“Our initial goal is to have two dedicated VA lenders and two MRP real estate agents in every State across America, who all share the same commitment of putting our military first.”
— Ray George
ENGLEWOOD, FL, UNITED STATES, June 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Raymond “Ray” George is committed to helping veterans and active-duty military families achieve their real estate goals. A retired Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, Ray understands how to use the VA loan benefit to support those who served and sacrificed to protect our freedoms.
Sergeant Raymond George is focused on building a nationwide team of VA lenders and Military Relocation Professionals (MRPs). He says, “There is no unified national network of VA lenders and military real estate agents working together on the level they should be, and that needs to change. I have qualified VA buyers ready to move right now, and I need MRP real estate agents who know the VA process and how to treat these buyers. We need to unite as a group; therefore, we are building a network of like-minded military real estate professionals and lenders who are passionate and enthusiastic about serving military families. Eventually, this will grow by leaps and bounds, but for now, we are concentrating on making this happen, two at a time. Our team members need to be better than the best. They must answer their phones whenever it rings and respond promptly – because one of the most disturbing things about this industry is the lack of professionalism. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked with veterans and military spouses who are unable to connect with a military agent, and we will not tolerate that from any member of our team. We must know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that our veterans and active-duty families are in great hands with our MRP agents and VA lenders because communication is EVERYTHING!” https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ey44k8jP8/
For veterans and active-duty service members, buying a home comes with benefits that no civilian can access: Zero down VA loans, no private mortgage insurance, lower rates than conventional financing, and adapted-housing grants worth over $126,000.00 for service-connected disabilities. This is a niche market which can be lucrative for those who care more about our veterans than they do making a commission. That is the key to success in this sphere of operation.
Ray says, “I didn’t just ‘move into mortgages.’ I brought military standards to a messy industry. Whether you’re a fellow veteran looking for the truth about VA loans or a neighbor buying your first home, you deserve an advisor, not a salesperson. The team we are putting together will consist of highly vetted individuals personally recommended to us for their wholehearted commitment to our military community. We will have a dedicated website which will be promoted extensively, and each VA lender and MRP on our team will have their own press release, professionally written by my business partner, Allison Sledge, with Blitz Media PR. The press releases will be published on all the military bases across the country and around the world, plus all the TV stations and newspapers in each member’s home State. The website will have all the educational tools needed to be the ‘go-to’ agent or lender in your area, with current, relevant news articles, so our team will always be on top of all changes in the market. I also plan to hold a monthly Zoom meeting with our team where we can all get to know each other and answer all questions related to our goals.”
Ray George was born in Mobile, Alabama, and graduated from Theodore High School. He went to Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and Technical School at Lowry AFB, Colorado, as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist. His 1st Duty Station was at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, where he worked on the highly classified AGM-86 ALCM, which is an American subsonic air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) AGM-86 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGM-86_ALCM
Ray cross-trained into Communications, then deployed to the Netherlands NATO Base as part of the U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT), which is the air component of U.S. Central Command. He was a cryptologist with the Cryptologic Operations and Communications Security team. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Central_Command
Ray was then ordered to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, where he worked on the Global Air Transportation Execution System (GATES) Helpdesk https://www.highergov.com/contract-opportunity/global-air-transportation-execution-system-gates-transcom25d007-r-481fb/ and then PCS’d to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, where he worked for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) https://www.dtra.mil/ and the Space and Missile Command Det 12. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Space_and_Missile_Defense_Command. He was then assigned to Osan Air Base in Korea to work at a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensitive_compartmented_information_facility
Ray recalls, “While I was in OSAN, my dad was diagnosed with leukemia and had less than a year to live. I transferred to Keesler Air Force Base, at the 95th Engineering Installation Squadron, to be near him on a Humanitarian Assignment. I was able to spend quality time with my father before he died, and I am forever grateful for that.”
Ray then PCS’d to Britain to serve at RAF Mildenhall, where he worked with the 488th Intelligence Squadron in surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare. In 2012, while at the 488th, he deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for seven months, then returned to Britain, where he retired from the United States Air Force in 2014. His ranks include Airman Basic, Airman, Airman First Class, Senior Airman, Staff Sergeant, Technical Sergeant, and Master Sergeant. He is now a member of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) and is a Certified Veterans Lending Specialist (CVLS) https://www.namb-u.com/courses/cvls
For more information about being a member of Master Sergeant Ray George’s team, please call him at (941) 599-1999, go to his website,
https://raygeorgemortgage.com/ or text Allison Sledge at (757) 207-5659 to join our team.
Ray George
Canopy Mortgage
+1 941-599-1999
ray.b.george@gmail.com
“Today, our troops are still fighting in wars, and deployment is tough on everyone. When they are trying to find a home, they need someone with experience to help them navigate the landscape.”
— CHRISTINA PHANEUF
GOODYEAR, AZ, UNITED STATES, July 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Christina Phaneuf is an extraordinarily gifted, innovative, sharp, and savvy real estate agent at Realty One Group in Goodyear, Arizona.
She was born in Newport News, Virginia, because her father was in the Army, stationed at Ft. Eustis, which was later combined with nearby Langley Air Force Base to form Joint Base Langley–Eustis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Base_Langley%E2%80%93Eustis
Christina’s family then relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where she graduated from Marana High School. Shortly afterward, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and worked at nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care facilities, where she thrived on being able to take great care of her patients in the comfort of their own homes. She says, “I loved my job because it allowed me to experience deep personal fulfillment through one-on-one patient relationships, unparalleled schedule flexibility, and the ability to help people maintain independence and dignity at home.”
Christina then married and spent three years in Darmstadt, Germany, with her partner, who was in the military. “It was such a culture shock for me because I had never been out of the country before.” She recalls, “I loved everything about Germany: the seasons, the culture, the food. I worked for the Department of Defense (DoD) in the commissary and grocery store at Rhein-Main Air Base, which was known as ‘The Gateway to Europe’ because it was the primary aerial port for passenger and cargo movement into Europe for the U.S. military. I feel as if I grew up there, in a way, because I had to learn so much. I couldn’t just pick up a phone and call anyone; I had to buy a phone card and walk a few blocks down the road to a pay phone. Plus, everything was rationed; fuel, cigarettes, coffee… you name it. I learned to speak a bit of the German language, of course, so I was able to comprehend this new way of life, but it was so different than anything I had ever known. I cherish those memories, and I plan on going back with my family as soon as the opportunity arises.”
Christina moved back to the United States and met her future husband, John, who was a Police Officer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. John had a son, Ryan, and when she and John got married, they had a daughter and son together – Taylor and Chase- and they decided to move back to Phoenix, Arizona, where her mother owned a trucking company. Christina worked at the company where she learned all aspects of the business, including dispatching, bookkeeping, and management. The trucking industry is much more difficult than most people realize, and Christina knows that firsthand. She says, “Running a trucking business is challenging due to high operational costs (fuel, insurance, maintenance), intense cash flow pressure, and severe driver shortages. Nearly 90% of new trucking companies fail within two years due to poor management, inability to calculate cost-per-mile, and low freight rates; stringent regulatory compliance and equipment maintenance also create significant hurdles. Our company was facing these obstacles, and we were drowning in debt. I was stressed out beyond comprehension, and this caused trouble in my marriage, so we got divorced, and I became a single mom. Then the market crashed, and our company had to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but I continued to run the business by myself for five years. We hauled gaming machines to Las Vegas, but it got so bad that I had to sell everything just to pay off the debt.”
Fortunately, Christina met her wonderful soulmate, Jason Phaneuf, who was a bright light during a dark period in her life, and they got married and built a beautiful life together. He is a United States Marine Corps Veteran who was a refueler in Operation Desert Storm. https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2548450/30-years-later-the-enduring-lessons-for-success-from-operation-desert-storm/
Once Christina exited the trucking industry, she listened to the advice of a friend of hers who was a real estate agent. “She told me that I would be a great realtor because I was good with customers and had an excellent work ethic, so I went to real estate school and got my license. I never dreamed of how much I would enjoy being a real estate agent, and I absolutely love it! I did very well from the start, and last year I sold over 12 million, which is mind-blowing, but for me it’s not about sales; it’s about building relationships. When you love what you do, you can have a very fulfilling life.”
Christina decided to get her Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification because she has genuine love and respect for Veterans and Active-Duty families. She says, “My biological father served in the Vietnam War, and I know how hard it was for him to deal with. Today, our troops are still fighting in wars, and deployment is tough on everyone. When they are trying to find a home, they need someone with experience to help them navigate the landscape – because these are not just ordinary moves. They are on tight timelines and often need fast, virtual or long- distance services, which I provide, and I am also VA Certified, because it is imperative that a real estate agent have knowledge of the VA loan.”
Christina also serves as President-Elect of the Women’s Council of Realtors West Valley and is set to become President in 2027. She is passionate about mentoring, volunteering, and uplifting other real estate agents. For Christina, leadership and education are essential to strengthening the industry and helping others grow.
Christina serves the entire Maricopa County, Phoenix-Metro area, including Goodyear, Buckeye, Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Litchfield Park, Waddell, El Mirage, Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Paradise Valley, Casa Grande, Sun City, and of course, Luke Air Force Base. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Air_Force_Base
For more information about “Military Friendly Agent” Christina Phaneuf, please visit these important websites:
https://www.azsunshinerealestate.com/
https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/5b12dcc2e540ad0012461efe
https://www.zillow.com/profile/ChristinaPhaneuf
CHRISTINA PHANEUF
Realty ONE Group Goodyear
+1 480-772-6599
chrissyphaneuf@gmail.com
“I must always look out for our Military Families. That’s one of the reasons I got my Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification. They need someone in their corner whom they trust implicitly.”
— Darlene “Hollywood” Gaines
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES, May 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Darlene “Hollywood” Gaines is an extraordinarily dynamic, passionate, witty, classy, and refined realtor at Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices RW Towne Realty who lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Darlene was born in San Diego, California, graduated from Lincoln High School, and began working at the Midway Post Office as a package clerk while attending San Diego City College, where she studied Economics and History. During this time, she met her future husband, Steven Gaines, at a nightclub, and she asked him to dance. “He was so good-looking!” She recalls, “I couldn’t take my eyes off him. We were young, fine as wine, and I absolutely enjoyed the thought of waking up to him every day! He was a Military man. He served in the Navy, stationed at 32nd Street, and sailed on the USS Belleau Wood, nicknamed the ‘Devil Dog’, which was a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship and the second ship named after the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Belleau_Wood
Steven asked Darlene to marry him only 90 days after they met, and they’ve been happily married for 35 years. Once Steven completed his term of service in the United States Navy, the Gaines family decided to move across the country to Petersburg, Virginia, to be closer to Mr. Gaines’ family. Darlene was able to transfer her job at the Federal United States Postal Service, but soon found herself driving 2 hours to and from work for 3 months, until they bought their first home in Virginia Beach, utilizing their VA loan.
Darlene says, “The VA loan is a powerful mortgage option designed specifically for U.S. Military Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves. Qualified borrowers can purchase a home with zero down payment, which is uncommon with most loan programs. Moreover, there is no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which most conventional loans require if you put down less that 20%. VA loans don’t require a PMI which saves them hundreds of dollars per month on their mortgage. The VA loan offers competitive interest rates compared to conventional loans, which saves our Military Service Members thousands of dollars over the life of the loan -plus the VA limits the types of closing costs that can be charged to the borrowers, reducing out-of-pocket expenses at closing, and there is no pre-payment penalty if the VA loan is paid off early, which gives our heroes more flexibility and interest savings.”
Darlene chose her nickname “Hollywood” because the name carries strong associations with glamour, luxury, and success. For a realtor using “Hollywood” in her branding or marketing, Darlene knows it can be a powerful way to convey a specific image and attract a certain clientele because “Hollywood” is a memorable name that stands out in a crowded market. It’s easy for clients to remember and associate Darlene with prestige and excitement. Just like the stars, she is seen as charismatic, confident, connected, and is someone who can give buyers and sellers the VIP treatment. She says, “I am also a Luxury Real Estate Agent, but I do so much more. I don’t have a problem driving several hours to show a non-luxury property. I’m down-to-earth and will do what it takes for my buyers and sellers.”
Darlene is earning rave reviews for her unwavering passion, professionalism, and depth of knowledge in the property market. With a reputation for being both informative and approachable, Darlene ensures clients are empowered throughout every step of the buying or selling process. Her commitment to clear communication and tailored guidance transforms what can be a complex transaction into a seamless experience, making her a trusted choice for homeowners and investors alike. What truly sets Darlene apart is her remarkable ability to deliver results under tight timelines. Whether facilitating a fast-moving purchase or negotiating last-minute deals, she consistently makes things happen with efficiency and integrity. Clients cite her proactive approach and problem-solving skills as key to their success, noting that deadlines are met without compromising on quality. With Darlene at the helm, real estate dreams become reality, even when the clock is ticking.
As a Military Spouse, Darlene understands the unique needs of Military Families who need to buy or sell a house. She is familiar with the specific challenges that Service Members face, such as frequent relocations, deployments, and tight timelines for moving. Her experience allows her to anticipate and address issues related to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves, and Military Benefits, ensuring a smoother transition.
Darlene provides expert guidance on Military benefits because she is knowledgeable about BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) and other Military-related financial incentives. She helps clients maximize these benefits, navigate paperwork, and avoid common pitfalls, making the home-buying or selling process more efficient and cost-effective.
Darlene is known for her empathy and trust, having close ties to the Military Community herself, she brings integrity and a deep sense of duty to her work. Clients feel very comfortable working with Darlene because she truly understands their lifestyle and needs. She has connections within the Military Community and local resources, which can be invaluable for newcomers. “I must always look out for our Military Families. That’s one of the reasons I got my Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification. They need someone in their corner whom they trust implicitly, because they often get scammed by not reading the fine print, and they give so much of their lives in service to our country; it’s imperative that we respect them for that and that we give 100% of our attention to their needs when they are relocating to our area.”
Other than Virginia Beach, Darlene serves Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Suffolk, and Newport News, including Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, NAS Oceana, and Naval Station Norfolk.
For more information about “Military Friendly Agent” Darlene “Hollywood” Gaines, please visit these important websites:
https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/5dc3144b6e6d7d0013de3029
https://www.zillow.com/profile/agenthollywood757
Darlene “Hollywood” Gaines
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices
+1 757-235-0333
agenthollywood757@gmail.com
“We understand the challenges that come with military relocations because we’ve lived it.”
— Tammy Facemire
CHEYENNE, WY, UNITED STATES, April 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Tammy and John Facemire, REALTORS® with RE/MAX Capitol Properties in Cheyenne, Wyoming, have earned the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification, enhancing their ability to serve active-duty military members, veterans, and their families with specialized real estate expertise.
Tammy Facemire was born in Heidelberg, Germany, where her father was stationed in the U.S. Army. She later moved to upstate New York, where she attended Richfield Springs Central School, a small K–12 school her parents also attended. This close-knit environment helped shape her strong sense of community, discipline, and commitment to service.
John Facemire was born in Barberton, Ohio, and raised in West Virginia. His father was an Army veteran, which helped inspire John’s path into military service. He joined the Army National Guard prior to graduating from Gauley Bridge High School and served with the 193rd Engineer Battalion Company in Oak Hill, West Virginia. In this role, he operated heavy equipment and contributed to infrastructure development projects throughout the region.
Tammy began her military career in the United States Air Force, attending Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, before being stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska as a Dental Assistant. Her role provided extensive experience in patient care and clinical operations supporting Airmen and their families.
John later transitioned from the Army National Guard to the United States Air Force, completing Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base. After technical training, he was stationed at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina as a Security Police Officer and Law Enforcement Specialist. Throughout his career, he deployed to multiple locations, including Panama, Haiti, Cuba, Italy, Honduras, Qatar, and Korea.
It was at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska where Tammy and John met. Their shared military background and commitment to service formed the foundation of their relationship. They married and built a blended family of six children: Samantha, AJ, Shelby, Cody, Trinity, and Owen.
The Facemires later relocated to Colorado, where Tammy was stationed at Peterson Air Force Base and Schriever Air Force Base prior to transitioning into civil service. She joined the United States Air Force Academy Dental Clinic, where she worked in the Dental Residency Program. In this role, she supported advanced training for Air Force dentists in specialized areas and helped coordinate care for active-duty members, retirees, cadets, and their families.
During this time, John continued to serve in key leadership roles. He was stationed at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, where he served as a Flight Chief and Security Force Training Instructor. He was then assigned to Peterson Air Force Base, where he served as a First Sergeant, followed by an assignment to the United States Air Force Academy’s 10th Medical Group, where he also served as a First Sergeant. While stationed in Colorado Springs, the Facemires purchased their first home using a VA loan—an experience that would later influence their passion for helping military families navigate the homebuying process. From the United States Air Force Academy, the family relocated to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. During this time, Tammy furthered her education and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Project Management, with a minor in Small Business Management, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The family later relocated to F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It was here that Tammy obtained her real estate license and began her career with RE/MAX Capitol Properties. After John retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) following 32 years of distinguished service, he joined Tammy in the business, bringing decades of leadership experience and a deep understanding of military life.
As veterans, Tammy and John offer a unique and valuable perspective to their clients. Their Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification reflects their continued commitment to serving military members and their families with expertise and care. The designation provides specialized training in navigating PCS moves, understanding housing allowances, and working with VA loan benefits. “We understand the challenges that come with military relocations because we’ve lived it,” said Tammy. “It’s an honor to help fellow service members, veterans, and their families through one of the most important decisions of their lives.”
Their business is built on professionalism, integrity, and personalized service. Tammy and John take pride in guiding their clients through each step of the real estate process, ensuring a smooth and informed experience from start to finish. Many of their clients remain in touch long after their transactions are complete, forming lasting relationships and friendships that reflect the trust and care they bring to their work.
Now proud members of the Cheyenne community, the Facemires enjoy the lifestyle and opportunities the region provides. They appreciate the outdoors and spend their free time fishing, hiking, camping, and exploring the surrounding areas. They proudly serve Cheyenne, Laramie, Burns, Pine Bluffs, and F.E. Warren Air Force Base. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_E._Warren_Air_Force_Base
With a combined background in military service and real estate, Tammy and John Facemire are uniquely positioned to support buyers and sellers—especially those connected to the military—with knowledgeable, dedicated, and trustworthy service.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/tammy-facemire-cheyenne-wy/1019301
https://tammy.cheyennehomestore.com
https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/58ff49fc3afa420010d5e16d
https://www.zillow.com/profile/Facemire%20Tammy
Tammy and John Facemire
RE/MAX Capitol Properties
+1 307-631-8621
facemire.tammy@gmail.com
“As a Veteran, I had to move many, many times, so I know the situations that can arise, and I want my military families to feel like they’re coming home and that they are in trusted hands with me.”
— Jane French
CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES, April 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Jane French, also known as “G.I. Jane,” is a very wise, compassionate, caring, well-educated, and devoted real estate agent at eXp Realty in Charleston, South Carolina.
Jane was born in Warrensburg, Missouri, and because her father was in the Air Force, she and her family lived in Mississippi, Maine, Oregon, Greece, Germany, and Alabama, where she graduated from W.P. Davidson High School in Mobile. She had always wanted to be a veterinarian, so she enrolled at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and then transferred to Auburn University to study Animal Sciences the following year.
Jane decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia, to work with several veterinarians, then came back home to attend the University of South Alabama, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She says, “The Navy recruiters came to our nursing classes and told us how important it is to have qualified nurses in our military, and after hearing everything, I couldn’t think of a single reason not to be a part of it, so I joined the Navy.”
Jane went to Officer Indoctrination School in Newport, Rhode Island, where she learned how to march in formation and had to always be in uniform. “We had to obey every command.” She recalls, “They told us when to eat, when to sleep, when to do everything. We got up at 5:00 AM, exercised, ate breakfast, and the rest of the time we were in class. My first Duty Assignment was at the United States Naval Hospital, Cherry Point, which was located at the Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point, North Carolina. It was interesting to be with the Marines, because they kept having babies! I was assigned to the Family Medicine Ward, which was a medical surgical unit, and I took care of patients while simultaneously teaching Corpsmen to do what we do, as a second pair of eyes, per se. I also had a daughter at the time named Lizzy.”
Jane was working at night when the war broke out. “Many of my patients’ husbands were deployed when I was working in Labor and Delivery. The husbands would call in from thousands of miles away, and get to experience the birth of their child. I would hold the phone near the mother’s ear so she could hear her husband’s words of encouragement and joy when their baby was born. It was such an honor for me to be included.”
Jane was then transferred to Guam with her 6-week-old daughter, Lizzy. She says, “I was in the middle of nowhere with my newborn daughter, yet I was blessed with Navy Nurses who wrapped their arms around me and my baby girl. Guam is an isolated island, surrounded by a reef. I worked in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the U.S. Naval Hospital, Guam. Everyone worked in unison with each other on the island. The water was shut off several times a week for conservation, because the water came from the ocean and had to be desalinated before we could use it. Everything from gasoline to supplies to food was shipped in. It was very different from living in the United States.”
Jane then PCS’d to San Diego, California, where she worked at the Naval Medical Center in Labor and Delivery before moving onto the Mother-Baby Unit. She is very proud to have implemented and developed major changes, such as Code Pink, which is infant or child abduction. Code Pink alerts staff that an infant or child is missing or abducted from the hospital.
Pediatric units, maternity wards, and NICUs are most vulnerable to this situation. During a Code Pink, nurses and other hospital staff secure all exits to prevent anyone from leaving the building, monitor hallways, stairwells, and other potential escape routes, and report any suspicious activity immediately. In some facilities, all staff may be asked to assist in the search until the child or infant is found or the code is cleared.
She was then selected to go to school to get her Masters Degree at the University of Washington as a Perinatal Nurse Specialist, and the Navy paid for everything, and she still received her salary.
Jane was transferred to Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and was the Division Officer of the Delivery Unit and later the Department Head for the Maternal Child Unit, including the Nursery. While at Camp Lejeune, Jane helped design and implement the Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Post Partum (LDRP) Unit. The mother stays in the same room with her newborn, and the nursing staff move if necessary. It helps make the mother and baby’s care more congruent and less disjointed. She then moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where she was stationed at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, a Joint Base, where she was the Maternal Child Department Head. Jane also introduced a Baby Friendly 10-step certification program for mothers breastfeeding their babies in the hospital to ensure staff throughout the hospital don’t inadvertently interfere with breastfeeding. Jane began cross-training nurses, saying, “Hospitals were consistently understaffed, and I knew that the nurses needed to move comfortably between all the units and to understand exactly what was needed in each unit at all times.”
Jane then transferred to the Naval Health Clinic Charleston, South Carolina, where she retired as a Navy Captain. She decided to get her real estate license because she had prior experience in flipping houses and earned her Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification. “It was the obvious thing to do. As a Veteran, I had to move many, many times, so I know the situations that can arise, and I want my military families to feel like they’re coming home and that they are in trusted hands with me.”
For more information about “G.I. Jane” French, please visit these important websites:
https://yourcharlestonhomesold.com/
https://www.zillow.com/profile/janefrench0
https://www.yelp.com/biz/jane-french-exp-realty-charleston
Jane French
eXp Realty
+1 843-813-3390
yourcharlestonhomesold@gmail.com
“I retired from the Military and decided to become a realtor to ensure that Veterans are well taken care of when they decide to make their house a home.”
— Kallen Curry
Kallen was born in Kansas City and graduated from Lamonte High School. He worked at various jobs before taking the advice of his beloved friend, Donna, who suggested that he join the military. “I needed to find a purpose in my life.” He says, “I thought long and hard about it and decided to join the Army.”
Kallen went to Fort Knox in Kentucky for Basic Training. He was a 92 Romeo Parachute Rigger and a 92 Foxtrot Petroleum Supply Specialist. “It was the dead of winter, and we had to train on really big hills, some of which they named Agony, Misery, and Heartbreak Hill.” He recalls, “We were told what to do every step of the way, and every second of the day was planned for us, which was cool because I didn’t have to think about the deeper things in life. I was so physically exhausted at the end of the day, I’d crash out and wake up to go through another day of repelling, and learning how to use the M16A2 rifle and M249 Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW) as well as throwing hand grenades, wrangling with the slippery monkey bars, doing the log-rolling obstacles, thrashing around in the mud while carrying 60-pounds on my back up the hills and through road marches and going through the gas-chamber drills. It was fun!”
Kallen PCS’d to Ft. Lee, Virginia where he attended the Airborne Orientation Course (AOC) with the Charlie Company and was sent to Ft. Benning, Georgia where he continued parachute training, gravel pit work, mock airplane jumping, ziplines and then went back to Ft. Lee with a Uniform Company for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) where there was a lot of classwork, practical exercises, pipeline operations, fuel cleaning etiquette, fuel transportation and fuel supply. He met and married his wife Heidi and had two sons, Draven and Korvin, yet later decided to separate and divorce.
Kallen’s first Duty Station was at the K16 Seongnam Air Base in Seoul, South Korea with the 1-52 Aviation Unit and his primary duty was to supply fuel to the Black Hawk Helicopters as well as working with the Commander-In-Charge of the entire American Military in Korea. He worked on last-minute missions fueling auxiliary tanks and earned his 1st Military Coin from a 4-Star General. He also taught English at Itaewon Elementary School, which was a big deal. He says, “The Koreans loved us! We made sure everyone was well taken care of and they genuinely appreciated that.”
Kallen then returned to the United States and was sent to Ft. Riley, Kansas where he was in an Artillery Battalion and soon deployed to Iraq with the 4/1 Field Artillery. “I was lucky to go with the team I went with.” He says, “Many of them had already been to Iraq and were able to really give us valuable insight into what life would be for us in the Middle East. We landed in Kuwait, jumped on a C130 to the Bagdad airport, hopped on a Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter and flew to Taji where I was assigned to be the main gate guard for the base that Saddam Husseins cousin “Chemical Ali” once occupied. We lost a few good men during the first week due to patrolling the roads which were rife with improvised explosive devices (IED’s) and the trauma that we experienced together made us closer as brothers in war. We bonded in a way that only other Veterans can understand because it was a stark reality for all of us that we were literally in service for protecting the democracy of the United States of America.”
Kallen was there when the new President of Iraq, Jalal Talabani, was elected and he trained the Iraqi Guards to protect themselves, due to violent opposition as Iraq transitioned toward democracy. “There was an enormous human toll during this war, and the aftermath is still palpable on levels that are still, and will forever be, incomprehensible. As a young man, I served my country with great pride and I was ready to move forward with my life in the civilian world, so when I was sent back to Ft. Riley, I retired from the military. Because of the great honor I feel for all Veterans and Active-Duty Service members and their families, I decided to become a realtor to ensure that they are well taken care of when they decide to make their house a home. I speak their language, and I understand how important it is to have a real estate agent who is genuinely concerned about their best interests and I welcome them into my community with open arms.”
Kallen earned his Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification as an extra layer of commitment to those who served and are currently serving. He is also a member of Homes for Heroes which connects firefighters, police officers, military personnel, healthcare workers, and teachers with local specialists to save an average of $3,000 on home buying, selling, or refinancing, with no hidden fees or obligations. They also operate the Homes for Heroes Foundation, a non-profit that offers grants for Veterans in need. https://www.homesforheroes.com/affiliate/kallen-curry
Kallen also serves Osage Beach, The Village of Four Seasons, Eldon, Linn Creek, Camdenton, Sunrise Beach, Versailles, Gravois Mills, Laurie, Stover, Barnett, Rocky Mount, Climax Springs and Roach.
For more information about “Military Friendly Agent” Kallen Curry, please visit these important websites:
https://kallen-curry.laurierealty.com
https://www.vetlakehomes.com
https://www.zillow.com/profile/kallen881
Kallen Curry
Weichert Realtors – Laurie Realty
+1 573-691-7514
kallen@laurierealty.com
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