REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Some 33 years ago, then Linda Brown from Warsaw, Virginia said "I do" to a young Army second lieutenant, Dennis Via. After multiple moves and the addition of two children, the Via family landed in Huntsville, Alabama, in 2011, eventually taking the lead of one of only three Army Commands -- U.S. Army Materiel Command.
A global organization, Gen. Dennis Via has traveled close to 500,000 miles around the world, including visits to five of the six geographic combatant commands, since taking command of AMC a little more than four years ago.
Sometimes Linda traveled with him, but often, she stayed behind providing support and continuity on the home front for their two sons -- all the while juggling the roles of being a four-star general's spouse, mother, friend, community leader and volunteer. Even with a mountain of responsibilities, Linda always remained connected to the community through hosting, attending events and volunteering.
"It was important for me to become immersed in this community because, for the past five years, this has been home," she said.
In fact, the Via's have spent more time as residents of the Redstone Arsenal community than any other location during their time with the Army, only second to the time they spent growing up in their hometowns in Virginia.
"We were in a unique position as we were only the second AMC command team to be established at Redstone, helping to create a greater understanding as well as appreciation of how important it was for Huntsville and Madison to receive one of the Army's three four-star commands," she said.
Linda said she is proud to help tell the Army's and AMC's story at events. In the process, she learned about other great organizations and had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people.
"We have enjoyed opening our doors for various events and establishing an environment where people could talk and learn more about what our great Army is all about," Linda said. "Because at the end of the day, it truly is all about the people."
The Via's have formed numerous relationships with those who live in and lead the Tennessee Valley, including North Alabama's Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Dr. Joe Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald said the Via family has made a tremendous impact on the local community, as well as the Army.
"The Army has reaped the benefits of a truly extraordinary family, grounded and strengthened by a gracious and supportive wife and mother, Linda Via," Fitzgerald said. "Linda and Dennis Via are a couple like few others. They are one Army team, joined by their love for one another."
In his role as CASA, Fitzgerald said he has witnessed the Via's in action, both locally and nationally, as they navigated a myriad of taxing senior leader responsibilities and requirements.
"With the travel requirements as the leader of a global command, Linda was his 'rock.' He never had to worry about the home front. Perhaps the only shoes harder to fill than Gen. Dennis Via's are those of his wife, Linda," Fitzgerald said.
For more than three years, Linda has led the Redstone Community Women's Club as their honorary president where she provided support and guidance for the more than 100 women who comprise the organization.
"Her kindness and warmth has created an atmosphere that our ladies want very much to be a part of," said Tonya Daniels, president of the Redstone Community Women's Club. "We are a volunteer organization and all of our efforts depend on ladies feeling good about what they do, and Mrs. Via is a large part of that."
Daniels said that Linda brought a lot of grace and tradition to their club.
"Linda has a very gentle spirit and our ladies want to be around her. When she speaks to you, you are the only one in the room," Daniels said.
In addition to working with Army organizations and groups like Army Community Services and Gold Star families, Linda invests her time in education outreach, veterans' support and mentoring other Army spouses and families.
"Early in Dennis' career, I quickly saw positive role models, and the power of serving in an organization where there was a positive climate," Linda said. "Coupled with his desire to help make a difference, along with the command opportunities he was afforded, I saw the need and felt the desire to do the same for spouses and families."
She noted that today's spouses experience an inherent level of complexity as a growing number are balancing their own professional aspirations, while caring for their families, volunteering and managing the stress that comes with it all.
"The demands upon their time are tremendous, as quite often they are the nucleus of the family, providing the stability. And while I am certain each generation felt they faced challenges, I feel with the length of time we have been at war, and the frequency and duration of separations and deployments, today's spouses feel they are unique," Linda said.
Looking back, Via said she had no idea that she would have been blessed with such a wide platform of influence, noting that Gen. Via has been in command for nine out of the past 11 years.
"I have been passionate about setting an example that other spouses might learn just a little from and sharing information that might assist them along this journey. Mentoring was important for me because I wanted to help empower others," she said. "But I know, without a doubt, I would not have been the confident spouse that I am today had I not witnessed and learned to emulate from some wonderful command teams we were privileged to serve with, quite often warfighters."
Linda said she simply wanted to pay it forward and hopefully encourage others to get involved, whether in a leadership capacity or in a supportive role.
"Treat people with dignity and respect, embrace meeting people who are not just like you -- you will be surprised at what you learn from talking to those who have had different paths," Linda said. "Don't be afraid to get involved -- the reward is tremendous as you help make a difference for others."
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