Published: January 17, 2020
“I enjoy supporting the wonderful families in my unique military community,” Melissa, Army spouse, recently told Blue Star Families. “So, I love volunteering my time to organizations that have a direct impact on my neighbors and friends-as-family.”
An Army spouse for 15 years, Melissa has assimilated to four different duty stations and therefore has become a community-building pro to ensure she has a tribe to help her thrive. So, when she’s not with her family, she’s volunteering her time to welcome and connect military families to the community — and she’s really good at it.
Her secret sauce is finding common bonds to bring people together. And, as an avid reader and self-proclaimed book nerd, books have been an easy way to do just that. As the Blue Star Families Virtual Book Club leader, she connects like-minded milspouses to good reads and resources. She also leads stimulating conversations with folks stationed all over the world. Every. Single. Month.
Because of Melissa’s efforts, she’s built an incredible community of spouses across the globe. That’s why we’ve selected her to be a “Champion of Chunky!” Melissa works hard to fuel her milspouse community with knowledge, regardless of distance or time.
Hold up. What’s a Champion of Chunky?
“Champions of Chunky” is a new campaign we launched with Campbell’s Chunky Soup—our awesome Blue Star Neighbor! Now through the end of February, we’re recognizing military family champions holding down the fort in support of their service member who works long days and nights to keep Americans safe. Together, we’re fueling these rock stars all winter long with Champions of Chunky care packages.
Not to mention, this campaign is part of the Campbell Soup Company and Dollar General Corporation’s pledge to give back to military families. These companies recently teamed up to create limited-edition cans of two best-selling flavors of Chunky Soup: Classic Chicken Noodle and Sirloin Burger with Country Vegetables. As part of the initiative, a monetary donation will be made to Blue Star Families. (And you know we’ll put those funds to good use, providing members like YOU free access to our annual programs and events! ?)
But, the real winners here are the folks making a significant difference in their communities, like Melissa.
So, to continue celebrating the campaign, here’s a glimpse into Melissa’s real-life, mil-life, and a short overview as to why we selected her as a “Champion of Chunky!”
Get to know Melissa:
We are a proud active-duty Army family of five. Our kids were all born into the military, which began 15 ½ years ago. I enjoy supporting the wonderful families in my unique military community, so I love volunteering my time to organizations that have a direct impact on my neighbors and friends-as-family.
I’m actively involved as a volunteer leader of the BSF Virtual Book Club. I’m a bibliophile, book nerd, and an avid reader.
It has been my honor to serve as a volunteer BSF Community Engagement Manager for the Missouri Blue Star Families Chapter, which creates so many wonderful events and opportunities to bring the military and local communities together.
Our family loves traveling and trying new foods. We always set out to explore as we move around the country — which, for us, has been four times. In total, we’ve persevered through three deployments.
——
It’s obvious why we named Melissa a “Champion of Chunky!” Over the next few months, Blue Star Families and Campbell’s Chunky Soup will recognize a total of six “Champions of Chunky.”
Lastly, Campbell’s Chunky Soup collectible cans are available at more than 16,000 Dollar General stores while supplies last.
Visit a store near you today, and share your support with us on social media by tagging #FuelingBlueStarFamilies!
Posted In: Champions of Chunky, Family Life, Military Kids