Elva Resa Publishing

Chris Stricklin Hosts Leadership Webinar on Combat-Proven Keys to Successful Change Management Dec. 14, 2017
2017-12-14 13:30 - 14:45 (America/New_York)
Retired Air Force colonel and award-winning leadership author Chris “Elroy” Stricklin will host a webinar on Thursday, December 14, 2017, 1:30-2:45 pm ET on “6 Combat-Proven Keys to Driving Successful Change Management.”
Overview:
If you’re like most teams, your individual contributors are performing great – but is this transferring over to organizational performance? Join Chris “Elroy” Stricklin and learn to step out of your leadership comfort zone and positively impact change management in your organization.
You will learn:
— How to lead your team with a mindset for success.
— The value of loyalty throughout all levels.
— Why beginning with the end in mind bestows confidence from the get-go.
Register at Afterburner. There is no cost to attend.
Chris says, “As we enter the holiday season, it is critical to both maintain momentum toward success and use the time to grow individually and organizationally. Please encourage your team to join this motivational and actionable discussion. I am excited about the content as it is the result of multiple military commands throughout my career.”
A retired fighter pilot, Chris is a highly sought after motivational keynote speaker, and combat-proven senior military leader retiring after 23 years of service, which culminated with CEO-level leadership of a 7,000-person strong, $7B worldwide organization. During this time, he was responsible for 11,383 personnel, $323M payroll, $160M contracts, creation of 1,891 jobs, and local economic impact of $566M. During his military service, he served tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iceland, Turkey, and many other locations around the world. His unique career includes time with the Air Force Thunderbirds, DARPA, the White House, and the Pentagon.
Chris is an associate partner at Afterburner, Inc., where he mentors corporations around the world how to build elite teams and improve individual, organizational, and team performance using the same techniques used in the high-stakes environment of combat.
He is also CEO and founder of The Thunderbird Way, a consulting firm where he discusses details of his Thunderbird aircraft ejection to help understand the importance of teamwork, attention to detail, family and friends.

Brenda Pace, Terri Barnes Lead Workshops at Gather Conference Sept. 28-30, 2017
2017-09-28 16:00 - 2017-09-30 17:00 (America/Denver)
Brenda Pace and Terri Barnes, coauthors of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, will each lead workshops at Gather, a Christian conference for military-connected women, Sept. 28-30, 2017, at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Brenda’s workshop, “The Call Forward,” will encourage women to meet every new challenge with confidence, even when it means stepping out of a comfort zone.
“Each step on life’s journey holds a new awareness of God and yourself,” Brenda says.
Her interactive workshop will give participants opportunities to explore together the challenges, methods, and opportunities of moving forward in the call of God.
In addition to her essay “The Perfect Move,” a story about her family’s experience with military moves, in Stories Around the Table, Brenda is the author of a four-book series called Journey of a Military Wife. Her other books include Medals Above My Heart, and One Year Yellow Ribbon Devotional.
Terri’s workshop, “Write From the Heart,” is about writing as a spiritual exercise for growth and outreach. She will discuss journaling as a devotional tool, and letter writing as a means of sharing faith.
“Writing is often overlooked as a form of worship and ministry,” Terri says, “but it has been both throughout history, and it still is today.”
As well as editing and contributing to Stories Around the Table, Terri is the author of Spouse Calls: Messages from a Military Life, a compilation of her long-running column in Stars and Stripes.
Register at the Gather website. Preregistration is $129 per person, or $149 at the door.

Judy Davis Keynotes MilSpouseFest at Fort Campbell Sept. 27, 2017
2017-09-27 | Cole Park Commons Conference Center, 1610 101st Airborne Division Rd, Bldg 1610, Fort Campbell, KY, 42223
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, is a keynote speaker for the MilSpouseFest2017 event series. She will speak at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on September 27, 2017. Participants have a choice of two event times: 10 AM–2 PM or 5–8 PM. Events will take place at the Cole Park Commons Conference Center, 1610 101st Airborne Division Rd, Bldg 1610, Ft. Campbell, KY 42223.
Whether you’re a seasoned military spouse, newbie, or somewhere in between, whether you’re the most popular person on base or you haven’t met anyone yet, MilspouseFest2017 is for every military spouse at every stage of life.
Military life doesn’t have to be lonely. Come spend a fun day with other military spouses who are facing some of the same challenges—and rewards—of military life.
During the event, you’ll participate in hands-on activities and interactive discussions. There are no lectures or PowerPoint presentations. Just a day of fun, laughter, food, prizes, and most of all community! Guests and speakers are connected to the military (many of them military spouses).
A new Employment Segment will be featured at both the day and evening events, presented by Hirepurpose. Both times will also feature a new Employment Table marketplace.
MilSpouseFest events are free to attendees, but registration is required and seats are limited. Register for the DAYTIME event or the EVENING event.
Please contact MilitaryOneClick if you have questions.

Barnes Leads Journaling Workshop at Connections Women's Conference Sept. 22-24, 2017
2017-09-22 18:00 - 2017-09-24 11:30 (America/New_York)
Terri Barnes, author of Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life, will be a featured workshop leader at “Connections,” a women’s conference of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina Sept. 22-24, 2017, at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, 2810 Seabrook Island Rd., Johns Island, South Carolina.
Terri’s workshop, “My Journal, Tablet of My Heart,” will focus on journal writing as a spiritual discipline.
As well as a journalist and author, Terri is the special projects editor for Elva Resa. Terri’s first book, Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life is the award-winning collection of essays from her popular column of the same name that ran in Stars and Stripes for eight years. Spouse Calls was awarded first place in the 2015 Midwest Book Awards for Best Current Events Book of the Year, was named a finalist in ForeWord Reviews’ 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards in the Best Essays category, and was awarded a silver medal in 2017 by Military Writers Society of America.
Terri is also the editor of and a contributor to Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, a collection of essays from more than forty military family writers about many different military life topics.
Registration for this event is currently closed.

Barnes Signs Books at Summerville's "Author! Author!" Literary Event June 15, 2017
2017-06-15 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Timrod Library, 217 Central Avenue , Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Terri Barnes, author of Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life, is featured in “Author! Author!” a literary event on June 15, 2017, in Summerville, South Carolina. She will appear at the Timrod Library, 217 Central Ave, 5:30-8:30 PM to sign copies of Spouse Calls, a compilation of her award-winning Stars and Stripes column, as well as Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, for which she was an editor and a contributor.
Select local writers will appear at other businesses throughout the Summerville historic district. Visitors are invited to drop in and chat with the authors, buy books, and have them signed. Open to the public, “Author! Author!” is a program of Summerville DREAM, Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management.
Terri’s first book, Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life was awarded first place in the 2015 Midwest Book Awards for Best Current Events Book of the Year and was named a finalist in ForeWord Reviews’ 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards in the Best Essays category.
Terri is the special projects editor for Elva Resa Publishing. For more than eight years, she was the military family columnist for Stars and Stripes, a global publication for the military community. Terri has been a member of the Washington, DC, press corps and has contributed to several other books about military life. Her work has appeared in Air Force/Army/Navy Times, The Huffington Post, and the (Charleston) Post and Courier, as well as newspapers, magazines, and publications in various locations where her military family has lived around the world.
After a lifetime of military moves with the Air Force, Terri and her husband, Mark, have made their home in Summerville.

Judy Davis Keynotes MilSpouseFest2017 in San Diego, May 17, 2017
2017-05-17
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, is a keynote speaker for the MilSpouseFest2017 event series. She will speak in San Diego on May 17, 2017. The event is sold out and the waiting list is full.
Whether you’re a seasoned military spouse, newbie, or somewhere in between, whether you’re the most popular person on base or you haven’t met anyone yet, MilspouseFest2017 is for every military spouse at every stage of life.
Military life doesn’t have to be lonely. Come spend a fun day with other military spouses who are facing some of the same challenges—and rewards—of military life.
During the event, you’ll participate in hands-on activities and interactive discussions. There are no lectures or PowerPoint presentations. Just a day of fun, laughter, food, prizes, and most of all community! Guests and speakers are connected to the military (many of them military spouses).
Stay for “After Hours” if you’d like to hang out with new friends you’ve made or have questions for speakers or sponsors.
MilSpouseFest events are free to attendees, but registration is required and seats are limited. Although this event is sold out, you may find events in other cities near you. Please contact MilitaryOneClick.

Judy Davis Leads Military Spouse Appreciation Event at Aberdeen Proving Ground, May 12, 2017
2017-05-12 10:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Aberdeen Proving Ground Main Chapel, 4510 Boothby Hill, Bldg 2485, Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD, 21005, United States
In celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, will lead a military spouse event at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, May 12, 2017.
The event will take place at the APG Main Post Chapel, Fellowship Hall. Judy will present tools, strategies, and inspiration to help military spouses and others living the military lifestyle turn around the most difficult aspects of military life.
Two sessions will be offered. Session one will take place 10 AM – Noon. Session two is 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Judy will sign copies of her book following the sessions. Open to all military service members and spouses, retirees, DoD civilians, and contractors. Registration is required.
For more information or to register, please contact:
Sarah Polanco
Army Volunteer Corps Program Manager
410-278-7572

Terri Barnes Speaks at Fort Meade USO for Military Spouse Appreciation Brunch, May 12, 2017
2017-05-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | USO Fort Meade, 8612 6th Armored Cavalry Rd , Fort Meade, MD, 20755, United States
Terri Barnes, author of Spouse Calls: Messages from a Military Life, is the featured speaker for the USO Military Spouse Appreciation Brunch at Fort Meade, Maryland, on May 12. Terri will sign copies of her book, provided for all attendees courtesy of the Fort Meade spouses clubs.
The event begins at 10 AM EST with brunch at the Fort George G. Meade USO Center on Fort Meade. Spouses of active duty, guard, and reserve members are welcome to attend.
Sponsors of this event include Military Officers Association of American, Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses’ Club, and Fort Meade Officers Spouses’ Club.
Spouse Calls is the award-winning collection of essays from Terri’s popular column of the same name that ran in Stars and Stripes for eight years.

Corie Weathers Leads Women's Conference at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 6-7, 2017
2017-05-06 - 2017-05-07
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage will lead 120 women through the Gallup StrengthsFinder at a Women’s Leadership Conference at Misawa Air Force Base in Japan on May 6, 2017.

The Gallup StrengthsFinder provides participants with the opportunity to fully experience and understand their individual talents and teach them how to invest in themselves in ways that will build not only their career, but their relationships and overall sense of purpose.

May 7, Corie will work with the PWOC Leadership Board on the strengths from a team perspective, focusing on team development, synergy, and building better teams in the future.

Corie will follow these events with a Sacred Spaces book signing.

Henderson Hall Children's Fair, MilitaryFamilyBooks.com Author Book Signing, Saturday, April 29, 2017
2017-04-29 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Cpl Terry L. Smith Gymnasium, 27 Southgate Rd , Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA, 22211
To celebrate the Month of the Military Child, Marine & Family Programs is hosting the 10th Annual Children’s Fair at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on Saturday, April 29, 2017, 10 AM – 2 PM Eastern in the Cpl Terry L Smith Gym.
Come to the MilitaryFamilyBooks.com book table for a book sale from 10 AM – 2 PM, with a Meet-the-Authors Book Signing 11 AM – 1 PM.

Featured authors and the books they will be signing:

Alia Reese, author of My Daddy Is a Marine.
Kristin Ayyar, author of Countdown ‘til Daddy Comes Home and Countdown ‘til Mommy Comes Home.
R.S. Greene, author of Where Do I Belong?
Marlene Lee, author of The Hero in My Pocket.
Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito, author of Summer of Courage and Life After Deployment; coauthor of Military Life: Stories and Poems for Children and Stories Around the Table.
Sonia Salinas, author of Muu, Muuu Dice Una Vaca, and El Abecedario Yo Me Sé.

The author table is next to the book sales table in the Cpl Terry L Smith Gym. Books available for purchase during the event at special event pricing include:
Event price $5 each (plus 6% VA tax):
Coloring My Military Life–Book 1
Coloring My Military Life–Book 2
My Dad’s Deployment: A Deployment and Reunion Activity Book for Young Children
My Mom’s Deployment: A Deployment and Reunion Activity Book for Young Children
Event price $8 each (plus 6% VA tax):
Enter at Your Own Risk: Cathy’s Animal Garden
Cedric and the Dragon
The Good Fire Helmet
Military Life: Stories and Poems for Children
Night Catch
Summer of Courage
The Spy With the Wooden Leg
The Wishing Tree
Wish Ribbons
Deployment Journal for Kids
Where Do I Belong
My Daddy Is a Marine
The Hero in My Pocket
Mommy Wears a Uniform
Muu, Muuu Dice Una Vaca
Event price $10 each (plus 6% VA tax):
El Abecedario Yo Me Sé
Countdown ‘til Daddy Comes Home
Countdown ‘til Mommy Comes Home
Life After Deployment
Spouse Calls
Military Spouse Journey
Stories Around the Table
Right Side Up
Activities at the book table include a Heroes’ Tree/ Wishing Tree, where kids can add special thoughts in honor of their military hero.
Giveaways include:

Free single issue of Military Kids’ Life magazine with each purchase of $10 or more (while supplies last).
Free Countdown Chart and Tell Daddy Chart with purchase of Countdown ‘Til Daddy Comes Home (while supplies last).

Drawings for prizes (no purchase necessary) at the MilitaryFamilyBooks.com table include:

One-year (4 issues) subscription to Military Kids’ Life magazine
Set of Coloring My Military Life coloring books
Pack of 31 yellow wish ribbons
Our Heroes’ Tree Basket (two small American flags, yellow ribbon, two stencils for making ornaments, a pack of colored pencils)

In addition to the book sales and author book signing, you’ll find FREE fun for all ages!

Balloon Artist
Photo Booths
Crafts
Video Games
Board Games
Bounce House

Obstacle Course
Chance to Win MCX Gift Cards
Discount Lunch Coupon
Free Ice Cream in front of the MCX

The event is free to attend. Books are available for purchase; cash and credit cards accepted. Lunch is available for purchase in front of the MCX at the American Summer BBQ Expo.
Please register upon arrival at the Cpl Terry L Smith Gym. See the MCCS website for more details and participation agreement.

Judy Davis Keynotes MilSpouseFest2017 in Jacksonville, NC, March 30, 2017
2017-03-30 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, is a keynote speaker for the MilSpouseFest2017 event series. She will speak near Camp Lejeune on Thursday, March 30, 2017, 9 AM – 2 PM at Courtyard Marriott, 5046 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Whether you’re a seasoned military spouse, newbie, or somewhere in between, whether you’re the most popular person on base or you haven’t met anyone yet, MilspouseFest2017 is for every military spouse at every stage of life.
Military life doesn’t have to be lonely. Come spend a fun day with other military spouses who are facing some of the same challenges—and rewards—of military life.
During the event, you’ll participate in hands-on activities and interactive discussions. There are no lectures or PowerPoint presentations. Just a day of fun, laughter, food, prizes, and most of all community! Guests and speakers are connected to the military (many of them military spouses).
Stay for “After Hours” if you’d like to hang out with new friends you’ve made or have questions for speakers or sponsors.
Register for free online at EventBrite or contact MilitaryOneClick.

Judy Davis Keynotes MilSpouseFest2017 in San Antonio, March 1, 2017
2017-03-01 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down, is a keynote speaker for the MilSpouseFest2017 event series. The first event takes place in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, 9 AM – 2 PM at The Veranda, 1746 Lockhill Selma Rd, San Antonio.
Whether you’re a seasoned military spouse, newbie, or somewhere in between, whether you’re the most popular person on base or you haven’t met anyone yet, MilspouseFest2017 is for every military spouse at every stage of life.
Military life doesn’t have to be lonely. Come spend a fun day with other military spouses who are facing some of the same challenges—and rewards—of military life.
During the event, you’ll participate in hands-on activities and interactive discussions. There are no lectures or PowerPoint presentations. Just a day of fun, laughter, food, prizes, and most of all community! Guests and speakers are connected to the military (many of them military spouses).
Stay for “After Hours” if you’d like to hang out with new friends you’ve made or have questions for speakers or sponsors.
Register for free online at EventBrite or contact MilitaryOneClick.

Corie Weathers Reading & Booksigning, Barnes & Noble, Savannah, Saturday, February 11, 2017, 2 PM
2017-02-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Barnes & Noble, Oglethorpe Mall, 7804 Abercorn Ext. 72, Savannah, 31406, United States
Elva Resa author Corie Weathers, and her husband, Army Chaplain Matthew Weathers, will read together portions of Corie’s book Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage at a booksigning event Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 2 PM Eastern. The event takes place at Barnes & Noble, Oglethorpe Mall, 7804 Abercorn, Savannah, Georgia.
Copies of Sacred Spaces will be available for sale at Barnes & Noble during the event and Corie will sign purchased books following the reading.
About the book:
As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie traveled on an overseas holiday trip with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in December 2015. She wanted to better understand her husband’s deployments and share her experience with other military spouses.
Like many military couples, Corie and Matt accumulated significant unshared moments during Matt’s deployments. Matt lost friends and fellow soldiers to combat in Afghanistan. On the home front, Corie sat with bereaved military families and walked through dark days with new widows as a friend and professional counselor. When Matt returned, he and Corie began using the term “sacred spaces” for these and other significant moments they had experienced independently. After multiple deployments, sacred spaces were taking up a lot of emotional room in their relationship.
Corie didn’t choose the timing or circumstances of her trip with Secretary Carter—Christmastime, in the midst of her family’s second cross-state move in six months—but it seemed the perfect opportunity for Corie and Matt to gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives.
Matt experienced life on the home front with new eyes as he moved their household belongings, prepared for the holidays, and settled their two young sons into their new school.
Corie’s trip brought her to Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, where she spoke with military families stationed overseas and deployed troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea. As she sat in the belly of a C-17, where her husband had said goodbye to the remains of friends and fellow soldiers, as she touched with her own hands the memorial at FOB Fenty and reflected on her grief as a care team member following the battle of COP Keating, Corie realized this journey was about much more than the push-pull of duty away from loved ones.
This was a journey to the heart of her marriage, a place where she would have to leave behind her resentment in exchange for ground she and her husband had surrendered to hurt, misunderstanding, loss—and to Afghanistan.
Corie set out on this trip hoping to gain a better understanding of her husband and his deployment experience, but along the way, she discovered a whole new perspective of herself and her military marriage.
Local ties:
During Matt’s second deployment to Afghanistan, he was stationed with Fort Stewart-based 3rd Infantry Division. He needed a ride back to the US for an important ceremony in Washington, DC, to support a fellow soldier.
From Sacred Spaces: “Fortunately, he encountered a group of special operation soldiers out of Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. They were headed home and heard that Matt was trying to get back to the US and why. They ripped off Matt’s unit patch and told him he could be their chaplain for the duration of the trip back to their home base. All he had to do was pray over their flight home.”
Corie says, “Matt will be forever grateful for the guys who snatched him up. They had a part in changing our lives and our story.”
The event:
Corie and Matt will read excerpts from the book at 2 PM and talk briefly about the impact of sacred spaces in their marriage and how couples can strengthen their relationship by intentionally creating shared sacred spaces. The booksigning will follow immediately after the reading.

Ft Stewart PWOC Hosts Valentine Event for Military Couples, Friday, February 10, 2017, 6-9 PM
2017-02-10 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, and her husband, US Army Chaplain Matthew Weathers, are guest speakers at a special Valentine evening for military couples. Hosted by Fort Stewart PWOC, the event takes place Friday, February 10, 2017, 6-9 PM Eastern.
An Evening in Paris – Fort Stewart
When: Friday, February 10, 2017, 6-9 PM
WHERE: Fort Stewart Main Chapel, BLDG 500, 10 Garry Owen St, Fort Stewart
Host: Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) of Fort Stewart, Georgia
AUDIENCE: Military couples
Cost: $10 per couple, limited seating
To attend: Tickets are available on a first-come basis beginning January 28.
Contact Roxanne Walker, Stewartpwoc@gmail.com
An Evening in Paris, hosted at Fort Stewart, Georgia, will be an elegant evening for military couples to celebrate their marriage, spend time with one another, and be reminded of the joy of their relationship. The theme focuses on the power that love, faith, and hope have in a healthy marriage. The event will be catered and include giveaways and the 3ID Jazz Band. Tickets are $10 per couple and seating is limited.
US Army Chaplain Matthew Weathers and his wife Corie Weathers, a licensed counselor and the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, will speak at the event. The couple will share their own story as detailed in Corie’s book Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, and offer encouraging ideas for ways military couples can better communicate and see their marriage thrive in the military lifestyle.
If you are unable to attend this special evening, you may meet Corie and Matt at a Barnes & Noble booksigning, Saturday, February 11, at 2 PM at Oglethorpe Mall, Savannah. The booksigning is open to the public and does not require a reservation or ticket.
Matthew and Corie Weathers on Military Marriage:
Matthew, an active duty US Army Chaplain, and Corie, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, have a passion for serving military and first responder families. The couple has worked together to support service members and families involved with the Global War on Terrorism. They cohost marriage retreats and offer an online marriage program designed to improve intimacy and connection. Corie speaks nationally on topics such as PTSD, grief, marriage, and military family culture.
“A surprising amount of military marriage is lived out separately rather than together. A couple can experience different perspectives of the same event at varying levels of intensity and sacrifice that can lead to a gap of understanding between them,” says Matthew. “Our own marriage changed for the better when we realized we needed to respectfully create a space where we could share our individual experiences with each other, without judgment or criticism. In those moments, we grew exponentially closer, thereby creating our own shared sacred space.”
Corie adds, “As a mental health counselor, I found that many military couples struggle to share with one another the deep toll deployments, loss, fear, and sacrifice have had on each of them individually. Over time, couples can feel misunderstood and disconnected. To save our marriages from years of deployment cycles, trauma, and the interruption of family life, couples must find a way to talk about the most sacred moments in their lives.”
Local Stewart/Hunter Ties:
During Matt’s second deployment to Afghanistan, he was stationed with Fort Stewart-based 3rd Infantry Division. A group of special operation soldiers out of Hunter Army Airfield gave him a ride back to the US for an important ceremony in Washington, DC, to support a fellow soldier.
Corie says, “Matt will be forever grateful for those guys. They had a part in changing our lives and our story.”
About the Book:
As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie Weathers traveled on an overseas holiday trip with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in December 2015. She wanted to better understand her husband Matt’s deployments and share her experience with other military spouses.
Like many military couples, Corie and Matt accumulated significant unshared moments during Matt’s deployments. Matt lost friends and fellow soldiers to combat in Afghanistan. On the home front, Corie sat with bereaved military families and walked through dark days with new widows as a friend and professional counselor. When Matt returned, he and Corie began using the term “sacred spaces” for these and other significant moments they had experienced independently. After multiple deployments, sacred spaces were taking up a lot of emotional room in their relationship.
Corie didn’t choose the timing or circumstances of her trip with Secretary Carter—Christmastime, in the midst of her family’s second cross-state move in six months—but it seemed the perfect opportunity for Corie and Matt to gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives.
Matt experienced life on the home front with new eyes as he moved their household belongings, prepared for the holidays, and settled their two young sons into their new school.
Corie’s trip brought her to Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, where she spoke with military families stationed overseas and deployed troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea. As she sat in the belly of a C-17, where her husband had said goodbye to the remains of friends and fellow soldiers, as she touched with her own hands the memorial at FOB Fenty and reflected on her grief as a care team member following the battle of COP Keating, Corie realized this journey was about much more than the push-pull of duty away from loved ones.
This was a journey to the heart of her marriage, a place where she would have to leave behind her resentment in exchange for ground she and her husband had surrendered to hurt, misunderstanding, loss—and to Afghanistan.
Corie set out on this trip hoping to gain a better understanding of her husband and his deployment experience, but along the way, she discovered a whole new perspective of herself and her military marriage.

Corie Weathers Talks Military Marriage on The Bruce & Blanquita Show, Fri., Nov. 18, 2016, 7:30 AM Central
2016-11-18 07:30 - 08:00 (America/Chicago)
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, will talk about the journey that changed her perspective of military marriage, and the impact her book has had on military couples, on The Bruce & Blanquita Show, Friday, November 18, 2016 at 7:30 AM Central.
Listen to show via No Bull Radio or the following radio stations:
Kenedy Texas — KCAF 92.1 FM
Beeville Texas — KIBL 1490 AM
Dilley Texas — KVWG 95.3 FM
Pearsall Texas — KMFR 1280 AM
Did you miss the live show? REPLAY on MixCloud (Corie’s segment begins 36:45)

Corie Weathers Hosts Military Spouse Wellness Summit Oct 17-22, 2016
2016-10-17 - 2016-10-22
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage will host the second annual Military Spouse Wellness Summit October 17-22, 2016. This online event includes ten guest expert interviews to listen to in the comfort of your home or on the go, plus an array of holistic marriage resources.
Organized by InDependent.org, this year’s summit focuses on how to achieve health and wellness independently in mind, body, and emotion, and thereby impact your military marriage.
The virtual event for military spouses starts Monday, October 17 and ends Friday, October 22. Saturday, October 23 is a bonus day, when InDependent will announce the grand prize winner of an amazing Ocean Getaway for Two grand prize, sponsored by the Military Benefit Association.
Each day, two expert interviews will arrive in your inbox. General Admission members (free) will be able to access these interviews only during the summit week. VIP members ($27) will have access to these interviews indefinitely. The only way you will have access to the interviews is by registering for the event. The interviews are accessible through your computer or mobile device and are designed for you to listen to at home or on the go.

A licensed professional counselor (LPC), your host Corie Weathers is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and author of the recently-released book Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage. Corie started her career as a counselor specializing in marriage, divorce, women’s issues, and substance abuse. She married a US Army chaplain and together they support service members and first-responder families. As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie advocated for mental health issues and served as a media correspondent, consulting for command teams, and speaking to groups about issues like PTSD, grief, and marriage.
Summit event sponsors include:
Title Sponsor: Armed Forces Insurance
Grand Prize Sponsor: Military Benefit Association
Wellness Sponsors: Association of the United States Army, Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, Dove, NextGen Milspouse Network
Media Sponsors: MSBNew Media, Army Wife Network, Blue Star Families, Germono Advertising Company, Military Spouse Advocacy Network, PCS Grades
Nonprofit Partners: Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, Healing Household 6, The MilSpo Project, Project Sanctuary
Prize Sponsors: emeals, Elva Resa Publishing, Gaia, Green Chef, QALO, R.Riveter, Thrive Market, Warrior Spirit / Mission Homefront, Zest Tea, ZZZBears

AUSA, Homefront United Host SpouseTalks for Reserve and National Guard Spouses, Sept. 22, 2016, 9:30AM - 2PM
2016-09-22 09:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Family Readiness Directorate and Homefront United Network, the New Jersey National Guard Family Programs, will host a SpouseTalks Military Family Forum on Thursday, September 22, 2016, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM EDT, at the New Jersey National Guard Armory, 1048 US Highway 206 S, Bordentown, New Jersey.
The event is open to all active duty, reserve, National Guard, retiree, veteran, and surviving military spouses, as well as service members and veterans. Recognizing that the Reserve and National Guard spouse experience is different from active duty life, this interactive experience was designed with the Reserve and National Guard spouse in mind. Spouses will have the chance to find impactful support, share coping tips, and create a network of like-minded friends with similar experiences and challenges, especially those challenges families face when geographically dispersed from a military installation.
Patty Barron, Director of AUSA Family Readiness, will kick off the event with opening remarks, joined by welcoming remarks from USAA, the Military Family Forum sponsor.
Angela Caban and Homefront United Network will lead a two-hour interactive session focused on developing relationships within the military spouse community.
At the conclusion of the event, an Exhibit Fair will showcase community partners and resources for participants. A complimentary lunch will be provided for those who attend and youth activities will be provided for children ages three and older. Books for the event include Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, written by more than 40 military family writers, and Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down by Judy Davis.
SpouseTalks is sponsored by USAA and local businesses. Register at HomefrontUnited.com.

Ft Drum-Area MilKids Invited to Fun Night of Music and Books, Fri., Sept. 16, 2016, 6:30-8:30 PM EDT
2016-09-16 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
Celebrate being a military kid with this special night of music, books, and fun for Fort Drum-area military kids, Friday, September 16, 2016, 6:30-8:30 PM Eastern, at The Reading Room Bookstore, 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop W, Ste A102, Watertown, New York.
You’ll meet Janine Boldrin, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, and the editorial director of Military Kids’ Life magazine.
Military Kids’ Life magazine is the only print magazine written by military kids for military kids. The current issue of the magazine is all about music, being strong, and the awesomeness of your military home.
Kids will have the chance to step up to the mic and sing to their favorite tunes (and wow the mall with their military kid talent!), show off their strength, and make a fun craft that tells the story of their military life.
The Reading Room will have a selection of Elva Resa books for purchase. Books like Night Catch, Deployment Journal for Kids, and The Wishing Tree, were created especially for military kids!
This event is open to kids of all ages, but older elementary, middle school, and high school kids are especially invited to attend. Drop off your story samples and talk to the Janine to be considered for publication in the next issue of Military Kids’ Life!
Subscribe to Military Kids’ Life and receive four issues per year of awesome milkid content!

Sacred Spaces Book Club Discussion August 30, 2016, 9 PM EST
2016-08-30 21:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago)
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, will join Military Spouse magazine for a book club discussion Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 9 PM Eastern.
As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie traveled on an overseas holiday trip with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in December 2015. She wanted to better understand her husband’s deployments and share her experience with other military spouses.
Like many military couples, Corie and her husband, Matt, an Army chaplain, accumulated significant unshared moments during Matt’s deployments. Matt lost friends and fellow soldiers to combat in Afghanistan. On the home front, Corie sat with bereaved military families and walked through dark days with new widows as a friend and professional counselor. When Matt returned, he and Corie began using the term “sacred spaces” for these and other significant moments they had experienced independently. After multiple deployments, sacred spaces were taking up a lot of emotional room in their relationship.
Corie’s trip brought her to Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, where she spoke with military families stationed overseas and deployed troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea. As she sat in the belly of a C-17, where her husband had said goodbye to the remains of friends and fellow soldiers, as she touched with her own hands the memorial at FOB Fenty and reflected on her grief as a care team member following the battle of COP Keating, Corie realized this journey was about much more than the push-pull of duty away from loved ones.
Join in the discussion as Corie talks about her powerful experience, the impact of sacred spaces in any marriage, and how couples can strengthen their relationship by intentionally pursuing their spouse’s heart.
Register for the book club discussion.
Buy the paperback from MilitaryFamilyBooks.com or Amazon.com.
Buy the ebook from MilitaryFamilyBooks.com (nonKindle) or Amazon.com (Kindle).

Corie Weathers Shares Sacred Spaces on Army Wife Talk Radio Aug 1, 2016, 7 PM CT
2016-08-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, is a featured guest on Army Wife Talk Radio on Monday, August 1, 2016 at 7 PM Central. She will talk about her new book and the journey that helped her discover a new perspective of her military marriage.
As the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, Corie traveled on an overseas holiday trip with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in December 2015. She wanted to better understand her husband’s deployments and share her experience with other military spouses.
Like many military couples, Corie and her husband, Matt, an Army chaplain, accumulated significant unshared moments during Matt’s deployments. Matt lost friends and fellow soldiers to combat in Afghanistan. On the home front, Corie sat with bereaved military families and walked through dark days with new widows as a friend and professional counselor. When Matt returned, he and Corie began using the term “sacred spaces” for these and other significant moments they had experienced independently. After multiple deployments, sacred spaces were taking up a lot of emotional room in their relationship.
Corie’s trip brought her to Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf, where she spoke with military families stationed overseas and deployed troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea. As she sat in the belly of a C-17, where her husband had said goodbye to the remains of friends and fellow soldiers, as she touched with her own hands the memorial at FOB Fenty and reflected on her grief as a care team member following the battle of COP Keating, Corie realized this journey was about much more than the push-pull of duty away from loved ones.
Listen in as Corie talks about her powerful experience, the impact of sacred spaces in any marriage, and how couples can strengthen their relationship by intentionally pursuing their spouse’s heart.
Army Wife Talk Radio is an internet talk radio show for Army wives, by Army wives. Listen to the show.

Lori Eslick Paintings at Chelsea Art Fair, MI, July 29-30, 2016
2016-07-29 12:00 - 2016-07-30 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Lori McElrath-Eslick, illustrator of The Good Fire Helmet and other award-winning children’s books, will display a collection of her paintings at the Chelsea Art Market, Chelsea, Michigan, Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30, 2016, 12-8 PM Eastern. The Art Market is on both East and West Middle St in downtown Chelsea. Demonstrations take place throughout downtown festival locations.
Lori paints daily for the pure joy of painting in the plein air. Her note of encouragement to all: “Enjoy this day and do something creative just for you today, as it makes our world a better place!”
You can also view Lori’s art at these two galleries:
Arts Council of White Lake, Whitehall, MI
Bettye Clark Cannon Gallery, Muskegon, MI
Those not in the Michigan area can see more of Lori’s work on her website, Pinterest Painting-a-Day, Pinterest Oil Paintings, and Betona Tile.

Sacred Spaces Military Marriage Webinar July 25, 2016, 8PM Eastern
2016-07-25 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Corie Weathers, author of Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage, is hosting a FREE marriage webinar on Monday. July 25, 2016 at 8 PM Eastern/ 7 PM Central. She will talk about how to intentionally pursue your spouse’s heart by creating more shared sacred spaces in your marriage.
The webinar is part of Corie’s Intentional Marriage Challenge, an outgrowth of her many years of marriage to her Army chaplain husband, Matthew, and her recent overseas journey with Secretary of Defense Carter, which brought a new perspective to her own marriage and her ministry as a counselor to military and first-responder couples.
Register for free at Enliven Marriage to join the webinar.

Barnes Signs Books at Summerville's "Author, Author" Literary Event June 16, 2016
2016-06-16 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Terri Barnes, author of Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life, will be featured in “Author, Author!” a literary event on June 16, 2016, in Summerville, South Carolina. She will appear at Lowcountry Olive Oil, 103D S. Main Street from 5-8 PM to sign copies of Spouse Calls, a compilation of her award-winning Stars and Stripes column, as well as Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, for which she was an editor and a contributor.
Select local writers will appear at other businesses throughout the Summerville historic district. Visitors are invited to drop in and chat with the authors, buy books, and have them signed. Open to the public, “Author, Author!” is a program of Summerville DREAM, Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management.
Terri’s first book, Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life was awarded first place in the 2015 Midwest Book Awards for Best Current Events Book of the Year and was named a finalist in ForeWord Reviews’ 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards in the Best Essays category.
Terri is the special projects editor for Elva Resa Publishing. For more than eight years, she was the military family columnist for Stars and Stripes, a global publication for the military community. Terri has been a member of the Washington, DC, press corps and has contributed to several other books about military life. Her work has appeared in Air Force/Army/Navy Times, The Huffington Post, and the (Charleston) Post and Courier, as well as newspapers, magazines, and publications in various locations where her military family has lived around the world.
She has been married to her Air Force husband, Mark, for 31 years, and they have three grown children. After a lifetime of military moves, Terri and Mark have made their home in Summerville.

Judy Davis Keynotes Dove Real Beauty's Women in the Military Luncheon May 18, 2016
2016-05-18 11:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Kingsmill Resort, 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg,, VA, United States
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down is the keynote speaker at Dove Real Beauty’s 3rd annual “Women of the Military” luncheon. Sponsored by Unilever’s Operation In Touch, the event takes place Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Eastern at the Kingsmill Resort, 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Judy’s talk includes:
Discover Your Difference

Military life puts us in a constant state of change. It’s important to discover who we are, manage expectations, take care of ourselves, and embrace our uniqueness.

Making Your Difference

How do you make a difference in the world without losing yourself?

Judy will share tips from her book and also sign copies following the luncheon. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Right Side Up.
Registration is free, but seats are limited: http://bit.ly/1NkIu5m

Schellhaas Attends Inc. Magazine's GrowCo May 17-19, 2016
2016-05-17 08:00 - 2016-05-19 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Kristine Schellhaas, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, has been selected by Inc. magazine to attend GrowCo May 17-19, 2016 in Las Vegas. She will attend as a special delegate as part of a program for veterans and military entrepreneurs.
Kristine will join like-minded entrepreneurs, business leaders, bestselling authors and headliners from the pages of Inc. for three days of ideas, inspiration and insights, networking and learning, and proven strategies to help companies grow and thrive. The conference promises advice, creative ideas, and workable business solutions from the doers and dreamers of what Inc. refers to as the most audacious companies around.
Kristine is the founder and manager of USMC Life, a successful business that inspires, connects, and educates military families.

Pavlicin-Fragnito Signs Children's Novel at BEA May 13, 2016
2016-05-13 12:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | McCormick Place
Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito will sign copies of her children’s novel Summer of Courage at BookExpo America (BEA) on Friday, May 13, 2016 12:30-1 PM Central in the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Cooperative Booth 2229, McCormick Place, Chicago.
BEA is the largest publishing event in North America, attracting booksellers, librarians, educators, specialty retailers, and authors. IBPA is the largest publishing trade association in the US.
Summer of Courage is a middle grade novel set in rural upstate New York, where ten-year-old Andy spends the summer with Grandma. His adventure of the heart includes fishing, family, friendship, rotten apples, cow dung…and a little bit of faith as he deals with recent changes in his life.
“ … an upbeat, positive story … wise, hopeful … with a subtle simplicity sure to touch hearts.” – School Library Journal
“An enjoyable adventure of discovery … ” – Midwest Book Review
“ … compelling … and woven with rich memories … ” – Stories for Children Magazine
The story has won many awards, including the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Gold Medal. The ebook will be released at BEA.
BONUS:
Fans of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life: If you bring your own copy of the book to the booth between Noon and 1 PM, coauthors Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito and Kristine Schellhaas will both be available to sign your book!

Schellhaas Signs New Memoir at BEA May 13, 2016
2016-05-13 12:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | McCormick Place, 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States
Kristine Schellhaas, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life will sign copies of her new memoir 15 Years of War: How the Longest War in U.S. History Affected a Military Family in Love, Loss, and the Cost Of Service at BookExpo America (BEA) on Friday, May 13, 2016 12-12:30 PM Central in the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Cooperative Booth 2229, McCormick Place, Chicago.
BEA is the largest publishing event in North America, attracting booksellers, librarians, educators, specialty retailers, and authors. IBPA is the largest publishing trade association in the US.
15 Years of War provides a unique he said/she said perspective on coping with war in modern-day America. It reveals a true account of how a dedicated Marine and his equally committed spouse faced unfathomable challenges and achieved triumph, from the days just before 9/11 through 15 years of training workups, deployments, and other separations.
This story of faith, love, and resilience offers insight into how a decade and a half of war has redefined what it means to be a military family.
Booksellers, librarians, and other BEA attendees are invited to come receive a complimentary signed copy of the book at the booth at noon.
BONUS:
Fans of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life: If you bring your own copy of the book to the booth between Noon and 1 PM, coauthors Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito and Kristine Schellhaas will both be available to sign your book!

Weathers, Hoppin, Domingos-Lupher Speak at Military Spouse of the Year Awards May 4-5, 2016
2016-05-04 08:00 - 2016-05-05 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Several Elva Resa authors will attend the Military Spouse of the Year Awards events in the Washington, DC area May 4-5, 2016.

Stories Around the Table coauthor Sue Hoppin, founder and president of National Military Spouse Network, will keynote the Military Spouse magazine Military Spouse of the Year Town Hall on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.

Corie Weathers, author of the forthcoming Sacred Spaces and 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year (and Army MSOY), will lead a Spouse of the Year panel and breakout session with fellow MSOYs Jana Kingery (Air Force ), Stacey Benson (Coast Guard), Nicole Spaid (Marine Corps), Julia Kysela (National Guard), and Tammy Meyer (Navy).

Following lunch, Stories Around the Table coauthor Adrianna Domingos-Lupher, 2015 MacDill Spouse of the Year and founder of MSB New Media and Next Gen MilSpouse, will participate in a business and entrepreneur panel led by Lakesha Cole, 2014 AFI Military Spouse of the Year and founder of MilSpouseprenuer.
Current Military Spouse of the Year Corie Weathers will keynote the MSOY Awards VIP luncheon in Washington, DC on May 5, 2016, when the 2016 AFI Military Spouse of the Year will be announced.
Among other insights, Corie will share her life-changing experience traveling overseas with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter in December. The journey helped her gain a new perspective on deployment and her military marriage. Her memoir Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage is available for preorder from MilitaryFamilyBooks.com.

Holly Scherer Shares Her Inspiring Story at the Spouses' Club of Fort Eustis Luncheon April 21, 2016
2016-04-21 10:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
* * * PLEASE NOTE: Due to a family emergency, Holly will not be able to make the luncheon as planned. However, Fort Eustis spouses are still in for a real treat: Janine Boldrin, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, will share her story!

* * *
Holly Scherer, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, and Military Spouse Journey: Discover the Possibilities & Live Your Dreams, is the guest speaker at the Spouses’ Club of Fort Eustis April luncheon on Thursday, April 21, 2016, 10:30 AM – 1 PM Eastern at the Fort Eustis Club, 2123 Pershing Ave, Fort Eustis, Virginia.
In May 2015, several Fort Eustis military spouses attended Dove Real Beauty’s Operation in Touch event at Kingsmill Resort for women in the military and LOVED it! The event featured inspiring speakers, all coauthors of Stories Around the Table. Everyone in attendance received a copy of the book.
The Spouses’ Club of Fort Eustis chose to use Stories Around the Table as a launch pad for their yearly theme “What’s your story? Everyone has one!” Each month throughout this year, a military spouse shared her story with the group.
To close out this exceptional year-long story sharing, Holly will share her inspirational journey through military life and beyond.
Check-in begins at 10:30; lunch will be served at 11. Cost is $20 per person. Please RSVP to the Spouses’ Club of Fort Eustis by April 18. Limited childcare is available for children nine months old to five years old.
Sharing stories creates supportive communities. Host a Stories Experience in your community.

USO San Diego Distributes Disney DVDs for Month of the Military Child
2016-04-20 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Courageous boys and girls throughout the US stand in steadfast support of their military service member throughout moves and deployments. Every April, organizations and communities honor children of military families as part of Month of the Military Child.
This year, USO San Diego thanks our brave military children’s readiness and resiliency with a giant DVD distribution. Each registered child will have the opportunity to select a Disney DVD.
Program Details
Date: Wednesday, April 20th
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: USO San Diego Downtown Center
Address: 303 A Street, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101
Refreshments: Papa John’s pizza will be served in the Café

*10 military children have the opportunity to select a family friendly Disney movie every 5 minutes!

Parking
The ACE Parking Lot #12, located diagonally across from our Downtown Center entrance, is available. Parking passes are located on the USO website and are available at the center. Metered street parking is also available. No parking will be allowed inside USO San Diego’s garage.

Program Requirements

A valid Active-Duty, Reserve, Guard or Dependent Military ID
Open to legal dependents of Active-Duty, Reserve, or Guard (Ages Birth-18)

Registration
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is now closed; all 480 spots have been registered. Please arrive in time for the slot you signed up for during registration.

Please check the USO San Diego Facebook page for updates.
