Central Virginia military spouses honored during Heroes at Home event

Photo By Terrance Bell | Dorothy McAuliffe, wife of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, addresses the crowd at the Heroes at Home Military Spouse Appreciation and Awards event May 5 at the Lee Club.  

RICHMOND, VA, UNITED STATES

05.11.2017

Story by Terrance Bell  

Fort Gregg-Adams

FORT LEE, Va. (May 11, 2017) -- During the proceedings of the Heroes at Home Military Spouse Appreciation and Awards event Friday at the Lee Club, Marie Fowler was busy being a mom, feeding and tending to a squirmy 3-year-old Elsie and babbling 3-month-old Cormac.

For the most part, the New York native barely had a moment to listen to speakers that included Col. Adam W. Butler, garrison commander, and Dorothy McAuliffe, Virginia’s first lady.

That image of motherhood immersion, however, falls short of fully identifying Fowler. Not only is she a full-time mother and wife but a steadfastly supportive member of the military community.


Such an advocate, in fact, she was announced as 2017’s ‘Hero’ – the spouse of the year award winner -- at the event honoring the efforts and sacrifices of military spouses in support of their military communities. The wife of Capt. Christopher Fowler said she was somewhat surprised and humbled when her name was announced as the winner.

“I was a little bit shocked because I think you inevitably meet spouses who do more or you think they do more than you do,” she said, “and I was also thinking that somebody else deserved to win.”

Sasha Moen, wife of Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Moen, was selected as the first runner-up. Fourteen military spouses from throughout central Virginia were nominated for recognition from the program that began in 2005. ‘Heroes’ are also recognized in the Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia regions.

The hero finalists were nominated by those in uniform and other military community members. Undoubtedly, Fowler was cited for her work with the family readiness group of her husband’s unit as well as supporting other causes. Balance is imperative to what she does, Fowler said.

“I have found the keys to really thriving in military life,” said Fowler, “and I like sharing that with other people. I want everyone else to thrive as well.”

Having a rather unique and insightful perspective about motivating people to invest in their communities, Fowler said she goes about it in a way that is inclusive but neither intrusive nor imposing.

“Specifically, I think there is something for everybody,” she said. “You don’t have to be an extrovert to find a place; you can be a shy person and volunteer. There’s a position for everybody in volunteering in the Army.”

Fowler also said positivity is her driving force.

“You have to be positive in your own mind and find the good in every duty station,” she said. “You have to find positive influences and positive people to surround yourself, and you have to be that positive impact on your community, whether it’s babysitting for a friend so she can have a break while her husband is a deployed or running an FRG meeting.

“Every bit of positivity goes toward improving your experience and those around you.”



A sample of Fowler’s positivity – consider her view of cold weather at Fort Drum, N.Y., a place her family was stationed a few years ago:

“At least we have really good heat and a snow blower,” she said.

Capt. Fowler expressed pride in his wife’s recognition and said he’s not all that surprised, considering the fact he is a firsthand and frequent witness to her feats as a mother, wife and community leader.

“She is dedicated to everyone else,” said the Alpha Company, 71st Transportation Battalion, Soldier. “Everyone else is always taken care of and included in activities. She always puts others before herself. She is so sacrificial in that regard. It just makes me so very proud of her.”

McAuliffe, who spoke for roughly 10 minutes to a near-capacity dining room, thanked those who are serving and who have served. She spoke at length about the impact spouses have on the readiness of military members and their communities at large.


“I know what it’s like to be home alone for five days with children,” she said, “but that is nothing compared to having a spouse deployed and being responsible for raising your children and all that you need to do to take care of yourself, take care of your extended family and to support your loved one who is away and serving us.

“I have such a great respect, but hearing the details of the commitment and level of service that you all do in your communities while you’re here in Virginia really moved me to the point where I wanted to jump in and really be a part of this as much – my husband and I – as we could.”

The McAuliffes have been supportive of various efforts supporting the military community. In December, they visited Fort Lee in support of the Holiday Helper program that donates toys to military families in need.

Butler, with his wife Cheryl sitting in the audience, also praised the spouses and told the story of a friend who endured multiple permanent change of station moves within a relatively short period of time without worry or hiccups because of his spouse.

“If the success of our nation is dependent on our leadership,” he said “then I will also submit to you that the success of these fine leaders is dependent on our heroes at home, our solid heroes here today.”

Air Force spouse Erica McMannes also was a guest speaker.

As this year’s title holder, Fowler was gifted with a seven-day resort package. All nominees received gift bags.

Military Newspapers of Virginia, publisher of the Fort Lee Traveller, and USAA are among the sponsors.

• Date Taken: 05.11.2017
• Date Posted: 05.11.2017 14:37
• Story ID: 233510
• Location: RICHMOND, VA, US