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First Lady of Virignia Maureen McDonnell

First Lady Maureen McDonnell launched Serving our Service Member Families “SOS” following her husband’s Inauguration in 2010. The SOS partnership network is focused on serving and supporting service men and women and their families. SOS connects these families with businesses, churches, and civic and volunteer organizations to meet their needs while a service member is away on duty or wounded while serving. As a military wife and a Blue Star Mom, First Lady Maureen McDonnell understands how difficult it is on the family when a loved one is away. She wants our service members to know that there is a military family in the Governor’s Mansion, who thanks them for protecting the freedoms we wake up to every morning, and that Virginia has their back!

Please visit our Facebook page as another way to connect with our members

Click here for the 2012 First Lady’s Hall of Fame Awards Application

Governor's and First Lady's Easter Egg Hunt

On April 4th, 2012, Governor McDonnell and First Lady Maureen McDonnell hosted the first “Governor’s Easter Egg Hunt” on Capitol Square in Richmond. As part of the First Lady’s continuing Serving our Service Member Families effort, guests were encouraged to baby shower gifts for expectant military moms and attendees brought several hundred gifts. The event was free and open to the public with about 1,500 attendees registered. Representatives from the USO had a table where children wrote about 300 letters to overseas service members.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's "Call for Photos" Campaign - April 3, 2012

Mrs. McDonnell Supports Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's "Call for Photos" Campaign to put a Face with each of the 58,000 Names Listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The VVWF Hopes to Find a Photo of each of the Remaining 735 Virginians who do not Currently have a Picture for the Wall.

Virginia Horses for Heroes received the First Lady’s Opportunity Hall of Fame Award on December 16, 2011.
To view the video and to learn about all of the 2011 Opportunity Hall of Fame Award recipients click here.

Ft. Belvoir Officer’s Wives Club Christmas Event

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50546775@N05/sets/72157628434453069/show/

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First Lady attends baby shower for expectant mothers at Ft. Lee

View the photo gallery
Video from the event below

First Lady Maureen McDonnell Tandem Parachute Jumps with U.S. Army Golden Knights

First Lady Maureen McDonnell, along with her daughter Cailin, participated in a tandem parachute jump with the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights Parachute Team this morning in Dinwiddie. The First Lady and her daughter jumped as part of her ongoing work to raise awareness of the need to support Virginia’s military families.

You can also view photos of the tandem jump here.

May 16, 2011 - Governor and Mrs. McDonnell met with U.S. armed forces members at Yong San military garrison in Seoul, South Korea. The event was attended by more than 70 service men and women, including 18 from Virginia.

Military spouses are resilient and dedicated to maintaining normalcy in the home, but a little help and each kind gesture is greatly appreciated. Taking the time to make a meal for a military family reminds them that their community cares and appreciates the sacrifices they make.
Take the time to look in your community for organizations that support military families and their needs, like the Fisher House in Richmond, Virginia.
Service members do best when they know their families are being cared for.
Give military families a chance to reflect on their loved ones serving our country. Just listening can make a big impact.
The innocence of a baby makes us realize the importance of fighting for our freedom. Having a newborn is difficult enough but it is especially hard when your spouse is away. Dropping off baby supplies or even offering to go the store could make a big difference.
Find a way to help military families in your community. Seek out programs and organizations that allow you to make a difference by showing your gratitude to their service and sacrifices for our country.