Kevin Schmiegel’s Post

Today Laura Schmiegel and I celebrate 10 years of marriage. Over the past few weeks I’ve spotlighted some pretty amazing couples who represent our military and veteran connected community both in and out of uniform. Several things became abundantly clear as I shared their stories of #service and #sacrifice. First, each of these leaders made #choices as individuals to serve in their own unique ways, knowing the other would not only support those decisions but would step up and make personal sacrifices in order to enable their other half to achieve their full potential. Secondly, they made those decisions together, as a family, understanding the implications of those choices. They chose country over self. Lastly, they became powerful sources of good, because of one undeniable truth: they had each other’s backs, no matter what, personally and professionally, when the stakes were high. They were resolutely there for one another when struggles and challenges were real; when it felt like no one else believed in them and they doubted themselves; when failure was inevitable, and together, they made success inevitable. I could tell you 10,000 stories from the past decade about my soulmate, Laura Schmiegel. Stories of her service and selflessness. Acts of kindness, compassion, and empathy that have gone unseen and unheard. She is a leader. She doesn’t care who gets the credit when it comes to making g change for our community. She is brilliant, extraordinary, amazing. Every morning, throughout every day and every night, she has been there for me to bounce ideas; to hear me vent; to help me do better and inspire me to do more and never give up. And I am there for her in exactly the same way. The same can be said about every power couple I’ve spotlighted during Military Appreciation Month. To all of these leaders: for the choices you made to serve and sacrifice as individuals and as families, Laura and I salute you and say thank you for the inspiration. And as we celebrate 10 years together we celebrate every one of you. George & Sheila Casey Norty & Suzie Schwartz Keith Davids & Yvette Davids Rey & Samantha Domingo, MBA CQ & Sharene Brown Leonidas & Niki Marin Hon. John B. Sherman and Liz Tisch Sherman Verenice & Tony Castillo JoAnne & Rahm Bass Nancy and Pat Lacore Nicole and Travis Mann Emmanuel and Angelica Ramirez Below are two of my favorites. In each moment the person taking the picture captured us looking at one another when the other was being recognized in a very special way. If you were there, or even now if you look real close at our eyes you will see the recognition that our accomplishments professionally were shared because we served and because we sacrificed together. And we are going to do exactly that for decades to come. #Day81 #250DaysOfService