Military Spouse of the Day: Kasey Ochipinti

Today, we would like to introduce you to our Military Spouse of the Day, Kasey Ochipinti.  Kasey is a Navy spouse, currently stationed in Virginia.  Her best experience in the military has been knowing that she is capable of anything.  “I can sell a house, knock down a wasp’s nest using a tension rod and not get stung, pack up or unpack a home in a workweek, be a top-notch landscaper or load a military flat-rate box like a seasoned mailman,” Kasey says.  She has worn many hats over the past 17 years.

Kasey says her biggest obstacle she has faced in the special needs world in the military has been time management.  It’s a huge barrier for all of us.  She says, “How can we juggle hours of therapy sessions, doctor appointments, two school aged children, two different schools, a toddler, a diabetic cat and still have family fun outings???”  But somehow, Kasey and her family make it work.  “Somedays we make it to all the appointments and session and there is extra time for a movie or a trip to the zoo, but 99% of the time I look like a hot mess, Kasey says.  There is always give and take, and we understand that some things have to give.  “If we ever run into each other, there’s a solid chance I’m wearing the same jeans I wore four days in a row. (Laundry is another area we are borrowing time from) The lesson is – we all have to learn that the not-as-important stuff can wait.

Kasey destresses by going to the gym.  She says that she by no means a great runner, but she absolutely loves running on the Arc machine.  All she needs is loud music, charged headphones, and an hour to do her thing.

Kasey’s best advice to new families in the special needs world within the military is, “Accept the help. I promise you that anyone who offers is being sincere. No one will think you aren’t capable of doing it yourself – they just want to help lighten your load.”

The Military Special Needs Network honors and salutes Kasey Ochipinti, our Military Spouse of the Day.  We thank you for being such a wonderful military spouse and an amazing advocate.