Family in the military.

“When you’re the parents of an eight-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, your life is no longer your life. At this point, it really becomes all about them.” Tammy’s husband, Bryon, quickly agrees: “Especially when your son plays hockey. Sometimes I think all we do is go back and forth to the rink.”

Proud and dedicated parents, Tammy and Bryon do, however, manage to find time for other pursuits. They both have full-time careers, and they both serve part-time in the Navy Reserve.

Monday through Friday, Bryon works in the high-tech industry as an Internet engineer, and you can find Tammy working for a well-known retailer as a visual merchandiser. One weekend a month and two weeks a year, you can find them both in the Navy Reserve serving as Boatswain’s Mates. Bryon is a Boatswain’s Mate Chief (BMC), and Tammy is a Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (BM1).

“Sometimes it’s hard to balance it all,” admits Tammy, “but we have the total support of our family and friends. In a way, that support is what it’s all about. We’ve connected with so many people from such diverse backgrounds through our association with the Navy Reserve. There’s this whole social aspect to it that makes it really fun and enjoyable. At one point, I think there were five other married couples reporting to our Reserve Center.”

According to Bryon, “balance” is the main reason he and his wife joined the Navy Reserve — and why they have stayed in for so long. “There were a lot of things we liked about the military,” Bryon says, “but we also wanted to have careers and raise a family. For us, the Navy Reserve was the perfect option.” Bryon and Tammy both served four years on Active Duty in the Navy, and each has served more than 15 years in the Navy Reserve.

In addition to the camaraderie the military offers, Bryon and Tammy also list pride and commitment as major reasons why they wanted to stay connected. “It’s a chance to make a difference — to give something back,” Bryon says. “Take my drill weekends, for example. I’m involved in this initiative that revamps medical equipment and then sends it off to third world countries. On Sunday, I can tell you, it feels pretty good driving home in my uniform.”

The pride that comes from wearing your country’s uniform is something very familiar to Tammy. “I really don’t know any different,” she says. “Both my mother and father are Navy veterans, and I joined as soon as I got out of high school. And now, when our kids see their mom and dad in their uniforms, I know they think it’s something really special too. Commitment to others and a love for your country — these are definitely things we’re trying to instill in our children.”

When Tammy and Bryon aren’t driving their son back and forth from a hockey game, you may be able to find the whole family (Tammy, Bryon, Chad and Calli) skiing at a local mountain range or taking a weekend camping trip in their RV.

Tammy and Bryon live in the Western United States.