Today is my 1/2 birthday… yep.  6 months ago today, The Produce Mom made her online debut.  As The Produce Mom, I have enjoyed countless opportunities and distinctions.  I’ve been trademarked.  I met the President of Dole & was invited to tour the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Oahu, Hawaii.  I spoke at Eli Lilly’s executive wellness meeting.  I made salad with Indianapolis Colts’ Cornerback Jerraud Powers & together we served it to children & residents of Haughville.  I’ve had meetings & established partnerships with Indianapolis Public Schools, IU Health and Little Red Door Cancer Agency.  The local news named me Indiana’s Female Focus.  The Walt Disney Company named me a Kids Concern…. but the true highlight was when the USO of Indiana invited me to represent business women & participate in their “50 Business Women Salute 50 Combat Women.”

What an honor.  And the honor is not because I was one of the fifty Indiana business women.  Seriously – who cares about that?  The honor was standing center court at Bankers Life Fieldhouse & saluting an Army Captain who has fought in combat for our country both in Iraq & Afghanistan.  The honor was hugging Captain Spencer after my salute & HER thanking ME with tears in her eyes.  The honor was meeting the 1st woman to serve as a 3-star general for the United States of America.  And listening to the USO Executive Committee speak about the importance of this private non-profit organization that is dedicated to boosting the morale of our troops.  And just being in a room with 50 combat women & their families.  It was surreal.

Captain Bernice Spencer has served in the United States Army for over 26 years.  She has given our country her entire adult life.  Captain has served several times over seas & lived on countless military bases all around the world.  She gave me her combat badge for her service with the 76th Brigade in Afghanistan during 2004-2005.  It will be sewn on my apron next to her autograph.

Captain Bernice Spencer is a real hero & my night with the USO is the true highlight of my 6 months as The Produce Mom.

Support our troops & our great nation!

xoxo Produce Mom