Navigating Military Life, Motherhood, and Literature: A Journey with Kelly Caggiano-Hollyfield

We recently met with Kelly Caggiano-Hollyfield, a Space Force officer and author on our podcast Ruck Up Buttercup. Kelly shared her experience in the military, her life as a mother, and her journey to writing her children's book, "My Mommy's in the Military." She has told us all about the deep issues of balancing military careers with family life, the importance of representation in literature, and the unique challenges and rewards faced by dual-military families.

Balancing Military Life and Motherhood

The challenges of balancing a military career with family life are significant, and Kelly provides a unique perspective. With over 13 years of service, she transitioned from the Air Force to the Space Force, experiencing firsthand the evolving culture and demands of military life. She highlights the importance of having supportive leadership and the availability of resources like daycare, enabling both parents to continue pursuing their careers. For those interested in similar topics, Military OneSource offers a comprehensive range of support services for military families grappling with such challenges.

Further enriching this discussion is the juxtaposition between traditional deployments and in-place operations. Kelly notes the advantages of reduced family separations, despite the unconventional and often unpredictable work schedules that come with Space Force responsibilities. Such insights can be invaluable for military families navigating similar circumstances.

The Journey to Authoring a Children's Book

Kelly’s motivation to write a children's book stemmed from her struggle to find literature that reflected her reality as a military mother. "My Mommy's in the Military" aims to provide representation for women in nontraditional military roles, addressing a gap in children’s literature that focused primarily on fathers or stereotypical military jobs.

Her journey to authorship involved collaborating with other women in the military to ensure diverse career fields were represented. This reflects not just a personal endeavor but a broader advocacy for visibility and inclusion. To explore more on women in nontraditional roles, check out resources like LeanIn.org, which discusses challenges and successes women face in various careers.

Kelly also brings attention to the meticulous attention given to the illustrations in her book, ensuring accuracy in depicting uniforms and roles. This level of detail helps children connect with the stories, seeing themselves and their family experiences reflected accurately.

The Military Community and Lifelong Connections

Throughout the discussion, the deep bonds within the military community are evident. There is so much importance to the network of support and shared experiences that come with military life. Despite the transient nature of this lifestyle, the inherent camaraderie and the opportunities for unique experiences (like Kelly's deployment to Afghanistan supporting JSOC) are unparalleled.

The military community's support extends beyond active duty, offering a lifelong network of connections as veterans transition back to civilian life. Organizations like The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) provide continuing support, ensuring that the sense of belonging and support persists long after service.

Kelly’s story is a testament to the resilience and versatility demanded by military life, particularly for women balancing service and family. Her book is not just for military families but serves as a tool for broader understanding and recognition of the diverse roles women play in the armed forces. For those inspired by Kelly’s story or seeking to support or learn more about women in the military, resources like Women Veterans Interactive can offer additional support and community.

In sharing her journey, Kelly highlights the importance of representation, community support, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment, providing both inspiration and a practical roadmap for those on similar paths.

You can buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/My-Mommys-Military-Reader-Book/dp/1954000642