'Army Wife 101' Serves Our Nation In A Whole New Way
I don’t believe that any woman can understand what it is like to be the wife of a military serviceman or mother to his children unless you are one. I know I can’t. The danger and uncertainty that military wives must endure on a regular basis - especially today - can be nothing less than inexplicable. Krystel Spell, however, does an incredible job of ‘trying’ through her blog Army Wife 101.
I e-met Krystel a few years ago, having come across her blog while conducting some personal reconnaissance relevant to my own daughter’s future. Krystel was rather helpful in the personal insight she shared…much of which has since been encapsulated in the following post What I Wish I’d Known About Being a Military Spouse.
Truth-be-told, “marital challenges” are just one aspect of military life that Army Wife 101 offers. There are many others, including military living, military discounts, travel, parenting, and more -- all of which Krystel addresses with a wonderfully honest tone mixed with the perfect combination of humor and seriousness that keeps her fans identifying with and hanging on her every word.
As the 4th of July is upon us, I feel, celebrating Krystel and military wives and mothers like her is equally as important as celebrating the servicemen out in the field -- past and present. These families’ sacrifice can not be divvied up. Nor should our support or interest in what they do to help keep each other going. Army Wife 101 provides a special look into these realities. Make reading it and the interview below part of your reality.
What is your full name?
Krystel Spell
Where do you live?
North Carolina
How many children do you have?
Two
If you were asked to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be?
Compassionate
What is your personal mantra?
Actress Ruby Dee once said “I am not who I’m going to be. I am always becoming.” I love knowing that I am always evolving ever changing.
Do you believe you have a “life’s purpose?” If so, share it.
I’m not afraid to admit that I am still trying to figure that out. So far, I think it’s helping people and just being compassionate in a world where people are far to quick to judge.
Finish this sentence, “The best part about being a mom is?”
My kids love me flaws and all.
How long have you been blogging for? Do you blog for any group blogs or websites beyond your own?
I have been blogging since 2008.
What is the name of your blog? When was it launched?
My blog is called Army Wife 101 and it was launched in 2008.
Share with us the significance of the name of your blog to you. How did you come up with it?
In living the life of a military spouse, I always had questions. I figured 101 represented a starter course and I figured it would be a perfect addition in the name.
What is the primary focus of your blog?
Today, Army Wife 101 is a lifestyle blog for military spouses of all branches. It shares the ups, downs and everyday stories of myself and several military spouses.
What do you hope to accomplish through it?
I think my goal has been accomplished which is to let other military spouses know that even though this life is challenging they aren’t alone and they will get through it.
List any awards you have won.
2012 Best Local Blogger in my town and in 2013 HLN named me a top digital influencer.
Are you a Brand Ambassador and if so, for which companies?
I have been for Lifelock and Sears outlets. I’ve worked with dozens of major brands on military campaigns.
Beyond your blog, do you engage in other social media outlets such as Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, etc.?
I engage in almost all social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. My latest love is Snapchat. I love the in the moment of it all.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to moms who may be interested in beginning a blog?
A lot of people get into blogging to strictly make money which is great, but if you don’t write about things you are passionate about, your readers will be able to tell. You can forget having a successful blog.
Are you an entrepreneur or professional beyond your blog (and outside of being a mom)? Please share.
I am the 'Director of Influencer Campaigns' at SoFluential.com. I love working and creating social media campaigns for brands. I also love bring paid work to our network of military spouse bloggers.
Do you support – either formally or informally – a particular social cause?
I am supporter of the LGBT community in the military and love watching AMPA and all the great things they are doing.
When all is said and done, what is the one thing you hope your loved ones and those who knew you remember about you?
As I mentioned I am a very compassionate person. Even when wronged I don’t like to see people feel alone or hurt. I want people to remember me as a person who who took the time to lend a listening ear.
In my opinion, Krystel deserves a medal for the amount of time and care she is devoting to the support of fellow military wives and moms -- possibly a purple heart. In the event that she does not receive one, what we can guarantee her is the ‘interest, support, and readership’ of Army Wife 101. The greater understanding doing so will bring can only benefit the entire nation in the way our Founding Fathers intended and we will soon celebrate once again.