VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV) — In the Hometown Hero nomination form, Stacy Boehm is described as: Mom, Foster Mom, Adoptive Mom, Sports Mom, Momma Sass, Wife, Aunt, Sister, Advocate for Children, Advocate for Veterans and so many more.
She’s a busy person, and Momma Sass fits her well.
“Because I mom everybody and, if needed, I’m a little sassy with it if needed,” said Stacy.
Stacy grew up in Vincennes in a Christian household where she first learned how to serve.
Her interest in the military began in the first grade, thanks to an uncle who was in the service
So after high school, she joined the Indiana National Guard as a member of the military police,
and the Warpig Platoon. For 8 years she carried out her duties and learned so much.
” I think they taught me how to be a leader you can’t be an effective leader without bein
in the trenches. They taught me how to love unconditionally so that was huge,” said Stacy.
In 2005, her unit activated for Afghanistan, but during training she was injured and required
multiple surgeries. She then left military but not her willingness to serve. She received a Masters in Public Service Administration and today she works for Farbest foods, but that’s just part of what she does.
She and her husband Andrew have a biological son and an adoptive son., but there are more
members of her family. Over the last four and half years, they have welcomed 37 foster children into their home.
“We’ve always looked at it like if we can give these kids what they need, it they can get
that love and support, even if it’s for a short period of time, we’ll take that if, it’s worth it to us to take that hit, to protect them,” said Andrew Boehm.
Another big part of their lives is the group Irreverent Warriors. The national group’s mission: to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.
“I’ve lost so many friends in combat but even post combat from veteran suicide,” said Stacy.
The challenges faced by many veterans motivates Stacy to help, and she encourages everyone remember the sacrifices of veterans.
“Freedom is so important and every man or woman who have given their life or signed the
contract to possibility give their life and served their country is doing so on your behalf, I’ve
always been told, be a person worth dying for, said Stacy. There are so many men and women who have laid down their life and just that act alone is enough to bring people to their knees.
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