Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey | Monique Phommasy, widow of California Army National Guard Spc. Thithavy Tony Phommasy...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO - San Diego’s blue and sunny skies provided the perfect backdrop to a day out on the seas for military spouses who have lost a loved one.
Monique Phommasy, the widow of California Army National Guard Spc. Thithavy Tony Phommasy of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), was among the widows who participated in a free two-day sailing certification course April 10-11.
“The experience was a good opportunity to meet others who are going through the same things as you and can relate,” said Phommasy. “Seeing, hearing and experiencing other’s situations helps.”
The sailing class was held at Fiddler’s Cove Marina in Coronado and was sponsored by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Navy Gold Star Program and the Army Survivor Outreach Services (SOS). Military widows from around San Diego were invited to take part in the course.
“These events are ways to provide the spouses with support to cope with the loss of their loved one, where they can make a connection with other survivors, and to ensure them that they still belong to the military family,” said Vito Valdez, Army Survivor Outreach Services support coordinator.
Phommasy said that it was fun to try sailing and that she found it to be very peaceful out on the ocean.
“It was much like a driving test but on the water. On the first day, it was hard to learn how to control the sailboat as it was windy and we were moving fast. By the second day, you started to get the hang of it. Although I didn’t pass the written test with the terminology, I plan to go back and try it again. Two days just isn’t long enough. I am smart and got this!” Phommasy said.
The course included topics such as who has the right of way on the water, the mechanics of the sailboat, how to tie the boat up and when to use certain knots.
“We had a luncheon during the two day course and listened to others share about their loved ones. It was nice, but hard at the same time. I don’t know ... something hit me and I couldn’t share. It has been five years (since I lost my husband) and it is still hard,” she said.
“I keep myself busy by trying new things,” said Phommasy. “My son and I are learning taekwondo together. It is a blessing to have him and to learn new things together is very meaningful.”
If you are interested in taking part in more programs and activities to bring surviving spouses and families together please contact Vito Valdez, the Survivor Outreach Coordinator at (858) 573-7055.
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.01.2015 19:02 |
| Story ID: | 177812 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 118 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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