Military Special Needs Network
Proudly Supporting all Military Families with a Special Needs Dependent
May 2, 2012: Honoring Kate Overholtzer – Military Spouse of the Day!
Kate Overholtzer lives in Gresham, Oregon with her two children, and her Sailor is currently stationed in Bremerton, WA. They will soon be reunited as a family and transferring together to Montgomery, Alabama.
Though there are many trials, Kate is grateful for the opportunities that have been available due to her husband’s service. Kate is attending college on the post 911 G.I. Bill, and doing wonderfully. Her children have seen and experienced the some of the greatest monuments of the U.S. – visiting the White House, Mt. Rushmore, climbing the Seattle Space Needle, walking with the turtles on the North Shore of Oahu and visiting so many more fantastic places. Kate is most grateful for her extended military family that spans the globe and though not always physically present, she is strengthened by just the same. When asked what advice Kate would give herself before becoming a military spouse, she said, “I would remind myself that, although my dreams as a woman are going to require savvier maneuvering, but they are still attainable.”
Kate is a mother of a child with special needs that wants what every parent wishes: a quality life for her son. Jack, who was recently diagnosed with Autism, sensory issues, and leg malformation, has made his mom a better woman –simply by just being himself. Although Kate knows that Jack has different needs than his typical sister, she reminds herself that her son is still a sweet, lovable little boy. With her daughter, Kya’s help, Kate has learned to relate to Jack naturally, rather than parenting to his diagnoses. Jack has inspired Kate to work with other special needs children as an advocate. She is now a part of two communities that have unique struggles and rewards and is blessed with a bond that means that no matter how far she roams, Kate is always surrounded by a community of support.
The Military Special Needs Network honors and salutes Kate Overholtzer as the Military Spouse of the Day! We thank you for being such a wonderful military spouse and an amazing advocate for special needs!
Military Special Needs Network 