Women who actively serve in the military or are married to a veteran, are some of the strongest women around. They endure extended separation from loved ones, casualties of war, and many other stresses. To top it off, they experience a hometown identity crisis. When asked, “Where are you from?” the answer can be, “I’m not from anywhere. I’m from everywhere!”
To celebrate and honor Veterans this month we are highlighting the nonprofit, Beauties and Boots. You are invited to join them as they serve enlisted women, military wives and the children of veterans. Beauties and Boots is a national movement that inspires women to walk in their own shoes while marching through military life. The support provided by Beauties and Boots for these women who face the unique challenges of military life can be invaluable.
Why the red shoes in the logo? The red stripe in our flag stands for hardiness and valor, while the color red gives us an important reminder: It represents the blood shed for our country’s freedom. We can show support for these beauties by wearing red on Fridays to “Remember Everyone Deployed” (R.E.D.). You can kick up your support a notch by rocking red shoes!
Founded in 2010, under the umbrella of the 85-year-old women’s ministry, Stonecroft, Beauties and Boots exists to provide camaraderie and support all over our nation for military women and their families, through monthly meetings, special events and online support groups.
Locally, Debbie Harrell, National Military Consultant for Beauties and Boots serves our region with her team. In our area, most of their meeting and events happen at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. “Last year our team partnered with Chaplain Corp Team to successfully present Dobbins first, Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage, said Harrell. One participant shared, “We learned about each other’s brain wire connectivity. This was my favorite part. While women wire connectivity, men compartmentalize. It is important to know each other’s differences and how to better communicate.”
“Chaplain Parris from the Chaplain Corp Team at Dobbins shared her dream with me,” said Harrell. “She wanted to provide something special for female Airmen and Spouses during the four-day May drill that included Mother’s Day. With a tight budget she requested assistance from our team. We answered her call by transforming what used to be a military emergency call center into an oasis of relaxation. Our team was able to pamper Airmen, their mothers, spouses, as well as a few dependents.” One participant shared, “This was amazing, so relaxing. Thank you so much.” Another said, “Wow! This was very special.” Chaplain Parris’ dream became a reality and a great success thanks to many volunteers and donations. On November 4, 2023 a 2nd Annual Spa Day was offered at Dobbins.
Learning to communicate better at the “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage” Conference
Participants sharing their art at the fun “Paint and Mocktails” event in March
An oasis of relaxation created for the annual “Spa Day” event
Preparing for the annual “Spa Day” held November 4
If you are presently serving in the military or know someone who is, please share this valuable resource with them. Besides special events, Beauties and Boots holds regular meetings at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, 1291 Cobb Parkway, SE, Marietta, Georgia, which are held during drill weekends (drill weekends are usually the first Saturday of every month). The meetings are held in the dining facility from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To learn exact meeting times and gain security access (if needed), please contact: Debbie Harrell via email, debbieharrell97@gmail.com or call her at 502-419-4371.
For those not able to attend the in-person meetings at Dobbins, Beauties and Boots offers online support through their Military Virtual Hometown in four venues:
- Military Virtual Coffee Shop—A place to come and chill with others
- Virtual Home—Homefront heroes connecting with each other
- Military Virtual Chapel—Faith for the weary
- Military Virtual Playground—Having fun together
They also off regular “Sisters of Strength” conference call meetings for those who are struggling or in crisis every Friday. Again, contact Debbie Harrell (above) for details and link to connect to this conference call meeting.
Beauties and Boots gives us a tangible way to honor our military veterans. If you are a veteran, consider attending meetings or a special event. New opportunities are always in the works. If you would like to support those who serve to secure our precious freedoms, volunteer or sponsor a woman to attend an event. For more information or to donate visit, beautiesandboots.com.