Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher O'Quin | (Right) Kimberly Miller, vice president of administration for San Diego Council of the...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Council Navy League of the United States honored a spouse from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, with the 2011 Sea Services Marine Spouse of the Year Award during a ceremony at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, Dec. 8.
Traci Tallman, wife of Gunnery Sgt. Paul D. Tallman, warehouse chief, 13th MEU, distinguished herself throughout 2010 for her hard work and dedication to her family, community, and her husband’s unit while holding a position as a biochemist at The University of California San Diego and attending a Ph.D program at San Diego State University.
“I feel shocked, and it feels wonderful to receive this award,” said Traci Tallman. “Receiving this recognition totally caught me off guard. My advice for other military spouses is just [start volunteering]. It took me years to do it. But once I did, it’s been just a great reward. My husband has been a source of strength and support throughout the years.”
Throughout last year she not only found time with her career and family life, but used her experience as a Marine spouse to help 13th MEU families in preparation for the upcoming deployment.
In 2010, she logged approximately 1,200 volunteer hours, provided free child care for spouses, tutored students at Farb Middle School, served as a spouse advisor to the Anaheim 13th MEU Adoption Committee and assisted with all MEU events.
“I’m really proud of her with everything she does and glad that everything she put into, she received recognition for her work,” said her husband of 15 years. “Over the years she has grown from being part of that young Marine couple to now helping the junior Marines and their families and its all for the better. What’s really stood out for me is, she’s able to time manage with everything, with kids, me being gone and helping others. And she still has time to make dinner and help with my laundry.”
The second annual event recognized a spouse married to a service member from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Members of the League judged 16 finalist submissions from throughout San Diego County.
“There are three heavily weighted categories; service to their Military Command, volunteer service in their community, and personal accomplishments,” said Kimberly Miller, vice president of administration for San Diego Council of the Navy League. “We also take into account if they were serving a deployed command, awards received, and their personal essay. The entries we received were overwhelming. Many of our spouses serve multiple organizations, are earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees while some completed marathons and Mud Runs. It’s absolutely amazing.”
Traci Tallman and her husband will soon move to Quantico Va., where he will serve as an Officer Candidate School Instructor and where she will have a new opportunity to impact the community.
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.14.2011 16:39 |
| Story ID: | 81373 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 189 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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