FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- "Bloom where you're planted." That's the motto that Brittany Raines lives by. From navigating the challenges of parenting six children when her husband is on shift work or in the field, to volunteering in support of Soldiers and fellow Family Members, Raines is committed to making the most of every opportunity that comes her way.
For her dedication to helping Soldiers and Families thrive, Raines recently was named Fort Drum Military Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse magazine.
The wife of Sgt. Casey Raines of 563rd Military Police Company, Raines said she has always recognized the importance of networking and getting involved in the military community.
"When your spouse is a Soldier, there are going to be times when you have to function while they are gone," she said. "No one understands the challenges we face better than other spouses, and having that support system -- having each other to lean on -- is important."
Raines said that frequent permanent-change-of-station moves and transitions can sometimes leave military spouses feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Getting involved with post organizations and networking with other Families is essential to settling in to a new duty station, she said.
"It is hard to have to move to a new place and adjust," she said. "While it's hard on adults, it is even more difficult for the kids. Joining clubs or volunteering with your unit's family readiness group are great ways for spouses and kids to form bonds and to learn about all the things there are to do in the area."
At her husband's last duty station, Joint Base Richardson, Alaska, Raines didn't just get involved with his unit's FRG -- she stepped up and took on the role of leading the group.
"We went from a company to a detachment of about 45-50 Soldiers on base that was essentially operated by the Air Force, with help from the Soldiers," she said. "Trying to get Families to come out of their houses -- especially in the winter -- was a challenge."
Raines said that she encourages others to research the area around their installation and to get out and do as much exploring as possible.
"The Army is sending us these places that we might never have had the chance to go otherwise," she said. "Even if it's not a place that is necessarily on our 'bucket list,' our Family might never have the chance to come to a place like this again. We really try to make the most of every opportunity -- clubs, organizations, events and trips -- everywhere we go."
Raines teamed up with the president of the Richardson Spouses Club and volunteered with the organization. In her role as FRG leader, she planned events that brought Families together and helped spouses and children in an atmosphere where they could network and have fun.
"We did coffee groups, and we planned a lot of events for kids -- bowling and sledding -- anything to get people out of the house and together," she said.
While the organizations she volunteered with hosted many events for adults, Raines said she and her fellow spouses focused a great deal on planning fun and educational opportunities for their children.
With a degree in human services and experience working with children in many different capacities, Raines' passion is taking care of the youngest members of the Army Family.
"There are a lot of programs that are focused on making sure Soldiers are doing OK with transitions, and many of the programs and classes are open to spouses," she said. "There aren't a lot of programs for the kids, so my husband and I have always focused on making sure they are OK. Our passion has been working to make sure that we make things as stable and as smooth as possible. That's something I wanted to focus on with the organizations I was involved in as well."
Raines said that taking advantage of the programs and services offered on the installation is a great way to make sure that Family Members are not just adapting, but thriving in their environment.
"There are a lot of programs out there: Army Community Service has lots of classes and clubs you can get involved in, the unit usually has events you can take part in and there are FRGs," she said. "You just have to be willing to get out and meet people -- even if it's just going next door to meet the Families who live near you."
During her time in Alaska, Raines worked to help the FRG grow, and she was recognized as brigade volunteer of the quarter for raising more than $500 for the organization by selling hand-painted signs.
It was a few months after her Family moved to Fort Drum that Raines received an email notifying her that a fellow spouse had nominated her for the title of Military Spouse of the Year.
Just two weeks later, she found out that she had been honored with the title of Fort Drum Military Spouse of the Year.
"Spouses are some of the strongest, most resilient people I have ever met, and I am honored to be recognized, but there are so many other talented and deserving people out there," she said. "We're all just trying to do the best we can no matter what comes our way and leaning on each other when we need that extra support."
Although Raines and her Family just arrived at Fort Drum in December, she said that she is already researching opportunities to get involved within the post community.
"I'm constantly looking to link up with other organizations so that we can support one another and everyone benefits," she said. "I try to make sure that all of us are functioning well and that we are doing things to benefit Families and kids. Ultimately, that benefits the Soldiers. If their Families are strong and taken care of, then they are ready for the mission."
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