Photo By Lesley Atkinson | Michele Maldonado holds her Spouse of the Year award and poses with Maj. Gen. Darrell...... read more read more
FORT LEE, Va. (May 12, 2016) -- Michele Maldonado was named Fort Lee’s Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year during a luncheon ceremony May 4 at the Lee Club.
Maldonado, the wife of Sgt. 1st Class David Maldonado, 262nd Quartermaster Battalion ,received a seven-day vacation at any Grand Mayan resort – courtesy of USAA and Explore Travel and a $500 Commissary gift card from the Military Newspapers of Virginia, the Fort Lee Traveller’s publisher. The Heroes at Home event was coordinated by MNV; Army Community Service Volunteer Corps; Allen, Allen, Allen and Allen; and Mercedes-Benz of Midlothian.
Maldonado is a Girl Scout leader and trainer, an Exceptional Family Member Program volunteer, the EFMP 4 x 2 Lego Club facilitator, and a teen social group facilitator. She also is an ACS volunteer and served as a past board member for the Fort Lee Area Spouses’ Club and still assists the group with special events. In addition, she recently received a President’s Volunteer Service Award (gold level) for two years of community service.
“I am very happy to win this award,” said Maldonado. “There are a lot of people who have done great things here.”
Maldonado gets her inspiration from her two special needs’ children.
“My kids inspire me to do this,” she said. “There are so many programs that are available to larger installations but might not be available at this size installation. My kids needs are not always met … What I do is fill the gap and provide it for them.”
She said her son with autism enjoys structure, so that helps her stay organized and plan her days. This structured environment carries into her volunteer work, her household and even with helping keep her husband organized.
A total of 17 Fort Lee nominees were submitted for the award by active duty personnel from all military branches, spouse support groups, charitable organizations, friends and family.
The other top finalists out of those nominated were Julie Coffman, spouse of Staff Sgt. Doyle Coffman, Echo Company, 832nd Ordnance Battalion; Kim Hodder, spouse of retired Col. Clinton Hodder, director of the Quartermaster Foundation; Maureen Slotnick, spouse of Maj. Brian Slotnick, Army Logistics University; and Stephanie Renteria, spouse of Capt. Mark Renteria, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, CASCOM.
“I was very pleased with the number of nominations this year, especially the quality of the five finalists,” said Susan Loden, Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator, ACS. “This is a great group of military spouses to represent Fort Lee.”
Keynote speaker Nancy Gaskins, author and radio talk show host, flew in from Pensacola, Fla., to speak on her experiences and to give advice on what it takes to be a military spouses.
“This type of event is long past due,” she said. “Military spouses don’t get the kudos they deserve.”
Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, commented on the rigourous selections process and the overall quality of the nominees.
“When I listened to all the bios and what our spouses do, I was in absolute awe,” said Williams. “I am glad I wasn’t on the selection committee, which could only pick one – they were all extraordinary. To know we have that level of volunteerism on our installation and the community, it confirms to me what I already know – we have the best.”
| Date Taken: | 05.12.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2016 10:32 |
| Story ID: | 197923 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 227 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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