Jacksonville Area Military Spouse of the Year for 2014 Recognized

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Greg Johnson

Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The 2014 Heroes at Home Jacksonville Military Spouse of the Year was announced during a ceremony at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, May 22.

A panel of judges selected Kandi R. Debus, wife of Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/IDW) Christopher Debus, as the inaugural winner of the award recognizing military spouses in the greater Jacksonville area. Debus, an employee of Commander, Navy Region Southeast, said her dedication to military families and the community demonstrated through her extensive volunteer and community service accomplishments were key to her selection.

"There were a lot of other great spouses who were nominated and that do great things, so it's really a humbling experience to be selected," Debus said. "At the same time, it's gratifying to see such appreciation for what military spouses do day in and day out. It takes patience and sacrifice, but as military families, we take pride in seeing our Sailors wear the uniform."

The Heroes at Home Military Spouse Awards program was launched in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia in 2005 by the Norfolk, Va., Navy newspaper, The Flagship, and was later expanded to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Fort Lee, Va., and now military serving in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

"It's about honoring and recognizing military spouses for what they do behind the scenes in support of their families and the community where they live," said Adair Wells, sales development manager for The Flagship/Military Newspapers of Virginia and the founder of the program. "They move every few years, they raise their families, they work, and they do all the things that a normal spouse would do, but it's intensified by their situation. Their spouses are sometimes deployed for extended periods of time and it's tough."

Southern Chevy Dealers were the primary sponsor of this event. Other sponsors included the Florida Times-Union, USA-Discounters, St. Leo's University, Navy Mutual, First Coast News and the City of Jacksonville. Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown honored nominees during the lunch, citing their sacrifices while embracing them as citizens of Jacksonville.

More than 100 people attended the ceremony, including eleven finalists and their families. A panel of judges selected the finalists from 34 original nominations provided by family, friends and community organizations. Debus' husband, who is assigned to the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), submitted her nomination. He said she is always there for Sailors and their families as the Navy Region Southeast ombudsman, supporting both her command and ombudsmen at installations throughout the southeast.

"No matter what's going on in our lives, sometimes we have to take a back seat, while my wife takes care of another family who is in need or simply has a question," Senior Chief Debus said. "We've come to accept it. My children admire her and remind her in some off-the-wall comment about taking care of 'her Sailors.' No matter what age or pay grade, once you come in contact with my wife, you are now an extension of our family."

During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, commander, Navy Region Southeast, expressed his gratitude to all military spouses.

"Our Sailors in the fleet could not do their jobs safely if it weren't for your leadership back home in taking care of our families," Williamson said. "Your commitment and dedication gives our Sailors the peace of mind required to operate safely and effectively. Thank you for all your leadership and for everything you do for our Navy. Without you, we would not be the Navy we are."

Individual selection criteria for the award was based on volunteer efforts, fortitude during deployments, personal sacrifices, support for other military families, and impact on the community.

Senior Chief Debus has served more than 25 years in the Navy. He and Kandi reside in Jacksonville and have three children, Jakob, Caleb and Kaylin.