Sergeant

Virginia Army Spouse Up for Military Spouse of the Year

An Army spouse in Virginia could become military spouse of the year.

Cassaundra Martinez of Springfield is a mother of six and an active duty Army veteran herself. She's finishing a fellowship in entrepreneurship to help other military spouses find careers of their own, and stays on top of her children's many activities.

"There is stress, but I think it’s just how you take it," Martinez said. "If you turn around and make it into a positive, or try and look at the positive of the situation, then I think you can really get through anything."

Her husband, Army 1st Sgt. Phillip Martinez, stationed at Fort Belvoir, has served in the Army for 16 years that have included four long deployments.

He said his wife's leadership comes down to one thing: “It’s just the size of her heart and how much she loves to give back to the community."

Martinez's stepdaughter Ariana Martinez sung her praises.

“My stepmom is really independent, and strong, and super reliable for everything," she said.

All of the sacrifice is for a mighty cause, the Military Spouse of the Year candidate said.

“Military spouses have to act as a single parents on and off throughout the year, but we know that it’s for our country," she said.

Martinez won Army Spouse of the Year after a friend nominated her. The candidates visited the White House on Tuesday. 

The winner will be announced Friday.

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