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    2d MEB Marine spouse shares strategy for marriage teamwork

    2d MEB Marine spouse shares strategy for marriage teamwork

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Christopher O'Quin | CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The Lee family toasts s’mores together at their home at Camp...... read more read more

    CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

    03.22.2018

    Story by Staff Sgt. Christopher O'Quin 

    II Marine Expeditionary Force   

    Service members are often recognized for outstanding leadership and volunteerism in the community while their spouses support them from the sidelines.

    However, on May 10, 2018, in Washington D.C., Jolynn Lee, wife to Maj. Jeffery Lee, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Planner for 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, will be recognized for her own contributions and volunteerism when she receives the 2018 Marine Spouse of the Year Award by Military Spouse Magazine.

    “I’m just stunned,” said the mother of four who sees her work as second nature. “I know that all military spouses are amazing. No matter what, whether we do or don’t have [this honor] we’re going to get up and keep doing what we’re doing.”

    Jolynn attributes much of this distinction to the work she has done as co-director for the Camp Lejeune Reboot Combat Recovery Program. A non-profit organization that helps veterans, first responders and their families recover from traumatic events in the line of duty.

    “I wouldn’t be up for this award if it wasn’t for my husband, he’s the one in uniform,” said the Princeton, Ky. Native.

    As Co-director of Camp Lejeune Reboot with her husband, she is responsible for much of the work that goes into administration, logistics, training and community relations, in addition to being a mother.

    “War and conflict wounds the soul,” added Jolynn. “I can never understand what they’ve been through, I’ve never put boots on and gone where they’ve gone. But, I can learn and help others learn how to better support our [families] and live a healthy lifestyle.”

    Carolina, Jolynn’s daughter, saw the impact her mother was making and on behalf of friends, nominated her for the award. She drew from her firsthand experience and understanding as both a military child and also a Marine spouse.

    “I wanted to tell people about the good work she’s doing,” said Carolina, who is expecting her first child. “Growing up in a military household and watching my mother raise all of us while my dad was gone, really made me aware from an early age how a spouse is the other half of a Marine’s successful career.”

    As Carolina builds a family of her own, she is seeing more and more how difficult it can be to do things on her own.

    “It has made me realize what it takes to be that anchor,” Carolina emphasized. “I wanted others to see that too.”

    The Lees have been married for 24 years. In that period, Jeffrey, a former enlisted Marine has deployed seven times, three of them combat tours. They have experienced the challenges and responsibilities that come from both enlisted and officer communities.

    “Love is a verb, you have to always act and give into your marriage and work through the hardships together,” said Jeffrey. “She keeps me motivated. Keeps me steady and pushes me so I can be out doing my job without worrying [about] the home front.”

    The two will start a new chapter of their life in the coming months as Jeffrey retires and they settle into their volunteer work with Reboot. Jolynn’s award now places her in the running at the national level with Military Spouse of the Year for the entire Department of Defense.

    “I’m extremely proud of the amount of effort she puts into the family,” added Jeffrey. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.22.2018
    Date Posted: 03.23.2018 11:13
    Story ID: 270335
    Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US
    Hometown: PRINCETON, KY, US

    Web Views: 49
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN