Charlie-Mike
Well, HELLO There!
Thank you for taking the time to see/read/whatever me. It may not be in person, but I can assure you I will make you feel as if I am right there with you. Over the years, I have developed into a strong and determined individual, overcoming obstacles that kept coming my way. Believing I had to JUST GET BACK UP, after falling many times, got me through the pain. It is ok to fall, the focus is to get back UP! Here's the truth... I am what I am and I do not necessarily care what others think. My family comes first! Plain and simple! I just love to be Honest, True and REAL! It annoys SO many people, but I cannot let that get in the way of me living life. Can you say the same thing about your life? If not, come with me on the journey! We can be real together!
BE REAL!
I'm a Wifey, a Mama, & a BOSS!
The reason I live!
Oil & Vinegar!
My hubby & I are like Oil & Water! Total opposites in most situations but somehow mix just right. But don't get it twisted.. we drive each other batty! Whereas, I drive him more batty- but he would never admit it, because he is so laid back. And it drives me NUTS! LOL! I love him wickedly wild & could not imagine my life without him! Well, when he has boogers or when he farts, I slightly imagine it, but then it goes away. He is my awesome man of a man! And an amazing father, brother, son, friend, etc. xoxo
The Reason I Live!
My family is the reason I live. They bring Life into my Being! You need to FIND INSPIRATION IN WHO YOU LOVE or WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO. I sometimes wonder what my purpose is or why I continue through my pain. It isn't always easy. I cry a lot. People may not believe it, but it's true. But I know the answer is my family! I love them so, so, so very much. The struggles we go through, the laughs we have, the journeys, the lessons, our growth as a family, the love we share together... I just cannot imagine life without them! They are the reason I live! And, yes... My pets are my family, too! Even the ones we have lost!
My Girls are AWESOME!
These girls are NOT just Gorgeous, they totally Kick Butt in sports & in education & are lovers of the Lord! Sure, they're definitely not perfect. Who is? For being six years apart in age and getting along the way they do, it's a true blessing that we have these amazing, intelligent girls in our lives. I can honestly say that it scares me to be a mother of two girls. Scares me to death. At times I cannot breathe when I imagine the ugliness of the world. But then I snap myself out of it. They both make us very proud in almost everything they do! We are very Blessed!
My Other Lives
There is more to me than meets the eye!
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Outside and Inside
Law Enforcement has encompassed most of my adult life. I have worked as an Emergency Communications Specialist, Community Service Officer, and a Sworn Law Enforcement Officer. As a sworn law enforcement officer, I specialized in Crisis Intervention and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and Management. After my work as an officer on the streets, I found myself inside of the county jail as a Civilian Records Supervisor in a County Correctional Facility and continued to keep my certification as a sworn officer with the state of Florida up until a couple of years ago. Nothing came easy... I worked my rear end off for everything and I continue to do so. I pray for the Blue, as I couldn't imagine being in law enforcement, on the road, attempting to protect the citizens in our current world environment.
ARMY
Transportation Logistics &
Air Defense Artillery
I have over eighteen years in the United States Army, having to leave medically, at the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Florida Army National Guard. My last role was as an Air Defense Battle Management Operator, and my last mission was as the Platoon Sergeant in charge of the team working the Joint Air Defense Operations Center in Washington, D.C. protecting the nation's highest assets. It was an incredible challenge, and an honor. Previously in the Army, I worked in Transportation Logistics overseeing the planning and management of all military transportation in, out, and around the state or nation. I have earned many commendations and awards but it's nothing in comparison to having had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people, traveling to some of the greatest places, having had incredible experiences. I miss the Army tremendously.
Transportation/Security Logistics Management
Give it to Me. I will Accomplish It!
In my position with the Orange County Convention Center, I managed transportation and security logistics for conventions- many with over 100,000 attendees, which included the management of taxis, buses, pedestrian traffic, and off-site event transportation. Security was necessary for all modes of transportation, as well as off-duty law enforcement, traffic plans with county transportation engineering, and coordination with local businesses to include some of the theme parks. Additionally in my role, I managed short and long-term federal contracts & grants, in excess of hundreds of millions of dollars and also worked in conjunction with private industry organizations with zero defects!. One of the greatest events I planned and managed was with federal, state, and local law enforcement to get the presidential candidates and the (then) current president in and out of our facility to speak at one of the conventions. It was wild- and very fun.
ADP Global Security Organization
Corporate Safety & Security
I was recruited into my current position while on a Joint Air Defense Operations mission with the Army in Washington, D.C. Believe it or not, ADP was able to get my military orders cut short and I was back home to start the new position for the date they had "arranged" for. It was quite interesting. In my position, and as simply as I can explain it, I ensure the safety and security of all personnel and all physical locations within the region of my portfolio. I work closely with law enforcement, GSO investigations, and other agencies as well as Human Resources, Legal, other Managers and all associates in ADP. And then... The Pandemic of 2020 happened. This year definitely continues to challenge everyone in many aspects of the job.
Writer for Freedom Sisters
Freelance Writing
A wonderful woman veteran (retired Captain) I went to a leadership school with from the military started a media company and recruited me as a writer. Freedom Sisters Media (and the magazine*) is a Woman Veteran-Owned Media Company to Champion Change for Women Veterans and to amplify Women Veterans. They tackle tough conversations on their Podcast which I invite all people, not only women and not only veterans, to enjoy. It's always been a passion to write and I previously wrote for Military.com. My focus for Freedom Sisters magazine will be veteran mentorship, remembrance, and motherhood and I'm really excited about sharing my thoughts and feelings with those who support the veteran community.
*Subscribe to the Magazine below
VetsSUP
(Veterans Standup Paddleboarding)
President
VetsSUP is a new organization for Veterans, their families, and their friends, who enjoy standup paddleboarding and/or veterans who are interested in taking up the SUP sport. I started the organization* after many years of pain and illness/disability from my time in the Army. The purpose of VetsSUP is to build camaraderie among veterans throughout the state of Florida (and the nation) while also enjoying the water standup paddleboarding, which allows veterans to be or remain physically active. The SUP sport also allows veterans to find mental and emotional healing (which it provided me). Events are planned, organized, and executed with donations by the community and/or local businesses as well as receiving help from community friends, families, and other veterans.
*Visit www.VetsSUPfl.org for more info
