownies were like a taste of home.  I was very touched that our brownies were able to give him that from so far away.  About a month later I decided to send Kevin a box of brownies to thank him and his unit for their service and to give them another little taste of home.  From there I received several letters, emails, photos and even some Iraqi money from Kevin.  One of the coolest things is that I have also been introduced to Kevin's wife Nadine and their 3 boys.  Kevin and Nadine have been married for 13 years.  Their boys are Michael 13, Neil 11 and Daniel 8.  They are stationed at Ford Hood, TX where they have been for 4 1/2 years.  Kevin joined the North Dakota National Guard right before he graduated high school in 1989 and transferred over to active Army in 1991. 
I recently asked Nadine her thoughts on being a Military wife and want to share them with you:  I love being an Army wife.  I always thought my calling in life was to be a Soldier.  For so many years after leaving the Army, I had an ache and wondered if I would ever be satisfied with just being an Army wife.  I threw everything I had into supporting my husband and our kids.  Volunteering within the Army community.  A couple years ago I realized that my path included being a Soldier because ultimately my calling in life is to be an Army wife.  We have our challenges, we go through so many things that many in the civilian sector don't.   Not necessarily harder, just different.  We also get to experience a range of emotions few people get to experience in a lifetime.  It's a sense of pride you can't find in a dictionary.  You can't explain it, you have to feel it.  I am so proud of the job my husband does, he makes a difference in the world each and every day.  My children know that they sacrifice their time with their Dad to provide opportunities for other children in the world.  We are a proud Army family and we willingly serve TOGETHER in all that we do.

Here's a picture of Kevin (he is all the way on the left) and his unit



























Here's Kevin with a couple of Iraqi children





























And here's a picture of Nadine, Kevin and the boys.  Kevin just got home from one of his tours on Tuesday.  Just in time for Father's Day!  Welcome Home Kevin!































I have really enjoyed being a part of the journey this amazing family has been on.  They truly are an inspiration!  I want to thank Kevin, Nadine and their boys and all military families out there for the sacrifices you make to keep our country safe!