By Jeaniel Image, volunteer
This Mother’s Day I will be in my third trimester with my fourth child, who will be born while I am still serving in the reserves. In the 17 years I have served, the policy for pregnant women has changed dramatically for the better, though the demands of being a mother in the military was probably the greatest challenge I have faced.
Continue reading “My Military Motherhood”May 13, 2018
By Sarah Silva, Fellow Alumna
My fellowship with The Mission Continues has had an incredible impact on my life. I spent five years in the Marines. During that time, I met my husband, and we had our two sons. When I left the Marines in 2011, I was lucky to be able to spend a few years at home with the boys while they were still tiny.
Once they were both in school, I went back too, finally completing my bachelor’s degree. However, as I reached my final year of college, I was no closer to figuring out what I wanted to do with my degree once I had it.
Since moving here, one of the things my family has loved the most about San Antonio is its parks. In particular, we spend a lot of time at Hemisfair, a downtown park that is being redeveloped. We watch movies on the lawn, attend festivals, and the kids see how filthy they can get between the splash pad and the sand area. We’ve spent a lot of amazing Saturdays together there.
I saw on Facebook that the Hemisfair Conservancy, which handles philanthropic support for Hemisfair, was looking for a veteran to spend six months assisting them in their mission and learning from them as a Mission Continues fellow. Continue reading “A Veteran Mother, Embarking on Her Post-Military Career”
May 14, 2017
By Stacy Munn, Fellow Alum
When I first became aware of The Mission Continues, I saw it as my chance to engage my eldest child in sustained service beyond the small acts of kindness people do on the holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Including him in the mission made me more than elated–this was an opportunity for my son to engage and observe individuals that share our family values. Seeing my son interact with active duty members and veterans at various project sites filled me with pride.
But then I realized I wanted more. Learning about The Mission Continues’ Fellowship Program absolutely changed my world, to say the least. It was a daunting, humbling and amazing six-month experience. Would I take this journey over again? Yes, in a Navy minute. Continue reading “Learning to Overcome Adversity as a Single Mom”
May 8, 2016
“Mom, they don’t even know me and they come here to make me smile. That is just like what you do, and I want to help too.” Jaiden Henry, eight years old and the son of Chicago’s 1st Platoon Leader Kim McGraw, had fallen ill and was temporarily hospitalized. To his amazement however, volunteers kept coming by to keep his spirits up.
He has since worked hard alongside his mother to inspire others to do the same.
May 9, 2015
Yolande Goodman
My 12-year old daughter, Adira, is still trying to figure out what to do with life after school. One thing she knows: she wants to serve, just like her mom.
Recently she brought up my fellowship at The Mission Continues, where I served for six months working as an advocate on the Rape Recovery Team at The Women’s Center of Jacksonville. But of course, you have to serve in the military before continuing your service in the first place. So did she have an interest in joining up?
“Umm, a little,” she answered. I asked her why.
“Because there needs to be more badass women in the world!”
Continue reading “How to Raise a Badass Woman: A Mother’s Guide”
