Marjorie K. Eastman joins Emily and Jason for Episode 019. Marjorie served as a US Army Intelligence officer and commander, and she wrote “The Frontline Generation: How We Served Post 9/11”. Her ten years of post 9/11 military service include two combat deployments, one in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the other in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Their conversation covers her upbringing in a large family and how that shaped her character early; her choice to enlist after college and lessons she carried forward as a commissioned officer; how she broke new ground for women; dealing with loss and other challenges on deployment; defining herself in authentic leadership with her signature smile; and what she believes military veterans and others who serve bring home to their communities.

Marjorie, through her writing, speaking and charitable work, continues to sound the call for National Service — especially for women. She is the spouse of an Army Ranger, having met her husband Charles on a deployment to Iraq in 2003. She wrote “The Frontline Generation” to their son, now 8, as he battled and beat cancer as a baby. She credits her fortitude and resilience to her years on deployment, as well as being the spouse of one deployed, lessons born of serving something greater than oneself.

“Someone else gave me this sweet privilege of freedom, to live my little life to the fullest. Someone else did. They gave their life for it. And I must never forget this. I must honor them, make a difference in my own way — and make it count.” - Marjorie K. Eastman

Links:

019 - Marjorie K. Eastman, US Army Veteran