Today, for 'Women's History Month", I am introducing to you our second amazing woman of the day
Meet - Susan Kathleen Hilton Footer, 44, Mom of 5 kids, the youngest daughter, Military spouse, friend and caregiver
always persevering while be mindful and on a quest for balance and complete happiness
Susan K. Hilton Footer (Susie), was born and raised in Old Orchard Beach/ Saco, Maine. She is the youngest of three on her mother’s side of the family and the youngest of 11 on her father’s side of the family. Susan graduated from Old Orchard Beach Adult education after having her first child at 19. Susan was a single parent but never felt like a single parent because her son's father and both families came together to help raise Travis who is now 25 years old. After having her son, he unknowingly pushed her to do amazing things she never thought she would achieve. Susan struggled with anxiety and depression on and off but always tried to find the good. In her journey to find out who she was supposed to be went on to further her education at Biddeford Maine Continuing Education for Nursing Assistant. She then went onto Southern Maine Technical College and received her Emergency Medical Technician Certification but quickly realized it was not for her.
Susan was introduced unexpectedly to her best friend and love of her life, an Active Duty Army Soldier Daniel, now Retired Sergeant Major (Ret. SGM). Little did she know her life was going to completely change. She not only gained a husband, she was blessed with two amazing stepchildren Kayla and Kyle. She loved being a military wife and being part of an Army family of supportive loving spouses that she calls family still today. Susan was offered a paid civilian position in New Hampshire with the Manchester Army Recruiting Company as the Companies administrative specialist . She was ecstatic and jumped at the opportunity to work with Amy Soldiers and the community. A few years later was offered a position in Massachusetts for a larger company and then onto The Aurora Army Recruiting Company located outside of Denver, Colorado. Susan gladly took the positions without hesitation. She loved working with Soldiers and families because not only did she live the Army family life, she loved everything it represented.
Susan began volunteering and training with Army Family Readiness groups. She was trained and certified in Family Readiness Group Leader Training and level 1 awareness training. Susan was sent around the United States to educate spouses on a variety of different subjects. During this time being relocated six different times throughout the United States. For her hard work and dedication to Army families, Susan was awarded the United States Army Recruiting Commands Volunteer of the year award four times. Then ultimately, the highest Army Training and Doctrine Commands (TRADOCS) Civilian volunteer service medal, The Margaret C. Corbin award.
As with anything in life, it comes with trials and tribulations. Being a military spouse and a family of his, mine and ours can bring heartbreak. leaving family, friends and having no support at times. One of the most difficult things is having your children not be close to their biological parents to support the orders demanded of the military.To see your children’s tears and heartbreak with every goodbye. Now that her husband has retired they came back to Maine to be close to family. She now is a Personal Care Attendant for Home Health Care for seniors.
Susan and her husband of 21 years have added two more Children to the family, a boy Aidan and a girl Magdalia Rose making five combined children and a grandmother of two Piper and Adam Jr.. In Susan’s spare time her and her family enjoy making elaborate lawn displays at her home for Hillview House during the Holidays. They Cook together and love spending time with family and friends. Her favorite place to travel is Florida to enjoy the sun and visit Disney theme Parks. She also plans on expanding her journey of practices, rituals and intuitions into a small business.
Another one of Susan's favorite quotes:
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."
- The Emperor (Mulan)
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Thank you, Susan, for sharing your amazing story.
#whm #womenshistorymonthproject #womenempowerment #womansupportingwomen
2 Comments
Mar 23, 2021, 3:31:51 PM
PEARL BEGIN - This is so great and so beautiful
Mar 17, 2021, 11:20:08 PM
Denise Bentgen - Beautiful. Thank you for your service