A Helping Heart
Through her efforts and genuine love for her community, Brittany helps spouses realize their capacity and innate talents. Spousal employment challenges can leave many feeling like they don’t have a place.
“I empower spouses by saying, ‘You absolutely can get a job. Maybe not your dream job, but a for-now job that’ll teach transferable skills that’ll get you to your forever job,’” she says. A stay-at-home parent, for example, possesses skills such as time and budget management. “You have all these skills you’re not aware of because you don’t see them. I help them see what they don’t see.”
Brittany cites some of the most profound advice she has received as not to judge others and their journeys. “I try to live my life to help others and not try to identify what they’ve lived, just how I can help them get to the next step,” she says. “This is hard to receive recognition because that’s never been the point. I just want to continue to help other people.”
At a Glance
Brittany Boccher is a go-getter. Check out this list of how she’s already influenced her community.
- Converted the playground at Little Rock AFB to be special needs accessible
- Worked with the commissary to get Caroline Carts in the store
- Parent liaison for base EFMP. This includes assisting EFMP coordinators on base with monthly support groups and advocating for/speaking on behalf of the 400 EFMP families.
- Through her 50 percent co-ownership in Mason Chix apparel, she has donated 100 percent of the proceeds to Down Syndrome research and treatment.
- Photographed a Down Syndrome awareness calendar featuring 10 individuals with Down Syndrome, which raised more than $1,000 for a life improvement scholarship program.
- Resuscitated her spouse club, which now has 90 members and coordinates the social and philanthropic aspects of Little Rock AFB.
- Founded the nonprofit Down Syndrome Advancement Coalition, which is a partnership of active Down syndrome organizations across the state of Arkansas, advocating on the behalf of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
- Participated in the signing of House Bill 1162, the Retired Military Tax Cut in the state of Arkansas. The passage of this bill creates a tax relief for military retires beginning January 2018.
In her words
Interesting Fact: I’m a planner, meaning I love my “planner” and I can’t live without my planner and all things must be in my planner. Yes, I still use a paper planner and write all things possible in it. However, I’ve learned pretty colorful pens are not logical and that pencil is much preferred because nothing ever seems to go exactly as planned.
Hobbies: I’m a sucker for arts and crafts projects, and especially a Pinterest DIY project. Photography is my outlet and I enjoy capturing moments of my sweet family.
One thing you’ve learned from being a military spouse: One person can make a difference. I’ve also learned I’m much stronger than I ever thought and that I’m capable of doing so much more than I ever expected. I’ve learned to be flexible and to adapt to my situation and surroundings.
What is one thing you want to accomplish with the MSOY title? I would like to use the MSOY title to further advocate for EFMP families. I’d also like to continue to empower military spouses to embrace the military life, their military community inside and outside of the base gates, and to embrace the beautiful opportunities this life provides!
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