It’s a new year and we are coming in strong with the Marriage & Leadership series! Over the next few weeks we will hear from our Armed Forces leaders as each shares their marriage stories, lessons learned and advice for #milmarriage. This series demonstrates that caring for our military families means that we care for our military marriages, which is a priority amongst our leaders. Lean in as we have a heart to heart to gain lessons on love, marriage and leadership with those shaping our service branches for a better tomorrow.
Representing the Space Force we have Mrs. Mollie Raymond!
Mollie Raymond is the Spouse to the First Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force. Mrs Raymond is married to General John "Jay" Raymond, the first Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force. Mollie has traveled all over the world as a military spouse and has moved 19 times during her time. She has long been a champion for military spouses and families working tirelessly to support them through promoting family engagements, building connections, and creating a sense of community. With the stand-up of the sixth and newest branch of the Armed Services, Mollie is humbled to serve alongside Jay during these historic times. Her focus will be to support and advocate for Space Families while upholding the Space Force’s worldwide necessity, heritage, and culture.
From a church tour to a co-ed volleyball team, the Raymonds met and connected quickly based on having the same core values. After 5 months they were engaged to be married. They had a long engagement in Grand Forks, North Dakota before a PCS took them to California. That move was difficult for Mollie as her first time away from family. She describes the transition as being very difficult. In hindsight she learned the importance of working together and supporting one another through transition especially when it’s harder on one spouse more than another.
Mattrice’s Top Tips For Servant Leadership in Life & Marriage:
- Respect what your spouse is saying. Validate your partner's feelings and acknowledge what they are communicating to you. This will help make your spouse feel understood and loved.
Marriage & Leadership Advice:
- Embrace opportunity. You may not always succeed, but you learn and grow from them.
Resources Recommendations:
Military One Source https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/
Installation Chaplains (Contact your local office)
Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks
Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel
The Older I Get by Alan Jackson
Listen to our Heart Tracks 3 playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3izcNRGc44G4rHt4qcJzUJ?si=eaef4f0267684ed0
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