Meet Contest Finalist: Claire Schwartz, Army Spouse
As a resident of Fayetteville, North Carolina my whole life, (better known as Fort Bragg in the military world) I should have known what it was like to be part of the Army. But growing up around it did not necessarily give me that insight.
I never quite understood until I met and married my husband.
Only through his eyes and our love for each other did I finally get it. My husband knew that being an Army soldier was something he wanted to do since high school.
I, on the other hand, never thought I would marry an Army guy.
Since I have known my husband, he has always worked hard to accomplish his goals within his job. He is young and I am young, but that did not stop him from going hard for his goals especially being part of the 82nd Airborne Corps.
I watched him take on the challenge of moving to a new unit and it was not an easy transition, but I have seen him flourish.
I am proud because I see the joy his chosen career brings him.
He not only gives his all to his soldiers and unit, but also in our home life. From the beginning of our relationship, he has been fearless with making a life for us, and I have been proud.
I, in turn, was proud to help him memorize the NCO creed, to help him practice for jumpmaster school, and to support him in his recent deployment to Poland.
I am am also proud of the effort he puts in going to schools to advance his career and build relationships with people that will last a lifetime. He has not fallen short.
I am proud because he works hard, comes home, and loves his family unconditionally.
Not only is he the best father to our little girl, he never hesitated in adopting my older child and treats her as if he never knew it to be any other way.
I am proud because it is not easy on either end, but we work together to make it happen because he simply loves serving his country.
Until the time comes to part ways with the military world, I will continue to support and be proud of what he does and who we serve.
Claire is from Fayetteville, North Carolina and has lived there her whole life. For now, at-least. She met her military husband in December of 2019 and got married shortly after in March of 2021.
She and her husband have two kids- Addy who is three (going on sixteen) and Ava who is one. She also has another one on the way. In addition to her kids, she has two furry 70lb dogs, Winston and Millie.
After attenting four different colleges, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in public relations from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
She currently works a church in downtown Fayetteville as a facilities communication coordinator. During her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, host get togethers and take the girls to the park.
She has a big heart for others and is always willing to help.
*Read more essays from the AWN Finalists
