MSEJ November 2015 | Page 9

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. “ —Joseph Campbell

In her keynote, Deb discussed how her husband's military service post 9/11 changed her marriage to the military and how they-as partners-committed to serving in their own capacities. Deb explained how the actions of all of those married to the military are heroic in their own way. She told the audience:

"As military spouses, you may be reluctant to see the heroism in your own actions as you travel the global roads that take you into and out of the arms of your Warrior. Yet, there is something SO noble and SO brave in the actions each military spouse chooses to take on within the confines of military structure, military protocol, military installations and military commands.

"ALL these years later, I can see how the choices I made led me to where I am now. Together, my husband and I founded two major nonprofit organizations that serve faithfully military families. I cannot imagine working with anyone else for any other purpose when serving our beloved military community."

Speaking on the event, Deb said, "It was an honor to speak at a celebration taking the time to remember the role spouses and dependents played while our Veterans have served."

The Lake St. Louis, Missouri Veterans Committee selected Deb Kloeppel, Founder and President, CASY & MSCCN, to provide the keynote address during their Nov 11, 2015 Veteran' Day event. The event focused on the topic "Why I Married Military - honoring nation-wide military spouses, active and retired."

Deb is the first woman and the first military spouse to present at this event.

Kloeppel Wows at Veterans Day in Lake St. Louis

As military spouses, you may be reluctant to see the heroism in your own actions as you travel the global roads that take into and out of the arms of your Warrior.

There is something SO noble and SO brave in the actions each military spouse chooses to take on within the confines of military structure, military protocol, military installations and military commands.

Deb Kloeppel, Founder and President, CASY & MSCCN and Rear Admiral Dan Kloeppel, USN (Ret.) Founder and CEO, CASY & MSCCN