Marine Corps
Heather Smith
Camp Lejeune
One thing I want to accomplish with the MSOY title is bringing about a bigger sense of community and togetherness among the military family community. I would hope to develop a stronger sense of importance with participating in the family events held on base. I would love to be able to help spouses become more aware of all that is available to them in their communities and at their installations. Many times I encounter a spouse that says “Wow I didn’t know we had that here!” and it comes down to an issue of spreading the word so that spouses and families know what is available.
I would also really love to develop a network of local volunteers that would like to help me provide safe and free transportation for our military service members and veterans in need. A lot of our Marines and Sailors are on very tight budgets, especially our young Marines just getting started in their first enlistment, and sometimes the cost of a taxi cab to the airport after they have already had to purchase expensive plane tickets can make or break a budget. I have had so many Marines thank me for giving them transportation that they felt safe in. It can be very overwhelming in a new area and with many recent tragic events on our own American soil, service members are having to remain extra vigilant at all times when off base installations. I feel proud to help them in their travel and be able to provide that sense of familiarity to them. There are a few areas that have established organized volunteer and scheduled ride services and it’s my goal to help establish that in the Camp Lejeune area. Read more about Heather here!
Natasha Harth
Marine Barracks Washington
When I was nominated for the 2015 MSOY, to say I was intimidated would be an understatement. I looked at the profiles of the past MSOYs and my fellow nominees… these ladies (and a few awesome gentlemen) owned their own businesses, founded organizations, had amazing talents, advanced degrees, and seemed to have unlocked super-star status. I had instant self-doubt, thinking I could never be among the ranks of these elite. Yet, there I was – so it was time to put that good for nothing negativity out of my head and starting doing what I wanted to do – change lives one kind deed at a time.
Being the MSOY on a base level gave me the opportunity to meet people and make amazing connections here in the DC area. I have been inspired by other MSOYs and supported by the people I meet to further my goal in helping others. I am now in the process of founding my own 501(c)3 charity, securing corporate and personal sponsors, and taking off like wildfire – with very little money and fame to back me. Just a huge heart and some hard work, that’s all it took to get started.
My vision is, if I can represent the military community as the MSOY 2016, I can be an inspiration to all the other spouses out there that aspire to make a difference but don’t think they can. The smallest acts of kindness can landslide into a movement. I am living proof that any ordinary person can be extraordinary. One voice can sound loud enough to make an impact, and it doesn’t have to be the voice of someone in charge. Anyone can take charge by never giving up and following their passion. If I am voted MSOY 2016, my goal will be to help the incoming spouses and help those who feel small, to give them a voice. Those who feel small will grow into large, powerful forces. Those who are new will have seeds planted into them that will grow to change the community. Any ordinary person can do the extraordinary. Read more about Natasha here!
Danesha Aikens
MCLB Albany
I would like to continue to support military spouses. I don’t have a support group or organization all I have is me, me being there for a spouse one day at a time and helping them with whatever the current situation at hand. I love being able to inform spouses about what services are available to them from Tricare, MCCS, Military One Source, EFMP, FMEAP and the list goes on but being able to guide them and tell them about the programs, means a lot. Read more about Danesha here!
