Renee Chapman
Military Contributor
Contact: renee@helpamilitarywife.com

Hi everyone! My name is Renee Chapman.  On the HHC boards, you know me as mama2gbe – Army wife and proud SAHM to 3 little boys. My husband (my soul mate!) has been an active duty soldier for almost 10 yrs.  I married him 1 week after he received his commission and we started our life together, military style.

Over the past 10 yrs, we have moved 8 times, across the country and back again.  I anticipate at least another 8 moves over the next 10+ yrs.  We’ve lived on-post and off and we’ve been renters and home owners.  We have 3 amazing sons, ages 7, 5, & 2.5 – each born in a different state. We’ve endured many months of separation due to military schooling, training missions, field time, and deployment. Living the military life really is an adventure!

I have a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Prior to having my babies, I was employed by DoD and worked for the Army as a Training and Programs Specialist for the Human Services Division.  I have always volunteered in the military communities we live in. I’ve been involved with the Family Advocacy Program, Exceptional Family Member Program, Army Family Team Building, various military spouse organizations, and served in several Family Readiness Groups at the company and battalion levels.  I am also a member of the National Military Family Association.

Despite the many and varied challenges, I love being an Army wife. Many civilian friends and family often exclaim to the military wife, “I don’t know how you do it!” You know what, we just do.  Sure, our lives may seem a little crazy to an outsider, but in the military world, it is par for the course. There are hundreds of thousands of military wives; all around the globe, that incessantly face similar challenges.  The setting and characters vary, but the stories are the same. Be it Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy or Coast Guard, most of us military wives share a sense of camaraderie.  We’re committed to our marriages – we love our husbands and share their sense of pride and responsibility for fellow man. We respect our flag and what it stands for. We have reverence for our veterans and thank them for the freedoms we enjoy today.  We believe in the call to duty, in honor, and in our country.

My family comes first – now and always.  Taking care of my husband, our children, and our home is a full time job.  I'm glad there are people like Darla Shine that are finally sticking up for us, demanding respect, and restoring honor to the homemaking profession. I'm grateful for her continued support and encouragement via her book, her website, and her radio show.