Behind the Pen

Behind the Pen by Ashlee Doris

“It's always a challenge to ask the right and important questions.” Lori Potter, a reporter for the Kearney Hub in Nebraska say when asked what is the hardest thing about being a journalist, “Accuracy is important”

Ms. Potter has been in the journalism field for 25 years and is a member of the National Organization of Press Women. In her years of providing news for the Hub, Ms. Potter who is a believer “rural folks are just as interested in and deserving of good journalism as anyone else” and that’s what she provides. She uses her skill with photo journalism and reporting referring to herself as a 'professional note-taker' she delivers stories to the area she's close to.

From her experiences in the journalism world she's seen the differences between older editors and new ones, where older editors used to view female reports only good enough to be “society editors” to where now there are more opportunity and chances for “women journalist to fully use their talents and answer their calling in whatever field they choose.”

Female journalist have come a long way from 30-40 years ago when women were treated differently we've come a long way. Now that the average percentage of women journalist is 38% which means journalism and feminism are taking a step toward equality. Especially since ten years ago a study done by IFJ, International Federation of Journalist study showed the statistics for female journalist at 27%. With the numbers on the rise and organizations like National Organization of Press Women and Journalism & Women, they'll be another of generation with support of the last making full use of their talents in the field they choose.

High Heels & Combat Boots

High Heels and Combat Boots by Ashlee Doris

When you're involved with someone in the military it means you don't have much say when to go on vacation or where to live or when you see your significant other says Army spouse Aracely Jimenes-Hendricks. She adds "It's not easy and it's not like the show Army Wives"

It's not an easy task; there are many military girlfriends and wives stationed throughout the United States and foreign bases. Their job is keeping the home fires burning and keeping their families together while their solider is away. For wives on base according to Queen Waddell, the center coordinator for the USO of Metropolitan Washington, there are lot of programs for wives such as the Enlisted and Officer's Wives Club but for girlfriends who don't hold military ids there are some public events to try to ease deployments and new military stress. One of the most popular programs is the Hearts Apart program done by the USO, which is open to both wives and girlfriends.

Stacey Graves, military girlfriend said that the difference between what the military provides for wives over girlfriends is noticeable like sometimes not being acknowledged by the military as his girlfriend. But the common thing is the fear that deployments bring, Stacey's fear is if he's coming home  in one piece which is shared between wives and girlfriends, but as she views his involvement in the military as something that would make them stronger as a couple and as individuals.

Mrs. Jimenes-Hendricks states that there are lots of programs on base to give and get support during deployments and just being comfortable with the military because nothing really prepares you for being a military significant other. And despite the misconception that the show Army Wives shows solder’s as almost having a 9-5 job when the truth is the military controls your life and they aren't being paid a lot or have tons of vacation time or benefits. Being a military spouse is job and sometimes you aren't acknowledge for what you do and sometimes it's lonely but the thing that keeps you going is love so in turn you can support and keep the home fires burning for the one you love.