Happy 50th edition, AMSGazette! Seeing this milestone feels especially meaningful because AMSG will always have a special place in my heart — and in my own story.
When I look back at my time as one of the editors of the AMSGazette, I see a chapter defined by community! Being able to share the amazing stories of AMSGers was a true privilege! As a former journalist, stories of hope coming out of the conflict in Ukraine — prosthetics and education — will also stay with me. AMSG’s commitment to community was one of my favorite parts of sharing stories through the AMSGazette. Hearing from team members about visits to Honduras or volunteering at Arcadia was wonderful experience. I also found it very inspiring to hear about hobbies through the Hobby program.
While I was at AMSG, I had been focusing on my freelance career, which allowed me to grow my career professionally, while also providing flexibility in my life as a military spouse. After two years consulting with AMSG and other military and veteran service organizations, I turned my focus back to full-time employment. I took a position as full-time remote position at Blue Star Families, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization serving military and veteran families.
The Blue Star Families mission deeply resonates with my own lived experience as a military spouse of more than 20 years. In my current role, I lead strategic communications that elevate the voices of military-connected families, support national and local teams, and help shape narratives that influence policy, awareness, and community support. I’ve been fortunate to build communications and work at events around the country, including a book giveaway for military children at Camp Pendleton with the Second Lady in attendance, among others. It’s meaningful work — and the kind that reminds me daily why I chose the communications industry in the first place and aligns with my own personal experience.
On the personal side, life has kept moving right along. Our daughter is now gearing up to graduate high school and head off to college. We are still stationed in Los Angeles, but are ready for a move to our next duty station whenever and wherever the Space Force need us to go.
Outside of work and volunteering, you’ll usually find me on hiking trails or chasing quiet moments with a good book. Travel still fuels my curiosity and sense of perspective, whether it’s around the globe or closer to home. These moments balance the fast pace of a communications career and the unique rhythms of military life.
AMSG was never just a stop along the way; it was part of what helped shape the path forward, and I’m grateful to have crossed paths with Jim and to have had the opportunity to share the stories of Team AMSG.
Written by: Sheila Rupp