Without speaking, their jewel-hued eyes began to tell their stories. Deep, strong and vivid, like the colorful threads in the fabrics they wore. Elegance shown on the surface, like the fine couture they modeled. Artful woven pieces that merely accentuated the true beauty which lay undisturbed beneath the flowing lace and yards of silk. In shades of green, blue and beige, these veterans, from different military backgrounds, shared their stories and the threads of their wisdom created a tapestry of purpose, loyalty, strength and generosity of spirit. Different stories with similar goals which united their souls.

“I love fashion,” exclaimed eBella’s own fashion director Tamara Boxx. “It makes people happy and is uplifting, but as a soldier, it just wasn’t part of my experience, or anyone elses.” Boxx, a United States Air Force Sergeant, enjoys the artistic creativity that fashion provides. “Working with eBella, I now have the opportunity to empower women through art and fashion.”

“I was known as ‘Unique Monique’ in high school, dressing with purpose and style,” added Monique Hoshimoto, Air Force Senior Airman. “But in the military, you become a piece of a greater whole with an immense purpose. Everyday you wear your green and tan uniform (ABUs) and steel toe boots and look like everyone else.”

“And the pants were certainly not fashionable,” added Deborah Todd, Staff Sergeant with the Air Force. “Four buttons up the front that felt constricting. They never fit properly and certainly weren’t fashionable. Oh, and the maternity clothes fit like a tent!”

“The uniforms were never flattering,” said Sarah Blanchette, Senior Airman with the Air Force. “Pants with a crotch down to the knees which felt ridiculous. I also wore a heavy “Second Chance” vest that I was happy to have, yet, it was extremely heavy and hot.”

The women laughed, in unison to their stories about heavy boots and wide pant legs, bloused at the bottom. But they all agreed that the emotional feeling of being in uniform was far different than the physical. “I felt strong when I was in uniform,” stated Hollie Murray, Marine Corp Sergeant. “We were proud and unified and I was happy to be part of that effort.”

“We were so polished and squared off with our boots laced tight. All straight lines. It felt great,” added US Air Force Senior Airman Deborah Todd.

Retired Navy Lieutenant Debi Lux commented that in her Dress Blue Uniform, khaki skirt, fitted white blouse and navy blue jacket, she felt
“…respected and honored. Part of a disciplined and compassionate group, where camaraderie could be felt everywhere.”

But mention hair and the group responded in unison:“High and tight and off the shoulders.” “To this day I want my now long hair to be free and moving,” stated Lux, that comment accentuated by a brilliant smile. Lux’s kindness and confidence shines through her beautiful brown eyes, lightly freckled complexion and delicate features, all surrounded by her mane of reddish blonde hair. “I cater to people, always have. As a dentist, in the military and afterwards, I made people smile by looking after their teeth. Now I take them on an honor flight!” With a mission to transport local veterans to Washington, D.C. and back home, Lux co-created, Collier County Honor Flight (www.colliercountryhonorflight.com). Through her group, veterans may visit our national memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifice.

Hoshimoto’s long box braids emit a similar, but different, expression of creative coiffure. “It was hard to find my sense of style again, after the military. But I am trying,” she says, her wide grin offset by two matching dimples and smiling eyes. As the project and administrative coordinator for SWFL Home Base (www.homebase.org), Hoshimoto oversees daily tasks involving three primary programs: Warrior Health & Fitness, Adventure Series and Resilient Warrior. All Home Base programs are free to local veterans. “In the military, I worked on the flight line, keeping the planes running smoothly. Now, I do the same for programs at Home Base.” The organization’s primary fundraiser, The Run to Home Base Florida, is an opportunity for the public to complete a 5K race running next to a veteran and cross home plate at JetBlue Park on January 19th, 2019.

“It wasn’t possible to show individual style while in the military,” stated Murray. “I offset that by getting a star tattoo in every country where I was deployed. They are on my right shoulder, where no one could see them.” Murray’s eyes twinkled under a canopy of long, dark bangs, her youthful face beamed with exuberance. A logistics technician in the military where she handled the specifics for her company’s deployments. She is now an occupational therapy assistant and will begin her educational pursuit toward a master’s degree next year. “In the military, we think of our family and friends when we are working, but really our work is for everyone. It’s hard to ever stop thinking like that.” (www.hcr-manorcare.com)

Sarah Blanchette’s tiny features bely her huge inner strength and determination. Like the twisted tree tattoo on her back and spine, she too is rooted in her beliefs, still climbing toward the sky. Blanchette served our country as military police, sixteen countries in four years. She continues to battle her remaining scars, of which only some are visible. “I am still serving,” says Blanchette. “I took an oath, but although my service ended, my oath did not.” Blanchette co-founded Military Movement, a not-for-profit organization that bridges the gap between veteran resources and families. “Our goal is to bring local businesses and government resources to the 30,000 veteran families in Collier County,” said Blanchette. “I’ll never stop trying to help others.” (www.militarymovement.us).

Deborah Todd joined the military after two years in college. “I joined as a dare and really surprised my parents,” she said with a grin. “I spent eight years as a medic. I worked on Air Vac Missions, which brought daily ‘life and death’ moments.” Todd’s inviting smile and intelligent banter are only matched in depth by her eyes and the beautiful cleft in her chin. “I always wanted to help people and the military certainly gave me that opportunity. Now, I work for our local clinic at the V.A. as a health technician. I am very involved in virtual medicine. Guess that will always be who I am. Service is just part of me.” (www.va.gov)

These five beautiful women embody the empowered strength and integrity of our nation’s soldiers. Their intelligence, loyalty, courage and stylish class are often hidden just below the surface, as are the tattoos that many of them have, but do not often share. Each woman took an oath to protect our nation, no matter the personal cost. They carry that hefty promise along with their other attributes and quietly move among us. When you take time to thank a veteran for their service, look into their eyes. Without speaking, their eyes begin to tell their stories.

Caryn Hacker-Buechel is the proud daughter of a veteran, a psychotherapist, freelance writer, mom, step-mom and grandma. She is presently working on her first novel.