Appreciating Unsung Heroes: Military Spouses

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a day set aside for us to pause to recognize the sacrifices made by military spouses and their commitment to help keep us all safe. Military spouses are the unsung heroes who support our troops during mission, deployment and reintegration. Here at Service CU, we are honored to acknowledge four of our very own heroes and invited them to share their own personal stories.

LaShae Byles

Member Service Representative Lashae Byles currently works at the Sembach branch in Germany, where she resides with her two sons Myron Jr. and Mikel and her husband, United States Army Captain / Chaplain Myron Byles.

Did you grow up in a military family or did your spouse introduce you to military life?  

My spouse introduced me to military life.

If you were to explain it to an outsider, what’s it like being a military spouse?

It is an adventure, unpredictable, you must be flexible, resilient and understanding. Particularly as a Chaplain spouse, most emergencies do not happen between 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. 

Where is the best place you have lived and why? 

I really enjoyed Fort Benning, GA, just a short distance from Florida’s beaches, Disney World and Savannah. Currently in Germany, I am loving the calmness and hoping for an opportunity to travel before we head back to the United States.

What is the most challenging part of being a military spouse? 

Celebrations cannot always be celebrated together such as births, birthdays and anniversaries.

What is the best part of being a military spouse? 

We treat each move as a new beginning and welcome new experiences and opportunities.

What advice would you give other military spouses? 

Be patient, flexible and understanding. Take advantage of opportunities offered to military spouses, such as decreasing tuition costs. Use your experiences to build your resume. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone but use discernment when allowing people into your life.

What did you learn about yourself and your family from deployments that you never expected (good or bad)? We were able to cherish every phone call and email. We learned the importance of effective communication.

What kinds of groups or organizations did you get involved in with your spouse’s military unit? 

FRG, PWOC, and Chaplain Spouse Groups

What are some of your big goals right now (personally and/or professionally)? 

I am completing a degree in Business Administration and Management and I am currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA. 

Carol Finch

Carol Finch is a Member Service Representative at the Ansbach branch in Germany where she resides with her husband: Army Staff Sargent, Chrystian Finch.

If you were to explain it to an outsider, what’s it like being a military spouse?

If I could use one word to describe the life of a military spouse I would say unpredictable. For example, I would never, ever imagine living in Germany—but here we are!

Where is the best place you have lived and why?

The Army has brought us to two locations so far—the best has been Germany. We have only been here for three months, but the area is beautiful and travelling, when we can, will be a breeze. If we wanted to we could go to France for a weekend and be back ready for work again on Monday!

What is the most challenging part of being a military spouse?

The most challenging part is that “goodbyes” do not get easier. Saying ‘see you later’ seems to feel brand new each time, whether it be to my family or to my husband—it does not feel easier.

What is the best part of being a military spouse?

One of the best parts of being a military spouse have been the moments when I was reunited with my husband. 

What advice would you give other military spouses?

My advice to other spouses would be to not be afraid to put yourself out there—look for opportunities to engage more in the community. My community here in Germany has been great and welcoming. They have made the transition of living over 4,000 miles away from home a lot easier.

Brandy Polanco

Member Service Representative Brandy Polanco has been with the credit union for eight months. She is an MSR at our Ansbach branch in Germany. Her husband is a Staff Sergeant in the Army.

Did you grow up in a military family or did your spouse introduce you to military life?

I grew up in a military family, both my husband and I are military brats.

What is the most challenging part of being a military spouse?

The most difficult part is your spouse being gone a lot.

What advice would you give other military spouses?

My advice is to be open to anything – places you go are what you make of them.

What kinds of groups or organizations did you get involved in with your spouse’s military unit?

SFRG (Soldier & Family Readiness Group)

What are some of your big goals right now (personally and/or professionally)?

One of my biggest goals is to go back to school and further my degree as well as further my career within Service CU.

Julianna Hurley

Member Service Representative Julianna Hurley has been with the credit union for ten months. She is an MSR at our Vilseck branch in Germany. Her husband is an E5 Sargent in the Army.

Did you grow up in a military family or did your spouse introduce you to military life?

I did not grow up in this lifestyle. I met my husband while he was stationed in Fort Polk, LA. We met while he was on leave, on a “boys trip” to New Orleans. I was there on a “Girls getaway” for the weekend. We met Friday the 13th on Bourbon Street and were married not even six months later. We both knew instantly that we were the “ones” for each other.

If you were to explain it to an outsider, what’s it like being a military spouse?

No military spouse experience is the same and not everyone treats it the same. For me, I am very independent and do not mind being alone at times. My husband is Infantry and gone a lot! I am very driven and feel the time apart gives me time to focus on my needs, career and educational goals. While I miss him tremendously and wish he was here, I know that one day it will not be this way. So for me, being a military spouse is not any different at times then being a civilian spouse, just with more time apart.

Where is the best place you have lived and why? 

I would have to say Fort Polk, LA. For me, Fort Polk holds an incredible place in my heart. I met some of the best women I have ever met in my life – the once in a lifetime kind of group. While we have all gone our separate ways, they will always be in my mind and heart. Most of us are separated from our families, and when our husbands leave we need to have people that can help us. The times [our spouses are deployed] are incredibly hard. To get through it, you create special bonds with people. These women are my “Sister Hood of the Traveling Pants Women.” I am forever grateful for all the laughter, tears, memories that will last a lifetime. So for me, Louisiana helped make me the person and woman I am today and I wouldn’t take it back for one second.

What is the most challenging part of being a military spouse? 

The most challenging part of being a military spouse is learning that so many things in your life are going to change and learning that it is okay to have certain emotions about them. It is OK to talk to people about how you’re feeling – all of us go through it!

What is the best part of being a military spouse? 

The best part of being a military spouse is being able to travel and see new places. I take pride in being able to see different cultures. Being away from my home has really made me and my husband stronger and made us grow. I’m sure this will get old once our family grows, but for right now I am blessed with all of the constant friendships, career choices, and experiences I have made.

What advice would you give other military spouses? 

The most important piece of advice I could give to any Military Spouse is LOVE – love each other when it is hard and when it is easy. Love each other when its 1 a.m. and you’re up trying to help him with his packing list because he waited last minute to do it. Love him when its 8:00 p.m. and you’re snuggled on the couch. This life style can be hard, but always remember at the end of the day that it is you two against the world.

What did you learn about yourself and your family from deployments that you never expected (good or bad)?

I learned that I am strong and resilient. I learned that it is OK to rely on your spouse for things and I learned to have patience. I also learned that people that you have known your whole life will not understand the lifestyle and they won’t understand how to be there for you. Remember it is OK, don’t hold it against them. They just don’t understand. Make friends around you that can be there for you in your new lifestyle.

What are some of your big goals right now (personally and/or professionally)? 

Right now my goal is to just keep striving to do better personally and professionally. I have just completed my AA degree, and am making plans to get my bachelor’s degree. My goal is to work with “aging out” foster care teens in some type of outreach program to teach them about the importance of finances, budgeting, and how credit works.