FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Military life consultant and Navy wife Jacey Eckhart brought her trademark charisma, experience and advice to Fort Eustis in a special seminar for military spouses and couples at the Fort Eustis Club Nov. 16.
Service members and spouses attended the interactive presentation, "Talk Like a Spartan," to learn tips about resiliency among military couples. She refers to military families as "Spartan families," recalling the combat prowess and familial strength of the Spartans of ancient Greece and how it relates to modern-day military families.
Through personal testimony, research and role-playing scenarios, Eckhart provided military cultural knowledge to help spouses "see critical moments of family life and make decisions to bring greater happiness and productivity to every member of the family."
"The goal here is to not only get through, but to enjoy and thrive in life," Eckhart said. "It's about prioritizing, learning each other's thoughts, concerns and motivations. You need to buy into your family."
While most in attendance were wives of Service members, a handful of male Soldiers accompanied their spouses to the seminar. Eckhart actively involved the audience, acting out humorous scenarios based on everyday interactions between married military members.
Though the mood remained light, at times even evoking a entertaining atmosphere, Eckhart reinforced the principle that Service members "are not normal" - and that is not a bad thing.
"Military families don't work like normal families," she said to the audience. "Our military members have a different drive. You have to love them."
Emily Wilson, a military spouse who attended the seminar, said Eckhart "provided a lot good information, and she relates to what we're going through."
Her husband, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Wilson, attended the event with her. He agreed with Emily in praising Eckhart's program and thinks more Service members should pay attention to the message.
"I wish that more Soldiers would attend with their spouses," he said. "It's really something they could benefit from."
Eckhart's visit was part of the Army Community Service's National Military Family Appreciation Month events lineup.