Welcome to a new web series by Scott Limpus, introducing the community to our local soldiers and their families, only here on MountainReporter.com
RIM Blue Star Moms
“They Will Never Feel Forgotten”
Sue Brown is the President of Rim Blue Star Moms. Her daughter, Kimber Brown is a sailor in the United States Navy. The Brown’s moved to the Mountains when Kimber was 5 years old. She went to Lake Arrowhead Elementary, MPH Middle School, and graduated from Rim High School in 2013.
Kimber enlisted in July, 2014 and attended Bootcamp and ‘A’ School in Great Lakes, Chicago, Illinois before being stationed in Norfolk, Virginia on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (VCN 75). Petty Officer 2nd Class Brown is a Quartermaster, which is Navigation. On the ship, the department’s nickname is “Wheels”.
Kimber has spent 5 years serving her country and is scheduled to separate this summer. Shortly after separating, Kimber will be getting married to Tori Eaton this July at Church of the Woods (picture included). They met during deployment in 2016. Tori was part of an air wing that was attached to Kimber’s ship during their deployment in the Persian Gulf. After their marriage, Kimber and Tori will both attend college at Eastern Oregon University, Oregon, where Tori already attends.
Kimber favorite thing about serving in the Navy is the comradery that comes with being deployed, and that the people she serves with understand something that no one else will ever be able to relate to. People she barely knew where there to support her and help her through the tough times.
The thing she hates the most is being so far away from family and friends. Also, that so many policies, just in the time she has served, have changed for the worst. She is saddened that some of the good people that she has served with in the past, are now unable to serve because of recent policy changes.
Sue feels lucky if she gets to see Kimber once a year. She is thankful for technology though, so they talk, text and Facetime frequently. Sue loves being a Blue Star Mom and having an active role in supporting our mountain heroes, as well as being a part of a support system for other Blue Star Moms. Sue says that the first time your child deploys is a time of mixed feelings. You are filled with so much pride that your child is making a difference in offering their service for our country. At the same time, you are so completely heartbroken and scared for your child’s safety. An important part of Blue Star Moms is being that support system for other moms who are going through tough times, so they can in turn be strong for their child.
Sue has a lot of pride in her daughter serving our country. While most of her friends went directly on to college, Kimber willingly made the choice to put these experiences of early adulthood on hold in order to serve first. She is glad that Kimber has the opportunity to experience other cultures, and in other parts of the world.
Sue was surprised when Kimber first said she wanted to enlist. She didn’t always want to join the military. Kimber approached her family during Thanksgiving in 2013. They were supportive of her decision. Kimber comes from a long line of heroes. Three of her four grandparents had also served; her maternal grandmother and grandfather both served in the Navy during WWII, her paternal grandfather served in the Air Force during the Korean War.
Sue is very proud of the person Kimber has become. She says that Kimber is strong, confident, and giving. In her future, she is planning to become a child psychologist so she can help adolescents and children through difficult situations. She definitely has a heart to serve
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The Lord Bless ALL of You. Thank you for your service!!!!