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Holly Scherer, author and co-author of four books on the First Lady of the Marine Corps’ Recommended Reading List, speaks to spouses of Marines and Sailors during a Heroes at Home event aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 17. Scherer encouraged spouses and family members to get involved with their military member’s unit, volunteer and support each other.

Photo by Cpl. Melissa Eschenbrenner

Spouses celebrate being ‘Heroes at Home’

18 Oct 2013 | Cpl. Melissa Eschenbrenner 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Hundreds of spouses and family members from units all over Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., filled the Bob Hope Theatre for a Heroes at Home aboard the air station, Oct. 17.

The spouses listened to an upbeat and relaxed presentation by several authors of books listed on the First Lady of the Marine Corps’ Recommended Reading List. Bonnie Amos, the commandant’s wife, spoke to the spouses, encouraging them to volunteer and be involved to support each other.

“I thought it was a fabulous event,” said Cindy Busby, wife of the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “For these ladies to get to meet Mrs. Amos; what a treat.”

Amos gave advice to spouses on keeping up with their adopted military lifestyle.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” said Amos, referencing a quote by Maya Angelou. She explained that it is important to help others to better the community and improve each of their lives together.

The author of multiple books to help military wives to happiness, Holly Sherer, and Ellie Kay, author of “Heroes at Home” spoke to spouses about supporting their Marine or Sailor to the best of their abilities. They encouraged the spouses to volunteer and pursue their dreams despite the hardships on the military lifestyle.

“I sat in the back, so I could see what was happening,” said Busby. “It was great to see the expressions of the spouses. They could relate to everything that was being said up there.”

USAA and Marine Corps Community Services donated gifts to be raffled off after the show. Some of the prizes included gift cards, books and even a diamond pendant. Spouses were also able to choose a gown out of more than 200 for free from MCCS.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 each won $1,000 from MCCS for having the most people per capita participate in the event.

“It’s great when our units get together because we’re all part of the big Marine Corps family,” said Busby. “Get involved, be yourself and have fun.”