Meet Coleta!

 

This is the 3rd in the series of “interviews” with a Chaplain’s spouse. Today you get to:

Meet Coleta!

 

What branch of the service are you in, and how long have you been in?

USAF; we’ve been in for 31 years total, 20 years active duty. My husband is a Priest in the Anglican Church (Anglican Missions in the Americas). We are currently stationed at Sheppard AFB, in Wichita Falls, TX.

 

Can you tell us a little about your family?

We will be married 31 years in December! We have two sons, one living. Our son is retired from the USMC.

 

If you get free time as a family, what do you enjoy doing?

We like camping, traveling, and NASCAR.

 

What is the best place you’ve lived (or visited) and why?

That would be Vandenberg AFB in California, because of the beautiful weather and the scenery

 

What do you enjoy the most about being a Chaplain’s wife?

It affords me a lot more freedom than a pastor’s wife. I’m not cast in a pastor’s wife mold. Also, normally there is more than just me on a base/post, so there is more than one person to share the load of “Chaplain’s spouse.”

 

What do you like the least about being a Chaplain’s wife?

Some people assume I “know” things because my husband is a Chaplain. However, my husband is a professional, and he takes confidentiality very seriously. And, this may seem like a little thing, but “No, I don’t have keys to the chapel facilities!”

 

What is that ONE thing you wish you could tell civilians about life in the military, or about being a military spouse?

Please do not “bad mouth” the military in the presence of our children.

 

What are some of your personal hobbies and interests?

I enjoy listening to Praise and Worship music, hand-writing letters, and staying in touch with family and friends through email and Facebook. Professionally, I’m a social worker. My dream job is to return to work in a hospice environment. I received my degree from the University of West Florida while stationed at Hurlburt Field, FL. I volunteer at an elementary school and an in-patient hospice center.

 

Any other thoughts you’d like to add?

There have been some rough “dots” in our 30 years, but I would not trade our time in the military for any other journey. I’m very proud to say that my husband and son have proudly served our country.

Thank you, Coleta, for sharing your life and thoughts with us today.