Background: Ann — Undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Mary Washington and George Mason University respectively; retired Prince William County elementary school teacher; volunteers for the Rappahannock Food Pantry, RAAC Art Tour, Headwaters, Garden Club and Benedictine Sisters in Nokesville, Virginia.
Pete — Retired as colonel after 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps; served an additional 13 years as a “civilian Marine” in senior posts at the Defense Department; subsequently held management positions at nonprofit organizations. Volunteer positions: treasurer of the Rappahannock Food Pantry, chair of the Rappahannock Fire Levy Board, member of the Knights of Columbus and RAAC Art Tour, Rappahannock County election official, former commissioner of the Northern Virginia Soccer Officials Association, graduate of Villanova University and Master of Public Administration, Illinois Institute of Technology.
Married 53 years after meeting on a blind date. Three sons and three grandchildren.
Residents for 11 years, living off Mt. Marshall Road, Washington.
The Spark: Ann — Married to a career military officer, raising three kids, and moving all the time provided few opportunities for community service. After the kids went to college, and taking time to think things over, I realized the only place I felt comfortable was the classroom and helping children. I went back to graduate school for a degree in special education and ended up teaching for 28 years. After we bought our property here, our real estate agent told us we needed to do two things – subscribe to the Rappahannock News to learn about the community and get involved with Headwaters. That led us to a variety of volunteer opportunities, many of which we continue to this day.
Pete — My dad always told me that it was important to serve and give back to the country and the community. That’s what led me to join the ROTC in college and eventually 30 years in the Marine Corps. Whether it was in the Marines or civilian life, everything I’ve done has revolved around public service. That has carried over to our life in Rappahannock where we enjoy participating in community activities with so many like-minded neighbors.
Proudest Achievement: Ann — My family. We moved around to military posts a lot, probably eight or nine times. For many, those transitions are difficult, but Pete and I did it with enthusiasm working hard to make sure it was a positive situation for our kids. If the change of posts was only a few hundred miles away, I’d drive the kids back and forth so they could visit with their friends. Moving around wasn’t always easy, but on the plus side our kids learned to adapt and make new friends.
Pete — At the top of the list I have to say 53 years of wonderful marriage, three great kids and three wonderful grandchildren. Professionally, being commissioned a colonel in the Marines. Not many people achieve that rank and I am so honored to have attained it. On the volunteer side of things, working to locate and design a new, and what will be a much-improved home, for the Food Pantry at Rush River Commons.
Biggest Challenge: Ann — I find it difficult to talk about this, but the bombing of the Marine Corps’ barracks in Beirut, Lebanon in October 1983, was the biggest challenge I have faced. Pete had been second in command there but had been called back to the states just two days before the bombing. The man who replaced him was killed. We lost so many people we knew, close friends. Finger pointing as to who was responsible only added to the trauma. Soon after the bombing we pulled together an ad hoc support effort for the families who lost loved ones. It was a very tough couple of years for both of us.
Pete — Together, we must have attended several dozen funerals of close friends. It was a very challenging time, processing our grief, providing support to the survivors and families, and dealing with the fallout after the tragedy. The 40th anniversary of the bombing will be this October. Although we still carry those burdens, our marriage and strong faith continues to sustain us.
Why it Matters: Ann — It is important to use the things you’ve learned in life and share them with your community. Volunteering in activities here is a great way to give back and meet many wonderful and interesting people. When it comes to volunteer organizations, Rappahannock is like a Venn diagram. Participation in various groups often overlaps so you are strengthening bonds with existing friends while meeting new people. That is what builds a strong community.
Pete — Helping those in need is a central function of any community. Reaching out to folks to make sure they take advantage of the community services they need is critical to that function. I know there are many people in this county who should be coming to the Food Pantry but, for a variety of issues, don’t. I try to tell people that when the pantry can provide them food, that frees up funds for them to spend on other essentials like clothing, gas, and medicine. That can really make a difference in one’s day-to-day living.
Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: Ann — The intellectual stimulation of the many organizations in the county. People from all walks of life – people who have been here for generations and others who recently made this place their home – coming together to do good things for the community. It was such a pleasant surprise to find that when we moved here.
Pete — Sitting on my front deck in the fall, experiencing the change of colors, and seeing Skyline Drive. I can’t think of a better place to live.
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