by Bianca M. Strzalkowski
AmeriForce Media had the opportunity Wednesday to speak with Mrs. Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, at her office in Washington D.C. She operates from the Eisenhower Executive Building within the White House campus, which houses the staff for speechwriting, economic councils, among others. Her office marries her love of the Hoosier state with some of the more recent monumental moments in her life, such as her husband’s oath-taking ceremony.
The Second Lady shared some insight into her new role, which includes traveling the country and abroad. During her visits, she connects with military families on the ground to learn about the different challenges they are facing. Currently, her own son serves in the Marine Corps and her father-in-law was in the Army. The family has deep ties to the military, which has shaped some of her priorities looking ahead.
Pence worked 25 years as an educator prior to the Vice President becoming the Governor of Indiana in 2013. Her background in arts education led her to adopt a deep interest in art therapy in the mental health profession. The article includes her three goals for encouraging the use of this tool for those enduring PTSD, among other things. She has visited various locations, including Jakarta, Indonesia, and Eastern Europe to see their programs in action.
The story provides a window into how having a Blue Star mom in such a prestigious position can help connect everyday service members and their families to the decision makers inside the beltway.
The full interview will appear in the October issue of Military Families Magazine.
