Chasing Goal and Passions with Dr. Geri Lynn Maples, Chapter Director at Blue Star Families, and Founder of Operation Mission Insight

In this episode of Airmen Helping Airmen Podcast by Kaleth Wright, Dr. Geri Lynn Maples, the Chapter Director at Blue Star Families and Founder of Operation Mission Insight, talks about being a military spouse and caregiver while chasing goals and passions. She shares tips on balancing life and being a full-time veteran helper.

Dr. Geri Lynn Maples, Chapter Director at Blue Star Families and Founder of Operation Mission Insight, joins the Airmen Helping Airmen Podcast with Kaleth Wright to discuss caregiving, its challenges and solutions.

Key facts

Geri Lynn’s Facebook
Geri Lynn’s Twitter
Geri Lynn’s LinkedIn
Blue Star Families Website
Operation Mission Insight Website
Dr. Geri Lynn Maples is a military spouse and caregiver to her veteran husband. She is the Chapter Director at Blue Star Families and the Founder of Operation Mission Insight, where she assists organizations, businesses and educators in developing support programs for military families. Dr. Geri Lynn is also a doctorate holder with a dissertation dedicated to military spouses, caregivers, and dependent children. She is also the author of "Finding Creativity in Your Caregiver Journey: Creativity Along the Unseen Heroes Journey." Geri Lynn is a 2020 Elizabeth Dole Fellow.

Key takeaways

“We don't often know we’re caregivers until someone tells us that we are”
Don't think of being a caregiver as a barrier or a stigma
To employers, don't see a military caregiver as a barrier. See them as people with discipline, people who are energetic, experienced, well-versed, flexible, adaptable, are assets, and leaders in their community
“Don't be afraid because [I think] there's someone out there who's going to value you”
“The military life doesn't stop after service”
“Do something for you, something that you love to do, something that you're passionate about, and that gives you that ability to restore [or] reboot”
“Don't forget your goals. Don't forget your visions. They're all still possible. You just have to think of a different way to achieve them”
The challenges you face make you who you are
You're not alone. Don't ever feel like you're alone.
“Don't forget your pre-caregiver self”
"Don't be afraid to share your caregiver story because one thing that I found is that when you start sharing your story, other people are going to connect with you and find similarities. So don't ever forget that"

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Quotes

“We don't often know we’re caregivers until someone tells us that we are”

“Don't be afraid because there's someone out there who's going to value you”

“Don't forget your goals. Don't forget your visions. They're all still possible. You just have to.”

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Previous guests include:Errol Doebler, John Osarczuk of FirstCommand , Jared Metcalfe, Rich Diviney, Ginger Miller, Thomas Connally, Kara Taylor, Kathleen McMahon, Jennifer Pasquale Dr. Geri Lynn Maples, Haley McClain Hill, Amanda Huffman, Lizann Lightfoot, Tom Landwermeyer, Diane Rauch, Kim Nahom, Kristen Christy, Jai Salters, The AFAF Campaign, Shermaine Perry-Knights and Lacey Langford.

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