AMU Alumni Wins 2009 Military Spouse of the Year Award
AMU Alumni Appointed to Prominent Position at the Pentagon
| For her selfless efforts in support of the military community, Mrs. Tanya Queiro of Jacksonville, North Carolina is the 2009 Military Spouse of the Year. This award has been presented annually since 2008 to an individual who embodies the best characteristics of today's military spouse. One finalist was chosen from each branch of the United States military based on voting from readers and a selection committee outside of Military Spouse magazine. Tanya was chosen from more than 650 Military Spouse magazine nominees for this special recognition. This award honors the sacrifices and selfless services of 1.1 million military spouses who provide unwavering support to our armed services today and those in the past. She has been given this honor for her commitment to our troops, her ongoing support of her husband active duty Gunnery Sergeant Jose Queiro, and her contributions to her community. To see Tanya in action, you can watch a video spotlighting Tanya’s life as a military spouse. Tanya M. Queiro does not consider herself extraordinary, or a “superwoman.” She spends her time doing what she considers her responsibility: raising and mentoring her children, being a supportive wife, and giving back to those that have given to her. While working, raising three children, volunteering, and dealing with the day-to-day changes of being a Marine wife, Tanya continued to pursue higher education. Her mantra: “I think that military spouses are heroic the moment they step out of bed each morning. They are just as important to the mission as that Marine is. … If you give your Marine a peace of mind, then that Marine can better go and concentrate and do their jobs.”
Before the sun rises, she feeds her three children and readies them for school, kisses her husband goodbye, and gets ready for work. She also spends 5-10 hours a week volunteering her time to help others both academically and personally. Before the sun sets, she helps her kids master their homework, cooks them dinner, and enjoys some family time before turning in. Yet Tanya does not tuck in her children and go to bed. She spends several hours doing her own homework before retiring for the evening. Today, she is working towards her Doctorate in Criminal Justice while wearing the many hats of a mother, friend, student, and proud military spouse. Congratulations, Tanya!
Return to Top Jim Mowrer, AMU graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science was appointed to a position at the Pentagon, in the Secretary of the Army's Office. This position is a political appointment and Jim is responsible for assisting Secretary, John McHugh, to administer the President's policy and serve as a source of guidance for senior military leadership. The Office of the Vice President recommended him for his new position. Mowrer, 23-year old Boone, Iowa native, earned his new position thanks to his military and professional background, serving in the 1-133 Infantry Battalion. Mowrer was deployed in October of 2005 to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom and spent 22 months on active duty. Upon his return from Iraq in July of 2007, Mowrer was named Iowa Veterans Director for Senator Joe Biden's presidential campaign. In the 2008 general election, he joined the Obama-Biden campaign as Midwest Veterans Director. According to Jim, his previous military experiences have not only provided insight, but will serve him as he moves forward. His nomination is the result of a combination of experience and education. Mower stated, “I was only to build my resume by working and studying at AMU simultaneously. If I had either worked full time without going to school, or gone to school full time without adding vital work experience to my resume, I would not be here today. AMU offers a unique opportunity for its students to pursue their career options while attaining a higher degree. In this time of economic difficulty, only those with a combination of education and experience can move ahead of their peers.”
Mowrer also studied intelligence analysis at the Military Intelligence School in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He and his wife have a one and a half year old son, Carter and the family will move to Virginia once they purchase a home. Congratulations Jim!
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Fourth Photo in "On the Frontline" Banner provided by Jose Manuel/American Red Cross
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