JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Meet Jae Cha Stegall, spouse of Maj. John Stegall with AFIMSC’s Detachment 9. Jae Cha married the major in 2014 and he deployed the next day. Because of that, her first memory as a spouse was the excitement of receiving that first Skype video call from him.
We asked Jae Cha to tell us a little more about her life with the military.
What’s your best experience as the spouse of an Airman?
My best experience as a spouse was volunteering for all of the wonderful events with my husband and his fellow Airmen. For example, I was able to be a part of their team that volunteered to help host a Summer Special Olympics event in Guam. In fact, I was selected to be a judge for the swimming heats and supported over 100 Special Olympic athletes. Additionally, I had a blast coordinating and participating in Guam Elementary School’s Sports Day. Not to mention helping take care of our veterans on Retiree Appreciation Day by setting up an event to honor those that have served our great nation. Last but not least, while living in Hawaii my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and building houses for multiple veterans in the local communities.
What’s a challenge you and your spouse overcame as a team?
I know my husband and I are a great team, but with life there are always challenges to overcome. One of the challenges we had to overcome is being able to understand and accept each other’s different way of thinking due to the fact that we both grew up in a different culture and environment. But all in all, he is a wonderful listener and tries to understand me even when I do not make sense with all my emotional speeches!
What is your best advice for other AFIMSC spouses?
I am not sure if I am eligible to give advice to anyone. One thing I may mention is that we have PCS’ed several times and sometimes it is difficult to say goodbye to our friends and families as a military spouse. With that, I feel isolated and stressed out at times, especially with this COVID-19 and my husband’s deployment. When it happens, people who understand me the best are other spouses and Airmen (with the Det. 9 Family) who work with my husband. They have always helped out anyway they can. Just remember that we (spouses) are not alone and please make sure you reach out to your military family for support. Most likely, they (military spouses) have been through what you may, at the present moment, be going through.
Do you have a mantra that you live by and how does it help?
Life becomes more meaningful when you realize the simple fact that you'll never get the same moment twice. I always try to live in the moment and choose to be happy!
What’s something you cherish from your time as a spouse and why?
Pictures. They remind me how much we love each other and how many beautiful moments we share together.