South Huntsville Neighbors, May 2024

RESIDENT FEATURE
© Best Version Media
CELEBRATING
By Bob Druckman and Jennifer Holliday
All photos by Mandi Cook Photography
Military
Spouses
Meet Sharon Olshefski:
Sharon Olshefski is the military spouse of COL (Ret) John Olshefski,
former Garrison Commander at Redstone Arsenal. A native of
Summerville, South Carolina, she attended The College of Charleston
where she earned a B.S. In Business Administration and later
earned a Master of Divinity from Regent University.
She and John met when John was attending The Citadel. “He was
literally the boy next door. We became friends and the rest is history.”
They will be happily married 43 years in June 2024 and together
experienced 22 moves in 27 years of Army service.
Sharon worked 17 years in various DOD positions as well as served
faithfully in varied chapel women’s ministries. She served two
terms (2015-2022) as the appointed District 3 Representative for the
City of Huntsville Human Relations Commission. In 2011 Sharon
established the Second Mile Development’s Baby Care Program/
Neighborhood Baby Thrift Store for which she served as Director
until 2018. She then became the Director, Pride for Parents/Neighborhood
Thrift Store, another ministry arm of Second Mile and continues
to serve in this capacity.
When asked did the Army experience change or prepare you in any
way, Sharon replied, “Absolutely yes. I was a very naïve, introverted,
small town girl. Being an Army spouse forced me to broaden
my horizons, develop independence and courage to face different
and sometimes dif 昀椀 cult situations and people; and to be adaptable.
It exposed me to a bigger vision of a life of service to others; a sense
of community; and a spirit of volunteerism. I also learned that I love
people. Working within the DOD taught me the power of a joint
vision; the value of organized structure and focus to make a vision
a reality. All of this prepared me for the type of ministry in which I
have the privilege to serve today.”
Sharon is a woman of deep faith. She became a born-again Christian
in 1993 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Her work at Second Mile
Development, Inc. is an extension of her Christian commitment and
her culminating experience as an Army spouse. “Receiving Jesus
Christ was the most important and life-changing decision of my life.
I am hungry for living out His Word.”
Best Story? When John wanted to transfer from reserves to active
duty during our 昀椀 rst year of marriage, I simply offered, “That’s
wonderful but be sure to tell them we don’t go overseas.” Our 昀椀 rst
assignment? Germany. I subsequently spent 8 years overseas.
The most interesting assignment? “No doubt: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Experiencing SKUD attacks
throughout a month challenged the core of my being. It was terrifying.
One quick take-away is the fact that a crisis does reveal the
fabric of a person. After observing certain behaviors and leadership
styles, I prayed that I would be more like those who inspire con 昀椀 -
dence and calm amidst a storm rather than fear and insecurity. I am
very grateful now for that experience.”
Military Spouse Appreciation Day occurs on May 10th this year.
As we discussed her life as a military spouse, Sharon thought having
a day like this is a notable way to honor the service and sacri-
昀椀 ce of all military spouses. “We should recognize the contributions
of military spouses; we do make a difference in the world; we too
serve sacri 昀椀 cially.”
You can’t sit down with Sharon and not come away with some sage
advice. Her advice to active military spouses is simple, “The Army
is a lifestyle of service and sacri 昀椀 ce, not just a J-O-B. Spouses may
not make dinner every night. Treasure every moment together. Embrace
the lifestyle and the culture.” For retiring spouses her advice
is also simple, “There is life beyond the military, and a good one.
The military life gives you so many valuable skills. Venture out,
you have plenty to offer!”
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