voices of service
“As a military spouse, list often moves in seasons, and some of them are short. This assignment was one of those—just ten months. And yet, in the midst of such a brief window, I found something deeply grounding. Stronghold.
I didn’t find Stronghold right away. In fact, I’ve only been a volunteer for six months. In that time, it has made a personal and spiritual impact on me. Finding community while constantly relocating is difficult, but Stronghold helped me connect with others in a meaningful way. Initially, I offered to help in an area that aligns with my skill set, thinking I’d simply contribute where I could, but I realized that this was more than a volunteer opportunity. It was a mission.
Stronghold doesn’t just talk about service—it serves. Being a part of that reminded me that even in short seasons of military life, there’s still time to sow seeds of purpose. What began as offering my skills grew into something more. And while this location is only temporary, Stronghold’s impact is lasting.
Though I’ll be leaving soon, I’m grateful that my work with Stronghold doesn’t have to end. I’ll continue this mission from afar, and I will always cherish the face-to-face moments that reminded me that no time is too short to make a difference.”
— Tamika Sherman, volunteer
“My two teens and I started volunteering because my kids needed hours for Junior Honor Society. We stayed because of the people. The encouragement and compassion that the volunteers have toward the community is evident in their interactions with each other. They believe wholeheartedly in their missions and execute it with a joy that’s contagious. Stronghold isn’t just a group of volunteers—it’s a family that works to lift up each other so they’re in the best position to service the community and be flexible in reacting to the ever-changing needs of the military community.”
— Mandy Johnson, volunteer
“I’ve been volunteering at the pantry for about a year. It means a lot to me and makes me feel good while I earn service hours for Junior Honor Society. My favorite part was volunteering with the Christmas Depot. I liked seeing the parents pick out gifts, and I liked seeing the kids have the option to get gives for their parents. The pantry is my main way of earning hours, but I would volunteer with Stronghold even if I wasn’t getting service hours out of it.”
— Caleigh Johnson, youth volunteer
“I love volunteering with Stronghold because it’s giving back directly to my own community. There are no strings attached. I have the privilege of delivering food, sharing a smile, and hopefully taking one worry off a neighbor’s plate for a while.
Military life isn’t always easy. We don’t often have the traditional family dinners or safety net nearby when times get tough. Having a resource like Stronghold in our communities really matters. I’ve met parents who quietly skip meals so their children and active-duty spouse can eat. moments like that remind me why this work matter so much. Our service members and their families deserve better. It’s humbling to see that, while these folks are facing their won challenges, so many of these same families are still finding ways to serve, like volunteering or mentoring. It’s not just about the food. It’s about showing up for each other, building community, and reminding ourselves that we’re not in this alone.”
Jessica Edwards, Joint Base Charleston Ambassador
“My desire to support Stronghold as an ambassador comes from experiencing food insecurity myself—both in my childhood and as a mother and spouse of a service member. Our experience with food insecurity as a military family opened my eyes to the realities of how often circumstances beyond our control are often catalysts in how quickly a military family runs out of food and through a paycheck. My role as an ambassador allows me to bridge the gap for the families that need our support, and educate my community on how common food insecurity is.”
— Taylor Hester, Colorado Springs Ambassador, serving Space Force, Air Force, and Army families